What if your next home wasn’t just a place to live, but a space that integrated the rich history and storytelling of the neighbourhood to create a more thoughtful urban living experience?
At Rize, we believe the best residential developments don’t just meet your everyday needs and provide a roof and four walls. They go a step further, allowing residents to feel a deeper sense of belonging through naming, design, and historical legacy; in other words, the built environment.
In this Thinking piece, we explore the intersection between design and storytelling, and how these concepts help create the perfect sense of place and home.
Our recently completed rental project, The Hyland, in partnership with Minto Apartments, offers vibrant, thoughtful design and a well-connected location. Nestled on Kingsway in Kensington-Cedar Cottage, The Hyland is surrounded by an eclectic mix of retail shops and green spaces, with ground-level commercial spaces steps from your door.
Where It All Began
Named after the 800-seat suburban movie house built in 1941, The Hyland is a nod to the lively local history of the neighbourhood. Originally called Circle Theatre, it was renamed the Hyland Theatre in March 1966 and played roadshow films until closing in 1979.
It was one of the first movie theatres to provide entertainment for families and was rich with energy, character, and connection, all things we wanted to bring to our project.
Right as you enter the building, an authentic vintage poster of the original Hyland Theatre’s 1966 screening of Walt Disney’s That Darn Cat greets visitors and residents, sourced from The City of Vancouver’s archives.
As a playful homage to its namesake, iconic movie posters, quotes, and signage are scattered throughout the building from the elevator hall in the lobby, each residential floor, and the amenity space, curated to act as a scavenger hunt for residents.
Amenities Designed for Gathering
We believe shared amenities can become much-needed third spaces to gather or unwind close to home. At The Hyland, the amenity spaces are designed as built environments, a term referring to the “external physical environment where we live, work, study and play”, designed for humans, by humans.
An indoor multipurpose lounge offers ample space for hosting, working, and enjoying good company, featuring a board games cupboard, spacious seating lounge and TV for watching movies, foosball and PacMan arcade games, and a kitchen with seating.
Overall, it’s a space that encourages a bit of friendly competition, social interaction, and a sense of community for residents; a modern-day recreation of the old-school movie theatre arcade.
The Hyland’s rooftop terrace continues this theme of community and the built environment. A BBQ space and gardens are an ideal setting for getting to know your neighbours or gathering over great food prepared together. Intended to be an outdoor retreat for all ages, a bocce court echoes the spirit of friendly competition, while the children’s play area lets your little ones create memories.
We believe shared amenities can become much-needed third spaces to gather or unwind close to home.
When Home is an Extension of the Community
At Rize, our ethos is to build in the cities and places we all live in together. We view the neighbourhoods where our projects exist as natural continuations of the home, where each day offers opportunities to explore locally-owned shops, cafes, and green spaces a short walk or drive from your door.
Tucked in Kensington-Cedar Cottage, The Hyland is minutes from numerous parks and the best of Vancouver’s culinary scene, from favourites like Earnest Ice Cream, Bells & Whistles, and Savio Volpe to new local hot spot, Mishmish.
Whether you’re grabbing your usual order at Sal y Limon across the street, watching the game at Bells & Whistles, or treating yourself to a facial at Liveo Beauty, the simple rituals of experiencing your local neighbourhood help enrich daily life, creating a stronger sense of place.
Home is at The Hyland
At Rize, we want to continue to build places that matter in our cities and communities. Book a tour here.