View Full Version : Tim Hortons Field | 40m | ? | Complete
SteelTown
Feb 27, 2011, 8:58 PM
Parkview is set to close. The City will likely purchase the land and turn it over to the Ti Cats.
realcity
Mar 7, 2011, 8:16 PM
The height of this building is 40m that's according to the Hostco proposed stadium. Currently IVW is 31m. Im glad it will be three stories taller, more visibility and indicates to me that the reno is significant, to both north and south sides
drpgq
Mar 8, 2011, 7:51 PM
Diversity bids will win the day at Ivor Wynne
http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/497528--diversity-bids-will-win-the-day-at-ivor-wynne
Renovating Ivor Wynne stadium for the 2015 Pan Am Games will be done under a new diversity policy created by game organizers.
TO2015 has announced the creation of the policy and the holding of its first network meeting to bring businesses with diverse staff together with three shortlisted bidders for the Athletes’ Village in Toronto.
The Ivor Wynne project will be developed the same way, as will the Hamilton-based velodrome
Games organizers say they are the first competition of its kind to develop a diversity policy in building facilities, games planning and running events like food services. The budget for the games is $1.4 billion and it is expected to create 15,000 jobs. It is also expected be run with the help of 19,000 volunteers.
Pan Am organizers say one-third of the TO2015 staff is already comprised of visible minorities and more than 65 per cent of the executive level staff is female, including former Spectator publisher Jagoda Pike (she is president and chief operating officer).
“What green was to the Vancouver Games, multiculturalism will be to TO2015,” said games CEO Ian Troop.
“Toronto 2015 will be the first ... games to mandate a comprehensive and inclusive diversity policy providing business opportunities to our many multicultural communities. We will be bringing communities together in ways they’ve never been brought together before.”
Allen Vansen, senior vice-president of operations for the games, said the diversity idea was mentioned in the bid book presented to Pan Am officials in Guadalajara, Mexico, in November 2009.
TO2015 staged its first network meeting with the three bidders and what it called “community-based business owners” last Wednesday in Toronto along with representatives from Infrastructure Ontario. More than 100 people attended. Bids to build the Athletes’ Village are to be formally submitted by mid-May. No meetings have been set involving the two Hamilton projects.
Vansen, who was vice-president of workforce and integration at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, said TO2015 decided to have the diversity requirement because of the strong multicultural nature of the Golden Horseshoe Area. Seventeen municipalities will host game events.
“It probably is the most multicultural community in and around the world,” he said. “The ability to harness some of that great multiculturalism ... it’s truly a remarkable opportunity. We want these games to represent the communities that are hosting them.”
Vansen said companies bidding for TO2015 projects will be required to speak to “a diversity criteria.” He said that is where the network meetings come in so that TO2015 can connect those potential bidders with diverse businesses and they can pull together a bid to meet the requirement.
Vansen said there are no quotas in the policy, but a bidder must speak to how it will incorporate “diverse, small, locally-owned, minority-owned businesses into your procurement process, into how you are going to bid and then deliver services in constructing the facilities or delivering the services at games time.”
He said TO2015 does not expect the diversity policy to impact costs, but expects it to boost the quality of the bids because companies will find with a diverse partner “they might be able to deliver something they have never delivered before.”
realcity
Mar 10, 2011, 9:44 PM
Let's stick to sports and try not to make it political
thurmas
Apr 3, 2011, 12:21 AM
are there any decent pics of what the renovated ivor wynn will look like?
drpgq
Apr 20, 2011, 11:53 PM
I'm still mystified how two guys can send a fax and suddenly the city ends up paying millions more every year.
Carpenters’ union deal will affect Pan Am venues
http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/519324--carpenters-union-deal-will-affect-pan-am-venues
Construction of the $155-million Pan Am stadium and $11-million velodrome will be subject to the same arrangement with the carpenters’ union that costs the city millions each year.
The deal that limits which workers the city can hire for construction jobs applies even though the city isn’t the body overseeing the construction of the two Pan Am venues.
Contractors who are being shut out from construction of the Pan Am venues say the deal could cause costs to balloon.
“This is just the latest example of the inflated cost, and frankly, the injustice, that this policy is bringing about to workers in Hamilton,” said Sean Reid, Ontario director of the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada.
“Basically, what’s happened is that this policy has taken what should be a really positive infrastructure project and turned it into a financial sinkhole.”
Since 2005, only contractors who are signatory to the carpenters’ union have been allowed to bid on city construction jobs. City staff has argued that during a regular year of construction, the carpenters’ union monopoly costs the city $4 million to $10 million.
Infrastructure Ontario (IO), the arms-length body that handles the province’s construction projects, is fully responsible for tendering and overseeing the construction of the Pan Am stadium and velodrome.
However, since the city will be the ultimate owner of the two venues, IO must also observe the deal with the carpenters’ union.
Pan Am organizers have estimated renovating Ivor Wynne Stadium for the 2015 games will cost roughly $155 million and a temporary velodrome will cost $11.4 million. However, the city is hoping to build a more expensive, permanent facility.
David Adames, the city’s Pan Am point person, says it’s too early to say how the carpenters’ agreement will affect these costs.
However, Councillor Lloyd Ferguson, who worked in the construction industry before becoming a councillor, said he plans to ask the city’s legal staff for advice on the issue.
“In my knowledge, the collective agreements only reached to the contracting authority, not to the subsequent owner,” said Ferguson. “This seems a little over the top to me.”
Representatives from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Local 18 could not be reached for comment.
The carpenters’ union monopoly dates back to 2005, when two carpenters who had been doing work for the city applied to the Ontario Labour Board for certification that locked up all city projects involving even a small amount of carpentry work.
Last summer, the city received new legal advice that would allow it to open up all industrial and commercial projects to all general contractors. However, the city is still required to hire affiliated workers for carpentry projects.
“We recognize that frankly, this situation is largely out of the hands of the city of Hamilton,” Reid said. “Having said that, we think this is another clear case of where and why the city needs to put pressure on the province to change the law. It’s so economically untenable and socially unjust.”
Councillors were scheduled to hear a recommendation for the location of the velodrome Wednesday. However, that meeting was cancelled because staff still has to finalize details about the location, financing and scope of the project.
“It’s no one particular issue,” Adames said. “We just needed more time on the report.”
ereilly@thespec.com
905-526-2452
realcity
Apr 24, 2011, 6:18 AM
Please not Mohawk College Island, but I guess the appeal of the extra parking revenue might be irresistible.
SteelTown
May 31, 2011, 3:14 PM
Tomorrow there's a meeting about the Pan American stadium. Should know how the RFP went and if a bidder has been selected.
DC1983
May 31, 2011, 4:44 PM
http://www.freshdesignblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/patchwork-sofa.jpg
source (http://www.freshdesignblog.com/2009/10/patchwork-sofa-by-ginny-avison/)
More Patchwork! lol
Sure woulda been nice to have a brand-new, Concert-able Downtown/Waterfront Stadium directly connected by a Confirmed GO/Via Rail Stn and Planned A-Line Light Rail, steps from hundreds of Hotel rooms, restos and bars.. but you know. I guess a patched-up Stadium from 1930/70/80/2014 is ok too *SARCASM ALERT*
No Wonder no one takes Hamilton seriously.. our own civic leaders CAN'T!
mattgrande
Jun 1, 2011, 12:44 PM
Honestly, I would've rather had it in the East Mountain than at Ivor Wynne. It's might be the worst location for it.
DC1983
Jun 1, 2011, 2:24 PM
^ Honestly, my 2nd location choice (after WH) was Aldershot! Best deal for the City (and Cats) all around! Not to mention still w/in Cycling (or even Walking, if you're adventurous enough) distance from DT Ham.
..Oh Ya, and the City would have been able to keep 100% of our Future Funds to clean up West Harbour which is clearly in the same books as Gore Park; That being The Book of Lost Potential: A History of Hamilton, Ontario
markbarbera
Jun 1, 2011, 4:14 PM
Honestly, I would've rather had it in the East Mountain than at Ivor Wynne. It's might be the worst location for it.
I was wondering how the East Mountain location would have been better? I thought the idea was to leverage the stadium build as a city building opportunity. I can't think of any benefits from using the failed East Mountain site that outweigh the benefits of keeping a central location for the stadium that brings an affordable revitalization opportunity to one of the poorest parts of the city.
mattgrande
Jun 1, 2011, 5:39 PM
I was wondering how the East Mountain location would have been better? I thought the idea was to leverage the stadium build as a city building opportunity. I can't think of any benefits from using the failed East Mountain site that outweigh the benefits of keeping a central location for the stadium that brings an affordable revitalization opportunity to one of the poorest parts of the city.
First of all, I highly doubt that it's going to cause any revitilization in the area. A stadium hasn't revitalized that area in the past 80 years, why would it now?
So of the main objectives that many people wanted:
- Walking distance from downtown (fail)
- Close to a Go station (fail)
- More parking (fail)
- Highway access (fail)
- Concerts a possibility (fail)
- A brand new stadium (fail)
- Rapid Transit adjacent (possible pass, but not for another decade or five, the way things are going)
- The possibility of building an "entertainment district" (fail, unless there's a lot of demolition)
- Improve facilities for amature sport (fail, we're losing Scott Park & Brian Timmis)
I can't see how either side would be happy for this renovation project.
DC1983
Jun 1, 2011, 6:09 PM
^ You forgot to mention that Parkview (Alternative Educational School) will be torn down for a parking structure.
That means more troubled Youth will be displaced as this school is (was) to help said youth educate themselves. What, will they be expected to make their way all the way up the mountain to Hillcrest (I think that's the one on the Mtn, right?)
markbarbera
Jun 1, 2011, 7:35 PM
How the redevelopment of the entire area is planned is key to how the reconstruction of IWS contributes to the overall neighbourhood. But a few clarifications are in order:
Plans as they stood when council selected IWS for the Pan Am site had Scott Park (both the arena and the baseball fields) remaining intact in their original sites
The decision to close Parkview was made independently by the Board of Education due to declining enrollment, and is not being done to provide a parking lot. The future of the Parkview property has not been determined.
In a recent episode of "For the Record", Councillor Morelli stated that a new seniors community centre is part of the redevelopment plans of what he is calling the Scott Park Precinct.
If the IWS reconstruction is to be a success, key at this stage of planning, is to ensure past mistakes do not get repeated. That includes looking at the entire area as a precinct and to coordinate development to muster the biggest bang for their buck. It is not unreasonable to expect the Parkview and King George properties to be included in the building of a precinct (and possibly also Scott Park High School now that it's power of sale).
The decision on where the stadium is to be located has been made. As in every compromise, no one is entirely pleased with the outcome, but now it is time to move on. Our energy and focus should be on making sure this gets developed properly
SteelTown
Jun 1, 2011, 11:12 PM
Stadium construction won’t start until fall of 2012
http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/541198--stadium-construction-won-t-start-until-fall-of-2012
The city’s discussions with Mohawk College about hosting the Pan Am velodrome have become “very serious,” says the project’s point person.
“We think we’ve got a very good proposal,” said David Adames, the city’s director of tourism and the city’s lead on the Pan Am velodrome. “What we’re working on is potentially a powerful project.”
Adames and his team will be bringing a recommendation about the location of the velodrome to councillors by the end of the month.
Meanwhile, the city held its inaugural meeting of the Pan Am stadium and velodrome subcommittee at City Hall Wednesday.
The group — which includes Mayor Bob Bratina, councillors Bernie Morelli and Lloyd Ferguson, Adames, other city staffers and representatives from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats football club and the amateur soccer community — will provide input on the design and planning aspects of the stadium and surrounding area, and advise council about stadium developments.
The majority of Wednesday’s meeting focused on the construction schedule and preliminary details. Infrastructure Ontario — the province’s arms-length construction agency that will oversee the project — will close its request for qualifications process by the end of July.
Three bidders will be invited to enter the request for proposals (RFP) process, which opens July 28.
However, it will be fall 2012 before any construction begins on the stadium. To accommodate the Ticats’ game schedule, the entire project — from demolition to construction — will take place within one CFL season.
“We can’t get in there until the Cats are done,” said Gerry Davis, the city’s head of public works.
Ferguson, who worked in the construction industry for 30 years before becoming a city councillor, said that timeline could come at a price.
“It seems like a lot of work to demolish and build in one season,” said Ferguson. “You’re going to pay a horrendous price for that.”
Subcommittee members also defined the group’s scope at Wednesday’s meeting. They ruled the group would be solely responsible for the Pan Am stadium and surrounding area, but not the velodrome.
Councillors must approve a location of the velodrome before the RFP is issued at the end of July, Adames said. His team has whittled down about 20 site possibilities to the one option that will be presented to council for approval.
The west harbour — initially proposed for the location of both the Pan Am stadium and velodrome — is still technically designated as the city’s preferred site for the track. However, council will not need a two-thirds majority vote to overturn that decision since that vote was ratified last term.
Current plans for the velodrome call for an $11.4-million temporary facility. However, the city hopes to build a permanent velodrome, a facility that’s rumoured to come with a price tag as high as $50 million.
The possibility of partnering with Mohawk College opens the possibility of new funding flowing to the velodrome, both from the college itself and from the upper levels of government.
durandy
Jun 2, 2011, 12:15 AM
The decision on where the stadium is to be located has been made. As in every compromise, no one is entirely pleased with the outcome, but now it is time to move on. Our energy and focus should be on making sure this gets developed properly
This.
But also: walking distance to stadium? I bet you more Ticat fans live closer to IW than WH.
And also, way less room around WH for revitalization than IWS.
And also: revitalization will continue anyway at WH. Moreso because no barely used stadium will take up a massive chunk of space. That's what no one seems to get. The Harbour didn't need a stadium.
DC1983
Jun 2, 2011, 10:29 PM
This.
But also: walking distance to stadium? I bet you more Ticat fans live closer to IW than WH.
And also, way less room around WH for revitalization than IWS.
And also: revitalization will continue anyway at WH. Moreso because no barely used stadium will take up a massive chunk of space. That's what no one seems to get. The Harbour didn't need a stadium.
Yep development is moving along quote nicely on the West Harbour *SARCASM ALERT*
I guess u missed all the recent stories about how ZERO action has been taken on the Toxic Waste sitting there since Matt Jelly's discovery last summer? With more delays to come?
And that's just forcing something due to public health concerns!
West Harbour will rename a brownfield unless one (or all) governing body funds the land remediation!
..Hence why any other choice besides WH was the wrong choice.
Way to drop the ball (yet again), Hamilton: City of Potential We Refuse to Achieve!
markbarbera
Jun 5, 2011, 3:45 PM
The delays in developing properties in the West Harbour predate all the Pan Am debate, and are more to do with the pending OMB appeal against the Setting Sail plan. White Star has been wanting to develop the land they own in West Harbour for years, and it is the protracted dispute between the city and CN over Setting Sail that has held them back. Once the OMB appeal is settled development will take off.
With regards to the the two contaminated properties in the West Harbour, Matt Jelly has done an excellent job of raising awareness and keeping the heat on both the city and the province to get the sites cleaned up. With his determination I expect the lands will not continue to lay in their present state for much longer, especially if we lend our support to his effort.
DC1983
Jun 5, 2011, 6:36 PM
Sure.. can we quote you on that (like the Harry Stinson quote from BCTEd) in a couple springs? LMAO
markbarbera
Jun 5, 2011, 7:13 PM
Sure.. can we quote you on that (like the Harry Stinson quote from BCTEd) in a couple springs? LMAO
You can do as you please (you seem well accustomed to that), but quite frankly I am surprised you have such little faith in Matt Jelly's efforts to see that the three troubled downtown properties get sorted out quickly. From what I see, he has been extremely effective in holding the city and the MoE to account on the properties, as timelines for cleanup of at least one of the properties has been outined by the Minister of Environment itself. You can follow his efforts at his blog http://mattjelly.wordpress.com/.
I am also surprised at your lack of faith in White Star's ability to get going on developing their WH properties. The have had plans to redevelop their land for close to two decades now, and have been stalled mainly because of an outstanding OMB appeal. The OMB impasse will be resolved in the coming weeks, opening the door for White Star to finally begin their property redevelopment efforts. In the meantime, council looks set to demolish the buildings they had expropriated in the WH area, effectively making those properties 'shovel ready' for redevelopment.
WH is actually moving into an exciting time of redevelopment opportunity. I'll be more than happy to be the recipient of scorn from the likes of DC1983, but given that the facts surrounding WH are indeed promising, I refuse to develop such a pessimistic attitude towards the WH area's future.
thistleclub
Jun 6, 2011, 6:23 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
David Adames Appointed New CEO of Hamilton Chamber of Commerce
HAMILTON, ON (June 6, 2011) ― The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the appointment of David Adames as the new Chief Executive Officer of the organization.
Mr. Adames will begin his duties effective July 11, 2011 and will become the leading voice of the operation.
In February 2011, a committee was formed by the Chamber’s Board to conduct the search for the organization’s new leader. A search was conducted and in early April the committee began its review of the 40 applications received from individuals seeking the role. After a stringent process of qualification reviews and in-person interviews, the committee presented its recommendation to the Chamber’s Board of Directors for final approval last week. The Board voted unanimously in favour of the committee’s recommendations and Mr. Adames has accepted the appointment to his new role.
Andrew Furgal, the Chamber’s Chair-Elect and head of the search committee said “We were pleasantly surprised by both the quantity and calibre of interested applicants. Consequently we had both the luxury and difficult task of selecting the candidate best able to lead the Chamber to new heights. I’m grateful for the time and effort invested by the committee and am excited about our decision.”
Mr. Adames will be leaving his role as Executive Director of Tourism Hamilton, having successfully led that organization since 2002. He also serves as Board President of the McMaster University Alumni Association and sits on the Board of the McMaster University Museum of Art. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from McMaster University and a Master of Public Administration degree from Queen’s University.
Chamber Chair Demetrius Tsafaridis said “I am very pleased to welcome David as our New Chamber CEO. As I mentioned in my remarks at the AGM in March, this is a year of transition at the Chamber and we are delighted to have David come and lead that transition. David brings with him a sense of calm controlled understanding of business and a dual perspective on the City as one who has worked from within, but also has promoted its strength’s to visitors. On behalf of the Chamber board we wish David complete success in his new role with the Chamber.
I would also like to personally thank the search committee for putting in the time over the last two months to come up with our selection. The process was extremely thorough and transparent. These situations are always exciting and often difficult as we can only pick one individual from a host of strong candidates. On behalf of the Chamber, I’d like to thank every applicant for their interest in the role and wish each of them well in their future endeavours.”
LikeHamilton
Jun 6, 2011, 7:25 PM
Good a new face. :tup:
Good a new face. :tup:
Are you being sarcastic?
I'd like it if they cast the net a little wider on these things.
thistleclub
Jun 6, 2011, 8:09 PM
Interesting patch on his LinkedIn profile: (http://ca.linkedin.com/pub/david-adames/13/344/b98)
Senior Associate, Policy, Smart Growth Secretariat
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Government Administration industry
2002 – 2002 (less than a year)
Researching and writing the Provincial Strategic Framework for the Ontario Smart Growth Initiative. Represented the Secretariat and Ministry on inter-ministerial consultations and was lead for planning the orientation for the new Smart Growth Panels and inter-ministerial Steering Committee.
In light of that nugget, it will be interesting to see what Mr. Adames brings to the job, and whether he'll shake the transpo-centric disposition of the Hamilton Chamber. His predecessor is bullish on intermodal transport (http://ca.linkedin.com/in/johndolbec), as is the current chair (http://www.fdhlawyers.com/fdh-newsletter/inprofile/inprofile-steelcare-inc). The prior chair was also pretty entrenched in intermodal hub-think (http://occ.on.ca/about-us/board-of-directors/board-profiles/richard-koroscil/), but has also had a hand in transit planning (http://www.metrolinx.com/en/aboutus/boardandexecutive/board_of_directors_bios.aspx#koroscil). What will Mr. Adames stand for?
thistleclub
Jun 6, 2011, 8:22 PM
Coincidentally, today is the first day of Canadian Tourism Week (http://goo.gl/SzKgV).
LikeHamilton
Jun 7, 2011, 12:06 AM
In light of that nugget, it will be interesting to see what Mr. Adames brings to the job, and whether he'll shake the transpo-centric disposition of the Hamilton Chamber. His predecessor is bullish on intermodal transport (http://ca.linkedin.com/in/johndolbec), as is the current chair (http://www.fdhlawyers.com/fdh-newsletter/inprofile/inprofile-steelcare-inc). The prior chair was also pretty entrenched in intermodal hub-think (http://occ.on.ca/about-us/board-of-directors/board-profiles/richard-koroscil/), but has also had a hand in transit planning (http://www.metrolinx.com/en/aboutus/boardandexecutive/board_of_directors_bios.aspx#koroscil). What will Mr. Adames stand for?
The next chair is a banker (VP for BMO)
thistleclub
Jun 7, 2011, 1:07 PM
The next chair is a banker (VP for BMO)
He's also on the Board of the AGH -- and Adames sits on the Board of the McMaster University Museum of Art, so maybe that's a good omen for the cultural sector.
Northern Stroll
Jun 7, 2011, 2:25 PM
Maybe he can't get them a NEW logo for God's sake.
DC1983
Jun 7, 2011, 3:57 PM
Maybe he can't get them a NEW logo for God's sake.
Isn't their Logo just the Hamilton flag (which, btw I find ugly)?
If so, then YES.. lets put out a competition to create a new logo.
But where will they find someone creative enough in Hamilton!? *shifty eyes* hehe
SteelTown
Aug 4, 2011, 1:24 PM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/Appster/IWSs.jpg
SteelTown
Aug 4, 2011, 1:27 PM
The plans for re-development of the stadium and surrounding lands include the following, as shown on the Preliminary Site Plan:
Demolition of the existing south and east end stands;
Rebuilding of the south stands at a greater height and length than the existing stands;
Renovation to the existing north stands; and,
Removal of Brian Timmis Stadium and conversion of this area to stadium parking.
SteelTown
Aug 4, 2011, 2:02 PM
http://www.hamilton.ca/NR/rdonlyres/6FB547D6-0482-48F9-B931-7BB891FE2888/0/Aug08EDRMS_n195313_v1_6_6__PED11141.pdf
mattgrande
Aug 4, 2011, 3:32 PM
So where's Hamilton FC (and the various other teams & community groups) going to play once Brain Timmis is gone?
SteelTown
Aug 4, 2011, 3:33 PM
At the new stadium probably. It is built for soccer.
esquire
Aug 4, 2011, 4:19 PM
Are there going to be any endzone seats? All I can see is a "standing room plaza". I sure hope they fill in the ends - it really does a lot for stadium atmosphere when you have fans all around the field.
Also, what will the total seating capacity be?
SteelTown
Aug 4, 2011, 5:56 PM
Apparently the North and South stands will hold more seats, hence raising the height limit. That's probably why they'll do without end seats. I think the Ti Cats wants to add bar tables at the end zones for people to drink and eat, Hooters did it for a year along the sidelines.
The report doesn't state how many seats, it's basically a design guideline report for what the City wants for the stadium.
mattgrande
Aug 9, 2011, 9:31 PM
Matt Jelly has posted a "bootleg" of the Ivor Wynne rendering: http://mattjelly.wordpress.com/2011/08/09/ivor-wynne-concept-drawings-bootleg-copy-hamont-emmaatthespec/
They were shown at a council meeting, but then not released afterwards.
realcity
Aug 9, 2011, 10:35 PM
Eisenberger Stadium looks to be a lot more than just a 'paint job'. just wait until we see the rest. I know it will hurt so many people to actually see an awesome stadium.
thanks Matt for the leak, i heard about it but this so far looks good.
markbarbera
Aug 9, 2011, 11:04 PM
The rendering is conceptual but definitely looks promising nonetheless.
Realcity, be careful about using the former mayor's name even slightly in jest when referring to IWS refit. I heard the strangest rambling from the back of the GO Bus as I read this post while heading home tonight...
Do not arouse the wrath of the Great and Powerful Eiz! Do you presume to question the Great Eiz?!? Consider yourself fortunate that he will grace you in the next election, er, oh dear, I am the Great and Powerful Eiz! Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain! The Great Eiz has spoken!
SteelTown
Aug 9, 2011, 11:14 PM
Looks like there will be a partial roof around the stadium.
Berklon
Aug 10, 2011, 12:33 AM
Eisenberger Stadium looks to be a lot more than just a 'paint job'. just wait until we see the rest. I know it will hurt so many people to actually see an awesome stadium.
Too bad it'll be in a part of the city that few people want to go to.
mattgrande
Aug 10, 2011, 11:33 AM
Appleyby & Burlington Go stations both have Ti-Cats posters saying "You're only x minutes away from the action," or something to that effect. It got me thinking about how great it would be if Hamilton had a station right beside a stadium, like BMO Field/Exhibition in Toronto. Too bad that's never been proposed...
SteelTown
Aug 11, 2011, 9:51 PM
Chris Murray wants images of the stadium released. So hopefully we'll see it today or tomorrow.
SteelTown
Aug 11, 2011, 11:04 PM
http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/large/370454835.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJF3XCCKACR3QDMOA&Expires=1313104721&Signature=ZtQjuLYlmqmrqKWgafdPthms4nQ%3D
Click on the link for bigger size picture: http://twitpic.com/64k4s3
http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/large/370459985.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJF3XCCKACR3QDMOA&Expires=1313104786&Signature=0yeLB%2Fo%2F7IEFvMQDKEzrzXfTEus%3D
Click on the link for bigger size picture: http://twitpic.com/64k8r5
http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/large/370460634.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJF3XCCKACR3QDMOA&Expires=1313104846&Signature=oo%2Bv8WQDMHaYYWzh27ImlxNpJ2c%3D
Click on the link for bigger size picture: http://twitpic.com/64k996
matt602
Aug 11, 2011, 11:08 PM
A bit lacking on detail but I can't say it's terrible. Not really awe inspiring either, though.
thistleclub
Aug 12, 2011, 11:58 AM
Reminiscent of
http://www.hamilton.ca/NR/rdonlyres/F9A7D176-430E-4EEE-B082-826CA00C978D/0/AGH.jpg
SteelTown
Aug 26, 2011, 10:14 PM
Apparently the North stand will be demolished as well. Therefore were getting a whole new stadium. The stadium will hold 22,500 seats, not enough in my opinion. But that's because there isn't enough money.
bigguy1231
Aug 26, 2011, 11:32 PM
Apparently the North stand will be demolished as well. Therefore were getting a whole new stadium. The stadium will hold 22,500 seats, not enough in my opinion. But that's because there isn't enough money.
The 22,500 was what they were planning for all along, so it's right on track. I agree it's not enough, but hopefully they will build it with expansion in mind.
Tearing down the whole stadium will also allow them to centre the stadium on the property so that they will have room for expansion in the future.
SteelTown
Aug 27, 2011, 1:31 AM
http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/585173--new-pan-am-stadium-a-considerable-risk
geoff's two cents
Aug 27, 2011, 5:42 AM
Just to put those renderings in perspective, this is what Regina is getting: http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=188287
markbarbera
Aug 27, 2011, 7:23 PM
Isn't that Regina plan dead? A $400 million plan with no funding can have the most amazing renderings drawn for it. At least our $150 million stadium is a reality.
geoff's two cents
Aug 28, 2011, 1:27 AM
:previous:Nope. This was published mere days ago and updated yesterday: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/prairies/rider-nations-stadium-dreams-tempered-by-need-for-a-roof/article2139515/
markbarbera
Aug 28, 2011, 2:39 PM
There is a grand plan, I will give you that, but there is no financing lined up for it. It is all well and good to draw up mega-million super-projects, but those renderings are useless without the big bucks to back it up.
If Regina manages to eventually line up the financing to pull this off, then hats off to them. They were unable to firm up the funds for a project with half the price tag, so I'll leave it at that to predict how likely this plan is to come to fruition.
All I know is in the world of reality, Hamilton will be getting a totally new 25K-seat stadium facility as part of our Pan Am participation (not to mention the velodrome and other facility improvements), and as my grandfather would say 'a bird in hand is worth two in the bush'
bigguy1231
Aug 28, 2011, 8:28 PM
Mark, this is the quote from the city managers report to council regarding the size of the stadium.
"Given the direction to build a new North Stands, Infrastructure Ontario has modified the Request for Proposal (RFP) language to reflect construction of a brand new 22,500 seat stadium."
It will not be a 25,000 seat stadium. It will be obsolete or inadequate even before it is built, considering the prime tenant is averaging 24,000 per game right now. Sometimes a bird in hand isn't neccesarily a good thing. They should do it right or not do it at all, especially when they are spending $150 million to do it.
SteelTown
Aug 28, 2011, 11:26 PM
Duval wondered why the stadium report seems to indicate a complete reconstruction of the Ivor Wynne stands would cost about the same as their original plans for renovation.
“How do we go from a renovation to a complete rebuild at the same cost is beyond me,” he said, noting the original budget is believed to have been highballed. “The number's got to be questioned.”
But Councillor Lloyd Ferguson said the updated stadium budget did not surprise him because he and other councillors had been skeptical of the original one, which was “way too high.”
Ferguson wants to look at what the possible savings would be if they stuck to council's original resolution. “It sounds like the savings will be substantial, so why not apply that money to the velodrome so there's no new funding required?” he said.
The West Harbour was originally the proposed site for the Pan Am stadium and velodrome. At the beginning of the year, council decided to name Ivor Wynne as the Pan Am stadium site. The city committed to funding about 44 per cent of the plan's $155 million budget.
The city then learned in the spring the north stands scheduled to be renovated would not accommodate seats with backs because of the grade, so officials decided to have new stands built.
http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/585529--councillors-concerned-over-mounting-costs-for-velodrome-stadium
markbarbera
Aug 29, 2011, 11:51 AM
Mark, this is the quote from the city managers report to council regarding the size of the stadium.
"Given the direction to build a new North Stands, Infrastructure Ontario has modified the Request for Proposal (RFP) language to reflect construction of a brand new 22,500 seat stadium."
It will not be a 25,000 seat stadium. It will be obsolete or inadequate even before it is built, considering the prime tenant is averaging 24,000 per game right now. Sometimes a bird in hand isn't neccesarily a good thing. They should do it right or not do it at all, especially when they are spending $150 million to do it.
Let's wait for the report and discussion at today's meeting. The way I read this is the Pan Am stadium will be finished in time for the Games with 22,500 high quality seats, all with backs, in brand new north and south grandstands which is a huge change from the backless benches that dominate the current stadium. If anyone misses the backless benches, they don't need to worry as I suspect end zone benches for the western end of the stadium will appear post Pan Am. Incrementing the seat count post Games has regularly been discussed, and the design is already being done to allow additional temporary seating for future Grey Cup games.
No matter what the final permanent seat count is, we will be left with the legacy of a brand new state-of-the-art CFL-ready stadium.
bigguy1231
Aug 29, 2011, 1:45 PM
Let's wait for the report and discussion at today's meeting. The way I read this is the Pan Am stadium will be finished in time for the Games with 22,500 high quality seats, all with backs, in brand new north and south grandstands which is a huge change from the backless benches that dominate the current stadium. If anyone misses the backless benches, they don't need to worry as I suspect end zone benches for the western end of the stadium will appear post Pan Am. Incrementing the seat count post Games has regularly been discussed, and the design is already being done to allow additional temporary seating for future Grey Cup games.
No matter what the final permanent seat count is, we will be left with the legacy of a brand new state-of-the-art CFL-ready stadium.
I hate to say it but you sound like Bratina did on the radio this morning, trying to spin this BS into something good. Inadequate is inadequate, no matter how pretty it looks. Style without substance is useless.
As for Grey Cup games, with the smallest stadium in the league even with temporary seating, they will never play another Grey Cup game in this city.
SteelTown
Aug 29, 2011, 5:34 PM
http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/585868--velodrome-site-preferred-for-months
Serious lack of transparency.
markbarbera
Aug 29, 2011, 9:31 PM
Really? The only surprise element was that the football stadium would be a rebuild of both grandstands rather than a rebuild of south stand and renovation of the north stand. And this is a pleasant surprise seeing as costing is not affected by the change.
The course the veledrome has been taking is no surprise either. You would have to be under a rock to not know that the proposal has been evolving from a temporary facility to a permanent one, and that it was now heading to Mohawk. Even the extra costs are in line to what we have been hearing for the past few months. Any councillor who says he was taken off guard by this is being a little disingenuous.
dennis1
Aug 29, 2011, 11:25 PM
22.5k will kill business and drive the TiCats to Ottawa or Halifax. No cheap seats.
If Bob Young wants to blamed for opening the market to an NFL team in Toronto, then he can do this. With the cheap seats going, many will turn their focus to Toronto teams and the Bills.
SteelTown
Aug 30, 2011, 2:46 PM
I suppose I should create a separate thread for the velodrome proposal?
thistleclub
Aug 30, 2011, 2:53 PM
I suppose I should create a separate thread for the velodrome proposal?
Maybe an idea. Although I posted the GIC details here accidentally (clicked the wrong Pan Am thread).
SteelTown
Aug 30, 2011, 3:07 PM
Ugh could we get this for our stadium???
http://www.archdaily.com/134030/in-progress-goldring-centre-for-high-performance-sport-patkau-architects-and-maclennan-jaunkalns-miller-architects/
realcity
Aug 30, 2011, 5:05 PM
it is exactly that's where our corporate seats need to be. Then maybe those guys will go like hey let's move our HQ here.
I would design the lights as symbolic smoke-stacks. Yes Hamilton has smokestacks so what? The world needs steel.
SteelTown
Aug 31, 2011, 1:36 PM
New Ivor Wynne Stadium might run north-south
Reported by John Kernaghan
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
http://hamilton.openfile.ca/hamilton/file/2011/08/new-ivor-wynne-stadium-might-run-north-south
If city councillors were surprised by the twists in the Pan Am velodrome proposal Monday, here’s a real turn in the stadium story for them.
The Ticats have pushed for – and may be getting their way – a new stadium that will have a north-south field, not the east-west alignment for football employed at the east end site since 1930.
Three sources close to Pan Am planning and the Tiger Cats confirmed the proposed new configuration, which squares with a city report noting the facility will be totally new – not a partial renovation.
The new 22,500-seat project (down from the 25,000 cited earlier) would turn the current Ivor Wynne site 180 degrees and also take over the footprint of Brian Timmis Stadium, the smaller soccer facility just south of Ivor Wynne, if approved by city council.
The north-south alignment proposal was not revealed to council Monday.
How and where Timmis, one of Ontario’s finest small soccer venues, will be replaced is unknown, but there is a $2.5 million figure in the latest budget for the stadium and adjacent city property to replace it.
The new stadium configuration would bring Hamilton’s facility in line with most stadiums in North America. The north-south field avoids direct sun in the faces of players.
And the application likely means bigger and better restroom and food concession facilities.
Another highly-placed city hall source privy to stadium talks says “this north-south idea doesn’t have legs in my view.”
As well as Brian Timmis, another unknown is how much parking the Ticats will want in what has been identified as a recreational development. And what is the future of the former Scott Park School and Jimmy Thompson Pool, which dates to 1930?
The football club has ponied up $9 million towards construction in exchange for naming rights, a figure that may be difficult to recoup due to a location that isn’t on a major highway. Parking revenue has been a constant key in the football club’s stadium negotiations.
Owner Bob Young has promised in the past to pursue a pro soccer franchise and create a soccer academy for young players to increase activity at the stadium.
Several councilors were puzzled Monday that a totally new stadium could be built for $152.1 million, the same amount as a new build/renovation at the current east-west field.
TO2015 CEO Ian Troop said there are savings due to the fact Infrastructure Ontario is bundling the stadium, velodrome and a track and field facility at York University in its request for proposals to be issued in mid-September. Three design/build/finance teams have been shortlisted to bid on the work.
“There is an economy of scale and better pricing when the work is bundled this way,” he explained.
SteelTown
Aug 31, 2011, 1:40 PM
Why not replace Brian Timmis Stadium at the West Harbour land.
msakalau
Aug 31, 2011, 1:56 PM
Why not replace Brian Timmis Stadium at the West Harbour land.
you'd think...i thought the whole purpose of locating at ivor wynne was to cut costs and sate the cats owners. this makes me really angry that they are going back on their intended objective.
for all this they should have re-mediated the waterfront lands. would have been a much better, smarter investment
LikeHamilton
Aug 31, 2011, 5:51 PM
If it is going to be north-south then the press box should be on the eastside. Then the cameras for the TV broadcast will look west to downtown. People watching will see that there is more to Hamilton then steel mills.
SteelTown
Aug 31, 2011, 6:21 PM
If it is going to be north-south then the press box should be on the eastside. Then the cameras for the TV broadcast will look west to downtown. People watching will see that there is more to Hamilton then steel mills.
Yep agreed. The North end view should be blocked somehow. Something like this would be really nice....
http://www.archdaily.com/132879/edmonton-eskimos-field-house-and-muliti-use-recreation-complex-mjm-architects/view03-stadium/
South end view should be open to view the Escarpment.
markbarbera
Aug 31, 2011, 9:24 PM
Faq's regarding the new stadium as posted on the Ticats website:
Frequently asked questions about Hamilton’s new stadium:
How do I secure my seats in the new stadium?
Season seat holders in 2012 will have priority access to purchase season seats in the new facility in the 2014 season based on:
The number of season seats and your section for the 2012 season
How long you have continuously been a Tiger-Cat season seat holder
If you are not currently a season seat holder, purchasing a flex pack for the remainder of the 2011 season will provide a next-in-line opportunity to secure season seats for 2012 and beyond. To purchase a flex pack or inquire about season seat information, click here (http://www.newstadiumnewexperience.com/secure/).
What if I am not a season seat holder in 2012, or do not renew my season seats?
You will not have priority access to seats in the new stadium. There is no guarantee on season seat holder pricing for those who are not 2012 season seat holders.
What about parking?
The goal is to provide a parking solution for every season seat holder within a 10-minute walk of the stadium.
What is the capacity of the new stadium?
Capacity is reduced in the new stadium. The exact capacity will depend on the final stadium design.
Do the Tiger-Cats hope to host a Grey Cup in the future?
The Tiger-Cats are working with the City of Hamilton on a business case with the goal to hold multiple Grey Cups in the future. The new stadium will be expandable to host a Grey Cup.
What’s going on in 2013?
The Tiger-Cats are working on a comprehensive solution for the 2013 season while Ivor Wynne Stadium is demolished and new stadium is constructed. Season seat holders will have priority access to 2013 Tiger-Cat home games.
What will the prices be in the new stadium?
Season seats will be held at 2012 prices.
What type of seats will be in the new stadium?
Location of all seats will depend on the final stadium design.
Will the new stadium have improved accessible seating?
Accessible seating will be increased and available at multiple price points.
Source: http://www.newstadiumnewexperience.com/faq/
mishap
Sep 1, 2011, 1:41 AM
North-south? Heh, I posted this idea back in 2009 (Nov 6th), in the Ticats forum of all places. Where's my cut? ;)
Actually, I take that back. I might end up on the hook for a share of the overruns.
thistleclub
Sep 1, 2011, 3:08 PM
What will the prices be in the new stadium?
Season seats will be held at 2012 prices.
There's obviously wiggle room in this statement. Season seats for the 2012 Season will go on sale in Oct 2011, while season seats for the 2013 season will go on sale in Oct 2012. Which would you say represents "2012 prices"? I sense another price spike coming down the pipes.
Moreover, introductory offers never last. Sooner or later the real cost of operating in a brand-new facility will be borne by someone (although the exact lease cost will depend on the final stadium costs).
markbarbera
Sep 1, 2011, 3:50 PM
I don't think there will be season tickets sold for 2013 per se, seeing as there will not be a permanent home for that year. At the very least, it will be an abbreviated set of tickets seeing that some 'home' games may be played in Moncton and/or other stadia, and whatever Hamilton games take place will be hosted at McMaster's field.
realcity
Sep 1, 2011, 5:46 PM
actually a new stadium will be built with modern efficiencies and likely be cheaper to operate than the old. Just a new house is more efficient than a 90 year old house is.
Personally I want the stadium designed for the best possible viewing and game experience, not how a pretty camera angle will look on a 2-sec piece of b-roll on TSN. That's not what you design a football stadium around. Real sports fans get this.
realcity
Sep 1, 2011, 5:54 PM
Does that mean a parking space is included with a season ticket? That would be nice.
Season ticket prices will rise and justly so. I suspect over 50% will be season holders. New merch sales will be in the millions$. The novelty newness will make a sell-out every game for a few seasons. Even the diehardest WH Super fan will have a difficult time not buying tickets.
bigguy1231
Sep 2, 2011, 6:00 AM
Does that mean a parking space is included with a season ticket? That would be nice.
Season ticket prices will rise and justly so. I suspect over 50% will be season holders. New merch sales will be in the millions$. The novelty newness will make a sell-out every game for a few seasons. Even the diehardest WH Super fan will have a difficult time not buying tickets.
Considering, they are already averaging more than the 22,500 seats being provided in the new stadium, it goes without saying they will sell out every game.
I am still trying to figure out your statement about merchandising. How would a smaller stadium increase the sales of the trinkets they sell. How would a stadium have anything to do with merchandise sales. Considering how many people they have turned off with this stadium debate I wouldn't be surprised if the sales of merchandise actually drops off.
markbarbera
Sep 2, 2011, 10:08 AM
Seeing as their gameday attendance is slightly up from last year, I'd say the stadium debate has not impacted fan support and, by extention, merchandising sales.
thistleclub
Sep 2, 2011, 11:38 AM
actually a new stadium will be built with modern efficiencies and likely be cheaper to operate than the old. Just a new house is more efficient than a 90 year old house is.
The lifespan of IWS 2.0 has been pegged at 50 years. That suggests to me that the city would be amortizing its investment accordingly (especially since it didn't apply the sale cost of its 90-year-old house to the new build). Obviously, if the Ticats are paying 2010 payroll and rent rates in 2014, or if sponsors have stepped into the gap, ticket prices won't have any reason to budge. I'm skeptical, however, given BY's mixed signals on the matter of cheap seats, and the proven ability of the club to smell blood in stones.
Seeing as their gameday attendance is slightly up from last year, I'd say the stadium debate has not impacted fan support and, by extention, merchandising sales.
Seems entirely possible, though that will shift back (http://www.thespec.com/sports/ticats/article/551433--ticats-give-free-passes-to-season-ticket-holders-for-als-game) and forth (http://tigercatatonia.blogspot.com/2011/07/ticat-attendance-through-first-two-home.html).
bigguy1231
Sep 3, 2011, 2:47 AM
Seeing as their gameday attendance is slightly up from last year, I'd say the stadium debate has not impacted fan support and, by extention, merchandising sales.
Considering their improvement on the field, you would think that the gameday attendance would have increased signifigantly. Merchandising has absolutely nothing to do with the stadium and everything to do with wins and losses.
Joshy
Sep 5, 2011, 7:52 PM
So I haven't been paying attention to closely to this topic, but are the Ti-Cats now building a new stadium instead of refurbishing the old one? And if so, where will it be built?
SteelTown
Sep 5, 2011, 7:57 PM
So I haven't been paying attention to closely to this topic, but are the Ti-Cats now building a new stadium instead of refurbishing the old one? And if so, where will it be built?
Replacing Ivor Wynne at the same location. Construction to start after the 2012 season, throughout 2013 season and re-open for the 2014 season.
Joshy
Sep 5, 2011, 8:00 PM
Replacing Ivor Wynne at the same location. Construction to start after the 2012 season, throughout 2013 season and re-open for the 2014 season.
On the exact same spot, or somewhere adjacent to it?
SteelTown
Sep 5, 2011, 8:04 PM
On the exact same spot, or somewhere adjacent to it?
At the exact location.
Joshy
Sep 5, 2011, 8:17 PM
At the exact location.
So then will the team be playing at IW during construction, or at another temporary location?
SteelTown
Sep 5, 2011, 8:24 PM
So then will the team be playing at IW during construction, or at another temporary location?
The site will be a construction zone during the 2013 season. The 2013 season is yet to be determined but odds are they'll play at Moncton, London, McMaster and maybe Quebec City.
Joshy
Sep 5, 2011, 8:33 PM
The site will be a construction zone during the 2013 season. The 2013 season is yet to be determined but odds are they'll play at Moncton, London, McMaster and maybe Quebec City.
Okay. So if they play out of town for a year, do you think the CFL will use the Ti-Cats to test the waters of a non-CFL city for any possible future expansions?
SteelTown
Sep 9, 2011, 5:05 PM
http://www.newstadiumnewexperience.com/
Ideally I would like to see this stadium without a track, and remain roofless.
What's the expected capacity?
What a great era for the CFL!
thistleclub
Oct 21, 2011, 6:49 PM
Stadium Bidders Touring Ivor Wynne (http://www.thespec.com/news/article/612846--stadium-bidders-touring-ivor-wynne) (Hamilton Spectator, Oct 21, 2011)
The three companies that will bid on building Hamilton's Pan-Am Stadium are currently doing a site visit at Ivor Wynne. The three companies that will bid on building Hamilton's Pan-Am Stadium are currently doing a site visit at Ivor Wynne. It appears that 2 of the 3 companies who will bid on Pan-Am Stadium are Kenaidan and Bird Construction.
Steve Milton (http://twitter.com/#!/miltonatthespec) tweets:
Would PCL, a huge player in the stadium game, not also be in the mix for the Pan-Am Stadium? #CFL, #Pan-Am, #Ticats. (http://twitter.com/#!/miltonatthespec/status/127446816617807873)
CaptainKirk
Oct 21, 2011, 7:00 PM
Based on the request for qualifications process that began in February 2011, the three teams short-listed
for the request for proposals stage for the stadia and velodrome projects include:
Bird/Turner Stadium Co.
Developer: Bird/Turner Joint Venture
Design: Populous and Kasian Architecture
Construction: Bird Design-Build Construction / Turner Construction Company
Financial Advisor: Investec / HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions
Ontario Sports Solutions
Developer: Bouygues Building Canada Inc. and kenaidan Contracting Ltd.
Design: Cannon Design / Faulkner Browns Architects / Arup Associates
Construction: Bouygues Building Canada Inc. / Kenaidan Contracting Ltd.
Financial Advisor: National Bank
United Sports
Developer: Laing O’Rourke / Bondfield Construction Company Limited
Design: ZAS Architects / HKS Architects
Construction: Laing O’Rourke / Bondfield Construction Company Limited
Financial Advisor: Rocklynn Capital Inc. / KPMG LLP
http://infrastructureontario.org/en/panam/velodrome%20and%20stadium/Files/Stadia_Velodrome%20short-list%20NR.pdf
thistleclub
Nov 4, 2011, 7:28 PM
"We had no business plan around this. We went in with a wing and a prayer.” (http://hamilton.openfile.ca/hamilton/text/pan-am-sacks-city-loss-clark)
SteelTown
Jan 11, 2012, 5:09 PM
Wonder if the Ti Cats will buy Scott Park now that's it's up for sale, $8.8 million is a lot though.
http://valeriepeebles.com/new-commercial-listing-1055-king-street-e-hamilton/
For some reason it includes the rendering of the Red Bull Arena.
http://valeriepeebles.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/sp11.jpg
SteelTown
Jan 13, 2012, 12:43 AM
http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/653704--stadium-debate-takes-a-new-turn
fuller
Jan 13, 2012, 5:44 AM
http://puckettpages.com/wp-content/uploads/sign-curvy-road-ahead-296x300.jpg
This thing won't be over until there's another 12,000 seats, a roof (or provision for one, possibly fabric), and maybe
even a change of venue.
I wonder who owns the huge freight terminal opposite the former Confederation Park trailer park?
SteelTown
Jan 26, 2012, 12:57 AM
Priced to sell Pan Am style
http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/660843--priced-to-sell-pan-am-style
An abandoned high school across from Ivor Wynne Stadium is now up for grabs for a cool $8.8 million.
The former Scott Park Secondary School was off-loaded by the public school board in 2004 for $650,000 and the empty building sustained hundreds of thousands in damage last summer thanks to vandals with fire hoses.
That didn’t deter Vancouver developer Jamil Kara from listing the 180,000-square-foot building at close to $9 million.
“With the development happening across the street, there has to be some use for this building, whether it be parking, a new CFL Hall of Fame, a new school, something,” said Kara, whose real estate ad emphasizes the pending $150-million rebuild of Ivor Wynne in advance of the 2015 Pan Am Games. “Once they’re halfway through construction across the street, I might even move my price higher.”
Kara is known locally for turning The Spectator’s former downtown printing plant into condo-lofts and more recently partnering with Harry Stinson on the renewal of historic Hotel Niagara in Niagara Falls, N.Y.
He admitted he had Pan Am on his mind when he scooped up the Scott Park property through a power of sale process for about $1.2 million in December.
Kara said he’s scheduled to talk with Pan Am officials about the property, although he’s not allowed to disclose the reason.
He has also pitched the property to the Tiger-Cats, both for parking and as office space. “They may not want to pay $9 million for parking,” he said. “I think they’re interested, but only at the right number.”
Tiger-Cats president Scott Mitchell said he couldn’t comment on the particular property, but noted the club will work “hand-in-hand” with the city on any decision affecting the stadium neighbourhood, including potential new parking.
Kara has written to the city about possible property uses, but hasn’t received a response.
The city is working on a Pan Am precinct plan that is meant to reinvigorate the neighbourhood around the rebuilt Ivor Wynne, and ward Councillor Bernie Morelli is hoping part of the plan will include a new seniors and community centre.
He wouldn’t say if the former Scott Park school factors into his dreams for the centre, however.
Councillor Lloyd Ferguson, who co-chairs the Pan Am precinct committee with Morelli, said he doubts Pan Am planners would be interested in the property at any price.
“Where that (property) becomes interesting is in developing the precinct, but in that context I think it’s just too premature to speculate about it,” he said, noting a terms of reference for a neighbourhood planning committee has only just been approved.
Whether the city or anyone else will pay $9 million for the old school is another matter.
Commercial real estate expert David Blanchard said the price per square foot would be reasonable — “if you have a use for the building.”
A previous owner tried to use the building as a private school, while local developer Don Maga mused publicly last summer about turning it into a medical centre.
Blanchard said the institutional nature of the building, combined with its location and the need to remove asbestos, may limit its redevelopment uses. “I’d wish them good luck with that,” he said.
Kara doesn’t think his price is out of line.
He estimates the asbestos cleanup costs at about $300,000 and said he’s spent more than $600,000 cleaning up the vandalism damage and installing a security fence. The building’s assessed value is around $9 million, he added.
He won’t cry if a bidding war fails to materialize.
“I can sit and wait, no problem,” he said. “If I can’t sell it, I’ll do something with it myself.”
Dr Awesomesauce
Jan 26, 2012, 3:55 AM
Morelli's dream for the stadium precinct? A senior's centre. Wow...time for some new blood [or young, I should say] down at City Hall.
SteelTown
Feb 14, 2012, 3:11 PM
King George will close after the school year. King George along with Parkview's closure there will be a lot of land available. Plus Scott Park is up for sale as well.
thistleclub
Feb 15, 2012, 12:43 PM
Toronto Star, Feb 15, 2011: Pan Am Games Are Running Into Trouble (http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/article/1131451--pan-am-games-are-running-into-trouble)
"After 28 months, the admission that 60 per cent of the planned Pan Am venues will be changed is a red flag telling us that stormy seas lie ahead for both Games organizer TO2015 and taxpayers. In November 2009, Toronto was awarded the Pan Am Games, which will bring athletes from 43 nations. Physically challenged athletes will participate in the Parapan Am Games. Lots of lead time is needed. But time is running out; facilities must be ready for autumn 2014, just 33 months away."
• No details of the proposed venue changes behind this 60% U-turn have been released.
• Games forecast is for minimal revenues of $146m ($39m for tickets, $102m for sponsorship, $6m for broadcast and licencing).
• TO2015’s operating costs are budgeted at $720m, meaning the Games will have a $574m operating loss. Capital spending is currently budgeted as $708 million.
SteelTown
Feb 17, 2012, 8:44 PM
The CFL schedule
http://www.cfl.ca/schedule/year/2012/time_zone/0
So depending on playoffs Ivor Wynne's last game will be Oct 27, 2012. Construction starts immediately after, again depending if there's a playoff.
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