A rendering of a plan to revamp the old A&B Sound building in downtown Nanaimo. (Colin Harper Architect)

By Ian Holmes

advancing plan

Advisory panel impressed by plans to overhaul long closed A&B Sound building

May 13, 2022 | 1:29 PM

NANAIMO — A proposal to transform the dormant A&B sound building into a welcomed addition to downtown Nanaimo received extensive praise from an advisory committee.

The City’s Design Advisory Panel was largely complimentary of plans to vastly overhaul the existing building to include several uses, including a ground-level market and restaurant.

City Coun. and panel member Tyler Brown likes the sleek, modern-looking renderings of the building wedged between Wallace and Commercial streets and Terminal Ave.

“I generally think the building, especially with what you’re working with, looks great and (I) kind of highly support the vision that you’re going with,” Brown told the Thursday, May 12 meeting.

A development permit application under review at City Hall on behalf of owner Steiner Properties calls for features of an open Granville Island-style market with stalls and kiosks.

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The potential for a second restaurant is envisioned, while a desired childcare with adjoining rooftop patio is also proposed.

Space for two offices are also proposed.

Rezoning is not required as no alterations to the physical footprint of the being are being envisioned.

Brown sees the project as an important piece to help revitalize downtown.

“That Wallace St. connection I think crucial to connecting Victoria Crescent with this site and creating a more cohesive downtown.”

He suggested enhancements to entrances on the Wallace St. side and the market on Commercial St., which were formally suggested by the panel.

Projected uses for the old A&B Sound building in downtown Nanaimo is expected to feature a ground level market with multiple retail/kiosk booths and a restaurant. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Other suggestions from the panel involved landscaping enhancements and improved public access from the parking lot on Terminal Ave. to a planned staircase link to Wallace St.

A development permit and subsequent building permit need to be awarded for the project to proceed.

The old A&B Sound building closed in 2008 and has remained shuttered ever since. A City staff report noted the oldest portion of the building encompassing five lots was originally built in 1927.

Consideration for the design is tied into the City’s plans to revitalize the Terminal Ave. corridor called “The Hub.”

The project includes resurfacing Terminal Ave. between Esplanade past the Pearson St. bridge in a multi-year project to establish less of a highway feel with more pedestrian and active transportation amenities.

A cornerstone of “The Hub” is located directly across the street from the old A&B Sound building where the yet-to-be-determined defined usage of the former Jean Burns site lies.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes