The MPA Society, a non-profit organization that offers housing to those facing mental health challenges, has applied to build a new six-storey building on the eastern edge of Gastown.
The site, at 124 Powell Street between Main and Columbia, is currently a vacant lot used for parking. It is also next door to the MPA offices.
NSDA Architects have designed a narrow, six-storey building for the lot, with 20 self-contained studio units each measuring 325 sq ft.
The building will have service areas and amenity spaces on the ground floor overlooking the street, and a third-floor amenity area with planters.
As the building’s residents are unlikely to own vehicles, there will be only one parking spot provided, along with one loading area in the rear laneway.
There will be bicycle parking spots for all residents, and every second spot will have an electrical outlet for e-bikes.
