Victoria Drive: Preserving Vancouver's Character While Creating Four Modern Homes

When we took on the redevelopment of a 110-year-old character home on Victoria Drive, we saw an opportunity to preserve a piece of Vancouver's architectural history while creating much-needed housing for a new generation of homeowners.

Working with an investor group, our team at By Design Construction helped transform the property into a four-residence development that brings together the original home's character, contemporary design, and thoughtful planning. The result reflects a careful balance of preservation, functionality, and modern construction.

Recognizing the Property's Potential

When an investor group approached us about acquiring and developing a property for resale, our team helped identify and procure an opportunity in an established Vancouver neighbourhood. The property had strong redevelopment potential, with zoning that supported additional housing and a desirable location near Commercial Drive.

From the beginning, we wanted to create homes that would appeal to the people who would actually live here. The surrounding neighbourhood, with its cafés, bakeries, community amenities, and popular farmers market, attracts a range of buyers, including young families, professionals, and active individuals.

We worked with the investor group to plan a development that made practical use of the available space while considering future homeowners' needs and preferences. Our decisions focused on creating functional, well-designed residences with lasting appeal in the local market.

Preserving the Past While Making Room for More Homes

To accommodate additional housing while retaining the original character of the home, we developed a plan to expand the existing structure into three residences and construct a contemporary coach house at the rear. Bringing that plan to life required significant structural work and careful coordination throughout construction.

We lifted the existing home, constructed a new foundation, and extended the structure to accommodate its new layout. We incorporated custom steel beams, joists, hangers, and other structural components to support the changes.

Retaining the original structure also allowed us to reuse existing framing lumber and recycle demolition materials where practical, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill.

The completed development maintains the original house's architectural character while introducing a distinctly modern building behind it. This combination respects the property's history while providing additional housing for today's Vancouver homeowners.

Side exterior staircase and fence at a Vancouver home

Coordinating Structural Construction

Retaining and expanding the original home required careful coordination between the existing structure and new construction. With custom steel supports, complex framing, and a four-storey building involved, we had to account for structural requirements throughout the redevelopment.

Vancouver living room with cream tufted sofa, round sunburst mirror, and wide plank oak floors

Prioritizing Safety and Performance

We incorporated comprehensive fire protection measures, including monitored alarm and sprinkler systems, alongside sound insulation and energy-efficient construction details.

Rear exterior of a green shingle style Vancouver home with wood fence

Managing Site Constraints

With neighbouring properties close by and mature trees to protect, we carefully planned construction around the available space. Our team also coordinated essential servicing upgrades to accommodate the additional homes.

Rooftop deck in Vancouver with rattan chairs and green shingle siding

Front Duplex

This residence combines the character of the original home with modern interiors and a private deck overlooking the mountains.

Vancouver living room with sofa, dining table, and glass stair railing

Rear Duplex

The living room opens directly onto the rear patio, creating a natural connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Vancouver kitchen with stainless range, wood floors, and door to patio

Garden Suite

A practical, efficient layout incorporates laundry into the kitchen, making thoughtful use of the available space.

Vancouver kitchen with matte black cabinetry, glass pendant lights, and quartz waterfall island

Contemporary Coach House

A distinctly modern addition to the property, with contemporary architecture that contrasts with the original 110-year-old character home.

Making the Most of the Opportunity

Every redevelopment brings its own opportunities and constraints, and early decisions can shape the finished project for years to come.

For us, Victoria Drive is a good example of why we approach development with the full picture in mind. By considering the property's potential, the investor's objectives, and future homeowners' needs from the outset, we guided the project from initial concept through to completion.

Explore the Potential of Your Vancouver Property

Considering a duplex, laneway home, or multi-unit development in Greater Vancouver? At By Design Construction, we help homeowners and investors evaluate their options, make informed decisions, and plan projects that align with their goals.

Contact our team to discuss your property and how we can help bring your plans to life.

Vancouver kitchen with stainless steel range, built in pantry cabinets, and quartz counters

Vancouver kitchen featuring wood floors, built in pantry, and hallway to bedrooms

Vancouver bathroom with black vanity, black fixtures, and pebble tile tub surround

Vancouver home with open living space, wood floors, and built in pantry storage

Bright Vancouver bedroom with built in wardrobe closets and wood floors

Vancouver home exterior with green shingle siding and covered front porch

Vancouver bedroom with ensuite bathroom, wood floors, and large windows

Open concept kitchen and living room in Vancouver with light wood floors and stainless range

Bright Vancouver living room with large windows and front entry door

Vancouver laundry closet with stacked washer and dryer beside kitchen sink

Vancouver open concept living room, dining area, and kitchen with wood floors

Vancouver bathroom with soaker tub, terrazzo tile, and dark vanity

Vancouver bathroom with double vanity, glass shower, and stone tile

Vancouver bedroom with wood floors and natural light

Vancouver bedroom with wood floors and city view window

Vancouver bedroom hallway leading to ensuite bathroom under vaulted ceiling

Vancouver bathroom with black vanity, walk in shower, and terrazzo tile

Vancouver attic lounge with sofa, armchair, and vaulted ceiling

Street view of a blue and gray Vancouver home with covered porch

Open concept Vancouver kitchen, dining, and living room with pendant lighting

Vaulted ceiling primary bedroom in Vancouver with window seat and wood floors

Vancouver primary bedroom with gray upholstered headboard and wood nightstands

Vancouver rooftop deck opening to loft office with mountain and city view

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Vancouver loft office nook with desk chair and doorway to primary bedroom

Vancouver kitchen with wood cabinetry, integrated fridge, and pendant lights

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Vancouver kitchen island open to dining table and living room with large window

Vancouver home office with desk, bookshelf, and city view window

Vancouver kids bedroom with dinosaur theme and play tent

Vancouver home exterior at dusk with covered porch and green shingle siding

Vancouver entryway and dining area with wood table and staircase to upper floor

Vancouver hallway with stacked washer and dryer closet

Modern bathroom with glass walk-in shower, light wood vanity and black fixtures in a Vancouver home

Aerial view of a Vancouver backyard with patio and lawn

Vancouver rooftop deck with green shingle siding and mountain view

Vancouver primary bedroom with glass balcony doors and pendant lighting

Vancouver patio with wicker chairs, glass doors, and house number signage

Vancouver patio with wood bench seating and wicker chairs around fire pit

Vancouver media room with blue sofa, television, and built in closet

Vancouver open concept kitchen and living room with staircase

Vancouver open concept living room, kitchen, and dining area

Vancouver media room with green sectional sofa and city view window

Vancouver kitchen sink and stove with wood cabinetry and open shelving

Vancouver kitchen island with quartz counters and stainless range

Vancouver kitchen island with black bar stools and wood cabinetry

Vancouver home exterior with sunken patio and wood privacy fencing

Vancouver bedroom with balcony doors, walk in closet, and ensuite bathroom

Vancouver bedroom balcony with glass doors and city view

Vancouver bathroom with glass shower, stone tile, and wood vanity

Vancouver bathroom with round mirror, black vanity, and glass shower

Vancouver living room and kitchen with dining table and potted plants

Vancouver balcony with wicker chairs and city view

Vancouver kitchen with wood cabinets, stainless range, and pendant lighting

Vancouver laundry closet with stacked washer and dryer

Vancouver dining area with round glass table, gray upholstered chairs, and access to a private patio

Vancouver primary bedroom with vaulted ceiling, black chandelier, and door to a private balcony

Vancouver kitchen with waterfall quartz island, walnut cabinetry, and black bar stools

Vancouver kitchen with black matte faucet, walnut pantry cabinets, and quartz countertops

Vancouver home exterior with brick siding, metal roof, and private backyard patio

Vancouver bedroom with black tufted headboard, vaulted ceiling, and round leather strap mirror

Vancouver bathroom with walnut vanity, black fixtures, and floral wall art

Vancouver bathroom with walk in glass shower, gray stone tile, and walnut vanity

Vancouver rooftop deck with woven rattan chairs, patterned outdoor rug, and cedar accent ceiling

Vancouver primary bedroom with white wardrobe closet, black three arm chandelier, and coastal artwork

Vancouver SketchUp rendering of a main house and infill house on the same lot

Vancouver SketchUp rendering of an infill house and garage viewed from the side yard

Vancouver SketchUp rendering of a three story shingled house with a covered balcony

Vancouver SketchUp rendering of an infill house entrance with glass railing and wood accent gable

Vancouver SketchUp rendering of an infill house with dark vertical siding and a peaked gable roof

Vancouver SketchUp rendering of a three story shingled house with a covered front porch

Vancouver SketchUp rendering of an infill house with glass balcony railing and board and batten siding

Vancouver SketchUp rendering of an infill house with double garage doors and a rear balcony

Know What Your Project Could Really Cost Before You Start

A construction number on its own doesn’t tell you much. Our Cost & Feasibility Guide helps Greater Vancouver homeowners understand realistic planning ranges, what belongs in an honest project budget, and the factors that can move costs before construction begins.

Inside, you’ll find:

Planning ranges for renovations, custom homes, duplexes, and laneway homes
The difference between construction cost and an all-in project budget
The six questions to ask before comparing builder quotes
An interactive tool to help identify which project may fit your property and goals

Let’s Talk About What’s Possible for Your Property

Start with a clear understanding of your options.

Whether you’re considering a custom home, laneway home, duplex, addition, or major renovation, By Design Construction can help you evaluate feasibility, priorities, budget, and the best path forward. Our approach is consultative from the beginning, so you can make informed decisions before moving into design and construction.

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Project Spotlight: Victoria Drive