The Yukon Housing Corporation is seeking a contractor to build a new 45-unit building at 6095 Sixth Avenue, where the old Ryder Apartments used to be in downtown Whitehorse.
The same lot will house almost twice as many units by the time construction is over.
The bid documents outline the project specifications: a four-storey, wood-frame configuration with a full basement that includes a mix of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom units.
Twelve of the units will be designated accessible.
The timeline in the bid documents has construction slated to start this summer.
The government’s press release notes that the building is anticipated to be done by spring 2026. The goal is for opening the units to Yukoners later in 2026.
The release indicates the building will go beyond energy efficiency requirements by 35 per cent. That means it will use less energy than smaller buildings, resulting in less energy costs and a smaller environmental footprint.
The government highlighted the project for creating jobs and contributing to economic growth in the territory, while easing the demand for affordable housing.
Kobayashi + Zedda Architects Limited was awarded the design contract for $676,000, as noted in the release. The same contractor also recently designed the concept for residential and commercial development at the empty lot at Fifth Avenue and Rogers Street.
The former Ryder Apartments were a 24-unit property built in 1977 and owned by the Yukon Housing Corporation. Its tenants were relocated to 401 Jeckell St. and other housing corporation-owned units earlier this year.
A March 2023 release from the government notes the Ryder Apartments are being replaced with a new multi-unit building designed for rent-geared-to-income tenants.
Remediation and demolishing of the old apartment was completed earlier in 2024. As noted in the 2023 release, an internal building assessment determined that renovating or repurposing the old building wasn’t cost effective due to the amount of work (mechanical, electrical, etc.) required.
The request for proposals for construction closes on June 27.
Contact Dana Hatherly at dana.hatherly@yukon-news.com
