Anthem Properties has opted to develop rental apartments instead of condominiums in North Vancouver’s Lower Lonsdale area.

North Vancouver’s city council approved Anthem’s request to change the unit type to rental from strata. The five-storey project at 149 West Third Street was previously approved as a condo development.

City planners recommended that council approve the “unusual” switch because it will add to North Vancouver’s rental-housing stock, according to published reports.

As a result of the change, Anthem will develop 80 rental units rather than 50 condos, and one level of underground parking will be removed to make the project financially feasible.

The site formerly housed a produce store, restaurants and bowling alley.

Vancouver-based Anthem made a similar change in North Vancouver’s Maplewood area in 2022. The developer convinced the District of North Vancouver council to approve its request.

North Vancouver is governed by two municipalities based on specific areas.

Rendering: McFarlane Biggar Architects + Designers