New village-style development proposed for Spruce Grove

Developer shares plans with City Council

By

October 21, 2011

A unique “village design” development was presented to City Council this week. The proposed development, called Tri Village Commons, is located west of Jennifer Heil Way and south of the TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre.

The $30-million proposed development will use a village-style concept that integrates different building sizes and a variety of tenants with extensive landscaping and shade trees. There will also be a focus on making the area pedestrian friendly, with sidewalks connecting all the buildings.

The proposed development site is approximately five acres in total and will include a:

• Four-storey Holiday Inn Express and Suites hotel, featuring just over 100 rooms with meeting and banquet facilities for up to 150 guests, a business centre, swimming pool, gym and breakfast area.
• Single-storey family restaurant adjacent to the hotel and connected by a pedway.
• Single-storey building that will house a variety of retail stores and shops.
• Single-storey building for small food and coffee shop-related businesses.
• Sports-themed restaurant and lounge.
• Three-storey professional building for medical and therapeutic services, as well as general office space.

The layout of the proposed development has been planned to minimize any disruption to residents who live south of the area, while also creating the “village” look and feel.

Specifically, the development will be separated from the residential area to the south by a two-acre park area that includes a storm water pond. As well, the hotel has been positioned along the south side of the property to act as a barrier for any noise or vehicle lights that could disrupt nearby homes. A 1.5-metre berm will be created behind the hotel and additional landscaping is planned to both enhance the feel of the park and further buffer residential homes from the development.

Downward lighting will also be used in the proposed development. With this type of lighting, the light is focused directly at the ground, rather than cast out in a wide beam. Not only does this make it easier to see and use walkways, it also helps reduce unwanted light pollution.

Boulevard entry and on-site parking stalls will make it convenient for residents to visit the area’s shops and services.

It is estimated the proposed development will create more than 150 new jobs in Spruce Grove.

The developer, Tri Village Developments, presented the proposal to City Council during an Oct. 17 Committee of the Whole meeting. Council accepted the presentation as information and will be discussing the proposal in further detail during a meeting in November.