Dancers, singers, musicians and other performing artists could be making a home for themselves in downtown New Westminster.
Domus Homes is proposing to build a mixed-use development at 813 Carnarvon St., which would include 195 market residential units in 25 storeys built on top of commercial space that could include restaurant space and other retail. Using density bonus provisions, the project would also include 50 units of secured non-market rental housing for seniors in a separate six-storey building overseen by Performing Arts Lodges Vancouver.
Architect Andrew Emmerson said the highrise has been placed on a part of the site that falls between the large towers located across the street at the SkyTrain station development. He said this placement maximizes daylight to the building and views of the Fraser River, and also creates green space for the non-market component of the project.
Performing Arts Lodges Vancouver currently has more than 100 pre-screened people on a waiting list for housing at its 111-unit facility in Vancouver.
Gary Glacken, executive director of PAL Vancouver and PAL Studio Theatre Society, said the project would assist seniors by proving them with safe, affordable housing but would also benefit the community at large as its residents would do things like host holiday-themed events and contribute to the performing arts through theatre, music and arts events. “We think as an organization that we can add great value to the community,” he said.
Glacken said the proposed building includes a 600- to 700-square foot amenity space, and PAL would talk to local residents about how that space could be used.
“I remember when PAL was developed in Vancouver. It was an amazing program, and I think it brought a lot to the community. It does a lot for the artist community,” said Coun. Mary Trentadue. “I personally think New West is the next art mecca in the Lower Mainland, so I am personally very happy to have you come.”
On Monday, council received a preliminary report about the rezoning application and provided staff with some direction on how to move forward with the density bonus, as the project’s floor space ratio is 7.75 and the allowable FSR is 5.2.
“I think this is an appropriate area for high-density residential in downtown New Westminster,” said Mayor Jonathan Cote. “The fact that we are including a non-market rental housing does complement this project well. There are a series of steps between now and the approval process.”
Coun. Patrick Johnstone said it seems to be a “reasonable approach” to give the developer some density as a bonus for providing the amenity and to require it to buy some additional density that’s needed for the project.
“We are very early in the process when it comes to design, when it comes to public consultation,” he said. “It looks like an interesting project.”
