Skip to content

City of Nanaimo gets glimpse at next phase of apartments on McRobb

Design advisory panel recommends height variance for six-storey building
26932591_web1_211027-NBU-mcrobb-apartments-1_2
An artist’s rendering of Phase 2 of a development in the 6000 block of McRobb Avenue, for a six-storey, 88-unit residential building. (D-Architecture image)

A developer working on an apartment building project in the north end with 88 units showed its early designs to the City of Nanaimo.

The city’s design advisory panel viewed plans last week for a six-storey building at 6330 McRobb Ave. and recommended that the development permit application proceed to the city council table.

The project, put forward by Carmague Properties, is the second phase of the Dover Ridge Apartments complex, complementing Phase 1’s 50 apartments. For Phase 2, the developer is proposing 35 one-bedroom apartments, 30 two-bedroom apartments, five three-bedroom suites and 18 studio units.

The building would be 19.6 metres, requiring a height variance of 5.6m over the 14m allowed under the zoning bylaw. A staff report noted that “further evidence will be required from the applicant to demonstrate that the proposed height variance can be supported.”

The architect, Daryoush Firouzli, noted in the application that six storeys would reduce the footprint of the building which would allow more space for outdoor amenities and space the building farther apart from its neighbours.

He added that there is “very high” demand for rental accommodations in Nanaimo and elsewhere.

“We are looking to use most of the density available for us in … the zoning bylaw,” he wrote. “Also there is high-density zoning right by this property which [allows a] high-rise building right in the backyard of this project.”

The design advisory panel recommended the height variance be permitted. The panel suggested altering the building’s appearance to reduce the “weight” of the upper storeys and emphasize the main entrance. There was some discussion of the building’s colour palette, with the panel ultimately recommending a distribution of colour that fit with Phase 1 of the project and neighbouring complexes.

The development permit application will go before city council at a later date.

READ ALSO: Nearly 500 condos, including two towers, proposed in Nanaimo’s north end

READ ALSO: Nanaimo council votes 5-4 to change covenant to allow for north-end condo building



editor@nanaimobulletin.com

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter