Years in the making and completely re-envisioned from an earlier proposal, an 83-unit condominium tower has been unveiled for Esquimalt’s Admirals Road and Constance Avenue precinct.

 

Referred to as Corvette Landing, the 12-storey ‘C’-shaped stepped design is eyed for several lots adjacent to the Naden Road entrance of Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt.

 

Edmonton-based Standing Stone Developments has pitched a unique architectural design for the tower, crafted by Vancouver-based Lang Wilson Practice in Architecture Culture, which utilizes engineered wood products and off-site construction methods.

 

Described by the proponent as “BC-produced mass-timber technology,” Corvette Landing’s unorthodox construction material and methods will require an exemption to the BC Building Code, according to staff at the Township of Esquimalt. In other words, once the project receives municipal approvals from Esquimalt, an additional layer of approvals will be required prior to the start of construction.

 

Designed to international Passiv Haus standards – a leading construction methodology for energy efficiency and sustainability – Corvette Landing will utilize external corridors to save energy, and include rooftop terraces together with an inner courtyard for residents in addition to its unique building materials and construction program.

 

Units will be in the form of studios and one, two and three-bedroom suites. 83 parking stalls will be provided in an underground parkade with 11 reserved for visitors.

 

The proposal is currently making its way through the municipal planning process and recently underwent a design panel review. An approvals vote is expected by mid-2018.

 

Esquimalt has seen a resurgence of interest among developers with multiple projects completed in recent years and a variety of mixed-use housing and commercial proposals at various stages of construction, pre-sales and planning.

 

Along Esquimalt Road near Dominion Road the six-storey, 30-unit Verde Green condominium is currently under construction and follows the recent completion of an avant-garde liquor store at the former site of the Tudor House Pub on Esquimalt at Admirals roads, which itself is kitty-corner to a recently-opened Red Barn Market grocery store.

 

Currently in pre-sales is a luxury waterfront development, dubbed Westbay Quay, slated for the foot of Head Street overlooking Victoria’s Inner Harbour. And along with Corvette Landing, Pacific Vista is another highrise condominium tower planned in the community for a key intersection at Head Street and Esquimalt Road. Adjacent to Esquimalt’s city hall a multi-phased condominium, rental apartment, office and retail development referred as the ‘town square’ project is now underway. Developer Aragon Properties is currently preparing the town square site for construction with the installation of geothermal heating components. Meanwhile the company is also planning another nearby project as part of a redevelopment of the English Inn site. Multiple condominium buildings and a restoration of the historic hotel have been proposed. C