Proposed high-rise vying to become Kelowna's tallest building

Another day, another tower proposed for Kelowna.

Earlier this week, council approved a 42-storey tower that, if built, will be the tallest building in the city.

Planners have since received a brand new application for a 46-storey tower at 1464 to1476 Bertram Street.

Dubbed "2020" the building would sit next to the three Bernard Block towers currently under construction.

According to an application submitted to the City of Kelowna, the first 10-storeys of the tower would feature 70 permanent rental units.

The upper 30-storeys would be residential units, 54 of which are proposed to be three bedroom units, with the remaining suites on these levels being a variety of studios, one bedroom and two bedrooms.

Plans also call for retail and office spaces along Bertram Street as well as a daycare for 50 children.

A unique aspect of the project are the several proposed "co-living" homes throughout the building.

"These homes have independent bed/sitting rooms with a private bath along with common living and dining/kitchen as interactive spaces," states the application.

"This type of housing is attractive to students, seniors, and other like-minded friends that choose to live together as an affordable and desirable housing option."

With 276 homes proposed, city regulations call for a minimum of 304 parking stalls.

However, developers are hoping to reduce that to 270 stalls by providing six ride-sharing vehicles and over 400 bike storage spaces.

The stalls would be located in a parkade situated above the street level retail spaces and below the building's podium.

With the site's current zoning only permitting 12-storeys, the project will require a rezoning application that will trigger a public hearing.

It will likely be months before council first considers the project.