A proposed East Vancouver development has been designed with artists in mind.

More than half of the residential units at the planned mixed-use building will be live-work studios for artists.

A total of 95 rental units are proposed on the upper floors of the five-storey project, with commercial use on ground level.

Live-work studios number 54, or 57 percent.

The remaining 41 units or 43 percent will be residential.

An artist gallery and workshop is proposed to be located at the main entry of the building.

The artist studios are oriented to receive natural light.

Doors to the units are bigger than usual, the corridors of the building are wide, and the elevators are also huge, all intended for the movement of large pieces of art and supplies.

There will be an area for murals at the lane. Some spaces inside the building will be dedicated for art installations.

The site currently has a one-storey building occupied by automotive parts business Lordco Parts.

Lordco may return to the location after the development is completed.

The Mount Pleasant area development is a project of the Cape Group.

The building will be named The Raphael in honour of the late Ralph James, founder of James Autobody.

A design rationale submitted as part of the development application for 338 East 2^nd Avenue recalls that the site was the first location of James Autobody.

According to the document, the James family wants to see the history of the site preserved.

The City of Vancouver will receive comments from the public about the development application until July 10.