Two massive murals part of this Rutland apartment proposal

A new apartment complex proposed for the edge of downtown Rutland would add over 100 units to the area.

The purpose-built rental project is a revised submission of an earlier concept that had just 54 units spread over a three-storey building, according to planning documents submitted to city hall.

The new development proposes 106 suites over five floors. The building would be spread over two lots that will be consolidated - 285 Robson Rd. S and 280 Rutland Rd. S.

Currently, four single vacant homes sit on the properties.

The larger development was settled on to align “with the city’s effort to increase rental affordability and meet the high rental demand.”

Schematics details plans for a mix of studio, one-, and two-bedroom units, as well as amenity rooms and a common roof deck.

Given the unique roundness of the lot, the building design will skirt the outer edge, with parking in the centre. Plans call for a single level underground parkade.

The proposal includes two large murals on the side of the apartment building to help “enhance community character and highlight Rutland’s creative culture.”

“It is a great pleasure to be working with Uptown Rutland Business Association and we are super excited for incorporating local art masterpieces into the building design,” documents read. The current mural graphics shown in the renderings are placeholders.

The front of the building, which would face Rutland Road, would extend to five-storeys but be stepped back to limit the massing along the thoroughfare. The backside, facing Robson Road, would step down to three floors, to provide privacy to the single-family homes nearby.

“We believe that the proposed rental apartment project fits well into the fabric of this developing community and will help further alleviate the affordable housing issue Kelowna is currently facing,” the application states.

The application still needs a nod of approval from lawmakers before going ahead.