General Updates and News

[Querce]

Ochterloney St, between Crichton Ave & Prince Albert Rd will reopen tomorrow at 6pm. The sidewalk on the west/Sullivan's Pond side of work area will remain closed until spring 2018. The sidewalk on the opposite side will open tomorrow at 6pm. Thanks to everyone for their patience

https://twitter.com/HalifaxWater/status/943929053165379585

It's a Christmas miracle

[OldDartmouthMark]

That twitter feed is a little disturbing...

The size of a car is perfectly correlated with fear.

Yikes! :runaway:

Edit: Didn't notice the post by Querce directly above mine has a twitter feed in it as well... I don't find that one disturbing. (lol)

Was actually referring to the one in Colin's post on the previous page:

Is this akin to winning an Olympic medal ?
Oh, and Merry Christmas to you and may 2018 be better than 2017 ( mine was a bit s--t after falling and breaking my hip when dismounting from a bike !!!)
Amazing what people post on Twitter (I refuse to join & I don't have a cellphone)
A few gems I noticed included a cyclist going the wrong way on a one way street and complaining about the ice on the road. First post on Dec 15.
And then a photo of a woman, possibly his wife, cycling on a snowy road; first 2 posts on Dec 16 see - https://twitter.com/kyleplans
And then scroll down to the first post on Dec 12
Would you insure such people ?
Would you want to be in the same insurance pool ?
Is that safer than the safety rules for small children in a car ?
I'd view this as reckless and endangering a small child to make a political statement.
I must admit that as a child and an adult I did some stupid stuff when riding a bike but I never endangered the lives of my kids.

Just had to clear that up... :P

[kph06]

A number of buildings were torn down at Almon and Gottingen in Stadicona, redevelopment appears to be moving a long quickly as there is now a tower crane base in place. I don’t think I have heard of what is going in here.

[ns_kid]

A number of buildings were torn down at Almon and Gottingen in Stadicona, redevelopment appears to be moving a long quickly as there is now a tower crane base in place. I don’t think I have heard of what is going in here.

I believe this is a new training facility or "drill shed" for which Bird Construction won the contract back in 2015. The expected price tag was in the $35 million range. According to a Herald piece, "a spokesperson from [DND] said the shed will provide consolidated training facilities for the Seamanship Division at Stadacona [and] will include offices, classrooms, 6,000 square metres of training space and more than 400 square metres of outdoor space."

The project was to replace four existing training buildings: Stadacona Building 14, Windsor Park Building 41, Windsor Park Building 60 and Windsor Park Building 61.

A search did not come up with any renderings for the project and Bird doesn't mention it among its list of projects on its website. Perhaps others here have more information.

[Jonovision]

More progress on the daylighting.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4633/38834191864_ab54c9ce49_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/22aDoh9)20180105_141229 (https://flic.kr/p/22aDoh9) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4689/27766930869_15fc424a16_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JiEMap)20180105_141825 (https://flic.kr/p/JiEMap) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4594/24676096087_1145210f9e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/DAxrEx)2018-01-06_05-38-33 (https://flic.kr/p/DAxrEx) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

[JET]

I had heard a description of the fencing as chain link, but that type of fence looks good

[Metalsales]

I believe this is a new training facility or "drill shed" for which Bird Construction won the contract back in 2015. The expected price tag was in the $35 million range. According to a Herald piece, "a spokesperson from [DND] said the shed will provide consolidated training facilities for the Seamanship Division at Stadacona [and] will include offices, classrooms, 6,000 square metres of training space and more than 400 square metres of outdoor space."

The project was to replace four existing training buildings: Stadacona Building 14, Windsor Park Building 41, Windsor Park Building 60 and Windsor Park Building 61.

A search did not come up with any renderings for the project and Bird doesn't mention it among its list of projects on its website. Perhaps others here have more information.

Bird were just working on finalizing the contract. Not sure if this is done or not. I have plans for the building but they are over a year old and may have changed

[RoshanMcG]

City on the rise: Halifax ranks fourth on global list of top travel spots for 2018

The city is the only one in Canada to make the 2018 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice awards for Destinations on the Rise

http://www.metronews.ca/news/halifax/2018/01/10/city-on-the-rise-halifax-ranks-fourth-on-global-list-of-top-travel-spots-for-2018.html

[Dmajackson]

Velo Apartments (2300 Gottingen) are coming along nicely. :)

https://68.media.tumblr.com/716ba20301cfe35eaf0e088f585eb096/tumblr_p2fx6qJk601tvjdq8o1_540.jpg
Halifax Developments Blog (Photo by David Jackson) (http://urbanhalifax.tumblr.com/)

[Keith P.]

Velo Apartments (2300 Gottingen) are coming along nicely. :)

https://68.media.tumblr.com/716ba20301cfe35eaf0e088f585eb096/tumblr_p2fx6qJk601tvjdq8o1_540.jpg
Halifax Developments Blog (Photo by David Jackson) (http://urbanhalifax.tumblr.com/)

Might fit better in the Velo Apartments thread (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=7842194&postcount=94). :P

[Jonovision]

The exterior of the infill project on Dresden is nearing completion.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4648/38945007245_a55632412f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/22krkQa)20180122_113421_HDR (https://flic.kr/p/22krkQa) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4677/39843906801_098fd50419_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23GSrmn)20180122_113449 (https://flic.kr/p/23GSrmn) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4724/38945006535_b5d806f47b_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/22krkBV)20180122_113513 (https://flic.kr/p/22krkBV) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

[JET]

Bell lofts is getting tall, walking in the Dartmouth Commons and it seems as tall/level as Seacoast Towers.

[IanWatson]

The former Clyde Street NSLC is going to be one of the nine marijuana sales locations. I imagine this is going to piss some people off, as I believe the idea had been that the building would eventually get torn down and the site better-integrated with the Schmidtville neighbourhood.

[Keith P.]

The former Clyde Street NSLC is going to be one of the nine marijuana sales locations. I imagine this is going to piss some people off, as I believe the idea had been that the building would eventually get torn down and the site better-integrated with the Schmidtville neighbourhood.

I can only imagine how the property owners in that area will feel about the stench polluting their historic district and the quality of customers who will be hanging about.

That seems like an expensive piece of not particularly good retail property to be using for something like this. I thought NSLC was going to sell it off.

[terrynorthend]

The former Clyde Street NSLC is going to be one of the nine marijuana sales locations. I imagine this is going to piss some people off, as I believe the idea had been that the building would eventually get torn down and the site better-integrated with the Schmidtville neighbourhood.

Yeah, this seems like a big misstep. Not the right neighbourhood/vibe for it. Agricola's bohemian district would make a better spot IMHO.

[KeithC]

NSLC should be renamed:

NSPLC - Nova Scotia Pot and Liquor Corporation

:D

[someone123]

I can only imagine how the property owners in that area will feel about the stench polluting their historic district and the quality of customers who will be hanging about.

It does seem a little disappointing. However, in areas where pot is legal the stores selling it tend to lose some of their seedy character. In a few years they probably won't be seen as much better or worse than the normal range of liquor stores.

[Keith P.]

It does seem a little disappointing. However, in areas where pot is legal the stores selling it tend to lose some of their seedy character. In a few years they probably won't be seen as much better or worse than the normal range of liquor stores.

The neighborhood residents didn't want the liquor store there either.

As @terrynorthend noted, Agricola would have been a better choice, but I imagine they didn't have the space to spare.

[eastcoastal]

The neighborhood residents didn't want the liquor store there either.

As @terrynorthend noted, Agricola would have been a better choice, but I imagine they didn't have the space to spare.

Agree - I doubt the neighbourhood wants/wanted either. I feel like the former Clyde St. NSLC would be best as a neighbourhood-oriented retail space... corner store, small restaurant, small green grocer or butcher. Spring Garden and South Park are really the places for city-oriented businesses.

I also agree that Agricola would seem like a more natural location for a central/peninsular location. Perhaps Clyde St. is only a placeholder for now and we'll see it close (with a new construction or renovation elsewhere... somewhere more "bohemian") in a few years, after marijuana sales become normalized.

[mleblanc]

Agree - I doubt the neighbourhood wants/wanted either. I feel like the former Clyde St. NSLC would be best as a neighbourhood-oriented retail space... corner store, small restaurant, small green grocer or butcher. Spring Garden and South Park are really the places for city-oriented businesses.

I also agree that Agricola would seem like a more natural location for a central/peninsular location. Perhaps Clyde St. is only a placeholder for now and we'll see it close (with a new construction or renovation elsewhere... somewhere more "bohemian") in a few years, after marijuana sales become normalized.

Especially after announcing a 4k sqft NSLC in the Nova Centre. If you're looking for a downtown location, that seems like it should be the one, not some old store in a residential neighbourhood.

[Phalanx]

This is going to going to be a dedicated marijuana distribution location, so repurposing an existing store would likely be problematic. This just happened to be an unused building in a semi-convenient location that they already owned.

I suspect (hope) that this is just a temporary measure to meet the deadline for sales by this summer, and that they'll have long term plans to build a dedicated store elsewhere. They were already looking to unload this building at one point, I think this is just a matter of convenience and necessity.

[Keith P.]

Especially after announcing a 4k sqft NSLC in the Nova Centre. If you're looking for a downtown location, that seems like it should be the one, not some old store in a residential neighbourhood.

I can't imagine Nova Centre wants a weed store in their shiny new building.

I honestly do not understand the rationale for a liquor store there either.

[eastcoastal]

I can't imagine Nova Centre wants a weed store in their shiny new building.

I honestly do not understand the rationale for a liquor store there either.

I've heard that the store in Nova Centre is supposed to focus on local product... seems the rationale is that convention-goers will purchase Nova Scotian wines, beers and spirits as mementos of time here. Perhaps marijuana would be same... don't people usually buy some when in Amsterdam?

[OldDartmouthMark]

This is going to going to be a dedicated marijuana distribution location, so repurposing an existing store would likely be problematic. This just happened to be an unused building in a semi-convenient location that they already owned.

I suspect (hope) that this is just a temporary measure to meet the deadline for sales by this summer, and that they'll have long term plans to build a dedicated store elsewhere. They were already looking to unload this building at one point, I think this is just a matter of convenience and necessity.

That's my impression of it as well. I'm thinking that they are still feeling their way through the pot thing, what will work and what won't. And, since they still had this building available to them, it's a way of trying this out with minimal investment. If it's a flop, then they can do something else, somewhere else. At the very least, it should give them an idea on how a more-permanent store should be laid out and operated, as I suspect there will be key differences between this and the sale of alcohol, that will require a learning curve of some description.

Additoinally, I'm sure being closer to the universities will help their business model somewhat.... :hmmm:

[Jonovision]

Bell Lofts making an impact from lots of different angles.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4649/39989550782_82255281a0_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23VJUeu)20180131_125534 (https://flic.kr/p/23VJUeu) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

[IanWatson]

Bell Lofts making an impact from lots of different angles.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4649/39989550782_82255281a0_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23VJUeu)20180131_125534 (https://flic.kr/p/23VJUeu) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

It's visible now from the ferry! Still no sign of leasing details?

[OldDartmouthMark]

http://www.metronews.ca/news/halifax/2018/02/01/the-vacant-truth-expert-sounds-alarm-over-high-office-vacancy-rate-in-halifax.html



The vacant truth: Expert sounds alarm over high office vacancy rate in Halifax

The city has entered a “danger zone” as the vacancy rate of office space continues to climb in downtown Halifax amid more and more construction, a real estate advisor says.

New numbers from Turner Drake and Partners Ltd., taken from a recent round of rental surveys for 317 buildings and released Thursday, show that the vacancy in the central business district has jumped to 17.31 per cent in December 2017. That is up from 14.64 per cent the year before and a “far cry” from the five per cent considered healthy, the company says.

With 879,665 square feet currently vacant, and an average yearly absorption rate of 25,420, Turner Drake estimates it would take 25 years to get back to that healthy rate - but of course that’s with no new builds coming on the market, which isn’t the case in Halifax where major projects like the Nova Centre and Queens Marque will keep adding to the available office space.

“I think we’re in a danger zone. I don’t know if I’d say it’s a crisis because equilibrium will be achieved … but it will be at the expense of the older building inventory,” Turner Drake’s Alexandra Allen said in an interview.

[someone123]

Turner Drake has been writing these "dying downtown" type reports for many years. Does anyone really think that downtown Halifax in 2007 or 1997 was better than 2017? Halifax had a low vacancy rate for many years but little absorption, low rents, and almost no new construction.

I think it is regrettable that some office development goes to suburban parks that are not great from a planning perspective (generally completely car-oriented, not enough traffic capacity nearby, and not much other stuff nearby so people are forced to travel a long distance to get to work). However, a lot of the rest of the points in the article are incomplete or misleading.

What is an office vacancy "danger zone"? Are people going to start dying because the offices are not full enough?

The fact is that the newer buildings are finding tenants and creating empty space in the older buildings that will be backfilled, converted, or left empty. It isn't surprising at all that BMO elected not to stay in the same old circa 1980 office tower forever, and it is not a bad thing. Businesses that can't afford new construction can now move into the old BMO tower and have nicer offices than they otherwise would have been able to afford. The only "loser" is the owner of the old BMO tower, but they have hopefully managed to earn a bit of cash renting out their building for 35 years.

The most important trend downtown is residential development. Downtown residential has a bunch of great properties. It increases demand for nearby retail and office space, and it causes infrastructure to be used more efficiently by balancing out commute directions and making use of infrastructure that would be unused outside of 9-5 in a traditional business district. The old "CBD" model of putting all employment into a downtown of office towers that empty out at 5 pm was never a very good one.

[OldDartmouthMark]

I was a little taken aback by the 'sky is falling' report when I heard it on the radio this morning, as I feel the downtown is already better than it has been in a long time, and that's with some big projects unfinished yet.

However, I assumed the 'experts' knew more than I did so I sought it out on a website to post here, as fodder for conversation.

Thanks very much for your good input, someone123, I'm already feeling more positive about it again... :)

[Drybrain]

I don't know a lot about Turner Drake, but their press releases, studies, and media interviews are rife with alarmism. Two years ago, one of their spokespeople told the Herald that within 15 years every single heritage building not in the Barrington HCD would be demolished because of market pressures.

In Metro this week, they said that the aging population was leading to labour force declines, though Halifax's labour force continues to increase.

They also said that the residential market was soon-to-be saturated, though provided no evidence of that, though I can corral lots of evidence to the contrary.

There's clearly some kind of agenda at play behind their analysis. They're always talking about endangered heritage, and hey, I'm sympathetic, but their economic analysis seems super-wonky.

Of course, the office market is obviously over-built. But the conclusions and predictions they draw from that are dubious at best.

[Keith P.]

The fact is that the newer buildings are finding tenants and creating empty space in the older buildings that will be backfilled, converted, or left empty. It isn't surprising at all that BMO elected not to stay in the same old circa 1980 office tower forever, and it is not a bad thing. Businesses that can't afford new construction can now move into the old BMO tower and have nicer offices than they otherwise would have been able to afford. The only "loser" is the owner of the old BMO tower, but they have hopefully managed to earn a bit of cash renting out their building for 35 years.


Actually if memory serves that building came just after the Royal Bank building across the street that was constructed in the second half of the 1960s as part of the downtown's urban renewal around the same time as Scotia Square, although it wasn't part of that. The BMO building was done a couple of years later so I would date it to the early 1970s. It will be having its 50th birthday soon. I always liked the BMO building both for the bank branch on the main floor that I used a lot along with the offices I visited upstairs. The main problem for it is the same as a lot of other standalone office towers downtown, access from outside of downtown. If you weren't already downtown, parking was very difficult at times and for whatever reason I always found it a slightly difficult building to access. That block of Hollis St isn't very friendly to walk on.

[someone123]

Of course, the office market is obviously over-built. But the conclusions and predictions they draw from that are dubious at best.

It is really absorption that matters, not the vacancy rate. Negative absorption indicates that companies are leaving or shrinking their office footprints, which is a completely different scenario from empty new space coming up for lease.

There are many different companies that produce office reports. The article mentions that "average yearly absorption" is 25,000 square feet in Halifax but they don't explain how that number was calculated. They could easily have created this number by averaging out the statistics over the dead period of the 90's and early 2000's, but that would not say much about current trends.

I went to CBRE's website to see what their numbers are. You have to pay for the full report but one of the highlights from Q4 2017:

Absorption totaled 181,650 sq. ft. on the quarter, posting a YTD absorption of 308,944 sq. ft. Average asking net rents sharply increased $0.57 per sq. ft. quarter-over-quarter, up to $14.44 per sq. ft. in Q4 2017. (Source (http://www.cbre.ca/EN/o/halifax/Pages/market-reports.aspx) - you have to hover over the links)

This is completely at odds with Turner Drake's assessment. It is for the whole market, not just downtown, but I am not sure how much that matters. There seems to be strong demand for office space lately, which makes sense with all of the construction happening. It is not a case where a bunch of developers independently and spontaneously decided to waste hundreds of millions of dollars building office space for no reason.

Here is what Avison Young says about Halifax:

OFFICE
Optimism remains high and the city is experiencing an explosion of high-quality office space in the downtown core. Efficient, modern developments are the hallmark of Halifax’s urbanization movement and record levels of immigration, as well as a strong manufacturing sector, create long-term confidence in the market.

[musicman]

These higher end tenants want the new high efficiency buildings that are being built today. A building built in the 60's or 70's would not even be "B" class commercial property today without major upgrades to it's systems.

I've been hearing talk of a couple of conversions that are in the early planning stages with a couple of these older buildings being either completely or partially turned into condos or appartments. We shall see what comes up about those in the next year or so..

[Jonovision]

Bell lofts from Portland St.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4752/39573006184_12889f22e7_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23hW135)20180214_164758 (https://flic.kr/p/23hW135) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

[JET]

Just noticed that 'Five Guys Named Moe' is at Neptune theatre, no wonder some construction projects are taking so long.

[Colin May]

It is really absorption that matters, not the vacancy rate. Negative absorption indicates that companies are leaving or shrinking their office footprints, which is a completely different scenario from empty new space coming up for lease.

There are many different companies that produce office reports. The article mentions that "average yearly absorption" is 25,000 square feet in Halifax but they don't explain how that number was calculated. They could easily have created this number by averaging out the statistics over the dead period of the 90's and early 2000's, but that would not say much about

[i]Absorption totaled 181,650 sq. ft. on the quarter, posting a YTD a]
Turner Drake has rebutted the Scott McRea rebuttal pointing out their report is about the CBD not metro HRM.
https://www.turnerdrake.com/blog/default.aspx

" The CBC interviews were focused on the Halifax CBD. Ms. Baird Allen’s data referred to the Halifax CBD. Mr. McCrea’s interview focused on the Halifax CBD… unfortunately the CBRE data he referred to did not. It pertained to the wider HRM metropolitan market. CBRE’s estimate of the vacancy rate for the Halifax CBD is very similar to our own (18.5% versus our 17.3%). A world away from the 13% to 14% cited by Mr. McCrea. CBRE’s vacancy rate for the entire HRM office market was 15.5% (we place it at 14.97%)… probably the source of Mr. McCrea’s confusion. There will always be some differences between the Turner Drake and CBRE survey results, an important factor being that our survey does not just focus on larger buildings but covers some as small as 5,000 ft.2. Mr. McCrea’s comment that the “annual market demand was 300,000 ft.2 not the 25,000 ft.2 quoted by Turner Drake” was similarly erroneous. Alex’s figure of 25,000 ft.2 referred to the CBD, which, after all, was the subject of the CBC interview to which Mr. McCrea was responding. It was based on the average market absorption over the past five years. CBRE’s estimate of annual market absorption of 308,944 ft.2, referenced by Mr. McCrea, referred to the entire HRM market. "

[Jonovision]

This is making such a big impact around downtown.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4746/39655826214_be1566420e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23qftxC)20180217_111910 (https://flic.kr/p/23qftxC) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4697/40366821731_3aee4489e1_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/24v5vK2)20180217_111559 (https://flic.kr/p/24v5vK2) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

[eastcoastal]

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4746/39655826214_be1566420e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23qftxC)20180217_111910 (https://flic.kr/p/23qftxC) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr


Wow - the brick texture on the existing portion is pretty great. What a sincere attempt to explore a material's properties.

[OldDartmouthMark]

It's looking good!

It's interesting that they are using wood framing instead of steel, as I would have thought the main structure to this building was steel. Maybe not?

I'm wondering if this should have its own thread?

[Jonovision]

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4673/26550618298_0a1ebed5cd_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GsbRP1)20180221_120517 (https://flic.kr/p/GsbRP1) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4708/25550293567_2531aed00c_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EVMW7T)20180221_121932 (https://flic.kr/p/EVMW7T) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4653/40377329182_6dac0744bd_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/24w1neY)20180221_161924 (https://flic.kr/p/24w1neY) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

[Jonovision]

The reclad building at the Cove has been revealed.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4614/39525486405_d2bb5eaf70_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23dJs4x)20180221_161958 (https://flic.kr/p/23dJs4x) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

[Jonovision]

The small Geoff Keddy infill is nearly complete on Dresden.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4612/39710934334_4264e7a1ff_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23v7VgC)20180221_124813_HDR (https://flic.kr/p/23v7VgC) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4616/40421535311_9348985154_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/24zUWbB)20180221_124751_HDR (https://flic.kr/p/24zUWbB) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4618/25550198667_a9daf3bc75_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EVMrUF)20180221_124640 (https://flic.kr/p/EVMrUF) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

[Querce]

The Centre Plan Package A is out, if that's something you'd like to read

https://www.halifax.ca/city-hall/boards-committees-commissions/february-28-2018-community-design-advisory-committee

[JET]

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4673/26550618298_0a1ebed5cd_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GsbRP1)20180221_120517 (https://flic.kr/p/GsbRP1) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4708/25550293567_2531aed00c_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EVMW7T)20180221_121932 (https://flic.kr/p/EVMW7T) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4653/40377329182_6dac0744bd_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/24w1neY)20180221_161924 (https://flic.kr/p/24w1neY) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

Driving over the MacDonald Bridge the roof is above most building around it, and is above the top of Alderney Manor, which is 12 stories.
Shouldn't Bell Lofts have it's own thread?

[Keith P.]

I'm surprised it is using a stick-built roof structure.

[OldDartmouthMark]

I'm surprised it is using a stick-built roof structure.

Me too! There must be a rationale, but I'm not sure what it would be.

[Querce]

Driving over the MacDonald Bridge the roof is above most building around it, and is above the top of Alderney Manor, which is 12 stories.
Shouldn't Bell Lofts have it's own thread?


Be the change you want to see in the world

[Colin May]

Me too! There must be a rationale, but I'm not sure what it would be.
Perhaps the use of wood is down to the load bearing capability of the walls.
Just a guess, I am not a structural engineer.... or any other kind of engineer !

[IanWatson]

Probably comes down to cost. Wood is much cheaper. From what I saw of the site though, the original structure is a steel frame.

What I can't figure out though is why that roof structure is so huge. It's literally all trusses, so it's not a usable space. There's maybe 15' of height on this building that is going to be completely unusable.

[Jonovision]

Probably comes down to cost. Wood is much cheaper. From what I saw of the site though, the original structure is a steel frame.

What I can't figure out though is why that roof structure is so huge. It's literally all trusses, so it's not a usable space. There's maybe 15' of height on this building that is going to be completely unusable.

Maybe it has to do with snow load issue that Bell was complaining about for their building next door?

What I am more intrigued about is how this was as of right vs say Founders Corner across the street which has much less of an impact visually, at least from a distance.


Windows have now started to go in.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4632/26632904978_a9d99c794f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GzsALS)20180224_173229 (https://flic.kr/p/GzsALS) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4651/26632902538_29763c4730_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GzsA3N)20180224_173338_HDR (https://flic.kr/p/GzsA3N) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

[Jonovision]

A crane base at Stadaconna.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4705/39793801384_5c5f929b75_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23CrCKS)20180224_142126 (https://flic.kr/p/23CrCKS) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

[spaustin]

Maybe it has to do with snow load issue that Bell was complaining about for their building next door?

What I am more intrigued about is how this was as of right vs say Founders Corner across the street which has much less of an impact visually, at least from a distance.


Windows have now started to go in.



This one is indeed as of right. I have had a few emails because of its surprising visibility for such a relatively short building. Part of the reason why it is so prominent is because of its location on the top of a small rise (the land slopes away from here in basically every direction). The other part is its roof line. The Downtown Dartmouth Plan allows 5 storeys up to a maximum height of 70 feet. The 70 foot height limit can be exceeded though if it's for a roof, provided that the roof doesn't create additional habitable space. So this one goes up to 70 feet and then the roof line pops up above that.

[Jonovision]

This one is indeed as of right. I have had a few emails because of its surprising visibility for such a relatively short building. Part of the reason why it is so prominent is because of its location on the top of a small rise (the land slopes away from here in basically every direction). The other part is its roof line. The Downtown Dartmouth Plan allows 5 storeys up to a maximum height of 70 feet. The 70 foot height limit can be exceeded though if it's for a roof, provided that the roof doesn't create additional habitable space. So this one goes up to 70 feet and then the roof line pops up above that.

That's what I figured. I like that we are seeing something different with this one. Showing that as of right infill can still be prominent and well designed.

[spaustin]

That's what I figured. I like that we are seeing something different with this one. Showing that as of right infill can still be prominent and well designed.

Me too. A real break from the architectural sameness that characterizes so many modern buildings.

[Colin May]

That's what I figured. I like that we are seeing something different with this one. Showing that as of right infill can still be prominent and well designed.
The developer owns the empty lot behind the building,39 Dundas, and without the lot he would not be able to build the project.

[Jonovision]

The developer owns the empty lot behind the building,39 Dundas, and without the lot he would not be able to build the project.

Why not?

[Colin May]

Why not?
Because the developer would have no place for parking, except underground and that would negatively impact the economics.
ASFAIK HRM doesn't do 'no parking' residential development projects.

[Dmajackson]

Maritime Centre addition could be approved on Thurday at Design Review Committee.

Case 21538: Substantive Site Plan Approval – 1505 Barrington Street, Halifax (Maritime Centre) (https://www.halifax.ca/sites/default/files/documents/city-hall/boards-committees-commissions/180308drc911.pdf)

[eastcoastal]

Maritime Centre addition could be approved on Thurday at Design Review Committee.

Case 21538: Substantive Site Plan Approval – 1505 Barrington Street, Halifax (Maritime Centre) (https://www.halifax.ca/sites/default/files/documents/city-hall/boards-committees-commissions/180308drc911.pdf)

I'm shocked that the report doesn't consider a garage door a feature. LOL

[ns_kid]

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/821/26961548118_15c04a1fdb_n.jpg

Halifax Retales reported this week there is chatter about a possible Five Guys opening in Dartmouth Crossing later this year. It wouldn't be the first time such rumours have circulated, but apparently calls to Five Guys head office produced the kinds of non-committal responses one might expect if the story had legs. And Five Guys said a few years ago that franchise rights for Halifax were sewed up. Not sure by whom.

For anyone not familiar with the chain, they are one of the granddaddies of the gourmet burger/fresh cut fries biz and pretty well regarded so a DC opening could be very bad for the waistline. They source locally and declare their suppliers. A Yonge Street FG touted their PEI potato supplier during a recent visit. The first FG opened in Virginia in 1986 and they started franchising in 2003. There are 67 Canadian locations but none east of Montreal.

[Empire]

Me too. A real break from the architectural sameness that characterizes so many modern buildings.

I wonder what the siding will be?

[HalifaxRetales]

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/821/26961548118_15c04a1fdb_n.jpg

Halifax Retales reported this week there is chatter about a possible Five Guys opening in Dartmouth Crossing later this year. It wouldn't be the first time such rumours have circulated, but apparently calls to Five Guys head office produced the kinds of non-committal responses one might expect if the story had legs. And Five Guys said a few years ago that franchise rights for Halifax were sewed up. Not sure by whom.

For anyone not familiar with the chain, they are one of the granddaddies of the gourmet burger/fresh cut fries biz and pretty well regarded so a DC opening could be very bad for the waistline. They source locally and declare their suppliers. A Yonge Street FG touted their PEI potato supplier during a recent visit. The first FG opened in Virginia in 1986 and they started franchising in 2003. There are 67 Canadian locations but none east of Montreal.

yeah I got vague answers from them again
I have 3 different folks telling me and it seems very plausible
but there are confirmations I like I don't have any of them

[IanWatson]

I wonder what the siding will be?

The renderings appear to be the existing brick on the base with black corrugated metal on the addition, plus wood accents. This would be pretty in line with Abbott Brown's style.

[Duff]

This came out about 7 months ago so it may be old news, but here is an ambitious 3 billion dollar project in Tampa to redevelop 9 million square feet (836,000 sq m) of their downtown.

1RYWoMlWJrI

[Querce]

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/saint-marys-university-new-arena-1.4593743

Saint Mary's University is tearing down its 53-year-old arena and will build a new one on the same site.

The Halifax university announced Monday that the existing rink will close at the end of March and fencing will go up immediately.

The new arena is expected to be ready for the fall of 2019.

The facility will feature a NHL-sized ice surface, with seating for 800 people and standing room for another 200.

"There will actually be seats; right now, we don't have seats," said Scott Gray, SMU's director of athletics and recreation. "It'll be a better, more modern, more convenient setting."

Saint Mary's had been discussing the idea of a shared facility with Dalhousie University, which has land located across from the IWK Health Centre designated for a rink project.

Margaret Murphy, SMU's associate vice-president of external affairs, said the decision to build a rink on campus does not preclude other possibilities in the future.

"The partnership with Dalhousie and others in the community related to facilities is an ongoing and open conversation," she said.

[ns_kid]

Holy...

Will wonders never cease. The province handed over $1.5 million for this project...in 2004!

Province Gives $1.5 Million for New Arena (https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20040520007)

[Corker]

I see Canada Lands Company is starting a community consultation process for redevelopment of the former RCMP property at 3151/3139 Oxford Street. Two properties total approximately 4.5 acres. A session is happening on Wednesday evening, March 28.

http://en.clc.ca/property/576

This is across the Oxford/Bayers Road intersection from the 3090 Oxford proposal.

[IanWatson]

Council's agenda today has a staff report regarding secondary dwelling units. The staff recommendation is to enable them and make them easier to do in all low-density residential zones, HRM-wide. Staff also suggests considering back yard dwellings (i.e. in a separate building).

This is pretty exciting! It would be a pretty huge step forward for housing affordability and for densifying "established" residential neighbourhoods with minimal impacts.

[Jonovision]

A new crane went up on the Stadaconna base today where the old Barracks had been torn down.

[ns_kid]

The province announced today that it is looking to build a new "cultural hub" on the Halifax waterfront. The location and the cost is still unknown, but the new facility would house both NSCAD University (to vacate its Historic Properties buildings) and the Art Gallery (to leave the former Customs House). Also no hints as to what is likely to happen to the historic former buildings. The premier is counting on federal money and significant private investment.

Source: CBC (http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/cultural-hub-halifax-waterfront-1.4597298)

[Drybrain]

Also no hints as to what is likely to happen to the historic former buildings.
Source: CBC (http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/cultural-hub-halifax-waterfront-1.4597298)

All it says about the current NSCAD's current buildings is that the school would sell them. Honestly, and I think NSCAD is a wonderful thing for the city overall, but those buildings have been left in disprepair long enough under the institution's watch. No buyer in their right mind would ever tear them down so I'm sure they're safe, and this may be better for them.

[someone123]

All it says about the current NSCAD's current buildings is that the school would sell them. Honestly, and I think NSCAD is a wonderful thing for the city overall, but those buildings have been left in disprepair long enough under the institution's watch. No buyer in their right mind would ever tear them down so I'm sure they're safe, and this may be better for them.

Are they merely protected by the usual 3 or 5 year delay before demolition?

They are one of the nicest sets of commercial buildings in the whole country. Maybe the nicest block from the mid-Victorian period. And they are a national historic site (Halifax is full of poorly maintained sites of national historic significance). There should be more public support of buildings like these and historic buildings around Province House. These buildings should be kept preserved in their state in perpetuity. They should not be left to the private market so a developer can let them slip into "crisis mode" in order to demand concessions to increase profitability. I don't think there is a high risk that these buildings would be fully demolished, but I can easily imagine them getting the Waterside Centre treatment unless there are rules in place to prevent that outcome.

[kph06]

I thought Armour Group negotiated a deal a couple years ago that they would purchase the NSCAD buildings and lease the space back to them?

[Drybrain]

Are they merely protected by the usual 3 or 5 year delay before demolition?

They are one of the nicest sets of commercial buildings in the whole country. Maybe the nicest block from the mid-Victorian period. And they are a national historic site (Halifax is full of poorly maintained sites of national historic significance). There should be more public support of buildings like these and historic buildings around Province House. These buildings should be kept preserved in their state in perpetuity. They should not be left to the private market so a developer can let them slip into "crisis mode" in order to demand concessions to increase profitability. I don't think there is a high risk that these buildings would be fully demolished, but I can easily imagine them getting the Waterside Centre treatment unless there are rules in place to prevent that outcome.

The Granville mall is municipally registered, but also a national historic site. I think any developer seeking to demolish it would have a long and expensive uphill battle (and would opposed by the large majority of Haligonians). I can't really see it happening, but facadism might be a possibility. I don't know if the national registry actually imposes serious restrictions or if it's just a nice-to-have kind of thing.

If the AGNS buildings were torn down I would be completely amazed.

[Jonovision]

A few updates on Bell Lofts.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/804/41052835342_fe0c831410_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25xGvFU)20180328_124506_HDR (https://flic.kr/p/25xGvFU) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/876/26224744867_9cc3e2617f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FXoEZz)20180328_124423_HDR (https://flic.kr/p/FXoEZz) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/821/40386527524_30651d0b23_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/24wPvA5)20180328_124305_HDR (https://flic.kr/p/24wPvA5) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

[Jonovision]

The new crane visible at Stadaccona.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/817/39287178750_68049863a9_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/22RF4uS)20180328_130514 (https://flic.kr/p/22RF4uS) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

[Jonovision]

The scaffolding has come down on the Johnston Building and has started to come down on the St Pauls Buildings.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/783/41052828532_fbe72dd5a1_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25xGtEu)20180328_131428 (https://flic.kr/p/25xGtEu) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/897/41052827742_4accdecee4_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25xGtqS)20180328_131455 (https://flic.kr/p/25xGtqS) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

[mleblanc]

Beautiful. Downtown's crawling back to life it seems.

[beyeas]

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/821/40386527524_30651d0b23_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/24wPvA5)20180328_124305_HDR (https://flic.kr/p/24wPvA5) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

From some angles it reminds me of a red brick version of The Rooms.

[someone123]

Beautiful. Downtown's crawling back to life it seems.

It reminds me of that Bill Gates quote about how people overestimate how much change will happen in 2 years but underestimate how much will happen in 10. This big round of construction is still not done yet (Green Latern, Discovery Centre, NFB, Roy; so many buildings are still not ready for tenants) and it will take a year or two after these projects complete for the dust to settle and new tenants to get established.

There has been a lot of turnover on Barrington in recent years but I think it is the more healthy turnover of construction and new higher-end businesses moving in. I liked a lot of those old businesses but the fact that the city's traditional main street was full of used bookstores, pool halls, etc. occupying spaces previously occupied by major retailers was a sign of its decline.

It will be interesting to see where the street ends up. Is it going to be more or less like it is today, with moderate foot traffic and a mix of mostly smaller stores, or is it going to end up closer to some of the major shopping streets in bigger cities, with major chains and big crowds? There are some reasons to believe that it will change significantly. Buildings like the Maple and Roy will bring in a lot of new residents, and some of the new storefronts will be a lot nicer than anything that was available on the street a few years ago. Unfortunately one of the nicest retail spots, in the Johnston Building, is still being used for office space.

[someone123]

The province announced today that it is looking to build a new "cultural hub" on the Halifax waterfront. The location and the cost is still unknown, but the new facility would house both NSCAD University (to vacate its Historic Properties buildings) and the Art Gallery (to leave the former Customs House). Also no hints as to what is likely to happen to the historic former buildings. The premier is counting on federal money and significant private investment.

Source: CBC (http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/cultural-hub-halifax-waterfront-1.4597298)

The article mentions the Salter Block site and the report says this:

The scope of this facility and feasibility study does not include a detailed site plan
and architectural design for the co-located AGNS and NSCAD. At this point it is
simply assumed that the site will be on the Salter Block.

It also mentions that pedestrian counts along the waterfront are estimated at 2.5 million per year. It seems like there's a big advantage to clustering touristy stuff (AGNS, Pier 21, Discovery Centre) in one area near the cruise ship terminal.

[Keith P.]

From some angles it reminds me of a red brick version of The Rooms.

I'm reserving my opinion until it progresses further.

[beyeas]

I'm reserving my opinion until it progresses further.

yup I am still on the fence as well.

[HfxExpat]

On the relocation of the AGNS to the Salter Block, does anyone know a good reason for admission fees being charged at all to access the Art Gallery?

In London UK, all the museums and galleries in the city are free of charge (except for special exhibitions) and you're free to just walk in as you please, no tickets, no lines, no barriers. People love them, they just stroll in to have a coffee and look at a painting or two if they have 20 minutes to spare. The AGNS averages 37,000 visitors a year and makes about $100k annually from admissions, which is less than they make from merchandise sales. Surely it would make sense to do away with admissions fees entirely, make unplanned entry much more attractive for tourists (partic. cruise passengers) and boost merchandise sales, concessions and donations as a result. Having the AGNS and Maritime Museum free for entry on the waterfront would be a great way to show visitors a city that's confident about its culture.

[HfxExpat]

I'd also really like to see the waterfront "cultural hub" include a new performance hall for Symphony Nova Scotia. Salter is big enough for all three and there are clear commercial synergies for adding it.

I don't hold out much hope, but architecturally, there's a big opportunity to do something quite bold on the site to help raise Halifax's international profile in a really lasting way. The gallery or concert hall could be housed in a nautically-inspired Frank Gehry-type statement piece like the one in the picture below (Walt Disney Concert Hall, LA). It could even jut out into the water and be visible from pretty much every part of the waterfront.

https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/california-los-angeles-walt-disney-concert-hall-evening-picture-id200264413-001

[Drybrain]

On the relocation of the AGNS to the Salter Block, does anyone know a good reason for admission fees being charged at all to access the Art Gallery?

In London UK, all the museums and galleries in the city are free of charge (except for special exhibitions) and you're free to just walk in as you please, no tickets, no lines, no barriers. People love them, they just stroll in to have a coffee and look at a painting or two if they have 20 minutes to spare. The AGNS averages 37,000 visitors a year and makes about $100k annually from admissions, which is less than they make from merchandise sales. Surely it would make sense to do away with admissions fees entirely, make unplanned entry much more attractive for tourists (partic. cruise passengers) and boost merchandise sales, concessions and donations as a result. Having the AGNS and Maritime Museum free for entry on the waterfront would be a great way to show visitors a city that's confident about its culture.

The AGNS annual report (https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/sites/default/files/16-17%20AGNS%20Accountability%20Report.pdf) has somewhat better attendance figures (45,000), but I agree that's not huge and could be a lot better. It'd be greatto do away with admission fees, but that's rarely the case for North American galleries and museums. I assume it has to do with greater funding for European institutions, or more philanthropic cash, or something?

Regardless, I have little hope that the current NS government would make up the revenue shortfall, even if it is only a few hundred grand.

[terrynorthend]

I'd also really like to see the waterfront "cultural hub" include a new performance hall for Symphony Nova Scotia. Salter is big enough for all three and there are clear commercial synergies for adding it.

I don't hold out much hope, but architecturally, there's a big opportunity to do something quite bold on the site to help raise Halifax's international profile in a really lasting way. The gallery or concert hall could be housed in a nautically-inspired Frank Gehry-type statement piece like the one in the picture below (Walt Disney Concert Hall, LA). It could even jut out into the water and be visible from pretty much every part of the waterfront.

https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/california-los-angeles-walt-disney-concert-hall-evening-picture-id200264413-001

This. There is a local group that has been promoting a proper performing arts centre in Halifax for some time. Proper concert hall with full back of house support (stage depth, full wings, trapped stage, fly gallery, orchestra pit). The Cohn is a nice auditorium, but the stage downright sucks.

I would LOVE to see this become part of a cultural hub.

[worldlyhaligonian]

On the relocation of the AGNS to the Salter Block, does anyone know a good reason for admission fees being charged at all to access the Art Gallery?

In London UK, all the museums and galleries in the city are free of charge (except for special exhibitions) and you're free to just walk in as you please, no tickets, no lines, no barriers. People love them, they just stroll in to have a coffee and look at a painting or two if they have 20 minutes to spare. The AGNS averages 37,000 visitors a year and makes about $100k annually from admissions, which is less than they make from merchandise sales. Surely it would make sense to do away with admissions fees entirely, make unplanned entry much more attractive for tourists (partic. cruise passengers) and boost merchandise sales, concessions and donations as a result. Having the AGNS and Maritime Museum free for entry on the waterfront would be a great way to show visitors a city that's confident about its culture.

That's not completely true, as it is sort of expected that you make donation... you don't have to, but at the Tate Modern, for example, it is customary to buy the programme/map for 5 pounds. This sort of model may make more sense.

[Keith P.]

This. There is a local group that has been promoting a proper performing arts centre in Halifax for some time. Proper concert hall with full back of house support (stage depth, full wings, trapped stage, fly gallery, orchestra pit). The Cohn is a nice auditorium, but the stage downright sucks.

I would LOVE to see this become part of a cultural hub.


I totally agree on the need for a proper performing arts venue that is bigger and better than the Cohn, but don't hold your breath waiting on the Province to construct an iconic building. They simply do not do that sort of thing. If we get one it would likely be a red-brick or wood-clad box designed and built on a low-bid basis. The province is not flush with cash like HRM is and therefore unlikely to spend twice what a "normal" building would cost on a flashy design as HRM did with the stack of glass books on SGR and Queen.

[HfxExpat]

That's not completely true, as it is sort of expected that you make donation... you don't have to, but at the Tate Modern, for example, it is customary to buy the programme/map for 5 pounds. This sort of model may make more sense.

Exactly, you feel much happier to donate on your way out when you haven't been made to go through the hassle of buying a ticket and you feel grateful for having free access to the gallery/museum. In London, there's usually a large glass box in the middle of the exit that some people will throw a £5 or £10 in on their way out. I live beside the Tate Britain, and one thing that I've always noticed is that the money in that box is more paper than coin. I'd argue that a fair few people would also feel more compelled to make larger donations or take out memberships to support this kind of cultural benefit for the city.

Between those donations and merchandise + cafe sales from increased footfall, I think it would pay for itself.

[Drybrain]

This. There is a local group that has been promoting a proper performing arts centre in Halifax for some time. Proper concert hall with full back of house support (stage depth, full wings, trapped stage, fly gallery, orchestra pit). The Cohn is a nice auditorium, but the stage downright sucks.

I would LOVE to see this become part of a cultural hub.

I've always felt that it's pretty embarrassing that A: A major regional centre that dates back to the 18th century has not a single grand performance space or theatre remaining, and B: One of our principal performing-arts venues we do have is in a local high school theatre. (The Spatz is an excellent venue, but it doesn't exactly scream "sophistication" when visitors to concerts or other performances have to traipse down a locker-lined hallway when they use the bathroom at intermission. )

I'm a bit suspicious of the edifice-envy that some institutions can fall victim to. I'm not convinced the AGNS needs a new building, so much as it needs improvements in the current building, and the ability to expand and occupy the entirety of gallery south. (The cramped quarters are partly due to the fact that two storeys of that building are still provincial offices). But we absolutely could use some kind of cultural district. Not one that would detract from current facilities, but enhance what the whole city can offer.

[Jonovision]

I am on the fence with this one. I think what kind of upgrades could both NSCAD and the AGNS do to their current locations if they were given the same amount of money that would be spent on building a new location?
I'm sure they could fix some of the problems that these old buildings are presenting to them.

[someone123]

I am on the fence with this one. I think what kind of upgrades could both NSCAD and the AGNS do to their current locations if they were given the same amount of money that would be spent on building a new location?
I'm sure they could fix some of the problems that these old buildings are presenting to them.

I suspect this is true. However, on the upside, it seems like these buildings would be relatively easy to find good alternate uses for. The old library on the other hand is a bit more challenging, and as far as I know is still empty.

It would also be nice to get rid of the remaining large surface lots on the waterfront.

[Colin May]

Here is a great article about 'signature/iconic buildings/public infratructure'
https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2017/dec/15/urban-white-elephants-edinburgh-boston-calatrava

A really good concert hall/arts centre is expensive; I'd wager circa $300 million and up. I have slides of the Sydney Opera House under construction (early 1966) after the architect flounced off home to Denmark taking the plans with him in a dispute over the cost and delays. We need a few rich benefactors - Sobeys/Risley et al.

[IanWatson]

The Cohn is being renovated/expanded.

[Keith P.]

No go on the Province House lands, at least for a few years, thanks to the Feds not pitching in:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/province-house-legislature-grounds-parking-1.4606138

[someone123]

No go on the Province House lands, at least for a few years, thanks to the Feds not pitching in:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/province-house-legislature-grounds-parking-1.4606138

The article is vague. Did the $1M plan include some alternate arrangement for parking, or was it just landscaping? Why does the alternative to federal funding in the hundreds of thousands of dollars (some portion of $1M) mean waiting 5 years for the new development while a little bit of funding would have changed everything?

Why does the federal government have to help maintain a provincial legislature? I understand the NS provincial government always appreciates extra cash, but they don't have to shelve this project. They could easily fund this if it were a priority. I'm surprised the cost to fix this site is so low.

The elephant in the room is the notion that it may be very difficult to get an MLA to understand and follow through with a plan that potentially involves them losing a parking spot!

[Keith P.]

The elephant in the room is the notion that it may be very difficult to get an MLA to understand and follow through with a plan that potentially involves them losing a parking spot!

Well, the flipside is that their workplace is regularly under siege several times a year by mobs of angry public sector union activists and others who feel aggrieved, so the ability to be kept safe inside a gated compound on those occasions probably has some appeal. :lynchmob:

[pblaauw]

Twice now I've heard the rumour that the Queen's Marque project is just the start of a 15-year string of projects on the waterfront. Anyone know of other things planned, besides the NSCAD/AGNS project and the Cunard lot project?

[HfxExpat]

Twice now I've heard the rumour that the Queen's Marque project is just the start of a 15-year string of projects on the waterfront. Anyone know of other things planned, besides the NSCAD/AGNS project and the Cunard lot project?

If the Cunard development and AGNS/NSCAD get built in a reasonably short timeframe, then I think three likely candidates are:

- Battle of the Atlantic Place for the HMCS Sackville - this has quite a strong case and organisation behind it, and could serve as a really defining and unique characteristic for the city's international image.
- Foundation Block where the waterfront warehouse is - hopefully including the relocation of the tug/industrial wharves, which are now just awkwardly out of place.
- Ralston building - which is has become dead space in an area that should have a prominent building with great ground-level retail.

If all these things get built in the next ten or so years, then Halifax would have arguably the best waterfront in the country and even be on par with the Boston Harbourfront. This would be a huge tourism draw with the potential for plenty of spinoff benefits (YHZ connections, hotel development, tourist numbers at other sites, etc.).