Downtown Vancouver

What tenants look for here

Towers with views and amenities in the Central Business District and Coal Harbour, converted warehouse character in Yaletown, and street retail on Robson, Granville, Denman and Davie.

What to watch

• Building class and age shape operating costs. Compare additional rent across buildings as well as base rent.
• Sublease space comes and goes downtown, and it can be a good shortcut to furnished space on a shorter term.
• Parking is expensive and often leased separately. Price it in.
• HVAC hours and after-hours charges matter if your team works late.

Good fits

Professional offices, tech and creative teams, flagship and neighbourhood retail, cafés and restaurants.

Local notes

• Transit is a real advantage. Waterfront Station links the SeaBus, the West Coast Express, the Expo Line and the Canada Line, and Burrard and Granville stations serve the core. For staff coming from Burnaby, Richmond or the North Shore, a short walk to a station can matter more than the view.
• A lot of small office is strata. Many smaller downtown offices are in strata buildings, so strata bylaws and fees can affect your use, signage and hours. Ask to see the bylaws before you sign.
• Older buildings, lower rents. Older stock around Hastings and the edges of Gastown can offer character for less, but check elevators, washrooms, accessibility and air conditioning.
• Signs are tightly controlled. The City’s sign bylaw is strict downtown, so get your sign rights written into the lease. I can often spot problems early.
• Street retail lives and dies by the block. Robson, Granville, Denman and Davie each have their own crowd. Walk the block at lunch, after work and on a Saturday before you commit.