42 replies to this topic

[Kapten Kapsell]

This is a brand new proposal.

Townline is proposing to redevelop 858-880 Pandora (just west of Quadra on the north side of the street) with a new 14 storey rental tower containing 138 rental apartments and street-level retail/commercial.

Rendering:

[Nparker]

That's quite the 70s vibe.

[Nparker]

...Townline is proposing to redevelop 858-880 Pandora...

Currently this.

I wonder if the address numbers would be more accurately 848-888 Pandora, since 858-880 splits each of the 2 existing structures in half?

[aastra]

There's something about the ground level that recalls the Salvation Army's modern building near the JSB. I don't dig that vibe.

 

I gotta say, it bugs me that 1400 Quadra would have a classic faux-heritage kind of podium (done well) that seems much more fitting for the "church row" blocks of Quadra a bit further north, and yet the corner of Quadra and Pandora wants to redevelop with more of a 1970s modern look. It seems almost like a 21st-century version of the Sandpiper to me.

 

I think it was Rob Randall who wondered if some of these concepts are crafted by people who have either never been to Victoria or who are such new arrivals that they don't really grasp the character and the history of the development sites and their contexts.

[Nparker]

Is this design perhaps inspired by the existing MCM building at 848-858 Pandora?

Edited by Nparker, 13 February 2023 - 04:10 PM.

[GaryOak]

60766B5E-24FE-41A1-9532-17DE5B5E927F.jpeg

I like the idea of turning the streets into canals.

[aastra]

Another thing about this development: I wouldn't want the Mason Street side to look like a "back" side as if the street was just a service alley. I don't know what they're planning to do on that side but I think it's a pretty unique little block and ideally it wouldn't get the middle finger again in a similar manner to how the R. Blanshard Building gave it the middle finger.

 

edit: I'm just looking at the documents now. They want to put townhomes on the Mason Street side. Should be okay.

Edited by aastra, 13 February 2023 - 09:11 PM.

[aastra]

I'm also wondering about the commercial units on this place. Maybe it's none of my business, but do we think they would have any chance at all of being successful?

[Mike K.]

Would a restaurant work there? I’m not sure what the likelihood is now. But maybe things will change, as the other towers complete. There’s a lot of positive change going in there but will it be enough to turn the tide?

[Citified.ca]

Great work, Kapten!

 

First look: Quadra and Pandora intersection could see its first highrise tower (design inside)

https://victoria.cit...-design-inside/

[Nparker]

The street numbering for this proposal still puzzles me. Since it is covering the entire block (half-block?) along Pandora Avenue between Amelia and Quadra streets, why does the address start at 854 and not 830 (the current western most address for these properties)?

 

Edit: I now see that the project is not covering the entire block, but only half. The street numbers make more sense now.

Edited by Nparker, 15 February 2023 - 09:42 AM.

[Nparker]

FYI: Development tracker information here. https://tender.victo...Number=CLC00402

[dkuitu]

 

 

[Nparker]

This project feels like someone took this building on Blanshard and Cormorant and set it on top of a podium.

 

Attached Images

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[amor de cosmos]

Is this design perhaps inspired by the existing MCM building at 848-858 Pandora?

i think very likely, and also the government office building on the other corner & the central baptist church across the street

[dkuitu]

i think very likely, and also the government office building on the other corner & the central baptist church across the street

 

Yeah, I think so too. It's going to block my view of both those buildings unfortunately :-( If I'm lucky I'll still get the "NE" of the NELSON'S MUSIC signage.

 

I wish they would put the 13 story part on the left side instead and block my view of the sandpiper.

Edited by dkuitu, 15 February 2023 - 01:10 PM.

[Mike K.]

Right. And it was likely pushed to only the Quadra side to give the rest of the block a chance for another tower. Maybe Townline also owns that 

[Victoria Watcher]

[Mike K.]

Wow, that was quick!

[Nparker]

This location will be very popular with those who want a close up view of the nightmare on Pandora Avenue.

Edited by Nparker, 02 November 2023 - 05:59 AM.