215 replies to this topic

[Rob Randall]

This project is still a go. I will know more next week.

[Mike K.]

Alan Lowe is now the architect, I believe.

[Baro]

Does it still have a bold design or are they going to mar the neighbourhood with something that old ladies thinks "fits in" ?

[Rob Randall]

It won't be as bold as the pyramid but then nothing could be.

[Rob Randall]

New Admiral’s Inn development seeks approval

By Robert Randall • Published on Wednesday, October 6, 2010

The infamous pyramid proposal is history but a plan to rezone and redevelop a high-profile James Bay lot is gathering momentum.

This time, developer Bill Demcoe brought together architect and former Victoria mayor Alan Lowe and Bill Marshall, of Marshall Tittemore Architects. Their firms started from scratch and after an extensive period of community consultation developed a design that was less controversial yet still striking. Demcoe insists modern architecture can find its place among the Rattenburys ringing the Inner Harbour, noting that London’s primary architectural icon these days is not the Tower Bridge or Big Ben, but Norman Foster’s Gherkin skyscraper aka Swiss Re HQ.

more...

[tedward]

RE: ground floor retail

I live within site of this development and I agree that retail would be pointless on the ground floor. I'd prefer some affordable housing that space but that seems unlikely.

[aastra]

Surely a coffee shop/cafe space could be successful there? Right at the entrance to the Laurel Point walking path?

[D.L.]

yeah cafe would probably work. maybe a bike rental place

[VicBooster]

I live within site of this development and I agree that retail would be pointless on the ground floor. I'd prefer some affordable housing that space but that seems unlikely.

Well of course it seems unlikely. What do you think? A developer would gleefully build affordable housing on some of the most sought after and expensive land in the CRD?

[Rob Randall]

I've added another rendering to the article:

[aastra]

It's a slightly shorter, slightly better looking version of the 1970s-era apartment building right next door.

People must really love that old place.


picture from http://www.farmer-ltd.com

[Mike K.]

Alan Lowe, the architect for this project, forwarded the following project update.

Since our first open house on March 24, 2010 last year, we have been working with the James Bay Neighbourhood Association, the City of Victoria, our neighbours and the business community to design a building on the Admiral Inn site that fits into the neighbourhood and will be an asset to the community. The feedback that we received through the consultative process has been helpful in shaping the design of the project.

Our project went to the Governance and Priorities Committee ( GPC ) at the City on November 17th and Council on November 24th. At the Council meeting, City Council requested that a third party independent economic analysis of the project and the value of the lift in density be reviewed. This report has now been completed and will be presented to Council in-camera at there GPC meeting on March 17th.

We have also completed our design for the project and we have submitted our plans to the City for a Development Permit Application. The Development Permit Application will proceed in parallel with the Rezoning Application.

We would like to invite you to see our Development Permit plans. We are holding an open house at the James Bay New Horizons, 234 Menzies Street, from 5:00 – 6:30 pm on Tuesday March 8th.

We look forward to sharing our plans with you at that time.

Alan
Alan Lowe Architect Inc.

[Mike K.]

Alan Lowe has forwarded the below renderings to us. Just a reminder that this project is heading for its public hearing on Thursday at City Hall.

[aastra]

It's a slightly shorter, slightly better looking version of the 1970s-era apartment building right next door.

People must really love that old place.

Indeed. The design for this one really needed to be a significant departure from the design of the hulk next door.

Instead, it's an homage.

[Baro]

At first I thought buildings had to badly ape any local heritage they are built near, now they have to copy ANY building they are near? Have we really gotten to the point in architectural creativity in this city that every new building is demanded to be an architectural chameleon or get denied for "not fitting in" ? Would the city be happy if we just took a couple designs from the Songhees and developed an official pattern off of them? Toss some mock-tudor elements on some Panelák style construction and mass produce it? I don't get what the city wants, but I have a feeling they don't know either, other than "no change"

[aastra]

The way that things happen to be right at this particular moment is the way that things should be.

We should start referring to that part of James Bay as the Larbrowbri district. Large brown brick buildings.

[Nparker]

I certainly hope Pam has a chance to demand that the brick in this project gets changed to a lovely chocolate brown. This golden colour will just not do!

[aastra]

All snarking aside, it looks pretty good unto itself. I just wish we could replace the older building with this one instead of building this one right next to the older building.

I'd also like to see the side of the building that faces the street.

[Nparker]

I'd also like to see the side of the building that faces the street.

A sketchy rendering of the Belleville Street facade is available in the subject header at the top of this thread.

[G-Man]

I really like that big old 1970s brick condo buildings. I would love to live in it.