Friday, October 5 ~ VICTORIA. A 14-storey mixed-use tower by Alpha Project Developments at the corner of Quadra and Johnson streets was proposed to Victoria city council, and now the 113-unit rental housing project goes to public hearing.
The project location is at 1400-1402 Quadra Street and 840 Johnson Street, across Quadra from the Victoria Conservatory of Music.
Because of commercial zoning presently for that location, an amendment to the Official Community Plan (OCP) will be required.
“I am curious to hear from the public on this,” said Mayor Lisa Helps. “I think that 100 new rental units is exactly what is needed in our downtown and, if we can get more of the same in other sites, that’s good.”
Councillor Ben Isitt argued against, calling for consistency with the OCP. Councillor Marianne Alto noted the project would have met community plan requirements had it been across the street, and more rental housing is needed.
The project includes parking for 109 vehicles and some affordable-rate units. A communal amenity space and business centre on the second floor opens onto a large shared outdoor patio. The remainder of the second floor is to be rental suites.
The market-priced rental apartments would include nine studios, 10 junior 1-bedroom units, 51 1-bedroom/1-bath units, 37 2-bedroom/1-bath units, three 2-bedroom/2-bath units and three 3-bedroom/2-bath units. Suites will range in size from 38 to 83 sq m.