A plan to build two large nightclubs downtown is being opposed by the Downtown Edmonton Community League for being too large for the area.
One bar, 691 sq. metres or 7,439 sq. feet in size and a maximum occupancy of 596 people, is proposed for the ground floor of the Fox 2 condominium, now under construction at the corner of 104th Street and 102nd Avenue.
The same developer is planning another nightclub with a seating capacity of 1,400 on the former site of Mother’s Music at 109th Street and 103 Avenue.
Chris Buyze, president of the Downtown Edmonton Community League (DECL), said the projects are too large for a residential neighbourhood.
In particular, the proposed bar in the Fox 2 condo is out of step with other businesses on 104th Street.
“It’s literally three to four times what exists on the street right now,” Buyze said Sunday. “And people should be concerned about whether that’s compatible with all the other uses on the street.”
The area, known for its smaller restaurants and food shops, has undergone a renaissance over the last 15 years. Hundreds of people live in lofts or high-rise condo towers along the street.
City accepting feedback
The area is also two blocks away from the new downtown arena. Buyze acknowledges that but says a larger bar would work better in the Ice District now under construction a couple of blocks to the east.
Residents on 104th Street learned about the project a week ago when they received a letter from Chris Kourouniotis with CK Design Associates.
Kourouniotis designs interiors for bars and restaurants.
‘It’s literally three to four times what exists on the street right now.’ – Chris Buyze
Kourouniotis said in an email to CBC News that the application is for a “sports pub space” with a maximum capacity of 575. There will be chairs for half that number of people.
Kourouniotis applied for the development permit on behalf of an unnamed client. He declined to provide additional information.
The DECL has written to the city development department outlining its opposition to the Fox 2 project.
Buyze is encouraging others to do the same. He says businesses along 104th Street are also concerned about the proposal.
The city is accepting feedback until July 19.
Buyze said the DECL is still working on the response to the project on 109th Street.
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