A newly formed development firm has garnered its first proposal green light with City of Victoria council’s decision to support a 34-unit townhome concept in the Burnside-Gorge neighbourhood.

 

 

Formwell Homes’ project at 3080-3090 Washington Avenue will deliver a variety of layouts in two-to-four-bedroom floorplans in the form of two and three-storey buildings in place of three single-family-homes. Residences will range from 1,200 to 1,500 square feet.

 

Victoria’s approval of Formwell's vision comes amid a strong political and market desire for ‘missing middle’ housing, a term commonly used to describe townhome and rowhome-styled developments which are popular with families yet make up the smallest percentage of housing stock between stalwarts like single-family-homes and apartments or condominiums.

 

“I am heartened to see such strong support from Victoria City Council on the Washington proposal. Through this approval, 34 families will have access to important missing middle housing that otherwise wouldn’t be available in the Burnside-Gorge community,” said Formwell Homes' co-founder, Sam Ganong. “This project directly responds to the need for important housing diversification in the area, providing family-oriented townhomes that are in a central location with close access to a range of amenities.”

 

Alongside the project, Formwell will help fund the Doric Greenway Connection, a statutory right-of-way connection for pedestrians and cyclists between Cecilia Ravine Park and the Galloping Goose Regional Trail. 

 

“With the establishment of a new stretch along the Doric Greenway Connection, residents and users of the area will benefit from a safer, more comfortable walking and cycling connection to the Galloping Goose Trail and Cecilia Ravine Park. We are thrilled council saw our vision for the formerly three single-family lots and delivered on this outcome,” said Ganong.

 

Ganong confirms the project is slated for a marketing and sales start this fall, with construction expected to get underway by late 2021 and wrap up within two years.

 

Designed in collaboration with MJM Architecture and Zebra Design, Formwell's family-inspired offerings will feature traditionally-inspired architecture with private outdoor spaces and garages allocated to each residence, with select layouts featuring private balconies accessible from main living areas. The 3000-block of Washington Avenue is within walking distance to multiple retail amenities, employment hubs and community services.

 

Formwell is currently pursuing approvals for several additional proposals within the City of Victoria and the District of Saanich which include multi-unit residential complexes and townhomes. C

 

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