WATERLOO — Council is considering 20 University Inc.’s proposal to amend zoning regulations to construct a striking 25-storey mixed-use building at 20 University Avenue East.
The proposed development aims to transform the site, currently occupied by a one—and two-storey commercial building, an automotive garage, and a large surface parking lot, into a vibrant, high-density community hub.
The proposed building, a joint venture between 20 University Inc., is slated to house 260 dwelling units encompassing 260 bedrooms and 647 square metres of ground-floor commercial space.
The development also includes a substantial parking infrastructure, with 203 parking spaces and 165 secure bicycle parking spots, partially below grade and above grade within the structured parking.
The site, strategically positioned on the north side of University Avenue between King Street North and Regina Street North, boasts excellent connectivity to the city’s transportation network.
Its location along a Regional Arterial road facilitates access to multiple public transit bus routes, including an iXpress route and connections to the ION light rail system.
The proposed zoning bylaw changes seek to address several key aspects of the development.
The requested modifications are removing the holding (H) symbol from the subject property, reducing the minimum street line setback requirement from 5.0 metres to 4.5 metres, and increasing the maximum permitted horizontal tower dimension from 40.0 metres to 43.0 metres.
Additionally, changes to parking provisions include allowing stacked bicycle parking, widening the maximum driveway width from 7.0 metres to 10.0 metres, and reducing the minimum required residential parking rate from 1 space per unit to 0.6 spaces per unit.
The proposed development aligns with the City of Waterloo’s Official Plan, contributing to the area’s ongoing transformation into a high-density, mixed-use node.
Its pedestrian-oriented design, featuring at-grade commercial spaces, enhanced streetscapes, and a mix of residential and commercial amenities, is poised to enhance the urban landscape.
The current zoning, ‘Mixed-Use Community Commercial – 81’ (“(H)C1-81”), necessitates adherence to specific regulations, including minimum street line setbacks and maximum tower dimensions.
While most of the proposal complies with these provisions, exceptions have been requested to accommodate the innovative design and maximize land use efficiency.
The proposed reduction in resident parking spaces from the mandated one space per unit to 0.6 spaces per unit is another requested change.
While the developer argues that the reduced parking ratio aligns with sustainable transportation goals, concerns have been raised regarding potential impacts on parking availability and traffic congestion in the area.
In summary, the proposed development at 20 University Avenue East represents a significant step towards urban revitalization and intensified land use in Waterloo.
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