10 replies to this topic

[victorian fan]

Merchants, residents celebrate rejuvenation of neighbourhood
Carla Wilson, Times Colonist June 9, 2010

The area is now marked by "electric fuschia" banners proclaiming that it has "All the Best."

"It is a hip neighbourhood," Ken Kelly, Downtown Victoria Business Association manager, said yesterday as Mayor Dean Fortin hoisted the final banner on Humboldt Street.

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Read more: http://www.timescolo...l#ixzz0qN3PWAQk

[Baro]

Apparently 3-4 condos constitutes a neighbourhood and a few small retail spaces hidden behind giant setbacks is a commercial precinct ??

Now if they filled that big open space with a semi-permanent market, that might be interesting.

[aastra]

It definitely could have been better but it's still pretty good. And it's bigger than we might like to think if we include buildings like the Falls, the Savoy, the Cherry Bank, and City Place.

Let's pause to remember that none of it would have happened if not for the visionary support of the city and its elected officials.

[VicHockeyFan]

It definitely could have been better but it's still pretty good. And it's bigger than we might like to think if we include buildings like the Falls, the Savoy, the Cherry Bank, and City Place.

That's my thoughts exactly. And good for them for getting together to use some of the funds they pay to the DVBA to use it for their own idea.

[victorian fan]

It is a hip neighbourhood

Far out, man.

[gumgum]

So far the retail in that area is pretty pathetic. Not to mention the empty storefronts.

[Baro]

The area just doesn't have the density to support all that open space. Yes, open space needs to be supported or it's a drain. I think it's the open space that is holding this area back. More density and more intimate streets would have suited the area. You've got the huge empress lawn and gardens a block away, St. Ann's across the street, and blood beacon hill park 2 blocks away. It's trying to be a shopping/social square but it just doesn't have the people to support it, and I don't see that changing because all this open space is locked in and the rest of the area is already developed.

[gumgum]

^And thank god Cridge Park is safe.

[Barra]

You're right - the bare empty space is a hindrance. As we know, open space needs to be programed (i.e. scheduled performances, markets etc.) but the merchants have made a start on this with the pocket market in the summer, and they are planning to put in sculpture! And since they're starting with an Elza Mayhew piece, it looks like its going to be real art!!! With Winchester Gallery there, maybe we'll see more - maybe they could invite artists to work in the space - like a mini Moss St. experience - or maybe a mini Luminara. It would be a great place for performance art or flash mob activity.

[Bob Fugger]

God forbid that - or any urban Victoria neighbourhood - plan a neighbourhood with some commercial/retail. Imagine if any of those three buildings had a Thrifty's or even an UrBan Fare on the main floor. This town is so effing Podunk.

[Ms. B. Havin]

You're right - the bare empty space is a hindrance. As we know, open space needs to be programed (i.e. scheduled performances, markets etc.) but the merchants have made a start on this with the pocket market in the summer, and they are planning to put in sculpture! And since they're starting with an Elza Mayhew piece, it looks like its going to be real art!!! With Winchester Gallery there, maybe we'll see more - maybe they could invite artists to work in the space - like a mini Moss St. experience - or maybe a mini Luminara. It would be a great place for performance art or flash mob activity.

I like those ideas - would be nice if they were realized. Elza Mayhew is a good start - thank god no more plastinated bronze bodies!