Robson Square Renovations

[mcminsen]

Meanwhile, back on the other side…



Oct.7 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/8OSXF4.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pl8OSXF4j)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/lX87wj.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/polX87wjj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/Sm4Bx9.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmSm4Bx9j)

[Vanelevatorman]

It looks cool now! "modern art" anyone?

[officedweller]

I was thinking the same thing!

[mcminsen]

Oct.15 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/fw7uqB.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plfw7uqBj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/1zN54S.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pl1zN54Sj)


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


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


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/Ou24Ho.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poOu24Hoj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/Hm1T4L.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmHm1T4Lj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/1ccX9M.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pm1ccX9Mj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/Oo47Vu.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plOo47Vuj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/07G4a8.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pn07G4a8j)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/wxaS41.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnwxaS41j)

[mcminsen]

Oct.7 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/lX87wj.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/polX87wjj)





What the heck are they doing with the steps now?



Nov.6 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/pUvRJ8.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plpUvRJ8j)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/prBKJ6.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnprBKJ6j)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/my0pUo.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pomy0pUoj)


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

[Klazu]

Who is paying for all of this?

[Anorak]

Who is paying for all of this?

I assume the City of Vancouver?

[mcminsen]

The north plaza continues to be a big mess. Some visible changes/progress.



Nov.6 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/HUciAc.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmHUciAcj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/8w82jq.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pl8w82jqj)


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


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


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


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/vRjni8.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnvRjni8j)

[mcminsen]

And the icing on the cake... a compelling new art installation. More pics here (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?p=7615306#post7615306).



Nov.6 '17, my pic
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/VmRqZG.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmVmRqZGj)

[urbancanadian]

Thanks for the pics! If it weren't for the car I would've probably just assumed someone renting a nearby apartment had dumped their furniture after they moved...

They should be careful because in my neighbourhood if you don't clear this stuff right away, people just add their own shit to the dump.

[nickbeaulieu]

...what people consider art is mind-boggling

What is the estimated date of completion for the north plaza?

[Vin]

Conversely, I guess we can also see a lot of "art displays" at many of our back alleys, and even major roads like East Hastings.

[BobLoblawsLawBlog]

Why don't they stop construction of the main plaza and call it art.

Save money

[scryer]

3 weeks until that statue gets torn down and divided among the homeless.

[mcminsen]

Maybe subdude can do something (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?p=7089211#post7089211) with one of my pictures again. :D

[mcminsen]

The north plaza continues to be a big mess. Some visible changes/progress.

Nov.6 '16, my pic
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/HUciAc.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmHUciAcj)




Nov.9 '16, my pic
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/JNKYV7.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plJNKYV7j)



Nov.14 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/yBfSDX.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnyBfSDXj)

[trofirhen]

IMO this will be a nice, spacious, smart-looking plaza when done, not overloaded with gimmicks; reminiscent of of Europe or South America somewhere.
I really wish they had planned to add a touch of evergreen, though. Maybe just two or three Scotch pines at each corner, instead of entirely deciduous, to give it a little "winter life."

[nickbeaulieu]

When is the estimated completion date?

[WBC]

IMO this will be a nice, spacious, smart-looking plaza when done, not overloaded with gimmicks; reminiscent of of Europe or South America somewhere.
I really wish they had planned to add a touch of evergreen, though. Maybe just two or three Scotch pines at each corner, instead of entirely deciduous, to give it a little "winter life."

To make it more European or South American the plaza needs a statue of a man on a horse...Preferably somebody who locals see as a hero and everybody else as a genocidal maniac...

:haha:

[mcminsen]

The steps on the south side seem to be getting closer to completion.



Nov.21 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/Qqlz65.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnQqlz65j)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/4mjPP5.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/po4mjPP5j)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/kxXNe3.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnkxXNe3j)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/zxb0c1.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmzxb0c1j)


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

[mcminsen]

Nov.21 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1600x1200q90/923/f5ut6V.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnf5ut6Vj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1600x1200q90/924/W8L8ig.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poW8L8igj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1600x1200q90/924/thsDNv.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pothsDNvj)..http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1600x1200q90/924/zgZzQY.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pozgZzQYj)

[mcminsen]

Nov.28 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/Fg7giS.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnFg7giSj)


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


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/Z7AW8s.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmZ7AW8sj)


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


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/kApt37.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plkApt37j)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/zOP25N.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plzOP25Nj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/wUX34V.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmwUX34Vj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/5MN9j9.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/po5MN9j9j)

[trofirhen]

Thank you, as ever, for the photo updates, mcminsen.
Glad to see they didn't demolish the back stairways. (Was afraid, for some reason, that they might)
This is the most "regal" building in the city. Nice they're keeping it scrubbed up.

[mcminsen]

Nov.28 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/cURHBj.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmcURHBjj)


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


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/EKbe4w.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmEKbe4wj)

[Vin]

If the Art Gallery starts letting people enter through the main door on top the stairs, perhaps there won't be so many vagrants camped out over there? Just a thought.

[officedweller]

Pic by me today - Xmas tree being installed on Robson:

http://i.imgur.com/vh5ez7k.jpg

[officedweller]

Paving stones for the north plaza:

Better pics here, including the maple trees being sourced from Oregon:
https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/584076438/north-plaza-vancouver-art-gallery/


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CytiEgOWIAAeN11.jpg
"Fast Hands” Hiroko, Matthew, and Nick checking out pavers on the #VancouverArtGallery north plaza site; working with @hapacobo and @cityofvancouver, aiming to be complete in spring 2017
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNiO5NugISk/

[SpongeG]

it looks so much better with the trees gone. great pics.

[trofirhen]

it looks so much better with the trees gone. great pics.
Agreed! The only thing still wrong is those .... erkkk .... pagodas !!!!:yuck:

[csbvan]

Design released for the 800 block of Robson. It's a simple open plaza with movable seating and opportunities for events. I like it. The VAG and the sweeping staircase should be the showcase, and the plaza should be an open space with the ability to host events. I think by next year at this time, with both plazas completed, Vancouver will have a pretty stellar public space in the centre of the city.

http://dailyhive.com/vancouver/6-5-million-plan-for-new-robson-street-plaza

[Migrant_Coconut]

Sounds good. I like the idea of movable seating and trees at the "block ends."

Now all we need is another way to move transit users up and down Robson...

[Marshal]

Design released for the 800 block of Robson. It's a simple open plaza with movable seating and opportunities for events. I like it. The VAG and the sweeping staircase should be the showcase, and the plaza should be an open space with the ability to host events. I think by next year at this time, with both plazas completed, Vancouver will have a pretty stellar public space in the centre of the city.

http://dailyhive.com/vancouver/6-5-million-plan-for-new-robson-street-plaza

Finally, after just 29 generations since the beginning. I see these getting a hell of a lot of use.

[trofirhen]

Design released for the 800 block of Robson. It's a simple open plaza with movable seating and opportunities for events. I like it. The VAG and the sweeping staircase should be the showcase, and the plaza should be an open space with the ability to host events. I think by next year at this time, with both plazas completed, Vancouver will have a pretty stellar public space in the centre of the city.

http://dailyhive.com/vancouver/6-5-million-plan-for-new-robson-street-plaza
It sure looks great. Consolidating into one three-block-long plaza is fantastic. My only regret - for the North plaza - is that the lions are left unlit. They are so regal and dramatic.
Sounds good. I like the idea of movable seating and trees at the "block ends."

Now all we need is another way to move transit users up and down Robson...
Yes!! Even if a theoretical Robson tram were to "dip" under Robson Square, it could not, due to the Howe Street tunnel which would block it. A challenge for traffic engineers, that one!!

[Jebby]

Paving stones for the north plaza:

This is what all sidewalks on major pedestrian streets downtown (Georgia, Robson, Howe) should be paved with.

[trofirhen]

This is what all sidewalks on major pedestrian streets downtown (Georgia, Robson, Howe) should be paved with.
Absolutely !! :tup: Imagine the difference that would make !!!!

[LeftCoaster]

Design released for the 800 block of Robson. It's a simple open plaza with movable seating and opportunities for events. I like it. The VAG and the sweeping staircase should be the showcase, and the plaza should be an open space with the ability to host events. I think by next year at this time, with both plazas completed, Vancouver will have a pretty stellar public space in the centre of the city.

http://dailyhive.com/vancouver/6-5-million-plan-for-new-robson-street-plaza

This was never going to happen but I'm disappointed that the sunken plaza is still there.

It was a solution to the problem of keeping Robson open that never really worked. I was hoping now that Robson is closed to traffic they would get rid of that compromised solution but it appears they are sticking with it.

[Anorak]

This was never going to happen but I'm disappointed that the sunken plaza is still there.

It was a solution to the problem of keeping Robson open that never really worked. I was hoping now that Robson is closed to traffic they would get rid of that compromised solution but it appears they are sticking with it.

What sunken plaza?

[trofirhen]

What sunken plaza?
:2cents: I think he means the skating rink area, excuse me for answering for you, LC.
(BTW,) I was thinking that although fantstic and I'm for it, too, that Hornby Street may get pretty clogged here on north.) Maybe not.

[mcminsen]

Dec.13 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/bc9wqm.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plbc9wqmj)


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


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


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

[mcminsen]

Dec.25 '16, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/83BIN2.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pl83BIN2j)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/mVzMs0.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pomVzMs0j)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/D3KdXl.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poD3KdXlj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/gbJ9BC.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pogbJ9BCj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/oxq2oA.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pooxq2oAj)

[trofirhen]

Seems to me they're either tearing out, or refurbishing, that little fountain with Edward VII on it. I hope they're doing the latter.
It really lends 'old world' class and charm. It's elegant; I love it. Some soft lighting on it would do wonders, too.

[jollyburger]

It's not going anywhere.

The King Edward VII drinking fountain is a fountain in Vancouver, Canada. It was erected in 1912 to commemorate the King’s passing. Members of the Imperial Order of Daughters of the Empire [1] commissioned sculptor Charles Marega to create the feature. It stood outside the courthouse, now the Vancouver Art Gallery in a prominent location until 1966. In 1966 it was moved into storage to make way for a new feature, the B.C Centennial Fountain.[2] The fountain was supposed to be moved to King Edward Street and Cambie Street but the Vancouver Parks Board did not have the budget for cleaning, moving and installing the King Edward fountain and so it ended up in storage until 1983. It now resides on the west side of the Vancouver Art Gallery, facing Hornby Street.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Edward_VII_fountain

[trofirhen]

It's not going anywhere.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Edward_VII_fountain

What a relief!! That fountain is such a classy, delicate piece of heritage work. Hope they light it up a little so it doesn't get vandalized with spraypaint or such.;)

[mcminsen]

Jan.9 '17, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/OsTaAx.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmOsTaAxj)


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


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


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


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


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

[mcminsen]

Jan.9 '17, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/dGBk8U.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pndGBk8Uj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/efaG7O.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnefaG7Oj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/mqmMa7.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pomqmMa7j)


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


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/ZnGSu3.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poZnGSu3j)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/0Sx2PD.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pl0Sx2PDj)

[mcminsen]

Jan.18 '17, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/PB2sAn.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnPB2sAnj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/NE8e8Z.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poNE8e8Zj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/iS8LI0.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pliS8LI0j)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/6m3NsT.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pm6m3NsTj)


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


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


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/e752bs.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pme752bsj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/IcfG1l.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmIcfG1lj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/2f6jVA.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pn2f6jVAj)

[trofirhen]

The square redevelopment seems to be coming along nicely.
I wonder what that thing wrapped in black tarp is? The little King Edward VII fountain is a nice touch. Hope it gets the respect (lack of vandalism) it deserves.
My one slight disappointment with the overall plan is that the lions were not lit up at night, just a little bit more, so as to give them more profile. They're so regal.

[mcminsen]

Feb.12 '17, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/C3gpLw.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnC3gpLwj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/CISwf8.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnCISwf8j)


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


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/9Xj8fk.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/po9Xj8fkj)


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


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/Xo4RJN.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poXo4RJNj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/EckY7L.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnEckY7Lj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/Tojzg0.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnTojzg0j)

[mcminsen]

Feb.12 '17, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/52In2x.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pn52In2xj)


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


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


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/3RVZAT.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/po3RVZATj)


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


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/8H8PpK.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pl8H8PpKj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/LjwrK5.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plLjwrK5j)


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

[osirisboy]

It's weird they don't have the paving stones going right up to howe street like they have it going up to Georgia and hornby

Also, I'm hoping that's not the finished look of those planters, looks a little cheap. The pavers look great though.

[jollyburger]

It's weird they don't have the paving stones going right up to howe street like they have it going up to Georgia and hornby

Also, I'm hoping that's not the finished look of those planters, looks a little cheap. The pavers look great though.

Pretty sure they are getting covered in wood.

http://hapacobo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/VAGNP04.jpg

http://hapacobo.com/project/vancouver-art-gallery-north-plaza-redevelopment/

[osirisboy]

Ah much better!

[Vin]

Hello skateboarders.....

The wood benches will be damaged in no time if they don't install metal obstructors.

[SpongeG]

The square redevelopment seems to be coming along nicely.
I wonder what that thing wrapped in black tarp is? The little King Edward VII fountain is a nice touch. Hope it gets the respect (lack of vandalism) it deserves.
My one slight disappointment with the overall plan is that the lions were not lit up at night, just a little bit more, so as to give them more profile. They're so regal.

that fountain has always been there, the trees really hid it though, nice to see it unobscured.

[trofirhen]

that fountain has always been there, the trees really hid it though, nice to see it unobscured.

That's good to hear, thanks. Do you think they'll light up it, though? Even just a little. I think that's an important touch for the fountain. It's delicate, and rather obscure at night.

[VancouverOfTheFuture]

that fountain has always been there, the trees really hid it though, nice to see it unobscured.

That's good to hear, thanks. Do you think they'll light up it, though? Even just a little. I think that's an important touch for the fountain. It's delicate, and rather obscure at night.

well that fountain used to be in front of the VAG, but it was moved when the centennial fountain was installed.

[jollyburger]

Hello skateboarders.....

The wood benches will be damaged in no time if they don't install metal obstructors.

I think it's a pretty much given whenever anything with a railing or edge in the city gets made that some metal strips get attached to it.

[osirisboy]

I think it's a pretty much given whenever anything with a railing or edge in the city gets made that some metal strips get attached to it.

Yes but not always. I remember the new terry fox statues didn't have any on the steps and skateboarders made a mess out of them.

[trofirhen]

Yes but not always. I remember the new terry fox statues didn't have any on the steps and skateboarders made a mess out of them.

Not to be a killjoy, but I hate to think of the new plaza turned into skateboarders' paradise. Couldn't the city build a skateboard park for them elsewhere, hills , dips, and all?

[MIPS]

They already have one under the viaducts.

[trofirhen]

They already have one under the viaducts.

In that case, do you think the skateboarders could be redirected there? I know it's fun to skateboard in the centre of the city, but with the revamped plaza it might be better under the viaducts. Again, I hate to be a killjoy, but that new plaza will be used by a lot more people soon here on in, and a lot of pedestraians and people sitting rather clash with skateboarfers all over the place.

[Migrant_Coconut]

Hey, skaters gonna skate.

Really, they're not all going to simply relocate to the Viaduct park. Not just in terms of being too lazy to get there, but also because they see a lot of objects as obstacles... and therefore, challenges. There's a group that likes to "redistribute" the concrete berms in the office parking lot across the street.

[trofirhen]

Hey, skaters gonna skate.

Really, they're not all going to simply relocate to the Viaduct park. Not just in terms of being too lazy to get there, but also because they see a lot of objects as obstacles... and therefore, challenges. There's a group that likes to "redistribute" the concrete berms in the office parking lot across the street.

So be it.

[SpongeG]

maybe i don't go downtown enough but i don't see that many skaters around downtown

[officedweller]

It's weird they don't have the paving stones going right up to howe street like they have it going up to Georgia and hornby


Could be due to the ceiling of the Howe St. tunnel.
I know that they can't adjust the curb cuts at the TD Tower corner because of the underground "works".
Maybe the pavers would be more porous - and they don't want that over the tunnel.

[officedweller]

Came across this historic pic of the south side of the old Court House - before they blasted the VAG entrance into it.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C3XsayaWQAIAlfs.jpg
https://twitter.com/VanArchives

[mcminsen]

^^^ Fascinating. Here's a pic I took a few days ago for comparison.



Feb.12 '17, my pic
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/ngcb3C.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnngcb3Cj)

[officedweller]

Cool, thanks.
To me, the historic pic screams - hey! here's a huge spot to build an expansion!

[trofirhen]

I love the tall, pointed cypress trees immediately to the south of the gallery building. I wish they were used more around the plaza, and elsewhere in the city.

[officedweller]

From Milkovich twitter

Feb 16th:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C40qJS5XUAI0hZM.jpg
https://twitter.com/MilkovichArch

Feb 14th:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C4paw4CWQAAsjt-.jpg
https://twitter.com/MilkovichArch

[officedweller]

Pic by me today:

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

[mcminsen]

Pic by me today:





:tup: What a perfect overview. I hope you can get another one from this angle when it's finished.

[SpongeG]

is that structure on howe going to be like a bus shelter?

[mcminsen]

March 8 '17, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/PWuoLn.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmPWuoLnj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/fiV0v4.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plfiV0v4j)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/iSX8xR.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pliSX8xRj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/WQUjM2.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poWQUjM2j)

[Vantage]

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/iSX8xR.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pliSX8xRj)


Do you think they'll fix that crack? ;)

[mcminsen]

Do you think they'll fix that crack? ;)

LOL! Honest to God, I never noticed that. :D

[urbancanadian]

Pretty sure I just spent the last five minutes looking for flaws in the concrete and then... whoops!!

PS - Nice pics micminsen; I'm loving the updates. I never really stop to look at what's going on whenever I walk by, so this is much appreciated.

[officedweller]

They may be installed the new pavers on the Howe side too (despite drawings?).
The Howe side is fenced off to the curb.

[trofirhen]

Do you think they'll fix that crack? ;)

LOL! Honest to God, I never noticed that. :D

Crack? What crack? Ooooooooooh thaaaaat crack.:haha:

[officedweller]

Pic by me tonight - the pavilion is getting its rooftop siding.

http://i.imgur.com/jeK3jYD.jpg

[officedweller]

From Milkovich architects:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C7J291uXUAALtQ3.jpg
https://twitter.com/MilkovichArch

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C7J4sHJX0AAKFuP.jpg
https://twitter.com/MilkovichArch

[mcminsen]

March 21 '17, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/7k2xrT.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pm7k2xrTj)


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


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


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


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/9HSFri.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/po9HSFrij)


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


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/S9CkcP.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plS9CkcPj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/923/0HdjKd.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pn0HdjKdj)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/mOV9RN.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmmOV9RNj)


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


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/N4KX02.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plN4KX02j)


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/MOD2sn.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plMOD2snj)

[Pinion]

What is that pole structure supposed to be exactly...?

[nickbeaulieu]

What is that pole structure supposed to be exactly...?

It's a bus shelter.

[Aroundtheworld]

I kind a wish they had a cafe where the bus shelter is. It would have injected more life into the plaza.

[VancouverOfTheFuture]

that plaza is going to be dead most of the year. that's for sure. unless there are constantly events going on, there wont be any reason to be there. at least when it was grass people used it as a place to sit and relax by the fountain.

[LeftCoaster]

How is this plaza going to be dead for sure?

I would think with paving stones it is more usable year round than grass which tends to turn to muck for half the year.

You realize tens of thousands of people work within a 5 minute walk of this square right?

[mcminsen]

Visitors to the new plaza will want to sit and have a beverage and then look for a public washroom. If there is not a coffee/beverage stand and a public toilet on the new plaza then in lieu of that there should be food/beverage trucks or carts and then clear directions to public toilets nearby (VAG, Pacific Centre, Hotel Vancouver, street toilet on Robson near Granville).

[retro_orange]

It's so damn grey and unfriendly looking IMO. Why is everything turning grey in this city, why don't people realize that if our light is cold and grey for more than half of the year and we make everything else grey, it ends up looking so damn depressing because it doubles down on the lack of warmth our eyes see. :gaah:

I believe there was a point in the very recent past when planners and designers were trying to eliminate the concrete jungle. Vancouver is turning so fucking grey and dull. What happened to brown tones, red, other shades of green etc. Warm tones have a subconscious uplifting feeling.

[officedweller]

March 21 '17, my pics
[http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/924/hNbzjZ.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pohNbzjZj)


These don't look like cherry trees.

Maybe they're plum trees?
The renderings show flowering trees at this location.

[officedweller]

March 21 '17, my pics

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/N4KX02.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plN4KX02j)



These may be magnolias in the oval planter.

[trofirhen]

How is this plaza going to be dead for sure?

I would think with paving stones it is more usable year round than grass which tends to turn to muck for half the year.

You realize tens of thousands of people work within a 5 minute walk of this square right?

May I agree?
This is a rain city, and yes, the grass is (was) sodden and muddy and useless for half the year. Nothing much we can do to change the climate.
The paving stones, though, are of a warmish pinky-grey colour, and yes, this is the centre of the city, rather "The Trafalgar Square" of Vancouver.
IMO it is being developed as best it can be, given the climate, and esthetics.

[VancouverOfTheFuture]

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/921/MOD2sn.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plMOD2snj)

the rendering doesn't really show anything. you have a couple benches without covers, and then a huge empty space. so are people just going to stand around in the rain or what? unless there is some staging or whatever, as that render shows, there's really no reason for people to hang around in the winter. and in the summer, the grass would have more attraction then paving stones which add to making a space feel hotter; at least grass is cooling.

it needs more then that rendering shows to be successful.

[Migrant_Coconut]

that plaza is going to be dead most of the year. that's for sure. unless there are constantly events going on, there wont be any reason to be there. at least when it was grass people used it as a place to sit and relax by the fountain.

Constant events are the entire point of having a public square.

http://www.vancitybuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/vancouver-art-gallery-north-plaza-west-georgia-design-1.jpg
http://www.vancitybuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/vancouver-art-gallery-north-plaza-west-georgia-design-2.jpg
http://www.vancitybuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/vancouver-art-gallery-north-plaza-west-georgia-design-3.jpg

The old plaza failed as a garden, and failed as a gathering place. Sure, the new one could use a small fountain or two in the corners, but it's going to be WAY more useful regardless.

[VancouverOfTheFuture]

Constant events are the entire point of having a public square.

http://www.vancitybuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/vancouver-art-gallery-north-plaza-west-georgia-design-1.jpg
http://www.vancitybuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/vancouver-art-gallery-north-plaza-west-georgia-design-2.jpg
http://www.vancitybuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/vancouver-art-gallery-north-plaza-west-georgia-design-3.jpg

The old plaza failed as a garden, and failed as a gathering place. Sure, the new one could use a small fountain or two in the corners, but it's going to be WAY more useful regardless.

well as long as they actually do that on a continual basis it'll be great.

[mcminsen]

March 20 '17, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/1sHhEa.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pm1sHhEaj)


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


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/e0L5Sf.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pme0L5Sfj)


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


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

[idunno]

When is this scheduled to be finished? Definitely excited to see the final result.

[officedweller]

I wonder if they'll put yellow stripes on the edges of all those steps?

March 20 '17, my pics
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1280x1024q90/922/NWDEJf.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmNWDEJfj)

[EdinVan]

It's so damn grey and unfriendly looking IMO. Why is everything turning grey in this city, why don't people realize that if our light is cold and grey for more than half of the year and we make everything else grey, it ends up looking so damn depressing because it doubles down on the lack of warmth our eyes see. :gaah:

I believe there was a point in the very recent past when planners and designers were trying to eliminate the concrete jungle. Vancouver is turning so fucking grey and dull. What happened to brown tones, red, other shades of green etc. Warm tones have a subconscious uplifting feeling.

Look who's sitting on Council and you'll have your answer. It all starts from the top.

[SpongeG]

because we have mountains we can't let colourful buildings and surroundings detract from our beautiful mountains. therefore grey it must be. :uhh: