Seniors’ complex proposed for Eaux Claires
A local developer aims to build a new seniors’ assisted living complex, a hotel and two mid-rise condominium buildings next to the Eaux Claires transit centre in north Edmonton.
Entrepreneur Sadru Nazarali’s numbered company purchased land at 9503-157 Ave. 12 years ago with the intent of building seniors’ housing that would allow older adults to age in place, he said.
“This project was not done in isolation, but (in) complete consultation with city’s departments, as well as the neighbourhood. It is really important for us that we listen to the neighbours,” Nazarali said on Saturday. The land is currently zoned as agricultural, and sits north of the Belle Rive Ismaili place of worship and the Clearwater Plaza shopping complex.
A 165-unit, five-storey housing complex for seniors would sit on the south end of the parcel, and is Nazarali’s priority. He’d like to have shovels in the ground within a year of gaining approvals from the city.
For the rest of the land, he may enter into joint venture projects, or sell the land to developers. His proposal includes a 12-storey hotel, a 14-storey condominium building with 103 units, and a second 14-storey condo building connected to row housing at the base, with a total of 112 units. About 85 per cent of the parking for residents would be underground, says a letter sent to neighbours in August.
Each structure could cost about $40 million, Nazarali said.
He hopes the project’s proximity to the transit station and a grocery store will attract both seniors and families.
The proposal for high-density buildings requires council to rezone the land, and changes to the Eaux Claires neighbourhood structure plan, said a notice from the City of Edmonton.
Belle Rive resident Ray Costley said Saturday housing for seniors would be a welcome addition to the area, and its position next to buses and groceries would be ideal.
He’s not sure how he feels about 14-storey buildings. If the towers were much taller, his neighbours would likely push back, he said.
Area city Coun. Jon Dziadyk said he likes the idea of a project that meets demand for seniors’ housing, and that potentially brings visitors to north Edmonton. It fits with the city’s strategy to encourage transit-oriented development, and could help increase commercial activity on 97 Street, he said.
“I think people should be able to age in place without moving to a completely different part of the city,” he said.
However, the developer will need a plan to deal with stormwater runoff, he said. A storm pond on land east of the proposed development isn’t large enough, and the developer will have to present a permanent solution to earn a building permit from the city, he said.
The city is hosting a public information session about the project Thursday in Griesbach. Nazarali said he’s been working with the Evansdale Community League for years, and adjusted the project’s design in response to feedback from neighbours. Towers would be set back from houses to prevent shadows, and pedestrians would have access to paths leading to nearby shops.
The information meeting is Nov. 16, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Major General Griesbach School at 304 Griesbach School Road.