Townline has confirmed that a revised design for its Hudson Place One project has been submitted meeting the City’s maximum height requirement of 72 [meters]. Hudson Place One has now been reduced to 25-storeys while retaining the same architectural design language prominent in its first submission.

 

“We are now sitting 7mm under the 72m height maximum, not including the mechanical penthouse and the proposed architectural features.” said Justin Filuk, Townline’s Director of Development.

 

The revised project now features 176 suites, down from its previously proposed 178-count, achieved by making adjustments to the building’s floorplates and suite sizes. The building remains designed to appeal to a wide demographic of end users including first-time and move-up buyers with and without families, empty-nesters and downsizers, as well as investors looking for a convenient and vibrant downtown lifestyle.

 

When asked about the height variance and City approval process, Filuk commented that “there was as much excitement about the building as there was concern about the implications as far as the OCP and DCAP go. Pursuing the height variance meant the possibility of a long and ambiguous approval process which we wanted to avoid. Given the strength of the market, the huge demand we are seeing for the Hudson District and the immediate need for market condominiums in Victoria, a decision was made to move forward as quickly as possible.”

 

Townline submitted plans in July for a 29-storey tower citing strong design for the two-phase project as the primary rationale for the additional height. Architect Foad Rafii was challenged in trying to achieve a sensible design at the lower podium level that would enhance the pedestrian experience, given the significant density awarded on the site.

 

“Since 2006, we have been deeply invested in the Victoria market, building and planning our popular Hudson District. To date, four residential buildings have been completed, adding over 550 homes to this diverse, pedestrian-friendly master planned community. We now look forward to moving ahead with Hudson Place One, which in addition to market homes, will include over 7,000 sq. ft. of exclusive amenity space.”

 

Overall, the new building concept has retained the same architectural design significance and appeal as the initial submission, deriving elements from the iconic Hudson building into a more contemporary look. Warm brick and natural wood materials have been combined with stylish glass and modern metal architectural components which complement and enhance the historical significance of the site, along with Victoria’s rich, traditional architecture and heritage themes, prevalent throughout the city. Large outdoor terraces with exterior foliage and trees, designed to represent ‘sky gardens’, have also been implemented into the building’s exterior design.

 

Townline expects to start construction of the Hudson Place One Presentation Centre in Hudson Walk One’s street-level retail space in early 2018, with its sales launch anticipated for late Summer / Early Fall 2018. C