http://www.canada.com/vancouvercourier/news/story.html?id=1f525e75-e21b-481c-a942-ab0375ccb670&p=1
Roundhouse plaza set for Olympic-sized facelift
Cheryl Rossi, Vancouver Courier
Published: Friday, May 30, 2008
It's full steam ahead to raise money to transform the plaza outside the Roundhouse.
After a feasibility study and consultation with area residents and arts groups, the parks board unanimously approved a redesign concept for the turntable plaza Monday night.
If you lounge outside the Urban Fare grocery store on Davie Street at Pacific and gaze across to the Roundhouse, there's not much going on in the plaza across the street.
Planners envision a multi-use sculptural crane above the new Roundhouse plaza.
The Roundhouse Community Centre Association has wanted to change this since the centre opened in 1997.
"It now seems to be taking off with the Olympic opportunity that we have to tie into some sponsorship money," said Margaret Watts, supervisor of recreation services for the Roundhouse. "Generally, we haven't programmed there for a number of reasons and one is concern about weather protection."
The parks board, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympics, the Canadian Olympic Committee and the centre association will raise money so the plaza can be redesigned in time for the Games.
A portion of the Roundhouse community centre will become "Canada Place" for two weeks during the Olympics, a place for the parents of Canadian athletes to congregate. The nearby David Lam Park will be a "live site" for the Olympics, along with the old bus depot across from the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
"It's really exciting because they anticipate thousands every night at both spots and then there's a pedestrian walkway linking the two," said Leslie Adams, chair of the exterior taskforce for the Roundhouse association. "In the middle of that walkway is the Roundhouse, so it would be great if we could be active with performing things at the same time."
In the approved concept a gravel area is filled in to form a larger stage in the plaza. The old rail turn bridge will be reoriented to discourage pedestrians from cutting through the plaza, and a new entrance to the Roundhouse is planned. A sculptural crane will be added to act both as public art and a utility. It would light events, support aerial acts, and shore up a movable tent for weather protection for spectators and noise reduction for nearby residents.
Nick Milkovich Architects, an internationally recognized local firm, proposes a custom designed crane in the middle of a turntable. The crane would be a hydraulically operated, foldable structure that can carry a web of cables used to suspend banners and lights. "[A crane] speaks to the history of the location since there's often cranes in these train yards," said parks board commissioner Spencer Herbert, who acts a liaison to the Roundhouse.
The Roundhouse, constructed between 1886 and 1888, was a repair shed for steam locomotives and later, for diesel locomotives.
A collar-like canopy is proposed along the community centre so events can spill outside in rainy weather. The plaza is projected to hold 500 to 750 people, depending on the set up. Food kiosks and new benches are included. Misters that spurt "steam" for children to play could be added.
"It is minimal in its approach and I think that lets us continue to appreciate the real heritage nature and look and feel of the Roundhouse plaza," Adams said.
With a Canada Line station set to open across Pacific in November 2009, the Roundhouse wants to welcome the expected influx of visitors. It wants to see people lounging, socializing, possibly exercising and shopping at flea or farmers' markets in the plaza by day and performances--that wouldn't run past 10 p.m.--at night.
The redesign is estimated to cost a minimum of $1 million for the crane, canopy and tents.
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. I did not know I would have to walk by one everyday at Robson & Richards. It will be all graffiti'd up in no time, and end up being a nuisance / eyesore more than anything. The one in Calgary on 17th avenue is a good example, and any public toilet on the streets I have ever seen. So yes, it is a nice concept, but the West is just not mature enough to have anything nice, including bus shelters, and public benches 
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