173 Russell
For this groundbreaking infill project, LPA was retained for the preparation of a concept plan, a Streetscape Character Analysis, and a Planning Rationale. The proposal was one of the City’s first developments to be subject to the Sandy Hill Special Site Plan Control Area, a form of Site Plan Control “Lite” introduced in the latter half of 2016, for the purpose of greater review controls over design elements of low-rise residential developments.
To achieve a higher than existing density on the long and narrow lot, LPA designed the concept for a long semi-detached building that would include a secondary dwelling unit in the basement of each semi. Along with a greater density and more efficient use of the land, the proposal includes the following:
Low Impact Development (LID) features (i.e., permeable pavers, soak pit, riverstone, extensive and diverse vegetation);
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) features (i.e., driveway gate, rear and side yard perimeter fencing);
Building height, pitched roof, mate
riality, and façade treatment that fits well and works well within the heritage-rich neighbourhood of Sandy Hill;
Availability of on-site parking to meet the needs of prospective tenants while relieving parking stress from adjacent streets; and,
Design that permits the future severing of the property as a flag pole lot.
