156 replies to this topic

[concorde]

This is going up fast...

They better get a move on, the tenant moves in and doors open ready for the public in a little over 6 months.  At the current pace they are in trouble

[JasonE]

Taken today. Onto the third floor...

Attached Images

• 

[JasonE]

They better get a move on, the tenant moves in and doors open ready for the public in a little over 6 months.  At the current pace they are in trouble

Was talking to a worker today and they said that they are on pace to take the scaffolding down by August. Here's hoping!

[Mike K.]

Wow, that fast hey? I don't think we've ever seen a project move at this clip.

[JasonE]

Tenants moving in mid-October

source: Alan Lowe

[Nparker]

It really doesn't take long to build a 4-floor shoe box. What a waste of prime downtown real estate. Based on this piece of blandness there's no fear of becoming Vancouver any time soon. 

[JasonE]

It really doesn't take long to build a 4-floor shoe box. What a waste of prime downtown real estate. Based on this piece of blandness there's no fear of becoming Vancouver any time soon. 

There was another proposal that council shot down. There was height restrictions and the requirement of needing a faux heritage facade. Don't really know what else you expected to go here. This block has been derelict since the old lens and shutter building came down 4 years ago. Thank go they're doing something. I think it's a fine addition to old town.

[Nparker]

I think it's a fine addition to old town.

Ahh....Victoria...when a 4-storey shoebox is considered a "fine" addition.

[jonny]

Ahh....Victoria...when a 4-storey shoebox is considered a "fine" addition.

 

Not everything needs to be a tower.

 

Quality infill projects are absolutely essential.

[Holden West]

^I agree; anything taller would have made an awkward transition to Government Street. I reject calls for maximum height at any location.

[Nparker]

Quality infill projects are absolutely essential.

I agree...this project is hardly quality.

[jonny]

I agree...this project is hardly quality.

 

Why is this building not high quality?

 

It's going to be concrete with zero setbacks. The renderings look like quality materials will be used, including brick. The ground floor shows a good interaction with the street. I think the three storefronts look great. Overall the Argus will work well with the Yarrow building and the Bay Center. 

 

I understand most of your qualms about underwhelming projects, but this one I just don't get. To me this is like the 947 Fort Street building. Nothing grand or spectacular, but a good addition nonetheless.

[HB]

.

Edited by HB, 21 November 2014 - 11:21 AM.

[jonny]

In  a nutshell....It is much better than what it is replacing. No?

 

Absolutely, but the standard needs to be higher than better than a dirt lot! It is much better than the old Lens and Shutter building, that's for sure.

[Mike K.]

It is replacing a couple of buildings that were literally ready for demolition. Considering the renderings have been quite utilitarian, I'll reserve judgement on design once it's finished.

 

If it's anything like 601 Herald I'll take a dozen of these in place of the one-storey garbage strewn along so many of our busy downtown streets.

[HB]

.

Edited by HB, 21 November 2014 - 11:22 AM.

[Mike K.]

I walked through one of those buildings when previewing downtown offices. Trust me, to say that they were ready for the wrecking ball would be an understatement.

[thundergun]

The walls are going up on the fourth floor and the roof of the building can't be far behind. Must be on a pretty tight timeline to have occupancy in ~4 months.

[Mike K.]

 

 

[Nparker]

The reason this isn't at least 5 floors is why again?