Portage and Main Proposals ideas

[BuildUpWpg]

Originally Posted by pspeid

I agree that this is more of a positive opportunity for both the building and the corner than it is a "doom and gloom" scenario. Yes the "Millennium Centre" is under-utilized, and only a short distance from P & M, but I honestly think the location and the Building's prominent alignment (facing P & M) will create a greater sense of urgency and importance to re-purpose the building (and hopefully the entire intersection) than the Millennium Centre did.

No, there has been no tenant secured, but the announcement was just made a few days ago! There have already been, IMO, a couple of really solid suggestions for this building posted here already, and personally I'd love to see more from this mainly "pro-development" group on the topic than just more of the old tiresome "here we go again/why are we so hopeless?" theatrics.

I hope you are right. However, I don't think we as a group, along with our suggestions, ideas and hopes for our city has no influence what to actually transpires in our city.

[optimusREIM]

^^ I have to thank you for the tip. I had a good chuckle. Just wait, next thing you know, they'll be hurling accusations of racism for trying to make the thing profitable.

The reality is we have plenty of spaces that could easily function as "town squares" but lamentably the idea doesn't seem to be of importance to the north American culture.

[buzzg]

Ya I usually do like his articles – even if a little overzealous sometimes – but that one is just absurd. It always has, is, and will be a private mall. When there's a holiday or event to celebrate, people don't go to Portage Place, they go to The Forks or P&M.

Plus, there's literally zero inclination that the mall will change much other than cosmetically. For all we know the mall part stays the same and gets 2 towers on it.

The most insane thing is he didn't even say what he would like to happen. Like what, does he want the government to buy it and get in the mall business, never make a change to it and allow it to fall into a state of disrepair? Does he want to literally force stagnation and stop economic development? Does he not realized that a PP that is "healthier" is better for everyone. Sorry, it would suck for those people he speaks of if they don't have a free private place to hang out in – but it's not their responsibility to provide that.

The whole thing is ridiculous. Especially the part about The Forks – there are SOOOO many free things to do their, and you don't need to have a $10 beer to do any of them. The Forks is probably one of (or the) best examples in Canada of an accessible space for all people of all backgrounds, wealths, etc.

[EdwardTH]

Arguing that a dingy food court is somehow an irreplaceable cultural amenity is the stupidest thing I've ever heard.

[buzzg]

And frankly, continuing to operate that food court is slowly becoming less and less profitable. With lots of new restaurants around, cityplace nearby with many of the same offerings in a nicer setting, and Hargrave Street Market opening soon – PP Food Court is going to struggle to keep paying customers coming.

[The Jabroni]

That potential of losing the PP food court is definitely a concern. Although I wouldn't rule them out just yet (depending on what the new landlords will do to Portage Place).

If they can keep those "mall food" restaurants in place as an affordable alternative to the Hargrave Street Market and Food Hall, then by all means. I'm not saying the Food Hall will be expensive per se. I'd just tidy up the existing food court, like they did in Garden City Mall, and just continue the food services there. That's it.

And if/when the Hargrave Street Market and Food Hall are a huge hit, then that would definitely force Starlight to step up their game.

Not sure where the fear of losing the space and the status quo of Portage Place came from, but what I can say is that this was brought onto ourselves for what it is right now, and I feel that something needs to be done right now. Whether it to be tear it down and reunite Edmonton Street, or do a complete renovation by recladding/reconditioning the exterior, new curtain glass, new reclad the skywalks, and pretty much bring the whole mall into the 21st Century, not stuck in 1987.

I mean I admit, I do like the charm and the colours for its time, but frankly, it's time for it to move on. Hell, even Polo Park got out of 1986 in 2012.

And obviously, with the current "riff-raff" that hangs out there, it's obviously a more deeper issue than potentially losing a "community space" in Portage Place. I'm sure a compromise can be done though.

[GarryEllice]

Originally Posted by The Jabroni

That potential of losing the PP food court is definitely a concern. Although I wouldn't rule them out just yet (depending on what the new landlords will do to Portage Place).

[...]

Not sure where the fear of losing the space and the status quo of Portage Place came from, but what I can say is that this was brought onto ourselves for what it is right now, and I feel that something needs to be done right now. Whether it to be tear it down and reunite Edmonton Street, or do a complete renovation by recladding/reconditioning the exterior, new curtain glass, new reclad the skywalks, and pretty much bring the whole mall into the 21st Century, not stuck in 1987.

I'm also not sure why people expect the food court to disappear. It's an extremely strategic location right on Portage, and if hundreds of students are living directly above, it's only going to get busier. The new Hargrave food hall is serving a totally different market.

The exterior brick cladding of Portage Place still looks great. And honestly, I think the interior has aged pretty well too (aside from the food court). OK, teal and coral are not exactly trendy colours anymore, but it's still a brighter and more pleasant space than CityPlace, which is so bland and beige. If they renovated the interior of Portage Place and made it look more like CityPlace, I think that would actually be a step down...

[optimusREIM]

Originally Posted by GarryEllice

I'm also not sure why people expect the food court to disappear. It's an extremely strategic location right on Portage, and if hundreds of students are living directly above, it's only going to get busier. The new Hargrave food hall is serving a totally different market.

The exterior brick cladding of Portage Place still looks great. And honestly, I think the interior has aged pretty well too (aside from the food court). OK, teal and coral are not exactly trendy colours anymore, but it's still a brighter and more pleasant space than CityPlace, which is so bland and beige. If they renovated the interior of Portage Place and made it look more like CityPlace, I think that would actually be a step down...

I don't think that it needs too much work aesthetically but there's still lots that can be done in terms of functionality. I hope whatever the plan is includes bringing the theatre back online.

[Wpg_Guy]

I believe part of the agreement is transfer of ownership of the skywalks so maybe we will see some reinvestment in them hopefully a more narrow sleeker look.

[trueviking]

while I completely understand that the food court is an important social space for the surrounding neighbourhoods, it is being portrayed as a public space. It isn't. It is a private business and can be shut down tomorrow. The sale has no bearing on whether it stays open or not and blocking a sale doesn't ensure it remains open.

[pspeid]

^^ I also wondered at the tone of the recent Bartley Kives piece telling readers not to "panic or celebrate" about the Portage Place sale. Apparently the fact that developers feel they can make a profit re-developing downtown Winnipeg properties is not cause for "celebration". Really? I would think seeing private money being invested in downtown was great news.

[Ando]

“Average� Winnipeggers should reach out more often to actually speak to aboriginal residents, they would find that they are regular people.

[pspeid]

Originally Posted by Ando

“Average� Winnipeggers should reach out more often to actually speak to aboriginal residents, they would find that they are regular people.

Absolutely!

[oaktom]

this forum is about portage and main crossing please talk about that

[oaktom]

here are all Proposals ideas images there are about 85 Proposals so far still going to upload more Proposals ideas images check it out here is link https://www.flickr.com/photos/182470927@N07/page1

[EspionNoir]

Originally Posted by oaktom

here are all Proposals ideas images there are about 85 Proposals so far still going to upload more Proposals ideas images check it out here is link https://www.flickr.com/photos/182470927@N07/page1

This is amazing. Thank you for sharing this link.

[oaktom]

you can post the images from my Flickr on this forum choose your favourite Proposal

https://www.flickr.com/photos/182470927@N07/page1

[BigG]

Some of those proposals are fantastic and out of this world. Thanks.

[pspeid]

^^ There are some really exciting ideas posted here. I hope the next time the issue of opening P & M comes up, these visions are aggressively pushed into the public eye. It still won't change the minds of the "don't you dare inconvenience me/don't you dare spend one thin dime of MY money" crowd, but perhaps the idea will get broader appeal if folks can see opening P & M will not just be removing a couple of planters and painting crosswalk bars on the streets.

[wags_in_the_peg]

Cloutier from CJOB was hinting Hyatt is moving to P&M. Is the old BMO building somehow be linked to the hotel farther down Portage East? or is he just confused