UBC Properties Trust completes its largest residential development
UBC Properties Trust has officially completed the BCR 5/6 site in the southeast corner of Wesbrook Place, marking a major milestone for residential housing at UBC.
With 515 homes across three new buildings, BCR 5/6 is now the largest residential site in UBCPT’s portfolio, delivering much-needed rental options for faculty, staff, and the broader community.
The first of the buildings, Theory, opened last September and welcomed UBC faculty and staff into its 136-unit, six-storey rental building. This month, the site is officially fully complete with the opening of Verve and Symphony. Verve is a 221-unit, 18-storey residential rental tower that was fully leased two weeks before move-in day. Symphony adds 157 more faculty and staff rental homes at below market rates, designed to support UBC’s commitment to housing its employees close to where they work.
UBCPT adapts to the needs of residents in its new builds. The projects improve on functionality and community integration, with more in-unit storage and amenity spaces. A shared courtyard between Theory and Symphony features a children’s play area, seating, and a lawn that backs onto a neighbourhood park. Rooftop lounges on both buildings include BBQs, seating, and neighbourhood views that provide spaces where residents can gather with friends and family. Inside, each building offers its own shared amenity space. Levels 2 through 6 of Theory each have cozy study rooms, and a large amenity space on the ground floor is equipped with a kitchen, dining area, and seating. Symphony has a shared open concept space with booth nooks on the ground floor, and Verve has a shared study lounge and outdoor patio. The site is connected to the neighbourhood’s greenway network, making it easy for residents to walk or bike to nearby parks and the shops and services of Wesbrook Village. For a lush forest escape perfect for dog-walking, mountain biking, and meditative strolls, the trails of Pacific Spirit Regional Park are just steps away down Binning Avenue.
In addition to connectivity, this three-building project was built with sustainability at the forefront. More than 85% of construction waste was diverted from landfill, and over half the concrete aggregate was locally sourced. The buildings were designed to meet Step Code 3 of the BC Building Code and have high-performance windows, efficient insulation, and walls, roof, and floors designed to limit heat loss. Carpets, insulation, doors, and cabinetry use significant amounts of recycled materials. Plumbing fixtures conserve water, and appliances are Energy Star certified, reducing energy use and emissions.
Residents will also benefit from features that make sustainable living easier on a day-to-day basis. They are equipped with secure indoor bike storage with repair stations, recycling and compost facilities, and 50% of parking stalls can be adapted for Level 2 electric vehicle charging. Thermostats are programmable to residents’ schedule, and all windows are provided with blinds to reduce heat gains in the summer.
We thank everyone involved in making this project a success and are excited to welcome Verve and Symphony residents to Wesbrook Place.
