45 replies to this topic

[Mike K.]

This is another feel-good story for the downtown area. Looking forward to additional information as it becomes available, Jon.

 

 

Affordable housing eyed for fixed up Fairfield Block building

http://victoria.citi...block-building/

 

Affordable housing has been announced as a key part of a plan to purchase and rehabilitate the historic Fairfield Block building on Douglas Street at Cormorant Street across from Victoria City Hall.

 

Jon Stovell, President of Vancouver-based Reliance Properties, made a statement on VibrantVictoria indicating the company has an option to purchase and "fix up" the three storey mixed-use commercial and transient accommodation building while maintaining the homes as affordable rental apartments. [Full article]

[lanforod]

I'd have thought it would be a good spot to add a thin tower, using the existing massing as a podium.

[Mike K.]

Without parking any market condos built on top of the Fairfield Block would be a potentially tough sell.

[Baro]

Maybe some tiny car free rentals like at the Rocket, just actually plan ahead for bikes.

[nagel]

Maybe some tiny car free rentals like at the Rocket, just actually plan ahead for bikes.

Those can go next to the rooftop gardens they use to grow 97% of their food.

[vicernie]

"affordable" market rents won't be as low as what the tenants currently pay. the result may be more people on the street.

[Fernwoodian]

Seeing as the site is built out to the lot lines and the potential developer indicates no desire to increase the building height, I'm guessing they will ask for some "give" from Council elsewhere in the city to make this project work.

[Mike K.]

Great. And if that's the case, what's wrong with that?

[Mr Cook Street]

Seeing as the site is built out to the lot lines and the potential developer indicates no desire to increase the building height, I'm guessing they will ask for some "give" from Council elsewhere in the city to make this project work.

We'll take Fairfield Block, a rundown building across the street from a new marquee development, and you approve our sensible plans at Northern Junk.

[Fernwoodian]

Great. And if that's the case, what's wrong with that?

Nothing wrong with it, just saying that's my hunch.

Edited by Fernwoodian, 15 September 2015 - 07:55 AM.

[attica]

Seeing as the site is built out to the lot lines and the potential developer indicates no desire to increase the building height, I'm guessing they will ask for some "give" from Council elsewhere in the city to make this project work.

 

Helps has offered more density...the developer needs to step up and take it in order to keep the SRO. Anything less would be really disappointing.

[Mike K.]

I wonder if perhaps any unused density here will be transferred to Northern Junk. Do we do that in Victoria?

[Nparker]

I wonder if perhaps any unused density here will be transferred to Northern Junk. Do we do that in Victoria?

If we don't, we should.

[Fernwoodian]

I wonder if perhaps any unused density here will be transferred to Northern Junk. Do we do that in Victoria?

The City of Vancouver has had a heritage density transfer program for a long time. I don't think Vic has one.

[Skycap]

What is the status of this project?  Colliers has had the listing as "Pending Sale" for a year.  

[Mike K.]

Might be tied in some way with what happens with the Northern Junk proposal.

[jstovell]

Reliance Properties will be purchasing the Fairfield Block early in the new year. We will be looking at various options for the property.

[Mike K.]

Thanks for the confirmation, Jon.

[G-Man]

It would make an awesome podium for a 20 storey residential building.

[Nparker]

It would make an awesome podium for a 20 storey residential building.

Agreed 100%