One of the longest-anticipated transit-oriented developments in Edmonton is about to make another go at it. In a letter sent out to area residents dated February 6, GEC Architecture on behalf of co-developers Nearctic Property Group and Rockwell Investments outlines the latest redevelopment plans for Strathearn Heights.

Strathearn Heights concept sketch, image via Nearctic Property Group

The latest plans involve rezoning much of the site to standard zones that include RF6 (medium-density), RA7 (low-rise apartments), RA8 (mid-rise apartments), and RA9 (high-rise apartments).

According to the letter, recent updates to the zoning bylaw allow the developers to meet the desired outcomes in the original zoning under those standard zones.

Latest rezoning proposal, image via GEC Architecture

A direct-control zone (DC2) is proposed for the south portion of the site to accommodate mixed uses of residential buildings on top of retail and commercial uses, as well as a transit plaza adjacent to the Strathearn LRT stop.

Last year, Nearctic and Rockwell went to City Hall to try to work out a cost-sharing deal that would have seen the city chip in $13-million for roadway improvements, however they were unable to reach an agreement.

Original development proposal massing, image via Nearctic Property Group

Nearctic and Rockwell were forced to shelve the original 2007 Sturgess Architecture-designed plans after the global financial crisis in 2008, while an attempt to revive the project in 2013 - with some additional design work by Montreal-based NEUF architect(e)s - also fizzled out.

Strathearn Heights concept sketch, image via Nearctic Property Group

Market conditions have changed drastically since the original rezoning was passed, while an three additional transit-oriented developments have been approved on the southeast Valley Line (Holyrood Gardens, Bonnie Doon, and Mill Woods Town Centre) since then, which have further undercut the viability of the original Strathearn Heights zoning.

The site is currently home to 54 postwar townhouse buildings, image via Google Street View

The development team is hosting public information sessions on February 19 from 5-8pm, and on February 22 from 1-4pm, at Strathearn Centre, 9540 87 Street.

SkyriseEdmonton will continue to follow this project as it progresses. More information and images can be found in the database entry linked below. What do you think of the latest rezoning plans? Leave a comment below, or join the conversation in our Forum!