530 replies to this topic

[jklymak]

The culture/nightlife of many smaller Mexican towns puts even large North American cities to shame. Canada and the United States cannot be compared to a nation that has a very different approach to culture and engagement in public spaces.

The two biggest differences being 1) that many Mexicans cannot afford cars or if they can, they cannot afford as much gasoline. 2) Mexico is, in general, an older place.

[Rob Randall]

To be honest, I can't remember if I have the most recent renderings for this building. I have a huge stack of Hudson stuff going back years.

I do have pictures of the model:

[Baro]

I actually kinda like the shorter building, totally depends on the finishing materials but the massing feels ok for the street. The other towers though... not a single window and an entire monolithic wood finish? I know we chastised the atrium for getting rid of the exterior wood but this is a ridiculous counter move.

[Rob Randall]

^No, the other towers are just rough renderings at this point.

EDIT: oh, it's a joke.

[Szeven]

There is a lot of Hudson stuff on the Land Use Planning Committee meeting agenda tomorrow at 9am. I assume there will be lots of pictures there.

[D.L.]

Aewsome Rob! Thanks for the look!

[Mike K.]

There doesn't appear to be any activity on this project. Today the pit was being used as a staging ground for glass destined for the retail portion of The Hudson.

[D.L.]

Although the tower crane has been up for several months, it doesn't look like any actual construction has taken place yet. Perhaps the developers are waiting until the Hudson lofts are finished before moving on to the rental tower.


My pic from today

[LJ]

Don't like the way that crane is bent, that can't be good.

[D.L.]

Those buildings are bent too.

[Mike K.]

Hudson Mews is expected to start in late 2010.

[Rob Randall]

Hudson’s affordable housing financing dropped

By Robert Randall • Published on Tuesday, September 14, 2010

A complex partnership designed to bring new, subsidized apartments to lower-income families and individuals at Downtown’s Hudson complex has been scrapped after one of the group got cold feet and dropped out. The Fisgard Street highrise will instead be built as market rental housing without the help of BC Housing financing.

[martini]

^Why am I not surprised?

[Rob Randall]

The average "per door" cost was around a quarter million dollars. I've talked to a few developers who say affordable housing should cost way less.

I admit I am conflicted. I know it's cheaper to warehouse them at Traveller's Inns but I also see the worth of having a few small subsidized suites in high-end complexes to add diversity.

[martini]

Well I was cynical from the beginning. It smelled like a bailout disguised as 'affordable housing'. Now what has happened to the $32 million Fortin and Coleman were throwing around?

[Rob Randall]

Now what has happened to the $32 million Fortin and Coleman were throwing around?

Presumably, $2.5 million went to the Traveller's Inn purchase last week. The rest, I don't know. The City's $800,000 grant, I'm not sure about that either. I will try to find out.

If I had a wish, the money would be used to fix up the Caldwell Apartments.

[martini]

^That grant money should be accounted for. Both.

It makes sense to convert existing properties like the one you suggested.

Pacifica Housing has done just that, and seems to do it well.

Coleman and Fortin got B.C. Housing involved in a less than Kosher deal. They had to pull out. Especially considering this project did not go to public tender.

It was a behind closed doors deal. Which tends to be a common M.O. in this town.

[VicHockeyFan]

The average "per door" cost was around a quarter million dollars. I've talked to a few developers who say affordable housing should cost way less.

I admit I am conflicted. I know it's cheaper to warehouse them at Traveller's Inns but I also see the worth of having a few small subsidized suites in high-end complexes to add diversity.

Wouldn't it be easier to give qualified people a $250 or whatever rent subsidy, and they can choose wherever they want to live, as long as the landlord signs off a true statement of rent charged? You know, like how most people live, picking and choosing the housing that suits them the very best in terms of style, quality, price and location, not stuffing them all in one building the government deems to be the one you have to live in if you want cheaper rent?

How does Townline expect to build a building of that size with market rents? Can't be done, we all know it doesn't work.

[martini]

Wouldn't it be easier to give qualified people a $250 or whatever rent subsidy, and they can choose wherever they want to live, as long as the landlord signs off a true statement of rent charged? You know, like how most people live, picking and choosing the housing that suits them the very best in terms of style, quality, price and location, not stuffing them all in one building the government deems to be the one you have to live in if you want cheaper rent?

How does Townline expect to build a building of that size with market rents? Can't be done, we all know it doesn't work.

Agree

http://www.bchousing.org/programs/RAP
To qualify, families must have a gross household income of $35,000 or less, have at least one dependent child, and have been employed at some point over the last year.

[Sparky]

^ What effect does anyone feel this might have on the sales of the Hudson? Higher prices?