605 replies to this topic

[darlenet8]

No. There is no connection. Prior to confirming the project name, we recognized an existing building was called The Pearl. The existing building was seen as being significantly different in both style and location and one with a limited to non-existing marketing profile, that we made the decision to carry forward with The Pearl Residences. This name, for a variety of reasons, was just too perfect to dissuade us easily.

[Rob Randall]

^There are two Chelsea buildings within walking distance: the newer Fairfield condo and the downtown apartment building full of stories.

[Kapten Kapsell]

No. There is no connection. Prior to confirming the project name, we recognized an existing building was called The Pearl. The existing building was seen as being significantly different in both style and location and one with a limited to non-existing marketing profile, that we made the decision to carry forward with The Pearl Residences. This name, for a variety of reasons, was just too perfect to dissuade us easily.

Thanks for the clarification!

[Rob Randall]

Approved by Design Panel this afternoon.

[sdwright.vic]

What about Northern Junk?

[Rob Randall]

I wasn't able to stick around, unfortunately. 

[Rob Randall]

ADP liked how the harbour pathway preserved the shoreline by placing the walkway overtop of it rather than building a retaining wall like the Janion.

 

The only complaint I heard was minor concerns about the division of the public/private realm, like where the retaining walls are placed and ensuring good public access is balanced with resident privacy. Always an issue with these mixed use developments.

Edited by Rob Randall, 25 April 2018 - 07:50 PM.

[VicHockeyFan]

What’s new here?

[darlenet8]

What’s new here?

We got a positive response from the Heritage Advisory Panel last week. This means the planner assigned, Miko Betanzo, will now prepare a report to Committee Of The Whole. The typical process (although not TECHNICALLY required) provides an opportunity for public comment after COTW.

 

If our application does NOT get on the August 9^th COTW meeting the next one after that is September 6th.  I understand, Council will likely make their final decision following the opportunity for public comment on the same night.

[VicHockeyFan]

Thanks, Darlene.

[Kungsberg]

City favours new condos on difficult downtown Victoria lot

http://www.timescolo...-lot-1.23336780

 

A proposed seven-storey, 132-unit residential building to be “squeezed” onto a parking lot between the Mermaid Wharf and the Janion buildings will go forward for public comment.

 

Councillors at committee Thursday unanimously approved issuing the development permit subject to an opportunity for public comment….

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[aastra]

 

...the architecture should send the message that it is the foreground for Old Town and Chinatown, a National Historic Site.
 

She said a darker cladding might help make the project “much more harmonious as part of the greater whole.”
 

read full article at the Times-Colonist...

 

It's Friday so the old town and Chinatown are all about dark buildings.

[Nparker]

Once again I am in disagreement with Pam Madoff (surprise, surprise). There is no good reason for the waterfront facade of this project to be dark and heavy. 

...When we look at these three buildings, I still am of the view that the most successful approach to a building on the waterfront adjacent to Old Town has been the Mermaid Wharf approach in terms of its architectural detailing...

Well that's ONE opinion, but I don't happen to feel it is true. IMHO, the waterfront side of the Janion is far more appealing than the heavier, brick face of Mermaid Wharf. 

Can we please stick a fork in Pam's time on council. She is more than done.

[jonny]

What's there even to discuss on this one from a public hearing perspective? This is the type of project the city should be streamlining approvals on. 

[Jackerbie]

What's there even to discuss on this one from a public hearing perspective? This is the type of project the city should be streamlining approvals on. 

 

This one has variances, so there's a legal requirement to notify the public and allow time for public comment.

[jonny]

I would blanket up-zone areas of potential redevelopment to limit the instance of variances. 

[aastra]

 

...the waterfront side of the Janion is far more appealing than the heavier, brick face of Mermaid Wharf.

 

I like that pic because all three buildings are different. I've ranted and raved for years about this misconception that the old town is supposed to be about blandness and drabness and sameness. It's a notion that was plucked out of thin air*, and it became self-fulfilling as one-by-one many of the finest old buildings were demolished or otherwise stripped of their detail and grandeur after WW2.

 

*I'm 98% convinced that this hang-up is seated in some sort of collective community memory re: the supposed shame and humiliation of being "overtaken" by Vancouver, but I digress.

[Nparker]

What's there even to discuss on this one from a public hearing perspective? ..

It allows the folks in Pam's beloved Mermaid Wharf to publicly decry the destruction of their way of life. Apparently many of them felt the adjacent property was going to remain a parking lot forever.

[aastra]

 

I like that pic because all three buildings are different.

 

The walkway looks good, and it all seems to come together and work. Doesn't look like Vancouver, doesn't look like North Vancouver or New West, doesn't look like Kelowna. It's a uniquely Victorian urban scene, and thus there must be something wrong with it. The middle building isn't dark enough, that's it.

[aastra]

There was no enthusiasm for Mermaid Wharf when it was proposed. Some odds comments in the local media re: why do they want to build a residential building there?