NANAIMO — One of the city’s most prolific intersections appears to be in for a change with the expected future addition of a new car dealership.
Councillors unanimously approved a development permit for a multi-storey building at 2595 Bowen Rd. during the Monday, Sept. 25 council meeting.
Located where Bowen Rd. meets the Island Hwy. at the current home of the VI Drives dealership, a City staff report noted the application is for an “automobile, sales, service and rental development.”
A rooftop deck for staff and customers is included in the plan.
“The building incorporates three-storeys of vehicle display serviced by a car elevator facing the corner of the Island Highway and Bowen Road,” noted the report.
Several variances were approved for the dealership which is expected to include a range of high-end and rare vehicles.
Building height and parking requirement easements were among multiple variances recommended by City staff and subsequently approved.
A notable planned feature for an anticipated future Nanaimo car dealership is a prominent covered entrance, commonly referred to as a porte cochère. (City of Nanaimo)