A development application has been submitted for a C-2 zoned, 11,000 SF site at the Northwest corner of Victoria Drive and East 49th Avenue. The site is currently occupied by an older retail building with five units.
The proposal is to develop a new 4-storey mixed-use building containing retail use (main floor) and residential (2nd floor – 4th floor), with:
26 residential units
unit sizes from 516 to 900 SF;
a total density of 2.50 FSR;
a building height of 46 ft.;
a total of 33 parking spaces having vehicular access from lane.
Under the site’s existing C-2 zoning, the application is “conditional” so it may be permitted; however, it requires the decision of the Director of Planning.
The architect for the project is Matthew Cheng Architect Inc.
Value Group has submitted their rezoning application for a 16,136 SF site that they own at 24 E Broadway & 2520 Ontario Street; at the Southeast corner of the intersection.
The site is currently zoned C-3A. The rezoning proposal would allow for a 12-storey office building at over twice the density permitted in the current zone. The proposal includes:
20,284 SF of retail space;
104,755 SF of office space;
Building height of 148 ft.;
A total density of 7.75 FSR;
6 levels of underground parking, including 230 vehicle parking and 68 bicycle parking.
The application describes the design rationale: “The proposed project is a 12-storey mixed use retail/office building. The ground floor along Broadway is fronted by retail space that reinforces a scale of walking, and shopping with continuous weather protection.
There is also below-grade and above-grade retail space connected to the ground floor by stairs, an elevator, and floor openings to create visual connection with the street and the other levels of retail. On the west of the site, the ground floor is pulled back to allow a seating plaza adjoining a proposed cafe. An on-site public bike share along the Ontario Greenway adds bike capacity adjacent to the Ontario street bike path and pedestrian interest to the corner plaza.
Above the retail base, floors of office are grouped into three distinct ‘blocks’. The lower two blocks are large floor-plate offices which form a podium; rising no taller than eight floors thus avoiding shadowing of the north sidewalk of Broadway from spring to fall equinoxes. Atop the podium, a shared amenity rooftop is open to the building’s office users, and serves as an on-site gym and end-of-trip facilities. Five upper floors of office tower rise above the planted amenity deck.”
This application is being considered under the Metro Core Jobs and Economy Land Use Plan.
Value Group acquired the site in 2017 for $13,250,000, or $106 per buildable SF based on the application. The site is currently improved with an older 3-storey office/retail building.
The proposal for the former Topanga site includes a new 4-storey building with residential units above retail. Details include:
16 market rental units;
13 studios and 3 one-bedrooms;
2 retail units totaling 2,700 SF;
a total density of 2.37 FSR;
a building height of 51 ft.; and
all over 1 level of underground service and storage with 3 surface parking spaces and 1 loading space at the rear, having access from the lane.
Under the site’s existing C-2 zoning, the application is “conditional” so it may be permitted; however, it requires the decision of the Director of Planning.
