An apartment development planned for the site of a burned-out heritage house in Kelowna will pay homage to history with murals and retaining a front bay window. At a July 12 meeting, Kelowna city council will consider development permits for an 84-unit, 5-story project at the corner of Sadler Road and Highway 33 E. The property is currently home to the Sproul House, a home on the Kelowna Heritage Register of disputed historical significance. It was heavily damaged in a fire in October 2020, forcing a change to previous development plans that retained many features of the house. “After careful consideration and consultation with a structural engineer and our heritage consultant, it has been determined that our original design for the heritage building is no longer viable due to the damage to the fabric of the building,” Pacific West Architecture said in a letter to council. “However, since the west side was not as badly damaged, the original plan to retain the prominent west bay window will be incorporated into the new plan to honor and celebrate the Sproul Farm House,” continued Pacific West Architecture, adding the exterior of the building will be decorated with murals of the heritage house. The condo development will include bachelor, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom units and ground floor retail space. Photo: Colin Dacre File photo: The Sproul House after a fire in October 2021.
