Victoria city council voted unanimously Thursday to move forward a proposal to replace the landmark Turner building on Richmond Avenue with a six-storey rental project that includes a new public plaza.
Coun. Marg Gardiner called the design of the proposed 55-unit rental project, which would replace the derelict 1940s-era building, “outstanding.”
“It gives a nod to the old Turner building while reaching forward to design for today and respect of resident and neighbourhood needs,” Gardiner said.
Coun. Dave Thompson said the project will bring new life to the area. “It’ll get rid of a derelict building, essentially. I’m very keen to see the plaza getting built,” he said. “It’s overdue.”
The project, proposed by Empresa Properties, has a distinctive rounded end and art-deco flare, with amenity space on the roof and three commercial units on the ground floor. The project will be built over three lots, creating a parcel bordered by Richmond Road and Birch and Pembroke streets.
The proposed public plaza would require the closure of a portion of Birch Street at the intersection with Richmond Road, and would feature trees, patios and seating areas and space to support the commercial businesses inside the new building.
Coun. Chris Coleman amended the motion passed Thursday to include the phrase “that council endorse the construction of the Birch Street public plaza.”
Council will still require a staff report with a detailed cost estimate for the plaza showing what the developer will pay for and what the city would be responsible for.
“Everyone loves the plaza idea,” said Coun. Krista Loughton. “When that comes to fruition, if that should come to fruition, it really will be the heart of the neighbourhood.”
To get the rezoning required to proceed, Empresa will have to work with the city on both accessible parking and tree-planting minimums, as well as beef up its “transportation demand management program” to include two car-share vehicles and charging infrastructure, car-share memberships and improved bicycle amenities.
The building is asking for a parking variance to allow just 13 parking spots for the 55 housing units. The regulations would normally require 87 parking stalls.
Coun. Stephen Hammond said though he thinks the lack of parking is a problem, he’s almost given up fighting the trend to approve housing projects with limited and in some cases no residential parking.
“I like the design. I thought it was very creative,” he said. “I’m finding I’m having to say ‘uncle’ on not wanting to vote against places just exclusively because there’s not enough parking.”
In a letter to council, North Jubilee Neighbourhood Association said the greatest concerns from the area had been about traffic flow, volume and parking, but that “overall the public seemed pleased with the building’s appearance and public realm enhancements.”
The association also noted there was relief that the derelict Turner building would finally be dealt with.
The two-storey Turner building, with its distinctive rounded frontage, was constructed in 1946 at the corner of Richmond Road and Birch Street, across from Royal Jubilee Hospital. For years, the building housed the popular Ian’s Jubilee Coffee Shop. At various times, it also housed a convenience store, a flower shop and had apartments on the second floor.
The building has been vacant for more than two decades. It was threatened with demolition in 2013 after a section of wall fell and crashed to the sidewalk.
The city ordered the Turner family, then its owners, to repair or dismantle the building to protect the public. A safety report found mould and water damage, along with structural problems.
There was an attempt made to redevelop in 2015, but a plan drawn up by architect and former Victoria mayor Alan Lowe did not proceed and the building was boarded up.
Mayor Marianne Alto, who said she loved the design of the project, said it “is an extraordinary result” that balances many different interests.
“The challenges of the site have been extraordinary over the years. And the uniqueness of that footprint has surely been one of the most complex and difficult examinations I’m sure that many of you have had to deal with,” she said to city staff and council.
The project will return to council later this year for bylaw approval after the developer works to satisfy the city’s requirements.
>>> To comment on this article, write a letter to the editor: [email protected]
