Kelowna's future tallest buildings just got taller

Kelowna’s future tallest buildings just got a little taller.

Ahead of an open house for the project, dubbed One Water Street, it’s been revealed that the buildings will be taller than originally planned.

Instead of the originally planned 27 and 35 storey towers, they will now be slightly thinner buildings that have 29 and 36 storeys.

North American Development Group (NADG) and Kerkhoff Construction, the two developers behind the project, made the announcement on Monday.

“If approved by the City, One Water Street’s two proposed towers will be the tallest towers between Metro Vancouver and Calgary at 36 and 29 storeys respectively,” said the developer’s press release. “The developers and architect have chosen to go with a taller, thinner design to create the most optimal views for homeowners while providing the best view corridors between the buildings for its neighbours.”

The two towers will be located at Sunset Drive and Water Street, right across the street from Prospera Place where a mound of dirt has been sitting untouched for the past decade.

The future towers, one of which will be the tallest building between Calgary and Metro Vancouver, will be named One Water Street.

The name is supposed to reflect the address, proximity to the lake and its downtown urban Okanagan feel.

“We want these buildings to be distinctive and beautiful, something that stands out among downtown Kelowna’s skyline and enhances it,” says Don Kasian, president of Kasian Architecture, the firm that designed the buildings. “We believe this design will create an iconic element to the skyline while preserving the views that are loved by locals and visitors.”

More information and images of the future towers will be unveiled at an open house on June 7th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Laurel Packinghouse.