VANCOUVER — Preliminary architectural renderings of a controversial 12-storey tower on Commercial Drive have been released.

The renderings were released by the project's co-developers: the non-profit Kettle Society and Vancouver's Boffo Properties.

The tower is opposed by the No Tower at Venables and Commercial Coalition, which believes a large tower at that corner is out of character and out of place with the neighbourhood.

But the tower does have its supporters, because it's a mixed-use project with a sizeable social housing component.

No proposal has been submitted to the city yet, but developer Daniel Boffo said the plan is for 150-200 market units and 30 social housing units run by the Kettle Friendship Society, which works with people with mental illness.

He said Thursday that the renderings were released because "we've heard a lot of keen interest in the project and we wanted to provide those who expressed interest with what we have in mind."

Boffo also said the next step is to await the city's release of the draft community plan for Grandview-Woodland in April.

"We'll continue getting feedback from the community. We're looking for a rezoning application as soon as possible."

The cost would be $95 million, and the market units would pay for the social housing units, as part of the city's community amenity contribution program.

The Kettle has been on the Drive for four decades, and operates a drop-in centre on part of the development site.

The proponent also said the tower would help families looking to move to Grandview-Woodland, along with seniors hoping to age in place.

bmorton@postmedia.com