The Metropolis at Metrotown and Metrotown Centre recently came under joint ownership of Ivanhoe Cambridge. The two malls constitute the largest retail complex in British Columbia. The most recent addition to the complex has been the expansion of Metropolis (formerly Eatons Centre) in 1997. The expansion involved the addition of a 155,000 sq.ft retail, entertainment and recreation component, which included Famous Players Silver City and Playdium. A rezoning application was recently submitted by Ivanhoe Cambridge, with a proposal to provide a two level retail link between the two mall complexes, inclusion of an additional 56,000 sq.ft. of retail space, an upgrade of exterior plazas, and relocation of the existing food court. Plans also include construction of the third Metrotower on the site to increase the office space by an additional 425,000 sq.ft.

This mixed-use commercial / residential development encompasses a number of major components including a two storey retail mall with a market area and food fair, a 13 storey hotel and conference centre, a five storey office building, a 25 storey apartment tower and low-rise apartments, an urban church and a community police station. This unique development is framed around a central commercial / public open space courtyard along a public pedestrian corridor that stretches from the corner of Willingdon Avenue and Kingsway to the corner of McKay Avenue and Kingsborough St.

The Paramount is composed of two high-rise apartment towers and a street-fronting commercial retail podium. This mixed-use development built in 1994 has the unique feature of rooftop gardens above the commercial podium.