Co-housing project on Main Street in Vancouver approved with affordable units

Artistic rendering of Tomo House at 5809-5811 Main Street, Vancouver. (Marianne Amodio Architecture Studio / Tomo Spaces Inc.)

A minor residential project approved by Vancouver City Council on Tuesday evening is drawing attention for its unique co-housing model.

‘Tomo House’, designed by Marianne Amodio Architecture Studio, is located at a 6,700-sq-ft lot at 5809-5811 Main Street – just one block south of 41st Avenue. It is a partnership between Tomo Spaces Inc., the owner and developer of the property, and co-housing group Our Urban Village.

5809-5811 Main Street Vancouver Tomo House

Site of Tomo House at 5809-5811 Main Street, Vancouver. (Marianne Amodio Architecture Studio / Tomo Spaces Inc.)

The redevelopment, replacing single-family residences, calls for a 3.5-storey residential building with 12 homes, with the unit mix comprised of three studio units, two one-bedroom units, four two-bedroom units, and three three-bedroom units.

Three of these homes are intended to be affordable homeownership units, which could be sold for about 35% less than market value to income tested buyers. But if this discount option is later proven to be unfeasible, the alternative would be to create two or three moderate income rental units.

As for the remaining units, they will be rented at monthly rates starting at $950 for a studio, $1,200 for a one-bedroom unit, $1,600 for a two-bedroom units, and $2,000 for a three-bedroom unit.

Artistic rendering of Tomo House at 5809-5811 Main Street, Vancouver. (Marianne Amodio Architecture Studio / Tomo Spaces Inc.)

“Tomo House represents an innovative approach to home ownership and community building that we need to see much more of in Vancouver’s challenging housing market,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson in a statement.

“We’re using every tool we have to dramatically ramp up the supply of affordable homes and co-housing is a great example of new housing options that Vancouver residents want and need.”

Building residents will be able to use a number of shared common spaces, such as a common amenity room, laundry room, and outdoor courtyard.

As for parking, there will only be three vehicle parking stalls and one car share space.

The redevelopment creates a total floor area of 10,830 sq. ft. and a floor space ratio density of 1.62 times the size of the lot.

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