Vancouver city council has approved a plan to redevelop a Commercial Drive parking lot as a 15-storey social housing tower.

The City of Vancouver, which owns the land, and Human Studio Architecture & Urban Design have teamed up to develop the 93-unit project, which is located near the north end of Commercial at Adanac Street.

The ground floor is slated to contain office and retail spaces. Councillors unanimously approved a rezoning application.

“We’re proud to be one step closer to delivering this important housing development for east Vancouver,” said Mayor Ken Sim in a news release “This project represents a significant step toward addressing our city’s urgent need for affordable housing, while enhancing well-being in the Grandview-Woodland neighbourhood.

“We are building a brighter, more inclusive future for Vancouver.”

The city has selected Entre Nous Femmes Housing Society (ENFHS) to operate the future tower.

ENFHS and another non-profit group, M’akola Development Services, will occupy the building’s office spaces.

The development is slated to include 26 studio units, 29 one-bedroom apartments, 26 two-bedroom suites and 12 three-bedroom homes. The office and retail units are envisioned to be hubs for community services.

At least 30% of the homes will be rented at below-market levels.

The city is providing the land at a nominal price. The site comprises three lots that will be consolidated into the one building with indoor and outdoor amenities designed to foster a sense of community.

Rendering: Human Studio