162 Main St

Project Overview

162 Main St is a pioneering mixed-income housing development located in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside (DTES). This 6-storey building features 69 self-contained micro-suites, designed to provide dignity and independence for residents ranging from seniors and newcomers to individuals transitioning from shelters.

Innovative in its design, the building utilizes a hybrid structure of light wood frame over a concrete podium. The units were uniquely engineered with flexibility in mind, allowing for potential consolidation into larger family units in the future. This project serves as a model for how affordable rental housing can be delivered on narrow, urban infill sites.

How We Keep Housing Affordable in Urban Centers

The housing crisis in Canada's major metropolitan areas is particularly acute, and 162 Main St serves as a model for sustainable affordable housing development in dense urban environments. Our approach demonstrates how philanthropy, innovation, and community empowerment can keep housing affordable even in high-cost areas:

**Community Champions Program**: In Vancouver's competitive construction market, we leverage our Community Champions program where local business owners and professionals provide deep discounts on professional services and construction materials. This reduces costs without compromising quality, ensuring the project remains viable for low-income residents.

**Innovative Construction Methods**: The building utilizes a hybrid structure of light wood frame over a concrete podium, optimizing construction efficiency while maintaining structural integrity on a narrow urban infill site. This approach allows us to build high-quality homes more cost-effectively than traditional methods.

**Supportive Housing Model**: Affordability extends beyond rent through integrated support services. The MPA Society provides on-site mental health support, counseling, and community programs that help residents maintain housing stability and reduce the need for emergency services, creating long-term cost savings for both residents and the community.

**Non-Profit Mission**: As a charity-owned society, our goal is community impact rather than profit maximization. We reinvest in lower rents and prioritize vulnerable populations including seniors, newcomers, and individuals transitioning from shelters, ensuring housing remains permanently affordable rather than becoming market-rate over time.

Operations & Management

While Anhart led the development vision for this project, the building's day-to-day operations and supportive services are managed by the MPA Society.

The MPA Society provides residents with integrated mental health support, advocacy, and community building programs.

Tenant Inquiries: For information regarding vacancies, eligibility, or supportive housing applications, please contact the MPA Society Housing Department.