General Update/Rumour thread

[Kitchissippi]

If you are going to do that kind of density, it should be done as a block of townhouses, not like that. I personally think it doesn't respect its context. Imagine if the entire block was done that way and all you see from the sidewalk is car-stuffed carports. yuck. Those sideyards will be jammed with snow in a bad winter

[Ryersonian]

I agree the snow is going to be a pain, along with other issues. The roof is slanted to the front to keep water away from the neighbours also the carport will let light cut into the neighbours at certain angles, but if you do a sun and shadow analysis the impact is quite minimal.

What burns me are the comments though TRASHING the neighbours...Anybody can hide behind a user name I guess.

Oh, I agree, any more of these would be nasty but I've been there and it has a sort of charm to it...I say wait to see what goes on with the siding; then we can really rip on it!

[k2p]

Imagine if the entire block was done that way and all you see from the sidewalk is car-stuffed carports. yuck.

That's a brilliant point. Let's talk about a one-off, anorexic house but imagine its spawn stretched over the entire block. Along those lines, imagine if all of Wellington Street were that cathedral thingy...nobody would be out except Sunday morning. Ghastly!

It's a great house. Individual. Funky. Folks on the street seem okay with it. Good for him. The city needs a bit more quirkiness.

[jchamoun79]

:previous: What a great house!

And what a classic response (from the article)...

Linda Hoad, of the Hintonburg Community Association, unsuccessfully asked the committee to restrict Castro from building a secondary unit, typically a basement apartment.

What purpose do these "community associations" actually serve? Have they ever supported any development or new construction?

It seems all they ever do is whine, complain, and try to block development - wasting everyone's time in the process.

[RTWAP]

..

I really like what they're proposing for the campus. The details come together nicely into an attractive and functional overall vision.

[Proof Sheet]

What purpose do these "community associations" actually serve? Have they ever supported any development or new construction?

It seems all they ever do is whine, complain, and try to block development - wasting everyone's time in the process.

Often times the person as the head of a Community Association is on a stepping stone for running for City Council. I can see at least one head of a CA running for Council in addition to the guy in Beacon Hill who I think already declared.

Many of the CA's do a lot of whining and complaining and they do their best to stop development and claim to represent the entire community.

[Dado]

That's a brilliant point. Let's talk about a one-off, anorexic house but imagine its spawn stretched over the entire block. Along those lines, imagine if all of Wellington Street were that cathedral thingy...nobody would be out except Sunday morning. Ghastly!

It's a great house. Individual. Funky. Folks on the street seem okay with it. Good for him. The city needs a bit more quirkiness.

Unfortunately the way things work is that it sets a precedent and that's used to justify all kinds of other stuff later on, e.g. "But he did it; why can't I? That's unfair! I'm being discriminated against!". And off it goes to the OMB where such legalistic arguments ("unfair!"), rather than design arguments ("one adds character but a whole block of them disrupts the streetscape"), will win the day.

As for the cathedral, that's a red herring. It's on differently zoned land so it can't be used as a precedent.

[Ryersonian]

1

[Dado]

Often times the person as the head of a Community Association is on a stepping stone for running for City Council. I can see at least one head of a CA running for Council in addition to the guy in Beacon Hill who I think already declared.

That's one way of putting it. A more charitable way might be that the head of the CA gets sick of what he/she sees as poor representation by their councillor and decides to run, often with the support of the rest of CA board and sometimes the support of other CA boards. I know for example that Maria McRae has managed to piss off a good number of the CAs in her ward.


Many of the CA's do a lot of whining and complaining and they do their best to stop development and claim to represent the entire community.

Unfortunately I think all that whining and complaining to stop development generally is representative of the entire community. On the flip side, the development industry often seems to go out of its way to piss of CAs. Spacing Ottawa has been running a series written by a couple of environmentalists (at least one is a planner) in the Island Park & Wellington/Richmond area (http://spacingottawa.ca/2010/01/18/urbanists-diary-human-scale-and-a-ticking-clock/) detailing their travails with a developer of the property in the northeast corner (an automotive-related property, rather like all the other properties at this intersection unfortunately). This developer is trying to get variances on many of the provisions designed to encourage better urban design, like stepping back at upper levels.

Just once I'd like to see a developer come along on the Wellington/Richmond corridor and put forth a proposal that actually sticks to the provisions governing building design. Every single time there is something, usually intended to make the end result more of a taller, bigger box.

[amanfromnowhere]

Top Ottawa construction permits in December

Published on January 27th, 2010
OBJ Staff

Ottawa Business Journal The city issued 443 construction permits in December with a total value of $136.97 million. The top projects by value are:

Topics : EXPORT DEVELOPMENT CANADA , Broccolini Construction , Dolyn Developments , Ottawa , HAZELDEAN , CANADA

EXPORT DEVELOPMENT CANADA (150 SLATER ST.)
Contractor: Broccolini Construction Ont. Inc.
Description: Superstructure only – ground-to-roof concrete and structural steel for a 19-storey commercial office building.
Value: $70,403,852
Square footage: 511,302

Z6 URBAN LOFTS (9 BALSAM ST. and 386-394 BOOTH ST., even)
Contractor: Dolyn Developments Inc.
Description: Construct a four-storey condominium building with one level of underground parking.
Value: $4,700,000
Square footage: 8,644

ALBION TOWERS – PHASE TWO (25 NICHOLAS ST.)
Contractor: To be let
Description: Tenant fit-up on the 10th through 22nd floors of a 22-storey commercial building.
Value: $3,502,758
Square footage: 12,000

UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA (150 LOUIS PASTEUR PVT.)
Contractor: To be let
Description: Construct a sheet metal shop attached to a four-storey institutional building and interior alterations to the sub-basement, basement and ground-floor levels.
Value: $3,000,000
Square footage: 1,119

KANATA RECREATION CENTRE (100 WALTER BAKER PL.)
Contractor: To be let
Description: Interior alterations for construction of two fire-rated exit stairs and partial renovations to the first and second floors in a two-storey institutional building.
Value: $1,900,000
Square footage: 22,605

LCBO – JACKSON TRAILS (6065 HAZELDEAN RD.)
Contractor: To be let
Description: Construct a one-storey retail building.
Value: $1,709,370
Square footage: 12,174

CITIPLACE (384-394 CITIPLACE DR., even, and 101-111 QUITO PVT., odd)
Contractor: Ashcroft Homes
Description: Construct a block of 12 three-storey back-to-back rowhouses with attached garages.
Value: $1,163,400
Square footage: 16,620

ACCREDITATION CANADA (1148-1150 CYRVILLE RD.)
Contractor: Giffels Corp.
Description: Tenant fit-up to a four-storey office building.
Value: $1,000,000
Square footage: 36,878


Source: City of Ottawa

http://www.obj.ca/Real-Estate/Non-residential/2010-01-27/article-578653/Top-Ottawa-construction-permits-in-December/1

[reidjr]

Is there any way to find a full list of all permits handed out.

[k2p]

Unfortunately the way things work is that it sets a precedent and that's used to justify all kinds of other stuff later on, e.g. "But he did it; why can't I? That's unfair! I'm being discriminated against!". And off it goes to the OMB where such legalistic arguments ("unfair!"), rather than design arguments ("one adds character but a whole block of them disrupts the streetscape"), will win the day.

As for the cathedral, that's a red herring. It's on differently zoned land so it can't be used as a precedent.

For pity's sake, all I was saying was it's silly to oppose one building because of how a block might look if every building was like it.

Carrying your logic through, we shouldn't have any character buildings on any street -- even if they work -- because they'll create precedent down the road. We should stick with bland and banal just to prevent someone saying "He did it! Why can't I?"

Far better to stop original thinking in the first place lest it spread. As for the OMB, give me its thinking over the NIMBYs anyday.

[Kitchissippi]

I'd hardly call that house a "character building", and the precedent it does set is that the rest of the block may eventually be scaled the same way. Why? because this house has effectively devalued the adjacent properties down to lot value since the old buildings no longer fit in. If they are to come down eventually, they should have just been co-developped as more energy-efficient townhouses instead of having useless spaces in between that waste heat.

http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss195/mariacookottawa/4.jpg

http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss195/mariacookottawa/3.jpg Maria Cook, The Citizen

This lot seems to have been the driveway of the property to the left, which appears to now park cars on its front lawn (against bylaws unless grandfathered). This is part of the precedents being set.

There's nothing really revolutionary about this house, it's just a slice of a townhouse built as a single. I just don't think it's something to rave about like its the coolest thing in that part of the city.

A friend of mine bought a nice townhouse in the Distillery district in Toronto. now this is cool:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3133/3160495110_1797452a5a_o.png

[Dado]

Here is the site in question on Streetview (http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Ottawa&ie=UTF8&om=1&hq=&hnear=Ottawa,+Ottawa+Division,+Ontario&ll=45.405162,-75.724479&spn=0.005491,0.013733&t=h&z=17&layer=c&cbll=45.405231,-75.724412&panoid=AIHbq25LE7RPIbtI3-RDHg&cbp=12,287.57,,0,5). It very much appears to be the former driveway. The 'standard' lots here are 33' wide and 100' deep (10x30 m), whereas this one is about half of that (the 12' refers to the width of the house, not the lot). The street, by the way, is only 40' wide, much narrower than the typical 60' & 66' widths found elsewhere.

The intriguing thing is that this isn't the only whacked-out property in the area; directly across the street (http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Ottawa&ie=UTF8&om=1&hq=&hnear=Ottawa,+Ottawa+Division,+Ontario&ll=45.405222,-75.724425&spn=0.005491,0.013733&t=h&z=17&layer=c&cbll=45.405151,-75.724487&panoid=ZtSd9V6SZM16mqa9miDInA&cbp=12,134.64,,0,2.47) you'll notice a red pick-up truck. Well that truck is occupying pretty much the entire width of his property - at the street. The red house at the back is on the same plot, but there the property is wider, reaching around behind the driveway of the house to the right.

At any rate, I expect the novelty of this house will soon wear off in the neighbourhood and that in all likelihood its two neighbours will one day be knocked down and turned into clones of this place.

Maria Cook's article quotes the neighbour (I think the one to the right/east) saying that she doesn't mind since it blocks the wind and snow, but looking at this pair together I'd have to conclude that the eddying of air over this house will actually end up dumping extra snow on her roof, increasing the risk of a roof collapse (this is actually a serious issue for some infills and in some places has led to a developer having to reinforce the roof of a neighbour).

[rodionx]

If the guy had dispensed with the parking, he could have built something unique that also fit in well. Trying to squeeze a suburban sized house AND parking onto an itsy bitsy urban lot.... well, the results speak for themselves.

Speaking of skinny houses, here's a StreetView of a skinny house on Cooper street that I've always liked. It's somewhat wider than the one in Hintonburg, and it integrates parking nicely. http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=cooper+and+percy,+ottawa,+on&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=33.572881,84.199219&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Percy+St+%26+Cooper+St,+Ottawa,+Ottawa+Division,+Ontario,+Canada&ll=45.413336,-75.703488&spn=0.000868,0.00257&t=h&z=19&layer=c&cbll=45.413286,-75.703604&panoid=JbqIRHiF43vqZ-HG3oYDuw&cbp=12,343.65,,0,1.05

[Kitchissippi]

Actually, not too far away from that Armstrong house, I find this narrow infill on Grant Street (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=cooper+and+percy,+ottawa,+on&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=33.572881,84.199219&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Percy+St+%26+Cooper+St,+Ottawa,+Ottawa+Division,+Ontario,+Canada&t=h&layer=c&cbll=45.401564,-75.72925&panoid=0hH0-38iKwQkLcMZQz9OKw&cbp=12,356.64,,0,-14.7&ll=45.401606,-75.729114&spn=0.001058,0.005681&z=18) far more interesting and creative. It has parking in front but has really good translucency in its composition. This is a great character building.

[rodionx]

Funky. I like it. Can't really top it, but in the spirit of posting pictures of skinny houses in Ottawa, and further highlighting the lameness of the first skinny house, here's a fairly skinny house in the Glebe. (http://modernottawa.blogspot.com/2009/08/colorful-modern-home-in-glebe.html)

[Proof Sheet]

Actually, not too far away from that Armstrong house, I find this narrow infill on Grant Street (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=cooper+and+percy,+ottawa,+on&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=33.572881,84.199219&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Percy+St+%26+Cooper+St,+Ottawa,+Ottawa+Division,+Ontario,+Canada&t=h&layer=c&cbll=45.401564,-75.72925&panoid=0hH0-38iKwQkLcMZQz9OKw&cbp=12,356.64,,0,-14.7&ll=45.401606,-75.729114&spn=0.001058,0.005681&z=18) far more interesting and creative. It has parking in front but has really good translucency in its composition. This is a great character building.

Same Street (Grant)...what is going on at this house....are those easter decorations?

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=cooper+and+percy,+ottawa,+on&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=33.572881,84.199219&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Percy+St+%26+Cooper+St,+Ottawa,+Ottawa+Division,+Ontario,+Canada&t=h&layer=c&cbll=45.402011,-75.727815&panoid=blhoc_EDzBFIaFK8HcCExQ&cbp=12,346.35,,0,-7.33&ll=45.401972,-75.727939&spn=0.002927,0.006968&z=18

I'll have to go to Grant Street.....

[Mille Sabords]

Actually, not too far away from that Armstrong house, I find this narrow infill on Grant Street (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=cooper+and+percy,+ottawa,+on&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=33.572881,84.199219&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Percy+St+%26+Cooper+St,+Ottawa,+Ottawa+Division,+Ontario,+Canada&t=h&layer=c&cbll=45.401564,-75.72925&panoid=0hH0-38iKwQkLcMZQz9OKw&cbp=12,356.64,,0,-14.7&ll=45.401606,-75.729114&spn=0.001058,0.005681&z=18) far more interesting and creative. It has parking in front but has really good translucency in its composition. This is a great character building.

It is funky and it does a great job, in fact a superhuman effort, at overcoming its parking blemish, but the parking blemish remains. No matter what you do, either you have parking in front or you don't. I will always prefer those that don't. This infill wouldn't have to "work as hard to look good" if it didn't have to accommodate a car as its face to the world.

[Ryersonian]

If the guy had dispensed with the parking, he could have built something unique that also fit in well. Trying to squeeze a suburban sized house AND parking onto an itsy bitsy urban lot.... well, the results speak for themselves.

Speaking of skinny houses, here's a StreetView of a skinny house on Cooper street that I've always liked. It's somewhat wider than the one in Hintonburg, and it integrates parking nicely. http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=cooper+and+percy,+ottawa,+on&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=33.572881,84.199219&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Percy+St+%26+Cooper+St,+Ottawa,+Ottawa+Division,+Ontario,+Canada&ll=45.413336,-75.703488&spn=0.000868,0.00257&t=h&z=19&layer=c&cbll=45.413286,-75.703604&panoid=JbqIRHiF43vqZ-HG3oYDuw&cbp=12,343.65,,0,1.05

I think this garage is hideous...in fact I think all garages are nasty...You get in your car open the door drive away...you get home...open the door drive in close it behind you...you never see or interact with your neighbours...Grant and Armstrong are wonderful examples of how you can build interaction with your neighbours...

[Proof Sheet]

Actually, not too far away from that Armstrong house, I find this narrow infill on Grant Street (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=cooper+and+percy,+ottawa,+on&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=33.572881,84.199219&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Percy+St+%26+Cooper+St,+Ottawa,+Ottawa+Division,+Ontario,+Canada&t=h&layer=c&cbll=45.401564,-75.72925&panoid=0hH0-38iKwQkLcMZQz9OKw&cbp=12,356.64,,0,-14.7&ll=45.401606,-75.729114&spn=0.001058,0.005681&z=18) far more interesting and creative. It has parking in front but has really good translucency in its composition. This is a great character building.

How about this for the opposite affect

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Thurloe+Kensington+UK&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=55.937499,114.169922&ie=UTF8&hq=Thurloe&hnear=Kensington,+UK&ll=51.494205,-0.171865&spn=0,359.996516&t=h&z=19&layer=c&cbll=51.494209,-0.171791&panoid=6IrfzvKuQq3pDGzwHiqnOQ&cbp=12,96.36,,0,-14.05

[Ryersonian]

How about this for the opposite affect

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Thurloe+Kensington+UK&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=55.937499,114.169922&ie=UTF8&hq=Thurloe&hnear=Kensington,+UK&ll=51.494205,-0.171865&spn=0,359.996516&t=h&z=19&layer=c&cbll=51.494209,-0.171791&panoid=6IrfzvKuQq3pDGzwHiqnOQ&cbp=12,96.36,,0,-14.05

Wow, see that's what it's all about...Diversity!

[Proof Sheet]

Wow, see that's what it's all about...Diversity!

Well you probably wouldn't need a rear yard setback variance:banana:

[waterloowarrior]

Ashcroft to present planning and design ideas for ex-convent site
http://communities.canada.com/ottawacitizen/blogs/designingottawa/archive/2010/01/29/ashcroft-to-present-planning-and-design-ideas-for-ex-convent-site.aspx
By MARIACOOK FRI, JAN 29 2010 COMMENTS(0) DESIGNING OTTAWA

When DTZ Barnicke listed the Les Soeurs de la Visitation property, it called the Westboro site a "simply extraordinary development opportunity.... providing a variety of intensive development potential."

David Choo, owner of Ashcroft Homes, bought the 5.2 acres at 114 Richmond Road last fall for more than $10-million.

Choo told the Citizen last month that he plans to preserve the historic chapel and significant portions of the former convent, but is still mulling over ideas for the rest.

Ashcroft Homes has invited local residents to a meeting on Monday February 1 to discuss the redevelopment of the convent and surrounding area, as well as the former Billy's Appliance site at 90 Richmond Rd.

The meeting takes place 
7.00 p.m. - 9.00 p.m.
 at St. George's Church, 415 Piccadilly Avenue (downstairs meeting room).

The purpose of the meeting is "to get your input on the planning and design of the site," according to Ashcroft.

Since November 2009, Ashcroft has held two meetings with neighbours abutting the site.

Based on ideas and input from these neighbours, FoTenn Consultants, an Ottawa planning and urban design firm, has prepared planning and design guidelines that will inform the design and redevelopment of the site, says Ashcroft.

"We intend to present the proposed guidelines and seek your feedback and ideas. We will also discuss next steps and timing of the project."

[waterloowarrior]

Another controversial infill project...

The dukes are up
Patrick Langston , The Ottawa Citizen
http://www.househunting.ca/story.html?id=2500638
Published: Friday, January 29, 2010

http://a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/12465/1d/www.househunting.ca/2500657.bin?size=hhl

A scrap brewing in Westboro spotlights the push, shove and jabs of adding new housing in an existing neighbourhood.

Defined as "the development of vacant lots or portions of vacant lots in established urban areas," infill housing is considered a critical element in the city's drive for residential intensification and the slowing of suburban sprawl.

In this case, Sherbrooke Urban Developments plans to build The Sky Bungalows of Westboro, two small condo developments with an expected completion in spring 2011. One development will house three, one-floor apartments at 430 Byron Ave. where a single-family home now stands.

The second, to the south on Athlone Private, will be built first and consist of three triplexes on a vacant half-acre lot at the end of a cul-de-sac.

The proposed buildings, all identical, are notable for their triple garage doors at street level, porthole windows, and black, metal columns, one at an angle, running from ground to roof.

They look nothing like surrounding homes in the established neighbourhood and, at four stories including garages, promise to be taller as well.

"I like the fact it's quite avant-gardiste. That doesn't exist around Ottawa, to my knowledge," says Marthe Ledoux, an early and enthusiastic buyer of one of the Athlone Private apartments.

"They don't fit the fabric of the neighbourhood," counters Gary Ludington, chair of the Westboro Community Association, which has raised its concerns about the proposed condos with Kitchissippi Ward councillor Christine Leadman.
[............ (http://www.househunting.ca/story.html?id=2500638)]

Developer site:
http://thesherbrookepeople.com/sky-bungalows-of-westboro/index.html

[Kitchissippi]

Sky Bungalows? Who ever thought of this oxymoron must have OD'd on the Jetsons when they were a kid. Might as well change the definition of a bungalow to "a one-storey high-rise" :haha:

[adam-machiavelli]

While I'd agree that the style is very unusual, the wall of garages is a big turn-off in terms of potential street-level activity. It's like a vertical snout house. I think residents and city staff should negotiate with the developer for less garage frontage. What about moving the garages to the side?

[Kitchissippi]

Street level won't matter in their first site on Athlone but this would look absolutely dreadful in their second site on Byron Avenue. Their first site is really odd and I can see the neighbours really hating these buildings looming over their back yards.

On their Byron site, I wonder if it would be worth it for them to do a central underground garage and use the ground level for another unit.

[Dado]

The Athlone site would be fairly easy to turn into a centralized underground parking garage, but its location doesn't actually require it for the benefit of anyone other than would-be condo residents.

Byron, by contrast, would be both difficult to implement underground parking but much more desperately requires it. I think what I'd do is to build a central drive-thru to a rear courtyard/parking area/garages and build the rest of the building above and to the sides of the drive-thru.

[waterloowarrior]

Application D08-02-10/A-00018 by Orchid Development Corp. for 108 & 110 Lisgar St. (parking lot behind city hall) is at the Feb 17 CofA. (http://www.kitchissippiward.com/committee-of-adjustment-summary-of-applications-for-feb-17-2010/)... wonder what the application is about? Hopefully not something related to a parking lot :cool:

from JJC newsletter Nov. 2007 (http://www.juteaujohnsoncomba.com/ms_march2007.htm)

117326 Ontario Inc. sold 108 & 110 Lisgar Street to Orchid Development Corp for $2,000,000 or $168/sf. The purchaser is proposing to develop the site with a mid to high-rise condominium apartment building.

pic of the site by Johanna Ngoh (http://ottawacondos.blogspot.com/2009/11/soho-lisgar-coming-to-golden-triangle.html)
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v7EIS9eAMiY/SvOKUXOK6YI/AAAAAAAAAHY/HatRkc07ZTA/s320/soholisgar.jpg

[Proof Sheet]

from JJC newsletter Nov. 2007 (http://www.juteaujohnsoncomba.com/ms_march2007.htm)


Some old but interesting news from that Juteau newsletter.

'The former Green Valley Restaurant site located at 1107 Prince of Wales Drive was purchased by Ashcroft Homes for $2,000,000 or $32.57/sf of site area. Ashcroft is proposing to develop the site with a high rise condominium apartment building.

Walton International Group has started to assemble land in the southwest area of the city. One of their acquisitions was of a 153.5 acre farm located on the northwest corner of Richmond and Rushmore Roads for $1,534,980 or $10,000/acre. Erik Falardeau and Bob Perkins of CB Richard Ellis have been acting on behalf of the purchaser. A number of additional purchases by this group should close over the next several months in this area.'

I'd be surprised if this Walton effort gets them anywhere.

[waterloowarrior]

Walton International Group has started to assemble land in the southwest area of the city. One of their acquisitions was of a 153.5 acre farm located on the northwest corner of Richmond and Rushmore Roads for $1,534,980 or $10,000/acre. Erik Falardeau and Bob Perkins of CB Richard Ellis have been acting on behalf of the purchaser. A number of additional purchases by this group should close over the next several months in this area.'

I'd be surprised if this Walton effort gets them anywhere.

Walton is doing an IPO (http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20100129006099&newsLang=en) on some land near Kanata that's a bit more reasonable than some of their other big holdings.. of course you still have to hope that you win the Official Plan Review lottery. The land to the north of Hope Side Road is designated urban, but I've heard that the farmer doesn't want to sell.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2699/4323059791_1423af0e95.jpg

[waterloowarrior]

City calling for bids for trade show space
By JON WILLING, CITY HALL BUREAU
Last Updated: 1st February 2010, 9:51pm
http://www.ottawasun.com/news/ottawa/2010/02/01/12701206.html

The city is almost ready to open bidding for the construction of a new 220,000-sq.-ft. trade show facility with the hopes of having the building ready by September 2011.

The city is trying to replace three facilities at its Lansdowne Park property, which is slated for redevelopment under the Lansdowne Partnership Plan. An agreement with the city would have a private sector partner design, build and operate the facility for at least 30 years.

According to financing information on a corporate services report, the project will cost an estimated $40 million or more with annual operating expenses in the range of $2.2 million and $2.6 million.

The city expects it will need to provide some financial support to the project, possibly through a one-time contribution or annual operating grants.

The criteria for a new exhibition hall include:

n A main 150,000-sq.-ft. exhibit hall;

n a 70,000-sq.-ft. building annex to the main hall;

n office space and meeting rooms;

n and an attractive outer appearance.

Shenkman Corp. has already expressed interest in building a facility at the Ottawa airport.

The corporate services and economic development committee is expected to receive a report (http://ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/csedc/2010/02-02/05%20-%20ACS2010-CMR-REP-0009%20Exposition%20Hall%20RFP.htm)Tuesday on the process to find a winning proposal. City council will make the final decision.

jon.willing@sunmedia.ca

[ServiceGuy]

I heard from a high level construction manager that Claridge has intentions of doing a project even larger than Plaza 1 ~ IV but can't find any information or property to support the claim. Anyone hear anything about a Claridge mega-project in Ottawa? I suspect it's wishful thinking for those working in the industry but at the same time, high-rise condos seem to be a license to print money for Claridge these days and would stand to reason.

[harls]

Huge fire on Eddy Street in Hull

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/million+fire+destroys+Gatineau+apartments+commerical+building/2512321/story.html

Too bad, because this block was one of the rare bright spots on that street.. :no:

[rakerman]

I couldn't find if there's a thread for the new Sparks / Queen tower development, but they have an ad in the paper today (Saturday Citizen)

http://rehotelandresidences.com/

The site just shows a lounging woman and a register-for-more-info link.
The ad says "From the $400,000s to over $5 million." I give it bonus points for using the phrase "sybaritic services and amenities of a five-star boutique hotel".

[waterloowarrior]

I couldn't find if there's a thread for the new Sparks / Queen tower development, but they have an ad in the paper today (Saturday Citizen)

http://rehotelandresidences.com/

The site just shows a lounging woman and a register-for-more-info link.
The ad says "From the $400,000s to over $5 million." I give it bonus points for using the phrase "sybaritic services and amenities of a five-star boutique hotel".

here's the thread
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?p=4685457#post4685457

[Davis137]

The Continental is now above grade...almost half of the ground floor is visable from the street from certain angles now...

Westboro Station PH 2's site is being prepped now, all of the buildings on that block have been knocked down, and are sitting in rubble piles behind fences, until they start hauling it all away.

[blackjagger]

Based on the last item on the Dalhousie Community Association Minutes, Feb 2010 meeting, it looks like those ugly as hell apartment buildings on the Bell St have been sold and will be getting a much needed face lift. Anything is better than their current state but I hope they don't go with a Beige EFIS (EIFS) and green tinted window combo that has been repeated over on St. Laurent reclads. Considering how visible this is from the Q-Way I think it will really add something coming in from the West.

Bottom of report: http://dalhousiecommunityassociation.blogspot.com/2010/02/minutes-feb-2010-meeting-draft.html

Cheers,
Josh

[m0nkyman]

Based on the last item on the Dalhousie Community Association Minutes, Feb 2010 meeting, it looks like those ugly as hell apartment buildings on the Bell St have been sold and will be getting a much needed face lift. Anything is better than their current state but I hope they don't go with a Beige EFIS (EIFS) and green tinted window combo that has been repeated over on St. Laurent reclads. Considering how visible this is from the Q-Way I think it will really add something coming in from the West.

Bottom of report: http://dalhousiecommunityassociation.blogspot.com/2010/02/minutes-feb-2010-meeting-draft.html

Cheers,
Josh
:banana:

[harls]

Phase 4 of Place Champlain (6 storey condos near the Champlain Bridge) has piles driven and should start construction soon.

Google streetview (http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=aylmer+quebec&sll=49.891235,-97.15369&sspn=19.330917,72.685547&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Aylmer,+Communaut%C3%A9-Urbaine-de-l'Outaouais,+Quebec&ll=45.416392,-75.759723&spn=0.001988,0.008873&t=h&z=17&layer=c&cbll=45.416313,-75.759828&panoid=QaO4rhzp74g65aKNAOGl7w&cbp=13,355.68,,0,-18.09)

website: www.placechamplain.ca

[Cre47]

Phase 4 of Place Champlain (6 storey condos near the Champlain Bridge) has piles driven and should start construction soon.

Google streetview (http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=aylmer+quebec&sll=49.891235,-97.15369&sspn=19.330917,72.685547&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Aylmer,+Communaut%C3%A9-Urbaine-de-l'Outaouais,+Quebec&ll=45.416392,-75.759723&spn=0.001988,0.008873&t=h&z=17&layer=c&cbll=45.416313,-75.759828&panoid=QaO4rhzp74g65aKNAOGl7w&cbp=13,355.68,,0,-18.09)

website: www.placechamplain.ca

Wow it's been like 3 years at least since the others were completed.

[harls]

Wow it's been like 3 years at least since the others were completed.

The first building has been up since at least 2006 (when I moved here).. can't remember if the second phase was built as well. I know the third phase was done just last year or so.

The website is dated 2003, so it's been quite a while from start to finish!

[Davis137]

I like how these little buildings make that area look more built up. I'm amazed that the area all along the river on the Gat/Aylmer side isn't built up more densly than it is...

[harls]

I like how these little buildings make that area look more built up. I'm amazed that the area all along the river on the Gat/Aylmer side isn't built up more densly than it is...

I just finished reading a book on the history of Ch. Aylmer and it explains why that area is not built up.. it was actually privately owned and tolled for quite a long time (there was a toll gate in Aylmer and one in Hull). No business wanted to set up shop on the road because people would have to pay a toll to visit it.

I imagine if things were different back then, the road and area around it would look a lot different. But today, you can see it slowly being developed piece by piece as the original landowners pass away and their inheritors sell off what is left.

[rakerman]

Nate's closes on Rideau on May 31.

Three rumoured potential replacement locations:

"The good news is, Dave is scouting out one of three potential locations to open a new Nate's on or about the same time the original closes. One spot is on Wellington Street near Holland Avenue, another is on St. Joseph Boulevard in Orléans, and a third possible location is on Bank Street near Gladstone Avenue. "I'm hoping to have one nailed down before the end of this month," he says.

Of the three, the potential Orléans site is the least likely."

Omnivore's Ottawa - News -- Iconic Nate's Deli closes May 31, to reopen at new location (http://communities.canada.com/ottawacitizen/blogs/omnivore/archive/2010/02/15/iconic-nate-s-deli-closes-may-31-to-reopen-at-a-new-location.aspx) - February 15, 2010

Nate's on Bank would be awesome. The most obvious location near Gladstone would be the empty building on the corner where Vistek was, right across from where Central is going up. Farther north there's space for lease on the south corner of Bank & Florence, and the entire empty lot on the corner on the north side of Bank & Florence where the Galaxy Camera building was (is?) supposedly going. I don't know about south of Central 2 and T&L - is there space in that complex south of C2?

[harls]

This is an interesting site I stumbled upon:

http://www.ualocal71.com/projects_e.asp?lang=e

In the 'to come' section they mention a 15 storey tower for the RCMP at Jeanne-Mance and Savard.. (I think Waterloowarrior posted something about that earlier in this thread?)

also a 12 and 20 storey building on Promenade du portage (the 12 storey I am assuming is the one awarded to Brocollini at the Eddy/Portage corner... but I never heard anything about the 20 storey building..)

[Davis137]

I noticed yesterday that there is something being built behind the strip malls at the south corner of Hunt Club and Bank (where the Wendy's and stuff is). Is there a low-mid rise building going up? It looked like the land was being prepared, and the framework for a crane and other materials were sitting on the ground.

Anyone else know what I'm talking about? You can see it from the bus stop on Hunt Club between Bridle Path and Bank...

[waterloowarrior]

I noticed yesterday that there is something being built behind the strip malls at the south corner of Hunt Club and Bank (where the Wendy's and stuff is). Is there a low-mid rise building going up? It looked like the land was being prepared, and the framework for a crane and other materials were sitting on the ground.

Anyone else know what I'm talking about? You can see it from the bus stop on Hunt Club between Bridle Path and Bank...

It's an Islamic Centre

http://www.amacanada.org/template.php?fileName=project.php

The Plan consists of:
1. Large Mosque that could accommodate around 2000 worshipers.
a. The mosque consists of a main floor for men
b. Half a floor for the ladies
c. A Basement with washrooms, a library and. an office for the Imam.
2. School (Intermediate and Secondary) that can accommodate 12 classrooms/gender. School is equipped with a lecture hall as well as a gymnasium complete with associated services.
3. A Library and offices for the management
4. The school can accommodate about 500 students (boys and girls).

[waterloowarrior]

This is an interesting site I stumbled upon:

http://www.ualocal71.com/projects_e.asp?lang=e

In the 'to come' section they mention a 15 storey tower for the RCMP at Jeanne-Mance and Savard.. (I think Waterloowarrior posted something about that earlier in this thread?)

also a 12 and 20 storey building on Promenade du portage (the 12 storey I am assuming is the one awarded to Brocollini at the Eddy/Portage corner... but I never heard anything about the 20 storey building..)

Nice find!

This is the Jeanne Mance building
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=176625

My mind is blank, what is "TEN STOREY CONDO O'CONNOR STREET"

edit: Maybe they mean the Beaver Barracks?

[harls]

It was so nice out today I decided to ditch my family and take some photos of the new projects in Hull (ok, I didn't ditch them..they were sleeping and I just took advantage of the break). Sorry 'bout the spots in the sky, I am due for a cleaning.

Chez Henri renovation and expansion

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/4415863204_6091b5b884_b.jpg

this is the site for the Cartier-Wellington which will soon obliterate this view. to the left, a new office building, 72 Laval.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4415865194_a1c11a228f_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2804/4415101165_433492d65f_b.jpg

72 Laval. Not much of a budget for a crane here. I know there was an old building here on this block before... it sort of looks like they reused part of the frame.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4415103279_e2cd052fc5_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4415113587_fde3b7b801_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4415881622_e1df802ef0_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4415871442_600320d486_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/4415107287_57ecc2b877_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4415109421_eb0949d928_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2774/4415877440_162dcbcb69_b.jpg

[Jamaican-Phoenix]

While it's so nice to see Hull getting a much needed facelift of sorts and getting more offices and condos on the island, I still wish they'd build some tall skyscrapers. :(

[Cntrtwnr]

Anyone know what's happening at Bank and Sparks?...all the sparks level shops have moved further up the street...the building looks vacant and ready for something to happen.

[gjhall]

Anyone know what's happening at Bank and Sparks?...all the sparks level shops have moved further up the street...the building looks vacant and ready for something to happen.

Yes, the building that housed HMV and Hallmark etc is the Wellington Building, part of the Parliamentary Precinct. It's being gutted to remove massive amounts of asbestos and generally modernized. Most offices moved out starting 2 years ago. Not sure what their plans are for retrofitting of the retial space - a lot of opportunity to make it better.

[Davis137]

Well, I already mentioned in the thread for it, but the Continental is already upto it's 5th floor above grade as of this week, with the 6th being prepared.

Also, the little development property on Scott Street (my appologies that I keep forgetting it's actual name) is upto it's 4th floor (I think it's supposed to be 6 total) and starting to look like something.

Westboro Station PH II is being dug out this weekend, and it looks like the SOHO Parkway made enough sales, as the sales center is being emptied and it looks like they are going to prep the demolition of that site now.

L8tz

[m3i6]

...Also, the little development property on Scott Street (my appologies that I keep forgetting it's actual name) is upto it's 4th floor (I think it's supposed to be 6 total) and starting to look like something.
L8tz

Stone Work Lofts. http://www.stoneworklofts.com/
It's still neat to see a 4+ story all lumber framed building going up.

[Davis137]

I went and looked at the link you posted, and thanks, I'll try to remember what it's called now.

Speaking of the link, OMG...STARTING at $292,100! For now, there's little-2-nothing worth looking at from this building, not for that kind of money. I guess the price is reflected in it's proximity to the main portion of Westboro and that it's close to the transitway station for that neighbourhood too...Still, that's a lot more scratch than I paid for my place down here in Greenboro...

[rakerman]

They've started doing some work again in the old Shoppers location at Bank & Laurier that will become a Murale store.

[Dmajackson]

Hey,

The Tallest U/C In Your City (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=174954) thread has been reactivated recently and in hopes of updating the list I am going from city thread to city thread to see if the tallest under construction has changed recently.

I currently have the EDC listed as the tallest in Ottawa. If this is completed or something taller is underway just message me or post it here and I'll add it to the list.

:cheers:

-DJ

[waterloowarrior]

Westboro United Church for sale, but only to right buyer
By Katie Stewart , The Ottawa CitizenMarch 20, 2010 10:02 PM
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/ottawa/Westboro+United+Church+sale+only+right+buyer/2707590/story.html

Kitchissippi United Church is looking to sell the former Westboro United Church to a buyer that has community service as its top priority.
Kitchissippi United, which is an amalgamation of Kingsway, Northwestern and Westboro churches, has had possession of the property since 2008. While the congregation no longer meets there, the church, located at 450 Churchill Ave., is used by community organizations that rent it for meetings and gatherings.

“We had to begin to explore other options because it’s so old and with the upgrades it needs, it would have cost into the millions,” said Westboro United’s former minister, Jim Crighton, who retired after the amalgamation.

In 2009, the Kitchissippi United council and its congregation began searching for a non-profit organization that would take over the site and finance a new development there, which would include a small area for the church. But after meeting with 30 social agencies, they found no one who could meet that condition. They got offers from potential buyers that had money but couldn’t continue serving the neighbourhood, or wanted to provide public space but couldn’t afford the work on the building, but nobody who could do both.

“We are disheartened at the number of barriers that we face while trying to develop the property for the common good of the community,” said Chris Henderson, chair of the Kitchissippi United council.

With no prospects, the council decided to put the property up for sale.

“We hope that taking our offer to the market will lead to innovative ideas that will see the site used to meet community needs, such as supportive housing,” said Henderson.

“We are reserving the right to accept or reject an offer,” said Rev. David Sherwin, the minister at Kitchissippi United.

The church plans to take the proceeds from the sale and use the money to help the community.

“Our church really wants to do the right thing,” said Henderson. “We want to honour the many generations of families who built Westboro United and made it a home for worship and outreach.”

Arnold Midgley has been attending the church his whole life — it’s where he first saw television, he said, watching the coronation of the Queen in 1953 — and is the vice-chair of Kitchissippi United’s congregational council.

“It’s difficult. I have many emotional ties. It was where I was baptized and married,” said Midgley. “But in reality, it’s aged and too costly for us to upgrade.”

Proposals for the property will be accepted until April 9.

“I don’t want to see high-end condos,” said Henderson. “I want to see community groups come to the table with creative models that serve a community purpose.”

© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen

[rakerman]

Though the height is disappointing, it's a pretty nice building and the brick they chose really fits in with other buildings in that stretch of Bank. We can just be thankful that the lot is not laying vacant like that gravel one with all the weeds beside James Street Pub. What's going on with that lot? A pretty prime location to sit empty.

Do you mean the lot at Bank & Florence where the pizza place burned down? It was supposed to become a Galaxy Camera and office condos but nothing seems to be happening.

It's completely separate from the proposed six-storey James Street development. Or did you mean the deck and the lot behind it, next to the main James Street pub?

[AuxTown]

Ya, Bank and Florence is the one I'm talking about. It's kind of embarassing that, in a city of more than a million people, a lot can sit completely vacant and unkept in the downtown area for so long. Is there really no one interested in developing it?

[jcollins]

Did that James Street Pub development idea die? (And include the Florence property?)

[rodionx]

According to the Urbsite blog, the Galaxy Camera flagship plan is dead (http://urbsite.blogspot.com/2009/12/408-bank-street.html), and there are no plans for the lot. The architect on that had a bit of a history (http://www.oaa.on.ca/client/oaa/OAAHome.nsf/object/Discipline03/$file/StundenDec03.pdf) (pdf link). You can draw your own conclusions.

I'm pretty sure the James Street project was completely separate. No idea what's going on there.

[waterloowarrior]

I googled the numbered company (176929 Canada Inc) for the James Street project and it recently filed a notice to dissolve (http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/cd-dgc.nsf/eng/cs04389.html)... but I don't know if that means anything. It's Bradley-Kelly Construction (they also own (http://www.emcottawaeast.ca/20100312/Events/Irish+Village+owners+seek+to+change+route+of+St.+Patrick's+Day+Parade+for+2011) the Heart and Crown and the Aulde Dubliner... :cheers: )

Here's a staff report on the project
http://www.ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/a-lacac/2007/08-23/ACS2007-PTE-APR-0146.htm
http://www.ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/a-lacac/2007/08-23/ACS2007-PTE-APR-0146_files/image046.jpg

[citizen j]

^Too bad; it was a good looking building.

[jcollins]

And as much as I love James Street Pub, it'd be a great project for that site. Ideally JSP could find a new home (in the ground floor of a similar project)

Too bad it looks dead.

[RTWAP]

Westboro United Church for sale, but only to right buyer
By Katie Stewart , The Ottawa CitizenMarch 20, 2010 10:02 PM
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/ottawa/Westboro+United+Church+sale+only+right+buyer/2707590/story.html

Kitchissippi United Church is looking to sell the former Westboro United Church to a buyer that has community service as its top priority.
Kitchissippi United, which is an amalgamation of Kingsway, Northwestern and Westboro churches, has had possession of the property since 2008. While the congregation no longer meets there, the church, located at 450 Churchill Ave., is used by community organizations that rent it for meetings and gatherings.

...

© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen

I can't help but contrast that with the approach taken by Les Soeurs de la Visitation.

[ajldub]

Here's the difference: Les Soeurs is a French(not French-Canadian) organization. The decision to let the convent go came ultimately from Europe. They won't have any ties to the community after the sale, so why not get as much cash as possible for the property before they go back to France?

[Proof Sheet]

And as much as I love James Street Pub, it'd be a great project for that site. Ideally JSP could find a new home (in the ground floor of a similar project)

Too bad it looks dead.

Looks like the Celtic supporters club will still have a place to drink on a Sunday morning for a while.

[c_speed3108]

Richcraft asks to clear Rideau Street site for condos

Published on March 23rd, 2010
Published on March 23rd, 2010
Peter Kovessy
Ottawa Business Journal

Click here to find out more!

An Ottawa homebuilder is requesting permission to tear down three vacant downtown buildings that it says have become a "safety hazard and an eyesore to the neighbourhood.”

The Richcraft Group recently filed an application with the city to demolish the residential buildings at the southeast corner of Rideau and Charlotte streets, just west of the Rideau River.

In 2008, the Ontario Municipal Board approved a rezoning request that allowed a seven-storey mixed commercial and residential development on the property, according to the city.

The buildings at 588 Rideau St., 592 Rideau St. and 165 Charlotte St. contain a total of four residential units and have all been vacant for four years, according to the application.

http://www.obj.ca/media/photos/unis/2010/03/23/photo_635871_resize.jpg
.

[Davis137]

I wonder what is going to happen with Hunt Club road east of Hawthorne...it almost looks like something is being done with the land out there...does anyone think Hunt Club will extend all the way over to the 417 eventually?

[TransitZilla]

I wonder what is going to happen with Hunt Club road east of Hawthorne...it almost looks like something is being done with the land out there...does anyone think Hunt Club will extend all the way over to the 417 eventually?

Yes.

http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/construction/projects/hunt_club/index_en.html

[Davis137]

Yes.

http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/construction/projects/hunt_club/index_en.html

Awesome! Thanks!

[Davis137]

So, what's going on with EDC...any updates?

[rakerman]

Sign for the Murale is up (in old Shoppers location at Bank & Laurier).

http://www.murale.ca/

[kwoldtimer]

Sign for the Murale is up (in old Shoppers location at Bank & Laurier).

http://www.murale.ca/

Those white panels with the "Murale" sign are NASTY! :yuck:

[c_speed3108]

Brookfield files Place de Ville redevelopment plans

Published on April 9th, 2010

Peter Kovessy
Ottawa Business Journal

A lowrise Queen Street office building, located next to the Marriott Hotel, could be demolished and replaced with a 19-storey commercial tower under plans filed with the city.

The site plan application submitted by Brookfield Properties would more than quadruple the amount of office space on the site, from almost 91,000 square feet to 372,000 square feet.

The proposed tower would connect to the existing 779-stall underground parking garage and include a two-storey link to the existing 29-storey Place de Ville Tower C to the west.

Calls to Brookfield’s Ottawa office and New York headquarters were not immediately returned.

Speculation in the local commercial real estate industry is that Brookfield is seeking the necessary municipal approvals so it will be ready to respond to future federal solicitations for office space, expected to be released later this year.

If so, it would be similar to the strategy taken by Morguard Real Estate Investment Trust and the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan.

They are hoping to build an 18-storey downtown office tower for Public Works on the land they co-own on Bank Street, between Laurier Avenue and Slater Street.

In February, they successfully rezoned the 1.07-acre property, located next to the two Standard Life Centre towers.

Despite reports the federal public service could shrink by 10,000 employees in the coming years as the government reins in spending, real estate experts say they still expect Public Works to have a healthy demand for office space as it replaces aging inventory and expiring leases.

The four-storey “podium” portion of Place de Ville Phase II, located on the south side of the Sparks Street Mall in the centre of the block bounded by Kent, Lyon and Queen streets, is currently dwarfed by the office buildings and hotels to the south, east and west that extend as high as 29 storeys.

The top three floors are occupied by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, while a restaurant and printing services company fill the ground level, according to Brookfield’s website.

Built in 1971, the podium’s structural frame is cast-in-place reinforced concrete. The exterior cladding of the building consists of aggregate-finished panels with double-glazed windows, Brookfield says.

The office space in the podium actually encircles two former cinemas, says Alain Miguelez, an Ottawa resident, planner and author of A Theatre Near You.

Operated by Famous Players, the cinemas contained a total of almost 1,200 seats, which is “huge” by today’s standards, says Mr. Miguelez. He adds the theatres are stacked on top of each other and were Ottawa’s first “piggybacked cinemas.”

Mr. Miguelez says the cinemas counted former prime minister Pierre Trudeau among its many patrons..

[waterloowarrior]

some news from the Dalhousie community association
http://dalhousiecommunityassociation.blogspot.com/2010/04/dca-minutes-draft-april-7-2010.html

Domicile development site on Somerset
Domicle owns a large site on Somerset West. He has extremely tentative plans for the site. Based on our discussion of the concept, we recommend Domicile organize a stakeholder meeting to provide input on what is more likely to be acceptable to the community. We want a development that the community will be proud of.

[jcollins]

Great news! Domicile's getting busy. Finishing up the last phase of Merrion Square, getting started on One Three One, and now this.

[rakerman]

some news from the Dalhousie community association
http://dalhousiecommunityassociation.blogspot.com/2010/04/dca-minutes-draft-april-7-2010.html

Domicile development site on Somerset
Domicle owns a large site on Somerset West. He has extremely tentative plans for the site. Based on our discussion of the concept, we recommend Domicile organize a stakeholder meeting to provide input on what is more likely to be acceptable to the community. We want a development that the community will be proud of.

Where on Somerset West?

[waterloowarrior]

Feds sitting on underutilized office campuses: city report (http://www.obj.ca/Real-Estate/Non-residential/2010-04-12/article-999311/Feds-sitting-on-underutilized-office-campuses:-city-report/1)
Published on April 12th, 2010
Peter Kovessy
Ottawa Business Journal
With Ottawa facing a dwindling supply of land within the Greenbelt available for office development, city officials plan to press the federal government to redevelop some of its properties.
Topics : Public Works , Transitway , Ottawa , Greenbelt

Since 2001, Ottawa has lost 35 per cent of its supply of employment land – property designated for manufacturing, warehousing, offices and other accommodations that support well-paying jobs – to other uses, such as retail and residential.

When all the land parcels are added up, Ottawa technically has an adequate 25-year supply of employment lands. However, city staff have written multiple reports noting much of this land is located far away from where developers want to build, is carved into unworkable parcels or lacks roads, transit and water/sewer services.

Earlier this year, the city’s planning department held a half-day summit with Ottawa’s development industry.

A summary of the summit, being tabled at a city committee Tuesday, says there was considerable discussion on the role of the federal government.
“Public Works … does not have a history as a community partner, and therefore has not been fully engaged with the city or the community in pursuing mixed-use redevelopment of its underutilized properties,” says the report, specifically naming Tunney’s Pasture, Confederation Heights and the Booth Street Complex.

It says city staff and councillors plan to meet Public Works officials, as well as Ottawa-area MPs, to pursue joint planning exercises on selected federal lands within the Greenbelt.

Last year, Public Works took the first step in redeveloping Tunney’s Pasture by hiring HOK, an international planning and design firm, to help develop a new master plan for the sprawling 49-hectare federal campus.

Separately, the city report says further consideration should be given to constructing buildings above the Transitway.

However, the width of the Transitway does not leave room for supporting columns, meaning development would require more expensive building techniques.



Here's the report (also has info on other innovative planning tools)
http://ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/pec/2010/04-13/6%20-%20ACS2010-ICS-PGM-0075%20-%20Planning%20Innovation%20Policy%20Summit%20Review.htm

[c_speed3108]

Feds sitting on underutilized office campuses: city report (http://www.obj.ca/Real-Estate/Non-residential/2010-04-12/article-999311/Feds-sitting-on-underutilized-office-campuses:-city-report/1)
Published on April 12th, 2010
Peter Kovessy
Ottawa Business Journal
With Ottawa facing a dwindling supply of land within the Greenbelt available for office development, city officials plan to press the federal government to redevelop some of its properties.
Topics : Public Works , Transitway , Ottawa , Greenbelt

Since 2001, Ottawa has lost 35 per cent of its supply of employment land – property designated for manufacturing, warehousing, offices and other accommodations that support well-paying jobs – to other uses, such as retail and residential.

When all the land parcels are added up, Ottawa technically has an adequate 25-year supply of employment lands. However, city staff have written multiple reports noting much of this land is located far away from where developers want to build, is carved into unworkable parcels or lacks roads, transit and water/sewer services.

Earlier this year, the city’s planning department held a half-day summit with Ottawa’s development industry.

A summary of the summit, being tabled at a city committee Tuesday, says there was considerable discussion on the role of the federal government.
“Public Works … does not have a history as a community partner, and therefore has not been fully engaged with the city or the community in pursuing mixed-use redevelopment of its underutilized properties,” says the report, specifically naming Tunney’s Pasture, Confederation Heights and the Booth Street Complex.

It says city staff and councillors plan to meet Public Works officials, as well as Ottawa-area MPs, to pursue joint planning exercises on selected federal lands within the Greenbelt.

Last year, Public Works took the first step in redeveloping Tunney’s Pasture by hiring HOK, an international planning and design firm, to help develop a new master plan for the sprawling 49-hectare federal campus.

Separately, the city report says further consideration should be given to constructing buildings above the Transitway.

However, the width of the Transitway does not leave room for supporting columns, meaning development would require more expensive building techniques.



Here's the report (also has info on other innovative planning tools)
http://ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/pec/2010/04-13/6%20-%20ACS2010-ICS-PGM-0075%20-%20Planning%20Innovation%20Policy%20Summit%20Review.htm

It is an interesting report...in particular wrt Tunney's. They keep tearing down buidings there and not building anything new. I have previously worked in that complex and it is a great site to work at.

[Uhuniau]

Underutilized campuses here... and mindless bureaucratic sprawl (hi, John Baird moving the RCMP out to Farrhaven!) there.

The six decade federal battle to turn Ottawa into a suburb of itself continues.

[waterloowarrior]

Nortel campus on Carling is officially up for sale
http://www.obj.ca/Real-Estate/Non-residential/2010-04-15/article-1011354/Nortel-campus-hits-the-auction-block/1

[citizen j]

Nortel campus on Carling is officially up for sale
http://www.obj.ca/Real-Estate/Non-residential/2010-04-15/article-1011354/Nortel-campus-hits-the-auction-block/1

Before Ashcroft buys it,they'd better find out whether it's going to be designated a heritage property.

[Cntrtwnr]

Careful with the heritage talk...you'll get ajldub all riled up again.

[ajldub]

You want it you can have it.

Sorry if I made you blush, centretowner.

[c_speed3108]

Here is a listing from Nortel trying to rent out buildings 6 and 7

http://www.dtzbarnicke.com/client/JJB/JJBNA+Web+Listing+dB.nsf/PL/8AC6914E7FC2C52D85257313005B1471?Open (http://www.dtzbarnicke.com/client/JJB/JJBNA+Web+Listing+dB.nsf/PL/8AC6914E7FC2C52D85257313005B1471?Open)

[ajldub]

Big expansion at the Queensway-Carleton:

http://www.obj.ca/Real-Estate/Construction/2010-04-16/article-1022642/Q-C-Hospital-preparing-%24130M-expansion/1

[jcollins]

Rowhouse row
Large homeless population will likely curtail green space redevelopment for some time

By Hugh Adami, The Ottawa CitizenApril 18, 2010Comments (18)

Turning King Edward Avenue into another Champs-Élysées was more pipe dream than vision when Jim Durrell presented his platform during the 1985 Ottawa mayoral campaign.

But 25 years later, that stretch of King Edward north of Rideau Street finally does have a look of respectability after a $50-million reconstruction. There are new sewers, sidewalks, bold street lighting and a picturesque entranceway to the ByWard Market at York Street that is nearing completion.

But a landmark eyesore remains and it is not coming down — much to the chagrin of Rideau-Vanier Councillor Georges Bédard.

The city will allow exemptions to a policy that prohibits buildings to be demolished unless redevelopment plans are approved first. Bédard, who has taken stock of the dilapidated buildings in his ward, has found some owners willing to apply for the exemption.

But Claude Lauzon, a residential and commercial landlord who owns the eight boarded-up rowhouses on the east side of King Edward, between Clarence and Murray streets, isn’t biting.

The property at 263-275 King Edward could even make a rat wince, so imagine how the poor neighbours around it feel.

The Shepherds of Good Hope, which used the rowhouses for the homeless, was the last tenant. The buildings were vacated in 1999 when a new shelter opened across the street. The vacant buildings have often been broken into and used as flophouses and drug dens.

Just around the corner, at 260 Murray, is another boarded-up, derelict property. It is a house with a rambling addition, and was also used as a shelter from 1990 to 1999. Metal fencing between the buildings blocks access to the back lots.

That property is also owned by Lauzon, as are some other gems in Bédard’s ward.

There is the former Our Lady’s School building, built in 1904, on the northeast corner of Murray and Cumberland. A crumbling building, once a two-unit residence, is next door. Though the buildings do not have a heritage designation, they are located in a heritage area. There has been some lobbying to save both buildings in a redevelopment. But Lauzon believes the school, boarded up for decades, is beyond saving. Ditto for the adjacent building, which was significantly damaged by fire a few years ago.

The four properties have something in common besides the same landlord. They are situated in an area swarming with homeless people, many of whom have mental and addiction problems. That is a big reason why Lauzon isn’t rushing to redevelop them soon.

Lauzon’s daughter Lise, who works for her father, says there aren’t any plans for the King Edward properties now, and even if the Lauzons wanted to get something done, they would be discouraged by the many street people in the area and the problems they have brought with them.

“It’s getting worse,” she says. “It’s sad to see the people involved with drugs and what it does to them … It affects everybody (in the area.)”

Bédard has asked Lauzon to apply for an exemption, which would allow Lauzon to demolish the property, including the building around the corner. The land would then have to be turned into green space — basically a grassed area open to the public. The property would have to be maintained by Lauzon, and he would have to submit a redevelopment proposal within five or six years or face hefty fines.

Bédard says Lauzon hasn’t replied to his letter. Lise Lauzon says razing the King Edward buildings would create a bigger problem. Street people, she says, would congregate there during the warmer months and upset the neighbourhood even more than the eyesore does.

“This is not something we are willing to consider at this point. It’s one thing to demolish, but to maintain an open green space in that area? We have enough street people there already.”

In fact, residents have complained of having to put up with druggies on their front steps and even their backyards, day and night.

The Lauzons asked for a demolition permit to raze the school and residence about five years ago without submitting a redevelopment plan. There was talk of putting up an apartment building, but without a plan — and one that would have had to take in the heritage characteristics of the street — the demolition permit was denied.

Lauzon, who recounts the hurdles they faced for the first phase of a redevelopment on Beechwood Avenue, says new rental units are needed in the Market area. But with the property being in the hub of homeless shelters and other social agencies, Lauzon says it might be best to wait to see if problems can be brought under control before an apartment building is erected.

Consider the strip of homes, she says, adjacent to the old residence. A long gate was erected to keep the homeless off front steps or knocking on front doors, looking for handouts. “The landlord is having quite an issue.”

Would applying for an exemption be something the Lauzons should consider, especially as the area is already overrun by street people, and they wanted the two buildings knocked down five years ago?

Bédard says he doubts an exemption would be granted, given the heritage status of the area and continued interest to somehow save those buildings in a redevelopment.

“Heritage Ottawa and the planning department would like to see those buildings renovated completely,” says Bédard. In the meantime, city staff are studying a proposal by Bédard to have property standards in place for old buildings in heritage areas. He says he wants to stop property owners from just boarding them up until they rot.

Says Lauzon: “We do not abandon a building … if a building is worth saving.”

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Rowhouse/2920562/story.html

--

Tough situation here. The city has spent so much to fix up King Edward, these properties really need to be developed.

[c_speed3108]

Rowhouse row
Large homeless population will likely curtail green space redevelopment for some time

By Hugh Adami, The Ottawa CitizenApril 18, 2010Comments (18)

Turning King Edward Avenue into another Champs-Élysées was more pipe dream than vision when Jim Durrell presented his platform during the 1985 Ottawa mayoral campaign.

But 25 years later, that stretch of King Edward north of Rideau Street finally does have a look of respectability after a $50-million reconstruction. There are new sewers, sidewalks, bold street lighting and a picturesque entranceway to the ByWard Market at York Street that is nearing completion.

But a landmark eyesore remains and it is not coming down — much to the chagrin of Rideau-Vanier Councillor Georges Bédard.

The city will allow exemptions to a policy that prohibits buildings to be demolished unless redevelopment plans are approved first. Bédard, who has taken stock of the dilapidated buildings in his ward, has found some owners willing to apply for the exemption.

But Claude Lauzon, a residential and commercial landlord who owns the eight boarded-up rowhouses on the east side of King Edward, between Clarence and Murray streets, isn’t biting.

The property at 263-275 King Edward could even make a rat wince, so imagine how the poor neighbours around it feel.

The Shepherds of Good Hope, which used the rowhouses for the homeless, was the last tenant. The buildings were vacated in 1999 when a new shelter opened across the street. The vacant buildings have often been broken into and used as flophouses and drug dens.

Just around the corner, at 260 Murray, is another boarded-up, derelict property. It is a house with a rambling addition, and was also used as a shelter from 1990 to 1999. Metal fencing between the buildings blocks access to the back lots.

That property is also owned by Lauzon, as are some other gems in Bédard’s ward.

There is the former Our Lady’s School building, built in 1904, on the northeast corner of Murray and Cumberland. A crumbling building, once a two-unit residence, is next door. Though the buildings do not have a heritage designation, they are located in a heritage area. There has been some lobbying to save both buildings in a redevelopment. But Lauzon believes the school, boarded up for decades, is beyond saving. Ditto for the adjacent building, which was significantly damaged by fire a few years ago.

The four properties have something in common besides the same landlord. They are situated in an area swarming with homeless people, many of whom have mental and addiction problems. That is a big reason why Lauzon isn’t rushing to redevelop them soon.

Lauzon’s daughter Lise, who works for her father, says there aren’t any plans for the King Edward properties now, and even if the Lauzons wanted to get something done, they would be discouraged by the many street people in the area and the problems they have brought with them.

“It’s getting worse,” she says. “It’s sad to see the people involved with drugs and what it does to them … It affects everybody (in the area.)”

Bédard has asked Lauzon to apply for an exemption, which would allow Lauzon to demolish the property, including the building around the corner. The land would then have to be turned into green space — basically a grassed area open to the public. The property would have to be maintained by Lauzon, and he would have to submit a redevelopment proposal within five or six years or face hefty fines.

Bédard says Lauzon hasn’t replied to his letter. Lise Lauzon says razing the King Edward buildings would create a bigger problem. Street people, she says, would congregate there during the warmer months and upset the neighbourhood even more than the eyesore does.

“This is not something we are willing to consider at this point. It’s one thing to demolish, but to maintain an open green space in that area? We have enough street people there already.”

In fact, residents have complained of having to put up with druggies on their front steps and even their backyards, day and night.

The Lauzons asked for a demolition permit to raze the school and residence about five years ago without submitting a redevelopment plan. There was talk of putting up an apartment building, but without a plan — and one that would have had to take in the heritage characteristics of the street — the demolition permit was denied.

Lauzon, who recounts the hurdles they faced for the first phase of a redevelopment on Beechwood Avenue, says new rental units are needed in the Market area. But with the property being in the hub of homeless shelters and other social agencies, Lauzon says it might be best to wait to see if problems can be brought under control before an apartment building is erected.

Consider the strip of homes, she says, adjacent to the old residence. A long gate was erected to keep the homeless off front steps or knocking on front doors, looking for handouts. “The landlord is having quite an issue.”

Would applying for an exemption be something the Lauzons should consider, especially as the area is already overrun by street people, and they wanted the two buildings knocked down five years ago?

Bédard says he doubts an exemption would be granted, given the heritage status of the area and continued interest to somehow save those buildings in a redevelopment.

“Heritage Ottawa and the planning department would like to see those buildings renovated completely,” says Bédard. In the meantime, city staff are studying a proposal by Bédard to have property standards in place for old buildings in heritage areas. He says he wants to stop property owners from just boarding them up until they rot.

Says Lauzon: “We do not abandon a building … if a building is worth saving.”

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Rowhouse/2920562/story.html

--

Tough situation here. The city has spent so much to fix up King Edward, these properties really need to be developed.

This might sound odd, but I think one of the best short term options might be to turn some of these into parking lots. It would get rid of the run down eye sores, and unlike "Greenspace" it would not be a haven for drug addicts.

While parking lots are clearly not ideal, we do know from centretown that these generally ultimately become buildings when the time is right.

It would at least get rid of the old without having to redevelop right now.

[Cntrtwnr]

That would be an easier sell to the developer....parking fees generated would cover the demo costs and more.

[jcollins]

They would cover the costs and then some. Its actually a good idea, but my concern would then be at what point does it get developed? There's less incentive to develop quickly when there's already something there generating revenue.

[Cntrtwnr]

At some point the value of the property as a development opportunity should outweigh its value as a revenue generating parking lot....until then it's a case of the lesser of two evils I suppose....but it would be nice to put some kind of date to develop if at all possible / legal.

[jcollins]

Maybe that could be included in a demolition permit. An allowance for a surface lot for X years. I don't know if that would work though?

[Uhuniau]

Speaking of demolitions, there are a bunch of applications for some of the sadder-looking properties on the south side of the east end of Rideau.

[Ottawan]

I disagree. Once again, as Centretown shows, once it becomes a parking lot, it stays a parking lot. For decades. And it perpetrates the automobile culture.

Lauzon is well-known as a company that buys buildings, purposefully boards them up and lets them rot in order to be able to tear them down as 'unsaveable'. Why don't they want to tear down the ones on King Edward? Because they don't want to pay the fine when they can't redevelop within 5 years. If they could tear down the school and redevelop it, they would.

In my opinion, the boarded structures downtown are less of an eyesore than the proposed 'greenspace' (grass) or a parking lot would be.

Also, in terms of the rowhouses, I don't understand/believe the reasons given for the reluctance to redevelop. It's in a great location in terms of access to the Market, proximity to downtown, Ottawa U, and Rideau Street, and is on what should be a quite nice avenue. Anything with any type of height (more than 4 stories) would have nice views of Lower Town, and probably both rivers. The East Market condos are in a much more jarring proximity to Salvation Army (and just up from the Mission), that would be this development, which would have King Edward (still pedestrian-unfriendly) as a buffer from the shelter. If East Market succeeded so well, why couldn't something here.

[Acajack]

The East Market condos are in a much more jarring proximity to Salvation Army (and just up from the Mission), that would be this development, which would have King Edward (still pedestrian-unfriendly) as a buffer from the shelter. If East Market succeeded so well, why couldn't something here.

I dunno. For the houses on the east side of King Edward north of Murray you are probably right.

But anything around the corner of King Edward and Murray is about as bad as Ottawa gets. When going east on Murray approaching King Edward it is often a near-throng of homeless people running between the cars, back and forth between the Shepherds building and the Fire of God church on the north side of Murray.

The clientele at the Shepherds seems even more down and out than those of the Salvation Army near East Market and also of the Union Mission in the Nicholas/Waller area east of the Rideau Centre.

[Cntrtwnr]

Hmmm a thought. The City can go in and clean up a property that has been determined to be derelic, and send the bill to the owner. Could this not apply to the boarded up houses....raze them, send the bill to Lauzon. It doesn't need to be turned into a parking lot...although gravel instead of a nice grassy park might lessen the loitering.