BridgeCity’s eye-catching, curved architecture set to rise in Surrey

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Location, inspiration and connection are the influences behind BridgeCity, Oviedo Properties’ 967-condo development in the Bolivar Heights neighbourhood in Surrey Centre North.

BridgeCity will comprise three towers, built in two phases. In just-launched phase one, an eye-catching curving element of white metal panelling will span the 37- and 21-storey towers – the shape reminiscent of a suspension bridge cable, or the course of the creek that runs through the site bounded by King Geoge Blvd., Bolivar Road and 112 Avenue.

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“We’re creating two colours predominantly of metal panel, and they are either white or the bronze material. The white metal panel is the curving element that connects the two towers; then we contrast that with the bronze material that runs up the vertical spines and creates that suspension bridge-look to the buildings,” says Richard Bernstein, partner at Chris Dikeakos Architects, describing the exterior of the two towers.

“The curving, organic nature of the creek was the inspiration for the architectural expression,” says Bernstein, while the Pattullo and Port Mann Bridges that will connect the location to New Westminster, Coquitlam and Richmond also played a role when it came time to choose a name, says Kanwar Dhamrait, Oviedo’s CEO. He says the BridgeCity name symbolizes connections that will be enhanced by the three buildings’ 78,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities where residents can socialize and get to know one another, as well as the development’s place in the local community.

“People see different things in the building and different inspirations. I always think it’s kind of fun when people look at buildings a little closer and then they interpret them in a different way. I think it does have a graceful elegance to it and will be distinctive on the city’s horizon,” says Bernstein.

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Phase one of BridgeCity comprises studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom homes ranging in size from 350 to 1,018 square feet. The white panels making up the curve will be on the façade of the 37- and 21-storey towers that share a connected base of units, amenity spaces and individual lobbies for each of the towers, says Bernstein. The development’s 24-storey third tower (a future phase) will be separated from the first two towers by a pedestrian open space that connects Boliver Road to the primary green space fronting Bolivar Creek.

“The [first two towers] step in the middle creating a whole series of roof terraces on both buildings at the lower levels and gradually transition with the curve. [This] creates some wonderful outdoor roof terraces for those units, and it carries the greenery of the Bolivar Creek area, the natural area, right into the building. [Many] terraces on buildings are pretty hardscape; the intention [here] is to try and create as much greenery [as possible] on those terraces. So as you come out and enjoy the terrace, you feel greenery there and you’re overlooking the greenery of Bolivar Creek and its setbacks,” says Bernstein.

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“The views will be fantastic and cannot be blocked,” says Dhamrait, adding proximity to Gateway SkyTrain station, access to Hwy 17, being able to live in a less busy part of the city and near the natural setting of Bolivar Creek enhance the location.

Dhamrait notes there are no penthouses in the building (however, condos can be combined to make a larger unit); instead, the top floor of each tower is dedicated to amenity space.

BridgeCity’s first two towers have 55,000 square feet of amenity space. The Skyview Lounge and terrace on the highest level of the 37-storey tower will have commanding views to the North Shore mountains and 360-degree views to Mount Baker and Surrey City Central. Also included on this level will be a kitchen, digital gaming lounge, and space for karaoke, which can also be used as a screening room.

On level 7 – which spans both buildings – a gym, yoga and dance studio, indoor and outdoor lounge and wellness centre with a salt room, cold plunge pool and sauna provide plenty of recreational opportunities for residents, while on level one there are a range of amenities from a pet spa to a golf simulator, a co-work lounge plus a collaborative workspace in addition to the practical necessities such as a concierge desk, mail and parcel room.

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As Dhamrait says: “Whatever you need for your day-to-day living, we have everything in these buildings.”

Lisa Hansen, principal at Area 3 Interior Design, says the design principles for the amenity spaces aim to create a hospitality vibe, with the use of colour and materials to make them more fun and inviting. Examples of colour usage include a turquoise pop of colour in the rooftop lounge and a shade of turquoise in the quiet lounge booths on level one.

Turning to the condo interiors, Hansen says the Italian-made kitchen and bathroom cabinetry (by Stosa Cucine) and Silestone countertops and backsplashes are key elements of the three colour schemes: Light, Medium and Dark.

The design direction for the colour schemes is focused on creating a clean and neutral palette, with options for lighter floors, mid-tone floors and various cabinetry choices – white cabinets in the Light scheme, light-to-medium gray cabinets in the Medium plan and anthracite gray for the Dark option.

In the suites, space planning was a priority, says Hansen. Streamlined designs and beautiful kitchens where cabinetry resembles furniture and bathrooms where there is a focus on maximizing storage, ensure the space is best utilized.

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Hansen says the European-style kitchens will have integrated channels instead of visible hardware and the appliances will be integrated. “It feels more like millwork instead of a kitchen,” she adds.

Construction is expected to begin in the first half of 2025.

Project: BridgeCity

Project address: 11151 Bolivar Rd., 13340 112th Ave. and 13307 King George Blvd., Surrey

Developer: Oviedo Properties

Architect: Chris Dikeakos Architects Inc.

Interior designer: Area 3 Interior Design

Project size: 967 units in three towers (21-, 24- and 37-storeys)

Number of bedrooms: Studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom

Price: From $379,900 (studio); two-bedroom are $674,900

Sales centre: 13307 King George Blvd., Surrey

Centre hours: Noon to 5 p.m. every day except Friday

Phone: 604-496-0939

Email: [email protected]

Website: livebridgecity.com

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