Land formerly owned by a church in Killarney, which sold for $13 million in October 2017, could be used as the site for a new seniors’ complex.
SVP Investments and Development has filed a rezoning proposal with the City of Vancouver to change the zoning on the land at 2499 East 48th Ave. from one-family dwelling to comprehensive development to allow for a four-storey “class B” seniors’ care facility.
The land was previously part of a large property between Nanaimo and Clarendon streets and East 48th and Waverley Avenue where Corpus Christi Catholic Church and Corpus Christi elementary school sit.
A portion of the site — a grass field parallel to Clarendon Street, which formed 17 per cent of the overall Corpus Christi site — was put up for sale in April of 2017. It had most recently been assessed at almost $11.8 million.
It was sold to help fund the church’s redevelopment project to replace the school and build a new parish hall under the gym at an estimated cost of $17.3 million, and then seismically upgrade the church and rectory at an anticipated cost of $8.5 million.
Selling property is an increasingly common strategy churches use to help fund projects or secure their financial futures.
SVP Investments and Development’s proposed plan for the site — Sunrise of East Vancouver Assisted Living Community — envisions a 100-unit facility with 44 underground parking spaces and 12 bicycle spaces.
Integra Architecture Inc. is involved in the project.
While the land is currently zoned single-family, the project is being reviewed under the Victoria-Fraserview/Killarney Community Vision, which allows staff to consider rezoning for affordable, social or seniors housing.
There are already higher density uses on land across the street — Clarendon Court, an assisted living complex, and Shannon Oaks, an independent living complex.
An open house about the rezoning application is scheduled for 5 to 7:30 p.m., Nov. 29, at Corpus Christi school at 6344 Nanaimo St.
SVP Investments and Development and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver did not respond to queries about their respective projects.
