Multi-use building gets initial approval in Kelowna

A new multi-use development close to the Kelowna waterfront is one step closer to becoming a reality.

The Shore, at 3461 Lakeshore Road, has received its development permit and the rezoning process has been completed.

A rezone of adjacent property, owned by FortisBC, is also underway in order to accommodate additional parking for the development.

They expect to break ground on the project this summer, although preparation of the site has begun. The ground work that needs to be complete before construction will be extensive because the site is so close to the water table.

The next step will be an application for building specific permits.

The 105,000-square-foot building to-be, promises spots for people to live, work, shop, eat and play.

Meghan O’Mara with HM Commercial said there has been a huge amount of support for the project.

“City staff and counsellors, prospective tenants both retail and office, and the general public have provided great feedback regarding excitement about what The Shore will do for the lower Mission area of Kelowna,” she said. “The calibre of this project really represents a bigger picture, which is a cultural shift that has been occurring in Kelowna over the past couple of years.

“The developer has invested in, and committed to a state-of-the-art development with very unique design features in order to create a vibrant, landmark destination for live, work and play.”

O’Mara has been working on the front lines, setting prospective tenants up with space.

So far, a 4,500-square-foot craft beer restaurant has already committed to the site.

“We had multiple offers from tenants for the anchor restaurant/patio position and went with a group out of Alberta who has a number of impressive independent brands, due to an attraction to their concept and business plan,” O’Mara explained.

At this time over 60% of the retail is either leased or pending, as is 80% of the office space.

The bottom level will offer 20,500 square feet of retail space spread over two podiums with a courtyard opening up onto Lakeshore Road.

The 18,500-square-foot second floor of The Shore will have space for 90 residential units, which O'Mara said will incorporate a seasonal component to accommodate vacationers.

The building is scheduled to open in the Lower Mission during the summer of 2018.