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Kelowna  

Castanet building revealed

City council has had a chance to review the plan for Castanet's new home in downtown Kelowna.

And the reaction Monday was all positive.

Council approved a development permit for the company's new building at 451-455 Lawrence Ave., next to the Blue Gator.

Two buildings on the site, a home constructed in 1915 and a commercial addition built in 1951, will be removed to make way for the two-storey brick building.

Worman Homes will be in charge of construction.

Castanet studios would occupy much of the two storeys, with two additional retail spaces opening out to the parking lot at the corner of Lawrence Avenue and Ellis Street.

"I am particularly pleased with this design with the opening of some retail outlets on the east side of the property toward the parking lot," said Coun. Luke Stack.

"To me, this is the perfect type of infill. Not only are we putting a beautiful new structure, which is complementary to our downtown design, it's also expanding some of the retail walkability of the area. That's nothing but good."

A third-storey penthouse is also included in the design, although it would be set back so as not be be seen from street level. A rooftop patio is also part of the design.

"This is an exciting development in the evolution of Castanet," director of content Jon Manchester said after the council meeting.

"While other media are shrinking, we are growing. This is a significant investment in the future of downtown Kelowna and in the local news media. We can't wait to move in."

The brick design will be similar in design to the FH&P Lawyers building beside the downtown firehall on Lawrence Avenue.

"Overall, I would say this is another vote of confidence for downtown Kelowna. I am very encouraged to see this development going ahead," Stack added.

"We've been looking at that ... lot downtown for, I don't know how many years. It's a real eyesore," said Coun. Maxine DeHart.

"I know all of us have been asking, when will that be developed. Here we go today with a very beautiful development with a courtyard. I am really excited. I am really happy to see this."

The only concern was voiced by Coun. Tracy Gray, who wondered if the space was being used to its fullest potential.

"The proposal is far less than what the maximum height could have been. It makes me wonder whether we are under-developing this site," said Gray.

"We do want to have development and densification," she added.

Mayor Colin Basran said the development offers more exciting times for the revitalization of downtown Kelowna.

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