The public will have its say on plans to put up another condo tower on Brown Avenue, just east of Edge Street, after council sent on the application to public hearing last week.
Bissky Architecture and Urban Design has applied to put up the 126-unit, 18-storey tower at 22588 Brown Ave. The tower would be surrounded by three storey-townhouse buildings and complement another condo tower project immediately west on Brown Avenue being built by the same developer.
“This really embodies all that we’re trying to achieve in the downtown,” said Coun. Cheryl Ashlie. She said via webcast of the meeting that she was looking forward to how the project will transform the downtown.
According to the application, the project will have 146 parking spots, 11 more than required. There also will be parking for 73 bicycles.
“This is pretty neat to see $100-million of private investment coming into the downtown,” outgoing councillor Mike Morden.
Several applications have been made for large projects in the downtown, but this one looks like it will actually happen, he added.
The project is a result of the eco-friendly Smart Growth on the Ground created in 2004, noted outgoing mayor Ernie Daykin.
That plan served as the basis of the downtown plan created shortly after that calls for high-density development in the downtown. Other features of the project include a lighted landmark at the top of the tower as well as 15 affordable housing units and another 15 accessible housing units.
Staff say the appearance of the building will be different than existing architecture and will have a more contemporary, international look that will use steel and glass and concrete, “a departure from the small-scale, less durable wood frame buildings typically seen in the town centre.”
One charging station for electric vehicles will be provided in the underground parking but Coun. Bob Masse said Maple Ridge should consider requiring more such stations in future projects.
Outgoing councillor Al Hogarth, a realtor, left the room during the vote for second reading, because he manages properties for the owner of the property.