A proposal to build Abbotsofrd’s first stacked townhouse development will go to a public hearing.
The stacked townhouse concept sees small, 600-square-feet units built on the ground floor of a townhouse building in an area that would more-typically be reserved for a garage and a den. A more traditional townhouse unit is built on top, with parking relegated to an underground garage.
A developer hopes to build a 66-unit complex on McCallum road, south of Highway 1. To proceed, the property must be rezoned and requires several slight variances. Council agreed earlier this month to forward the proposal to a future public hearing.
Around one-third of the units would have three bedrooms, and 10 have one bedrooms. the remainder have two bedrooms, about half with dens and half without.
All but one of the 153 trees on site are slated for removal. Many were described as being dead, dying or in poor health. Forty-eight new trees will be planted on site.
The development is the latest proposal for one of Abbotsford’s fastest growing areas. The land surrounding the King Road and McCallum intersection. More than 500 housing units have been, or are being, built nearby over the last two years.
Three rental apartment buildings are in the midst of construction on King Road, while council approved a 250-unit townhouse and apartment complex for the old Towne Cinema site last spring. A mixed-use building with more than 90 apartment units has also recently been completed on the southwest corner of the intersection.
And one more major piece of land remains, with the stacked townhouse property next to a larger lot designated for midrise development in Abbotsford’s Official Community Plan. The area is just a couple blocks from the University of the Fraser Valley and part of the city’s UDistrict.
Coun. Sandy Blue said she liked the new concept.
“I think especially given the proximity to the university it’s going to appeal to faculty and staff as well and provide an option that doesn’t exist right now.”
A public hearing will be held at a future date.
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