Rendering of the Higashi Gotanda 2-chome No. 3 Area Type 1 Urban Redevelopment Project (exterior image). On the left is the residential tower (approximately 39-40 stories, 150 meters high) and on the right is the business tower (20 stories, 104 meters high). A park and plaza will be developed along the Meguro River, creating a waterfront space lined with cherry blossom trees.
The Osaki Riverwalk Garden (Higashi-Gotanda 2-chome District 3, Type 1 Urban Area) Redevelopment Project is a large-scale mixed-use redevelopment project to be implemented in an approximately 1.6-hectare district in Higashi-Gotanda 2-chome, Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo, located between JR Osaki Station and Gotanda Station. The south side of the district faces the Meguro River, and the Shinagawa Ward Hino Gakuen and the Ward General Gymnasium are located in the vicinity, as well as Park Tower Grand Sky and Oval Court, which were developed in past redevelopment projects. However, the district is densely populated with 30 old buildings, 60% of which are over 35 years old, and there are many roads without sidewalks and narrow roads, which pose a problem for disaster prevention. Against this backdrop, this redevelopment project was planned to realize a safe and comfortable urban environment through the effective use of underutilized land, renewal of old buildings, and land use conversion, as well as the provision of both business and residential functions, while widening roads and improving parks and greenways. The project aims to complete the urban development of the entire area by creating waterfront areas and open spaces along the Meguro River through redevelopment, and integrating them with the parks, plazas, and roads that have been developed in phases in the surrounding area.
The project consists of a residential tower (high-rise condominiums), a business tower (office buildings), and a park and plaza along the Meguro River. The total redevelopment area is approximately 1.6 hectares, with a total area of approximately 112,400 square meters, and a total project cost of approximately 103 billion yen. The project is divided into two blocks. Block 1 (business building) is a 20-story high-rise building with two basement levels and a height of approximately 104 meters, consisting of offices and retail stores. The business building will have a site area of approximately 9,210 m2 and a total floor area of over 69,000 m2, with commercial facilities (lively facilities) on the lower floors and offices on the middle and upper floors. On the other hand, the second block (residential tower) will be a high-rise condominium with 39 stories above ground and one below, approximately 150 meters high, and public facilities such as a daycare center will be located on the lower floors. The residential tower will have a site area of approximately 4,440 square meters, a total floor area of over 43,000 square meters, and a total of approximately 389 condominium units to be sold. The name of the residential tower is positioned as "Bland's Tower Osaki," Tokyu Land Corporation's luxury condominium brand, and its official website will be launched in January 2025. In addition , a park of approximately 1,500 m2 is planned to be developed in the district, which will be a waterfront park and plaza taking advantage of the cherry blossom trees along the Meguro River, and a community vegetable garden and outdoor workspace surrounded by trees are being considered as a place to supplement functions lacking in the area.
The redevelopment project is being carried out by the Higashi Gotanda 2-chome No. 3 Urban Area Redevelopment Association, which was formed by local right holders. The redevelopment association was approved for establishment by the Governor of Tokyo in February 2022, and is chaired by Yasuyuki Yamada, a representative of the landowners. Tokyu Land Corporation is participating in the project as a participating partner (developer) and is promoting the project financially and technically. (RIA) was in charge of the basic design at the urban planning stage, and a design joint venture (JV) consisting of Takenaka Corporation and RIA was responsible for the subsequent implementation design. Takenaka Corporation, a major general contractor, was selected as the contractor (specified business agent), and was in charge of the entire project, from demolition and removal of the existing buildings to new construction, public facility development, and disposal of the reserved floor space (condominiums and offices for sale).
The redevelopment project has already entered the full-scale construction phase after the urban planning decision and the establishment of an association. The main progress and future schedule are as follows
Oct. 2020 - Tokyo Metropolitan Government makes an urban planning decision (redevelopment plan is determined and announced).
Feb. 2022 - Approval to establish a redevelopment association (approval of the project plan). The association is officially established.
Feb. 2023 - Right conversion plan approved by the Governor of Tokyo. The allocation of the rights to the existing property and the rights to the redeveloped floor is finalized.
January 2023 - Demolition of the existing building begins prior to the approval of the rights conversion.
November 2023 - Construction of the main building begins, with a groundbreaking ceremony held on November 10.
Around 2025 - The condominium "Brands Tower Osaki" is scheduled to go on sale (estimated). Sales will proceed through the opening of the official website and the opening of model rooms.
FY2027 - Redevelopment project is scheduled for completion and completion. Construction of the business tower is scheduled to be completed in February 2027 and the residential tower in May of the same year, with residential occupancy expected to begin around August of the same year.
At present (as of 2025), construction has shifted from the underground structure to the above-ground structure, and tower cranes are being installed and foundations are being laid at the site. The redevelopment association and Tokyu Land Corporation are proceeding with the construction work with safety as the top priority, while also making efforts to cooperate with local residents by holding explanatory meetings and publicizing the project to the neighborhood. After construction is completed, preparations for the opening of the town (grand opening) will be underway, with residential units scheduled to begin occupancy and office and commercial tenants scheduled to open in 2027.
This redevelopment project is expected to have a multifaceted effect on the surrounding area beyond the mere reconstruction of the building. The main community impacts of the project are as follows
Completion of urban development and integration effects: In the Osaki and Gotanda areas, urban infrastructure such as parks, plazas, and roads have been developed in stages in recent years. This project plays a role in completing the urban development of the entire area by integrally developing an undeveloped parcel located between the two areas and connecting the surrounding open space and road network. The redevelopment will enhance the town's circulation and create an integrated urban complex that is in harmony with the surrounding area, thereby contributing to improving the attractiveness of the entire town.
Improvement of the living environment (creation of liveliness and pedestrian space): Shops and convenient facilities will be located on the lower floors of the business and residential buildings, creating a lively center that can be used by people from both inside and outside the district. In conjunction with the redevelopment, the roads in the district will be widened and a new pedestrian walkway will be constructed in the center of the area. A safe and comfortable pedestrian network will be created by constructing pedestrian walkways (open space) and pedestrian decks to improve the circulation between the stations. In addition, along the Meguro River, a water park and greenway will be created for everyone to relax, providing a rich urban landscape and open space where people can enjoy the four seasons. This will improve the living environment for local residents and create an attractive public space for visitors.
Disaster prevention and a safer and more secure city: The risk of collapse in the event of a disaster will be reduced by eliminating the dense concentration of aging wooden buildings and replacing them with high-rise buildings that are highly earthquake resistant. Widening of roads and construction of new sidewalks will also secure evacuation routes and improve space for firefighting activities, thereby enhancing the disaster preparedness of the entire district. In addition, the facility buildings will be equipped with flood countermeasures, such as reinforced waterproofing of underground pits and installation of pumping equipment. In addition, a temporary accommodation facility for people who have difficulty returning home is planned in the business building in case transportation is paralyzed by a large-scale disaster, thereby making it a disaster prevention center for the community. The entire redevelopment infrastructure will contribute to improving disaster preparedness and creating a safe and secure community.
Environmental Consideration and Sustainability: The project also focuses on landscape design, aiming to create a city block that is friendly to both people and the environment. The site is located in the heart of the city, yet it faces the Meguro River for approximately 250 meters, taking advantage of the blessed waterside environment and linking the residential tower, business tower, and park in an integrated, lushly green landscape. The three plazas along the rows of cherry blossom trees are designed to provide a variety of amenities that will contribute to the preservation of local biodiversity and improve the wellbeing of residents and workers.
Economic Impact and Community Revitalization: The redevelopment project, involving an investment of approximately 103 billion yen, will have a ripple effect on the local economy by creating jobs and stimulating related demand during the construction period. Once completed, the project is expected to attract new companies and workers to the 40,000 m2 office space, and the surrounding restaurants and commercial businesses are also expected to benefit from the economic ripple effect of increased customers. Many new residents will be able to live in the 389-unit condominium tower, which will also enrich the surrounding shopping area and service industry. The creation of an urban complex that integrates work and residence in an area accessible from both Osaki and Gotanda stations is expected to improve the circulation and image of the area around both stations, and contribute to regional development in the wider area. Tokyu Land Corporation has also stated that "by linking each function and creating new value, we aim to create a town where diverse lifestyles are connected without borders," and the added value created by the redevelopment will drive the revitalization of the entire region.
This is a summary of the latest information on the Higashi-Gotanda 2-chome No. 3 Area Type 1 Urban Redevelopment Project currently available. According to official announcements and press reports, the project is progressing smoothly and is steadily moving toward completion in 2027. The project is expected to be a landmark in the Higashi-Gotanda area of Shinagawa Ward in the future, with significant benefits to the community in terms of disaster prevention, environment, lifestyle, and economy. Attention continues to focus on the progress of the project, and when completed, as the name of the district, "Osaki River Walk Garden," implies, a new urban space will be born, colored by the waterfront and greenery.