Saskatoon Construction

[swilley]

I am so fxxxing excited, another cheep, 10 - 14 story, brown box with the possibility of brick. At least will add to the density of already but-ugliness.


Skyline gets addition
Police parking lot site of residential, retail building
Darren Bernhardt, The StarPhoenix
Published: Saturday, October 06, 2007

A $13-million residential and retail structure is set to be built at the corner of 23rd Street and Fourth Avenue, possibly paving the way for a downtown grocery store.

The announcement was made by government and city officials Friday at the site, presently used by the Saskatoon Police Service as a parking lot. The lion's share of the building -- to which the province is contributing $11.5 million -- will be devoted to The Lighthouse, a supported-living residence for low-income individuals and those with long-term disabilities.

"This is wonderful news. It helps rejuvenate this part of downtown and also gives people a new start in life, hope and a vision for the future," said Mayor Don Atchison.

The main level will be retail and office space and the remainder will be supported living space. An underground parkade for some 200 police vehicles will also be constructed and leased from The Lighthouse, said Alan Wallace, senior planner with the City of Saskatoon.

The Lighthouse operates 64 units out of Capri Place on 20th Street and Second Avenue. The new building will nearly double that with 120 units.

"We are very grateful. This will help those most vulnerable in the community," said executive director Don Windels, adding the Capri didn't provide for the best accommodation.

A former hotel and movie theatre, it didn't always allow for special needs access and was desperately short of space to meet client demand. The new building will be built specifically with that in mind and "puts us in a stronger position to . . . connect our tenants with various organizations, services and agencies to help them live independently," Windels said.

The city, which donated the land, will put out a request for proposals as soon as possible, said Atchison. The design process will follow and ground-breaking could begin in late spring, early summer, said Wallace, who expects the building to be ready in early 2009.

"We want to move this along exceedingly fast," he said.

During a media scrum, Crown Investments Corp. Minister Judy Junor let slip her delight in a ground-floor grocery store. When asked about it, she back-tracked and said no agreement has been signed yet.

"I've just heard it's something that's really needed," she said.

If such a business is to go downtown, it would have to be a neighbourhood-type store, not a big box like Superstore on Eighth Street, Atchison said. He had no indication of one going on the main floor of the new building but "it would sure be nice."

The project will also have a ripple effect on other developments around the city. Increased parking for the police will bring all the vehicles under a single roof, freeing up a lot the service leases at Fifth Avenue and 25th Street next to the Community Service Village.

That vacated lot will then become prime real estate available for development, said Atchison.

As well, the relocation of The Lighthouse means Capri Place will be vacant. There are no immediate plans for the facility, which is owned by The Lighthouse Supported Living Inc., said Windels.

Should it be put on the market, Capri Place should also attract a lot of interest considering it is located in the burgeoning south downtown and recently underwent a $250,000 renovation.

A grand opening ceremony was held at the facility less than four months ago. The funding, from the federal government, went toward creating a 17-bed emergency men's hostel, improving access in the kitchen and main lobby and addressing health, safety and security issues.

[email protected]

[Jonitecture]

hopefully it wpnt be toooooooooooooooo ugly.

[Dalreg]

Well this is good! The Capri site would be perfect for Cameco. A modern glass 30 floor tower would be perfect.

[jaysfan99]

I really hope they demolish the Capri. It is ugly!

Originally Posted by Dalreg

Well this is good! The Capri site would be perfect for Cameco. A modern glass 30 floor tower would be perfect.

[Jonitecture]

it didnt use too be, but it is damaged beyond repair. TEAR IT DOWN. so anyone know who this developer is?

[sharpie]

Originally Posted by swilley

I am so fxxxing excited, another cheep, 10 - 14 story, brown box with the possibility of brick. At least will add to the density of already but-ugliness.

Ha, that's exactly what I thought. I'm still mad that the city put Clinkskill Manor (and btw, what kind of name iis that?) on the old arena site. It was supposed to be the catalyst to kick start south downtown, and now it's just an eye sore. This new one will look the same as Clinskill Manor, or the one at 6th Ave and 24th, or the two buildings behind Market Mall (which have twins in PA, Regina and Moose Jaw). Lovely.

I'm surprised that the police aren't hanging on to this parcel- don't they need to expand the station in a big way?

[Jonitecture]

ya, clinkskill manor is ugly, inst is a home for seniors? if it is, that it good because old people have all the time in the world to walk around the river landing and buy stuff.

[swilley]

Originally Posted by sharpie

Ha, that's exactly what I thought. I'm still mad that the city put Clinkskill Manor (and btw, what kind of name iis that?)

Yes, it is a seniors home, and the name? James Clinkskill served as the Mayor in 1906, and from 1911 to 1912.

[Echoes]

Originally Posted by swilley

I am so fxxxing excited, another cheep, 10 - 14 story, brown box with the possibility of brick. At least will add to the density of already but-ugliness.

I'm most excited with the fact that this latest brown box will free up the Capri Hotel and a parking lot on 25th for development. And also, the notion of a grocery store going downtown is becoming more and more believable: the Sobeys rumour discussed on this forum a few days ago, Judy Junor's leak to the press about a grocery store, and Atchy toting the possibility for a store on the ground floor of this building.

As for the Capri, I believe that a restoration of the building is best. There are a multitude of parking lots in the south downtown where new construction can occur. It would be nice if some buildings of historical significance (the Capri and Continental may very well be the only ones left...) were preserved and put to new uses in the south downtown. Although I'm not sure how appropriate the Capri is for condo conversions or other uses. But still, I would be sad to see the palm tree Capri sign on the roof go! Whether its sold and restored, or sold and torn down for new construction I'll be happy as long as it does not get sold to Impark!

[Jonitecture]

you have good points, i have seen pictues of what the old capri was, and it wasnt bad, but if that siding is glued on then the building doesnt have much hope, plus i doubt the interior still has much. but i really like the continental, and i think it would make acute boutique hotel, if you made up the inside, took of the exterior paint, it owuld be like our own little drake hotel.

[Stewie]

Originally Posted by swilley

... At least will add to the density of already but-ugliness.

I agree - anything to fill in the holes of this downtown core is a definate plus - regardless of the poor choice of esthetics. However, I am also surprised of this following recent dire statements by the police service about a lack of space. There certainly is not a shortage of un-paved, un-developed dust farms in the downtown that may have been a better location; but the close proximity to other assisted living high-rises may have been a factor in the decision.

[circle33]

The Police have leased close to 13,000 sq ft. in the Standard Life Building taking care of their space issue, at least in the sort term.

As for the Capri, I imagine renovation is more likely to happen than demolition/new construction. It's probably in no worse condition than the King George, whose reno is going full steam ahead. Karl Miller stated a while ago it is $41 sq ft to pour concrete which is why we have Meridian renovationg the KG while the MOB is DOA.

[molasses]

Originally Posted by swilley

I am so fxxxing excited, another cheep, 10 - 14 story, brown box with the possibility of brick. At least will add to the density of already but-ugliness.

I much prefer the sight of a building, particularly one that will replace a parking lot, than people homeless on the street. It definately pretties up our downtown streets, which is obviously the only reason for development.

[molasses]

oh ya and in regards to the continental...the rumor is 5 or 6 condo units with a cafe/lounge on the main floor.

[joelpiecowye]

for those who dont know the capri is being used for elder bachlors and has about 64 rooms. truley if someone did buy it and fixed it it would never look nice in my mind. buildings should only be restored if they have some history and(or) have some beauty, as far as i know the capri has neither of those.



also here is a clipping in the calgary sun

Complex plan wows surging city
UPDATED: 2007-10-09 01:56:32 MST


By BILL KAUFMANN, CALGARY SUN


SASKATOON -- On a sunny, windswept afternoon last month, local Natives on horseback and others in nearby teepees prepared to re-enact a watershed day in Saskatoon's history.

The celebration marked the day in 1882 pioneer leader John Lake broke bread with Dakota Chief Whitecap, who suggested a good place for the newcomers to settle would be the south bank of the South Saskatchewan River, across from what's now the city's downtown.

Overlooking that historic spot on the west end of downtown is a churned-up one-hectare plot of land still shaded by poplars and elms that Saskatoon native Michael Lobsinger hopes will host another milestone for the booming Saskatchewan city.

Lobsinger, who heads up Calgary-based Lake Placid Developments, is spearheading the $125-million urban village on the river's north bank that's wowed the locals with its scope and audacity.

For Lobsinger, who came to Calgary seeking his fortune in 1976, there's a certain element of sentimentality, of giving back, in returning to his hometown to build an office-retail-hotel-condo complex.

Above all, he says it has to make fiscal sense, and Saskatchewan's economic re-awakening means it does.

"Saskatchewan is coming into its own," he says.


"I believe this development will be the focal point of the entire province."

The complex on the River Landing site will wrap a trio of buildings around a central plaza that will accommodate a giant Christmas tree and kidney-shaped pool that will ice over for skaters in winter.

"It'll be a Rockefeller Plaza-type open area -- we'd do an annual Saskatchewan search for that one Christmas tree," says Lobsinger.

"Saskatoon needs offices, it needs a hotel, it needs high-end condos and that's what I'm going to build."

On Sept. 17, Saskatoon city council approved the proposal, which still faces zoning and permit hurdles.

Saskatoon, Lobsinger says, is already "one of the most beautiful cities you're able to find."

He says this development would merely add to the city's renaissance by building next to the new 400-seat Persephone Theatre currently rising a stone's throw away.

"I grew up there and spent a lot of time there and have watched the city grow," says Lobsinger.

[prairieguy]

Nice little article in the Calgary Sun. If Calgarians weren't aware that Saskatoon is coming into its own, then this article may have got there attention. Too bad they didn't include some architectural renderings of the proposal to really show the scope of the plan.

Hey, I'm still looking for feedback/comments on the exterior and design of Persephone Theatre. Am I the only one disappointed with it? Just hope the interior design and finish makes up for the 'uncreative' exterior. Also, I can't believe they are going to have this ready for the first show on Dec. 12...I sure hope they do, as we have season tickets!

[joelpiecowye]

if that is the true exterior color i will be dissapointed too, on a picture of it the persephone looks like i has a dark brown color allmost like wood but they could have changed it to i guess

http://www.meewasin.com/common/pdfs/development/current_applications/Persephone-elev.pdf

[Echoes]

^Ewww no I don't think that brown will be the finished product. More sophisticated renderings I've seen indicate that it will be a grayish finish much like it is currently. I dunno, I'm not gonna pass judgment until it's completely finished.

[Wormo]

well. there will officially be a provincial election on wed. November 7th.

Originally Posted by CTV NEWS

Sask. premier sends voters to the polls Nov. 7

Updated Wed. Oct. 10 2007 8:18 PM ET

The Canadian Press

SASKATOON -- Saskatchewan voters will head to the polls Nov. 7.

Elections Saskatchewan announced Wednesday afternoon that Lt.-Gov. Gordon Barnhart had dissolved the legislature and set the date for the vote.

NDP Premier Lorne Calvert was expected to confirm the call later at the party's nomination meeting in his Saskatoon Riversdale constituency.

Since the last election in November 2003, the New Democrats have held a slim 30-28 seat majority over the Opposition Saskatchewan Party.

But Calvert will have to fight hard this campaign if he wants to maintain power, something the New Democrats have managed to do since 1991.

The Saskatchewan Party, under leader Brad Wall, has softened its image and is very much seen as a government-in-waiting in the province.

His party has built a steady base of support since it formed as a right-of-centre alternative to the NDP out of an alliance of disgruntled Liberals and vanquished Tories in 1997.

The two were already trading barbs earlier Wednesday after news of a deal struck between Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Nova Scotia Premier Rodney MacDonald which ensures the eastern province will not lose any money under changes made to its offshore oil accord in last spring's federal budget.

Saskatchewan has been pushing for similar consideration for its oil resources.

During the last federal election the Conservatives promised to change the federal equalization program so that non-renewable resource revenues didn't shrink transfer payments from Ottawa. They made that change in the budget, but capped the payouts under the program, angering Saskatchewan.

Wall -- whose party draws on a lot of the same supporters as the federal Conservatives -- claimed the Nova Scotia deal shows Calvert has not been able to deliver for the people of Saskatchewan.

"Clearly, other provinces have been able to get a better deal from the federal government,'' Wall said. "Why hasn't Lorne Calvert?''

Calvert accused his opponents of being too close to the federal Conservatives to get tough with them.

"We're going to stand up for the people of Saskatchewan, and Mr. Wall has clearly demonstrated that he won't do that,'' he said.

In the 1999 provincial election, under then leader Elwin Hermanson, the Saskatchewan Party managed to force Roy Romanow and the New Democrats into a minority government and they relied on a coalition with the Liberals to stay in power.

It seemed the party under Hermanson was poised to make the move to the government benches in 2003. But the NDP effectively attacked the party's soft stance on maintaining public ownership of the province's government-owned utilities -- an argument Hermanson struggle to rebuff.

With 41-year-old Wallat the helm, the Saskatchewan Party has a fresh image.

After taking over the leadership in 2004, Wall and his team of backroomers set about dismantling the party's policy and rebuilding it to appeal to the centrist voter. Gone were policies that called for a referendum on publicly funded abortions, work-for-welfare and the end of affirmative action hiring practices.

Wall has been unequivocal in the party's new stance that the Crown utilities are not for sale and he has also tried to head off another NDP attack by affirming his belief in a publicly funded and publicly administered health care system.

The NDP has already tried to paint the Saskatchewan Party as a wolf in sheep's clothing -- literally. Before the campaign, the New Democrats launched a series of ads featuring a wolf's face superimposed on a sheep's head under the slogan "What Lies Behind the Friendly New Image?''

The ads made pointed references to private health care and privatizing the Crown utilities, signalling that the NDP wants to make those major issues in the campaign.

But who can best manage Saskatchewan's booming economy is perhaps bound to become the biggest issue.

Oil, gas and mining revenues have swelled the provincial purse in recent years. The money has allowed the NDP to make dramatic cuts in business and sales taxes while freezing tuition for students and capping prescription drug costs for seniors.

The Saskatchewan Party has been critical of how the government has paid for the goodies. The government used its rainy-day funds to finance all the spending in the short term, saying the growing economy will cover the costs in the long run.

With the hot economy driving up real estate values, particularly in Saskatoon, renters and first-time home buyers are feeling the pinch and there have been growing calls for more affordable housing.

The Saskatchewan Party has also focused on long waiting lists in the health-care system and a shortage of doctors and nurses.

A potential monkey wrench in the campaign is the threat of a federal election and what that will do to the party's stances on the equalization fight with Ottawa.

As was the case in 2003, the urban areas will be the key battlegrounds during the campaign, especially Saskatoon.

The Saskatchewan Party won all the large rural ridings in 2003 with the exception of Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan Rivers and the two northern constituencies. The NDP won all the seats in Regina, Moose Jaw and Prince Albert and all but three of the seats in Saskatoon.

The Saskatchewan Party has eyes on Meadow Lake and it is also looking at Yorkton, where deputy premier Clay Serby is not running because he is battling cancer.

Fighting for attention in this campaign will be the Liberals and their leader, David Karwacki.

The Saskatoon businessman came close to winning his seat in the 2003 election, but failed and his party was shut out.

The Liberals have struggled to gain traction since the formation of the Saskatchewan Party and the coalition with the NDP in 1999, which led to two of the party's three sitting legislature members becoming New Democrats.

[Dalreg]

Sorry elections don't really get me going. This won't affect Saskatoon construction in any way shape or form.