The developers of One Water, a project that will see the development of Kelowna's tallest two condos, are ecstatic to get approval from council.
A development permit for the buildings, which will stand 29 and 36 storeys tall, was given the green light on Tuesday.
The buildings, which are being developed by North American Development Group and Kerkhoff Construction, will replace what’s been known by some as the ‘dirt pile’ at the corner of Ellis St. and Water St.
Leonard Kerkhoff, Vice President of Kerkhoff Construction, says they were expecting the project to get approved.
“We’ve worked closely with staff as well as council over the last several months, getting their support, working through their requests and we’ve developed an amazing project that basically met every one of their conditions they were looking for,” he says “so absolutely we were hoeful for their approval.”
He says about 4,000 people- 60% of whom are local- have already inquired about buying one of the over 400 units the buildings will hold.
“It’s the suburban retirees, move down buyers, that are interested in this project, getting closer to downtown,” Kerkhoff says “The walkability, level access without stairs, elevator, the amenities, that’s what the retirees and downsizers and looking for.”
The two buildings will be connected at the bottom with a three-storey podium that will have commercial businesses on the ground floor and amenities, including two pools, a hot tub, green space and barbeque area, on the third.
Units in the building vary in price, from $290,000 for a studio to just over $1,700,000 for a penthouse.
“We need to cater to first-time buyers, investors, retirees, just a lot of different dynamics, when you have 403 units you do want to make sure you have variety,” said Kerkhoff.
With final approval, sales will begin on September 29. If all goes according to plan, Kerkhoff says they will clear the ‘dirt pile’ by the end of this year and begin construction on phase one, which includes the podium and the 36 storey building, in spring.
Phase one is expected to be move in ready by 2021.
The following pictures show the showroom of a two bedroom:
