Students, young couples target of proposed Rutland development

A 161-unit residential project pitched for Rutland is focused on addressing the urgent need for affordable housing in Kelowna.

That according to documents submitted to city hall, detailing plans for the six-floor build on the corner of Highway 33 and Barber Road.

“The project has a specific focus of providing units that would be geared towards students and young couples,” Calgary-based architecture firm MTA wrote.

The project encompasses a mixture of studio, one-, and two-bedroom units. The two-bedroom units would be offered in both single- and two-level configurations.

Vehicle and bike parking would be split between a two-level underground parkade.

Amenity space would be housed on the main floor, while the roof would incorporate a shared outdoor space.

The company is also asking to reduce the required amount of commercial space along Highway 33 from 90 per cent to zero. It cites the bounty of retail operations directly beside the project and difficult access and frontage of the building.

The project still needs to circulate city hall before coming before lawmakers for further approvals.