Esquimalt council unanimously approved a development permit for a six-storey residential building at 861 and 863 Esquimalt Rd. at its May 5 meeting.
The building will offer ground-floor commercial spaces, 59 residential units from studio to three-bedroom suites, 44 parking spaces and another six visitor parking spots, along with amenity spaces including a shared rooftop patio.
"The design reflects a modern maritime industrial character, unique to Esquimalt. A simple, sophisticated colour palette will lend a timeless quality to the project," said Rob Whetter of dHK Architects, the designers of the building.
The development permit being issued came after some contentious rezoning hearings in late 2024 where Esquimalt residents voiced opposition to the project due to noise from construction, the height of the building and the displacement of tenants from the two homes that would be demolished to accommodate the building.
Overall, council members were happy with the design of the building – which underwent some small changes throughout the approval process – with Mayor Barbara Desjardins adding that the building will add some "interest on Esquimalt Road."
