The Wedge on Water Street
Anita Sthankiya - Aug 19, 2019 - Okanagan Biz

Photo Credit: Hans P. Neumann Architect

A new development has been proposed for downtown Kelowna and it is a unique looking building as it going to fit in a tight space.

The mixed commercial building along Water Street at the corner of Leon Avenue is planned for a triangular site that has been home to a used car lot. The Wedge is a proposed project at 1659 Water Street that will require several development variances if approved by city staff as the site does not comply with the Official Community Plan for the area.

According to a development application submitted by MJI Contracting Inc, the six-storey commercial building with a rooftop patio will require bylaw variances from staff as it does not meet the required on-site parking requirements. The current site requires the developer to include 15 parking spaces to accommodate the building users. But, according to the architects, the site dimensions do not support any kind of drive aisle or parking spaces.

“We are requesting a variance to 0 spaces, which we feel is reasonable given the sites’ location in the designated Urban Centre, proximity to public transit and the City’s encouragement for the reduction of dependence on automobiles,” states the proposal.

The building’s architects are proposing an increase of secured bicycle parking to compensate for the shortfall.

The developers are also asking the city to make an exception for the required front and side setbacks of the building. Currently for the location, they are required to be 16m, but according to the building planners, complying with that requirement would mean the top floor and roof top deck would not be possible and it would limit the height of the building to five storeys.

“This would essentially make any type of building uneconomical by removing the highest revenue space, as well as deleting a key common amenity space for potential tenants,” argues the architect group in the proposal.

The proposed development will need to go through several steps before it could be considered by city council. If approved by city staff, the development could help to revitalize an area that has sat vacant for some time.


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