Tower with log-inspired design proposed for Coquitlam's Maillardville

Artistic rendering of 901 Lougheed Highway, Coquitlam. (ML Emporio Properties / Wilson Chang Architect)

A relatively sizeable redevelopment has been proposed for the northeast corner of the intersection of Blue Mountain Road and Lougheed Highway in Coquitlam’s Maillardville neighbourhood.

The municipal government is reviewing an application from ML Emporio Properties to redevelop the 28,600-sq-ft lot at 901 Lougheed Highway — currently occupied by low-storey commercial structures and ground-level parking — into a 251-ft-tall, 25-storey condominium tower.

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At the base of the tower, a four-storey podium building will contain commercial space, market rental housing, and non-market rental housing at 25% below-market rates, operated by BC Housing.

Site of 901 Lougheed Highway, Coquitlam. (Google Maps)

There will be 179 homes, including 122 market condominium units, 51 market rental units, and six below-market units. The combined unit mix is 28 studios, 55 one-bedroom units, 73 two-bedroom units, and 23 three-bedroom units.

Market condominium and market rental units will have access to 11,700 sq. ft. of common amenity space, exceeding the city’s minimum requirement. This includes a fitness gym, sauna, business centre, yoga room, and community room, as well as outdoor amenity space on the rooftop of the podium consisting of a children’s playground, seating and dining area, and bocce court. Non-market rental residents will have separate indoor and outdoor amenity spaces.

Close to 10,000 sq. ft. of commercial space is envisioned for the ground level.

Artistic rendering of 901 Lougheed Highway, Coquitlam. (ML Emporio Properties / Wilson Chang Architect)

According to a city staff report, the design concept by Wilson Chang Architect pays tribute to early French Canadians who established logging businesses in Maillardville. Vertical strips of metal panels with varying shades of brown create the appearance of the floating logs of the Fraser River, but instead they are “floating over the glass facade.”

The podium provides contrast with its white “heritage-inspired” brick.

Artistic rendering of 901 Lougheed Highway, Coquitlam. (ML Emporio Properties / Wilson Chang Architect)

A total floor area of about 143,000 sq. ft. is proposed, providing the project with a floor area ratio density of five times the size of the lot.

Underground levels will accommodate 276 vehicle parking stalls.

City staff indicate they have been informed by the proponents that the condominiums will be marketed to professional couples, first-time homebuyers, and “empty nesters.”

In exchange for the city’s approval, the applicant will provide $2.276 million in development cost charge funds and a voluntary community amenity contribution of $185,860.

Artistic rendering of 901 Lougheed Highway, Coquitlam. (ML Emporio Properties / Wilson Chang Architect)