A significant redevelopment effort along the 400-block of Niagara Street between Menzies and Croft streets in Victoria’s James Bay neighbourhood could deliver over 250 homes once built-out.

 

 

Developer Village Green Apartments Holdings Ltd. has submitted plans to the City of Victoria for the first phase of what is envisioned as a two phase rental project south of the neighbourhood’s commercial hub, James Bay Square.

 

The proponent is seeking to rezone the property in order to pursue a density that will yield 131-units in layouts ranging from studios to three-bedrooms suites. As per a series of architectural plans, a backwards-C footprint will rise between four and six-storeys, with two four-storey sides fronting onto Niagara and Menzies streets, and a six-storey wing rising parallel with the north end of the property along Menzies Street.

 

The second phase, at Niagara and Croft streets, is depicted as similar in design if not an inverted version of the first phase, and will be pursued at a later date.

 

Parking will be in the form of an underground parkade accommodating 115 vehicles, including 10 visitor stalls. An internal courtyard will be landscaped and made available to residents.

 

The project’s first phase will displace the 60-year-old Village Green apartments comprised of 44 two-bedroom units and a single one-bedroom unit.

 

The developer will initiate a tenant relocation plan that will compensate residents based on the length of time they’ve resided at Village Green. Residents who’ve lived in the building upwards of four years will receive three months of rent. An additional month of rent will be paid to residents of five-to-nine years. Five months will be paid to residents of 10-to-19 years, and six months for residents of 20-plus years.

 

Moving expenses of $500 for the single one-bedroom suite and $750 for two-bedroom suites will also be provided, as will tenant relocation services, the first right of refusal for residents to move back into the redeveloped building, while additional services for tenants with specific needs will be accommodated. C

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