Proponents of a new addition to the downtown skyline say it will be a bastion of health and serenity combining technology and tradition.

The 10-storey condo/commercial building at 89 York St. will be an architectural showpiece built to Feng shui principles, the traditional Chinese practice of harmonizing buildings with the environment.

It will also be a high-tech showpiece featuring London’s first automated parking system, one that will move vehicles by elevator to the third floor and deposit them into compact spaces.

The building will be constructed on a vacant lot that is the former site of the King Wah Asian food distributor.

It is being developed by Jing for Jing Ltd, founded by Dr. Edmund Lui, a professor at the Schulich School of Medicine at Western University

The building will be an amalgam of residential non-profit and commercial with a focus on health and well-being, Lui said.

“It’s not just a passive residence. The residents will part of a movement promoting healthy living and eating,” said Lui, who is known for research into incorporating traditional herbal medicines such as ginseng in the treatment of cancer, arthritis and cardiovascular diseases.

The building will feature “living walls,” water features and courtyards with public and semi-public spaces, he said.

The project has been delayed several times and the design has been modified from an original five-storey concept.

The project will require rezoning to allow higher density and will likely go before city council’s planning committee in December.

Jing for Jing hopes to create a new community hub with a alternative health focus, Lui said.

“I always interested in integration, bringing people together. This is a good opportunity to bring everything under one roof.”

hank.daniszewski@sunmedia.ca

twitter.com/HankatLFPress

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89 YORK ST. DEVELOPMENT

10-storey mixed-use building developed by Jing for Jing Ltd., designed by Endri Poletti Architect Inc. B health food restaurants and stores on first two floors.

London’s first automated parking garage on the third floor..

headquarters for London Global Health Connections, a non-profit group promoting health research and education, on fourth floor.

18-20 condo units on fifth to ninth floors.

community lounge for workshops, kitchen, patio and gym in penthouse.

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NEW TO LONDON