Vancouver’s historic 2400 Court Motel will make way for four rental towers with homes, child care, public space and community services.
Historic Kingsway Motel Faces a New Chapter
Vancouver’s famous 2400 Court Motel is moving toward a major change. The city plans to replace the 1946 roadside motel with four rental towers that will bring 863 new homes to the Kingsway area.
The motel sits just north of 33rd Avenue between Nanaimo and Slocan streets. Over the years, it became a familiar landmark during the rise of car travel across North America.
However, the site now plays a new role in Vancouver’s housing plans. The Vancouver Housing Development Office has created a proposal that focuses on rental homes, community spaces and local services.
Four Towers Planned for Kingsway Site
The new project will include four rental buildings. The towers will reach 18, 25, 26 and 28 storeys.
In addition, the plan includes a social service centre, a 37-space child care facility, commercial areas and a large outdoor public space.
City council will review the proposal at a public hearing on July 28. If approved, the project will transform the long-standing motel property into a new community hub.
City Calls Project a Community Landmark
According to a city staff report, the redevelopment aims to become the “social heart” of Norquay Village.
The Norquay Village Plan, approved in 2010, originally expected two towers of up to 16 storeys on the site. Since then, housing needs and economic conditions have changed.
Therefore, city staff say the larger design can better support public benefits, including rental housing and community services.
Also, officials believe the taller buildings will create a recognizable skyline feature. The design team will focus on strong architecture, sustainability and a connection to the surrounding neighbourhood.
Housing Strategy Behind Motel Replacement
The city purchased the 2400 Court Motel property in 1989 and allowed it to continue operating.
Earlier in 2025, Mayor Ken Sim announced plans to use several city-owned sites to create thousands of new rental homes. The 2400 Court Motel site became one of five locations considered for future housing development.
Meanwhile, the city explored creating the Vancouver Lands Development Corporation. The proposed organization would have helped manage major housing projects and create new revenue sources.
However, council did not approve the plan. As a result, the city continues to explore other ways to develop housing on public land.
Motel’s History Will Remain Part of Future Site
Although the motel faces demolition, its history will not disappear completely.
The 2400 Court Motel opened in 1946 and reflected the era of road trips and roadside travel. Its bungalow-style buildings became a reminder of post-war North American car culture.
Over the years, the motel appeared in several films and television productions, including The X-Files. In 2016, it also provided temporary accommodation for Syrian refugees.
Furthermore, the motel’s well-known neon sign will remain part of the new development. The city plans to restore the sign and place it within the future project while protecting it through a maintenance agreement.
A Landmark Changes With the Times
The 2400 Court Motel has served Vancouver for nearly eight decades. Now, the Kingsway landmark is set to begin a different chapter.
The new development will replace a piece of roadside history with rental homes, public spaces and community services. As Vancouver continues to face housing challenges, the city hopes this project will create a lasting neighbourhood centre for future residents.
