75 replies to this topic

[Rob Randall]

All the more reason to put something really worthy up there! Besides, you'll probably be able to see it from the harbor/ other side/ Songhees. So why not something that really gives a shout out?

Yes, this was the argument The Falls' architect used when designing the "lantern" glass penthouse units atop the building. He was asked at the public hearing if they are too prominent and would be seen from the Coho ferry and the architect said he hoped so, that was the point.

Sorry about the poor quality photocopy but this is a view of the renovation and the extra storey as seen from Johnson St. at the entrance to Waddington Alley:

[FunkyMunky]

Sorry about the poor quality photocopy but this is a view of the renovation and the extra storey as seen from Johnson St. at the entrance to Waddington Alley...

And what architect is responsible for this pablum?

[Rob Randall]

The architect is just doing what the City wants.

[G-Man]

They should consider doing what they want and see how the public reacts. This is not a heritage building is it? Just heritage registry?

I would have a two storey glassy cube come out the top which would allow for the ground floor to be used as commerical. Ideally a cafe with tables scattered in part of the alleyway ahh it would be just so wonderful. Instead we get a closed up box with a metal shed on the roof that gives nothing back to the city.

The city needs to wake up and actually try to make the city better. Rather than a lifeless boring museum which seems to be the intention of this council and planning dept.
Let's close down late night eateries, encourage ground floor office or residential and have absolutely no building be distinct.

How forward thinking!

I think LeFevre has done enough for this city to have some ability to do something distinct and get away with it. Let's go back try again and come back with some cojones. If its good than I will personally write council and planning in support.

[Caramia]

I'd agree LeFevre has proven himself several times over, and definitely deserves a listen at this point. However, one of the ways he's proved himself is the ability to create innovative projects that work under the constraints he's given. While other developers protest (justly) that the numbers don't work under the conditions the city offers, LeFevre seems to be able to make them work. After seeing how awesome the Railyards and the Wilson building turned out, I'm eager to see what he can do with this new project.

[G-Man]

Well if "seeing" is what we have seen so far it just doesn't cut it.

I agree he has made some great places Herald Street is almost a great street due to him (too many parking lots still)

[concorde]

And what architect is responsible for this pablum?

Ray Hunt at InsideOut Architects of Sidney is the architect. I like Ray's work and have done several jobs with him. He does all of Chris Lefevre's work

[Holden West]

I agree he has made some great places Herald Street is almost a great street due to him (too many parking lots still)

This building? I like that one. I trust his aesthetic judgement more than I would anyone at City Hall.

[Rob Randall]

This goes before CotW this Thursday at 9 am for its Heritage Alteration Permit.

[Kapten Kapsell]

Was the application approved by CotW?

[Rob Randall]

Yes.

[Rob Randall]

Public Hearing March 12, 7:30 pm, City Hall.

[AnonAnnie2]

http://www.timescolo...0927/story.html

Historic City Morley's building will be turned into nine live-work condo's.


Morley's Soda Water Factory enters a new chapter when work starts in a few weeks to create entry-level condominiums in the high-profile historic building.This nine-month project saves an important Victoria old town building at 1315-1317 Waddington Alley, and creates nine new live-work condos at a time when many other developers are stalled during the global economic downturn.
Owner Chris Le Fevre, developer of several prominent heritage and contemporary buildings, said
.........Morley's units go on the market this weekend.

[G-Man]

Still would rather have seen a glassy modern addition rather than this drab addition. The contrast between the glass and the old brick would have been stunning.

[gumgum]

That top floor addition will ruin it.

Edit: ^What he said.

[Koru]

The drawing in the TC is nothing more than a crappy rendering, give the building a chance. I've been impressed with LeFreve stuff so far, so I see no reason to take a wait and see approach, his approach at restoring and adding to the building is a helluva lot better than the option of allowing the building to continue decaying and eventually get torn down and a building of no historical sense of value put up in its place.

[G-Man]

Well I heard he wanted to a more daring design but was not allowed.

[Mike K.]

Here's the website.

[aastra]

They should paint the place.

[Holden West]

Scan from Glenalan54: