Failed three-tower project comes back to Kelowna council with one tower

In July of 2022 the City of Kelowna rejected a proposal by Safari Capital to built three highrises on 16 properties along Coronation Avenue.

Council said the 20, 27 and 33 storey proposed heights were too much for an area designated for 12 storeys.

Now, Elta Development has filed a plan for a 19-storey tower on the five easternmost lots — 659, 651, 643, 635 and 627 Coronation Ave. — nearest Richter Street. That's where the 20-storey tower was proposed.

READ MORE: Rejected proposal for three Kelowna highrises could be back before council in fall

The land is still designated for a maximum of 12 storeys.

“The total height of the project meets the 56-metre maximum height allowed,” the application says. “We believe there is strong rationale for the proposed additional number of storeys.”

The "rationale" the applicant refers to also includes a narrower tower, a lower podium which includes four live-in artist townhouse/studios and its proposed modular construction.

“Having a minimum of 19 storeys is recommended to make modular construction feasible and cost effective,” the application says. “Modular construction is hailed for being environmentally friendly and reduces construction waste significantly. It is estimated that close to 30% of materials are wasted during conventional construction.”

The original 20-story plan called for 210 market rental units. The new plan is for 140 rental market rental units between about 400 and 750 square feet in size, in addition to the four artist’s studios.

A daycare with space for 25 children is also proposed.

“Affordable artist residences at grade will integrate art into the fabric of the city and brings art into spaces within the tower,” the application says. “The resident’s art pieces can be displayed throughout the development at pre-designated locations inside the lobby, amenity space and the gym creating a dynamic fluid art space and a chance for the artists to represent themselves to the community.

“This project aims to create a community within a tower that celebrates and upholds Kelowna’s art community, children and the environment. We hope this becomes one of the highest quality rental projects for the downtown of Kelowna.”

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