443 replies to this topic

[Nparker]

One could say the same to people resisting to a different bridge, the road closures to BHP, etc. But those are bad changes so it doesn't count, right?

I supported the idea of a new bridge, just not the fiasco we have ended up with. Also, as VHF says above, the Empress is privately owned so what they choose to do with their property is pretty much their business and their's alone, iconic landmark or not. I am fairly loathe of public opinion having too much influence over private development (St. Andrew's School, Northern Junk etc. etc.).

[gumgum]

Nice movement of the goalposts there by introducing the debate of private versus public. But we were originally taking about change and the resistance thereof. My point is that all too often those who oppose a particular change all often labelled as a curmudgeon, all too set in their ways. But when the tables are turned and it's you who opposes a change, it's for a viable reason. 

[Greg]

I'm not suggesting they don't have the RIGHT to remove the trees, just that I think it is seems like a stupid idea, since they seemed pretty iconic. I've not seen anything that says the two weeping sequoias were actually sick, just the arbutus that was removed from the other area. But then I liked the ice rink over last xmas, so I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt and see how it turns out.

[Danma]

I like the opening up of the grounds, as it makes the stretch along Belleville much friendlier IMHO. I agree that those trees were well known but the overall change is one that is positive.

 

It's pretty clear with the changes inside and out that the current owners want the Empress to be a competitive hotel that is desired for its usability, convenience and luxury rather than just on its historical merits. Curious to see what else is coming down the pipe...

[Mike K.]

Me too, Dan. These guys are no amateurs as evidenced with every move they've made so far.

The opening up of the grounds is a good move. The property now looks welcoming and not nearly as elitist as it did before.

[aastra]

Most of the comments under the TC article are just of the general "Victoria sucks" variety.

[dasmo]

They are a good thing. The empress needs a breath of life and they seem to be giving it just that! Those trees are nothing that special....

[Gary H]

Before and After...

 

Looks like they're just redoing the concrete and brick pavers with no significant change in the width.

 

From myworldofphotos.com:

 

 

[D.L.]

The south side looks so much better now with the landscape changes

[Bingo]

They need to prune the ivy.

[Gary H]

Okay, what IS different with this makeover are the new wide planters on each side of the entry path. 

 

 

 

[Hotel Mike]

They sure went with utilitarian planting along the walkway, buxus. Simple.

[VicHockeyFan]

They sure went with utilitarian planting along the walkway, buxus. Simple.

 

I'm sure next year they will have flowers in bloom.  All that brown dirt can't be the final plan.

[Bingo]

They need to trim the ivy so that you can read the Empress sign. Did they lay off the gardeners?

[Gary H]

The New Landscaping Looks Great... 

 

Yeah they removed some big old trees but now that the scaffolds are down the caution tape removed the overall new look is great - very park like, very inviting.  Also, I don't recall the whale plant sculpture or the Veranda outdoor lounge being there before.  And they planted some annuals on the sides of the entry path!  After over two years here it's still hard not to feel like you're on vacation - and take touristy type photos. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited by Gary H, 06 June 2015 - 02:55 PM.

[Jill]

The whale sculpture has been there for a few years, at least, and I remember first having drinks on the veranda twenty years ago!

[Sparky]

^^ You will cease to be a newcomer Gary when you have encountered the "Purple City" effect at the Empress. 

 

Thanks for the pics.

[Gary H]

The "Purple City" effect?

 

Does this occur after consumption of some "special" Empress cocktail that may have been served on the Veranda 20 years ago?

 

Oh, wait a minute, a quick Google search reveals this is a phenomenon of staring into floodlights for a minute and then looking up - everything supposedly turns purple. 

[Sparky]

😜

[VicHockeyFan]

Maintaining the million-plus pieces of slate that make up the roof of the Empress Hotel isn’t a job — it’s a calling for the father-son duo who have been on duty since 1990.

 

“This is our life’s work,” said Korby Grist, 42, whose father, David, is 66 and still going strong.

The annual bill for re-roofing comes in between $200,000 and $300,000, depending on what needs doing beyond the slate tiles, such as all dormer copper roofs, flashings, fixtures, dome tops and other items also undergoing replacement this year.

 

Korby Grist was in the final days last week of replacing slate tiles 60 metres above the street on Humboldt Tower — the hotel’s highest point, added in 1929.

 

The complex château-style roof totals 90,000 square feet, said Grist, a certified sheet metal journeyman experienced in slating techniques specific to heritage buildings.

 

The relationship between the hotel and Grist Slate and Tile Roofing dates to 1967 and currently involves four craftsmen.

 

The Grists and crew have worked on the Empress roof for six to eight months a year for all but three of the past 25 years, said hotel operations director Cole Millen.

 

“Eventually, there will be a point where it is finished, but that’s still a few years out,” Millen said.

 

- See more at: http://www.timescolo...h.2IQiMcVB.dpuf

 

Every time I look up at that roof work, I shudder to think how difficult this work is.  Working up that high, on a roof with that kind of slope, with a material as difficult as slate.  That takes some skill.

 

Of course, the nice thing about slate, you only replace it every 75 or 100 years.  Longer in places not as exposed as the Empress.