After a series of delays and ownership changes, the development project formerly known as Glenora Skyline is one step closer to becoming reality.
Edmonton City Council approved rezoning Monday, clearing the way for a development that will be mixed-use residential, retail and office space.
Monday’s council decision means InHouse – a division of Beaverbrook – could have building permits for the West Block project by September, with the first phase of construction starting in October.
“I think people will appreciate the modern yet timeless architectural style expression we have introduced,” InHouse principal Ryan Smith said.
“We have rearranged the spaces on the site to really highlight our urban square with restaurants, cafés, patios and boutique or speciality stores and services.”
InHouse believes the new design is more functional than previous plans and will transform “this corner into a hub of activity for Glenora residents.”
READ MORE: Luxury condo development in Glenora stalls due to legal issues
For years, the site sat idle.
In February 2015, the city said it was having conversations with the owners, encouraging them to recommence construction of the planned three-tower development near 142 Street and Stony Plain Road.
The development company encountered financial and legal issues including mortgages and lien holders. The Glenora Skyline Development Corporation declined a request from Global News for comment, however the president of the MK group of companies – which is facilitating the acquisition – said the legal issues are being dealt with and a resolution could happen by mid-March.
Area residents and business owners expressed concerns with the delays and described the construction site as “an eyesore.”
In March 2015, Beaverbrook took over ownership of the development.
READ MORE: Glenora Skyline project to restart under new ownership
A report to city council Monday showed the Glenora Skyline project would include 550 units, three residential towers and a publicly-accessible “urban square.” There would also be opportunity for a seniors housing development.
The rezoning decision supports the city’s The Way We Grow plan, diversifying housing opportunities in the area, offering community green space and increasing density next to a planned LRT station.
Property owners in the Glenora and Grovenor neighbourhoods received letters in June 2015 notifying them of the proposed changes.
InHouse said the development will include a glass 16-storey tower with floor-to-ceiling windows, large terraces with views of the river valley. The Glenora Skyline project will also include a three-storey commercial building with office space. The base of each tower includes retail use, landscaping and seating areas.
“We know that development in this area has been a point of frustration for community members and municipal authorities,” Beaverbrook CEO George CAntalini said.
“We’ve listened to their feedback and incorporated it into the vision of this project. We’re confident the West Block project exceeds expectations.”
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