Two residential towers are proposed for the future buildout of the near-block sized Safeway redevelopment in Coquitlam’s Austin Heights neighbourhood.

A rezoning application for the site at 1029-1033 Austin Avenue, a 2.27-acre site at the northeast corner of the intersection of Austin Avenue and Nelson Street, has been submitted by Beedie Living.

Existing condition

Future condition

The design created by Chris Dikeakos Architects calls for the construction of two towers – 26 and 27 storeys, respectively – that will wedge a new Safeway store currently under construction within a mid-block parcel.

The west tower will have 170 homes while the taller east tower will contain 186 homes for a total of 356 residential units, with the unit mix comprising of 167 one-bedroom units, 153 two-bedroom units, 32 three-bedroom units, and four four-bedroom units.

The developer is proposing to set aside at least 10 of the units within the east podium for non-market rental housing.

Amenity spaces include indoor areas in each tower containing a fitness centre, sauna, steam room, and kitchen. As for the large podium rooftop, it will become an outdoor amenity area with seating areas, kitchen and eating area, fireplace, lounge, children’s play space, and spaces for activities such as frisbee lawn, lounge, bocce court, table tennis, and yoga.

Most of the site is occupied by the Safeway store, which will reach completion in the summer of 2019. A large plaza is planned at the intersection of Austin Avenue and Nelston Street to act as the new main entrance into the new store.

These towers will be some of the tallest in the immediate area, according to the recently approved Austin Heights Neighbourhood Plan.

“The towers are designed to be landmarks in Austin Heights to reflect the central prominence of the site and neighbourhood. The tower tops are designed to respond to the natural features of the site that gradually slope towards the Fraser River,” reads a City staff report.

“The top three levels of the towers gradually step back to sculpt the tower top, provide expression in Coquitlam’s skyline, and establish a sister relationship between the two towers. Strong vertical elements in the towers reinforce the relationship between them.”

Ample parking is proposed; there will be 741 parking stalls, including 199 stalls for Safeway, and 470 bike parking spaces.

With the 65,000 sq. ft. grocery store included, the project’s total floor area spans 393,001 sq. ft., giving it a floor area ratio (FAR) density of 3.97 FAR.

If approved, the developer will provide the city with $5.18 million in density bonus funds and $742,000 for its community amenity contribution.

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