Yellowknife (Sep 01/04) - Nova Builders filed development permits on Friday for a new office building on 52nd Street.

The proposed $3.5 million office building will be four storeys high and provide 40,000 square feet of space.

Nova Builders property manager Vince Dixon stands in front of properties that will occupy a new office building. The old home in the background on 52nd Street will be the end of the lot and the new apartment building will be housed on that lot and the three other lots to the north of it. - Stephan Burnett\NNSL photo

Nova Builders property manager Vince Dixon said the new building will be constructed on four lots south of the new federal building with the parking lot behind Yellowknife Hardware staying vacant.

Dixon believes the new building will not get bogged down in appeals.

"It's all properly zoned and we're not looking for bylaw change," he said.

Dixon expects the approval to the permits to come through within a week.

Nova Builders received third reading Aug. 23 on the amendment to approve the construction of an apartment building near the hospital.

"It received first and second reading at the City and went over to Municipal and Community Affairs for approval. A week ago received its third reading at City Council," said Dixon.

Although more appeals can still be launched, Dixon called the request for a zoning change the developer's prerogative.

"Being very close to Super 8, the hotel would be highly competitive and there was more of a perceived need for apartments," said Dixon.

The company has signed a covenant with the hospital on the type of businesses that will occupy the main commercial floor for the building.

"We will not permit fast food outlets, bars, movie theatres or arcades. I'll be looking for professional types that will enhance services: doctors offices, massage therapists, eye clinics: businesses that will not be high traffic generators," said Dixon.

The building is expected to cost $6 million to complete.

The apartment block features one, two and three bedroom apartments, designed around eight different floor plans.

"Ironically, we've already received calls about occupancy dates. It's particularly attractive to people working at the hospital and retired seniors for piece of mind. Being so close to a hospital -- and with Extra Foods nearby -- it's very convenient. They don't need a vehicle," said Dixon.

Still, Dixon stipulates the new building, which will have 90 suites, will not be adults only.

"It's open to the general public. There are three schools in the area and the Canadian Tire and the Wal-Mart," he said.

Down on Ptarmigan Road

Down on Ptarmigan Road, Nova Builders has completed the first phase of a 50-unit townhouse complex.

Twenty units are now complete and occupied and the company is in the midst of constructing the other 30 units.

There was concern over the height of the land on the property and spring runoff.

"We went through the appeal board and were given permission to go ahead," said Dixon.

"We've since worked with the city to design a drainage system that will alleviate the neighbours' concerns for the spring runoff. It won't affect their basements," said Dixon.

The end of November is the target date for completion on the property.

"It's a very large parcel of land -- almost six acres. The density is quite good. What these units provide for is 10 units per acre of land," said Dixon.

The townhouses, complete with attached garages, are attracting a higher-end clientele, he said.