Kelowna city officials have received a request for permits to construct a new apartment building on the site of the former Hadgraft-Wilson Place.
The proposal, submitted by developer Westcorp, outlines plans for a six-storey, 60-unit apartment complex at 1300 Wilson Avenue. The site is currently occupied by the vacant Hadgraft-Wilson Place, a former care facility that was demolished in 2019.
According to the application, the new building will feature a mix of one and two-bedroom units, as well as underground parking and amenities such as a fitness centre and rooftop patio. The project is estimated to cost $12 million.
The request for permits comes after the City of Kelowna approved a zoning amendment in 2018 to allow for the development of a multi-family residential building on the site. The amendment was met with some opposition from local residents, who expressed concerns about increased traffic and density in the area.
However, Westcorp has stated that the new building will be designed to fit in with the surrounding neighbourhood and will not exceed the maximum height limit of 20 metres.
The company also plans to incorporate sustainable features into the building, such as energy-efficient appliances and solar panels, in line with the city’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The proposal will now go through a review process by city staff, who will assess its compliance with zoning and building regulations. The public will also have an opportunity to provide feedback on the project before a final decision is made.
If approved, construction on the new apartment building is expected to begin in the fall of 2021, with completion estimated for late 2022.
This development is just one of many in the works for the Kelowna area, as the city continues to experience rapid growth and a high demand for housing. It remains to be seen how the addition of this new apartment building will impact the local community, but it is clear that the city is taking steps to accommodate its growing population.
