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Like most cities that experienced growth spurts in the midst of the automobile age, Edmonton's built landscape was largely manufactured with cars in mind. But megaprojects like the Ice District are changing the composition of the downtown core quickly, and developments just outside the city centre are turning auto-centric land uses into pedestrian-scaled hubs of activity. A new multi-block project by WAM Development looks to convert the former Southpark Pontiac Buick GMC dealership lands on Whyte Avenue into a vibrant mixed-use destination.
South Park on Whyte calls for the rezoning of four properties at 106 Street to permit a wealth of residential, office, and retail space. Commercial ground-level frontages along Whyte Avenue would activate the streetscape while offices and studios are perched above. On 81 Street, which runs parallel to Whyte Avenue, townhomes and a possible 18-storey tower would be developed. In total, the project could see approximately 1,200 residential units if fully built out.
Dozens of intrigued Edmontonians, including our very own Forum contributor Daveography, turned out to a community information session on Saturday. The event produced some additional details and images of the Stantec-designed proposal. An existing laneway bisecting the site would be the target of several urban-minded measures that will ensure the space is animated and well lit, and the possible inclusion of live-work units was discussed.
The single-detached dwelling occupying the corner of 106 Street and 81 Avenue has not yet been acquired. As a result, two renderings for that corner have been created, with one showing the townhome typology continuing up to the intersection. The specifications and design of the project will not be finalized anytime soon; the proposal still needs to traverse the local planning process and obtain zoning approvals and amendments to the Garneau and Strathcona area redevelopment plans. Optimistic timelines indicate the development could be fully complete within five years of ground breaking. It would represent a significant shift in uses for the site, but there would be at least one vestige of its past: WAM Development hopes to retain the dealership's iconic neon sign that has stood at the location for decades.
Additional images and information can be found in the Database file linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion or share your photos? Check out the associated Forum thread or leave a comment at the bottom of this page.
