251 replies to this topic

[Moxuz]

I came here to check the building after sitting in the park and thinking about how amazing the units facing west over the park would be.. wow that’s a design. I don’t think I can imagine living in that. why does it look like that. I love modern architecture but this is a very strange design choice.

[Mike K.]

Yup, it’s an odd duck, that’s for sure. It’s like a 21st century version of the oddity home to Castle just down the road. Different of course, but just odd.

[Moxuz]

Yup, it’s an odd duck, that’s for sure. It’s like a 21st century version of the oddity home to Castle just down the road. Different of course, but just odd.

Honestly the one above Castle is kind of cute

[Victoria Watcher]

What is happening here?

[Kapten Kapsell]

It looks like remediation of the old/existing building is well underway now...

[Nparker]

It looks like remediation of the old/existing building is well underway now...

Is more than the facade being retained from the original building?

[Mike K.]

Yes, some work is happening in the back section of the lot as well. Should we call this u/c now?

[G-Man]

So is this one on hold now? Haven't seen anything happening here in months...

[Nparker]

I was wondering this myself when I went past the other day. It was full-steam ahead for a while and now nothing.

[IPH]

I was wondering this myself when I went past the other day. It was full-steam ahead for a while and now nothing.

VicMap report shows permits have only been issued for partial demo, civil, temp power and excavation.  Main BP for construction of the new building is not listed yet.

[Victoria Watcher]

VicMap report shows permits have only been issued for partial demo, civil, temp power and excavation.  Main BP for construction of the new building is not listed yet.

 

Something on this was at City Hall the other day, there were reams of paperwork in one of the meeting packages, I never looked closely.  Maybe Mike K. will look it up.  

[Mike K.]

This project went before council last week, seeking a tax exemption for heritage restoration/seismic upgrade work for a portion of the old grocery store/commercial building and its Pandora Avenue facade, but the work already began, and did not receive this exemption prior to starting. Normally these exemptions are not given once construction has begun, the City says.

 

The City says the proponent is currently "experiencing severe financial constraints or challenges."

 

The City says the applicant/proponent did apply for the exemption, but due to the length of time it was taking due to a variety of factors including conflicting information, the applicant decided to move forward and not wait for the exemption to be granted.

 

"What we're hearing from developers is they cannot afford to wait to start construction for a number of reasons, one being they are fearful they will lose the trades ...they are making calculated decisions to go ahead."

 

The cost for the heritage restoration component is about $1.7 million. I believe that is what they are seeking the tax exemption for, over a span of 10 years. It's a proportional amount based on the percentage of the project portion that is heritage/seismic restored. The heritage portion would land at about 10% of the annual tax upon completion, or $170k per year.

 

Councillor Gardiner asks, "they knew they were building without the other," the other being the exemption.

 

The City says "they made a choice to proceed."

 

Council rejected the request, citing more-so that it would set a precedent (formerly one such application was approved, but it was deemed to have been the final one).

[aastra]

 

The City says "they made a choice to proceed."

 

Council rejected the request, citing more-so that it would set a precedent...

 

 

What a dangerous precedent that would be, hey? You know, what with those thousands of major heritage reno projects happening all over town every year. As we speak there are probably hundreds of projects happening right now that are comparable to the Wellburn's project.

 

"Too bad, so sad" could be Victoria's official motto re: heritage restoration.

 

I've said it before: if this is how Victoria rolls when it (supposedly) loves its heritage and history, then I don't want to know what Victoria would be like if it had nothing but contempt for its heritage and history.

Edited by aastra, 20 February 2023 - 03:20 PM.

[Mike K.]

Side note: Council was satisfied the developer would continue on with the work, without the exemption.

[Nparker]

What's the unit:parking ratio at Parkway?

[Citified.ca]

Full details on council's decision not to support the tax break:

 

104-unit Wellburn’s Market redevelopment loses bid for heritage restoration and seismic upgrade tax holiday

https://victoria.cit...de-tax-holiday/

[Nparker]

Not much progress to see here.

[Victoria Watcher]

Those are good progress photos though Nparker!

That looks quite expensive to “save” what I’m not sure anyone really noticed much in the way of heritage.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 09 March 2023 - 02:28 PM.

[Nparker]

Thanks VW!

[Biro]

Not much progress but it’s something. Anyone know why the holdup?