GMC Projects has acquired the site of the former Carlton Club and a neighbouring mixed-use complex with plans to build a 26-storey condominium tower and eight-storey rental building.
If approved by Esquimalt council, the developer’s vision for the tower at 900 Carlton Terrace would include 176 condo units, and 900 Esquimalt Rd. would feature 96 rental units.
“We’ve spent about two years trying to come up with a plan for the development of the properties that would reflect the current housing crisis,” said Jordan Milne, president and CEO of GMC Projects. “This is an opportunity to create an abundance of new housing.”
The project would also include several commercial spaces, street and boulevard improvements, a 4,000-square-foot dog park and an upgraded bus shelter.
Esquimalt council still needs to approve a development permit and development with variances permit application. GMC Projects plans to submit the application in June.
“We’ve also earmarked $1 million for a contribution toward affordability which may take the shape of affordable home ownership,” Milne said. “We are having discussions with Habitat for Humanity about that. It may also take the shape of below-market rentals, cash-in-lieu or some combination.”
Private amenities include 232 bike parking stalls, a rooftop games pitch, gardening areas, a dog lounge, a gym and barbecue areas.
“It’s really an amenity-rich concept,” Milne said. “We want to be thoughtful about how to create community on the site.”
Milne said they would offer the residential tenants in the 16 existing rental units compensation and the first opportunity to return to the new development.
“We’ve sent out letters to all of the tenants to meet them and understand their circumstances,” Milne added. “Esquimalt doesn’t have a tenant assistance policy so we are looking to the City of Victoria’s tenant assistance policy as a framework for how we are going to assist these people.”
Commercial tenants will also be able to make the first offers to lease or buy space in the new building.
“Before we even bought the properties, we met with each of the commercial tenants to speak to them about their goals and needs,” Milne said. “There’s not one who has told us that they don’t want to come back. We will be working with them and a realtor to find alternative locations during the redevelopment period. We’re part of the community and we know how important the existing businesses are.”
ALSO READ: B.C. unveils new ‘Homes for People’ plan with goal of 108K new houses, apartment units
@brendanmayer
brendan.mayer@blackpress.ca
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.