CBC Building Redevelopment

Project Snapshot

Project Overview

Introduction

As part of the CBC’s 2009 building redevelopment in downtown Vancouver, Underhill was engaged early in the planning stages to support architectural design, construction layout, and tenant leasing.

Project Challenges

This urban infill project required accurate modeling of existing structures, coordination with future developments like the Woodwards Tower, and precise rooftop antenna alignment for broadcast continuity.

Underhill’s Approach

Our multidisciplinary surveying team contributed across all phases of the project:

• Topographic and Legal Surveys: We established base mapping and prepared registered air space plans to support design and leasing. 
• As-Built Documentation: Detailed interior and exterior surveys of the original CBC building were delivered to HBBH Architects. 
• Construction Support: Underhill provided layout, engineering surveys, and geodetic control during the build. 
• Broadcast Planning: Our geodetic analysis identified ideal rooftop locations for microwave antennas, maintaining line-of-sight to Mount Seymour despite urban obstructions. 

Technical Highlights

• Legal air space and lease surveys for commercial occupancy 
• Full interior and exterior as-built measurements of the existing CBC structure 
• Construction layout and monitoring services for Scott Construction 
• High-accuracy geodetic survey to plan rooftop antenna locations 
• Consideration of vertical obstructions from present and future buildings 

Project Impact

Underhill’s integrated surveying services supported the transformation of CBC’s downtown headquarters into a modern, multi-use media hub. From legal air space plans to rooftop antenna alignment, our work ensured broadcast continuity and construction precision in a dense urban environment. The project continues to support Canada’s public broadcaster and its tenants in a landmark Vancouver location.