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Kelowna  

Stober buys old KSS site

The City of Kelowna has finalized a deal for more than $6 million with Al Stober Construction Limited to purchase the remaining five parcels at the Central Green site.

Development of the former KSS site is expected to start as early as 2015.

“The City and the community worked together from 2008 to 2011 to create a comprehensive plan for Central Green that would guide its development,” says Mayor Walter Gray.

“The properties have been for sale since 2012, but we now have the right market conditions and a local developer that came to the table with an offer that will see the community’s vision for the site unfold.”

Located minutes from downtown and across from Kelowna Central School, the site is bordered by Harvey Avenue, Richter Street and Rowcliffe Avenue.

It is made up of nine parcels and was once the home of Kelowna Senior Secondary School. As part of the community planning process, it was established that the site would be a LEED certified neighbourhood using fewer resources, including water and energy.

It was also decided that 15 per cent of the site would be dedicated to affordable housing.

The parcels set aside for housing wrap around a two-hectare parcel dedicated for Rowcliffe Community Park. The park is scheduled for construction in 2017.

Al Stober Construction purchased the parcels known in the comprehensive development zone (CD22) as Areas A, B, C, D and G.

The company will begin the development permitting process in the coming months with the intention of constructing rental housing. This purpose-built rental housing meets an identified need for affordable housing and will help to fulfil a shortage of rental homes in the city.

“We are very excited at the opportunity to deliver a top quality residential development for this great location adjacent to Kelowna’s downtown,” says Steve Kumpf, General Manager for Al Stober Construction Limited.

“Our pedestrian-oriented development plan for Central Green creates a vibrant and livable neighborhood that includes a large community park and is a quick walk to the beach or downtown’s dining, shopping and central business district.”  

The City of Kelowna also sold Areas E and F to Davara Holding for $800,000 in 2013 to build a support centre for the Karis Support Society.

The project is currently under development and will include 30 units. Area H was provided to BC Housing and will be operated by the Ki-Lo-Na Friendship Society as an affordable housing development with 86 units. Area I will be developed as Rowcliffe Community Park.



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