Another apartment building is planned along Nanaimo’s Haliburton Street with an eye to positive change in the neighbourhood.
The City of Nanaimo’s design advisory panel, at a meeting Thursday, May 11, recommended that a five-storey, 44-unit apartment building in the zero block of Haliburton proceed to the next stage of the development permit application phase.
Architect Matthew Hansen told the panel that ‘Paramount’ will be the fourth building by the Parkshore development team along a two-block stretch “as they continue to work with the city to create a positive and sustainable change.”
The five storeys would include 23 one-bedroom units, 19 two-bedroom units and two three-bedroom suites, according to a staff report. All parking would be underground and the developer is proposing 43 parking spaces, a dozen more than the 31 stalls required by city bylaws.
Hansen said the project was presented at a South End Community Association meeting and was “very well received,” and the development permit application adds that the building’s design is consistent with neighbourhood plan principles “with a playful nod to some classic details of the art deco vernacular.”
Hansen said the apartments will take advantage of views and natural light where possible, and all units will have either a private patio or balcony, as well as access to a shared patio space.
Coun. Hilary Eastmure, city council’s representative on the design panel, said she was supportive of the application and said it’s more of the density that the city is looking for.
“[I was] really interested to hear the comments from the design panel because I think this is the first building that looks like this that I’ve seen come forward … with the art deco [inspiration] but it seems like you all love it, so that’s great,” she said.
The design advisory panel voted to recommend the project with its two proposed variances, including a 1.6-metre height variance. The panel made four design recommendations, most notably a request that the developer explore options to accommodate accessory uses such as daycare or home-based business space.
The application will come before city council at a later date.
READ ALSO: City issues development permit for five-storey condo building on Haliburton
READ ALSO: Two five-storey residential buildings approved for Haliburton Street
READ ALSO: Developer shows off long-term vision for neighbourhood close to Nanaimo’s downtown
editor@nanaimobulletin.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter