Image courtesy Aspac Developments

River Green waterfront development will be the largest yet in Richmond, B.C., and is predicted to take between 10 and 15 years to complete. Plans are to build residential and commercial structures to extend the city's urban core.

Richmond, B.C., is getting its largest waterfront development, predicted to take between 10 and 15 years to complete.

Construction of River Green began 18 months ago with an initial presentation centre, which will be open to the public this month. Workers are now beginning phase one of the community, which includes constructing the first six buildings—about 450 residential units. Plans are to continue building residential and commercial structures to extend the city's urban core. By the time the entire development is complete, it will have over 2500 residential units, as well as mixed use and commercial operations.

The development spans 11.3 ha (28 acres) of land, and is located adjacent to the Richmond Olympic Oval. The goal is to make the area Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver-certified, with many sustainable features incorporated into its design to help reduce air, water, and noise pollution. These include:
• no net loss of green space with the development; there will be cascading rainwater-fed features and green 'finger' corridors permitting improved public access to the dyke waterfront;
• low-emissivity (low-e) glass allowing for floor to ceiling windows affording lots of natural light, better views, and heating/cooling control throughout the seasons;
• Level 5 drywall finish;
• green walls at the condos to protect against temperature fluctuations while allowing the building to breathe; and
• green roofs gracing north and south lobbies, reducing water run-off for better storm drainage.