Redesign of tower on former Kelowna RCMP site grows to 25 storeys

In response to public pressure, the design of a new downtown Kelowna highrise has been made narrower and taller.

The proposed highrise, on the former RCMP building at 550 Doyle Ave., received considerable pushback for being an extremely wide building that blocked sight lines. Opposition included a petition campaign by the neighbouring Innovation Centre.

READ MORE: Petition triggers redesign of controversial downtown Kelowna highrise

The development was given preliminary support by Kelowna city council at 13 storeys.

“The new building, at 25 storeys, is designed around smaller floor plate sizes and, overall, is also significantly smaller than the first version, with 259 dedicated rental units versus the original 316 rental units,” states a news release from Appelt Properties and Wexford Developments issued today, May 12.

The project still includes a 6,000 square foot community creative hub inside the building along with retail and commercial spaces.

City council gave the project third reading but will have to consider new development and development variance permits before giving final approval.

READ MORE: Controversial downtown Kelowna highrise looking to cast widest shadow in town

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