Washington Court heritage building at 998 Thurlow proposed to double in height to 10 stories
The fire-damaged, vacant residential complex will add 109 market-rental units under a new proposal, up from the 80 units in a 2025-approved plan.
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A proposal to dramatically expand the Washington Court apartment building at 998 Thurlow Street has been submitted to Vancouver, doubling the current five-storey structure to approximately 10 storeys while adding 109 market-rental residential units.
The heritage-designated complex has been empty since a fire forced evacuation in October 2018. The building was a residential complex for more than 100 years and originally contained around 40 units at the time of the fire.
A first application to repair and add a couple of floors was submitted to the city in 2023 and approved in 2025, proposing 80 units. The new 2026 application increases that to 109 units, comprising 26 studios, 42 one-bedroom, 31 two-bedroom, and 10 three-bedroom units. All units will be market-rental dwellings.
The proposal includes a rooftop features with park-like patio space, a fire pit, urban agriculture areas and a barbecue facility.
In May 2026, Vancouver's chief planner sought public input on taller towers, signalling the city's openness to increased density in some areas. The new proposal follows that consultation period.
What is the estimated construction timeline for the expanded building?
What was the city's feedback during the 2026 consultation on taller towers, and how does it apply to this proposal?
Will the city require any affordable-housing components in the 109-unit expansion?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
How tall will Washington Court be after the expansion?
The expanded Washington Court will be approximately 10 storeys, doubling the current five-storey structure.
How many rental units will the new proposal add?
The new 2026 proposal will include 109 market-rental units, comprising 26 studios, 42 one-bedroom, 31 two-bedroom, and 10 three-bedroom units.
When did the fire force evacuation of Washington Court?
A fire forced evacuation of Washington Court in October 2018, leaving the heritage-designated complex empty since then.
What happened to the previous development plan for the building?
A first application submitted in 2023 was approved in 2025, proposing 80 units; the new 2026 application increases that number to 109 units.
