London Construction - Development News Thread #1

[ldoto]

Originally Posted by GreatTallNorth2 Galleria general manager Lucas Blois said a national retailer is eyeing the former Rockwaters.

"We have significant interest on a large parcel of space and one of those retailers sells grocery items," Blois said.

Though Blois said he believes a food store will work in the mall, given the boom in residential development downtown, the decision lies with the retailer, whom he declined to identify

.

[ldoto]

Wed, August 13, 2008

Thames fountain faces work delays
This looks Cool good for the city!!!


A few ducks splashing in the Thames River were the only signs of life earlier this week at the construction site on Riverside Drive opposite Labatt Park.

Contractors and construction crews have been off the site for about two weeks, further delaying completion.

Workers are waiting on a part, said Andrew Macpherson, the city's parks manager.

"It's a two-stage project. Stage one -- getting the intake pipe into the river -- was completed back in July," he said.




"That work was contingent on weather forecasts and the level of the water in the river. Luckily enough they found a week where the water was low and the forecast was good and they . . . did that work."

It's the second stage of work -- installing the concrete chamber that houses the pumps and electrical components -- that's delayed.

"Right now, the contractors are waiting for the concrete chamber to come in," said Jeff Bruin, project co-ordinator for the City of London.

"It's not something that is pre-fabricated. It's all custom-made fittings for the pipes that are being used on the fountain and for the pumps."

Specifications for the chamber couldn't be measured until the intake pipe was in. And because it was such an important and expensive piece to purchase, workers needed to double-check the specifications before they were sent in, Bruin said.

The piece has been ordered, but its delivery has been delayed about two weeks, though they expect it to arrive soon, Bruin said.

"That should be arriving, likely within the week, so as soon as that comes onto the site, construction will commence again."

Once the part arrives, officials don't expect any further delays.

"We want to have all the pumps in place, the fountain installed, and be able to test and verify that it's working properly by the end of September," Bruin said.

FOUNTAIN FACTS

- The estate of Marjorie Blackburn, whose family once owned The Free Press and CFPL television and radio, has donated $450,000 to build the fountain.

- The City of London is spending $850,000 to improve landscaping and lighting and to build walkways and a viewing platform near the west bank of the river just south of the Dundas Street bridge.

- Modelled after a jet d'eau in Geneva, Switzerland, the fountain will have one large jet that will propel water 30 metres in the air and six smaller jets.

[forestcity]

Woodlot proposal riles residents

Wed, August 13, 2008

Housing plans for Westmount's Shuttleworth Bush stir opposition

By JENNIFER O'BRIEN, AND JENNI DUNNING
London Free Press

Last weekend, Roberta and Don Ambrose looked out their window to see a doe and two fawns grazing in their backyard.

It was a beautiful sight for the couple, whose Rosecliffe Terrace home backs onto the so-called Shuttleworth Bush -- one of the last woodlots in Westmount.

But the serenity is on hold in the neighbourhood these days, as the Ambroses and other residents are gearing up to fight a proposal to develop the private woodlot -- a two-hectare rolling ravine that's home to hundreds of mature trees, birds and deer.

Last night, upwards of 70 neighbours attended a tense meeting at city hall, where a planning consultant told them of plans to develop the woodlot as well as a city-owned property on Rosecliffe that would be used as an entrance road into the new development.

Kaizen Homes recently bought the property owned by Carle Shuttleworth and plans to build 22 single-family homes there, said Jack Davis of Jack E. Davis Holdings Ltd.

The entrance road would be one-third the size of a normal road to avoid impinging on nearby homes, he said.

But neighbours weren't happy by the news.

"We really think this is an outrageous act," Don Ambrose said yesterday. "This is a residential neighbourhood now, we don't want to see any development in that bush. It's far too sensitive. All this talk of preservation of trees by the city, well that's not going to happen because animals that have been in there for years . . . they'll be gone."

Ambrose wants the city to buy and preserve the land.

But it looks like Rosecliffe Terrace neighbours may be fighting a losing battle because the ravine -- private property attached to 633 Commissioners Rd. W. -- has long been zoned for "residential development," said an ecological planner at the city.

"People can try (to fight it) but we can't compel the owner," said Bonnie Bergsma from the city's planning department. "That's just one of the ones that are going to fall through the cracks and not be protected."

Ambrose said neighbours only learned of the possible development through a letter in the mail late last month from Davis. The letter invited residents to last night's meeting to discuss the "best possible development for the area."

But neighbours say the best possible development would be none at all.

They are especially concerned over the potential use of a city-owned property between two homes that could become the main road into a new community. "There is going to be crazy amounts of traffic," Salty Qazi said.

[ForestryW]

Good old London, always zoning carefully.

[ldoto]

Galleria Mall Undergoing Major Changes
Galleria London is about to get an extreme makeover.

The ever-growing number of people living downtown will be happy to hear a grocery store is possibly moving in where Rockwaters restaurant used to be.

A name change is also planned - it will be called Citi Plaza in the future.

A grocery store in the core is something downtown revitilization advocates have been demanding for a long time, now and residents living there say it's the one thing that's missing.

The London Free Press reports other plans for the new plaza include the Tim Hortons moving out and new retailers moving in.

The changes are ongoing and will be completed in the new year.

The building may look a little different as a new facade is being developed for part of the Wellington street exterior.

[Koolfire]

Originally Posted by forestcity

They are especially concerned over the potential use of a city-owned property between two homes that could become the main road into a new community. "There is going to be crazy amounts of traffic," Salty Qazi said.

The only thing crazy is that statement. Traffic into a cul-de-sac of 22 houses might have 200 vehicles day max. Assuming each house has 2 cars and they make 5 round trips a day. More likely the traffic will be less then 75 trips.

[ldoto]

Thu, August 14, 2008

Sun Life Financial wants to build industrial park -- on wrong side of boundary






A year after Deputy Mayor Tom Gosnell accused a "whining socialist cabal" on city council of impeding growth, the issue that sparked his anger has returned.

Insurance and financial services giant Sun Life Financial wants to build an industrial park in south London, but on the wrong side of a boundary set by city planners to manage growth -- the urban growth boundary.

While the request has been political fodder for a year, it wasn't until this summer that Sun Life filed an application with the city that proposes an industrial park featuring 11 buildings with 1.4 million square feet of floor space.

Yesterday, the city's planning staff recommended paying consultants $50,000 to study the potential benefits and costs of moving ahead -- a move stridently opposed by Controller Gina Barber.

Making a plea to other members of board of control, Barber warned that if council makes an exception for Sun Life, others won't buy more costly land that is earmarked for development and will choose instead to speculate on cheap land outside the urban growth boundary.




"Where is the lineup (of speculators) going to start?" she asked.

If the city makes an exception, it will be required by provincial regulations to take a comparable amount of city-owned land and make it off-limits for development -- something Barber opposes.

"That will drive the property value down. There's a lot of financial implications for the city," Barber said.

But her arguments didn't sway Gosnell, Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco-Best or Controller Bud Polhill, the latter pointing to a weak economy as reason to seriously consider an industrial park that would mean construction jobs and long-term employment.

"There are a lot of people crying out for work. I think we should do whatever we can to help them," Polhill said.

Gosnell again took a shot at his adversaries: "They just don't understand job creation, wealth creation."

Also supporting serious exploration of the proposal was the head of the London Economic Development Agency, Peter White. "Council seriously has to look at it," he said after the meeting.

The 47-hectare site Sun Life wants to develop is south of Wilton Grove Road and southeast of Highbury Avenue.

In return, the city would give up any thought of developing any time soon city-owned land of a similar size north of Huron Street where it intersects Veterans Memorial Parkway.

That loss to the city isn't significant, staff say, because that parcel isn't on the radar for development in the next 20 years, in part because it would be costly to services.

The Sun Life property is across from a city-owned industrial park. A consultant will estimate how much it would cost to extend water and sewer services. Planning staff would also have to consider the matter; the issues may include wetlands on and adjacent to the parcel.

[shark]

"People can try (to fight it) but we can't compel the owner," said Bonnie Bergsma from the city's planning department. "That's just one of the ones that are going to fall through the cracks and not be protected."


Shouldn't London's planning department try to do something about this ...or at least pretend they're going to try?

If over 70 residents showed up at a meeting to discuss this development, surely it's important enough to consider, instead of deciding before the process begins that it's just going to fall through the cracks.

[ForestryW]

I often wonder if there ARE planners in London or if it's all just a ruse.

[Koolfire]

The 70 people should have looked at the issue when the land was sold. If it's zoned for it, then it's too late. From a planning prospective it been looked at and resolved years ago and it was decided that it will be developed. The purchaser bought it with certain intent which is within zoning then it's not fair to the purchaser/landowner at this point. The only way that I can see this being a fair transaction is if the developer sells the land to the city as park land and the residents pay a percentage of the cost through an increase of taxes in their neighbourhood. Otherwise too bad so sad, the owner has the right to develop it and you should have checked the status of that land years ago.

I'm really getting sick of this attitude of no one told me the city was planning to build this one or allow this development. Zonings and area plans are public record and everyone should take the time to review their area so that there are no surprises. If there has to be a zoning change for this development then that is a different issue and objections are valid.

[london2020]

Anyone know what's happening with the Sarnia Road Bridge? It has been closed for 4 months, rather than the 6 weeks anticipated in April.

I heard a rumor the bridge will (eventually) be removed from the site and relocated to serve as a foot bridge somewhere else. Not sure if the rumor has any truth to it. Or maybe they're gonna leave it where it is and construct a new bridge adjacent.

[MolsonExport]

I pass by the bridge daily. And it is still closed off. Haven't seen anything going on there for some time.

[ldoto]

Update!!!!:

With 22 floors built, there are only five left to go on Tricar Groups Renaissance apartment project in downtown London. Planned as a -- $100-million, twin-tower development, the complex at King and Ridout streets includes four floors of above-ground parking and one below ground. The first tower, nearing completion, dominates the western end of the downtowns skyline.

[ldoto]

City council has rejected the demolition application for the Brunswick Hotel.

It was a close vote -- 9 to 8 -- but saves the historic hotel and tavern, at least for now. COOL

Heritage activists have been fighting to save the 'Wick from the wrecking ball after the owner recently announced plans to knock it down.

Now, the London Advisory Committee on Heritage will look at ways to use the building in a way that will spare it from demolition.

Councillor Judy Bryant says the building and the location have potential.

A report about potential uses for the 'Wick will be prepared for council, and Bryant thinks it may be done in time for their next meeting.

[ldoto]

The City of London is moving toward bending the rules on its official plan to allow the development of an industrial park.

Developer Sun Life Financial, has propsed the building of a major industrial park in southeast London.

The problem is, the property, on Wilton Grove road, sits just outside the urban growth boundary.

That's the borderline city planners use to manage growth.

To make the deal happen the city would have to remove from the boundary an equivalent area of city-owned lands.

Council has approved the hiring of a consultant to study the financial impact of the plan.

That will cost taxpayers $50,000.

[ldoto]

Originally Posted bysparky212
So did madalion get the ok or not???

I am not sure but look at these sites looking good!!!!!

http://www.medallioncorp.com/

http://www.blossomgate.com/

http://www.medallioncorp.com/medallionrents.htm

[ldoto]

Facebook helps keep 'the Wick' standing

Wed, August 20, 2008

One of the world's newest technologies has helped save -- for now at least -- one of London's oldest buildings from the wrecking ball.

With the Brunswick Hotel being threatened by demolition, those who wanted to save it launched a 'Save the Wick!' campaign on the social-networking website Facebook that more than 600 people had joined as of yesterday, most from London, but some from all over Canada and even other countries.

Supporters were provided with contact numbers and e-mails for 10 council members -- nine voted to seek heritage designation rather than issue a demolition permit. The 10th was absent.

Every one of those nine votes was critical -- council voted 9-8 to take steps that could protect the structure built in 1855.

"It's great," Controller Gina Barber said yesterday. "Facebook allowed for grassroots organizing. I think we're going to see more of that."




The activism may also make for a stronger case for heritage designation, said Joe O'Neil, who chairs the London Advisory Committee on Heritage.

It is O'Neil's committee that tomorrow will begin to build a case for historical designation, a task made easier, he said, by what he learned by those who saw the Facebook page.

While the long history of the hotel is known, those who read Facebook pointed to a second reason the building should be saved -- its role as a launching pad for independent and underground bands.

"It's really a grunge rock art incubator," O'Neil said. "That caught me totally off-guard."

That musical role gives the building cultural value, one of four criteria used to designate heritage properties -- along with history, architecture and and a building role in the streetscape or neighbourhood.

While history is the Brunswick's strong suit, its cultural role could serve as a tipping point in an decision.

Some of those who posted on the Facebook page also disputed claims by the owner of the Brunswick that the top two floors of the building were condemned -- some wrote that bands rented upper rooms for practice and storage space.

The Free Press was unable to reach the owner of the Brunswick yesterday.

Voting to seek heritage designation Monday were Barber and councillors David Winninger, Bill Armstrong, Nancy Branscombe, Judy Bryant, Steve Orser, Walter Lonc, Paul Hubert and Joni Baechler.

Opposing the designation were Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco-Best, controllers Tom Gosnell and Bud Polhill and councillors Harold Usher, Roger Caranci, Paul Van Meerbergen, Bernie MacDonald and Cheryl Miller.

[ldoto]

Update Pics!!!
Hanwha L & C Canada, Inc. announces $70 million investment in London, Ontario
announced plans to locate a manufacturing facility in London, Ontario to
produce HanStone Fine Quartz Surfaces. Their announcement represents an
initial capital investment of $70 million, with employment expected to exceed
150 associates when fully operational early next year.

This 200,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility will be located in
Innovation Park and will elevate Hanwha's ongoing commitment to
environmentally friendly production.

Hanwha Group is a global Fortune 500 company and is the 5th largest
industrial conglomerate based in Seoul Korea. This multi-national corporation
operates in plastics, industrial materials, automotive parts, and the chemical
industry.

"Hanwha's investment demonstrates strong confidence and commitment to our
country and our community," says Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco-Best. "We warmly
welcome the company and know they will be successful by establishing in
London."

Peter White, President and CEO of the London Economic Development
Corporation concurred with Mayor DeCicco-Best's thoughts, adding, "it has been
an absolute pleasure, and honour, for the LEDC team to work closely with such
a world class company.

This investment represents the largest announcement in
Ontario since the Toyota investment, based on size and dollars, and is a
testament to the strength of London's economy."

The first phase of Hanwha L & C Canada Inc.'s facility manufactures
HanStone Fine Quartz surfaces used for kitchen countertops, vanities and other
surfaces for residential and commercial applications. HanStones are currently
supplied to well known retail outlets such as Rona and IKEA.

Daniel Yu, the new President and CEO for Hanwha L & C Canada remarked,
"Our new facility being built in London, Ontario will be the most advanced
manufacturing plant in Fine Quartz Surface business. We will produce top
quality HanStone products to our customers from the new Canadian plant.

We are
confident our HanStone Fine Quartz Surface business will grow and be
successful in North America with the continued strong support and cooperation
from the City of London.

We greatly appreciate the community's warm welcome to
our company."

Hanwha L & C Canada is already planning future expansions. Phase II, in
approximately three years, will see the addition of a 180,000 square foot
facility and the creation of another 100 jobs. This commitment will be an
additional investment of $40 million.

[flar]

The 'Wick is now part of London's heritage. Hillarious!
But I am happy it has been saved.

[SlickFranky]

Demolition permit or not...the 'wick is coming down sooner rather than later. I'm all for preserving history, but it would take a pile of money just to keep that place from falling over. It was built as a low rent hotel/bar/brothel to fill demand during a boom...it was never meant to last 160 years. I can hardly believe the city allows a business to be run in a structure in that condition.
I'm siding with the (generally) douchy council members on this one. The old girl's in pain. Let her owner put her out of her misery.
Plus, I'm not sure if the building is so much "historic" as it is "old". There is a difference.