Changes have been ordered to the style and colour scheme of a proposed Langley housing development, after the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints temple objected.
A delegation from the temple told the Monday evening meeting of council that the proposed look of Qualico Developments’ 29 row house units and eight semi-detached units in four buildings would clash with the classical design of the nearby temple, at the corner of 82 Avenue and 204 Street.
The Qualico design features vertical vinyl siding, cedar shingles and a choice of colour schemes that includes shades of orange, red and green.
It isn’t a good match with the granite temple’s classic design, temple president Ron Komm said.
“A more classical style would certainly be in order,” Komm said.
“The building across the street [the temple] is designed to last a thousand years.”
Project architect Brian Shigetomi told council the colours, which he described as “a bit punchy” could be altered.
Council sent the project back to staff to discuss colour and design changes with the builder.
“I think we’re pretty happy [with the outcome],” Komm told The Times.
Last year, church elders objected to the plan to build higher-density housing next to the Mormon temple, saying it could create problems with people using the temple parking lot.
They suggested single family homes would be preferable near the 28,165 square-foot temple, but after the developer said it wouldn’t be practical, the multiple-units proposal was approved.
The Langley temple was dedicated in May of 2010. It is the seventh built in Canada by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
It serves 22,000 Mormons from 91 congregations throughout B.C. and northern Washington.
The temple, which is not open to non-members, is reserved for the sacraments of the Mormon church, such as baptism and marriage.