The Butterfly Tower, rising 556 feet alongside the First Baptist Church in Vancouver, offers residents open-air communal spaces filled with greenery, natural light, and fresh air. This unique urban development harmonizes modern design with heritage preservation while promoting sustainable living.
- Open-air sky gardens replace enclosed corridors on every floor
- Restoration of 1911 First Baptist Church enhances community space
- Sustainable design targets 68% reduction in carbon emissions
What happened
Revery Architecture has completed a major mixed-use development in downtown Vancouver combining a 57-story residential tower known as The Butterfly with the historic First Baptist Church complex. The project also includes a seven-story affordable rental building and various community spaces. Standing 556 feet tall, the tower integrates open-air sky gardens at each residential level, allowing residents to step from elevators directly into natural, ventilated communal areas filled with trees and plants.
The development preserves the 1911 Gothic Revival church through extensive restoration and seismic upgrades, reopening its historic Pinder Hall as a versatile venue for events. New glazed passages connect the church to the tower, providing access to childcare, recreation, counseling, and other vital community services. The project features numerous public spaces, bike parking, and sustainable amenities designed to enhance urban living.
Why it feels good
The Butterfly Tower's innovative open-air sky gardens offer a refreshing alternative to conventional high-rise corridors, creating natural, light-filled environments that promote wellbeing and social connection. These green spaces bring daylight and fresh air directly to residents while reducing the building's energy needs by more than 10%, thanks to natural ventilation and cooling.
By restoring the historic First Baptist Church and integrating it seamlessly into the development, the project honors Vancouver’s architectural heritage while fostering a diverse, inclusive community. The combined focus on sustainability and heritage preservation results in an uplifting urban space where history and modernity harmonize.
What to enjoy or watch next
Residents and visitors can look forward to enjoying the two-lane lap pool housed in a light-filled, architecturally striking enclosure atop the podium. The pool’s arched ceiling and extensive glazing offer stunning views over the city. Additional amenities like rooftop vegetable gardens, outdoor kitchens, and play areas further enrich daily life within the complex.
The development’s ambitious environmental goals include cutting operational carbon emissions by up to 85% with renewable district energy and reducing potable water use by half. As Vancouver embraces more projects that blend architecture, community, and sustainability, the Butterfly Tower stands as a shining example of urban innovation worth following.