208 replies to this topic

[Scaper]

Here is the Clock tower proposal. It passed through public hearing around a month ago, I believe.

I don't have all the specific's of the development but here are the photos (Now and to come)

[Oxford Sutherland]

Maybe it's just the way the rendering turned out, but the retail seems excessively recessed and in the dark, and the awnings are really low. Where does the signage go? How will anyone know what shops are there?

and why are there cars going both directions on Fort Street?

[Scaper]

This was the original proposal when it was tabled by council.....then the above rendering was the (supposed improved) rendering, which was passed.


personally I like the original better. I would think that they will still print the names of the stores on the canopies.....

But I agree with you I am not a huge fan of those either.

[Oxford Sutherland]

We shouldn't be pushing storefronts back into the darkness. They did that to the shops on the Douglas side of the conference centre and they're chronically vacant.

They gotta shrink those awnings

[gumgum]

It's north facing...why do they need those awnings at all?

[aastra]

How else are you going to soak passers-by when it's pouring rain?

Ditch the awnings.

[Doc Sage]

I think the awnings will never see the light of day.

The present building has always been a dark spot along this block. Not only because of it's colour but also it look so inactive. The
windows are covered with blinds, little or no signages and I do not recall ever seeing anyone entering or leaving the building
(I live in the infamous View Tower).

Doc Sage

[Baro]

Why the hell did they get rid of the only architectural element, those cool balconies, and replace them with.. with nothing.

Ah yes.. good or interestesting architecture is an attack on herritage. All new buildings must be drab and boring to reinforce the Victoria FACT that new builds are all boring and ugly.

[Rob Randall]

This is the report the DRA Land Use Committee wrote in response to this proposal. We were glad Councillor Madoff came in strongly in support of this project despite the increase in height and density over the present zoning.

- - - - - - - - - -

Re: Rezoning application No. 0082/Development Permit Application No.
000050
947 Fort St.

The DRA Land Use Committee has had the opportunity to view the
architectural renderings for this building proposal.

We support the requested rezoning for this application and think this
building will be a welcome addition to a block in need of
revitalization.

The City of Victoria has spent considerable time and money over the
last two decades marketing Antique Row as a noteworthy tourist
destination. It has been fairly successful in drawing tourists up from
Government St. and Old Town. As well as being a worthwhile destination
in itself, Antique Row is an important link between Downtown and The
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, Langham Court Theatre and Craigdarroch
Castle to the east.

The unique, eclectic architecture of Antique Row helps differentiate
this neighbourhood from the surrounding districts. Antique Row is a
busy transit corridor lined with mixed use buildings of various
heights, ages and architectural styles. The underlying theme of this
area is its refreshing lack of underlying theme. Traditional Japanese
construction exists in cheerful harmony beside Neo-Italianate and faux
tudor. Many of the buildings are notable for their unique blend of
high-quality materials and finishes. High-tech stainless steel,
coloured plate glass and neon sit amidst rich ceramic tile work, slate
and fabric awnings.

Often overlooked, neglected and unappreciated until the end of the 20th
Century, this area is often described now as funky, vibrant and
dynamic. The catalyst in this change undoubtedly was Jan Zak's designs
for the Mosaic building and its neighbour The Jigsaw. The Mosaic, with
its stunning tile mural, enormous neon sign and bold stainless steel
"hood ornament" is the "crown jewel" of the 1000 block of Fort Street.

It is hoped that Cielo's proposal for 947 Fort will help spur a similar
renaissance of the problematic 900 block. A significant number of
residential units, many of them overlooking Pioneer Square will
increase sidewalk activity and safety. The challenge is for the
architect to enhance the residential feel of Meares Street while
playing to the upbeat vibrancy needed for Fort Street.

The deletion of the centre architectural element of the Fort Street
facade as shown in the second rendering has robbed the building of a
dynamic, dramatic visual element. The facade of this building is very
wide. Strong vertical features will assist in breaking up the mass
while distinguishing itself from similar yet more prosaic low-rise
condo projects like 1030 Yates. We must not allow architectural
timidity to drain Antique Row of its one-of-a-kind character and appeal.

The DRA demands to see daring, dynamic architectural features and
unparalleled attention to detail and finishing in keeping with the high
architectural standards set for this valued and unique street--a vital
part of Harris Green and Downtown.

[gumgum]

[Oxford Sutherland]

The original rendering had the same type of rafters that CityPlace has, but they
removed them in the updated rendering.

Here's the rafters (at least that's what I think they are) on CityPlace...

[Nparker]

The approved version of this building is just another typical example of the "dumbing down" of any touches of the avant garde in local architecture.

[m0nkyman]

It is hoped that Cielo's proposal for 947 Fort will help spur a similar
renaissance of the problematic 900 block.

What?

/me takes personal umbrage at that insult to a block that includes Island Blue Print, The Blue Fox, Lunds, Sen Zushi, Idar, the BDC... and two empty lots that exist because the city made the owners so angry that they swore that they'd be dead and in their graves before the city saw any improvements/tax revenues from them.

[aastra]

What's the scoop on that? Please elaborate!

[m0nkyman]

We all know [url=http://www.geocities.com/lostman42/viewtowers.htm:3a1ff]the reason[/url:3a1ff]. It's the way that it was handled, and what happened in the aftermath that pissed off two separate landowners.

[Rob Randall]

It is hoped that Cielo's proposal for 947 Fort will help spur a similar
renaissance of the problematic 900 block.

What?

/me takes personal umbrage at that insult to a block that includes Island Blue Print, The Blue Fox, Lunds, Sen Zushi, Idar, the BDC... and two empty lots that exist because the city made the owners so angry that they swore that they'd be dead and in their graves before the city saw any improvements/tax revenues from them.

I apologize if you thought I insulted you or your neighbours. The word "problematic" was used because we felt a strong word was needed to justify the large increase in density being requested. We felt that despite the fine efforts of the merchants and the City to beautify the block the traumatic fallout from the construction and maintenance of View Towers has made it difficult for the block to reach its fullest potential. We hope this project will spur further development. In fact we are optimistic the Lunds Auction parking lot will have a proposal on it soon.

I'm not familiar with the story behind the View Towers construction. All I know is that my neighbourhood has an unsightly, poorly maintained parking lot, a vacant lot with a large abandoned truck rotting away and a poorly designed "park" on the corner. It's a shame we have to suffer for a business dispute that happened decades ago. The use of the word problematic was not intended to refer to any other properties in the area. In fact, as the letter states, the other properties are very well-liked.

[m0nkyman]

Nobody ever gets my sense of humour... sometimes not even myself.

[Holden West]

Rule No. 1: Never annoy a man that owns an AR15 assault rifle.
Rule No. 2: Never disregard rule No. 1.

[gumgum]

Who owns this assault rifle?

[Oxford Sutherland]

Are there any renderings for the Meares side of the building?