Penny Lane - Emotions Mixed as landmark closes - Page 2

Just Build It · #21 Posted **Apr 1, 2007, 6:32 PM**

To tell you the truth, I'm not mourning the historical side of it so much as the loss of nice vibrant block of the city. I know those business will re-locate, but it's still a shame.

Boris2k7 · #22 Posted **Apr 1, 2007, 6:33 PM**

Arriviste: I only slightly disagree. I do agree that this is a valuable piece of street, in terms of vibrancy and design. We shouldn't settle for anything less than an improvement. However, I don't think there is any particular heritage value to the old Penny Lane. What I do think is that it is irresponsible for such a development to go ahead with few details of the street frontage on Stephen Ave released to the public. The avenue is a vital public space for Calgarians, and we deserve to know ahead of time and be able to influence the development process.

Now, what would be a real tragedy is if the mall gets torn down and they don't get a new development permit. We'll be stuck with an enormous parking lot in that case.

EDIT: see bold...

Rob D · #23 Posted **Apr 1, 2007, 6:47 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boris550

Now, what would be a real tragedy is if the mall gets torn down and they don't get a development permit. We'll be stuck with an enormous parking lot in that case.

A new parking lot, a tragedy! Why just a few months ago David Parker was lamenting the loss of surface parking lots downtown. With the potential to turn some Calgary history into a very conveniently located surface parking lot, he should be smiling at the thought.

Boris2k7 · #24 Posted **Apr 1, 2007, 7:13 PM**

Here's a view of the block from Bankers Hall West

Rob D · #25 Posted **Apr 1, 2007, 7:18 PM**

Even the comics have something to say regarding all the design changes that PLT has undergone.

DizzyEdge · #26 Posted **Apr 1, 2007, 8:20 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just Build It

To tell you the truth, I'm not mourning the historical side of it so much as the loss of nice vibrant block of the city. I know those business will re-locate, but it's still a shame.

That's somewhat my feeling as well, there's nothing architecturally great about the buildings, and as far as history, they're old warehouse/industrial business structures... but its the aesthetics of the brick, the decor, the vibrancy of the street, and fact there's a bunch of slightly different facades bunched into one block.. that's what makes it interesting. The key of whether the new building will be a success will be whether the spot once again becomes a destination.

ProudlyCanadian · #27 Posted **Apr 1, 2007, 8:22 PM**

Those photos have a very eerie feel to them. Thanks for posting taking them rob.

Goodbye PL.

DizzyEdge · #28 Posted **Apr 1, 2007, 8:25 PM**

Thought you guys might find this interesting:

http://calgaryheritage.org/images/Ron_Mathison_letter.pdf

Letter from Ron Mathison to the 'Friends of Penny Lane' group that was formed a few months ago.

Thinner6 · #29 Posted **Apr 1, 2007, 8:30 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boris550

Here's a view of the block from Bankers Hall West

Please tell me that building at the bottom right is being demolished as well?

DizzyEdge · #30 Posted **Apr 1, 2007, 8:32 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thinner6

Please tell me that building at the bottom right is being demolished as well?

Nope.

Boris2k7 · #31 Posted **Apr 1, 2007, 8:41 PM**

It's the only building on the block whose history hasn't been torn down and/or mutilated. Another way to put it is that it still has a coherent story to tell.

Thinner6 · #32 Posted **Apr 1, 2007, 8:55 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by DizzyEdge

Nope.

How convenient. They keep the only building on that entire block I really don't care about.

ProudlyCanadian · #33 Posted **Apr 1, 2007, 8:57 PM**

Quite frankly, it's the best looking on the entire block imo.

DizzyEdge · #34 Posted **Apr 1, 2007, 10:03 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boris550

Some of my pics:

Farewell Penny Lane.

One thing that's quite nice about those shots are the trees, I wonder if the development involves yanking them all out?

Innersoul1 · #35 Posted **Apr 1, 2007, 10:06 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boris550

Here's a view of the block from Bankers Hall West

Maybe I have some spacial retardation....I just can't imagine both buildings going on that site without Belgo coming down. Obviously I am just a moron, because it will be done.

Calgarian · #36 Posted **Apr 1, 2007, 10:19 PM**

I am going to miss the rooftop patio at Ceilis, lot's of good time had there. Has anyone here ever been to Belgo? it actually looks like a nice place for a Vickars joint.

Innersoul1 · #37 Posted **Apr 1, 2007, 10:37 PM**

Belgo is seriously fantastic. Been there 2wice in March, great for an afterwork beer. They serve some AMAZING Belgian beers there on tap....reminds me of my trip to Europe, nothing quite like Kwak in an hourglass glass with the standard wood stand.

It is a bit pricey, the food is good although the portions are not huge....consider it a splurge for dinner as most entres are $20+

Danma · #38 Posted **Apr 2, 2007, 1:27 AM**

I don't think I'll miss the buildings too much... but I will miss the street presence! Hopefully their replacement will not suck too hard.

RWin · #39 Posted **Apr 2, 2007, 1:51 AM**

It will certainly make 9th Ave. better. Now if someone would build across 9th...

ScottFromCalgary · #40 Posted **Apr 2, 2007, 2:05 AM**

Keeping Belgo is some consolation, as it a great place to eat/drink every now and then when you wanna class it up a little bit. I can't say I give a shit about the actual mall, but I will miss the vibrancy of the street as well as Ceili's rooftop patio. There were few things better in life than leaving work a couple hours early on a Friday in July or August to have a couple pints on the rooftop patio. You will be missed.