[Dartmouth] 19 Portland St | ? m | 4 fl | Completed

[Jonovision]

A couple of weeks ago I had noticed that a building was torn down on Portland St. in downtown dartmouth, just up from Alderney. I walked by today and saw a sign up on the building next to it with a pic of a model of a new 4 storey building that I'm guessing will be built. That's about all I know. i emailed the Downtown Dartmouth Business Association to see if they could tell me anymore. I'll post what they tell me.

It seems like it would be a nice addition to the neighborhood.

[Jonovision]

Here's the comment I got back from Tim Olive:

If I have the building you are speaking of the building in the rear of the Sterns Building used to house Weldon McInnis Law Firm then a Tattoo Parlour. It was purchased by Roger Eckoldt of Urchin Holdings and he had demolished it to construct an apartment building with commercial on the ground floor in accordance with our municipal planning strategy. I hope this helps. You can contact Mr. Eckoldt at 469-5449 . Tim Olive, Executive Director, DDBC

It doesn't really say much, but does confirm that its underconstruction. I'll try and get a pic of the signboard at the site.

[Jonovision]

I took some pics of the site and the board the other day.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/Dtown015.jpg?t=1202102706

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/Dtown018.jpg?t=1202102752

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/Dtown016.jpg?t=1202102782

[someone123]

Urchin Holdings has a rendering up (http://www.urchinholdings.com/comvac.htm):

http://www.urchinholdings.com/images/portland%2011.jpg

Interesting building with a very narrow footprint.

[phrenic]

I work about two minutes up the street from this and it's nice to see some new construction coming here, however small it is.

[worldlyhaligonian]

I think all these little in-fill projects around HRM are really good for the urban landscape. Once all the little holes are filled in and the population has grown, I think we'll see some higher quality developments.

[Dmajackson]

Has anyone seen this recently. I'm intersted to see what that rendering would look like in real life...

[Jonovision]

This has not changed. It is still the hole of the old foundation its been for the past year or so.
I'm planning on talking to Urchin though, as I want to get an apartment from them. I'll see whats up.

[Dmajackson]

So "Jonovision" have you received a reply from them yet?

[Jonovision]

Oh right. I didn't hear about my apartment. But I talked to the main guy in charge, I can't recall his name. He says they will be starting shortly and I somewhat perhaps got an impression of a redesign. I'll let you know if I hear more.

[worldlyhaligonian]

http://www.urchinholdings.com/images/portland%2012.jpg

Managed to blow up a thumbnail of a rendering from the Urchin website. Hadn't seen this view before, thought I would share it. :cheers:

[Jonovision]

I don't think that's the design anymore though. I havn't seen any of the new renderings. But I've been told there is a redesign.

[dartmouthian]

too bad. that design looked really nice.

[Dmajackson]

So whats the deal with this development anyways?

I tried looking it up on Urchin's website and they have it listed as no vacancys and expected ocupancy this spring which is not happening from what is posted earlier in this thread. They even removed the links on their website so theres no information about it what-so-ever.

[phrenic]

About a month ago I was speaking with one of the architects for this building (their offices are up the street) and he said that as far as he knew, it was still going ahead in the spring. Wasn't sure of specific dates though.

[Jringe01]

I am sooooooooooooo happy that Downtown Dartmouth is getting this.

Ever since amalgamation it seems poor DT Dartmough has been left out in the cold and I find that strange because it has so much potential.

Maybe now developers will wake up to that fact what with this and the marine slips redevelopment

[Dmajackson]

This hole in the ground is really starting to get nasty. Hopefully they'll fill it in soon. This is one of the few Downtown Portland Street's bad spots.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3591/3364132846_905165186c_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3430/3363314911_9f99f77649_b.jpg
Take a look at the date on the sign

Both photos taken by me today. :)

[Jonovision]

I walked by this site last night on my way down to the Ferry. It is now finally underconstruction!!!!!!!! No sign of a redesign. The same sign board is still up on the old building with the 'open fall 2008' on it. However the site has been re-fenced off and a black tarp has been woven into the fence so you can't see into the site. But luckily it's not that high and when I peeked over the top there was an excavator in there.

[hfx_chris]

Yeah, I meant to take some pictures earlier this week from my building.. maybe I'll get around to it Monday

[Dmajackson]

Nice! :tup:

Good to see this going ahead. That hole was quite ugly the last time I was by it.

[someone123]

I wanted to get to downtown Dartmouth during my visit but completely ran out of time. Anyway, nice to see that this is going ahead.

[Wishblade]

wow, I thought this one was dead in the water. surprised and glad to see its going ahead. I wouldnt be surprised if the design has changed, even though from what I've seen, the original design isnt bad.

[Jonovision]

Yesterday

http://inlinethumb36.webshots.com/43299/2998175980096709958S600x600Q85.jpg

[Phalanx]

Is construction actually starting, or are they just getting rid of the garbage pit that the foundation had become? O.o

[Jonovision]

There hasn't been any offical word of a construction start yet. But I can't see them bothering to start something without intending to fully start construction after they had left the whole empty for almost 2 years.

[Dmajackson]

All photos by me yesterday;

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3636/3663818831_8f72f06317_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3207/3664621438_bf5ac83e93_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2588/3663820399_7469a48e33_b.jpg

[Jonovision]

I walked by the site today and they had a drill rig working. So I'm guessing that they will be using some geothermal.

[Jonovision]

From this weeks Dartmouth - Cole Harbour Weekly News Paper.

New development to bring out Dartmouth’s bright side

Halifax News Net

http://www.halifaxnewsnet.ca/photos/HalifaxNewsNet/stories/dart-development.jpg

By Joanie Veitch – The Weekly News
At a coffee table in his Prince Street office, Roger Eckoldt spreads out the drawings of his new development at the lower end of Portland Street in downtown Dartmouth. He points out the name of the building — The Bright Side — with pride. Playing on the tired “Darkside” label that Dartmouth is often called, the name also captures the optimism with which Eckoldt views the downtown area.
“I’ve been living and doing business in downtown Dartmouth for over 30 years. It’s a nice place. Halifax gets all the attention, but downtown Dartmouth’s time is coming up. The area has a lot of unused potential.”
Eckoldt bought the 19 Portland St. building three years ago. A former law office, it is now under construction to become a five-storey, mixed-use building with retail on the ground floor and both residential and commercial suites on the upper levels.
Eckoldt said he draws his inspiration for the building from the great cities of Europe, where five- to six-storey buildings with commercial operations on the street level and flats upstairs is the norm.
“There people live and work and shop in the one area. Up until recently, our zoning here was for people to live in one part of town and the commercial in another. That is changing now,” he said.
As the penthouse suite will be his retirement home, Eckoldt is pulling out all the stops for this luxury building. Architect Ted Mitchell, with Connor Architects and Planners Ltd., is working with engineers and builders from Lindsay Construction to incorporate many green-building design concepts, such as a geothermal heating system and photo-electric solar panels to reduce the ecological footprint of the building.
Although Eckoldt declined comment on the total cost of the building, he said the four 500-foot holes being bored into the earth’s core costs $12,000 each to drill.
Adding to the design features, the narrow lot — which is 34 feet wide and 90 feet long — increases the construction budget.
“You build a building in the suburbs and you just take in a bulldozer and go to it. Here we have older buildings on either side of the property and you have to spend days chipping out eight feet of rock for the basement. That alone cost around $80,000 … I will never get a rent in this building to pay for the capital costs,” Eckoldt said.
The exterior of the building will be brick and steel, with a sloped copper-coloured roof (designed to catch the sun and be seen shining brightly from the Halifax side of the harbour, another reason for the “Bright Side” name) and 30- to 40-foot terraces with glass fronts. The street level storefront will be stone, with an upper mezzanine.
The third and fourth storeys will each house two 900-square foot units, suitable for either commercial or residential use.
“It’s going to be a major improvement for the area,” said Ursula Prossegger, Eckoldt’s daughter and manager with Urchin Property Management Inc. “We’re hoping it will provide incentive to other property owners in the area to invest in their properties also.”
Urchin Holdings owns and manages about 60,000 square feet of commercial and office space in the downtown area.
The Bright Side building is scheduled to be completed this winter.
joanie.veitch@gmail.com

24/07/09

[Dmajackson]

Assuming that the building won't actually be pink and purple when completed this looks like a nice project for the CBD area. :)

[worldlyhaligonian]

Assuming that the building won't actually be pink and purple when completed this looks like a nice project for the CBD area. :)

Yeah, just another green, fake copper roof... they need to make a paint with copper dust in it that would oxidize and look real.

[Jonovision]

Yeah, just another green, fake copper roof... they need to make a paint with copper dust in it that would oxidize and look real.

I don't think it will be that fake green copper. Since the article describes it as a copper like roof that will reflect the sun. The fake green doesn't really do that. So hopefully it will be a preoxidized copper colour.

[worldlyhaligonian]

I don't think it will be that fake green copper. Since the article describes it as a copper like roof that will reflect the sun. The fake green doesn't really do that. So hopefully it will be a preoxidized copper colour.

Lets hope so.

[Jonovision]

Some quick shots from friday afternoon.

http://inlinethumb45.webshots.com/44780/2459742230096709958S600x600Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2459742230096709958SvTCHg)

http://inlinethumb10.webshots.com/43209/2861253180096709958S600x600Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2861253180096709958JjMDpz)

[Jonovision]

They had a rig on site pouring the foundations for this. It looks like there might be a crane installed based on the way they have cut into the bedrock, but I'm not certain. I'll ask one of the workers next time I go by.

[Dmajackson]

So due to the last post I am going to list this as foundation but maybe someone who works/lives nearby can take a stroll up to see what's going on?

plz? :shuffle:

[Jonovision]

I walk by everyday. The foundation walls are at grade and they are pouring the basement slab today I believe. Or at least that's what it looked like they were ready to do on my way to work yesterday.

[Dmajackson]

I walk by everyday. The foundation walls are at grade and they are pouring the basement slab today I believe. Or at least that's what it looked like they were ready to do on my way to work yesterday.

Good to hear its still progressing. :)

[hfx_chris]

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff314/hfx_chris/forum_images/DSC02015.jpg

[Jonovision]

Cool pic! :)

[hfx_chris]

Thanks

[hfx_chris]

They were busy pouring concrete yesterday. Freaking trucks were blocking half of Queen Street.

[Jonovision]

I'm assuming that was for the first floor then.

[Dmajackson]

So hows this one progressing?

[hfx_chris]

I'll try and get a picture or two sometime.

[Jonovision]

They are working on the second floor now.

[Dmajackson]

They are working on the second floor now.

Kind of progressing slowly isn't it?

Oh well at least its still moving forward Dartmouth could do with more developments.

[Jonovision]

yah, it is kinda slow. They have only a small work crew.

[Dmajackson]

I drove by this tonight and its looking pretty good.

Its nice to see it'll blend right into the streetscape with its height and proximity to the sidewalk

[Dmajackson]

By me;

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2640/4179976508_915e085c6d_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2617/4179978900_2a0c3af185_b.jpg

[Jonovision]

Thanks for the pics!

[Dmajackson]

They're working on the fourth floor right now. :)

[Jonovision]

This is looking really good. It can now be seen from the Halifax side poking up over the other buildings.

[Dmajackson]

I don't normally include Dartmouth in my phototours but since I had the means and the time I included Portland Street this trip (unfortunately it got dark before I could reach Greenvale);

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4354874520_2e8036173c_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2686/4354131241_8d864ccc8e_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4354133117_04dd9c6b6c_b.jpg

[Jonovision]

This one is looking great! I love the big balconies facing the water. It is now very visible from the Halifax side. I'm interested to know what they will be using for cladding.

[alps]

Thanks for the updated pics!

I have never paid any attention to this one before now but it looks pretty good. I hope the colours are more subtle and I'm not a big fan of the overdone arching roof but I love the form and the denseness of it. I wonder if those are balconies or exterior walkways.

[Wishblade]

I just thought I'd add a little update that there's now a mobile crane on site aiding with construction.

[Jonovision]

I was out enjoying the lovely weather this week. Took a few photos.
http://inlinethumb16.webshots.com/45135/2997546660096709958S600x600Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2997546660096709958NxIpEF)

http://inlinethumb46.webshots.com/40557/2095305780096709958S600x600Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2095305780096709958QymRGs)

[-Harlington-]

lookin good, pokin up in the skyline a bit to:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2777/4444945786_47a088a9af.jpg

[fenwick16]

Thanks for the photo Harlington. This is a unique one. It certainly isn't a large development but it is interesting how they crammed it onto such a small site.

[-Harlington-]

i agree, before they started construction i thought oh well this isn't much but now that its gettin up and complete it seems interesting the way this fits in to the area.

[Wishblade]

This one is looking good, and I pass it everyday on the bus so I can watch its progress :).

Also, looking at the pictures, I count 6 floors on this one, not 4. Am I right or wrong on this? lol

[DigitalNinja]

It looks like it's 5 floors. But it looks great in that area :D

[worldlyhaligonian]

But guys, don't you think its too tall?

(Note sarcasm does apply to this one)

[Jonovision]

Two quick snaps from the balcony this morning. Sorry for the poor quality on the second one.

http://image77.webshots.com/77/5/50/35/2079550350096709958kQtkCj_fs.jpg

http://inlinethumb54.webshots.com/45557/2685731320096709958S600x600Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2685731320096709958YfBcgC)

[Jonovision]

Some shots from this week.

http://inlinethumb42.webshots.com/14057/2029954560096709958S600x600Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2029954560096709958JWKLmW)

http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/43568/2570161560096709958S600x600Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2570161560096709958qdvyxe)

http://inlinethumb46.webshots.com/43885/2243948670096709958S600x600Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2243948670096709958XMMWbJ)

http://inlinethumb43.webshots.com/44970/2040720280096709958S600x600Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2040720280096709958hmPhuB)

http://inlinethumb01.webshots.com/46656/2363337930096709958S600x600Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2363337930096709958ujBeTj)

http://inlinethumb24.webshots.com/11159/2151702990096709958S600x600Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2151702990096709958LWgHKK)

[Jonovision]

I was walking by yesterday and I noticed they have tied a small fir tree to the top most part of the building. I looked it up and it is apparently a very old tradition from europe having to do with getting rid of the tree spirits from a new building once it is topped out.

[Dmajackson]

Has any of the finished exterior materials been put on yet? Im interested in seeing the colours ...

[Jonovision]

Has any of the finished exterior materials been put on yet? Im interested in seeing the colours ...

Yes, the blank backside has been clad. They installed some sort of steal suspended canopy that hangs off the lower part directly overtop the adjacent building. I have no idea what it is for however. And the back side has been glad with a red corrugated metal cladding. Nothing spectacular, but considering it is on the property line, options are limited.

[Jonovision]

Some of the windows are now in and brickwork is starting. I will try and get some pics over the weekend.

[Jonovision]

Some shots from this afternoon.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/IMG_3744.jpg?t=1276307819

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/IMG_3745.jpg?t=1276307837

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/IMG_3746.jpg?t=1276307855

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/IMG_3747.jpg?t=1276307874

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/IMG_3749.jpg?t=1276307892

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/IMG_3749.jpg?t=1276307892

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/IMG_3752.jpg?t=1276307928

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/IMG_3765.jpg?t=1276307954

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/IMG_3773.jpg?t=1276307972

[Jonovision]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/IMG_3834.jpg?t=1276532101

[fenwick16]

I would have to categorize this one as funky but interesting.

[worldlyhaligonian]

we've got a case of the recent falkland development in terms of exterior claddings here... it would have looked more interesting with mostly all metal or all fake stone.

Thankfully pictures will be likely taken from the Halifax side.

[Jonovision]

From today

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/IMG_3865.jpg?t=1277922288

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/IMG_3867.jpg?t=1277922998

[Dmajackson]

Also from yesterday;

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4752295043_7ff2b359e5_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4752939980_5b8d49e5f9_b.jpg

[Dmajackson]

From Monday;

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/4840056498_d07c111f30_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4147/4840058256_f5c3f3cab1_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/4839448481_dd38f08558_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/4840062142_049d3345ac_z.jpg

[JET]

The Portland St. shot: now that's different! JET

[halifaxboyns]

Personally speaking - it's still a shame that the brightwood viewplane produces such small buildings. Although; if I had a means to get rid of it - I'd have pretty much kept this block short because of the other 'character buildings'. :)

[someone123]

Downtown Dartmouth has a long way to go but it's definitely on the upswing with this, King's Wharf, Founder's Corner, and other developments.

Basically the area just needs more population density, like downtown Halifax but on a smaller scale. It can't rely on more than a handful of shoppers from suburban Dartmouth or from Halifax.

I could see it taking off more if it hits a level where it can support a greater range of services like a full-sized grocery store to make it a "real" neighbourhood.

[Dmajackson]

From Tuesday;

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4864917882_f862c8b665_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4864295833_921638831c_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4120/4864916028_7fa72b14e3_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/4864912402_c8f66df0a2_z.jpg

[Dmajackson]

What a "bright" idea;

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4883525547_e3763c2a26_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4884101654_4037f250a6_z.jpg

[Dmajackson]

From yesterday;

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4930566813_9392d5faa3_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4931159298_3a6ae3756d_z.jpg

[eastcoastal]

Looks a bit of a mess to me. I'll reserve being all judge-y until after it's completed, but the overall form and messy windows just look a little haphazard to me.

Here's hoping the end result is cheeky and interesting rather than tacky.

[beyeas]

Looks a bit of a mess to me. I'll reserve being all judge-y until after it's completed, but the overall form and messy windows just look a little haphazard to me.

Here's hoping the end result is cheeky and interesting rather than tacky.

Certainly the building name is "cheeky", gotta give them their props for coming up with that! ;-)

[Jonovision]

Certainly the building name is "cheeky", gotta give them their props for coming up with that! ;-)

For sure! I really like the name. You can't see from those pics but they have had the copper roof installed now for about a week or two. And it is indeed very bright seen from the Halifax side.

[Dmajackson]

Getting "brighter";

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/4953249214_bb0eaeb602_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/4952658175_3cf1b76b1d_z.jpg

[spcushing]

I realize that materials are expensive but the metal sheeting backside of this building is hideous. The finishing touches of stone, brick, and copper gutters are beautiful until you look around the other side. Too bad.

I hope they plan on finishing the concrete pillars at the entrance!

All in all it looks great from the front. You can get an good look from the Celtic Corner Rooftop Patio.

[hfx_chris]

There's an interesting piece of roof structure on the north-eastern side of the building. I'll try and remember to get a picture of it from my office next week.

[worldlyhaligonian]

I realize that materials are expensive but the metal sheeting backside of this building is hideous. The finishing touches of stone, brick, and copper gutters are beautiful until you look around the other side. Too bad.

I hope they plan on finishing the concrete pillars at the entrance!

All in all it looks great from the front. You can get an good look from the Celtic Corner Rooftop Patio.

Yeah, its unfortunate... and why didn't they just pick one colour for the metal? It would have looked better to have the fake brick on the whole backside too.

[spaustin]

Maybe they didn't splurge on the backside because they figure someone will eventually redevelop the Landing. No point spending a bunch to fancy up a blank wall that could be covered up by your neighbour in the near future. The front part, on the other hand, will always be visible because it's set back from the property line.

[Jonovision]

From yesterday.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/S7300911.jpg?t=1284466774

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/S7300913.jpg?t=1284466800

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/S7300915.jpg?t=1284466813

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/S7300916.jpg?t=1284466828

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/S7300917.jpg?t=1284466848

They have also been doing some work on the RBC building across the street. It appears they have been installing some new windows. The old ones are floors 2 and 4 and the new are 3 and 5. Hopefully they will also paint it or clean up the concrete.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/S7300919.jpg?t=1284466895

[Jstaleness]

Shot from my cell today. Sorry about the windshield getting in the view.
http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu360/jstaleness/IMG00242.jpg

[Dmajackson]

:previous: Slowly getting there

100

On The Brightside - Infomonkey.net (http://halifax.infomonkey.net/blog.details.php?post_id=16564)

According to Infomonkey.net the 2nd and 3rd floor commercial space will be occupied by Harbourside Engineering and Consulting. The developer is moving into the penthouse suite on the 5th and 6th floors.

[FuzzyWuz]

Please tell me they are not finished the "Bright Side" sign. It looks like they started etching it and just left it partially done.

[Dmajackson]

From the weekend;

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5071749433_2190766d4e_z.jpg

[Phalanx]

Please tell me they are not finished the "Bright Side" sign. It looks like they started etching it and just left it partially done.

I really hope there's more to the sign period. It needs something to stand out from the concrete. Brass letters, maybe?

[Jonovision]

Even though they have not used entirely real brick, I like it and I like the detailing. Does anyone know if any business has been selected for the store front?

[JET]

This looks to be complete and someone has moved in to the 2nd floor office. The 1st floor looks like it has a drive-thru window. :shrug:

[planarchy]

This looks to be complete and someone has moved in to the 2nd floor office. The 1st floor looks like it has a drive-thru window. :shrug:

I think it's an engineering firm in the 2nd floor office space.

[Empire]

Innovative building but cheap looking due to cheap materials:
- Underside of balconies...... raw concrete showing form lines and grime that will always be present.
- cheap fake marble/granite is concrete and will stain and look shabby in a year or less
- entry has exposed concrete columns that match the u/s of the balconies and cheap veneer. Looks like sono tube posts
- east elevation is a good rendition of a tin shack...but yes it is modern
- I like the sign though...