A 40-storey social housing tower with cultural spaces for the Ismaili community is slated for the corner of Richards and Drake streets.
The property is currently a two-storey commercial building that’s home to an Ismaili community center and jamatkhana.
The new development will replace the existing community centre and jamatkhana (place of worship), providing 32,300 square feet of new worship, social and educational space in the podium, and 198 social housing units in the tower above.
The unique, triangular design of the tower by DA Architects and Planners is due to the view cone that cuts across the site.
The goal for the project is to create an “urban mixed-use project including community hub, where people can convene in a number of ways including socializing, learning, praying, living, and supporting each other.”
The design of the building will make use of passive shading devices to help reduce heating and cooling load. A variety of unit sizes will be available including studios, one and two bedrooms. Fifty-five underground parking stalls will be provided, and 133 class “A” bicycle parking stalls.
Renderings: Richards and Drake tower
A virtual open house is being hosted by Larco, owners of the Park Royal Shopping Centre, online this week. Join the live Q&A on Nov. 18 at: https://1317richards508drake.com/
