Cressey Development Receives Approval from City Design Experts for Arbutus Ridge Development Plans

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Sept. 5, 2012) - Vancouver-based Cressey Development Group has received support from Vancouver City's Urban Design Panel about development plans for Arbutus Ridge, a five-storey concrete mixed-use development to be situated at the northwest corner of West 16th Avenue and Arbutus Street.

The Urban Design Panel advises City Council and staff about development proposals or policies, including major development and/or rezoning applications. Cressey has consulted with The Urban Design Panel to ensure Arbutus Ridge development plans meet the aesthetic and physical needs of the area. After meeting earlier this month, the panel has supported Cressey's plans.

The planned building will offer 52 dwellings and approximately 210,000 square feet of retail space, as well as a public green open space to be maintained and operated by the Parks Department. The mixed-use development plans to add amenities to the community, including a grocery store at ground level and public green open space with benches and landscaping.

"We have been working closely with The Urban Design Panel to ensure Arbutus Ridge not only meets the design guidelines of the community zoning bylaw but actually improves the neighbourhood. With our revised plan we tried to focus on creating a public space along Arbutus between 15^th and 16^th that can be used and enjoyed by all residents of the area," said David Evans, Development Manager for Arbutus Ridge. "Along with greenery, street-scaping will include 'outdoor rooms', a café patio, and large plaza."

"Further to the panel, we have been actively listening and engaging with residents of the area to ensure the development meets the needs of all community stakeholders."

About Cressey Development Group

Since 1969, Cressey has been building multi-family residential projects, affording them over 40 years of experience. With over 200 projects to date, the company has earned a reputation for constructing landmark residential, retail, office, hotel, industrial and mixed-use projects throughout British Columbia, Alberta and Washington State.