A view of a portion of a new all-residential development looking south on Chapel St. (City of Nanaimo)

By Ian Holmes

downtown density

Three six-storey residential buildings approved across from Nanaimo courthouse

Apr 18, 2023 | 2:03 PM

NANAIMO —A significant downtown Nanaimo development would transform a pair of parking lots into nearly 160 homes, with about half of the suites planned to be rental units.

City councillors on Monday, April 17 unanimously approved a development permit for three buildings to be constructed at 77 Chapel St., all of them six stories high.

Should construction proceed as expected, the 157-unit development would replace a parkade and adjoining surface parking lot directly across from Chapel St. side of the Nanaimo courthouse.

The City’s director of development approvals Jeremy Holm said the project fits various applicable design guidelines.

“Design-wise it does present well on the street, provides opportunity for public plazas as well an internal private courtyard, as well as roof-top amenity areas.”

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Design plans showed the 84-unit rental building would be situated at the north end of the triangular-shaped lot, between the courthouse and Gina’s Mexican Cafe.

Two strata buildings would be placed adjacent to each other at the widened portion of the lot — one building would front Chapel St., the other off Skinner St.

Aerial map outlines what a notable residential development in downtown Nanaimo will look like. (City of Nanaimo)

Underground parking three storeys deep would serve the entire development, accessible from Skinner St.

One hundred and sixty five parking stalls are included, far exceeding the 95-stall requirement.

A pair of public plazas are planned on the Chapel St. side, as is a public art component, according to a City staff report.

This isn’t the first time 77 Chapel St. has been eyed for development.

A previous land owner received a development permit in 2019 under the previous City Council for a 24-storey multi-use tower.

However, the development permit lapsed and the property was later sold.

Coun. Ben Geselbracht said he’s “very excited” about the present-day development, believing it’s an upgrade on the previously approved project.

“This type of multi-family development in the heart of downtown is exactly what we need. I think the six-storey buildings are great as opposed to a 24-storey condo high-rise.”

While supportive of the project, councillors Janice Perrino and Paul Manly each stated concerns about the loss of downtown parking as a result.

A building permit is still required for construction to begin.

This surface parking lot directly across from the Nanaimo courthouse and a neighbouring parkade is poised to be converted into housing. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes