Saskatoon Construction

[Jonitecture]

I was heading south down Warman Road the other day and I quite like the view of the downtown skyline from there. From that perspective many of the highrises downtown appear to be grouped in a tight cluster. And for some reason, Saskatoon Square looks taller. And when Warman Rd. becomes 2nd ave. at 33rd, I noted how the first few blocks on the east side of 2nd are either vacant, overgrown lots or rundown houses. I thought those properties would be great for a contemporary townhouse project that would be a fitting entrance to our downtown

i think as downtown grows, that area will become townhouses, i think it would be interesting if they converted the western brewery to lofts and also the quaker oats mill would be a cool sight, converting both the tower and the silos. it almost has an art deco look.

[Dalreg]

Originally Posted by Jonitecture

i think as downtown grows, that area will become townhouses, i think it would be interesting if they converted the western brewery to lofts and also the quaker oats mill would be a cool sight, converting both the tower and the silos. it almost has an art deco look.

God forbid that these buildings are actually being used. Lets not get on the conversion kick just yet. Still need a few jobs for some of us to earn a living.

If we want to convert anything to condos, I can suggest a few churches along the river or maybe the Main Library?

[psych1]

Originally Posted by Dalreg

God forbid that these buildings are actually being used. Lets not get on the conversion kick just yet. Still need a few jobs for some of us to earn a living.

If we want to convert anything to condos, I can suggest a few churches along the river or maybe the Main Library?

I'm surprised that council didn't recommend this during the funding debacle a few years ago when they wanted to take library funding away to pay for an overpass to Walmart.

[Stewie]

Originally Posted by Jonitecture

why is it that the persephone has somewhat of a tower? with will the use be for that area. also, i think one mistake they made on the persephone is not putting retail on the main floor.

I imagine the elevated structure part of the new Persephone will house the stage mechanical components - somewhat like the 4 stories directly above the stage at TCU Place.

[macca]

Stewie, tell me what's going on with the former Extra Foods site before I get really upset.

[Echoes]

Thought I'd pose this question for some discussion:
Which neighborhood in Saskatoon is the best positioned and has the most potential to become the next "it" neighborhood?

IMO it comes down to either Caswell Hill or Riversdale. I think that Caswell has had a few years start ahead of Riversdale at revitalization. There is also more of a stigma attached to Riversdale than Caswell. However, Caswell Hill still faces some obstacles in order to reach its full potential. If carried out, the removal of the bus barns, re-development of industrial lands in the south end of the neighborhood and the 25th street extension will all be huge boosts to Caswell Hill. Caswell certainly has alot of big old trees, and a "hillside setting" which is a rarity in Stoon. The other thing i like about the neighborhood are the treed boulevards in the middle of the street.

However, Riversdale could quickly catch up to Caswell. It seems that homes are being flipped and young professionals are moving in at lightning speed. Or perhaps that is just the work of the media. But there are a lot of people rooting for Riversdale, and big initiatives to back that up. River Landing is the obvious one that comes to mind. The revitalization of 20th street seems slow but steady and the stigma that surrounds the neighborhood is slowly being defeated. And of course, Riversdale has the River, an obvious draw for people.

So at the end of my rant, I'm no closer to figuring out which of these two neighborhoods will be the next "it" place. Both have the history, character, easy access to downtown and green space and natural beauty.

So what's your opinion? Which will it be? Riversdale? Caswell Hill? King George? Westmount? Mayfair? ....errr... Pleasant Hill? you get the idea

[Stewie]

Originally Posted by macca

Stewie, tell me what's going on with the former Extra Foods site before I get really upset.

Looks like a whole lot of nothing. Doesn't make much sense to me to leave these properties idle for so long - as construction costs are just going to get higher.

On another note, when is the construction on the new hotel on the old cineplex site going to begin? I was under the impression that it was going up immediately upon demo of the theatre building?

I HATE GRAVEL PARKING LOTS!

[Jonitecture]

I HATE GRAVEL PARKING LOTS!

i hate all parking lots. in response too countrys question, i think that Riversdale will be the next "it" neighborhood. an area with such a large amount of beautiful old houses that is soo close to downtown and the river cant be as rundown as it is. young business people and artists cant afford too life in pricy nutana or Buena Vista will start buying up houses, and BOOM there is the next "it" neighborhood. plus, riversdale has 20th! the supposed next broadway.

[prairieguy]

I would say that in the short term, Caswell is going to see the most in terms of revitalization. However, I think that Riversdale will truely become the next 'it' neighborhood for reasons already stated (proximity to downtown, river, river landing) I also think it can become another eclectic type neighborhood focusing in on its cultural and aboriginal strengths. (at least I hope this is what will happen!)

[circle33]

Moving forward I think Riversdale has far more upside. Several reasons have already been covered but I like to add the positive impact of the Farmer's Market, which is already visible. On Saturday the streets in the vicinity (and even the back alleys) were teaming with people. That said, the future of Caswell also looks bright and 33rd has the potential to be another 'it" street, albeit on a smaller scale. Some of the elements (bakery, trendy cafe) are already there.

On another note, and someone may have already mentioned this, I hate gravel parking lots.

[swilley]

^ I noticed the lots beside the Radisson downtown have become.......... gravel parking lots. So much for a river riverfront cafe.

[circle33]

More pro-urban talk from our friend Karwacki:

Renovate downtown to ease housing crunch: Grits
James Wood, The StarPhoenix
Published: Friday, August 03, 2007

REGINA -- The provincial Liberals say a major provincial investment in infrastructure in downtown Saskatoon would help ease the housing crunch affecting the city.

Liberal Leader David Karwacki said Thursday the province should be putting cash toward projects such as moving the bus barns and city yard and developing the warehouse district.

Funding to help extend 25th Street, bury overhead power lines, renew sewer and water lines, create park space and provide public art and safe lighting would make the area more attractive for residential development, he said.
The environment is perfect to build urban density rather than having urban sprawl," said Karwacki.

That would increase the supply of new condominiums and rental units, cutting back the wholesale conversion of existing rental properties, which has been a spur to soaring rental rates and rising concerns about homelessness, he said.

The City of Saskatoon has long-term plans for the relocation of the bus barns from Caswell and for the move of the city yards and the extension of 25th Street.

Karwacki said the province needs to sit down with the city to provide funding and encourage action.

"I think it's a crisis," he said.

"When you're talking about an election, infrastructure never seems to kind of grab the public's attention. But, in my opinion, it's just something where our province needs to throw some money at the major centres so they can tackle these issues immediately and we don't run into the issues Calgary has run into . . . where you fall behind in infrastructure."

Karwacki said the city proposals will be part of the Liberal platform for the provincial election expected this fall.

Judy Junor, the NDP cabinet minister and Saskatoon Eastview MLA tasked by Premier Lorne Calvert to work with stakeholder groups on Saskatoon's housing issues, was not available for comment Thursday.

SP

[Ruckus]

^ Encouraging to hear from Karwacki on the topic of core neighborhood development. I wonder how city officials would respond to Karwacki's proposal, open arms and perhaps shifting resources to growth in the core? The city needs cash to begin the process of moving the bus barns and 25th street extension, where would the funds come from?

Maybe selling off the city's periphery which then mutates into suburban neighborhoods provides funding for inner city development? Not sure about the details, but moving the bus barns and surrounding industrial businesses will carry a hefty price tag I'm sure. We need to raise money with whatever we can push (e.g. suburban living!) if moving the bus barns and further core neighborhood development is to become a reality.

Although I wonder how much money the city could actually pocket and allocate to inner city development after developing said surburban big box centers and surrounding communities (overpasses and all). The province (feds?) will probably have to come through in some form or another.

[Echoes]

If you multiplied the number of Saskatchewan skyscraperpage forumers exponentially (provided they're all eligible to vote) Karwacki and the Grits have a chance at winning an election, or at least a seat!

I hope he brings this issue up during the next provincial election. If it receives enough publicity then all the parties might just start a bidding war to see who can offer the most cash for our core neighborhoods.

[Jonitecture]

well ive always been liberal, this makes me like them even more! too bad i cant vote.

[Jonitecture]

some one go and take new pictures, we need new ones. my camera broke.

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by Jonitecture

some one go and take new pictures, we need new ones. my camera broke.

After my new camera arrives I'll post some photos, end of this week I'm hoping. If not I'll try and get out with a Canon Powershot.

[circle33]

I couldn't help but notice the Impark accessories being installed at the ex Pacific Cinema site. I'm going to go out on a limb here and postulate that the hotel won't be breaking ground this summer.

[Stewie]

^ Most likely due to .. ahem... rising construction costs...

[Ruckus]

Next year

Prediction:
If it stays gravel for this and next year, we should have something begin in 2009.

If we see pavement we're looking at 5-10 year development timeline

The Partnership did state parking is becoming a concern and would like to see more parking space become available. So this new Impark lot should help alleviate a dwindling supply and an increasing demand?

I don't understand, there hasn't been that much development downtown over the last few years to warrant several new parking lots, has there? Sure a few new restaurants and retail shops, but not one significant employment center except for Vecima Networks into the old post office, but that hasn't really happened yet.