Past and future collide in downtown post office redevelopment plans

What's futuristic sleek on top, boxy modernist on the bottomand sure to provoke reactions of love and hate and everything in between?

Answer: The proposed redevelopment of the main post office building in downtown Vancouver.

Renderings of the massive project described in the documents as "the largest heritage revitalization in Vancouver history" depictthree glass towers sprouting out of the top of the 1958-built Canada Post cube, which occupies an entire city block.

The plans for the redevelopment called The Post on Georgia are part of a rezoning application filed with the city by Musson Cattell MackayPartnership architects.

"The Post on Georgia seeks to both distinguish itself and be compatible, subordinateand respectful towards the existing heritage building," reads the design rational statement.

"This is achieved by not attempting to replicate or assimilatebut rather differentiate the new buildings above, contrasting with the existing heritage podium in both form and materiality."

Highlights of the redevelopment include:

• Three towersincluding 17storeysof officeand 18 and 20storeysof residential.
• 427 market rental units and 327 condos.
• Six levels of parking, including 1,168 bicycle spaces.
• A 49-space childcare facility.

In addition, the south face of the redevelopment will become the street level focus of the project, in an attempt to"maximizeretail activity and add connected outdoor space," according to the documents.

A community open house will be heldNov. 22, from 5 p.m - 8 p.m. PT at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.

The public is invited to submit feedback online.