Five-storey residential and commercial build planned on Northfield Rd.

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A view of the project from Northfield Rd. (Image Credit: Rafii Architects Inc.)

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Five-storey residential and commercial build planned on Northfield Rd.

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Eight studio apartments, 17 one-bedroom, 57 two-bedroom, and 13 three-bedroom units are planned, with several also featuring dens.

The residential units would be staged towards the back of the property, with two-storeys of commercial space fronting on Northfield Rd.

Binder said designers were keen to separate the two as much as possible to ensure those accessing the businesses aren’t invading the privacy of the residents.

He added nearby amenities, including recreation at Beban Park, shopping and transit makes the location ideal for this type of development.

“We feel that these units will be in high demand just because of location, and we also feel that the building will fit in with the future developments proposed to be constructed just down the road on Northfield. The difference is those are all designated as rentals, so we think that this development will complement the neighbourhood as it continues to develop.”

Pedestrian access from Northfield Rd. towards Beban Park is included in this design, but full connectivity is contingent on the development of a neighbouring property to the north.

Parking on site would feature surface-level visitor spaces, as well as covered and underground spots specifically for residents.

Considerable bike storage is also planned.

A layout of the building on the property, with Beban Plaza immediately to the west. (Image Credit: Rafii Architects Inc.)

Foad Rafii, of Rafii Architects Inc., said the overall footprint of the building on the site was the result of the lot shape, an ‘L’, as well as ensuring proper setbacks for the building ahead of future development of surrounding properties.

Use of the commercial space is flexible, according to Rafii.

“It’s designed as such that it could be used by one entity leasing the whole thing or could be easily divided into multiple storefronts with the multiple entrances that have been provided up front on the street side.”

The City’s Design Advisory Panel, which reviews projects for form and character only, made 11 recommendations.

Included were suggestions to add a green roof or hedging to the top of the commercial portion of the build to hide mechanical elements.

Adjustments to the outdoor amenity layout were also recommended.

A proposed height variance, from 18 metres to 20.2 metres was also supported.

City Council will review the proposal, including parking, traffic, commercial, and other impacts, at a future meeting ahead of potentially issuing a development permit for the project.

A mix of residential and commercial space is planned, with separation for residents from the traffic generated by the office or retail space. (Image Credit: Rafii Architects Inc.)

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