166unit build planned for lot north of Conservatory building
While a proposal to build 166 rental apartments caught council's eye on Monday, the design of the building did not.
The development is split into two buildings, and would fit into the lot at Glenmore and Summit Drive.
Councillor Luke Stack says proposed rental units that don't look good from the outside force council to make tough decisions.
"We've seen a couple of large developments come, and we support them because we really need rental housing and we want to see it go, and that I understand. But I really would like to challenge some of the designers to make it just a little more appealing," he said.
"I'm also in the business of trying to do affordable housing, and it doesn't have to be expensive to be appealing. I look at that one side – what you'll see on Glenmore – I find it somewhat uninspiring."
Councillor Maxine DeHart says the exterior blended with shades of charcoal, tan, and gray left her wanting as well.
"To tell you the truth, I was really disappointed when I saw this. I really think it looks like row housing. So kind of disappointing to me, because of the area, and we're doing so much work on Summit. It's sort of the gateway from Glenmore into the city," she said.
However, in response to Stack's point, City Planning Manager Ryan Smith pointed out that it's a tough decision to make.
"Does it exceed a standard? Is it an architectural masterpiece? Well, no, certainly it's a utilitarian rental building and there needs to be some economies of scale when you build these type of buildings to keep them affordable," he said.
"I think it meets a compromise between an affordable building to build, and a building that will be a nice addition to the site."
The buildings would make up the first phase of the master development permit council approved last year, which would add nearly 500 total units in the future.
Plans also included a playground for kids, and outdoor fitness equipment for adults.
The permit was issued by a 6-2 vote – with only Charlie Hodge and Tracy Gray in opposition.
