So what's the verdict looking back? Did Aria inflict some major damage on Victoria's unique atmosphere? Have we been strangling what makes Victoria unique? Or emphasizing it? Or going in a new direction?
Towers project to be revised after facing slew of criticism
Times-Colonist
December 10, 2004
Alpha Project Developments, headed by developer Bijan Neyestani, has agreed to revise the $50-million plan for a 197-unit condo building at 737 Humboldt St. after council raised concerns about density. The company previously scaled back plans for a 19-storey tower on the site.
The towers' proposed 43-metre height meets zoning regulations for the vacant property next to the 130-year-old Church of Our Lord...
Municipal planning staff had recommended sending the project to a public hearing. A report said the proposal met city goals for more housing downtown and included public art and streetscape improvements.
But Coun. Pamela Madoff said the scale of the towers was out of keeping with nearby heritage buildings, including the Crystal Garden, Church of Our Lord and The Empress hotel.
"We're absolutely strangling what makes Victoria unique," Madoff said.
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London (Ontario) Free Press
April 30, 2019
Build 'em beautiful
Regarding the article Core park height fight to worsen: councillor (April 30) I suggest city officials look at what has been done elsewhere.
In Victoria, B.C., for example, during the past 20 years, there has been an incredible number of highrises built, but the city has an open, airy feel. The architecture of Victoria highrises is such that none look like a solid block of concrete, which is how the majority of highrises approved in London look.
Victoria’s buildings have large balconies, are stepped in various ways, with urban gardens at different levels, so the landscape flows. Most also have street-level businesses. And they allow the sun to reach street level almost everywhere.
pic from https://duttons.com/rentals/listings/
Edited by aastra, 31 October 2019 - 07:25 PM.