If all goes according to plan, a Vancouver fire hall could be redeveloped as a mixed-use asset that retains its original purpose.

The city is reviewing a rezoning application that would see Fire Hall No. 9 in the Commercial Drive neighbourhood replaced by a new, larger station with office space added on top. The office space would be used by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services senior administrators and fire investigators while serving as a department operation centre.

The rezoning application is intended to redesignate the hall as a comprehensive development district from its current RT-5 status, allowing for density and greater height in a largely residential area.

Vancouver-based architecture firm HCMA is designing the project, which aims to reduce the building’s embodied carbon possibly by using a mass timber structure, alternatives to concrete floor toppings and other low-carbon initiatives.

The hall site is located on Victoria Drive between East 2nd and 3rd avenues in the Commercial Drive neighbourhood.