[Downtown] 825 Fort Street | Rentals, commercial | 11-storeys

Design work and leases.

Let's hope the design work results in a less boxy structure.

Let's hope the design work results in a less boxy structure.

The exterior design will be largely the same as what was approved in the Development Permit. Any differences (and I mean anything) has to be approved by Planning, and if the differences are substantial it would trigger a brand new DP application for general compliance.

That said, there are usually a lot of small differences between the proposal and the final product. I recently did the Building Permit review for a Concord Pacific project here, and it sprouted a third rooftop electric room, double-height elevator overruns, completely re-organized window and spandrel patterns, and about 150% more mechanical louvres for ventilation. Even with all that we let it through with just staff review, the overall design was deemed consistent with the issued DP.

The exterior design will be largely the same as what was approved in the Development Permit...

I realize that. It was just wishful thinking on my part.

The 800-block of Fort Street, known for generations as Antique Row for its collection of antique, used furniture and vintage houseware retailers, will undergo significant change in the coming years as multiple mixed-use development efforts aim to revive the business opportunities along the commercial corridor.
 
Victorians asked to weigh in on future of Fort Street's 'Antique Row' retail make-up as new devs lead storefront revival
https://victoria.cit...efront-revival/

So is construction still expected to start in early 2021?

Aaaaaaaand they're back.

Application submitted to amend the issued DP. Commercial area reduced slightly (a mezzanine), and replaced with two addtional residential units (1BR and 2BR).

This would bring the unit count up to 105. As such, the parking shortfall is also increased, which requires Council to issue a revised parking variance as staff do not have the authority to do so.

A development permit variance application is going to CotW on Thursday May 6.  The developer would like to convert the 2nd floor commercial space to rental units, which will increase unit counts to 105 (from 103) and triggers the parking variance.  Staff are in favour of this change.

I walked past this the other day and it's looking pretty sad. Any updates on if/when it'll get moving?

Deconstruction of one of the low-rise buildings is underway, so this project is now moving forward to the construction phase...

And only 4.5 years since it was first proposed. 

Looks like someone hasn't taken the garbage out in quite a while. 

...I anticipate that they may pour the foundation before the ending of the year.

No significant progress as I walked past the site today.

 

No significant progress as I walked past the site today.

You expected to see significant progress during the span of maybe 20 seconds?

Black Press had reported on Tuesday that there was a retaining wall issue at this site, but I can't find the article any more. Was this removed, maybe?

Could this be a historic shift?

The Salient Group is seeking approvals to pivot its design to include 11-storeys of height, and 119 units in lieu of 105, in light of a DCAP change now permitting 12 storeys at the property.

A comparison of the proposed 11-storey redesign with 119 units, at-left, and the approved 10-storey design with 105 units.

10-storey Fort Street rental tower could rise with extra floor, 14 more homes, if Victoria approves height ask

https://victoria.cit...ves-height-ask/

There's no good reason why an additional 5 floors couldn't be built here. It is odd however to make this sort of request during the construction phase.

A more creative remassing for the additional height/units should be encouraged.

Edited by Nparker, 20 September 2023 - 08:16 AM.