Photo: Neustadtarchitektur
A new candidate for the tallest building in Kelowna is being proposed for downtown Kelowna.
The 46-story mixed-use development, named “2020,” is planned for Bertram Street north of Bernard Avenue.
It’s also just around the corner from the Brooklyn on Bernard project.
Plans for the development were presented to the city’s planning department on Thursday by New Town Architectures.
In its introduction, New Town says the project will offer an approach to downtown living that is not currently available in Kelowna.
“The difference is that the target market includes the ‘missing middle’ as well as our most humble income members in our city,” explains the information provided to the city.
“The second difference is that we are asking that a quarter of the building be placed in the new rental-only category of land use zone C7 in the city center.”
This also includes shared apartments for up to six residents, ideal, according to the designer, for students, senior citizens and “like-minded” friends who choose to live together as an affordable option.
The first plans include retail and office space on the ground floor, four floors with internal parking spaces and 40 floors with rental and market apartments.
The plans also show a landscaped podium terrace as well as a rooftop amenity and lounge area.
A convenience hall would include daycare, meeting rooms, library, game room, and fitness center.
Ten floors would contain 70 rental units, including a studio, one and two bedroom units, and larger shared apartments, while the top 30 floors would contain houses for sale, 54 of which would be three bedroom units.
To encourage alternative modes of transport, the proposal includes 400 long-term bicycle parking spaces, as well as bicycle washing and repair stations and six car sharing vehicles.
To continue, the council would have to approve a height deviation from the current 12 floors and 26 meters to 46 floors and 141 meters
The proposal will probably not reach the city council until later this year.