1.1K 
Following approval of the controversial Mezzo proposal last spring, residents worried about the changing face of Old Strathcona have had another battle on their hands, with an even larger proposal by ONE Properties eyed for the adjacent lot. With its rezoning application being considered by Council on January 23, Southpark on Whyte would straddle Whyte Avenue and 81st Avenue with four buildings, two of which would climb 18 storeys.
The site's breadth, with the proposed 840-unit development stretching across 106 Street, is ideal for a larger, mixed-use redevelopment. Occupied by the former Southpark Pontiac Buick GMC dealership, the lands have long been eyed for the kind of pedestrian-oriented complex that would accommodate a locally suitable array of retail. However, Councillor Ben Henderson, along with members of the community, are concerned that the towers would forever change the look and feel of the well-established shopping district.
With The Mezzo slated to rise in the immediate vicinity, Southpark on Whyte could be the first benefactor of the precedent set by that development, which leads some to worry that a wall of buildings may erupt along the corridor. And as Plan Whyte — a planning document designed to guide development in the neighbourhood — nears completion, the future of Old Strathcona is top of mind for many. In referencing the ongoing work for Plan Whyte, Henderson said in Metro News that approving developments like these now would make a mockery of the process, and suggested that the proposal should instead face scrutiny once work on the study is finished.
Addressing community anxiety, the proposal takes literal and figurative steps to alleviate unease over shadowing and the impact of the buildings' height. Although the project would overtake The Mezzo by about 10 metres, the building's tiered and stratified expression breaks up the massing into manageable and more sensitive chunks. Large terraces and angled balconies are abundant, ensuring no elevation is identical. The shorter four-storey segments will face Whyte Avenue with a barrage of retail greeting pedestrians, while the taller structures will be situated at the rear. The existing alley will be converted into a pedestrian mews, with street furniture fastening the buildings into the public realm. The renderings also indicate the development would spare the existing old-school car dealership signage and integrate the flashy marquee as a public art feature.
ONE Properties will have to begin construction on the development within 10 years if the rezoning application is approved. The developer has indicated they would file for development permits shortly thereafter, with a start date on the shorter half of the project estimated for late 2017.
Additional images and information can be found in the Database file linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion or share your photos? Check out the associated Forum thread or leave a comment at the bottom of this page.
