Vancouver’s ‘Jenga’ Tower Construction Progresses in Downtown
A new luxury condominium tower in downtown Vancouver is garnering attention for its unique architectural design. The Fifteen Fifteen tower, often likened to a Jenga game due to its offset, stacked floors, is making significant progress in construction, revealing its distinctive structure.
Construction Progress of the Jenga Tower
The Fifteen Fifteen tower stands at 436 feet and comprises 42 storeys. As of February 2026, construction has reached approximately the 30th floor. This stage marks a turning point, as several cantilevered sections are now evident, clarifying the building’s overall design. Its asymmetric profile contrasts sharply with the traditional high-rises lining Vancouver’s skyline, making it a landmark project.
Details of the Fifteen Fifteen Tower
- Location: 1515 Alberni Street, Downtown Vancouver
- Total Units: 202 upscale condominiums
- Observatory Residences: 18 units with 270-degree views, starting at $5.6 million
- Maximum Unit Price: Over $15 million
- Completed by: 2027
The Observatory Residences, unique to this tower, offer unobstructed views thanks to innovative structural elements like exposed steel I-beams. The project is designed by renowned architect Ole Scheeren, marking his first North American residential creation. Notably, he has crafted both the building’s exterior and interior.
Project Background
The Fifteen Fifteen development has been more than ten years in the making. Initially proposed in 2015 as a taller 51-storey structure, it was revised to comply with municipal height restrictions imposed to protect mountain views. Construction officially commenced in 2022, following a successful pre-sale launch in 2021 amid a spike in housing demand during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Impacts on Vancouver’s Architecture
This project, led by Bosa Properties and Kingswood Properties, aligns with downtown Vancouver’s trend of introducing upscale condominiums featuring innovative designs. Other notable projects include Vancouver House, The Butterfly, and the nearby Alberni by Kengo Kuma. Currently, several nearby developments face delays, with some shifting from luxury condos to more affordable rental options due to market conditions.
In summary, the Fifteen Fifteen tower is poised to become a defining feature of Vancouver’s urban landscape, contributing to the city’s architectural diversity.
