A new 79-unit residential complex has been approved for Nanaimo’s south end.
Nanaimo city council, at a meeting Monday, unanimously approved issuing a development permit for two five-storey buildings on the northeast corner of Haliburton and Milton streets.
The buildings, situated over six existing lots and connected by underground parking, qualify for density bonusing and will come in close to the maximum density allowed under zoning.
Both buildings will include a mix of two-bedroom, one-bedroom and studio suites for a total of 45 one-bedroom units, 21 two-bedroom units and 13 studios.
A city staff report notes that “the site design takes advantage of its location by orienting the buildings along Haliburton Street and providing views toward the ocean.” Staff says the building design “meets the intent” of the South End Neighbourhood Plan’s design guidelines, with brick, metal cladding and reclaimed wood utilized.
“The vertical massing is broken up with articulation above the third storey on each building and prominent rooflines,” the report notes, adding that the fourth and fifth floors are set back “to reduce the vertical presence.”
Coun. Tyler Brown, who sits on the city’s design advisory panel, told councillors that the project came to that table twice as the panel requested “significant” changes.
“I think the applicant responded to them very well, in particular the step back after the third storey to better reflect the community design guidelines in the [neighbourhood] plan,” Brown said.
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More renderings of a residential complex planned for the corner of Haliburton and Milton streets. (Matthew T. Hansen Architect images) https://t.co/7fFL8sUuwh #Nanaimo pic.twitter.com/ffBnVjxZy5
— Nanaimo Bulletin (@NanaimoBulletin) January 20, 2021
The developer sought two variances including a height variance from 14 metres to 15.8m. Staff noted that one metre of that variance is for guard rails around the rooftops.
Some of the amenities offered as part of density bonusing include green roofs and ‘living walls,’ public art, and provision of a car-share vehicle.
The new development, called Prospect, is part of a series of developments proposed in that part of the city.
“I look forward to seeing this completed on Haliburton and Milton and I believe this is really changing our landscape downtown,” said Coun. Zeni Maartman.
READ ALSO: South end envisioned as urban living ‘epicentre’
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