Council approved a development permit for a new mixed-use four-storey building in Squamish's downtown core on Tuesday (July 17), paving the way for the first new building on the historic business section of Cleveland Avenue in at least three decades.
The building for 38144 Cleveland Ave. would feature 1,500 sq. ft. storefront retail space, 4,709 sq. ft. office space, and approximately 8,500 sq. ft. set aside for residential.
"That would be broken up into eight one-bedroom suites and two loft-style apartments," said developer Basil Milne.
It would also include 15 indoor parking stalls and an interior courtyard and will be an infill project, something council voiced unanimous to support.
"It's great to see some of those empty lots downtown get developed," said Coun. Patricia Heintzman.
Half of the space for the proposed site, located across the street from Dairy Queen, is currently vacant while the Howe Sound Business Centre sits on the remainder.
"For 15 years or more there has been nothing on that lot," said Milne. "I think it's a big benefit to Squamish because these bare lots in downtown are just a waste of space."
Coun. Corinne Lonsdale agreed.
"I think this is a good vote of confidence in our downtown," she said.
Designers Besharat Friars Architects of Vancouver also designed the Symphony in Garibaldi Highlands and Eagle's Landing.The $4 million project will dedicate $1 million towards the parking area alone. However, the 15-stall parking lot still falls below the district's requirement for a development of this size. The proposal includes $24,000 for four additional parking spots off-site.
"We're providing more parking than most businesses on Cleveland Avenue," said Milne's business partner Peter Wustev.Council also passed a motion by Coun. Greg Gardner to have staff review the current parking policy.
