Redevelopment is moving ahead for a high-profile property in downtown Vernon.

City council has supported a development variance permit for the old legion property on 31st Avenue so a residential/commercial complex can be constructed.

“I think this is a fantastic project for Vernon,” said Coun. Brian Quiring.

The main floor of the $12.5 million project will have 12,100-square-feet of commercial space while there will be 17,700-square-feet in underground parking.

On the upper five floors, there will be 70 units of seniors supportive housing. The services available to residents would include a 24-hour emergency call program, an on-site general manger, on-site recreation co-ordinator, on-site maintenance co-ordinator, housekeeping, laundry services and food services.

“It’s a great project for the location. It will be good for the city,” said Robert Maddigan, who is part of the development team.

The goal is to provide affordable housing to seniors and not target higher income individuals.

“It’s not a cruise ship,” said Terry Collier, an Alberta professor involved in programming for the facility.

The variances relate to the height of the building and parking.