Vancouver's Empire Landmark hotel facing demolition

If you enjoy revolving while you eat, you might want to book a table atop Vancouver's Empire Landmark hotel before it's too late.

That's because the Cloud 9 restaurant at the top of the 42-storey hotel tower may soon be demolished along with the rest of the building to make way for condominiums.

According to a preliminary plan filed with the city, developers want to knock down the 43-year-old tower at 1400 Robson St. and replace it with one 28-storey condominium and another 30-storey condo tower.

Heritage consultant Donald Luxton said he is not surprised developers are starting to look more and more at demolishing older buildings given the price of land in the city core.

"Given the increasing density in Vancouver and the fact that the sites are worth so much more ... frankly it's cheaper to tear down and rebuild when you get to a certain point," he said.

A city spokesperson says they are waiting for more information and confirmation from the developer before launching the project's application page, but the city expects to release more information today.

The application goes before the development permit board Dec. 12.

The building is owned by Hong Kong-based Asia Standard International Group.

The Empire Landmark is the tallest hotel that doesn't include condos or offices in Vancouver.

Cloud 9 is one of two revolving restaurants in Vancouver. The other is atop the Harbour Centre Tower on Hastings Street.

With files from Brenna Rose