KELOWNA, B.C. — Ciccozzi Architects have been announced as the architect for Water Street by the Park, a massive multi-tower development planned for Kelowna.
It’s not the firm’s first foray into Kelowna. Three decades before they designed the Manteo Resort Waterfront Hotel.
Orchard Park Properties co-founder Anthony Beyrouti envisioned Water Street by the Park and engaged HDR Architecture Associates and architect Robert Cesnik to lead the project’s concept and design phase. With the development permit for the project secured earlier this year, Beyrouti has now turned to Ciccozzi Architecture, who will take the project drawings through further design development and begin consultant co-ordination to prepare drawings for the building permit application later this year.
“Our vision with Water Street by the Park is to create something that the City of Kelowna and the Okanagan will be proud of and to create a unique set of towers and homes that reflect the beauty and vibrancy of the city and the region,” said Beyrouti in a press release. “Ciccozzi Architecture’s history in Kelowna goes back 30 years. They recognize how much lakeside living improves one’s mental health and quality of life, and like us, they know that securing a lakeside property of this scale and quality is becoming an increasingly rare opportunity.”
Founded by Robert Ciccozzi, Vancouver-based Ciccozzi Architecture is an award-winning, full-service architecture firm specializing in residential and commercial design. In addition to working on projects throughout the Lower Mainland, Sunshine Coast and the Okanagan, the firm has also completed international work in the United States, Mexico, Japan, Singapore and China.
“We look forward to working with Orchard Park Properties on such an important development for Kelowna,” said Robert Ciccozzi. “Water Street by the Park’s lakefront location, landmark height at 42 storeys, incredible views and use of mass timber are all very exciting elements for us as architects. We also welcome the opportunity to further define an incredible project in a city whose idyllic lifestyle has captured the imagination of home buyers across Canada.”
The firm is now tasked with completing the concept design, structural, mechanical and electrical systems along with code requirements, and further developing and designing all floor plan layouts, including the parkade, individual unit plans, amenity spaces and commercial retail units.
Once the building permit is approved, the firm will advance the detailed drawings and further co-ordinate with the consultant team to issue drawings for tender, followed by an issue for construction documents. Once construction begins, Ciccozzi will provide contract administration services through to final occupancy of all buildings.
Insane.
There is no need for these towers in Kelowna.
Residential towers are the antithesis of community building. Community building occurs at the street level, we are not birds.
There are only unfortunate consequences from this type of development, including removing our children from the opportunity of home ownership by pushing land prices to crazy values. These towers benefit only developers.