Winnipeg | James Avenue Pumping Station | ?M | 6F - 4F | Phase 1 | U/C

[Hecate]

It was literally the only historic front on all of waterfront drive. In an area that is designated a national historic site because of its turn of the century buildings. The one piece of architecture linking the river to the past is now gone. We have lost something special.

[Andy6]

Originally Posted by Hecate

It was literally the only historic front on all of waterfront drive. In an area that is designated a national historic site because of its turn of the century buildings. The one piece of architecture linking the river to the past is now gone. We have lost something special.

No doubt, but there were no realistic alternatives, as far as I know. It was far more likely that the building would be demolished or, at very least, that the pumping equipment would be removed. What we’ve ended up with, while not perfect, is at the high end of the realistic possibilities, in my opinion.

[buzzg]

Originally Posted by Andy6

I wouldn’t complain too much that that building was saved and imaginatively reused. I’m not convinced that gazing at the pumping station from the Red River was really all that iconic a Winnipeg experience.

Lol, agreed. The public can actually see the pumps now for the first time in 25 years. Seems like a win to me.

Also, you can fully see the entire building when you're walking around it, as the new buildings are separated by a good size gap rather than integrated. Not concerned if someone driving down Waterfront can't see it for 2.3 seconds.

Originally Posted by Hecate

It was literally the only historic front on all of waterfront drive. In an area that is designated a national historic site because of its turn of the century buildings. The one piece of architecture linking the river to the past is now gone. We have lost something special.

Sounds to me like Waterfront isn't all that historic then.
*checks calendar*
Oh right, it's only existed for 15 years.

[Authentic_City]

Maybe not quite the only historic bldg on Waterfront?
What is now Waterfront Dr used to be a collection of gravel parking lots. It was a backstage area for the Exchange. It wasn’t lined with grand old warehouse buildings, just a few old industrial buildings like the Steam Plant. Im glad we found a way to reuse a couple of old structures. Like the old Harbour Master building. This building is also hidden from the street behind Mere, but is now used. I think both solutions work.

[Andy6]

Originally Posted by Authentic_City

Maybe not quite the only historic bldg on Waterfront?
What is now Waterfront Dr used to be a collection of gravel parking lots. It was a backstage area for the Exchange. It wasn’t lined with grand old warehouse buildings, just a few old industrial buildings like the Steam Plant. Im glad we found a way to reuse a couple of old structures. Like the old Harbour Master building. This building is also hidden from the street behind Mere, but is now used. I think both solutions work.

The CN-CP transfer track ran along the river - it wasn't too picturesque back there.

[Authentic_City]

Yes, that’s right. That was a bit before my time. But yeah, Once The tracks were taken out and the steam plant demolished, it was a bit of a wasteland back there.

[pspeid]

Aren't all these facts getting in the way of a good righteous indignation?

[buzzg]

Yeah. Let’s leave the historic Alexander Docks in their current pristine condition too.

[Ando]

Originally Posted by Andy6

I wouldn’t complain too much that that building was saved and imaginatively reused. I’m not convinced that gazing at the pumping station from the Red River was really all that iconic a Winnipeg experience.

Yeah, it’s hard to see it from Yorkville.

[rrskylar]

Originally Posted by Hecate

It was literally the only historic front on all of waterfront drive. In an area that is designated a national historic site because of its turn of the century buildings. The one piece of architecture linking the river to the past is now gone. We have lost something special.

Looks like we are the only ones that feel this way, sadly what could have been is now out of sight out of mind!

[Andy6]

Originally Posted by rrskylar

Looks like we are the only ones that feel this way, sadly what could have been is now out of sight out of mind!

You’re right, but I guess I’m sceptical about the “could” in ”could have been”. On the bright side, the pump house will likely still be there after the wooden condo has come and gone.

[hello]

The interior is what is truly impressive about the pumping station and worth celebrating that it was saved. Part of the building is still vacant and will be occupied by a restaurant after completion of the apartment building on Waterfront so the public will be able to see the impressive pumping equipment from the restaurant this summer.

[Wpg_Guy]

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9IPI1dAj2q/

[esquire]

^ Very impressive.

[buzzg]

So does anyone know where the main entrance to the apartments will be? Is that ludicrously awful freestanding staircase the entrance or just emergency stairs? The way 546 designed the 62M lobby doesn’t give me much hope.

[ywgwalk]

Originally Posted by buzzg

Is that ludicrously awful freestanding staircase the entrance or just emergency stairs?

I was under the impression that was going to be an elevator.

[ywgwalk]

[EndoftheBeginning]

For context, Waterfront Dr area in 1928 and 1945.

1928


1945

[Biff]

The western tower should start Apr/May.

[Kris22]

Originally Posted by Biff

The western tower should start Apr/May.

Great news thx