Saskatoon Construction

[swilley]

Originally Posted by nook

I don't think 2,500 or 3,000 people who would go to the games would drive over to that side of town, leave their car in the parking lot at night, and watch a baseball game.

Wow, typical naive east-sider point of view. I thought we were all past that on here.

[nook]

Originally Posted by swilley

Wow, typical naive east-sider point of view. I thought we were all past that on here.

no, no, i live on the westside, born and raised. but i've had my car broken into a few times parked in that lot while playing ball at cairns/leakos at night. as have a few of my team mates in the past.

that's all.

it's great for midget, mens and senior mens ball, but i just think that cairns would need to be fixed up a heck of a lot to be suitable for any professional baseball franchise.

[jaysfan99]

You may say it is naive, but I say it is being honest. That ball park is a dump. If you bought a nice car and had a choice between parking in the 20th st area or in Briarwood,....................what would you say? Nothing wrong with telling the truth! Every city has a bad area of town. It's nice to see some progress, but we have a very long way to go. Especially the gang problems we have in this city.

Originally Posted by swilley

Wow, typical naive east-sider point of view. I thought we were all past that on here.

[swilley]

Originally Posted by jaysfan99

If you bought a nice car and had a choice between parking in the 20th st area or in Briarwood,....................what would you say? Nothing wrong with telling the truth! Every city has a bad area of town.

Well, judging by these stats I would say your pretty much in the same boat, I would be quite leery of living on the east side though......

CRIMES BY DISTRICT
March 19 - March 26, 2007
Crime East Central West North
Armed Robbery 0 1 1 1
Residence Break & Enters8 3 3 4
Business Break & Enters1 2 0 3
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 1 5 0
Theft from Motor Vehicle5 12 6 4

Agreed that Saskatoon HAS a bad area of town. However, it is not the entire west side that is impoverished.... The area around Cairns field is very comparable to numerous east side neighbourhoods.

I would like to see a successful team before we build a permanent field. If most people can't garner up the courage to drive past Idylwyld Drive, then I like the nook's idea of a temporary park somewhere just to see if the interest is strong.

[circle33]

Well, this sucks. Any one surprised? I'll admit I really felt this was going to happen. A think a moments silence is in order...


Condo tower nixed
Developer scraps plansfor Broadway project
Lori Coolican, The StarPhoenix
Published: Saturday, April 14, 2007
A local developer's plan to build a 12-storey condominium on Broadway Avenue was scrapped this week.

"After a year of hard work, we are announcing that our proposed project on Broadway Avenue is not going forward," Meridian Developments partner Karl Miller wrote in a press release delivered to The StarPhoenix on Friday.

"Construction costs have risen between 30 and 50 per cent during the past year, and it is not economically feasible to go ahead with this project. We regret to disappoint those who have been waiting patiently with excitement and enthusiasm to call this building home, but we will not be able to proceed," he wrote.


Meridian really felt this building would have been a superb landmark and a wonderful addition to Broadway."

Some Nutana residents and heritage buffs vocally opposed the company's plan for the site of the former Northern Paints building at Broadway and Ninth Street when they first learned about it last year. They argued a modern highrise would hurt property values, upset the character of the street and neighbourhood, cast shadows over formerly sunny yards and introduce unpredictable wind gusts to the shopping district.

The land is already zoned for high-density residential use, so critics had no power to block the development. It was killed instead by the shortage of local companies capable of building large superstructures.

"We tried to do some cost-saving measures by redesigning the building and whatnot, and in the amount of time it took us to do the redesign the cost went up so much that any savings we got out of the redesign were eaten up by the escalating cost," Miller said in an interview.

The company had 200 people on a waiting list to buy units.

"It's unfortunate. We really, really wanted to build that building and we spent a lot of time agonizing over every detail from colours to little details on the building that most people will never know about, and it's just frustrating when you put in that much time and you get everything back and you're like, 'Hey, we can't risk our shirt on this thing,' " he said.

His company has no firm plans for the property's future, but it's unlikely to remain vacant over the next year, he said.

Meridian is able to carry on with various other projects around Saskatoon despite the labour shortage because it employs its own tradespeople, but there's obviously a growing need to attract skilled workers in far greater numbers, Miller added. Neighbouring provinces such as Manitoba far outpace Saskatchewan in that regard, he said.

"Personally, I think we've got to have people coming here and we've got to go after people from other countries and attract immigrants to this city. I don't see why more people would want to move to Manitoba over the second-hottest economy in the country."

Another local developer, Remai Ventures, recently abandoned its long-standing plans for a luxury hotel and mineral spa at River Landing, citing the same concerns about escalating construction costs. It's a trend, Miller predicted.

"We'll see more and more of these projects get killed as the days go on here -- the private sector ones, anyway. The public sectors ones -- hey, they'll all keep going, because we all pay for it and it doesn't matter."

[jaysfan99]

Man that sux!! I was really looking forward to this project. I guess economic growth isn't beneficial to everyone. I bet if the city wasn't booming and labour wasn't that hard to come by, the project would of gone ahead. Can't win them all, but I wish we could win some of em.

Originally Posted by circle33

Well, this sucks. Any one surprised? I'll admit I really felt this was going to happen. A think a moments silence is in order...


Condo tower nixed
Developer scraps plansfor Broadway project
Lori Coolican, The StarPhoenix
Published: Saturday, April 14, 2007
A local developer's plan to build a 12-storey condominium on Broadway Avenue was scrapped this week.

"After a year of hard work, we are announcing that our proposed project on Broadway Avenue is not going forward," Meridian Developments partner Karl Miller wrote in a press release delivered to The StarPhoenix on Friday.

"Construction costs have risen between 30 and 50 per cent during the past year, and it is not economically feasible to go ahead with this project. We regret to disappoint those who have been waiting patiently with excitement and enthusiasm to call this building home, but we will not be able to proceed," he wrote.


Meridian really felt this building would have been a superb landmark and a wonderful addition to Broadway."

Some Nutana residents and heritage buffs vocally opposed the company's plan for the site of the former Northern Paints building at Broadway and Ninth Street when they first learned about it last year. They argued a modern highrise would hurt property values, upset the character of the street and neighbourhood, cast shadows over formerly sunny yards and introduce unpredictable wind gusts to the shopping district.

The land is already zoned for high-density residential use, so critics had no power to block the development. It was killed instead by the shortage of local companies capable of building large superstructures.

"We tried to do some cost-saving measures by redesigning the building and whatnot, and in the amount of time it took us to do the redesign the cost went up so much that any savings we got out of the redesign were eaten up by the escalating cost," Miller said in an interview.

The company had 200 people on a waiting list to buy units.

"It's unfortunate. We really, really wanted to build that building and we spent a lot of time agonizing over every detail from colours to little details on the building that most people will never know about, and it's just frustrating when you put in that much time and you get everything back and you're like, 'Hey, we can't risk our shirt on this thing,' " he said.

His company has no firm plans for the property's future, but it's unlikely to remain vacant over the next year, he said.

Meridian is able to carry on with various other projects around Saskatoon despite the labour shortage because it employs its own tradespeople, but there's obviously a growing need to attract skilled workers in far greater numbers, Miller added. Neighbouring provinces such as Manitoba far outpace Saskatchewan in that regard, he said.

"Personally, I think we've got to have people coming here and we've got to go after people from other countries and attract immigrants to this city. I don't see why more people would want to move to Manitoba over the second-hottest economy in the country."

Another local developer, Remai Ventures, recently abandoned its long-standing plans for a luxury hotel and mineral spa at River Landing, citing the same concerns about escalating construction costs. It's a trend, Miller predicted.

"We'll see more and more of these projects get killed as the days go on here -- the private sector ones, anyway. The public sectors ones -- hey, they'll all keep going, because we all pay for it and it doesn't matter."

[Rob D]

I agree that this really sucks. However, their reasons for not going ahead a fairly weak IMO.

"Construction costs have risen between 30 and 50 per cent during the past year, and it is not economically feasible to go ahead with this project. We regret to disappoint those who have been waiting patiently with excitement and enthusiasm to call this building home, but we will not be able to proceed," he wrote.


The company had 200 people on a waiting list to buy units.

This is happening a lot in Calgary, but the developers go back to those who have expressed an interest in the project and invite them back at increased costs. It's not hugely popular but it has become a reality here. If all develpers in Saskatoon feel the same way, there is little hope that anything similar to The Meridian will be built anytime soon.

How many units was The Meridian to have anyway? 200 people on a waiting list certainly indicates a significant amount of interest. Hopefully the developer will reconsider the project or some other developer with a little more foresite and balls will come along to "get 'er done" as we supposedly say out west.

[jaysfan99]

Do any of you think it's kind of strange that they cancel the "Maridian on Broadway" one day before they start taking offers on units to the OPUS II on 7th st? They basically have taken away the supply, to get even more demand for the OPUS II, resulting in a higher price.

Originally Posted by Rob D

I agree that this really sucks. However, their reasons for not going ahead a fairly weak IMO.

"Construction costs have risen between 30 and 50 per cent during the past year, and it is not economically feasible to go ahead with this project. We regret to disappoint those who have been waiting patiently with excitement and enthusiasm to call this building home, but we will not be able to proceed," he wrote.


The company had 200 people on a waiting list to buy units.

This is happening a lot in Calgary, but the developers go back to those who have expressed an interest in the project and invite them back at increased costs. It's not hugely popular but it has become a reality here. If all develpers in Saskatoon feel the same way, there is little hope that anything similar to The Meridian will be built anytime soon.

How many units was The Meridian to have anyway? 200 people on a waiting list certainly indicates a significant amount of interest. Hopefully the developer will reconsider the project or some other developer with a little more foresite and balls will come along to "get 'er done" as we supposedly say out west.

[newflyer]

Originally Posted by SASKFTW

I heard an interesting remark on the 6 oclock news from CTV's Kevin Waugh regarding the Northern Leauge's interest for a Saskatoon team. Waugh commented on how the success of such a pursuit would depend largely on renovating or replacing the current venue for a more inviting experience for spectators. He then spoke of the success of Winnipeg's Goldeyes at their downtown venue, and commented on how family oriented the experience was(he had watched a few games last summer). He went on to say the Mayor suggested the 25th street city yards would be opening up soon, and might make an ideal location. What a tease

Would a new location and new venue have an impact on the overall success of a Northern League pro-baseball team in Saskatoon? The optimist in me says yes, obviously it would. But does a new venue increase and sustain enough support to justify the cost and energy required for such an idea? Maybe. I'm not normally into baseball, but if they built something downtown which could be utilized during the summer months I'd catch a game or two just for the fact its in close proximity to shops/lounges/restaurants. I could easily make an enjoyable evening out of it, you know, convince myself I live in a big city Watch the provincial government get behind this one for sure

Thats good news... Saskatoon would be a great addition to the league. It does need a new stadium, as the league has rather high standards for facilities. A new 5000 seat stadium should be fine. It definately adds to the charm of downtown. Hopefully they put some deep thinking where it would work best.

[nook]

Yeah, the eastside isn't peachy keen anymore either. If you have a new car, i say you're better off parking it in your garage no matter where you live.

Originally Posted by swilley

Well, judging by these stats I would say your pretty much in the same boat, I would be quite leery of living on the east side though......

CRIMES BY DISTRICT
March 19 - March 26, 2007
Crime East Central West North
Armed Robbery 0 1 1 1
Residence Break & Enters8 3 3 4
Business Break & Enters1 2 0 3
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 1 5 0
Theft from Motor Vehicle5 12 6 4

Agreed that Saskatoon HAS a bad area of town. However, it is not the entire west side that is impoverished.... The area around Cairns field is very comparable to numerous east side neighbourhoods.

I would like to see a successful team before we build a permanent field. If most people can't garner up the courage to drive past Idylwyld Drive, then I like the nook's idea of a temporary park somewhere just to see if the interest is strong.

Anyways, regarding these cancelled projects... It sucks but I guess these people are only in it to make money. Thing is, while housing costs in Saskatoon have gone up like what, $40,000 average in three months, wages aren't going up. If they came back and offered those 200 people something similar for a lot more, I don't think many would take the offer.

Again, it sucks, but the economy is growing so fast here... nothing else has caught up yet.

[Echoes]

Originally Posted by jaysfan99

Can't win them all, but I wish we could win some of em.

My feelings exactly!
We lost the Remai hotel... now the beloved MOB is toast. Those were the jewels in the rather pathetic crown of Saskatoon development.

But.. eventually something has to be built. Karl Miller of Meridian said in the SP article that the labour shortage in this city is really holding things up... and will continue to do so. The city and the province need to do more to attract laborers from out of province and immigrants into our larger centres. ...At least there was an encouraging article regarding the 2nd ave. lofts today. The 5th floor is coming eventually!

A downtown baseball stadium for Saskatoon would be a dream come true by the way!

In closing, let us bow our heads... farewell Meridian on Broadway.

[circle33]

Originally Posted by Country

In closing, let us bow our heads... farewell Meridian on Broadway.

Preach it brother.

[Ruckus]

And the plot thickens...

Now that Meridian is no more, what are the chances of residential condos going up on River Landing?

"rising construction costs"; those private developers and the city must know more than the public ......conspiracy!!!

But "rising construction costs" don't explain why a Holiday Inn is proposed for downtown which would need similar skilled tradespeople as both the former Meridian, and the former Remai Hotel/Spa. One thing that is definitely supporting the reluctance of private developers in Saskatoon to follow through and even propose anything is competing with Calgary and to a lesser extent Edmonton for tradespeople to build projects of the hi-rise type, no surprise who gets the lions share. Although not explicitly, Karl Miller seemed to echo that position in the above SP article.

As Rob D suggested, developers often adjust their unit prices to reflect the rising costs. I believe this occurred with the 2nd Ave Lofts(the Bay) downtown. Some people pulled out, but others payed the difference because it was still worth it. Maybe, Meridian Development Corp. has another strategy for something different, although I'm not quite sure what that would be.

What's a more desirable location for luxury condos, Broadway or River Landing phase one?

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by jaysfan99

Do any of you think it's kind of strange that they cancel the "Meridian on Broadway" one day before they start taking offers on units to the OPUS II on 7th st? They basically have taken away the supply, to get even more demand for the OPUS II, resulting in a higher price.

Yeah, I see the connection. But isn't OPUS II a completely different style? Nonetheless, canceling Meridian is sure to increase prices for all available luxury condo's.

[Ruckus]

"Personally, I think we've got to have people coming here and we've got to go after people from other countries and attract immigrants to this city. I don't see why more people would want to move to Manitoba over the second-hottest economy in the country." Karl Miller

Interesting comment from a private developer. I suppose the provincial government should learn the Manitoban method for success

[pepsi_corp]

Originally Posted by Country

My feelings exactly!
We lost the Remai hotel... now the beloved MOB is toast. Those were the jewels in the rather pathetic crown of Saskatoon development.

But.. eventually something has to be built. Karl Miller of Meridian said in the SP article that the labour shortage in this city is really holding things up... and will continue to do so. The city and the province need to do more to attract laborers from out of province and immigrants into our larger centres. ...At least there was an encouraging article regarding the 2nd ave. lofts today. The 5th floor is coming eventually!

A downtown baseball stadium for Saskatoon would be a dream come true by the way!

In closing, let us bow our heads... farewell Meridian on Broadway.

Sorry to hear about the Meridian. It would have been a good step forward for one of Saskatoon's already nice & trendy neighbourhoods. I enjoyed walking around Broadway last time I was there. Reminded me very much of Whyte Ave in Edmonton.
You guys have no worries. Saskatoon is on the brink of exploding right now, if not already. There is no doubt there are already many developers eyeing 'opportunities' to build despite escalating costs. Looking at Calgary & Edmonton, the labour costs haven't slowed down developments very much at all. Developers have been fighting hand over fist to get their projects approved & constructed. If not local, there are plenty of BC or AB based developers taking a good look at Saskatoon. We've had an influx of Vancouver-influenced projects, including a mega condo-club/resort project in south Edmonton (turning one of our dead malls into a 6 phase project). Saskatoon is the next logical 'boom city', more so than Regina in my opinion. From an economic(northern oil/uranium) and aesthetic stand-point there is better potential.
I look forward to more of your 'river valley' developments actually. In all honesty the Saskatoon river valley(south saskatchewan river), is vastly superior to the Edmonton river valley(north sask river) in terms of look/feel. Your bridges are nicer too .

Out of curiosity, did you have a link or post of the lastest 2nd Ave lofts news?? Just wondering what the update was?

[CCF]

Haha, I'll never understand the bashing between the two cities. Why must Regina be bashed to promote Saskatoon, and vice versa. Can't we celebrate both cities and let them both grow in their areas of strength. One does not have to come at the expense of the other.

Oh well. Whatever makes you feel better.

[newflyer]

I know its way early.. but any thoughts of a name for your potencial ball team? Tradition would suggest naming it after a bird or fish.

How about the Saskatoon Fat Geese.

Sorry.. but it just kinda rolls off the tounge.

Okay.. kidding aside .. any thoughts?

[pepsi_corp]

Originally Posted by CCF

Haha, I'll never understand the bashing between the two cities. Why must Regina be bashed to promote Saskatoon, and vice versa. Can't we celebrate both cities and let them both grow in their areas of strength. One does not have to come at the expense of the other.

Oh well. Whatever makes you feel better.

Not very much bashing going on. Just a 3rd party opinion of someone who doesn't reside in either city. Although here in Alberta, Edmonton & Calgary have always had an active rivalry from sports to economics. Opinion is just that - an opinion. Does not mean there isn't mutual respect. Being an Edmontonian, I favor Edmonton, but recognize what Calgary represents. I think both cities enjoy some good-natured ribbing of the other.

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by newflyer

I know its way early.. but any thoughts of a name for your potencial ball team? Tradition would suggest naming it after a bird or fish.

How about the Saskatoon Fat Geese.

Sorry.. but it just kinda rolls off the tounge.

Okay.. kidding aside .. any thoughts?

Naming a baseball team for Saskatoon? I don't understand some of the Northern Leagues choices, maybe history or something(e.g. Calgary Vipers???).

Off the top of my head(I'm no baseball expert btw) "The Saskatoon Suns", "The Saskatoon Socks", oh thats a bit much. "Saskatoon Settlers", meh not a nice name for a baseball team. "The Saskatoon Sizzlers", "The Saskatoon Shakers", "The Saskatoon Saints". I think "S" words are more appropriate for a Saskatoon franchise, flows better IMO.

All this effort and we don't even have a team yet

Saskatoon Fat Geese for some plump Saskatoon Berry stuffed goose.