One Water Street: Building beauty in the growing city of Kelowna

As Kelowna continues its rapid growth, One Water Street introduces a model for urban living that connects people to the mountain and lake landscape. Kasian joined the development team to help shape the mixed-use development’s ground-level environment, enhancing its streetscape, social spaces, and connections to the community.

The site’s high-water table eliminated the option for underground parking, leading to an above-grade structure that needed careful integration. Given the city’s context of smaller-scale construction and single-family dwellings, the design team sought a form that would minimize shadowing. Ultimately rezoned for greater height, the two slender 36-storey towers maximize sunlight and lake views for residents.

Guided by Kasian’s Lifescape™ approach, the design enhances social connection and a sense of belonging through a vibrant ground plane. An activated quarter mile of streetscape features shops, walkways, and a landscaped public courtyard that draws residents, neighbours, and visitors alike. This ground-level energy continues upward through rooftop gardens and generous balconies that frame the beauty of Kelowna’s changing seasons.

Lifestyle-focused amenities including two outdoor pools, dog park, fire-pit enclaves, pickleball court, barbeque areas, hot tub, and health club support everyday well-being. Retail and amenity spaces also conceal the above-ground parking structure from view.

“The attention that was paid to satisfy Kelowna’s request for an interesting, interactive streetscape and world-class architecture was instrumental in securing the zoning with variances in less than 4 months.” – Russ Watson, North American Development Group