Mega-bar developer to appeal after city rejects applications

The company behind applications for two downtown mega-bars says it’s not giving up the fight after the city earlier this month rejected the proposal.

Urban Sparq, an Edmonton hospitality company that owns Knoxville’s Tavern and Denizen Hall among other downtown bars, has launched an appeal that will be heard in the fall by the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board.

The decision to reject the application was praised by Coun. Scott McKeen, who represents the downtown area, and the Downtown Community League, which said it was concerned by the scale of the project and the lack of consultation by the applicant.

“We are listening to the community and we will ensure all reasonable management practices are in place to minimize community concerns,” Urban Sparq senior manager Brendan Crooks said in a statement.

Edmonton’s sustainable development department announced Aug. 11 they had rejected the 400-person-capacity bar proposed for the base of the Fox Two condo tower on 104 Street and 102 Avenue. A live music venue proposed for 109 Street and 102 Avenue, which would hold 1,400 patrons, was also rejected.

At the time, officials said the projects would interfere with the enjoyment and value of neighbouring properties and the proposal didn’t conform to special downtown zoning regulations.

Urban Sparq said the 104 Street proposal is “on par with recently opened and approved pubs” within a five-block radius of the site.

With Rogers Place set to open in September, the pub “would add to the core’s vibrancy” as eventgoers visit downtown to attend events, Crooks said.