441 Echo Dr | 24m | 7f | Proposed

[urbanforest]

This is interesting. I just walked by this property a few days ago and remarked how it was a nice example of a modest mid-century missing middle building which undoubtedly provides affordable and comfortable housing to anyone who can't afford an $800k starter home in the neighbourhood.

I have to stop myself from sounding like a NIMBY but it seems a shame to demolish a 4 story building only to rebuild with two more floors and many much smaller units. Yes, this will thankfully eliminate some surface parking, but the enormous cost to build three levels of underground parking is hardly progress, especially in one of the most walkable and bikeable locations in the city.

Speaking of NIMBYs, they're going to have a field day with this. A few years ago, the adjacent neighbours to the north, 435 Echo Drive, requested a minor variance to allow a new house to be built 1 metre taller than is currently allowed, and the community association (read: BANANA gang) successfully fought against their application.

I hope they can somehow preserve the two maple trees out front, like they did at 28 Pretoria.