Winnipeg | Exchange District | Developments & Discussions

[drew]

Looks like they were or are starting some exploratory work in the basement. You would only do that if you were planning on some significant alterations to the existing structure.

[Wpg_Guy]

Originally Posted by drew

Looks like they were or are starting some exploratory work in the basement. You would only do that if you were planning on some significant alterations to the existing structure.

I have little doubt they'll do anything with the building other than work to keep it standing and vacant.

[drew]

^ they do have the intention of using it as an office building - eventually.

I can't imagine why they would hold on to the building unless they still had this in mind.

You also don't go to the effort of smashing out basement slabs to confirm footing sizes unless you really need to.

[borkborkbork]

Is this the one owned by the scientologists?

Really a sophie's choice: If they don't develop, an architectural treasure is lost. If they do develop, the architectural treasure becomes a cult recruiting centre

[neutroniks]

Those exploratory holes go back as far as 2019. I don't think they plan on doing anything at this point. The further it deteriorates, the higher the cost it'll be to rehabilitate and develop the building.

[Wpg_Guy]

Originally Posted by drew

^ they do have the intention of using it as an office building - eventually.

I can't imagine why they would hold on to the building unless they still had this in mind.

You also don't go to the effort of smashing out basement slabs to confirm footing sizes unless you really need to.

An office building for what? The 3 people currently in their Garry St office? They've owned the Peck building since 2007. It will never happen.

Scientology’s real estate strategy is essentially a fundraising scheme. Through its 'Ideal Org' program, the church buys large, often historic properties with plans to turn them into grand regional churches and community centres. These projects rarely get done, they leave the buildings empty for years or decades, the Peck building situation is the same pattern repeated across North America. Meanwhile, they continue aggressively fundraising from local members for these projects, creating a constant flow of donations. The properties also serve as tax-sheltered assets, in Manitoba Scientology is treated as a religious denomination for local property tax purposes. Nothing will ever become of the Peck building so long as it's owned by the Scientologists.

[drew]

^ they approached my firm for a proposal a few years ago to do something or other in there. I think it was to catalogue the historical aspects of the building and an overall assessment. The plan at that time was to convert it to general office/congregation or non-residential use.

We didn't get the job, but it looks like they are planning to stabilize the building now.

The good thing about these buildings is that they are pretty robust. Every Exchange conversion project I have worked had buildings that started this way. Tarps and kiddie pools on the top floor to catch the water, and just general extreme neglect. But they tend to clean up pretty well - all things considered.

[Wpg_Guy]

Originally Posted by drew

^ they approached my firm for a proposal a few years ago to do something or other in there. I think it was to catalogue the historical aspects of the building and an overall assessment. The plan at that time was to convert it to general office/congregation or non-residential use.

We didn't get the job, but it looks like they are planning to stabilize the building now.

The good thing about these buildings is that they are pretty robust. Every Exchange conversion project I have worked had buildings that started this way. Tarps and kiddie pools on the top floor to catch the water, and just general extreme neglect. But they tend to clean up pretty well - all things considered.

So they approached your firm, here i was thinking you were maybe a Scientologist with insider knowledge!

Well that's hopeful regarding the building, it just needs to be in a capable developers hands.

Scientology's worldwide congregation has been steadily declining for years. The 2021 census showed just 1,380 people in Canada identifying as Scientologists. With numbers that low, I just don't see how they'd ever need or fill a building the size of 33 Princess compared to their current spot on Garry Street.

[Wpg_Guy]

[Wpg_Guy]

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[trueviking]

New Matcha place opening where the architecture firm was on Albert. Gen Z is very good for the Exchange District.

[neutroniks]

I've been noticing this as well. Gen Z has been doing heavy lifting romanticizing the Exchange District more and more. Great to see.

[trueviking]

^ now that we are moving through the e-commerce Millennials, things are looking up.

[bussche]

Originally Posted by trueviking

^ now that we are moving through the e-commerce Millennials, things are looking up.

Just when I thought we'd gotten past blaming everything on Millennials, we're back baby! haha

[drew]

^ Millennials 🞵🞵🞵🞵! haha

[neutroniks]

Apparently club culture and drinking culture are dying, and Millennials are single handedly keeping it afloat, followed by Gen X

https://www.yourtango.com/self/gen-z-doesnt-party-anymore-giving-millennials-existential-crisis

[Mabel.]

Love Maro Matcha! I was sad to hear that they’re moving out of downtown but glad they’re not moving too far away

[Wpg_Guy]

[wags_in_the_peg]

^ give me this building and so many more renovated into real nice lofts over new build. Unless you really look up & notice we have numerous buildings in Exchange being really underutilized

[neutroniks]

I think one reason being the insane cost it would take to get these buildings up to code. Scares a lot of investors and developers away.

Second reason being, IIRC, is that a lot of the buildings are owned by a bunch of people with no real plans of developing them and are sitting on them until a developer comes a long and throws a plan/cash at them. Someone told me before all the buildings in the exchange were sold for a couple hundred thousand back in the 70s or 80s? I could be wrong.