Salt | 94M | 31fl | Completed

[jlousa]

Since this project could start very soon and has already been approved, I've decided to start a dedicated thread for it.
The project is by Concert Properties, not to be confused with 1304 Howe St by Cressey just a block over and probably to be under construction at the same time.

Context Plan
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/1304hornby/documents/context.pdf

Massing Context
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/1304hornby/documents/massing.pdf

Axonometric Studies
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/1304hornby/documents/axonometric.pdf

Elevation Drawings
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/1304hornby/documents/elevations.pdf

Floor Plan Drawings
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/1304hornby/documents/floorplans.pdf

Landscape Plan
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/1304hornby/documents/landscape.pdf

UDP minutes
2. 1304 Hornby Street
DE: Rezoning
Use: Rezone to increase density from 5.0 to 12.44 FSR to allow construction of a 31-storey (309 foot) tower.
Zoning:

DD to CD-1
Application Status: Rezoning
Review: First
Architect:

Bingham + Hill Architects
Owner:

Concert Properties
Delegation:

John Bingham, Bingham + Hill Architects
Richard Henry, Richard Henry Architects
Bruce Hemstock, PWL Partnership
Farouk Babul, Concert Properties Ltd.
Staff:

Karen Hoese and Anita Molaro

EVALUATION: SUPPORT (8-0)

Introduction: Anita Molaro, Development Planner, introduced the proposal for a rezoning of this site from DD to CD-1 to allow an increase in the density beyond that permitted under the current zoning. The proposal can be considered under the Transfer of Density Policy. Ms. Molaro described the policy context for the site as well as the Downtown South Guidelines that provide direction with regard to the design and development of the site. The site is impacted by the Queen Elizabeth Park View Corridor which limits the height on the site to 366 feet. The proposal also falls under the Metro Core Policy/Capacity Review Study which allows for the consideration of a rezoning proposal in Downtown South to view corridors where public benefits may be achieved. Under the Green Rezoning Policy, a minimum of LEED™ Silver or equivalent is required. Ms. Molaro described the context for the surrounding area noting the other buildings in the area. The proposal is seeking an increase in the density from 50.0 to 12.44 FSR. The proposal is for a 31-storey tower with 193 residential units and three commercial retail units at grade. There will also be seven levels of underground parking. An amenity space is proposed at the corner of Drake and Hornby Street with a lounge on the second level and exterior amenity space. The proposal is targeting LEED™ Gold and will include a green roof.

Advice from the Panel on this application is sought on the following:

* Does the Panel support the proposed tower form of development taking into consideration:
o Tower separation and neighbourliness
o Height and subsequent density
* Any other comments the Panel may have:
* Shadow impacts
* Landscaping treatments
* Material treatments

Ms. Hoese and Ms. Molaro took questions from the Panel.

Applicant’s Introductory Comments: Richard Henry, Architect, further described the proposal noting that they did consider going taller with the tower and considered bringing more density on the site but they ran into some obstacles. There were problems in getting enough parking because of the size of the lot. When finished it will have the deepest parking garage in the city at seven floors. If they added more height they would have to accommodate an additional elevator and given the small floorplate size, that is not practical. Mr. Henry described the architectural design for the proposal noting there is to be an iconic soft landmark element proposed for the corner. The balconies, fenestration, articulation and material treatments have been selected to pursue the idea of a tall, slender and vertical expression. A green roof is proposed in order to meet the green quota. They will be collecting and channeling water into water column which will store the storm water for repurposing for irrigation and potential toilet flushing. A continuous balcony is proposed on the south west exposure to mitigate solar gain. CRU’s are proposed along Drake Street on the ground floor.

Bruce Hemstock, Landscape Architect, described the landscape plans noting the residential entry has a light element to identify the entry. The commercial will have simply expression with easy access to the CRU entries. The podium will have a fire pit near the covered area outside the amenity room.

The applicant team took questions from the Panel.

Panel’s Consensus on Key Aspects Needing Improvement:

* Consider relocating the amenity room at north east corner at grade;
* Design development to the shadow boxes including consideration to given to increasing size and colour refinements;
* Consider roof level refinement including giving consideration to enhancement of translucent shroud and making the green roof plate horizontal.

Related Commentary: The Panel supported the proposal and thought it would be a tall and elegant building.

The Panel supported the tower separation, neighbourliness, height and density and thought it was an attractive building. They liked the verticality in the tower and the colourful materials including the colour around the windows. Although the Panel liked the shadow box elements, they thought they should be increased in size and brought down to grade or floated above the streetscape.

The Panel thought ground floor space should all be all retail and that the amenity space should be moved to the second floor off the deck. The Panel had some concerns regarding the roof level refinement and suggested making the green roof horizontal. The Panel supported the landscape plans and particularly liked the outdoor living space with the gas fireplace and the extensive and intensive green roofs. They also liked the water elements and the green privacy screen.

The Panel congratulated the applicant for targeting LEED™ Gold registration. There was some concern with the energy performance of the building as there is a large percentage of glazing to wall ratio. Also some of the balconies seem small and the applicant was encouraged to make them useable so they don’t present a thermal penalty. Also, it was suggested that a solar control element needed to be provided on the west façade. One Panel member suggested roughing in for solar hot water for the future on the roof.
Applicant’s Response: Mr. Henry thanked the Panel and said they appreciated the support and comments. Their intention with the shadow box elements is that they will be part of the art component and will be working with an artist on the design.

Development Application
http://vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/cclerk/20101019/documents/phea5-summaryandrecommendation.pdf

Council Report
http://vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/cclerk/20100921/documents/p3.pdf

[jlousa]

A couple of renders can be found within the public art proposal.

http://vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/civicagencies/publicart/documents/part20110110ag.pdf

Can't wait for this project and the other 1304 to get names so this get's less confusing.

[PROSTSHOCKER]

Wow this building is pretty nice.

[SFUVancouver]

This is where the balance of the heritage density from the Robert Lee YMCA landed after Patina had used up its maximum.

This is a good proposal for a small infill site and it strikes me as being much more representative of the majority of new downtown development we are likely to see in the years ahead, as opposed to large site projects like the multi-tower Burrard Gateway proposed for the opposite side of the intersection on the current Pattison Toyota site. This project is also likely to be the first out of the gate to be built on Hornby since the bike lane trial got under way. With Artemsia at Helmckin, the Murray Hotel restoration/tower between Drake and Helmckin, and the Burrard Gateway at Drake all slated for development in the years ahead, this section of Hornby will be a hive of activity and we do not have any experience in the city yet with building adjacent to separate biked routes.

My hunch is that they will install a temporary tunnel of shipping containers adjacent to the usual wood frame pedestrian sidewalk protection. For both Artemesia and this project the buildings are at the corner so they have the Hemlckin and Drake, respectively, to use as their staging/site access needs. For mid-block sites ensuring continued access to the protected bike route will prove more challenging. I cannot imagine that the City would willing to have the separated bike route closed for a couple of years, nor is it likely that they will give up a general carriage lane. For those with greater knowledge of the construction sector, is a standard downtown commercial lane sufficient for site access if concrete pumping is done from the street? I seem to recall that with Capitol Residences they used the commercial lane for site access and installed a fixed concrete pumping machine on Seymour. They closed that section of sidewalk from time to time during contruction but it was open for the majority of the project. Anyway, this is all hypothetical as there are currently no mid-block development proposals for the protected bicycle lane side of Hornby.

[jlousa]

It passed the UDP 8-0 the first time around, it came back for a second round and passed again unanimously.

1304 Hornby Street DE: 414412

Use: To construct a new 31-storey mixed-use building on site with 193 residential units and retail on the ground floor.
Zoning: CD-1
Application Status: Complete
Review: Second
Architect: Bingham Hill Architects and Richard Henry Architect Inc.
Owner: Concert Properties
Delegation: John Bingham, Bingham Hill Architects
Richard Henry, Richard Henry Architects Inc.
Farouk Babul, Concert Properties Ltd.
Bjorn Richt, Recollective
Bruce Hemstock, PWL Partnership
Staff: Anita Molaro
EVALUATION: REZONING - SUPPORT (6-0)

Introduction: Anita Molaro, Development Planner, noted that the proposal is a development permit application following rezoning. The basic form of development was discussed and supported at that time. Ms. Molaro described the context for the area noting the future context may include the Burrard gateway application. The proposal is for a 31-storey tower with 193 residential units and three commercial retail units. There will be seven levels of underground parking and the over all height of the tower will be 309 feet. The applicant is targeting LEED™ Gold certification. Molaro noted the issues that were identified by the Panel at the rezoning stage.

Advice from the Panel on this application is sought on the following:
* applicants response to the previous comments raise by the panel (rezoning conditions)
* demonstration of high quality materials and detailed treatments
o concrete (elastomeric coating);brick; and
o aluminum and glass window systems with spandrel glazing and metal panel infill.
o detailed landscaping treatments
* sustainability attributes (LEED™ Gold targeted by applicant - Note: At the time of rezoning LEED™ Silver was the minimum requirement)

Ms. Molaro took questions from the Panel.

Applicant’s Introductory Comments: Richard Henry, Architect, further described the proposal noting that they determined the height of the building to be around 300 feet. The building is optimized for two high speed elevators and if they had added any more height they would have had to go to three elevators which would decrease the efficiency of the floor plate. They wanted to create a relatively affordable building, so the units are compact and simple in form. The also wanted to be respectful of the neighbours which they took into consideration when they designed the podium. They maintained 70 feet from the Viva tower and there is about 65 feet to Hornby Court. However there won’t be any windows on that façade so there are no privacy concerns. All the bays, balconies and windows were stacked to make a vertical expression except the south west bays which are horizontal to emphasis that the central form as being more vertical. He noted that they will be hiring an artist and are working to identify a location for the art piece. Mr. Henry stated that regarding the sustainability strategy they will be LEED™ Gold registered. They incorporated as much green roof as possible while still having some area for an outdoor amenity space. Rainwater will be captured and stored in a cistern for irrigation. The parking has been reduced and they have included two co-op cars and as well bike storage will be included.

Bruce Hemstock, Landscape Architect, noted that the City was looking for bike racks and seating along the bike lane and will be located on the Hornby Street frontage in the boulevard strip. The landscape is straight forward on the ground plane following the City standard. Mr. Hemstock described the proposed materials noting the residential entry will have planter pots that are lit from above and from below. The terrace has been broken up into three zones. The first zone is opposite the amenity area and is more of an open space with a bench, a barbeque and a fire pit. The mid zone is framed by the three benches and plantings for a social gathering spot. The third space is adjacent to the outside edge and is a more quiet space and will include urban agriculture.

The applicant team took questions from the Panel.

Panel’s Consensus on Key Aspects Needing Improvement:
* Design development to refine and simplify the tower’s base material, colour palette to enhance the visual autonomy and presence of the contrasting shadow boxes.
* Design development to simplify the tower top.
* Design development to enhance the responses of the tower facades to sustainable considerations.
* Design development to corner at grade. This should include consideration of weather protection and integration of art.
* Design development to further enhance the verticality of the tower expression.

Related Commentary: The Panel supported the proposed and thought it was a well considered building.

The Panel said they appreciated the simplicity of the building and supported the verticality in the form but encouraged the applicant to go further. They thought they could express something on the outside to express a shadow line. They liked the shadow boxes and suggested the applicant add a couple more to the tower. One Panel member noted that it would be interesting to see how the artist dealt with the relationship with the shadow boxes while a couple of other Panel members thought the shadow boxes could be playful elements and where colour could be used. It was noted that if this was not a landmark building but more of a background building that needs to fit into the fabric of the neighbourhood. A couple of Panel members noted that there was too much effort at the top of the building while several other Panel members thought there needed to be some work on the corner for some strength in the design. One Panel member suggested the corner was a good place for public art.

Several Panel members noted that the scheme had improved from moving the amenity up in the building and instead adding retail to the ground floor to animate the street. A couple of Panel members noted that the building needed rain protection and thought it could be part of the public art component.

The Panel thought the colour and materials were quite conventional and would like to see a bolder expression with a couple of Panel members stating that the colours could be more monochromatic.

A couple of Panel members wanted the applicant to be more inventive to the ground plane although most of the Panel thought the landscape treatment looked interesting. One Panel member was concerned that the private patio spaces could be over programmed.

Regarding sustainability, one Panel member would like to see the principles demonstrated in the building and that the facades were not helping with the sunlight angle. A couple of Panel members thought the south west façade might be a challenge for the energy target considering the amount of glazing.
Applicant’s Response: Mr. Henry said they appreciated the Panel’s comments and would take them back to the drawing board.

It might look like a nice building but I certainly wouldn't want to live there with only 2 elevators servicing 31 floors above ground plus 7 floors of u/g parking.

[officedweller]

They maintained 70 feet from the Viva tower and there is about 65 feet to Hornby Court. However there won’t be any windows on that façade so there are no privacy concerns.

If I read this correctly, there are no windows on the entire south facade because of the adjacent mid-rise tower.
The elevation drawings and the floorplans clearly show windows on the south facade.

Maybe "won't be" should be "aren't", in which case the reference refers to Hornby Court, not the proposed tower?

[jlousa]

Updated thread to reflect new name.

[Locked In]

This thread needs a render... any render:

http://saltcondos.com/wordpress/wp-content/themes/salt/images/building.png
Source: saltcondos.com (http://saltcondos.com/)

[SFUVancouver]

I've got one somewhere that I will post.

[edit] I cannot find it on my computer. Sorry.

[yogiderek]

The west end network under head looser Randy Helton was using the image of the SALT building on their latest attack on more density in the west end. Posting that pic and subsquent sites all over the westend. Basically saying this is what is going to be built. I wish concert would sue them for libel.

[SpongeG]

they showed a ratty little group on the news yesterday protesting by that church in the west end that is going to be redeveloped - they were standing amongst um other towers doing so - i don't understand their reasoning - are they saying "we were here first and we don't want anymore people in our west end" is that their schtick? thats pretty elitist

[hollywoodnorth]

they showed a ratty little group on the news yesterday protesting by that church in the west end that is going to be redeveloped - they were standing amongst um other towers doing so - i don't understand their reasoning - are they saying "we were here first and we don't want anymore people in our west end" is that their schtick? thats pretty elitist

they won't admit that .... but that is exactly what it is.

[s211]

they showed a ratty little group on the news yesterday protesting by that church in the west end that is going to be redeveloped - they were standing amongst um other towers doing so - i don't understand their reasoning - are they saying "we were here first and we don't want anymore people in our west end" is that their schtick? thats pretty elitist

And before you know it, the West End will turn into the Downtown West Side (with apologies to the DTES), replete with substandard rental housing and declining fortunes.

[dreambrother808]

It already feels headed in that direction sometimes. Why people are against the rejuvenating energy of new development, especially within an already developed area, is beyond my comprehension. Basically, these people must have an irrational fear of change.

[yogiderek]

so if the city was to give WestBank a deal where they could place lets say 22 stories on top of the TEUS Gardens in exchange for the ST John's church site as a park. Would they be happy with that? Probably not because then it would be like oh you're blocking our views. I have constantly been ripping down all their posters because they misrepresent themselves. The last one was about they could zone up to 70 stories in the westend. (we could only wish) Its like scare tactics against senior citizens that are entrenched in this area. Oh yaletown hooligans are all going to move in. That is what they are preaching.

[240glt]

Salt ? Who picks these stupid condo names ?

[trofirhen]

so if the city was to give WestBank a deal where they could place lets say 22 stories on top of the TEUS Gardens in exchange for the ST John's church site as a park. Would they be happy with that? Probably not because then it would be like oh you're blocking our views. I have constantly been ripping down all their posters because they misrepresent themselves. The last one was about they could zone up to 70 stories in the westend. (we could only wish) Its like scare tactics against senior citizens that are entrenched in this area. Oh yaletown hooligans are all going to move in. That is what they are preaching.
:previous:
Interesting stuff. Do you by any chance know of a link to that in the media? Vancouver news harder to get over here.

[wrenegade]

:previous:
Interesting stuff. Do you by any chance know of a link to that in the media? Vancouver news harder to get over here.

You constantly preach this, whether it be for Canadian politics or local Vancouver happenings. The interwebs have tons of info.

Vancouver stuff:

http://citycaucus.com/
http://www.francesbula.com/
http://www.civicsurrey.com/
http://gellersworldtravel.blogspot.com/
http://www.vancouver.24hrs.ca/
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/

And if you like the lefty tilt:

http://www.westender.com/
http://www.straight.com/
http://cityhallwatch.ca/ (nut jobs here)

Canada political stuff (c'mon, this is really easy):

http://www.nationalpost.com/
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/
http://www.cbc.ca/news/

[Mike K.]

Concert's site states this tower will be 33 floors, but we have 31 listed in the thread title. I'm going to change the title to 33 unless someone can confirm we should stick with 31?

And this tower is now approved, correct?

[SpongeG]

thats probably without floor 4 and floor 13?

[Mike K.]

Yeah, you know I was thinking that, but are all Vancouver projects referred to as 33-floors, or whatever, and are actually two floors shorter?

[officedweller]

Use the info on the City's website.

[Travis007]

New rendering found on BuzzBuzzHome:


http://www.buzzbuzzhome.com/salt-condos

http://img806.imageshack.us/img806/1681/salta.jpg

[vanman]

^ Ugly!

The race is on to which building will turn out worse: Will it be Salt or Maddox?

[trofirhen]

^ Ugly!

The race is on to which building will turn out worse: Will it be Salt or Maddox?
:previous:
UGLY? Just looks like more of the stereotypical Vancouver condo style to me. (I guess that makes most of the central city "ugly." I won't deny that)

[officedweller]

I think it looks pretty good in the render.
The boxes on the podium are different than standard townhouses.

[SpongeG]

i only firgured out today that is going where the old ticketmaster was - i thought it was the one nearer to granville

[187 Feet Tall]

They're about 85% sold out already. Pretty enticing prices.

[dleung]

Pomo in the worst way possible.

[phesto]

90% sold now.

[djh]

Pomo in the worst way possible.

What does that mean?

[osirisboy]

im guessing he meant to say Promo

[LeftCoaster]

I thought he was going for pomo... as in postmodernism architecture.

Doesnt really look like pomo to me... he got the worst way possible right though, I really dont care for this building.

[osirisboy]

oh that kinda makes more sense

[flight_from_kamakura]

well, the most pomo thing about this thing has to be the name. like what the hell kind of name is "salt" for a residential tower anyway? how can these people keep a straight face selling a name like that? bad enough we have to deal with all the adjectives, now we're life-styling this sort of thing? next up, it'll just be random phrases: "engagement party, the new downtown project from omni"; "the three of hearts at richards, own from 499,000"; "rize alliance presents: cactus reloaded". salt, christ.

[frank]

“Foresque Residences”
“Illuminaire on Devonshire”
“The Foresta@Mount Faber”
“The Trizon”
“The Waterina”

Via The Economist:An overheated market may be cooling
Aug 6th 2011
http://www.economist.com/node/21525464

[Yume-sama]

“Foresque Residences”
“Illuminaire on Devonshire”
“The Foresta@Mount Faber”
“The Trizon”
“The Waterina”

Via The Economist:An overheated market may be cooling
Aug 6th 2011
http://www.economist.com/node/21525464

Singapore has been in an interesting economic phase the last 5 years. The city has expanded rapidly and become a real "destination" for entertainment and tourism (with the legalization of casinos, which are coming in droves). The amount of development in every sector is just staggering! I'll be going there myself in about 2 weeks.

English named anything in Asian countries tend to be incredibly... cheesy lol But people pay little attention in places like Japan where English = Cool!

Maybe Salt will have a sequel named Pepper. 20 years from now they might get around to Horseradish.

[jlousa]

Makes sense we have Ginger in Chinatown already, soon we'll have Wasabi in Japantown. Personally I like Salt "the name, not necessarily the building", it's clean and simple.

[Yume-sama]

It'll only be overdone when we have Pakora and Samosa in Little India.

[Prometheus]

Yx_t6N82oig

[red-paladin]

Makes sense we have Ginger in Chinatown already, soon we'll have Wasabi in Japantown. Personally I like Salt "the name, not necessarily the building", it's clean and simple.

Well, does that mean we can expect a lowrise infill named 'MSG' on fraser in the Filipino district? :haha:

[vid]

Is there going to be a Pepper?? :hyper:

[entheosfog]

Not much to report, excavation is still in the early stages:
http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/9863/img4973g.jpg

[Dylan Leblanc]

thanks for the update. :)

[officedweller]

The previously posted render plus other at the Bingham Hill website:

http://www.bharch.ca/projects/cat/29/id/166

http://www.bharch.ca/images/projects/residential/0912-01.jpg
http://www.bharch.ca/projects/cat/29/id/166

http://www.bharch.ca/images/projects/residential/0912-02.jpg
http://www.bharch.ca/projects/cat/29/id/166

http://www.bharch.ca/images/projects/residential/0912-03.jpg
http://www.bharch.ca/projects/cat/29/id/166

http://www.bharch.ca/images/projects/residential/0912-04.jpg
http://www.bharch.ca/projects/cat/29/id/166

[Built Form]

Excavation continues.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1040505.jpg
pic by Built Form

[Locked In]

Excavation update - my photo (https://picasaweb.google.com/104250476900282174023/SummerFall2011#5685016489160987394), today:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1igoa-VHGxQ/TuU8YFqt0wI/AAAAAAAAEfw/D9AQgGxft_U/s900/IMG-20111211-00050.jpg

[Locked In]

Excavation update - my photo (https://picasaweb.google.com/104250476900282174023/SummerFall2011#5695492835632648610):

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nojIMOlSW04/Twp0jtiqkaI/AAAAAAAAEgo/YIV34ytiGCM/s720/IMG-20120107-00084.jpg

[Jimbo604]

http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w376/jimbo604/salt1.jpg
photocredit: me

Getting pretty deep now, crane soon..

[osirisboy]

is that the bottom u think?

[Jimbo604]

Ya, it looked like they put a fair amount of effort into making the bottom of the pit nice and flat. Logically they wouldn't bother if there was more digging, however we shall see!

[Jimbo604]

http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w376/jimbo604/Tue%20Feb%207%202012/IMG_1476.jpg
photo credit: me

Started excavating again.

[Built Form]

Looks like they've hit bottom.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1050869.jpg
Pic by Built Form

[Jimbo604]

http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w376/jimbo604/Wed%20Mar%2014%202012/IMG_1501.jpg


http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w376/jimbo604/Wed%20Mar%2014%202012/IMG_1502.jpg
photo credit: me

Still no crane! Still digging as of two days ago.

[Jimbo604]

http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w376/jimbo604/Thr%20Mar%2023/IMG_1507.jpg
photo credit: me

They're switched over to this telescoping excavator. No crane yet.

[Jimbo604]

http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w376/jimbo604/Thr%20Apr%2012/IMG_1519.jpg
Photo credit: me

Yay, they have reached excavation bottom. Holes are now dug for concrete pouring of crane base. Only a small amount of dirt left to be removed, this will probably be complete this week with likely crane installation to follow shortly.

[Bankview]

I'm finding the north and south facing facades on Salt to be really problematic, it's leaving me with shades of the typical West End apartment towers aka. 'the commie blocks' and I have a feeling it's not going to be terribly well executed...

I am enjoying the massing of the crown however, let's see how this one turns out. :cool:

[Jimbo604]

http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w376/jimbo604/Fri%20Apr%2027%202012/IMG_1527.jpg
Photo credit: me

[Built Form]

Crane went up today.

[PROSTSHOCKER]

Is there going to be a Pepper?? :hyper:

One can only hope

[SFUVancouver]

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/3131/saltpitmay232012p128068.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, May 23rd, 2012.

[Built Form]

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1070238.jpg
pic by Built Form

[SFUVancouver]

http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/3689/saltp1290265.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, June 25th, 2012.

[Jimbo604]

http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w376/jimbo604/2012-07-06%20Fri%20Jul/IMG_1717.jpg
Photo Credit: me

[Jebby]

That's a pretty deep hole for such a small footprint

[Jimbo604]

http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w376/jimbo604/2012-09-14%20Fri%20Sep/IMG_1916.jpg
Photo credit: me

Build is getting close to ground level now.

[easy as pie]

honestly, this one and maddox look like dross, but the key to it all for me (aside from the added density, obv) is the commercial component. it helps repopulate the streets, obviously, but even neater is that vancouver is trending away from the 'high street' inclination that would see the burrard and granville corridors sustain the neighborhood's commercial functions. a more stratified distribution of commercial space fosters a greater diversity of goods and service providers, and a more interesting urban tapestry. you know, even if the buildings look terrible and generic.

[jlousa]

I think it would've been better if the buildings had some officespace even if only a single floor each above the retail level just to add daytime population. I agree that we are moving away from the old high street concepts, but I'm still undecided if it's a good thing or not. I think it'll be good but at the same time we need to be careful not to over dilute the marketplace. I'd take slightly less stores that are financially healthier over too many stores that weaken the marketplace.

[easy as pie]

^ in a city with planning strictures like vancouver has, "weak" demand for commercial space is sort of irrelevant to supply. to the classic conundrum of empty storefronts, the solution to that one is pretty simple: market rents. therein lies the twin genius of vancouver's planners: on the one hand, forcing grade-level commercial space into a high rise development forces a certain street-scape, on the other hand, this commercial space pencils for the developers, allowing them to set market rents and not to sit on a space until it hits a break-even point. if you ask me, when 40% of new shops opening downtown fall under the rubric of formula retail (more than 2 locations), i think its self evident that we could do with a little more supply to bring these rents down.

[Locked In]

This one is close to grade now - my lousy BB pic (https://picasaweb.google.com/104250476900282174023/2012#5798979317534748290) from today:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XIa-kaHGKLQ/UHoc9wl-7oI/AAAAAAAAEts/Uf-h3hxdmhc/s800/IMG-20121013-00262.jpg

[Klazu]

I seem to be lazy to post pictures I take, but here is a panorama from 15th of July when the pit was still almost at its deepest. Not so much anymore. :D

http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/salt_kuoppa_panoraama.jpg

[Klazu]

They are still working on the 2nd floor. In the time Salt is growing 1 floor, The Maddox nearby is growing 10+ floors...

[officedweller]

Pics by Yellow Fever at SSC Jan 17, 2013:

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af28/Hongkongese/downtown%202/IMG_9363.jpg
[/IMG]

taken recently

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af28/Hongkongese/downtown%202/IMG_9361.jpg

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af28/Hongkongese/downtown%202/IMG_9362.jpg

[Built Form]

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/DSCN0389_zpsf8e6ff9b.jpg
pic by Built Form

[Klazu]

Finally this is starting to rise!

[Jimbo604]

http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w376/jimbo604/2012-02-13%20Feb%20Wed/IMG_0278_zps7d231f64.jpg
Photo credit: me

[Jimbo604]

http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w376/jimbo604/2013-03-14%20Mar%20Thr/IMG_1972_zps9450a3a3.jpg
Photo credit: me

[officedweller]

Thanks.
I guess that's blue plastic over gray spandrel?

[officedweller]

Pic by me Saturday, April 6th:

http://imageshack.us/a/img28/5988/img2013040600859.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/28/img2013040600859.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[Jimbo604]

http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w376/jimbo604/2013-04-14%20Apr%20Sun/IMG_2018_zpsc7441afa.jpg
Photo credit: me

Before there's a spandrel rant, that's blue protective installation plastic on the windows.

[Prometheus]

Thanks for the update.

[Klazu]

This project is getting very little coverage. Here's the site today:

http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/salt2.jpg

Salt and Maddox rising.

http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/salt_ja_maddox1.jpg

[Jimbo604]

http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w376/jimbo604/2013-05-25%20May%20Sat/IMG_2235_zpsf09c9566.jpg
Photo credit: me

[Jebby]

Photos by Yellow Fever on SSC, June 1st

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af28/Hongkongese/downtown%202/IMG_8032_zps611cae52.jpg (http://s990.photobucket.com/user/Hongkongese/media/downtown%202/IMG_8032_zps611cae52.jpg.html)

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af28/Hongkongese/downtown%202/IMG_8033_zps638201b1.jpg (http://s990.photobucket.com/user/Hongkongese/media/downtown%202/IMG_8033_zps638201b1.jpg.html)
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=103839428#post103839428

[Jebby]

New update:

Getting taller.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3784/9296229319_2ff40848ce_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52692029@N04/9296229319/)
IMG_9792 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52692029@N04/9296229319/) by Surreyboy (http://www.flickr.com/people/52692029@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7296/9296093245_519b1eabed_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52692029@N04/9296093245/)
IMG_9790 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52692029@N04/9296093245/) by Surreyboy (http://www.flickr.com/people/52692029@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7288/9298883306_ef6f2b583c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52692029@N04/9298883306/)
IMG_9789 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52692029@N04/9298883306/) by Surreyboy (http://www.flickr.com/people/52692029@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5343/9296113641_3f1852973c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52692029@N04/9296113641/)
IMG_9787 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52692029@N04/9296113641/) by Surreyboy (http://www.flickr.com/people/52692029@N04/), on Flickr

[Klazu]

Salt as part of skyline as seen from Lighthouse Park (West Vancouver) on a warm (and thus blurry) afternoon:

http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/metrotown_osana_skylinea.jpg

[Jebby]

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2878/9597608874_790f8eb312_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52692029@N04/9597608874/)
IMG_1155 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52692029@N04/9597608874/) by Yellow Fever @ SkyscraperCity (http://www.flickr.com/people/52692029@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7374/9597600404_3321200aae_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52692029@N04/9597600404/)
IMG_1156 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52692029@N04/9597600404/) by Yellow Fever @ SkyscraperCity (http://www.flickr.com/people/52692029@N04/), on Flickr

[osirisboy]

It's ashame the podium wasn't higher so it would hide the blank brick wall of the building next door.

[officedweller]

Pic by me today.
Is it going to be taller than Maddox? (both are the same distance away in the shot - at Drake)

http://imageshack.us/a/img854/4186/tge4.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/854/tge4.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[officedweller]

Pic by me today.
You can see the framed box towards the top.

http://imageshack.us/a/img29/2215/kllq.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/29/kllq.jpg/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

One more floor, then the mechanical penthouse.


http://www.bharch.ca/images/projects/residential/0912-03.jpg
http://www.bharch.ca/projects/cat/29/id/166

[Klazu]

Surrounding area today.

http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/yaletown_ylhaalta4.jpg

[BodomReaper]

I don't think this angle has been posted before, from Burrard and Pacific. Overall I'm finding it to be a pleasant little filler tower.

Taken by me, yesterday:
http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z403/BodomReaper666/IMAG0314_zps5a7060ed.jpg (http://s1188.photobucket.com/user/BodomReaper666/media/IMAG0314_zps5a7060ed.jpg.html)

[Klazu]

Not posted before, but I have been admiring it from that angle. It is a nice filler once Burrard Gateway materialized next door.

I like Salt better than Maddox. Maddox looks so skinny from some angles where as Salt is well-portioned. :)

[Klazu]

I like how Salt is turning out to be. Much better than Maddox, which in my opinion fails to deliver on the promised. Few cell phone photos from yesterday.

http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/salt6.jpg

http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/salt5.jpg

http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/salt4.jpg

http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/salt3.jpg

[officedweller]

Pics by Yellow Fever at SSC dated Oct 1, 2013:

latest update

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5540/10049153183_668e31bc76_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52692029@N04/10049153183/)
IMG_3799 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52692029@N04/10049153183/) by Yellow Fever @ SkyscraperCity (http://www.flickr.com/people/52692029@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7419/10048996544_9d0999d97d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52692029@N04/10048996544/)
IMG_3801 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52692029@N04/10048996544/) by Yellow Fever @ SkyscraperCity (http://www.flickr.com/people/52692029@N04/), on Flickr

[Jebby]

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2878/10095617293_392f6567fe_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52692029@N04/10095617293/)
IMG_3813 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52692029@N04/10095617293/) by Yellow Fever @ SkyscraperCity (http://www.flickr.com/people/52692029@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2831/10095601673_c3338a20ea_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52692029@N04/10095601673/)
IMG_3815 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52692029@N04/10095601673/) by Yellow Fever @ SkyscraperCity (http://www.flickr.com/people/52692029@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7377/10095639486_d314b35431_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52692029@N04/10095639486/)
IMG_3799 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52692029@N04/10095639486/) by Yellow Fever @ SkyscraperCity (http://www.flickr.com/people/52692029@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5507/10095659363_351ac50b91_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52692029@N04/10095659363/)
IMG_3817 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52692029@N04/10095659363/) by Yellow Fever @ SkyscraperCity (http://www.flickr.com/people/52692029@N04/), on Flickr

[officedweller]

Pic by me today - looks to have topped out.

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/3096/m5pa.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/820/m5pa.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[Delirium]

from burrard bridge - taken on sunday
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y101/oct2gon/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps13aec520.jpg
photo by me

[trofirhen]

Looks cool when crossing the Burrard Bridge.
Brings the sense of downtown density more into the foreground, somehow.

[officedweller]

And Burrard Gateway is planned for just to the left of Salt from that view, with that round tower on the Quality Inn site to the right (though I haven't heard anything about that recently)