Saskatoon Construction

[Ruckus]

We should expect similar realities reflected locally after city planners review, re-draft, and publicly release Saskatoon's long term growth plan.

Plan for the future, a future with high costs for those residents and communities whom rely heavily on single occupancy, gasoline powered automobiles as the primary mode of urban mobility.

[Jonitecture]

SO, i went to the River Landing water park today, because i believe temperatures were way above thirty. The park is pretty interesting, and obviously refreshing. I still have some doubts to whether it was the BEST use of that land, but on days like this it does draw a lot of people. the pavillion is not yet open, and i still do not understand what it is really meant to be used for. but both phase 1 and 2 both seem to be steaming along so amen for that.
Kind of a pointless post....but no one has in a few days so i thought i should get discussion flowing again.

[kgc087]

Originally Posted by Jonitecture

SO, i went to the River Landing water park today, because i believe temperatures were way above thirty. The park is pretty interesting, and obviously refreshing. I still have some doubts to whether it was the BEST use of that land, but on days like this it does draw a lot of people. the pavillion is not yet open, and i still do not understand what it is really meant to be used for. but both phase 1 and 2 both seem to be steaming along so amen for that.
Kind of a pointless post....but no one has in a few days so i thought i should get discussion flowing again.

I was also by the new water park and I have to say that I was a little bit dissapointed. I was hoping or I should say expecting alot more water but I feel it is a great addition to the riverlanding and really makes it a multi use and family destination which may encourage young urban families to locate themselves d/t.

[kgc087]

I was in Saskatoon for the weekend and I have to say the city was stunning. I brought a friend with me who's from Montreal and currently living in Calgary who is thinking of moving there and she also said the city was amazing. She said it had charm, character and just enough bustle to make it feel like a bigger city. Saskatoon is truely one of the most beautiful cities in western Canada. I just thought I'd pass this on even though it is unnecassary it's always nice to hear when first timers have a strong positive first impression

[joelpiecowye]

i thought u live in saskatoon? it says so on ur location

well anyways did anyone see the canada day fireworks, i thought they were allright but they should have done it by the traffic bridge like the time when they celebrated its 100th birthday

[eric121]

Originally Posted by joelpiecowye

i thought u live in saskatoon? it says so on ur location

well anyways did anyone see the canada day fireworks, i thought they were allright but they should have done it by the traffic bridge like the time when they celebrated its 100th birthday

Apparently once the south bridge is built they will no longer be able to set the fireworks off in Diefenbaker park (This is according to one of the event organizers) so you may just get your wish soon. I'd love to have the festivities and fireworks downtown on the river bank instead. If I'm not mistaken, didn't city council vote a while back to close the Traffic bridge for 3 days later this summer for a Fireworks competition?

[kgc087]

Originally Posted by joelpiecowye

i thought u live in saskatoon? it says so on ur location

well anyways did anyone see the canada day fireworks, i thought they were allright but they should have done it by the traffic bridge like the time when they celebrated its 100th birthday

I'm just temporarly in Calgary so I didn't change it, I'm back in mid august. I would really love to see a fire works competition in the downtown. It would be sensational!

[Wyku]

I'm for the idea that the fireworks should be downtown on the river as well. They were awesome when they did Saskatoon's 100-year celebration and the best I've seen here. Having the fireworks at Diefenbaker is sort of like not having Sask Place downtown. Everyone has to, more or less, file to one place and then they all have to file out at the same time through a couple of exits making it TERRIBLE leaving the event. Granted you can watch the fireworks outside of the park, but it's not the same IMO. Having it downtown people can be close enough in a bunch of different places and the traffic isn't anywhere near as bad when the fireworks are over. Plus having the fireworks over the water makes them way cooler

[Wyku]

The Police Station parking lot as been cleared out for a crew doing some soil samples for the Lighthouse project .

[madsad]

While walking down College Drive past campus, I noticed the last house standing at the SW corner of Monroe being loaded on to a truck. This was the remaining house of the College Drive mystery development, where 4-5 other houses where demolished, but this one (on the corner) remained, and was seemingly renovated. Now, it is hoisted off the foundation and carted off... after being reno'd...interesting...

[joelpiecowye]

hmm sounds interesting well anyways went down broadway and the luxe is progessing well most of the foundation is completed already, they are working on it quite fast unlike most projects in saskatoon

[drm310]

The Barry Hotel's days are numbered
By Rod Nickel, TheStarPhoenix.com
Published: Thursday, July 03, 2008

SASKATOON - The Barry Hotel's 95-year history comes to an end within weeks.

But first, it's getting one last moment in the limelight.

Canadian TV drama Rabbit Fall is preparing to shoot scenes in the hallway and one room of the notorious hotel next week, just before crews arrive to remove asbestos.

"I guess that will be one of the last hurrahs," said Kelly Kehoe, a Realty Executives commercial agent working with the Barry's owner, Tom Maltman. The production crew is giving the room a thorough cleaning and new coat of paint.

"People are going to want to move back in if we're not careful," Kehoe said.

Asbestos removal is expected to take several weeks. Demolition should start by the end of July and take six weeks, said Silverado Demolition manager Al Sarich.

Sorting the rubble accounts for about half of the demolition time, he said.

"Anything that can be recycled is going to be recycled."

Maltman isn't in a hurry to redevelop the Avenue B and 20th Street site, Kehoe said. Maltman has talked about a new building with retail on the ground floor, office space and condos.

"I think he's going to reflect on what he's got there and any good ideas that get presented to us," Kehoe said. "He's looking at some interesting things that could add to the neighbourhood."

Maltman didn't return messages left by The StarPhoenix.

Built in 1913, the Barry Hotel has in recent years become the bull's eye for Saskatoon crime. Police responded to 616 calls there last year, four times as many as the next most troubling location. The site, however, is only a block from the west phase of River Landing, one of the largest redevelopment projects in the city's history.

The decision to demolish the Barry has already fuelled a rush of interest in land, said Randy Pshebylo, executive director of the Riversdale Business Improvement District (BID).

"People want land around here now that they know the Barry's closed," he said. Developers from as far away as Calgary and Toronto have contacted the BID inquiring about buying parcels of land. The rest of the block of Avenue B between 20th and 19th Street adjacent to River Landing is particularly popular, Pshebylo said.

"The fact that we in Riversdale are becoming a choice location to rebuild, I find not only interesting but very exciting."

Source

[kgc087]

Originally Posted by drm310

The Barry Hotel's days are numbered
By Rod Nickel, TheStarPhoenix.com
Published: Thursday, July 03, 2008

SASKATOON - The Barry Hotel's 95-year history comes to an end within weeks.

But first, it's getting one last moment in the limelight.

Canadian TV drama Rabbit Fall is preparing to shoot scenes in the hallway and one room of the notorious hotel next week, just before crews arrive to remove asbestos.

"I guess that will be one of the last hurrahs," said Kelly Kehoe, a Realty Executives commercial agent working with the Barry's owner, Tom Maltman. The production crew is giving the room a thorough cleaning and new coat of paint.

"People are going to want to move back in if we're not careful," Kehoe said.

Asbestos removal is expected to take several weeks. Demolition should start by the end of July and take six weeks, said Silverado Demolition manager Al Sarich.

Sorting the rubble accounts for about half of the demolition time, he said.

"Anything that can be recycled is going to be recycled."

Maltman isn't in a hurry to redevelop the Avenue B and 20th Street site, Kehoe said. Maltman has talked about a new building with retail on the ground floor, office space and condos.

"I think he's going to reflect on what he's got there and any good ideas that get presented to us," Kehoe said. "He's looking at some interesting things that could add to the neighbourhood."

Maltman didn't return messages left by The StarPhoenix.

Built in 1913, the Barry Hotel has in recent years become the bull's eye for Saskatoon crime. Police responded to 616 calls there last year, four times as many as the next most troubling location. The site, however, is only a block from the west phase of River Landing, one of the largest redevelopment projects in the city's history.

The decision to demolish the Barry has already fuelled a rush of interest in land, said Randy Pshebylo, executive director of the Riversdale Business Improvement District (BID).

"People want land around here now that they know the Barry's closed," he said. Developers from as far away as Calgary and Toronto have contacted the BID inquiring about buying parcels of land. The rest of the block of Avenue B between 20th and 19th Street adjacent to River Landing is particularly popular, Pshebylo said.

"The fact that we in Riversdale are becoming a choice location to rebuild, I find not only interesting but very exciting."

Source

Wow that sounds great, really there is no better way to end the history of the Barry then with a bit of hollywood . I'm really excited to see what developers come up with for that location. Hopefully Tom won't be rediculous and decide to put in pay parking or something rediculous. I feel some stellar retail/condo/office spaces in that area with an ultra modern twist but still classic feel would really commence the redevelopment of this area. I feel 20th could become Saskatoons 17th Ave like in Calgary or Edmonton's White Ave. and extend downtown a ways down which would be nice!!

[Echoes]

Originally Posted by drm310

"People want land around here now that they know the Barry's closed," he said. Developers from as far away as Calgary and Toronto have contacted the BID inquiring about buying parcels of land. The rest of the block of Avenue B between 20th and 19th Street adjacent to River Landing is particularly popular, Pshebylo said.

This is the most exciting part of the article. Avenues B and C will be an important link between River Landing II and the 20th Street district. The two will most definitely compliment each other and new shops, condos and offices along B and C would be fantastic.

I really hope the Barry gets a suitable replacement. However, Maltman is yet to prove himself. He never did what he said he would do with the Adilman, at least not yet. And it's sitting empty again. The fact that he's not in a hurry to do something with the Barry site concerns me. How many years might it sit empty? Unless he plans to take his time in order to come up with something great, the longer it sits vacant the more I personally will be wishing the Barry was still around (but not as a seedy bar, of course). At present, Maltman is yet to impress us with his vision, if he has any.

At the very least, the demolition of the Barry will finally allow redevelopment and change elsewhere in Riversdale. And that is GREAT. However, my gut feeling tells me that what Maltman does with the Barry property won't be.

[Jerry]

Originally Posted by Country

This is the most exciting part of the article. Avenues B and C will be an important link between River Landing II and the 20th Street district. The two will most definitely compliment each other and new shops, condos and offices along B and C would be fantastic.

I really hope the Barry gets a suitable replacement. However, Maltman is yet to prove himself. He never did what he said he would do with the Adilman, at least not yet. And it's sitting empty again. The fact that he's not in a hurry to do something with the Barry site concerns me. How many years might it sit empty? Unless he plans to take his time in order to come up with something great, the longer it sits vacant the more I personally will be wishing the Barry was still around (but not as a seedy bar, of course). At present, Maltman is yet to impress us with his vision, if he has any.

At the very least, the demolition of the Barry will finally allow redevelopment and change elsewhere in Riversdale. And that is GREAT. However, my gut feeling tells me that what Maltman does with the Barry property won't be.

Not sure what Maltman had intended for the Adilman but it is currently available for sublease.

[Wyku]

Yeesh Country, do you even know anything about the man? He's not a rookie in real estate development by any means so don't give up hope just yet.

BTW, what did he say he would do with the Adilman building that has you in such a tizzy? I'm guessing we won't see much real action on either site until the snails paced construction of Phase II of Riverlanding finishes up.

[Echoes]

Originally Posted by Wyku

Yeesh Country, do you even know anything about the man? He's not a rookie in real estate development by any means so don't give up hope just yet.

BTW, what did he say he would do with the Adilman building that has you in such a tizzy? I'm guessing we won't see much real action on either site until the snails paced construction of Phase II of Riverlanding finishes up.

Just my gut feeling skepticism showing through in my post. I wouldn't be as suspicious of him if he were more open to the media. But, ultimately, it's up to him what he wants to tell the media and when. I guess that "no comment" doesn't necessarily mean "no clue what I'm doing." What other real estate developments does he have under his belt that you're aware of? I was under the impression he was just a veterinarian with cash and a good eye for promising investments.

I remember an article in the SP regarding the Adilman back when he bought it. He outlined plans to restore the building (as it clearly needs some TLC), creating retail spaces on the ground floor, offices above, as well as a neighborhood pub. I see from Jerry's post that office and retail space is available for sublease, but no noticeable restoration has been undertaken. He just seemed to speak quite highly of what he was going to do with the Adilman in the SP. Instead, it seems like little more than a change of ownership occurred.

Nonetheless, if he comes up with something for the Barry and Adilman with a "wow" factor then I'll be happy and with no complaints.

[Echoes]

River Landing eatery opens in new pavilion building
Rod Nickel, of The StarPhoenix
Published: Saturday, July 05, 2008

River Landing has the most expensive concrete walkways in the city, fancy landscaping and now an elaborate interpretive spraypark. But who can relax without food? The first food outlet in Phase 1 of River Landing opens at 3 p.m. today. Prairie Fare won the tender for the pavilion building in the Riverfront at River Landing.

"Everything came together and we had our inspection (Thursday)," said Mary Uzelman, who owns the business with husband Kevin Porfoun.

Prairie Fare is a takeout eatery whose menu includes ice cream, meat pies and bison hot dogs.

The pavilion, which includes public washrooms, cost $882,000.

"It's just a great little area that's going to be there," said Doug Porteous of Meewasin Valley Authority.

The city is planning to request proposals this fall for a second restaurant on the site, near the Traffic Bridge.

Meanwhile, the final piece of the spray park should be working within about a week, Porteous said. The bio-swale is a sand and plants wetland that naturally filters silt and chlorine from the water before it drains into the river. A small leak in the lining has caused the delay.

Mendel money on hold Vincent Varga is spending his first Saskatoon summer with all his fingers and toes crossed.

The new executive director and CEO of the Mendel Art Gallery is eager to expand, but for some federal foot-dragging.

Heritage Canada recently asked the Mendel to clarify a few points of its $6.6-million grant request.

"We're still quite optimistic, but there are a variety of things we need to satisfy," Varga said. The questions are standard queries about the finer points of the business plan, for example.

The Mendel already has cash commitments from the city ($4.6 million) and province ($4.1 million) toward the $21.5-million expansion.

Ottawa has given no hint of when it will have an answer, but the Mendel hopes to launch its private fundraising campaign this fall. Federal endorsement would go a long way toward opening donor chequebooks.

"What we want to be able to demonstrate is that we have broad-based support," Varga said. "That tends to resonate with funders at all levels." Destination attraction dreams It may be the most dreamt about parking lot in Saskatoon. If you have a fertile imagination, you can even picture a "destination attraction" attached to the river side of Persephone Theatre -- something that will be atop any tourist must-see list.

What the draw will be is anybody's guess, although a few ideas don't seem to go away -- a shrine to Joni Mitchell, a children's museum and a science centre.

Fact is, the site is a great location without a plan. That may soon change. A 13-member steering committee has asked for ideas from the public on what could complete the first phase of River Landing. The committee will then analyze the ideas and suggest a plan.

The University of Saskatchewan is one institution with its eye on the site. President Peter MacKinnon told university council recently an internal group is considering a U of S proposal.

[email protected]


© The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon) 2008

Source

^It will be interesting to see what the U of S might come up with!

[kgc087]

Originally Posted by Country

River Landing eatery opens in new pavilion building
Rod Nickel, of The StarPhoenix
Published: Saturday, July 05, 2008

River Landing has the most expensive concrete walkways in the city, fancy landscaping and now an elaborate interpretive spraypark. But who can relax without food? The first food outlet in Phase 1 of River Landing opens at 3 p.m. today. Prairie Fare won the tender for the pavilion building in the Riverfront at River Landing.

"Everything came together and we had our inspection (Thursday)," said Mary Uzelman, who owns the business with husband Kevin Porfoun.

Prairie Fare is a takeout eatery whose menu includes ice cream, meat pies and bison hot dogs.

The pavilion, which includes public washrooms, cost $882,000.

"It's just a great little area that's going to be there," said Doug Porteous of Meewasin Valley Authority.

The city is planning to request proposals this fall for a second restaurant on the site, near the Traffic Bridge.

Meanwhile, the final piece of the spray park should be working within about a week, Porteous said. The bio-swale is a sand and plants wetland that naturally filters silt and chlorine from the water before it drains into the river. A small leak in the lining has caused the delay.

Mendel money on hold Vincent Varga is spending his first Saskatoon summer with all his fingers and toes crossed.

The new executive director and CEO of the Mendel Art Gallery is eager to expand, but for some federal foot-dragging.

Heritage Canada recently asked the Mendel to clarify a few points of its $6.6-million grant request.

"We're still quite optimistic, but there are a variety of things we need to satisfy," Varga said. The questions are standard queries about the finer points of the business plan, for example.

The Mendel already has cash commitments from the city ($4.6 million) and province ($4.1 million) toward the $21.5-million expansion.

Ottawa has given no hint of when it will have an answer, but the Mendel hopes to launch its private fundraising campaign this fall. Federal endorsement would go a long way toward opening donor chequebooks.

"What we want to be able to demonstrate is that we have broad-based support," Varga said. "That tends to resonate with funders at all levels." Destination attraction dreams It may be the most dreamt about parking lot in Saskatoon. If you have a fertile imagination, you can even picture a "destination attraction" attached to the river side of Persephone Theatre -- something that will be atop any tourist must-see list.

What the draw will be is anybody's guess, although a few ideas don't seem to go away -- a shrine to Joni Mitchell, a children's museum and a science centre.

Fact is, the site is a great location without a plan. That may soon change. A 13-member steering committee has asked for ideas from the public on what could complete the first phase of River Landing. The committee will then analyze the ideas and suggest a plan.

The University of Saskatchewan is one institution with its eye on the site. President Peter MacKinnon told university council recently an internal group is considering a U of S proposal.

[email protected]


© The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon) 2008

Source

^It will be interesting to see what the U of S might come up with!

This is quite exciting, I feel like that area nees alot more retail which will come with the riverlanding village. I'm really curious to see what the U of S would propose...possibly some sort of science centre I feel like that would be an excellent tourist attraction and would ensure a steady flow of people through the cooler months since the school systems would utilize it.

[joelpiecowye]

the article sounds interesting, did anyone go to prairie fare yet?
and if the u of s gets the land i pray they will cover up the persephone's grey box they call a theatre