The area of Spirit Square on the North Shore will look very different in the coming years, with a new development in the works that includes affordable housing for seniors, commercial space and market units.
The City of Kamloops announced a land deal this week with Arpa Investments involving several parcels of land centred on Spirit Square at MacKenzie Avenue and Yew Street.
Arpa Investments wants to “redevelop and revitalize” the current vacant lot behind Spirit Square, with plans that include two mixed-use buildings.
One building will feature 7,000 square feet of restaurant/commercial space with approximately 33 market units.
The other building will feature 5,200 square feet of commercial and office space with 43 affordable rental units for seniors, which will be owned and operated by ASK Wellness. The development also includes 75 surface parking stalls.
Arpa Investments partner, Joshua Knaak said the company worked in consultation with the Friends of McDonald Park Association, North Shore Central, the North Shore Business Improvement Association and business owners while considering plans for this site.
The company is hosting a public open house this weekend at Red Beard where residents can learn more about the currently unnamed development.
Developers and partners will be there to ask questions on Sunday, Feb. 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Updates are also being posted to their Facebook page.
In announcing the Spirit Square land deal, the City of Kamloops also said it is proposing to rezone and subdivide the property at 577 and 591 Royal Ave., commonly referred to as the Thrupp Manor site, to accommodate five single-family residential lots.
The land was initially identified for an affordable housing opportunity, but the city says it was later determined to be unsuitable for the density of the proposed project.
