With several new developments coming to Kelowna, there is a good chance that we’re in for what could be called an “urban awakening.”

There has been an increase in commercial-residential buildings in Kelowna, one of them being  Mission Group’s Ella condominium, coming Fall 2017.

Photo Credit: KelownaNow

With buildings like Sopa Square, Invue, and The Madison also being built and sold out, Kelowna seems to be experiencing a revitalization of its urban lifestyle.

“Martin and I both feel that Kelowna is about to go through an urban awakening and see this building as pioneering superb downtown living,” says Gwyn Vose, one of the architects who designed the Ella condominium.

This “urban awakening” that Vose refers to is a growing trend in Kelowna of residences that aim to add vibrancy to the downtown area.  

#DowntownKelowna is buzzing w/ festivities all summer-ELLA is perfectly located @ the centre of it all. Register Now https://t.co/lD69jS42Pc pic.twitter.com/bTvi9yXc6g

— Mission Group (@missiongroupca) July 14, 2017

The Ella condominium, as well as several others like it, features urban living amenities that include street-front retail, recreation facilities, amazing views, and proximity to the downtown core.

According to a B.C. housing report, Millennials find these features the most important when looking at homes.

The majority of Millennials, 60%, would consider living in a smaller home in order to live closer to work, with 54% willing to live with less square footage to be closer to transit, shops and restaurants.

Photo Credit: Mission Group, Resonance B.C. Housing Report

Additionally, 46% of all residents in B.C. said that when considering the purchase of a new home pointed to that proximity to urban living amenities as one of the most important factors.

With so many people opting for balconies over suburbs, Kelowna may see even more of an urban revitalization in the years to come.