Robson Square Renovations [Archive] - Page 14

Vin

Apr 22, 2016, 10:27 PM

Ever since the old Connaught Bridge (which connected to Robson) was replaced by the current Cambie Bridge (connecting to Smithe and Nelson),
Robson has declined in status as a transportation corridor.
Its role as a shopping street has risen, while its role as a transportation corridor has waned.

If they opened up Haro to traffic - and removed this restriction (pic below), Smithe / Haro would connect into the West End.

Alternatively, Thurlow could be made 2-way north of Nelson (or for its entire length) to access other east-west streets.
With the changes at the north end of the Burrard Bridge, you probably don't want a massive flow down Thurlow to Burrard Bridge anymore,
since the right turn (eastbound Pacific to bridge) will be a traffic light controlled movement.

http://i.imgur.com/PhjOi0V.jpg
http://www.bing.com/mapspreview?q=robson+and+haro+vancouver&mkt=en&FORM=HDRSC4

Don't forget you are threading on NIMBY grounds, and that crazy cat lady would go wild if you suggest having major traffic flowing through her neighbourhood. Can't touch sensitive West End lands.

Klazu

Apr 22, 2016, 10:37 PM

Well, I actually like that they have calmed traffic on all other West End streets than Nelson. I don't think of West End as just a residential area. To me it's almost like a park, with nice, quiet and green streets to roam. It's also not just for Westernders to enjoy, but anyone living in Downtown can enjoy its beauty and peace.

Let's keep it that way.

officedweller

Apr 22, 2016, 11:12 PM

It would really be an exchange - there would be reduced traffic on Robson.

Klazu

Apr 22, 2016, 11:17 PM

I just don't think there is a need for such a trade-off. Everyone is having the mindset that there has to be car connection and parking on Robson Street. I don't think there has to be.

Yes, the street parking is always full, but I think those cars contribute only 1-2% to the businesses along that street. A vast majority comes from pedestrian traffic. I would never consider driving Downtown to shop on Robson Street. There is absolutely nothing that special about the place.

Buses could use West Georgia instead. It's close enough, as the blocks are short in north-south direction.

BCPhil

Apr 24, 2016, 3:09 AM

I don't mind closing the one block to private vehicles, but I feel the roadway is indispensable to transit. The 005 bus provides a direct connection between the Robson "Mall" and Granville "Mall". It directly connects residents and businesses of the West End to connecting transit (mainly the buses) that serve most of the rest of the city. On Granville it is a direct transfer to 9 other bus routes, Canada Line, and Expo line.

I've always thought one day they could get rid of most of the street parking and have streetcar service on Robson to the West End in dedicated lanes. But without being able to get through Robson Square to other transit connections it makes routing the tracks around it and keeping them in dedicated lanes difficult.

The amount of space the roadway takes up is not that significant, and is bounded mostly by obstacles that prevent it from being a true open square (landscaped hill, courthouse stairs, the opening to the plaza bellow). But you could always run just a single track through the square minimizing the real estate it takes up.

mcminsen

Apr 25, 2016, 3:01 AM

So, the fencing and mesh has come down. A couple of quick shots from the bus today.

April 24 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1600x1200q90/922/Nbmw7j.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmNbmw7jj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1600x1200q90/921/3zOn7g.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pl3zOn7gj)

osirisboy

Apr 25, 2016, 3:12 AM

Umm. What was the point of putting the fence up?? I thought they were actually starting construction on the plaza

Klazu

Apr 25, 2016, 3:13 AM

I've always thought one day they could get rid of most of the street parking and have streetcar service on Robson to the West End in dedicated lanes. But without being able to get through Robson Square to other transit connections it makes routing the tracks around it and keeping them in dedicated lanes difficult.

There would be no need to reroute streetcar tracks due to closed Robson Square. Europe is full of pedestrian zones and squares that streetcars tracks cross. This is one of the benefit of streetcar vs. buses; one can have fully pedestrianized streets, yet allow public transportation by rails. Pedestrians have it easy to anticipate streetcar's slow movements, as it travels on its fixed rails.

mcminsen

Apr 25, 2016, 3:24 AM

Umm. What was the point of the fence?

To protect the busy sidewalks on all three sides from the flying sawdust, dirt, leaves and stuff as the contractor got rid of the trees. Maybe it will sit for a while now before the next phase of demolition, which could be really noisy and dusty as they jackhammer the concrete. As the process continues I will be better able to reimagine the space as the old stuff gets cleared away.

Spork

Apr 25, 2016, 4:30 AM

Weren't the fences to prevent the 4/20 celebration from congregating there since it was officially moved to Sunset beach?

mcminsen

Apr 25, 2016, 4:48 AM

Weren't the fences to prevent the 4/20 celebration from congregating there since it was officially moved to Sunset beach?

The timing of the tree removal and necessary fencing was probably a convenient way of preventing people from gathering. But, there was still a small 420 gathering on the south side of the art gallery (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?p=7414985#post7414985).

officedweller

Apr 25, 2016, 7:46 PM

Moreover, it was probably also to hide the land clearing from public view.

mcminsen

Apr 26, 2016, 4:34 AM

April 25 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/A8bcnL.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plA8bcnLj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/v9Qcvw.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmv9Qcvwj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/d9ISjR.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pld9ISjRj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/UsVvuY.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poUsVvuYj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/Icyl2l.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plIcyl2lj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/4A6vH7.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/po4A6vH7j)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/itHcZs.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poitHcZsj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/c5Tj35.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plc5Tj35j)

mcminsen

Apr 26, 2016, 7:57 AM

Regarding water falls.

Who manages Robson square? The city, province, private company? I would love to phone/email them and ask them why the water falls aren't on. Anyone know?

:shrug: Maintenance?

It was dead today. There's something about fountains and cascading water that is magnetic and draws people over. I really wish the north plaza would have some built in water feature (like down at Harbour Green Park) that could be turned on when the plaza is not hosting an event. Then, when an event is happening it could be turned off and the fountain area would be walkable. It wouldn't need to have any walls around it or anything sticking up if the pavement was sloping very slightly to the centre where it would drain. Or even keep it flat but put drains with grates on the perimeter.

April 25 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/Sy15I0.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmSy15I0j)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/Fvd3ck.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poFvd3ckj)

mcminsen

Apr 26, 2016, 8:04 AM

Imagine something like this in the centre of the north plaza. When it's off it's mostly flat and walkable pavement. When it's on it's a great centrepiece. Oh, and put lights shining up from the pavement so it's a great display at night.

March 22 '16, my pic
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/MVbdUR.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plMVbdURj)

Prometheus

Apr 26, 2016, 12:25 PM

:shrug: Maintenance?

There's something about fountains and cascading water that is magnetic and draws people over.

Without a doubt. It provides a delightful and refreshing focus point and sense of destination. Moreover, in the case of Robson Square South, the cascading waterfalls are an unequivocally integral part of Erickson's architectural design. Without them, the architecture has been stripped of an essential component. It is rendered glaringly incoherent and incomplete.

I really wish the north plaza would have some built in water feature (like down at Harbour Green Park) that could be turned on when the plaza is not hosting an event. Then, when an event is happening it could be turned off and the fountain area would be walkable. It wouldn't need to have any walls around it or anything sticking up if the pavement was sloping very slightly to the centre where it would drain. Or even keep it flat but put drains with grates on the perimeter.

If they are serious about not including a new water feature as part of the North Plaza redesign, it will be a stunning omission, a great loss for Vancouverites and a bone-headed decision that citizens will lament for years to come until a more intelligent city council remedies the stupidity.

Montreal:

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4127/5068770330_4b8b74c911_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/8HULPU)
758T7718 (https://flic.kr/p/8HULPU) by Nick Kozub (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nine_six_three_goat/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4105/5068775134_c472e9dc05_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/8HUNfJ)
758T7777 (https://flic.kr/p/8HUNfJ) by Nick Kozub (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nine_six_three_goat/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4153/5068162031_79bf2423e2_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/8HRDZZ)
758T7734 (https://flic.kr/p/8HRDZZ) by Nick Kozub (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nine_six_three_goat/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4083/5068165279_53697c0138_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/8HREXZ)
758T7773 (https://flic.kr/p/8HREXZ) by Nick Kozub (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nine_six_three_goat/), on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3856/15206237427_22fa49a11c_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/paHWBn)
Montreal at Night (https://flic.kr/p/paHWBn) by LorenzMao (https://www.flickr.com/photos/lorenzmao/), on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8145/7389030864_0b80207e92_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/cfWHrS)
DSC_0408 (https://flic.kr/p/cfWHrS) by hines_christine (https://www.flickr.com/photos/49979647@N08/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7086/7389052368_f465312694_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/cfWPQC)
DSC_0403 (https://flic.kr/p/cfWPQC) by hines_christine (https://www.flickr.com/photos/49979647@N08/), on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5159/7389041516_57b5325588_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/cfWLBw)
DSC_0405 (https://flic.kr/p/cfWLBw) by hines_christine (https://www.flickr.com/photos/49979647@N08/), on Flickr

mcminsen

Jun 9, 2016, 7:12 AM

It might be hard to believe, but the sidewalks and streets around this plaza were teeming with people and life when I took this picture. A few (I presume tourists) stopped to take pictures from Georgia Street and then left.

2:08 PM Wednesday June 8 '16, my pic
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/7xrald.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pl7xraldj)

trofirhen

Jun 9, 2016, 4:34 PM

Agreed that this plaza does merit a water feature. It is not vast as plazas go, so the water feature doesn't need to be huge and elaborate, but a tall, slender fountain would go well.

mcminsen

Jun 13, 2016, 9:15 AM

Regarding water falls.

Who manages Robson square? The city, province, private company? I would love to phone/email them and ask them why the water falls aren't on. Anyone know?

:shrug: Maintenance?

It was dead today.

April 25 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/Sy15I0.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmSy15I0j)

Still dead.

June 12 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/0yhVZM.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pn0yhVZMj)..http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/ZNeVf7.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmZNeVf7j)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/jbwxYa.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pljbwxYaj)..http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/RgLLb0.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnRgLLb0j)

osirisboy

Jun 13, 2016, 2:07 PM

Who manages the property?

s211

Jun 13, 2016, 2:38 PM

Migrant_Coconut

Jun 13, 2016, 8:28 PM

Water features are the bane of almost any property that has open space below. Leaks are legion and killer PITAs to locate/repair. Same goes for roofs. Robson Square just has a massive target painted on its back, thanks to Saint Arthur.

And as previously mentioned, the current plan is to build a concert hall under the North Plaza after the VAG moves. A water feature sounds good, but a hundred soaked people in the middle of a concerto... not so much.

officedweller

Jun 13, 2016, 8:37 PM

And as previously mentioned, the current plan is to build a concert hall under the North Plaza after the VAG moves. A water feature sounds good, but a hundred soaked people in the middle of a concerto... not so much.

That was just a fantasy proposal by Bing Thom.

VancouverOfTheFuture

Jun 14, 2016, 1:57 AM

odds are it would go back to being a court house as there is a shortage of courtrooms. cant remember where i heard that from but that is the plan when the VAG is gone.

officedweller

Jun 14, 2016, 10:53 PM

I've heard the same thing.

trofirhen

Jun 14, 2016, 10:58 PM

odds are it would go back to being a court house as there is a shortage of courtrooms. cant remember where i heard that from but that is the plan when the VAG is gone.

I've heard the same thing.
....... too bad IMO. I would have loved to have a concert hall there. I think it would have enriched downtown.

LeftCoaster

Jun 14, 2016, 11:08 PM

odds are it would go back to being a court house as there is a shortage of courtrooms. cant remember where i heard that from but that is the plan when the VAG is gone.

That's not the plan either, just what the courts would like to do.

There is no plan as of yet, just a few possibilities.

Realistically the new VAG is so far away at this point the current building could be a museum to the combustion engine or a hovercar sales office.

EdinVan

Jun 15, 2016, 12:31 PM

It's shameful to see this water feature in a constant state of disrepair, especially when it's in such a prominent location. I don't think I've seen the water running even once this year. Combined with the ugly north plaza, Robson Square looks just pathetic right now. What a sight to behold for tourists to this "world-class" city.

Still dead.

June 12 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/0yhVZM.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pn0yhVZMj)..http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/ZNeVf7.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmZNeVf7j)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/jbwxYa.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pljbwxYaj)..http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/RgLLb0.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnRgLLb0j)

trofirhen

Jun 15, 2016, 3:10 PM

officedweller

Jun 19, 2016, 2:58 AM

Jack Webster looks at Robson Square when it was opening in 1978
(Note the podium of 777 Hornby)

1LclsiY5BTo

christmas

Jun 24, 2016, 10:16 PM

http://www.straight.com/arts/723786/council-hear-recommendation-multimillion-dollar-vancouver-art-gallery-reconstruction

The construction, if approved by council, is expected to commence in July 2016 and be completed in February 2017

Council will hear the recommendation next Wednesday (June 29).

trofirhen

Jun 25, 2016, 12:12 AM

http://www.straight.com/arts/723786/council-hear-recommendation-multimillion-dollar-vancouver-art-gallery-reconstruction
True, a water feature would have been nice, but this design is so much classier than the Plalo Ring gimmick, or the cutesie kiddie pool. Finally, some classic elegance and not Disneyland.

retro_orange

Jun 25, 2016, 1:21 AM

It would be great if they put movable tree planters and benches, large enough for some Japanese Maples, Bonsai looking evergreens or palms and smaller ones too. They could regularly reconfigure the space when there isn't an event and when there is a large event the planters can be moved to the street to block off areas for no cars and just pedestrian traffic; instead of police cars and those plastic street closed signs. Something on lockable hidden wheels or with a pallet jack. They could effectively double the size and it would be a great addition to the urban realm if the quality paving stone also made up the sidewalks curbs and streets around the plaza on both sides of the street. Maybe just have two large permanent trees on the corners. Dare i say 'European quality'.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/f0/1e/5f/f01e5f1c94f697ba80d80c35ea2a1758.jpg https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/af/05/4c/af054cd9afc4be751b676e4fd1403d9d.jpg
from:https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/f0/1e/5f/f01e5f1c94f697ba80d80c35ea2a1758.jpg https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/af/05/4c/af054cd9afc4be751b676e4fd1403d9d.jpg

http://planphilly.com/uploads/media_items/market-street-bridge-now-sports-120-custom-built-wooden-planters.752.564.s.jpg
from: http://planphilly.com/uploads/media_items/market-street-bridge-now-sports-120-custom-built-wooden-planters.752.564.s.jpg

these would be excellent
http://cms.esi.info/Media/origImage/100477_1367506120210_PF.jpg
from: http://cms.esi.info/Media/origImage/100477_1367506120210_PF.jpg

nickbeaulieu

Jun 27, 2016, 5:23 PM

The plaza looks so much better without all the mature plants. Almost seems overgrown now.

the podium of 777 Hornby looks so different.

Jack Webster looks at Robson Square when it was opening in 1978
(Note the podium of 777 Hornby)

1LclsiY5BTo

truenorth44

Jun 28, 2016, 8:58 PM

mcminsen

Jul 4, 2016, 6:04 AM

Robson is now closed between Howe and Hornby. And they seem to be demolishing the south steps of the art gallery. From Georgia to Smithe, what a dirty, dusty, dysfunctional mess.

July 3 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/JkBoMP.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poJkBoMPj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/pai4Kc.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmpai4Kcj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/jtJjKB.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnjtJjKBj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/zIAPn9.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmzIAPn9j)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/oGcBrz.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/ploGcBrzj)

connect2source

Jul 4, 2016, 12:57 PM

Maybe demolition and dust is the theme for this year's 'redux'.

LeftCoaster

Jul 4, 2016, 9:44 PM

Would still be better than last years...

officedweller

Jul 6, 2016, 8:05 AM

City issues contract to transform Vancouver Art Gallery's north plaza
http://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/city-issues-contract-to-transform-vancouver-art-gallerys-north-plaza

nickbeaulieu

Jul 6, 2016, 4:02 PM

The plaza should shine at night when it is lit in a variety of eye-catching ways. Benches will be lit from below, the art gallery’s facade will be illuminated, and tall, vertical light stands will draw attention to the building’s exterior columns.

Hopefully there will be some other interesting features.

connect2source

Jul 6, 2016, 10:02 PM

Not excited about the Maples at all but nice to seeing getting started, we've had bark-mulch for 6 years now.

trofirhen

Jul 6, 2016, 10:10 PM

Hopefully there will be some other interesting features.
A small, simple water feature would be nice; perhaps closer to the Georgia side of the plaza. Maybe a small pool with a tall fountain, lit white at night.

Klazu

Jul 7, 2016, 1:29 AM

Jack Webster looks at Robson Square when it was opening in 1978
(Note the podium of 777 Hornby)

1LclsiY5BTo

Wow, what an interesting timecapsule that video is! I love how it is totally unscripted and the old man is so-so on any of the facts. It's basically a 15-minute rant, but I love how it shows the Law Courts and the area that used to be so different.

Thanks for posting!

Urbanmetro

Jul 7, 2016, 7:18 PM

Why is the city wasting money with this project of such poor quality? It has been an eye sore since the Olympics... such a prime location as that needs quality of materials, quality in the vision and especially quality in the execution. That square could be stupendous if it were: surrounded by restaurants, was pedestrian only, well lit at night, landscaping as seen at English ba, had a water feature AND artwork, such as a sculpture of Indian art heritage that pays tribute to the West coast and Vancouver's history. High hopes seem to always crash in our city...

s211

Jul 7, 2016, 7:34 PM

Why is the city wasting money with this project of such poor quality?

Because, from the outset, it was allocated a paltry budget. I was part of a focus group in the early stages and the beginning message was "keep your expectations in check".

urbancanadian

Jul 7, 2016, 10:40 PM

I'm confused. How do we know this has been poorly executed if it hasn't even started construction? It's a very minimal design so the quality of materials will be important, but I don't think we've seen exactly what materials are being used yet have we? That being said, I'm very happy with what I've seen so far. We've been clamouring for so long for an uncluttered central plaza that is able to accommodate large crowds for events/shows/protests/etc, so for me this is just what we've been asking for.

While I'd certainly love a plaza surrounded by restaurants, they would take too much space and leave little room for... the plaza. Unless you meant closing Georgia/Howe/Hornby to traffic? That doesn't seem like it would fly with many people.

It's just my opinion, but I get the feeling that people see a square with a bunch of empty space and think "that's it?" But to me, that wide open, hard-surfaced space is what we need. It's the whole point.

trofirhen

Jul 7, 2016, 11:27 PM

BCPhil

Jul 13, 2016, 6:50 AM

trofirhen

Jul 13, 2016, 4:41 PM

Does anyone have any idea what is going on on the South Side of the Art Gallery?

I went past there this morning at there were about 6 guys with jack hammers demolishing the stairs on the Court House addition off Robson.

I hope that they are not taking the stairs away. That would be a crime. Literally. I thought that the building would be protected by heritage laws.
hmmmm, a bit disquieting. Maybe just ask one of the workers there exactly what they are doing. I'd love to know myself

mcminsen

Jul 14, 2016, 5:08 AM

Now there seems to be renovations/repairs (?) going on at the law courts building, Howe Street side.

July 12 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/tAhI1c.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pltAhI1cj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/kPHrcs.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnkPHrcsj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/IwH9a2.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poIwH9a2j)

mcminsen

Jul 21, 2016, 4:54 AM

Does anyone have any idea what is going on on the South Side of the Art Gallery?

I went past there this morning at there were about 6 guys with jack hammers demolishing the stairs on the Court House addition off Robson.

I hope that they are not taking the stairs away. That would be a crime. Literally. I thought that the building would be protected by heritage laws.

July 20 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/c6ktIK.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plc6ktIKj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/67Dk0d.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/po67Dk0dj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1600x1200q90/921/BVNIBF.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plBVNIBFj)

trofirhen

Jul 21, 2016, 9:47 AM

WTF are they doing, anyway? :uhh: Getting too close for comfort. Looks as if they're preparing to demolish the stairway entrance !!!

connect2source

Jul 21, 2016, 12:48 PM

There seems to have been no plans disclosed or no talk of this stairway demolition. Terrible timing IMO, at the peak of summer. As a result I guess there's no summer robson-redux plans

officedweller

Jul 21, 2016, 8:05 PM

Probably just ongoing waterproofing / membrane work.
I think part of UBC downtown is directly below those stairs.

jollyburger

Jul 21, 2016, 11:06 PM

It is rehabilitation of the steps which would indicate they aren't going anywhere, mentioned in the report when they closed down Robson but with no details.

trofirhen

Jul 22, 2016, 12:13 AM

reassuring feedback. Thanks !:)

mcminsen

Jul 23, 2016, 5:37 AM

There seems to have been no plans disclosed or no talk of this stairway demolition. Terrible timing IMO, at the peak of summer. As a result I guess there's no summer robson-redux plans

There are some tables and chairs out. And it was a nice day for a performance artist (?). Still, it's the height of summer and the crowds were mostly just passing through, from what I saw.

July 22 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/bbs8IR.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pobbs8IRj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/JXi7FH.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poJXi7FHj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/bEkjyr.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnbEkjyrj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/7QJIYO.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pm7QJIYOj)

mcminsen

Jul 23, 2016, 6:50 AM

No camping. But if you want some solitude so you can feed the pigeons then yes, great place.

The north plaza still draws some people to it. Even in it's current denuded and lifeless state a few people see it as a place to go into and sit for a while. Why couldn't they have left the trees for the summer? I think the reason they were removed in April (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?p=7414900#post7414900) was because it was a convenient way of making the north plaza inaccessible for the 4-20 smoke-in.

July 16 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/jRu0ws.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pljRu0wsj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/hyZfZG.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pohyZfZGj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/zMUNnJ.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plzMUNnJj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/O9fiSg.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmO9fiSgj)

officedweller

Jul 23, 2016, 8:06 AM

No camping. But if you want some solitude so you can feed the pigeons then yes, great place.

July 16 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/jRu0ws.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pljRu0wsj)

Must be something new - Province-wide.
I saw them in Penticton too a couple weeks ago.

Province installs 'no camping' signs at Okanagan courthouses
June 13, 2016 - 9:00 PM
http://infotel.ca/newsitem/province-installs-no-camping-signs-at-okanagan-courthouses/it31647

mcminsen

Jul 25, 2016, 3:46 AM

Now the north plaza is fenced off again.

July 24 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/MB70YG.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poMB70YGj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/9W6aIR.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pn9W6aIRj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/apglxe.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poapglxej)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/IYLBvO.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnIYLBvOj)

mcminsen

Jul 25, 2016, 4:17 AM

A closer look at some of the pieces of the stairs and side sections on Robson. I presume they'll put it all back together again without losing track of what went where.

July 24 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/5YCl0n.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pm5YCl0nj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/B9Ce9X.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmB9Ce9Xj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/ZUPRQ5.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnZUPRQ5j)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/lrOFyM.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pllrOFyMj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/dLIK8c.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pndLIK8cj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/cgT95l.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pncgT95lj)

EdinVan

Jul 25, 2016, 6:52 AM

Why is the city wasting money with this project of such poor quality?

Because that's the only thing it's good at.

mcminsen

Aug 6, 2016, 7:39 AM

Aug.5 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/UK2d1S.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnUK2d1Sj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/IbES5x.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poIbES5xj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/Y4qQS5.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poY4qQS5j)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/wVDJLe.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/powVDJLej)

trofirhen

Aug 6, 2016, 8:37 AM

^What the [BLEEP] are they doing, anyway?? Demolishing the stairs??? Looks that way, at any rate!! :koko::yuck:

mcminsen

Aug 6, 2016, 8:44 AM

Maybe just patching and repairing? Perhaps the pieces of wood are on places where there's been a repair. I'll keep an eye on it.

Aug.5 '16, my pic
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1600x1200q90/923/EYQuIA.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnEYQuIAj)

mcminsen

Aug 16, 2016, 5:45 AM

Now the north plaza is fenced off again.

July 24 '16, my pics

Work has started in earnest on the north plaza. Looks like the fountain sculpture is ready to be lifted and hauled away.

Aug.15 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/9tVbkO.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/po9tVbkOj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/V6VIn7.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plV6VIn7j)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/LTAkN9.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnLTAkN9j)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/s59sud.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pns59sudj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/59NeKM.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/po59NeKMj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/iq4Szm.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pliq4Szmj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/rjiX3d.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmrjiX3dj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/7GSvta.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pl7GSvtaj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/30thmS.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pl30thmSj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/k3pVC2.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmk3pVC2j)

mcminsen

Aug 16, 2016, 6:02 AM

For a look back at the fountain sculpture and the mosaic in the pool, go here:

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=7102173&postcount=1186

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=7304390&postcount=1242

mcminsen

Aug 16, 2016, 6:25 AM

Work continues on the art gallery steps on the Robson Street side.

Aug.15 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/Fqsjky.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnFqsjkyj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/6XB7sS.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pn6XB7sSj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/yykIIs.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmyykIIsj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/JCmFYH.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plJCmFYHj)

officedweller

Aug 17, 2016, 1:40 AM

Pic by me today through glare on glass:

http://i.imgur.com/utCPtir.jpg

mcminsen

Aug 23, 2016, 5:24 AM

Aug.22 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/Sutlu5.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmSutlu5j)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/kye5a8.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plkye5a8j)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/kZFOST.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plkZFOSTj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/XC29nD.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plXC29nDj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/x2CXvM.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plx2CXvMj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/YhZ9Rm.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poYhZ9Rmj)

trofirhen

Aug 23, 2016, 11:47 AM

Pic by me today through glare on glass:

http://i.imgur.com/utCPtir.jpg
Do my eyes deceive me? Hope not. Looks as if they're finally demolishing that Fugly Fountain.
Weep not, children. The sculpture, as I understand, will be re-installed elsewhere.

officedweller

Aug 25, 2016, 8:52 PM

Pics by me today:

The dark area looks like a passage to mechanical/utility rooms under the fountain?

http://i.imgur.com/RFIh2Rm.jpg

Corner magnolia tree is still there - so far...

http://i.imgur.com/ewG8m5v.jpg

mcminsen

Aug 25, 2016, 9:04 PM

Pics by me today:

The dark area looks like a passage to mechanical/utility rooms under the fountain?

A secret tunnel or vault? Where's Geraldo Rivera?!!! (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mystery_of_Al_Capone%27s_Vaults) :D

s211

Aug 25, 2016, 10:16 PM

A secret tunnel or vault? Where's Geraldo Rivera?!!! (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mystery_of_Al_Capone%27s_Vaults) :D

Isn't there an underground storage area of non-displayed art pieces under the plaza?

officedweller

Aug 25, 2016, 10:27 PM

There is, but I'd expect that would be accessed from under the Art Gallery (from the south).

I think this one is accessed from behind the pole (which used to be the middle of a planter bed):

Aug.22 '16, my pics

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/XC29nD.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plXC29nDj)

Looks like there was a hatch.

April 24 '16, my pics

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1600x1200q90/922/Nbmw7j.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmNbmw7jj)

jollyburger

Aug 26, 2016, 12:06 AM

Isn't there an underground storage area of non-displayed art pieces under the plaza?

The VAG underground access was the other concrete block facing TD Tower. It will be renovated when the new plaza is finished.

BCPhil

Aug 27, 2016, 9:06 PM

Looks like there was a hatch.

I bet the code was 4815162342

VancouverOfTheFuture

Aug 28, 2016, 12:01 AM

I bet the code was 4815162342

lets hope someone like Locke isn't there to smash the computer.

mcminsen

Aug 30, 2016, 6:24 AM

Aug.29 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/5CT4p7.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pm5CT4p7j)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/yoG7LC.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmyoG7LCj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/jbf5Dn.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pljbf5Dnj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/5xs60K.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pn5xs60Kj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/kKFuql.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnkKFuqlj)

mcminsen

Aug 30, 2016, 8:45 PM

The steps on the south side of the Art Gallery as they looked yesterday.

Aug.29 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/mh3W2p.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmmh3W2pj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/6mgW9i.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pl6mgW9ij)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/EbDLOm.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnEbDLOmj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/8O2mPO.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pm8O2mPOj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/eFolFI.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmeFolFIj)

Vanelevatorman

Aug 30, 2016, 8:48 PM

Thanks for the updates!

officedweller

Aug 31, 2016, 10:57 PM

Pic by me Monday, Aug 29th:

http://i.imgur.com/sQ06YfU.jpg

trofirhen

Sep 1, 2016, 12:21 AM

^Makes me so happy to see that over-rated, hokey, ugly fountain gone!! Yes I know that's Politically Incorrect ("oh, you have to love that fountain"# bla bla). "Tant pis!" Good riddance.

mcminsen

Sep 7, 2016, 9:02 PM

Sept.6 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/jdejEK.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnjdejEKj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/SqWIvQ.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmSqWIvQj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/KcVhmg.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmKcVhmgj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/AcKmzr.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poAcKmzrj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/neHX8n.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnneHX8nj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/Z0u0EZ.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmZ0u0EZj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/Tumh6s.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plTumh6sj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/DzfNJy.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmDzfNJyj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/bgR0xw.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmbgR0xwj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/Ynh1fq.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnYnh1fqj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/srtCtI.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plsrtCtIj)

officedweller

Sep 7, 2016, 10:28 PM

Deja vu last year?

Good grief, they're really ripping it apart now. That's some major work they're doing.

Aug.12 '15, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/673/0045nb.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/ip0045nbj)
...

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/537/FzqSNV.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/exFzqSNVj)

retro_orange

Sep 8, 2016, 5:23 AM

Vancouver special renovation (http://www.walkergeneralcontractors.ca)
You have written very well Gull.I am impressed with this article.If you want you may visit here..may be our site remain helpful for you..

what?

mcminsen

Sep 8, 2016, 5:58 AM

what?

Looks like it's been removed. Probably spam. I'm not going to click on the link. http://forum.smartcanucks.ca/images/smilies/yikes.gif

mcminsen

Sep 13, 2016, 5:56 PM

Sept.12 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/b315aP.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmb315aPj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/Yp4SSP.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmYp4SSPj)

trofirhen

Sep 13, 2016, 6:15 PM

Would it be correct or not to rename the thread as U/C instead of Proposed? I see an awful lot of machinery and digging up in there. Or do you wait until the new materials are installed?:)

red-paladin

Sep 13, 2016, 6:59 PM

Would it be correct or not to rename the thread as U/C instead of Proposed? I see an awful lot of machinery and digging up in there. Or do you wait until the new materials are installed?:)

>.>;;

Klazu

Sep 14, 2016, 5:13 AM

I am confused whether they are still just replacing VAG underground space roof here or really building the new square. Looks like a massive undertaking going on.

jollyburger

Sep 14, 2016, 5:22 AM

Think they're doing the roof first then the plaza.

mcminsen

Sep 19, 2016, 3:52 AM

It looks like they are keeping the mature magnolia tree? :tup:

Hopefully!

Corner magnolia tree is still there - so far...

Sept.6 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/Ynh1fq.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnYnh1fqj)

All gone. :(

Sept.18 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/REYd67.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmREYd67j)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/9xH2Zb.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pm9xH2Zbj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/ygOEb3.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnygOEb3j)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/z2VkX5.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmz2VkX5j)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/c8nYzU.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnc8nYzUj)

mcminsen

Sep 19, 2016, 4:07 AM

I sure would have liked it if they could have saved the old Magnolia tree on the corner. It was beautiful and I think it had been determined to be in good condition, unlike some of the other trees. The character of it's broad shady canopy will not be replicated. I wish I had taken some pics of it in full bloom in the springtime.

April 20 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/B5SCQ6.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnB5SCQ6j)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/q2ASLp.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnq2ASLpj)

July 24 '16, my pic
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/MB70YG.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poMB70YGj)

Aug.15 '16, my pic
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/k3pVC2.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmk3pVC2j)

mcminsen

Sep 19, 2016, 4:12 AM

The rest of the trees along the sidewalk on Georgia have also been removed.

Sept.18 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/XmOAnc.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plXmOAncj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/t3Zd7z.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plt3Zd7zj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/fvKR0M.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pofvKR0Mj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/O1o7s3.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmO1o7s3j)

osirisboy

Sep 19, 2016, 1:57 PM

Oh that looks great!! Huge improvment already

officedweller

Sep 19, 2016, 10:21 PM

Awww, that sucks!!

All gone. :(

Sept.18 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/c8nYzU.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnc8nYzUj)

mcminsen

Oct 3, 2016, 6:14 PM

Oct.2 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/p8yM33.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnp8yM33j)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/tu5o9Z.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pltu5o9Zj)

trofirhen

Oct 3, 2016, 8:25 PM

The man, passing along the south side of Georgia Street looked wistfully at the place where the fountain he had know all his life had been. What had once been a carved masterpiece of twin granite stones, displaying Dana, the Earth Goddess holding her cup, a timeles sword in one stone, which at night gave off magic and haunting images in the sprays of water that played over them in bold colors of blue, red, and yellow. Now all that was left was a pile of gravel.

He turned, and walked on, thinking .... "now that cheap, amateurish, corny piece of trash is finally outta there!! muahaha ngii hahahahahaha!! Good Riddance, baby!" :yuck::D:haha:

retro_orange

Oct 3, 2016, 10:44 PM