Ginn Group Proposed Replacing MacArthur Center Site
The developer submitted plans for 65 new townhomes in Vancouver as it evaluates current local zoning and housing tools.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Remote Work
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In September 2026, the Ginn Group submitted preplanning documents to the city of Vancouver to replace the MacArthur Center and an adjacent vacant lot with residential housing. The proposal outlines the construction of 65 three-bedroom townhome units.
Why it matters
The developer is testing project feasibility under updated local zoning codes and state middle housing tools. This move signals a potential shift in how commercial footprints are being reconsidered for residential conversion in the area.
The proposal includes 65 three-bedroom townhomes, marking a transition from the existing MacArthur Center footprint. The site spans the current shopping center and an adjacent vacant lot.
The players
Ginn Group
A development firm evaluating the feasibility of redeveloping commercial property into residential townhomes.
The details
The developer submitted these pre-application documents to city officials to begin assessing viability. The project relies on leveraging state middle housing tools and new zoning codes to permit the higher-density residential use. These filings represent an early investigative stage for the developer to determine if the site plan is constructible under existing regulatory frameworks.
Timeline
September 2026: Ginn Group submitted preplanning documents to the city.
Market Landscape
This proposal reflects a growing trend of repurposing established commercial centers to meet housing demand through state middle housing legislation. It follows a shift by developers to utilize new density tools to unlock value in aging suburban retail assets.
Operators in real estate and local retail should monitor this site for signals regarding how city officials interpret zoning applications for commercial conversion. Consider reviewing your own portfolio for underutilized footprints that might qualify for these middle housing incentives.
The takeaway
Commercial property owners should assess whether their assets align with new density-friendly zoning codes that favor residential conversion. Monitor the outcome of this specific filing as a bellwether for the city's willingness to grant approvals for townhome projects in previously commercial zones.
Further reading
Explore more shifts in property usage patterns in our Remote Work section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Columbian.
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Should local shopping centers be redeveloped into residential townhomes to increase housing supply?
