Above-grade parking hobbles Edmonton’s tallest high-rise
Edmonton City Council’s green-lighting last month of the 45-storey Emerald condo tower slated for Jasper Avenue and 114 Street came amid controversy over both its height and the inclusion of above-grade parking.
The Emerald will be at least twice as tall as its neighbours and will become the city’s tallest building, eclipsing the Pearl, which stands at 36 storeys and was completed by the same developer last year. It will also be three times the height the lot was previously zoned for.
Many councillors, including the Mayor, and the City’s planning department and design committee opposed the development. According to Kalen Anderson, director of planning co-ordination, the planning branch were concerned that “the proposed density and corresponding design and amenity contribution did not fully recognize the increase in development rights being requested.”
