A development application has been filed for a site at 928 Commercial Drive, mid-block just South of Venables Street. The plan for the 33 x 121 ft site is to build a new infill building including:
- a 5-storey, mixed use building
- retail on first floor and residential above (2nd to 5th floors)
- 12 rental aparment units
- 3 parking spaces having vehicular access from the lane.
Under the site’s existing C-2C1 zoning, the application is “conditional” so it may be permitted; however, it requires the decision of the Director of Planning.
The architect, Matthew Cheng, explains the design rationale:
“The existing building on the subject property is a single family building built in 1904. In order to improve the neighborhood in Grandview-Woodland community and provide more affordable residential units, a brand new 5-storey mix-use building is proposed to replace the existing single detached dwelling. The new building with rental units will not only improve the 900 block Commercial Drive streetscape but also ease the tough rental market in the “Drive area”.
The proposed new building is designed as a wood frame building with a concrete ground / second level. Residential units are location on level three to five. There are 2 compacted unit types provided, studio and one-bedroom, in order to introduce more affordable rental option for the demographic in the neighborhood., Bicycle room, coin laundry room and other residential services are location on the ground and second level. Elevator is provided so that residents and handicap people can access to every level easily.”
