UBCO Downtown
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UBCO Downtown is a skyscraper mixed-use development under construction by UBC Properties Trust. This project is 43 storeys tall, located at 550 Doyle Ave, Kelowna, BC. UBCO Downtown will have a total of 473 units.
The application was submitted on Feb 01, 2021 . City council approved the development permit on Jul 15, 2022 .
The estimated completion date is 2027.
Elevating both the skyline and educational opportunities in Kelowna, the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) is set to build a groundbreaking new campus downtown. Finalizing the most valuable building permit ever awarded by the city at a staggering $262 million, this 43-storey development promises to be a game-changer for the region.
Architecture & Design
The uniquely designed, three-sided tower will become a Kelowna landmark. At 43 storeys, it will not only be the tallest building in the city but also the tallest between the Lower Mainland and Calgary. Initially approved for 46 storeys, the university voluntarily lowered it by three storeys to create a more harmonious cityscape.
Multi-Functional Spaces
The tower offers more than just educational facilities. It features a four-storey underground parkade that will pave the way for creative street-level amenities. The primary occupants will be UBCO's School of Nursing and School of Social Work, while also accommodating a staggering 500 units of residential housing exclusively for UBCO students and staff.
A Commitment to Community
This isn't just a move; it's a strategic pivot closer to the heartbeat of the community that has nurtured UBCO since its establishment. With the new downtown campus, UBCO aims to facilitate community-based learning by being in close proximity to local partners, thereby making collaborations easier and more effective.
Innovative Amenities
Apart from state-of-the-art classrooms and research spaces, the building will also host an art gallery, managed by the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies. Plans include a Public Engagement Suite to encourage community discussions about regional socio-economic development.
Funding
The entire project is being funded by the UBC Properties Trust, signifying the level of commitment and belief that the university has in this venture.
An Investment in the Future
This record-breaking project is not just an architectural feat; it's an investment in future generations. It's a commitment to fostering innovation, community engagement, and education at the highest levels.
With construction now officially greenlit, Kelowna is bracing for a new era of educational excellence, urban living, and community collaboration. The UBCO downtown tower isn't just a building; it's a vision of what a modern, integrated educational facility can and should be.
Public discussion
Share your insights, thoughts, or ask questions about this project. Your comment not only drives discussion but also showcases your care for Kelowna's community. Professionals, seize the opportunity to freely promote your business by engaging in conversations, while residents can influence the future of local neighbourhoods. Let's make a difference together!
Jack B
May 05, 2024
Officially announced parking is shortened from 4 to 2 levels, and the UBC Trust is looking into alternative parking near the campus.
Jack B
May 02, 2024
I definitely didn't see any piling happening, also it was quiet on the news regarding the progress. So I am not sure what is the next step here.
But well, at least it's in progress, I was a bit afraid when they "paused" that it would be frozen for a while.
One72 Concretes Instagram story(as of May 1) has footage of a big pour so it appears the backfill is done? Not sure if they are going to drive piles through all the backfill and concrete unless they did that before they started filling, anybody know?
Pejamu
May 01, 2024
One72 Concretes Instagram story(as of May 1) has footage of a big pour so it appears the backfill is done? Not sure if they are going to drive piles through all the backfill and concrete unless they did that before they started filling, anybody know?
Jack B
Apr 10, 2024
The construction work continues, good news.
Construction resumes on UBCO’s downtown Kelowna campus, despite evacuations
Construction has resulted in four neighbouring properties being evacuated
Izzy
Apr 03, 2024
My hope is that the project will continue, as it is an amazing opportunity to revive the downtown core of Kelowna. Watching for updates from the engineers, UBC has the money and opportunities to make it right.
I am surprised that the city is quiet on this and engineers are not providing any solutions after months of trouble. It's unclear how this will affect the future of high-rise developments in Kelowna, or if it will impact just that particular part of downtown.
I hope projects like Water By The Park succeed, so people don't blame all high-rises, but rather this instance, due to the large underground parkade.
Jim Kelowna
Apr 03, 2024
I am surprised that the city is quiet on this and engineers are not providing any solutions after months of trouble. It's unclear how this will affect the future of high-rise developments in Kelowna, or if it will impact just that particular part of downtown.
I hope projects like Water By The Park succeed, so people don't blame all high-rises, but rather this instance, due to the large underground parkade.
Jack B
Mar 31, 2024
This is very sad that it continue to cause problems, as I would like this project to succeed. There has been no updates on construction, which they promised, however it creates more problems and I start to worry they reconsider the whole thing.
Kelowna subsidized apartments evacuated due to neighbouring UBC Okanagan construction - Kelowna News
Residents were escorted out of the building on Bertram Street just before 2 p.m. by members of the Kelowna Fire Department and city staff.
TMB Okanagan
Mar 06, 2024
Hi Jim. I think that rendering is taken from Bertram & Doyle Ave, and the brick buildings you are seeing are placeholders for the existing buildings adjacent to UBC (the old school building & the legion).
That's sad, I am wondering how deep they have dug so far, in terms of full levels for parking, 3 out of 4? Looks pretty deep.
On another note, the new rendering of the tower is very confusing, what is happening on the ground level? Does anyone know? Was nicer to see grand open facades with public spaces on the previous renderings.
Jim Kelowna
Mar 01, 2024
That's sad, I am wondering how deep they have dug so far, in terms of full levels for parking, 3 out of 4? Looks pretty deep.
On another note, the new rendering of the tower is very confusing, what is happening on the ground level? Does anyone know? Was nicer to see grand open facades with public spaces on the previous renderings.
Construction has been paused briefly as recommended from engineers due to problems with the surrounding buildings. UBC is making changes, estimated opening of the building in is still the same (Fall 2027).
Chris Aldrich
Mar 01, 2024
Construction has been paused briefly as recommended from engineers due to problems with the surrounding buildings. UBC is making changes, estimated opening of the building in is still the same (Fall 2027).
Jack B
Jan 21, 2024
Another building deemed unsafe around the construction site is School District 23. According to the school, there have been significant shifts and cracks identified, so they were forced to move out.
It is worth mentioning the building at 580 Doyle Avenue has been owned by UBC Properties Trust since the end of 2022, but was leased to the online school staff.
Out of the four structures impacted so far, two buildings were supposed to shut down for redevelopment anyway and one wanted to sell to UBC. Only the affordable housing building - Hadgraft Wilson Place is truly worth the worries, in my opinion.
Jack B
Dec 23, 2023
More news about damage to nearby buildings, the second one to shut down.
Kelowna Legion closed due to impacts of neighbouring development - Kelowna News
The Royal Canadian Legion in Kelowna will not be home for the holidays.
Jim Kelowna
Dec 07, 2023
Additional damage to nearby buildings was identified. Because of the digging to the record depths for Kelowna.
Big dig for UBCO's downtown Kelowna campus damaging nearby buildings
Excavation work at the site of UBC Okanagan’s new downtown Kelowna campus has caused damage to a nearby building, university and city officials say.
Jack B
Aug 12, 2023
The most significant development in Kelowna, going to change the vibe of the Downtown and the skyline, love it!
News
UBCO Downtown Campus Construction May Updates
Progress resumes as backfilling and concrete pouring mark milestones amidst ongoing challenges and community relocation.
May 02, 2024
Construction Crisis at UBCO's 43-Storey Tower in Kelowna
UBCO's project halts, leaving residents displaced and seeking solutions amidst safety and accountability concerns.
Apr 01, 2024
UBCO Construction Challenges
Downtown campus is impacting nearby buildings, slows down construction.
Jan 30, 2024
UBC Okanagan's $263M Permit for Kelowna's Tallest Tower
UBC Okanagan gets green light for Kelowna's tallest building. The 43-storey tower represents a milestone for the city and a $263 million building permit, setting a new local record.
Aug 24, 2023
Construction Updates
Long time without photos of the hole, here it is. It seems like they almost filling it in, not sure. No news on the plans after pausing the digging, even when promissed in "upcoming weeks". Only rumors on internet that parkade being cut from planned 4.5 storeys to 2.5, but no official information.
Mar 23, 2024 by Jim Kelowna
Not much of an update here. It’s been scheduled that the digging will continue until the end of 2023. So as expected.
Nov 17, 2023 by Jim Kelowna
UBC still working on the underground parkade
Oct 15, 2023 by Dayana L.
Undergoing the construction of the parking garage.
Sep 22, 2023 by Jack B
Developments next to UBCO Downtown
