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City Council has approved zoning changes that would allow the construction of a 16-storey development in Edmonton's Old Strathcona neighbourhood. The contentious project received permission to move forward despite objections from city planners and community members.
The Mezzo, launched by WestOak Development, seeks to fill a gap in the housing supply by proposing over 200 residential units, including townhomes and 29 social housing units. Small commercial retail and office spaces would be accommodated within a brick base that echoes the Edwardian built form of the neighbourhood.
The building's architecture by RAW Design has been refined since the initial application was submitted. A protruding amenities box at the penthouse level has lost its yellow skin, while splashes of red have been added to the tower's overall envelope.
The project's podium and public realm contribution earned praise from planners, but the tower has been criticized as too blocky and overwhelming within the context of Old Strathcona. The Strathcona Area Redevelopment Plan limits building heights to six storeys. Last approved in 1998, the plan is undergoing a review that community members had hoped would preclude granting the green light to The Mezzo. Community members have voiced concerns that The Mezzo will alter the low-rise character of the area and set a precedent for higher towers.
WestOak is targeting a 2018 delivery date for the project, which would replace a parking lot, an abandoned house and church. Additional images and information can be found in the Database file linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum thread or leave a comment at the bottom of this page.
| Related Companies: | RAW Design |
