A new luxury residence for seniors in Vancouver that will allow spouses with different health conditions to stay together begins construction this year.

Called Opal, the development will take the form of one six-storey building and two four-storey buildings connected at ground level.

The seniors’ housing, a project by Element Lifestyle Retirement Inc., will replace what used to be eight single-family homes at 408-488 West King Edward Avenue, east of Cambie Street.

According to Candy Ho, director and vice president for marketing and corporate relations, Opal will provide a continuum of care, from assisted living to complex care, so that senior couples do not have to be separated as their health needs change.

Ho told the Straight in a phone interview that the development will have 56 rental suites and 44 condo units for future residents needing help in their everyday life. In addition, there will be 30 beds in the facility for complex care, an arrangement that will make it possible for the healthier spouse to visit an ailing partner several times a day.

In 2015, Vancouver city council approved the rezoning application for the project in order to expand housing options for seniors.

According to a staff report considered at the time by council, the project reflects the city’s priority to encourage strong and inclusive communities, where residents can “age in place”.

Ho said that Opal is expected to open its doors in either late 2018 or early 2019.