800 replies to this topic

[Hotel Mike]

The more I look at the renderings, the more I like the idea of this building changing that key corner. The rendering from across the harbour makes the architecture fit in nicely. I do think that the finishing will be critical, so I'm hoping the developer goes for high quality.

[jonny]

This person must be a James Bay resident, or perhaps they live in North Park? (from yesterday's TC article http://www.timescolo...posal-1.1076089 )

 

ctmha

 

The original building should be kept and re-configured to better use, this plan is terrible and should not even get pass design panel, who would want to live there? Noise all day long from the boats, the Coho, planes, tourists, night clubs, plus the original building has history. This is another “Falls” in the making where everyone loses their money and turns out to be a crappy place to live!

 

Who is ctmha to question who would want to live here?

 

I never knew the Falls was such a failure. The people I know who live/have lived there must be totally out to lunch when they told me how much they love that building. 

 

 

ctmha

In fact I did, it will never fly, millions will be lost, but the Developer will walk away with a pocket full

 

Who knew property development was so lucrative that even if the project isn't successful and millions of dollars are lost that the developer will still get rich! No risk and guaranteed profits! Now that's an investment opportunity I can get behind!

[Nparker]

As a North Park resident I assure you that letter is NOT from me. In fact, I responded to several of the bizarre letters on the T-C comments section. Now the NIMBYs don't want anything built ever. They truly are BANANAs*

 

*Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Next to Anything

[gumgum]

http://www.timescolo...posal-1.1076089

http://www.customshouse.ca/

here's another pic I found there

after seeing this I am much more enthusiastic. Especially since this rendering implies stone.

Edited by gumgum, 28 May 2014 - 12:13 PM.

[buildinglover]

While I have no issue with taking out the 50's faux heritage building, I was sad to see the proposed design.  In spite of adding much needed windows at ground level to make things more inviting in that block I think the building overall is pretty uninspired and boring for such a prominent corner.  I would have liked to see something much more iconic and bold, mixing modern with heritage in complementary contrasting design (does that make sense? It does in my head, lol).  The proposed design I see here looks like so many of the other condos that have been put up in town.  Granted, knowing Victoria counsellor's (un)appreciation for innovative and head-turning design, this is probably the only thing that could get approved.

[sebberry]

Welcome aboard, buildinglover!

[sebberry]

after seeing this I am much more enthusiastic. Especially since this rendering implies stone.

 

That doesn't look too bad.  Dare I say I like the building that's there now?  Dare I say I think it's one of the better looking buildings around there? 

[VicHockeyFan]

This week's TC article says the 50 residential units are to be rentals.  I'll change the thread title for now.

[Mike K.]

How many are to be market condos?

[VicHockeyFan]

How many are to be market condos?

 

Dunno.  It's unclear if any are.

 

Sipos wants to demolish and replace the Canada Customs building at 816 Government and completely gut and renovate the adjoining heritage building that faces Wharf Street. He will replace them with a mixed-use project fusing residential, office space and commercial tenants.

 

“It will be a catalyst for change. If you think about what happens when you do this [kind of project], instead of dead stores it will be full stores and people here working, eating, shopping, living,” Sipos said.

 

Sipos said he’s not alone as other developers such as the Jawl family and David Chard are doing similar things. “It’s like a journey of several steps ... the city is resilient, it will recover.”

 

Sipos said breathing life into the two buildings, empty for years after the federal government and small retailers moved on, will be part of breathing new life into a street that has eight storefront vacancies in just five blocks.

 

“It’s about putting people onto the street,” Sipos said. He noted the planned 50,000 square feet of office space could translate into hundreds of workers, while the 50 units of rental housing that will command views of the Inner Harbour will add to the vitality of the area.

 

- See more at: http://www.timescolo...h.mnSQyMCR.dpuf

[Nparker]

I would imagine in that location, and to recoup the cost of renovating the heritage building, the rentals will be pretty steep.

[amor de cosmos]

I don't know when these renderings were done but they're new to me







http://www.customsho.../image-gallery/

[D.L.]

Now it's shorter with a less distinctive design

[Mike K.]

True, it's been "Victoria-nized."

[Johnathon S]

How many are to be market condos?

Hi Mike, at present we are not planning on putting in any condos, just office, appartments, and ground floor retail. However the zoning we are going for does still provide the option for residental condos if we decide it is a better idea.

[VicHockeyFan]

Hi Mike, at present we are not planning on putting in any condos, just office, appartments, and ground floor retail. However the zoning we are going for does still provide the option for residental condos if we decide it is a better idea.

 

Thanks for chiming in Johnathon, it's great when we get direct feedback like this.

[Baro]

I think this is looking pretty ok.  I'd love another Belmont Building in both density and ornamentation but this building is fine too.  The massing/height seems right stepping down from the Belmont to the existing office building on Wharf.    I know we always call for more height and density but I'm pretty satisfied with this. Now if anyone on council complains THIS iteration is too tall they can GTFO.

[Mike K.]

Thanks Jonathan!

[dasmo]

Fantastic! Looks like a good scale for this spot. More apartments is good especially well done ones!

[Nparker]

True, it's been "Victoria-nized."

Agreed.What happened to the detail from the earlier renderings?