Massive Leon Ave. residential development about to rise

Work on what will be the tallest building between Calgary and Vancouver is expected to begin soon in downtown Kelowna.

It’s part of the Water Street by the Park development on Leon Avenue by Kelowna-based developer Orchard Park Properties (OPP).

“The demand for new homes in Kelowna is just incredible and it’s coming from all directions,” OPP co-founder Anthony Beyrouti said.

His company has submitted its building permit application for the development to city hall to begin work on the first two high rises on the north side of Leon. Construction is expected to begin in early 2022.

Tower Two, named The Eli, will claim the tallest building honours when it tops out at 42 floors, or 434 feet.

“Site clearing and preparation has now begun for the lakeside development that is set to become the most striking residential landmark in Kelowna’s skyline,” a news release said.

Tower One, which has yet to be built, is sold out and more than 200 units have been sold in The Eli.

“Our buyers include Kelowna residents who already know and love this city and want that magnificent view they’ve dreamed about for years, as well as people who have vacationed here before … ,” Beyrouti added.

The development is quite complex and includes a large recreation and lifestyle area on the sixth floor for socializing and special events. Outdoors, it features a heated pool, hot tubs, a putting green, barbeques, fire pits, community green space with outdoor dining and entertainment areas, and a dog run.

Inside, the project includes an art room, sauna, steam room, golf simulator, fitness centre, dog spa station, co-working space, and theatre room.

The base of the towers will include retail and office space. A pedestrian bridge will also connect the north and south portions of the development across Leon Avenue. A 24-storey building with an 18-floor hotel is slated for the third tower.