Long seen as the overshadowed little sister to Vancouver’s eldest, Richmond has entered an age of maturity, coming into its own as a major player for sought-after real estate. The city of around 200,000 has gone through a growth spurt, and all it takes is one drive along River Road to see how much has changed. Set along the winding road which overlooks the Fraser River is the Aspac Development Ltd.’s River Green, a project leading the charge in Richmond’s coming-of-age.
The 27-acre community, featuring 1.1 kilometres of waterfront and close proximity to the Olympic Oval community centre, catapults Richmond from suburbia to thriving mini metropolis. Upcoming is 2 River Green, a collection of two towers designed by the award-winning IBI Group Inc. Boasting sweeping views of the water and mountains, 2 River Green offers a premier take on eco-luxury living and promises to turn the area into a thriving community. The development will include a new riverside park and pedestrian greenways, helping facilitate a bustling neighbourhood among the condos. An infinity pool, private theatre, and fitness centre are notable amenities, but perhaps most distinguished is the kitchen, with cabinetry designed by Italian visionary Dante Cester of acclaimed brand Cesar. The River Green development also shines a spotlight on local art, commissioning work by the likes of renowned Coast Salish artists Susan A. Point and her son Thomas Cannell, as well as Jacqueline Metz and Nancy Chew.
Vancouver–based Aspac first made its mark on the Lower Mainland by transforming Vancouver’s Coal Harbour into the active waterfront area it is known as today. For the company, Richmond was an obvious next step. “We are incredibly excited about this project,” says Aspac director and senior vice president Raymond Li. “It is all about the best in quality, and in building a true community.” Instead of constructing inwards, the River Green development builds Richmond on its outskirts, strategically transforming what was once an empty patch of land into a key residential destination. A city ushered into adulthood.
