CAMBRIDGE — North Development Corp. has unveiled an ambitious proposal to transform a vacant and undeveloped site in the heart of Preston Towne Centre, Cambridge.
The project entails the creation of a high-density residential complex comprising three towers atop a podium parking structure, promising to reshape the landscape of this bustling urban area.
The site, currently designated as a Community Core Area, Preston Towne Centre in the Official Plan and zoned Commercial Residential (C1MR1) Zone, permits a mix of residential and commercial development.
It is important to note that the development proposal does not request to rezone or re-designate the subject lands.
Amendments to the zoning by-law (specific provisions) have been requested to accommodate the development.
The amendments to the Official Plan aim to maintain the Community Core Area, Preston Towne Centre designation while modifying the existing Site-Specific Policy (8.10.14) to reflect the increased density and height of the proposed development.
The modifications include considerations for setbacks, parking, and building height.
The provisions include a request to permit 600 dwelling units on 255 King Street West combined, with a maximum building height permission of 18 storeys.
The parking reduction is requesting a minimum of 1.15 spaces for the development with no parking requirement for parking spaces devoted to commercial uses.
A request for parking spaces inside the parking structure or garage, possibly within a 0.0-metre setback, has also been proposed.
The proposed project layout encompasses three residential towers, each varying height and unit count.
Tower A, soaring 15 storeys high, will offer 179 dwelling units, with its primary entrance at the northeast corner. Tower B, standing at an impressive 18 storeys, is set to accommodate 206 units, with its entrance along the eastern edge. Tower C, rising to 17 storeys, will encompass 194 units, with its principal entrance also positioned at the northeast corner.
A pivotal aspect of the development is the integration of a 2-storey parking podium into the site’s existing slope.
The podium will provide 690 on-site parking spaces, accessible via the existing driveway along the site’s eastern edge and a new driveway proposed from Fountain Street.
Furthermore, small-scale commercial and convenience retail opportunities will be available at grade for Towers A, B, and C, catering to the needs of future residents.
A landscaped promenade is proposed along the development’s eastern edge. This feature aims to mitigate grading and slope challenges while offering additional screening from the proposed parking facility.
The site is adjacent to several existing Grand River Transit (“GRT”) services, including Route 67 on Fountain Street, iXpress Route 206, Route 61 on King Street (iXpress Route 206) and Route 64 on Eagle Street.
Finally, the site is located along the future light rail transit route, providing for the extension of iON services from the City of Kitchener. It is approximately 550 metres north of the future iON Station identified for Preston.
The proposed development aligns with the City Urban Area’s objective, intended to accommodate a significant portion of the region’s growth.
Additionally, it falls within the Built-Up Area, which is mandated to accommodate a minimum of 45% of all new residential development occurring annually throughout the region.
Pending approval, North Development Corp.’s project promises to significantly enhance the urban fabric of Preston Towne Centre, offering modern residential amenities while contributing to the region’s urban growth objectives.
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