Developer Amacon has made a few changes to its planned development at the former site of Grandin Park Plaza, which will see fewer high-rises erected at the site.
Amacon is looking to create an urban village with 17 buildings, including three high-rise towers, boutique shop, a grocery store and underground parking on the former mall site.
Much of the western portion of the mall is already gone, having been demolished in August. The developer is now planning to continue demolition throughout the fall and winter season, removing portions of the remaining mall and parking structure to the rear of the site.
“Upon completion, all demolished structures will be removed from the site leaving Scotiabank as a stand-alone building in addition to the office tower,” wrote Simon Taylor, development manager, in an email to the Gazette.
Amacon revealed its plans for the site in late March but ideas for its redevelopment have existed for much longer.
The company originally purchased Grandin mall in 2007 with the intention of redeveloping the site as a mixed commercial and residential community. At the time, it secured a building permit for 1,200 residential units and 14,500 square feet of commercial space.
The development envisioned the demolition of the mall, including the office building and the development of five towers, the tallest of which was to be 19 storeys.
The company has since revisited and modernized its plans.
Amacon is now planning for three towers instead of five as well as a number of smaller, mid-size buildings for mixed residential and commercial use.
The number of residential units will remain the same, housing around 2,800 people, while commercial space will grow by another 5,000 square feet. Full completion of the project is expected by 2025.
First phase of construction
This winter, Amacon is looking to prepare two development permit applications for the first phase of development – buildings B and C. Building C is expected to be a five-storey residential development located to the rear of the site facing Grenadier Park.
The building will sit near the former site of the parkade, wrote Taylor.
Building B will be located just north of Building C. This building will also have five storeys but consist of a mix of residential and commercial uses.
Construction of both buildings is expected to begin in the spring of 2015, pending approval by the city.
The Scotiabank and adjoining SHAVA bookstore, as well as businesses in the office tower and Little Einstein’s Daycare are expected to remain open through the first phase of construction.
“Amacon is excited to move forward with this project,” wrote Taylor.
The developer will continue to post updates on the construction process online at grandinmallredevelopment.com. A complete look at the proposed development is available on the website.
