Community at the heart of modern living

By Wendy McNeil
November 19, 2024

Port & Mill, a Streetside Developments project that recently won Best Multi-Family Amenity Space at the 2024 HAVAN Awards for Housing Excellence, is setting new standards in thoughtful design and quality-built community living. Located between twin residential buildings, this free-standing 1,500-sq.-ft. amenity building serves as the heartbeat of the development, offering functional spaces that enhance social interaction, while remaining practical for everyday use.

Extension of your home

Designed to foster community, keeping versatility in mind, the amenity building features a welcoming lounge area centered around a 75-in TV, perfect for casual get-togethers or movie nights. A fully equipped kitchen with a gas range, full-size fridge and a harvest-style dining table transforms the space into an extension of the home. Whether it’s a small gathering or a large celebration, this communal area accommodates residents’ lifestyles, while keeping overhead manageable—a feature especially appreciated by first-time homebuyers and young couples.

Fitness on your terms

Fitness enthusiasts will enjoy the bright and airy gym, thoughtfully separated from the main amenity space to ensure continuous access even when the lounge or kitchen area is booked. Floor-to-ceiling mirrors, expansive windows, cardio machines, free weights and a bench press station create an environment where residents can stay active without needing to leave the building.

Outdoor spaces for every season

Stepping outside, residents can enjoy year-round outdoor dining thanks to a built-in barbecue area sheltered under wooden trellises and glass panels. Just a few steps away, the garden lounge offers a cosy retreat with a natural-gas fire pit and modern Adirondack chairs, making it a popular spot to relax with neighbours. Purposefully placed wooden trellises provide a mix of sun and shade, adding comfort with a west coast aesthetic.

Encouraging play and interaction

The children’s playground is designed not just for play, but to foster community interaction. An elevated play hut with a wobble bridge and slide provides endless fun, while nearby wood seating areas encourage parents to gather and connect. Installed on resilient, recycled rubber surfacing, the play area offers a safe space for children to explore.

A streetscape that welcomes all

The project’s landscaping further enhances the sense of community by blending public and private spaces. Along Dogwood Street, three thoughtfully placed seating areas invite pedestrians to pause and gather, while drought-tolerant plantings and herringbone-patterned brick walkways add environmental sustainability and visual appeal.

A connected community

This multi-family development shows how shared spaces can extend beyond mere function, creating meaningful opportunities for connection and fostering a sense of belonging among residents. Through thoughtful design, quality building and low-maintenance solutions, the project offers more than just amenities—it provides a lifestyle to residents that encourages community at every turn.

To view this project and other award-winning multi-family projects, go to havan.ca/awards

About Wendy McNeil

Representing the home building industry in Metro Vancouver since 1974, the Homebuilders’ Association Vancouver (HAVAN), a not-for-profit society is proudly affiliated with the provincial and national Canadian Home Builders’ Associations. Visit www.havan.ca Follow Wendy @HAVANofficial or email wendy@havan.ca

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