It would kind of stick out on this part of the street but I still think it should be allowed. The first 3 or 4 stories can be built to compliment the existing buildings but the rest is going to look different whether it's 8 stories or 20. I live in the area and I'm fine with it.
We have to add density along our commercial corridors. It's part of our plan to handle population growth in a sustainable way. We can add a certain amount by rebuilding vacant lots and repopulating vacant buildings, but that won't meet our targets. If we are going to add significant density to downtown, building heights have to go up. If not here, then where? There are only so many streets.
While I don't agree with the decision, I am impressed that the city is considering heritage and urban design aspects and not just developer $$$. I don't know if it was because of the design review panel or there were 'activists' involved or if this was just planning staff doing their job. I hope they can use this kind of fortitude to keep more buildings standing.
Last edited by Jon Dalton; Feb 27, 2015 at 7:04 PM.
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