69 replies to this topic

[gumgum]

Today:

[aastra]

I think this one needed to be a bit glassier. So are they going to paint that railing or what?

[gumgum]

^I think the railing will stay as-is. It doesn't look too bad in person.
I like this one a lot. I wouldn't want to live here and I don't like it's suburban, non-street level interaction, but I really think this one's gorgeous.

[aastra]

I appreciate the style they were going for and I give them points for it. If you ask me, this place and Shoal Point (and maybe also Aria -- we'll see) represent a very distinctive form of Victorian condominium architecture. They have weight to them, which makes for an interesting counterpoint to the glassy Vancouver-style stuff that has really characterized the recent wave of condominium construction around North America. And yet they're still attractive buildings, because they're detailed and also a bit eccentric. Some people look at these buildings and wonder why they're so solid; what's with all the bricks and the columns and stuff? When I hear those sorts of remarks, I really feel like something unique is happening. It wasn't a mistake that these buildings aren't 100% glass; it's the style they were going for, to differentiate them.

That said, I feel like this one missed the desired effect by a little bit. It's a bit too institutional looking, especially around back (the only part that I've actually seen in person up close). But there's definitely a lot to like about it.

[gumgum]

I know what you mean about it looking institutional. It reminds me of a west coast, modernized version of the schools and hospitals I grew up surrounded by in Ontario.
I guess that's partly why I have a fondness for it.

[aastra]

I suppose I could also throw Sussex Place in there as well. Maybe it's the building that started it all.

[rayne_k]

I took a spin by this weekend, and I *really* like this building. It is a style that seems classic and solid, that will age very gracefully. It is too bad they didn't front it with some townhouses along the street... but that's a minor quibble. Victoria needs more buildings of this calibre and appeal to tempt a new and different type of market into a higher density lifestyle....not just those who can longer afford a house.

[Mike K.]

Weren't there plans for townhouses along the street?

[Caramia]

I think aastra put his finger on it. There is something appropriately Victoria about this building, and I appreciate the distinction between this style and the more glassy look - which has its own beauty, but this does seem more signature. If I were to cluster this one with other new buildings, I'd look to Humbolt Valley. Rayne_K's observation that this will age well also struck a chord. I wish we could say that of every new development.

[G-Man]

Crane is down on this one.

[Mike K.]

Crap, you're right. I thought that thing would never come down.

[DDrake]

The stairwell at Swallows Landing was built specifically to not disturb the wildflowers in the garry oak meadow. That's why the height and the lack of contact with the land. The slope that hosts the stairwell was donated to the Habitat Acquisition Trust (HAT) by the developer.

[aastra]

Here's an angle we don't see very often:



Picture by sobergeorge at Flickr.com
http://www.flickr.co...254696/sizes/l/

[B.Bridge]

Swallows Landing - check out the penthouse

[aastra]

Video from a unit in Swallows Landing:
http://www.vimeo.com/2958927

[G-Man]

Wow

[concorde]

Very nice, too bad you have to drive thru the doldrums of Victoria and Esquimalt to get there

[aastra]

Come on, man. It's the 21st century.

You can also walk or ride a bicycle.

[victorian fan]

Nicely staged.

Too bad it's already sold.

[Mike K.]

What's the deal with this place? The landscaping hasn't even started and I still get the sense crews are touching up the interior.