General Updates and News

[resetcbu1]

From the herald today....

Emscote Ltd. proposes residential project[/SIZE]

March 19, 2012 - 8:26pm By REMO ZACCAGNA Business Reporter ]

A big residential project bordering Bedford could be completed by next year if Chebucto community council gives the go-ahead April 2.

Emscote Ltd., headed by developer Ralph Medjuck, is proposing to build 113 single-family homes, 54 townhouses and three multiple-unit buildings totalling 213 apartments on a 33-hectare site immediately north of Royale Hemlocks subdivision, between Bedford Highway and Highway 102.

Chebucto council will hold a public hearing on the proposal April 2 and subsequently vote on it.

If approved, work should begin “as soon as we possibly can get permits to get into the ground,” Kathleen O’Donovan, director of development with Emscote, said in a phone interview Monday.

“I want construction to start (this) spring or summer at the latest. We want land available to turn over to the builders by fall ..... so that they can start (housing) construction late this year so they can have homes ready for the public for the spring market.”

The land is next to an area owned by Clayton Developments Ltd. in Bedford South and Cresco Developments Ltd. south of that.

“Right now, currently, there’s not a lot of land in Halifax available,” O’Donovan said.

The project encompasses a 27.5-hectare parcel at the end of Transom Drive, Starboard Drive, Cutter Drive, Bosun Run and Fleetview Drive. Another 5.6 hectares will be developed between Jacob Lane and Bedford Highway.

The proposal is also near an $86-million residential project, just off Larry Uteck Boulevard and Jacob Lane, that is being developed by Emscote Ltd. and Universal Properties.

O’Donovan said the project is the “missing link” for the Halifax Regional Municipality master plan for development in Bedford South-Wentworth Estates.

“This will connect the former Royale Hemlocks ..... and it will connect it with Bedford South.”

It would be built in three phases, with the first phase being 27 single-family homes and 54 townhouses, 24 of which will be condominiums.

The area, close to amenities, schools and green spaces, is the ideal location for a mixed-density project of this magnitude, O’Donovan said.

“Mixed-density allows people to move up in size from an apartment or a condominium to a townhouse or to a small single-family or an executive single-family as their lifestyle changes. But it also allows them to move down as their lifestyle changes.”

Additionally, the lots would be bigger than the average 4,000-square-foot lot. O’Donovan said each lot would average from 5,000 to 6,500 square feet.

“We’re going to do our best to maintain as many trees as we can behind the houses so that you have sort of a suburban feel in a city environment.”

[JET]

Is there a thread on the development in Dartmouth on Portland St below Five Corners, across from the Tims? There is a construction trailer on site, and a back hoe. Also noticed that the building next to the Tims has been fixed up and looks much better. This will be a much improved block.

[someone123]

Is there a thread on the development in Dartmouth on Portland St below Five Corners, across from the Tims? There is a construction trailer on site, and a back hoe. Also noticed that the building next to the Tims has been fixed up and looks much better. This will be a much improved block.

Is it this development? http://www.halifax.ca/Council/agendasc/documents/110809ca1121.pdf

[JET]

Is it this development? http://www.halifax.ca/Council/agendasc/documents/110809ca1121.pdf

yep, that's the one. Is there a thread on this? has it been approved to proceed?

[Jonovision]

There is no thread, but I believe it is ready to go anytime.

[kph06]

SMU is building a new 3-storey building at the corner of Inglis and Tower to house ESL programs and the Business Development Centre now located in Barrington Gate. Construction is set to start in May, with a planned opening in September 2013. Eventually the old brick building on the corner will be torn down.

http://www.smu.ca/newsreleases/2012/images/NEcampuslowresolution.jpg
Press Release (http://www.smu.ca/newsreleases/2012/03-30-12-NECwebrelease.html)

More Renderings (http://www.smu.ca/newsreleases/2012/documents/NECampusdrawings.pdf)

[RyeJay]

^

Judging from the renderings, and the fact this is a university building, this proposal would be an excellent candidate for a green roof.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Wow, that brick building is beautiful. Where is the HT on this one?

[alps]

Definitely! I find it odd they aren't trying to incorporate it or build around it in some way. The renderings look fine but unremarkable, like the additions by the same firm to the University of Toronto at Scarborough campus. Nice, but bland, and I think using the old building in some way could add a lot of interest and character.

[JustinMacD]

Wow, that brick building is beautiful. Where is the HT on this one?

It's actually quite run down.

If a small, older building like that is something that would get in the way of a beauty like this then it is for the greater good.

[Hali87]

^ I have mixed feelings about it. On one hand the new building looks like it will be a lot more functional and has a nice modern vibe. On the other hand it looks kind of generic and has no sense of place (other than those orange panels which might match other things on campus). There are not many buildings in Halifax built in the same style as the one that will be torn down (the only one I can think of offhand is at Bell and South Park), and once they're gone, they're gone.

[Empire]

I am 100% against this concept as it stands. The proposed building is the same cookie cutter design as the new Dal buildings. This type of building squeeks by but really is cheap in design and materials.

Under no circumstances should the existing brick building on the corner of Tower & Inglis be demolished. This building blends in with Tower Rd. school and many of the historic homes in the area.

Where is the $%*# HT when there are needed?

Building should be incorporated in the new design. Allow more height if necessary.

http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=halifax&hl=en&ll=44.63333,-63.578117&spn=0.008841,0.014141&sll=49.891235,-97.15369&sspn=32.914483,57.919922&t=h&hnear=Halifax,+Halifax+County,+Nova+Scotia&z=16&layer=c&cbll=44.633458,-63.578094&panoid=MgHgI0giKEgwCl5-il_uAw&cbp=12,272.52,,1,-5.57

[Hali87]

I am 100% against this concept as it stands. The proposed building is the same cookie cutter design as the new Dal buildings. This type of building squeeks by but really is cheap in design and materials.

Under no circumstances should the existing brick building on the corner of Tower & Inglis be demolished. This building blends in with Tower Rd. school and many of the historic homes in the area.

Where is the $%*# HT when there are needed?

Building should be incorporated in the new design. Allow more height if necessary.

http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=halifax&hl=en&ll=44.63333,-63.578117&spn=0.008841,0.014141&sll=49.891235,-97.15369&sspn=32.914483,57.919922&t=h&hnear=Halifax,+Halifax+County,+Nova+Scotia&z=16&layer=c&cbll=44.633458,-63.578094&panoid=MgHgI0giKEgwCl5-il_uAw&cbp=12,272.52,,1,-5.57

Anyone going to email the HT over this?

[musicman]

Don't you worry they have seen this. However there must be some kind of benefit for them if they are not raising hell over it being torn down.. It is like when i challenged Howard Epstein on the possible raising of the Dennis building. At the time it would have benifited him being a member of the opposition..

If there is something in it for one of their members then you won't hear boo..

[RyeJay]

It's height that often makes them bark.

[Keith P.]

It's height that often makes them bark.

They ought to change their name to "The Stubby Trust" then. Truth in advertising.

[planarchy]

Reno of Seacoast towers on Portland Street. Not sure if this is a concept only, but would be great for the street:

http://www.rhad.ca/images/banner/SeaCoast_1.jpg
http://www.rhad.ca/images/banner/SeaCoast_2.jpg
http://www.rhad.ca/images/banner/SeaCoast_3.jpg
http://www.rhad.ca/images/banner/SeaCoast_4.jpg

All images from Rayleen Hill Architecture + Design (http://www.rhad.ca/index.php)

Current view - http://g.co/maps/4p2ch

[spaustin]

Seacoast is indeed ugly. Would be nice if they did a refresh of the whole thing. Maybe it's just me though, other than new materials, it doesn't look like much of a change from what's there now.

[someone123]

Looks like it's just a facelift for the storefronts. That tower is indeed ugly but is not really that bad. The parking lot next door is worse for the street.

[spaustin]

Looks like it's just a facelift for the storefronts. That tower is indeed ugly but is not really that bad. The parking lot next door is worse for the street.

Yeah that parking lot is a good opportunity site. Would be great to see a Founders Corner type project for that parking lot. The scuzzy slum housing across from it on the corner of Victoria and Queen also brings down the area.

[BigBoxRestaurants]

According to my gf (who works there), they have already laid off 3/4 of their waiters/waitresses (started with 40, now have 10). She thinks they will fold before the end of the summer - we shall have to see what happens.

According to reports (allnovascotia) this Pizza Delight location is one of the busiest in the chain. According to the restaurant's manager, they currently have 41 staff as of today, not 10.

[someone123]

According to Imvescor Restaurant Group (allnovascotia) this Pizza Delight location is the busiest in the chain.

Interesting. Had a look at the article and they pointed out that liquor sales are really high at that location. That makes more sense than the family-style pizza restaurant business. Lots of students would go to a place that offers cheap booze and pizza at night.

[W.Sobchak]

or Happy end of Passover
or Happy Birkat Hachama
or Happy Hana Matsuri
or Happy International Roma Day!

However you slice it, even the city is wearing white today!:D

[Jstaleness]

I can't find the thread for it (not sure it exists) for the NSLC site of Agricola st. I know there was a rendering of it somewhere. I was talking to someone at NSLC today and the current building is beginning to come down. NSLC will move to the back and then the front of the building will come down. He said the condos were still being built in the rear parking lot. Construction fences are up around the lot and 2 guys were tearing down parts of the outdoor ceiling this afternoon. I hope this is what it seems like it is and that site is finally getting developed.

[alps]

I know it's been completed for ages now, but I was in the NSCC Waterfront campus extension for the first time today and took this quick snap.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l217/halps00/27f7a9b1.jpg
(own photo)

[Hali87]

It looks really fresh. It reminds me a lot of the airport, and some of the newer buildings at Dal (edit: the NSP headquarters as well). This type of aesthetic could be interesting on the exterior of buildings as well.. think of King's Wharf or the Trillium with wooden panels instead of precast, or even just wooden insets used as a replacement for aluminum or plastic accent features.

edit: found this picture on Geoff Keddy's website (http://www.geoffkeddy.com/Residential/album/) that illustrates what I'm trying to get at. Imagine the curved section at the front of this house, but extended up for 20 storeys. I wonder if this is a popular style anywhere?

http://www.geoffkeddy.com/Residential/album/slides/Woodrig-2.jpg

[HalifaxRetales]

http://halifax.retales.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_0950-Medium.jpg

I think this on the corner of SGR and Birmingham fits in nice

Summit spa is already open and TD is on finishing touches

[someone123]

Looks okay, but sterile. You wouldn't want too many buildings like that on Spring Garden Road (then again, you never really want all new buildings because only certain businesses can afford to pay new building rents). I'm guessing 75% of the problem is the blank corner. They should have put a big entrance there along with some design features to break up the facade.

[eastcoastal]

Looks okay, but sterile.

I like the sterility on such a busy street... I don't know that a whole street of buildings like this would work, but I think it's a nice fit for the area.

[someone123]

I like the sterility on such a busy street... I don't know that a whole street of buildings like this would work, but I think it's a nice fit for the area.

I think it can be okay if a small percentage of buildings are like this. The risk in Halifax is that districts like SGR are very small -- really only about four blocks -- and could be swamped by a handful of developments.

Rather than redeveloping all of the old buildings I hope some development goes into expanding the borders of the commercial core. The retail part of Spring Garden could be extended out to Robie, for example, although lots of mistakes have already been made along that stretch that will make it difficult to build up in the future. Queen is another corridor that could work.

[sdm]

looks good, however i agree with someone123.

Would have been better to define the base (street leve)with a different material.

Certainly one of the better buildings built recently.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Is there some sort of rule against corner entrances in Halifax? It seems like nobody uses them, yet they are more efficient use of space.

[sdm]

Is there some sort of rule against corner entrances in Halifax? It seems like nobody uses them, yet they are more efficient use of space.

Funny, but i believe in the HRM by design manual they actually direct/support corner entrances.

I like them in the right situation.

[fenwick16]

This one isn't very exciting but has been approved: http://www.halifax.ca/planning/Case16991Details.html

(source: http://thechronicleherald.ca/business/87700-new-residential-development-okd-for-clayton-park-west)
New residential development OK'd for Clayton Park West
April 17, 2012 - 7:58pm By REMO ZACCAGNA Business Reporter

A new residential development in Clayton Park West was given the go-ahead Tuesday.

At a special meeting, Chebucto community council unanimously approved a Stage 2 development agreement for two six-storey buildings with a maximum of 120 units in each.

It will be built in the Greenpark Close area, near Washmill Lake Drive. A Halifax Regional Municipality staff report also endorsed the agreement.
.
.
.

[Wishblade]

Some good news regarding employment after the CBC layoffs :)


Financial jobs coming to Halifax

Nova Scotia has beat out Toronto, Montreal and a few cities from the eastern United States in a bid to bring as many as 175 financial sector jobs to Halifax.

Canover Watson, of Admiral Administration, praised Nova Scotia Business Inc. in a news release.

"We felt special. You know NSBI went the extra mile and did what we felt was necessary to make it an easy transition, " he said.

The province announced Wednesday that Admiral Administration, based in the Cayman Islands, has already hired nine people for their new Halifax office.

more here: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/story/2012/04/18/ns-financial-jobs.html

[Jonovision]

A pic from yesterday at the development on Portland near five corners. I couldn't remember if we had a thread or not?

http://i1063.photobucket.com/albums/t513/jn434892/IMG293.jpg

[Wishblade]

^Wow, that lot is bigger than I thought it was. Whats going in there again?

[JET]

http://www.halifax.ca/Council/agendasc/documents/110809ca1121.pdf

[fenwick16]

According to a story in the allnovascotia.com (CFB Halifax Proposes Massive Willow Park Armoury, April 23rd, 2012, by Andrew MacDonald), the Department of National Defence is planning to build a 118,403 square foot armoury at Willow Park. I believe this is the location - http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=halifax,+ns&ll=44.658267,-63.607691&spn=0.003213,0.008256&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&hnear=Halifax,+Halifax+County,+Nova+Scotia&gl=ca&t=h&z=18.

According to the story, seven buildings will be demolished to build the new armoury.

[Keith P.]

According to a story in the allnovascotia.com (CFB Halifax Proposes Massive Willow Park Armoury, April 23rd, 2012, by Andrew MacDonald), the Department of National Defence is planning to build a 118,403 square foot armoury at Willow Park. I believe this is the location - http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=halifax,+ns&ll=44.658267,-63.607691&spn=0.003213,0.008256&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&hnear=Halifax,+Halifax+County,+Nova+Scotia&gl=ca&t=h&z=18.

According to the story, seven buildings will be demolished to build the new armoury.

That site is far too valuable to be used for something like this. An armoury should be located off the peninsula in an industrial or isolated area. Just imagine what the Willow Park site could be if made available for use.

[fenwick16]

That site is far too valuable to be used for something like this. An armoury should be located off the peninsula in an industrial or isolated area. Just imagine what the Willow Park site could be if made available for use.

I imagined it as being a site for a stadium.

I think this is one more indication of the difficulty (at a reasonable price) of finding 10 acres or more for a stadium on the peninsula.

[eastcoastal]

That site is far too valuable to be used for something like this. An armoury should be located off the peninsula in an industrial or isolated area. Just imagine what the Willow Park site could be if made available for use.

Agreed

[worldlyhaligonian]

And why aren't they restoring the other armoury?

[resetcbu1]

And why aren't they restoring the other armoury?

the old armoury is so nice .... it would be a shame if it is demolished .

[beyeas]

the old armoury is so nice .... it would be a shame if it is demolished .

Agreed.

It is a structure that is well worth saving.

I have heard of other places converting old armouries into performing arts venues.

[reddog794]

They have been doing extensive work on the foundation, as well as new shingles, and a new roof at the back.

[haligonia]

Agreed.

It is a structure that is well worth saving.

I have heard of other places converting old armouries into performing arts venues.

If it was ever abandoned by the military, the Armoury would make an absolutely gorgeous theatre or live music venue.

[worldlyhaligonian]

If it was ever abandoned by the military, the Armoury would make an absolutely gorgeous theatre or live music venue.

A Deadmau5 show in there would be bonkers!

[Jstaleness]

A Deadmau5 show in there would be bonkers!

:tup:

[kph06]

This is work at the Agricola St. NSLC, photo by me:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7226/7125328711_e5d0ea14a1_b.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8004/7125328467_87c10cc1ff_b.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7078/6979240464_55eda042a0_b.jpg

[Jstaleness]

Store staff say that the majority of that brick wall you shot will be turned into large store front windows. At least it will be brighter inside.

[someone123]

The data processing centre at 1580 Grafton is being listed for sale by Avison Young. This is a great site for redevelopment and could complement the Nova Centre nicely.

I could see Grafton being a pretty nice street in a few years, particularly if we also see a good use for the old library and a good redevelopment of the St. Mary's parking lot.

[-Harlington-]

Thats great because that building kills graffton, Id love to see something in that space that actually helps the street

[gm_scott]

That's a huge site. Great news.

[coolmillion]

I just noticed this new building at the corner of Cornwallis and Creighton. It's small but fits nicely in the neighbourhood and looks like it might have space for retail or a restaurant on the ground floor.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8145/7136508643_ba260578c1_b.jpg

[someone123]

Looks like that's for the empty lot on the northeast side that has the bridge mural. It's great to see little lots like that filling in.

This forum tends to focus on big developments, but I think the fine-grained infill projects are how great neighbourhoods are created.

[haligonia]

The quality windows that they used here make such a difference.

[Keith P.]

I am confused by this story:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/story/2012/05/03/ns-dartmouth-buildings-hrm-by-design.html

Residents are divided over a development plan that includes a 24-storey building for downtown Dartmouth.

The apartment building would go on Wyse Road, near the Macdonald Bridge. It's the tallest of several new buildings proposed for vacant lots in the area.

Andy Fillmore, project manager for HRM By Design, calls it a "plan for everybody."


Is this an actual proposal or just a planning exercise?

Of course it attracted the usual comments from those who belive any building taller than 4 floors will cause the earth to spin off its axis, but whatever.

I am increasingly concerned about Fillmore and his attempt to become a Soviet-style building czar for this town. More later.

[JET]

if that is the huge empty lot that is beside the bridge, it would be very interesting to see what is proposed. Height isn't an issue for me, but it would be exciting to see something interesting for a change

[-Harlington-]

Most comments on that article seem to be in favor of development and also seem to have a hell of a lot more likes/agrees than the ones that are against, or at least that is how it looked when I read it .

[Keith P.]

I still don't know what it refers to. That empty lot on Wyse Rd near the bridge is owned by a PEI businessman who had plans to develop it. But it would be commercial development, not what some Soviet-style planner deems the lot should look like.

Why are our tax dollars being used to derail potential investment?

The same holds true for Skye - Tax revenue for it is estimated at $6 million annually. Yet the czar deems it "Too TALL!" and demands that it be cut in half. Meanwhile the lot sits abandoned, decrepit, and empty, generating virtually no tax revenue for the city and keeping the downtown core looking like an empty battle zone. Totally ridiculous.

[Pete Crawford]

I would really appreciate it if anyone could take (and post) a picture of the progress being made on the new commercial area on Portland Street - the one in front of the Superstore where the former Mazda and Subaru dealerships were.

I grew up in Portland Estates but now live overseas, would be great to see it.

[someone123]

Yeah, that's strange. It sounds like some kind of planning meeting where they had information about the 24 floor proposal? Not the finest piece of journalistic work.

What worries me is the attitude that the grand planning exercises are what is allowing the city to develop and improve. That's not true. Developers are building the new housing and office buildings to satisfy demand and they would be doing this with or without HbD sketches and maps. For the most part HRM's role in the past has been to put the breaks on development, and it's not clear that exercises like HbD have resulted in superior designs than what otherwise would have been built. As we have seen with the YMCA proposal at least part of the HbD process was derailed almost from the beginning. The Design Review Committee was intended to be a way to get professional feedback to improve designs but in that case it was basically turned into "Heritage Advisory Committee B".

In Halifax there's a view of bad developers creating ugly buildings but a lot of the bad developments are driven by stupid HRM rules. For example, the viewplanes contort buildings (TD, Maritime Centre) and encourage developers to sink floors into the ground (Bishop's, Salter's Gate). All over the North End there have been developments hampered by 1970's-era parking requirements and in the suburbs we demand that developers put in extra setbacks and green space, thereby worsening sprawl. HRM's response to these problems, when they acknowledge them, is typically to add more red tape on top of the existing antiquated and ill-conceived system. I think they should be taking away red tape.

[someone123]

There was a letter from Andy Fillmore in Allnovascotia tonight. This quote is pretty bad:

"Density bonusing is the single best tool available in the city planner's toolkit to ensure that HRM residents and businesses will be the beneficiaries of a suite of public benefits at no cost."

There may be no direct financial cost to the municipality but there is a direct cost to developers, and there may be an indirect cost in terms of lost property tax revenue.

This attitude is all too common. You see related fallacious reasoning when government assumes that any use of assets they own is "free", and you see it when they think any regulation that doesn't involve a transfer of cash is "free". Some of the most expensive legislation and bylaws don't even mention money.

[Keith P.]

There was a letter from Andy Fillmore in Allnovascotia tonight. This quote is pretty bad:

"Density bonusing is the single best tool available in the city planner's toolkit to ensure that HRM residents and businesses will be the beneficiaries of a suite of public benefits at no cost."

There may be no direct financial cost to the municipality but there is a direct cost to developers, and there may be an indirect cost in terms of lost property tax revenue.

This attitude is all too common. You see related fallacious reasoning when government assumes that any use of assets they own is "free", and you see it when they think any regulation that doesn't involve a transfer of cash is "free". Some of the most expensive legislation and bylaws don't even mention money.

Sadly, I think Mr. Fillmore has evolved in his tenure here from someone who seemingly sought to do something approaching "the right thing", to an arrogant, superior-attitude planning czar who is now all about putting his ego-driven master work in place, damn the consequences for HRM and the economy. It is time for a review.

[sdm]

There was a letter from Andy Fillmore in Allnovascotia tonight. This quote is pretty bad:

"Density bonusing is the single best tool available in the city planner's toolkit to ensure that HRM residents and businesses will be the beneficiaries of a suite of public benefits at no cost."

There may be no direct financial cost to the municipality but there is a direct cost to developers, and there may be an indirect cost in terms of lost property tax revenue.

This attitude is all too common. You see related fallacious reasoning when government assumes that any use of assets they own is "free", and you see it when they think any regulation that doesn't involve a transfer of cash is "free". Some of the most expensive legislation and bylaws don't even mention money.

Nothing is for free, just passed all the costs off to the developer.

[SekishikiMeikaiHa]

I would really appreciate it if anyone could take (and post) a picture of the progress being made on the new commercial area on Portland Street - the one in front of the Superstore where the former Mazda and Subaru dealerships were.

I grew up in Portland Estates but now live overseas, would be great to see it.

Here you go:

Taken on 28 Jan 2012:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6778537807_aca0fe2212_b.jpg

Taken on 7 May 2012:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7096/7155315888_71df6e80f2_b.jpg

I will take another picture in another three months or so :rolleyes:

[kph06]

222 Portland Street has had site work on-going for the past month or so. I don't think there is a thread for it, but the following is what I could dig up:

Case 16687 (http://www.halifax.ca/council/agendasc/documents/111004ca91.pdf)

Presentation (http://www.halifax.ca/council/agendasc/documents/111004ca91pres.pdf)

[cormiermax]

222 Portland Street has had site work on-going for the past month or so. I don't think there is a thread for it, but the following is what I could dig up:

Case 16687 (http://www.halifax.ca/council/agendasc/documents/111004ca91.pdf)

Presentation (http://www.halifax.ca/council/agendasc/documents/111004ca91pres.pdf)

Meh.

[alps]

Most of us were pleased by this rendering released a couple years back, featuring nice big storefront windows on Gottingen, good massing, and a variety of materials that break up the facade in an attractive way:

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l217/halps00/7e547c89.jpg

I walked by today for the first time in ages. Brace yourselves...

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l217/halps00/67be6fb7.jpg

This is more unfriendly-looking than the vacant lot it replaced!

(Sorry for the bad camerawork, though there isn't much cut off really -- there really is no entrance on the Gottingen side. I'll try to get a more complete photo soon.)

[someone123]

Wow, that's awful. It reminds me of the building at Agricola and North Street -- so much so that for a second I thought that was what you'd photographed. I wonder if they will be leaving unfinished concrete along the bottom of the building? The dark brick is okay but it's terrible to have a blank stretch like that along what's supposed to be a commercial street.

This illustrates why it's bad to focus so much on a few quantitative aspects of development like building heights and number of units. Those numbers are easy to specify and talk about but they are only a small part of what determines the quality of new buildings. In many cases the development process drags down developers who propose good but larger buildings while ugly smaller buildings slip through unchecked. Hopefully a more HbD-style planning regime for this part of town will correct the problem somewhat.

[cormiermax]

For gods sake kill it with fire before that style catches on with developers!

[scooby074]

All it is missing is bars on the windows....

What a awful look. Not even close to the rendering. How do they get away with this crap?

[moody]

I gotta come out of lurk mode for this one.

That's an absolute embarrassment of a building. What company is responsible for it?

[Canadian_Bacon]

Has anyone heard anything about the refinery in Dartmouth. Seems imperial is looking to sell or Convert the refinery into a terminal. Just wondering if this is new or if they have been thinking about this before.

Link to the story.
http://m.ctv.ca/canada/20120517/dartmouth-imperial-oil-120517.html

[Jstaleness]

That's pure crap. :pissed:

[spaustin]

One of the worst bits of new construction ever.

[Jstaleness]

For the skyscraper fans. $12 dollars at WalFart.

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu360/jstaleness/Picture3166.jpg

[DigitalNinja]

Has anyone heard anything about the refinery in Dartmouth. Seems imperial is looking to sell or Convert the refinery into a terminal. Just wondering if this is new or if they have been thinking about this before.

Link to the story.
http://m.ctv.ca/canada/20120517/dartmouth-imperial-oil-120517.html

There have not been any new refineries built in North America in many years! The issue is not supply of crude oil but lack of refineries. This is why the price of oil goes up because there is less to go around. Bad move IMO.

[RyeJay]

There have not been any new refineries built in North America in many years! The issue is not supply of crude oil but lack of refineries. This is why the price of oil goes up because there is less to go around. Bad move IMO.

I agree with you that fewer operating refineries contributes to a climbing price, but let's not exaggerate the possibility of fewer refineries affecting higher gas prices when much of this is due to a skyrocketing oil demand from developing nations becoming more broadly industrialised.

As well, since the majority of countries, aside from many in Europe (Germany) and Asia (China), have not adequately invested in green technologies, the demand (and price) for oil will not be curbed in the foreseeable future; therefore, neither will prices for most other things be curbed.

I haven't yet read anything about the Dartmouth refinery. I'm wondering about its profitability.

[Keith P.]

I wonder what it would sell for. There would be a lot of enviro issues there no doubt and the bills for that would be large, which would drive down the price.

If it could be had for $50-$75 mil I wonder if there is a case to be made for public ownership? Energy security, price stability, etc?

[reddog794]

Careful Keith, that sounds awfully leftist. :D

[someone123]

If it could be had for $50-$75 mil I wonder if there is a case to be made for public ownership? Energy security, price stability, etc?

You're missing the biggest factor in public ownership and funding in NS -- electoral prospects. :)

[worldlyhaligonian]

I walked by today for the first time in ages. Brace yourselves...

This is more unfriendly-looking than the vacant lot it replaced!

(Sorry for the bad camerawork, though there isn't much cut off really -- there really is no entrance on the Gottingen side. I'll try to get a more complete photo soon.)

It sucks, but saying its more unfriendly than that lot that has been there my whole life is stupid.

I mean, by that logic every house in the area is terrible. I don't just want to see empty lots disappear, but this repair to the urban fabric is better than it not happening.

Its ugly, but the Falkland development is probably worse due to the material choice.

[worldlyhaligonian]

I agree with you that fewer operating refineries contributes to a climbing price, but let's not exaggerate the possibility of fewer refineries affecting higher gas prices when much of this is due to a skyrocketing oil demand from developing nations becoming more broadly industrialised.

As well, since the majority of countries, aside from many in Europe (Germany) and Asia (China), have not adequately invested in green technologies, the demand (and price) for oil will not be curbed in the foreseeable future; therefore, neither will prices for most other things be curbed.

I haven't yet read anything about the Dartmouth refinery. I'm wondering about its profitability.

What? Oil prices are ultimately set by cartels and there are plenty of alternative fuels that aren't green by definition that impact the set price.

[someone123]

It sucks, but saying its more unfriendly than that lot that has been there my whole life is stupid.

I think a building has to be really, really bad to be worse than an empty lot. There are far more vibrant places packed with ugly buildings than there are ugly places full of empty, unused lots.

If we set the aesthetics aside, at least the lot will be used more efficiently in the future. Another advantage is that the supply of empty lots is going down, so there will be more pressure to better develop remaining sites. Lots of neighbourhoods go through a transition where they start with crappy developments that improve over time. The alternative strategy of waiting around for the perfect development to come for an empty lot on Gottingen is very unlikely to work out.

I don't know if it's still a go, but I'm still hoping Gottingen Terrace will start soon, and then maybe something will be done with the abandoned building next door. Then maybe we'll get the buildings for Diamonds and the Enviro Depot. If all those things happen Gottingen will at least be lined with buildings full of people. It'll probably become a much more viable spot to locate a business and it may become much safer. For the time being that's more important than building aesthetics in that part of town.

[HalifaxRetales]

I posted this on my blog http://halifax.retales.ca/public-vs-private-burnside/

New Coroners Office
http://halifax.retales.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/coroner-Large.jpg

New RCMP
http://halifax.retales.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/RCMPbs-Large.jpg

New Canadian Blood Services
http://halifax.retales.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/CBSbs-Large.jpg


standard private sector Burnside
http://halifax.retales.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/basic-Large.jpg

[RyeJay]

^ Mess after mess.

[someone123]

I'm not sure what the timeline is but the development by St. Mary's Basilica around Spring Garden and Grafton is going to move forward at some point. Here are some slides that give an overview of the project: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/31969192/Town%20Hall%20Cathedral%20Center%20Development%20Presntation%20-%2025%20Apr%20(2)%20REVISED%202MJS.pdf

I am pretty happy with what they plan to do, which is renovate the historic buildings and then build on the Grafton parking lot and a second empty lot in the middle of the block. A while ago it sounded like they might have been interested in tearing down the older brick buildings on Grafton but that no longer seems to be the plan.

[alps]

Sounds great! Those brick buildings are definitely worth saving, and I'm looking forward to seeing that very prominent parking lot developed and rezoned for commercial use. It'd be good for the street to have some sort of storefront on that corner.

[fenwick16]

I posted this on my blog http://halifax.retales.ca/public-vs-private-burnside/

standard private sector Burnside
http://halifax.retales.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/basic-Large.jpg

Thanks for posting the pictures. Although the last picture doesn't seem very exciting for a skyscraper forum, it is a picture of industry and jobs. The Halifax area needs more of these buildings (anyone who has flown into the Toronto Airport will have seen many such buildings in the surrounding areas).

The one above is a good layout; it provides lots of room for truck loading bays between the two buildings. (I am assuming that there is a similar building on the right of the picture)

[RyeJay]

Reimagining downtown Halifax
Capital fails to capitalize

One report says the spiral arms of Halifax’s powerhouse economy reach all the way out to New Brunswick and P.E.I.

Meanwhile, a different study, also released last week, illustrates just how calm it is in the eye of this storm. Downtown Halifax is seriously underperforming, compared to other important urban centres in Canada.

So what’s going on here? The short answer is this: Halifax is surging despite itself. Imagine how well it could do for itself — and symbiotically for the entire regional economy — if its growth were properly managed and its potential creatively tapped.

Link: http://thechronicleherald.ca/editorials/98892-reimagining-downtown-halifax

[scooby074]

Looks like the RCMP is closing their forensic lab in Halifax.

Wonder what this means for their new headquarters? Im sure a considerable amount of space would have been put aside for the lab. Let alone design work, special electrical, new equipment etc.

Not a real brilliant move if you ask me. Having a regional lab brings a lot of benefits to the justice system. Im sure the turn around time would be quicker with the Halifax lab vs. having to send items to Ottawa.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2012/05/25/pol-rcmp-forensic-lab-closures.html?cmp=rss

[someone123]

I'm not sure if people have posted about this one yet but I found some renderings of a small renovation project for the building next to Bob and Lori's Food Emporium on Gottingen Street.

The architect's website is here: http://www.alecbrownarchitect.ca

Current building: http://goo.gl/maps/jODM

Images:

http://www.alecbrownarchitect.ca/images/gottingen/1.jpg

http://www.alecbrownarchitect.ca/images/gottingen/2.jpg

http://www.alecbrownarchitect.ca/images/gottingen/3.jpg

http://www.alecbrownarchitect.ca/images/gottingen/4.jpg

The description says that this project is in progress. Is it currently being built?

[JET]

I'm not sure if people have posted about this one yet but I found some renderings of a small renovation project for the building next to Bob and Lori's Food Emporium on Gottingen Street.

The architect's website is here: http://www.alecbrownarchitect.ca

Current building: http://goo.gl/maps/jODM

Images:

http://www.alecbrownarchitect.ca/images/gottingen/1.jpg

http://www.alecbrownarchitect.ca/images/gottingen/2.jpg

http://www.alecbrownarchitect.ca/images/gottingen/3.jpg

http://www.alecbrownarchitect.ca/images/gottingen/4.jpg

The description says that this project is in progress. Is it currently being built?

it is in process, it's a funny looking roofline in front. the front of the building looks a mess with it being half torn off and half built up, the renderings give me hope.

[someone123]

It is hard to judge these ones when they're being built.

I kind of like the idea of Gottingen as a place for unconventional renovations like this one. Maybe this building wouldn't fit on Barrington, but for this area it's interesting and it is a big improvement over what was there.

I am really impressed by the pace of development along Gottingen.

[Jonovision]

That is going to be the new Hub 2.0

[JET]

That is going to be the new Hub 2.0

Hub 2.0 ?

[haligonia]

Hub 2.0 ?

The Hub is a shared office/meeting space for creative professionals. They've got a second-floor space on Barrington: http://thehubhalifax.ca/

[JET]

The Hub is a shared office/meeting space for creative professionals. They've got a second-floor space on Barrington: http://thehubhalifax.ca/

thanks for that info, looks like a great addition to Gottingen Street. I have been watching the renos on this bulding and was worried that it might be a poor effort, and now the drawings and the Hub 2.0 info gives me optimism.