UBCO Downtown

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UBCO Downtown is a skyscraper rental 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.

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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.

Feedback

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!

Jim Kelowna Avatar

Jim Kelowna

Sep 18, 2024

I am wondering when we will see some progress on UBCO construction, I believe a lot of people are excited for this one...

Jack B Avatar

Jack B

Sep 02, 2024

Kerkhoff told CastaNet that they still own the property. Probably just agreed to get a free demo by UBCO, as the building is no use for them anymore.

Pejamu said:

Well I guess if it wasn’t already confirmed that the Kerkhoff project was dead, it is now! I wonder what UBC has planned for the future.

Pejamu

Sep 02, 2024

Well I guess if it wasn’t already confirmed that the Kerkhoff project was dead, it is now! I wonder what UBC has planned for the future.

Jack B said:

Demolition permits issued for the Legion and CoLab buildings around UBCO. The Legion building has been purchased by UBC Trust now, so it owns a big chunk of the land next to the future downtown campus! Which is pretty nice for the future as they can use it to build more facilities for the university or the needed parkade :)

Jack B Avatar

Jack B

Sep 01, 2024

Demolition permits issued for the Legion and CoLab buildings around UBCO. The Legion building has been purchased by UBC Trust now, so it owns a big chunk of the land next to the future downtown campus! Which is pretty nice for the future as they can use it to build more facilities for the university or the needed parkade :)

Jim Kelowna Avatar

Jim Kelowna

May 13, 2024

Ugh, the lawsuit coming in. Very expected, but might hurt the project. Also 2 level parkade is a huge stepback. It's all a biggest story of Okanagan development for eays to come, but I still hope the positive outcome in the end.

Jack B Avatar

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 Avatar

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.

Pejamu said:

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?

Izzy Avatar

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.

Jim Kelowna said:

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 Avatar

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 Avatar

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.

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).

Jim Kelowna said:

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 Avatar

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.

Chris Aldrich said:

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 Avatar

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 Avatar

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 Avatar

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

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