Fashionable Robson Street will getsome more curves in the shape of a new, semi-circular tower at the cor-ner of Robson and Homer.

The 29-storey, $140-million Atelier on Robson project is being developed by Magellen Developments(20/20) Inc. and complements thecircular design of the public library across the street.

It also incorporates a retail-and-office component in addition to its 202 condo units.

With office space already at a premium in downtown, putting such space into future developments will likely become the trend for developers, Magellen president HenryMan said yesterday.

"I think we will see more develop-ments with an office component andit appeals to many clients who wantoffice space downtown but not in an all-office highrise," he said.

"It appeals to a lot of professionaland smaller companies such as engi-neers and architects. This way of providing new office space is good."

Atelier will have 27,000 square feetof high-ceiling office space with its own separate entrance from the residential portion of the building.

Man says the IBI-HB Martin Bruckner Architects-designed tower will occupy one of the last prime sites downtown.

"We wanted to create a distinctive building that reflects the other buildings in the area. It is one of the last pure sites downtown," he said.

"To give a greater sense of space we have set the building back on the site and the residential component starts at [15 metres] above the street level," Man said.

He hopes construction will begin this August, with completion set for the fall of 2009.

Atelier on Robson is an upscale development aimed at trade-up buyers, retirees and investors, Man said.

A one-bedroom unit, including a parking spot, will be priced at $338,000. All units will have top-quality kitchens, appliances and fittings. Units will average 830 square feet.

A further potential bonus is Atelier sits on the same block as city-owned land that is earmarked for a downtown park.

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