Saskatoon Construction

[kgc087]

I think aspiring for an LRT to be developed and implemented at a population of 500 000 would spell typical North American disaster for Saskatoon. This would mean that we would have followed the similar suburban road as every city and are only able to support such a form of transportation at this size. I think ideally and what the city is hoping for is that people will push for and desire to have densification occur which will enable the feasability of an lrt at a smaller population, ie. the Rennes example that was used pages back. I think an attitude of putting it down at our size will only lead to horrific city planning and lead to a spread out conglomerate that is despised by everyone. With the promotion of it hopefully we can curb the typical formation of North American cities and have one developed sooner.

[socialisthorde]

Originally Posted by kgc087

I think aspiring for an LRT to be developed and implemented at a population of 500 000 would spell typical North American disaster for Saskatoon. This would mean that we would have followed the similar suburban road as every city and are only able to support such a form of transportation at this size. I think ideally and what the city is hoping for is that people will push for and desire to have densification occur which will enable the feasability of an lrt at a smaller population, ie. the Rennes example that was used pages back. I think an attitude of putting it down at our size will only lead to horrific city planning and lead to a spread out conglomerate that is despised by everyone. With the promotion of it hopefully we can curb the typical formation of North American cities and have one developed sooner.

I would agree from an idealistic level and will do everything in my power to encourage it. However, my experience tells me that the majority here are not likely to embrace it until it is almost too late. I agree wholeheartedly that it is a mistake to follow the lead of Edmonton, Calgary and particularly Winnipeg as those cities will always be bigger than us and therefore we cannot compete (for population, economic growth etc.) as a suburban city. they will always do that bigger and better than we can. The only way to differentiate ourselves is to be different and being ahead of the curve in terms of things like transit would be a great way.

[shmakim]

Originally Posted by socialisthorde

I would agree from an idealistic level and will do everything in my power to encourage it. However, my experience tells me that the majority here are not likely to embrace it until it is almost too late. I agree wholeheartedly that it is a mistake to follow the lead of Edmonton, Calgary and particularly Winnipeg as those cities will always be bigger than us and therefore we cannot compete (for population, economic growth etc.) as a suburban city. they will always do that bigger and better than we can. The only way to differentiate ourselves is to be different and being ahead of the curve in terms of things like transit would be a great way.

I don't mean to discourage the development of mass transit, I just think that LRT is impractical and overly expensive for our current and future populations, and BRT would be much more feasible. I saw Bogota's "TransMilenio" BRT and it gets a million riders a day (in a city of 8 million). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transmilenio that's 13% ridership everyday.

Now, simply because we _are_ a North American city, with roads roads roads, I think that making use of that existing infrastructure would better suit our situation. When speaking of BRT, we don't have to think in terms of 25 year plans, we can think in terms of 5 year plans. I bet if the decision was made today to go ahead with a BRT system in Saskatoon, it could be operational in 5 years.

How about a park'n'ride as part of that 23 acres of nothing in Erindale, with a BRT line going straight downtown, and buses leaving every 10 minutes? It'd take a lot of traffic off Circle and Attridge.

[swilley]

Fingers crossed for financing
Mega-project developers hope to weather credit crunch

Rod Nickel
The StarPhoenix
Friday, October 17, 2008

The developers behind three major construction projects in the city's core are confident of getting bank financing despite the global economic crisis.

Stoneset Equities is designing the province's tallest building, a $66-million, 28-storey residential tower next to the police station downtown. Lake Placid Developments plans to start moving dirt this year in River Landing on its $200-million-plus Urban Village, while a development corporation is planning an environmentally sensitive housing project at Avenue C and 19th Street.

All three need to borrow, but haven't yet secured bank financing.

Whether Stoneset can borrow what it needs "is a million-dollar question," said Tony Argento, CEO of Stoneset Equities.The Stoneset project includes $13 million in provincial government funds for assisted-living units, which should help bring a lender onside, Argento said.

Banks are now demanding developers come up with 40 per cent of capital costs themselves, with financing available for up to 60 per cent, Argento said.

Another factor in favour of local projects finding financing is the strong economic outlook for Saskatoon, he said. TD Economics forecast on Thursday that Saskatchewan's economy will continue to grow at rates well above the national mark for the next two years.

"(Saskatoon) doesn't seem to have slowed down," Argento said.

The Stoneset tower will include 120 assisted living units owned by the Lighthouse Supported Living Inc. and 116 market-rate housing units owned by Stoneset. If the slowdown hits any segment of the Saskatchewan residential sector, it's likely to be the cottage market, not condos and apartments, Argento said.

"As long as there's willing buyers, we should be OK." Stoneset officials will be in Saskatoon next week, hoping to sign an agreement with Sask. Housing to build the tower.
Lake Placid CEO Michael Lobsinger is planning the costliest private sector project in Saskatoon's recent history. He won't say how he plans to finance the hotel-residential-office-retail project, but doesn't expect any obstacles.

"I'll finance it my own way and that's none of anybody's business," he said. "I'm very optimistic or I wouldn't have spent $3 million to $4 million already just on plans and getting as far as I have."

The company starts taking deposits on condos next week. Sales manager Richard Lobsinger, the CEO's son, has moved to Saskatoon.

An agreement is "very close" with a hotel chain to build a 12-storey inn at the Urban Village, Michael Lobsinger said.

"We've had an incredible reception on all facets of this project . . . from hotel flags and hotel operators, commercial tenants, retailers and just a phenomenal response on the residential component."

Prairie Ecovillage Development Corp., like Lake Placid, has attracted great interest but still needs to raise the money.

More than 100 prospective buyers have placed $1,000 deposits on 67 to 70 environmentally friendly housing units to be built at the west end of River Landing by 2010. The development corporation will look for financing of the $30-million project early in the new year after completing design work.

"The economic situation that's currently happening has not clarified itself," said Rick Olmstead, co-development manager of Rivergreen Ecovillage.

"Everyone's in the same boat. Lenders are changing rules for borrowing, market conditions are shifting.

"The current situation is causing everybody to give their head a shake." Banks might be more hesitant to loan money, but the financing they are approving is at reduced interest rates, a major benefit to Ecovillage, Olmstead said.

[email protected]

Source

___

Should hear something next week about this!

[kgc087]

Originally Posted by swilley

Fingers crossed for financing
Mega-project developers hope to weather credit crunch

Rod Nickel
The StarPhoenix
Friday, October 17, 2008

The developers behind three major construction projects in the city's core are confident of getting bank financing despite the global economic crisis.

Stoneset Equities is designing the province's tallest building, a $66-million, 28-storey residential tower next to the police station downtown. Lake Placid Developments plans to start moving dirt this year in River Landing on its $200-million-plus Urban Village, while a development corporation is planning an environmentally sensitive housing project at Avenue C and 19th Street.

All three need to borrow, but haven't yet secured bank financing.

Whether Stoneset can borrow what it needs "is a million-dollar question," said Tony Argento, CEO of Stoneset Equities.The Stoneset project includes $13 million in provincial government funds for assisted-living units, which should help bring a lender onside, Argento said.

Banks are now demanding developers come up with 40 per cent of capital costs themselves, with financing available for up to 60 per cent, Argento said.

Another factor in favour of local projects finding financing is the strong economic outlook for Saskatoon, he said. TD Economics forecast on Thursday that Saskatchewan's economy will continue to grow at rates well above the national mark for the next two years.

"(Saskatoon) doesn't seem to have slowed down," Argento said.

The Stoneset tower will include 120 assisted living units owned by the Lighthouse Supported Living Inc. and 116 market-rate housing units owned by Stoneset. If the slowdown hits any segment of the Saskatchewan residential sector, it's likely to be the cottage market, not condos and apartments, Argento said.

"As long as there's willing buyers, we should be OK." Stoneset officials will be in Saskatoon next week, hoping to sign an agreement with Sask. Housing to build the tower.
Lake Placid CEO Michael Lobsinger is planning the costliest private sector project in Saskatoon's recent history. He won't say how he plans to finance the hotel-residential-office-retail project, but doesn't expect any obstacles.

"I'll finance it my own way and that's none of anybody's business," he said. "I'm very optimistic or I wouldn't have spent $3 million to $4 million already just on plans and getting as far as I have."

The company starts taking deposits on condos next week. Sales manager Richard Lobsinger, the CEO's son, has moved to Saskatoon.

An agreement is "very close" with a hotel chain to build a 12-storey inn at the Urban Village, Michael Lobsinger said.

"We've had an incredible reception on all facets of this project . . . from hotel flags and hotel operators, commercial tenants, retailers and just a phenomenal response on the residential component."

Prairie Ecovillage Development Corp., like Lake Placid, has attracted great interest but still needs to raise the money.

More than 100 prospective buyers have placed $1,000 deposits on 67 to 70 environmentally friendly housing units to be built at the west end of River Landing by 2010. The development corporation will look for financing of the $30-million project early in the new year after completing design work.

"The economic situation that's currently happening has not clarified itself," said Rick Olmstead, co-development manager of Rivergreen Ecovillage.

"Everyone's in the same boat. Lenders are changing rules for borrowing, market conditions are shifting.

"The current situation is causing everybody to give their head a shake." Banks might be more hesitant to loan money, but the financing they are approving is at reduced interest rates, a major benefit to Ecovillage, Olmstead said.

[email protected]

Source

___

Should hear something next week about this!

This is very encouraging news! I do agree that the Saskatoon housing market will not be as greatly affected as other markets such as vaction homes, etc. This may also be a great opportunity for the city to reinforce its growth and hopefully this will trigger an interest in investors across Canada and North America!

In regards to a BRT vs. LRT, I do agree that right now a BRT would be much more practical but I also think that through innovative urban planning and development Saskatoon will be able to sustainably run an LRT with a smaller population simply b/c of densification and diversification.

[babtown]

Some potentially great news for the city... I just came from the lake placid River Landing development office (open everyday from noon - 5), and was told by the CEO's son that they were looking closely at other projects in the city! Let's hope they take over the condo / church project on Spadina from Remai

[jaysfan99]

Originally Posted by babtown

Some potentially great news for the city... I just came from the lake placid River Landing development office (open everyday from noon - 5), and was told by the CEO's son that they were looking closely at other projects in the city! Let's hope they take over the condo / church project on Spadina from Remai

While they are at it, they should take over the 2nd ave lofts, and the Rumley. Both projects are taking way too long, and then work is second rate.

[craneSpotter]

Originally Posted by babtown

Some potentially great news for the city... I just came from the lake placid River Landing development office (open everyday from noon - 5), and was told by the CEO's son that they were looking closely at other projects in the city! Let's hope they take over the condo / church project on Spadina from Remai

Not to shit on your parade, but Lake Placid is pretty small potatoes.

They will have trouble securing funds in todays market for anything they attempt.

Good luck tho, just don't put to much faith in a small time developer like LP.

[Dalreg]

Originally Posted by craneSpotter

Not to shit on your parade, but Lake Placid is pretty small potatoes.

They will have trouble securing funds in todays market for anything they attempt.

Good luck tho, just don't put to much faith in a small time developer like LP.

At least they are attempting something outside the retirement zone of Canada. Good for Saskatoon for starting/building something more than most small cities at present.

[kgc087]

Ok! I have finally sat down and composed a letter to council expressing my personal disappointment as well as the forums disappointment regarding Remai's proposal for the condo by St. John's. Please contribute anything extra you would like to see in the letter or make any changes you feel is necessary!! As well be kind I have been pretty overwhelmed with school so it is not my best composition. If anyone has any other images they would like included in this letter that haven't already been posted please post them now and I will work them in!

Dear Council,

During the past week the Star Phoenix published the possible rendering from the Remai Group for a new 15 storey condo beside St. John’s Anglican cathedral. I can’t express my disappointment enough. I am not opposed to the idea of densification and infill in fact I am an avid supporter of condo developments. Saskatoon is frequently referred to as one of the most beautiful cities in Canada or as many say, “The Paris of the Prairies”. In Paris there are no monstrosities such as this. The following is a reflection of my own personal opinion and that of many individuals on the Saskatoon construction forum on www.SkyScraperpage.com

This condo is a generic, uninspiring brick box. The replications to the Riverfront are outstanding:


This format of building design is dated and non conducive to a healthy vibrant city core. First the building does not compliment the cathedral very well. Using red bricks and adding pointed arches does not entice the architecture of the cathedral. In fact it makes it look like a cheap attempt at some form of heritage design. As well the cedar shingles bring an element of mountain lodge to the design. This is Saskatoon not Canmore. As well there are no ground level amenities which make for little pedestrian interest in the area.

Saskatoon is a young, small city with the potential to be one of the most well planned and aesthetically pleasing urban centers in North America! Positive, smart city planning now will pave the way for a successful future. Being prudent about architectural controls will really help reinforce a cohesive image for Saskatoon. By allowing structures like this to be constructed, Saskatoon will not shine, it will be dull and uninspiring. Compared to European standards Canadian developers have no ambition for aesthetics. By shifting focus from dollars to aesthetics a unique city will be developed. By forcing developers through codes to modernize and constantly showcase innovative ideas we will portray ourselves as an advanced city.

The location of this development is one of the top locations in the city, therefore, one of the most beautiful and inventive structures should be constructed there. St. John’s cathedral is a major architectural asset for the city. A building which is just as spectacular should be constructed to allow for its own individuality as well as for the complement of St. John’s. I have discussed with several individuals on a preferential shape for the area and the overall idea was something terraced to allow for the main emphasis to be on the cathedral. As well allowing for more glass and masonry work will really aid the reinforcement of a modern city. The following images are samples of excellent structures for this location; innovative, inspiring, cohesive and complimentary:

Centuria on the park – Calgary – LPDI (modified to better compliment St. John’s)


Ideal structure sample rendering by SkyScraperpage.com


Urban example of condos and possible mixed use – SkyScraperpage.com


An excellent example of modernism complimented by traditional accents – SkyScraperpage.com

An outstanding example of an innovative and VERY inspiring building which would create a decent match with the cathedral through the concept of architectural tension – SkyScraperpage.com

Another example of innovative and inspiring modern architecture which would compliment through tension – SkyScraperpage.com

The previous photos are all examples of EXCELLENT alternatives to what Remai has proposed. They all have a very urban feel which will help reinforce that Saskatoon is a cosmopolitan centre. As well they all look towards the future and will hold as architectural landmarks for many years to come. What Remai has proposed is very suburban in style and has very little architectural value which is already dated in style.

Council did not let a mediocre project pass through for Riverlanding, why would you compensate your integrity for any other part of downtown? Establish some sort of architectural understanding which will promote the construction of an innovative and inspiring structure worthy of Spadina Cres. and downtown Saskatoon. Think to the future, create the cosmopolitan “Paris of the Prairie” you so desire, do not allow this to be constructed.

[Ruckus]

Selection of Downtown and University images, from today.
_________________________

Discovery Plaza


Sturdy Stone Centre


Princeton Towers


3rd Ave Mall and Saskatoon Tower


Looking east down 23rd Street; Luther Tower in the distance.




Sturdy Stone and Mall On 3rd Ave




Radisson Hotel




Saskatoon Tower, Police HQ, Saskatoon Square, Frances Morrison Main Library


6th Avenue


Spadina Crescent






Mixed use development on College (rental homes demolished over summer of this year).


Health Sciences














College of Law


Arts Tower




Murray Building - Main Library


Health Sciences


Observatory

[newflyer]

Very nice set.. thanks.

I have always thought Saskatoon is an attractive city, but there are many overhead wires. Whats the chances of those being moved below ground?

[midnightrambler]

Originally Posted by newflyer

Very nice set.. thanks.

I have always thought Saskatoon is an attractive city, but there are many overhead wires. Whats the chances of those being moved below ground?

I agree, why is there so many overhead wires allong 3rd ave? I am sure they can bury them underground.

As for the letter, I agree. I do not approve of Remai building a stucco box on spadina.

[joelpiecowye]

took hope photos at night today, hope you like them, anyways with the letter i think it is pretty good one of the main reasons i dont want it to be built is because the church will be blocked, it is one of the signature pieces of our skyline, if you block it, block it with something worth while, not a stucco square

[Echoes]

GREAT pics jp!

I especially like the second one taken from the Broadway bridge. The pano is cool too. Keep it up.

[jaysfan99]

_________________________



Murray Building - Main Library




Does anyone know what is being done to the Murray Building? Looks like new windows on the top floor. I hope they add windows all around, looks better.

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by kgc087

Ok! I have finally sat down and composed a letter to council expressing my personal disappointment as well as the forums disappointment regarding Remai's proposal for the condo by St. John's. Please contribute anything extra you would like to see in the letter or make any changes you feel is necessary!! As well be kind I have been pretty overwhelmed with school so it is not my best composition. If anyone has any other images they would like included in this letter that haven't already been posted please post them now and I will work them in!

Dear Council,

During the past week the Star Phoenix published the possible rendering from the Remai Group for a new 15 storey condo beside St. John’s Anglican cathedral. I can’t express my disappointment enough. I am not opposed to the idea of densification and infill in fact I am an avid supporter of condo developments. Saskatoon is frequently referred to as one of the most beautiful cities in Canada or as many say, “The Paris of the Prairies”. In Paris there are no monstrosities such as this. The following is a reflection of my own personal opinion and that of many individuals on the Saskatoon construction forum on www.SkyScraperpage.com

This condo is a generic, uninspiring brick box. The replications to the Riverfront are outstanding:


This format of building design is dated and non conducive to a healthy vibrant city core. First the building does not compliment the cathedral very well. Using red bricks and adding pointed arches does not entice the architecture of the cathedral. In fact it makes it look like a cheap attempt at some form of heritage design. As well the cedar shingles bring an element of mountain lodge to the design. This is Saskatoon not Canmore. As well there are no ground level amenities which make for little pedestrian interest in the area.

Saskatoon is a young, small city with the potential to be one of the most well planned and aesthetically pleasing urban centers in North America! Positive, smart city planning now will pave the way for a successful future. Being prudent about architectural controls will really help reinforce a cohesive image for Saskatoon. By allowing structures like this to be constructed, Saskatoon will not shine, it will be dull and uninspiring. Compared to European standards Canadian developers have no ambition for aesthetics. By shifting focus from dollars to aesthetics a unique city will be developed. By forcing developers through codes to modernize and constantly showcase innovative ideas we will portray ourselves as an advanced city.

The location of this development is one of the top locations in the city, therefore, one of the most beautiful and inventive structures should be constructed there. St. John’s cathedral is a major architectural asset for the city. A building which is just as spectacular should be constructed to allow for its own individuality as well as for the complement of St. John’s. I have discussed with several individuals on a preferential shape for the area and the overall idea was something terraced to allow for the main emphasis to be on the cathedral. As well allowing for more glass and masonry work will really aid the reinforcement of a modern city. The following images are samples of excellent structures for this location; innovative, inspiring, cohesive and complimentary:

Centuria on the park – Calgary – LPDI (modified to better compliment St. John’s)


Ideal structure sample rendering by SkyScraperpage.com


Urban example of condos and possible mixed use – SkyScraperpage.com


An excellent example of modernism complimented by traditional accents – SkyScraperpage.com

An outstanding example of an innovative and VERY inspiring building which would create a decent match with the cathedral through the concept of architectural tension – SkyScraperpage.com

Another example of innovative and inspiring modern architecture which would compliment through tension – SkyScraperpage.com

The previous photos are all examples of EXCELLENT alternatives to what Remai has proposed. They all have a very urban feel which will help reinforce that Saskatoon is a cosmopolitan centre. As well they all look towards the future and will hold as architectural landmarks for many years to come. What Remai has proposed is very suburban in style and has very little architectural value which is already dated in style.

Council did not let a mediocre project pass through for Riverlanding, why would you compensate your integrity for any other part of downtown? Establish some sort of architectural understanding which will promote the construction of an innovative and inspiring structure worthy of Spadina Cres. and downtown Saskatoon. Think to the future, create the cosmopolitan “Paris of the Prairie” you so desire, do not allow this to be constructed.

Expressing your thoughts passionately is admirable

Your statements related to design standards and advancing our city architecturally are most appropriate. I'm not sure if you're aware, but the City is currently reviewing downtown development approval criteria and they intend to include aesthetic appeal to their list of criteria. Unfortunately, they've publicly stated that the downtown development plan won't be complete and adopted until early 2010 (If my memory serves correct). So between now and then their ability to approve or disapprove new developments is based on the current zoning regulations (which only take minimal consideration into design; minimum setback, height, a few other lesser elements), and beyond the current zoning regulations the city states that it is powerless to disapprove a development permit for new construction . That being said, they do intend to modify the height restrictions, as well as putting restrictions/disincentives on developers who demolish structures for temporary parking lots, as well as incentives for ground floor retail.

Of course, there are other legal means available to prevent further visual degradation to our downtown which I'm sure some city officials and the general public wouldn't hesitate in using.

As I see it, the primary criticisms of Remai's proposal are: cookie cutter approach (e.g. see nearby Riverfront condo by Remai); the materials for the tower (e.g. stucco); bland rectangular box design is a poor complement to St. Johns Church; no ground level retail (e.g. cafe integrated with the common green space); does not add distinctive architectural value to Spadina skyline.

Positive elements for the proposal (some of you may disagree): Some use of brick; acceptable height relative to the church spire; common green space between the podium and church.

I can't think of anything else at the moment.

Originally Posted by newflyer

Very nice set.. thanks.

I have always thought Saskatoon is an attractive city, but there are many overhead wires. Whats the chances of those being moved below ground?

Chances are pretty good, especially for areas of downtown that are on the list for beautification (e.g. like 3rd Avenue, which is depicted in the photo set). The city wants to make 3rd Avenue more pedestrian friendly, possibly adding angle parking, or keeping parallel parking and adding boulevards and bulbing on the corners as well as adding bike lanes.

I would assume burying the lines would be part of that process because the other beautified downtown streets lack overhead electrical lines.

In a couple of years those photos from the Downtown Bus Terminal will look remarkably different with a beautified 3rd Avenue and redeveloped Downtown Terminal, which includes the construction of a 2-3 storey building housing Transit Customer Service, space for passengers waiting for their bus, and possibly a few shops (e.g. Tim Hortons was mentioned as something city officials would try to attract).

Originally Posted by jaysfan99

Does anyone know what is being done to the Murray Building? Looks like new windows on the top floor. I hope they add windows all around, looks better.

Part of an overall plan to develop the library as more than just a place of storing information. Before, the entire 6th floor housed books like any other floor of the library. Now, the 6th floor is mostly offices, with the remaining 25-30% space occupied by individual study carols and books.

They are gutting the ground floor (can't remember what they have planned for it, it used to have offices), the 1st floor was overhauled as well with increased classroom space. I recall something about a cafe, but can't remember where they intended to locate it.

I don't think they intend to add windows around the entire building for each floor, I could be mistaken though.

[drm310]

The main library renovations are detailed here. Here is a list of the university's other major projects.

Part of an overall plan to develop the library as more than just a place of storing information. Before, the entire 6th floor housed books like any other floor of the library. Now, the 6th floor is mostly offices, with the remaining 25-30% space occupied by individual study carols and books.

They are gutting the ground floor (can't remember what they have planned for it, it used to have offices), the 1st floor was overhauled as well with increased classroom space. I recall something about a cafe, but can't remember where they intended to locate it.

I don't think they intend to add windows around the entire building for each floor, I could be mistaken though.

[shmakim]

City enlists private sector to design, build bridge

Rod Nickel, The StarPhoenix
Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2008

The City of Saskatoon is test-driving a new approach to building its Circle Drive South project, turning over responsibility for design and construction to the private sector in hopes of saving time and money.

The city manages and designs most of its projects and tenders out the work to the private sector. The downside to that approach, particularly with big projects, is city staff are tied up and separate engineers and contractors carry out the work.

As unforeseen problems arise or costs inflate during construction, the city traditionally pays more.

With a design-build approach that will be used on Circle Drive South, the contractor takes the risk of cost increases. Frequently, design-build projects come in ahead of schedule because of time savings in giving the contractor responsibility for both design and construction.

Mayor Don Atchison calculates the design-build process, which will allow the contractor to do construction simultaneously on different pieces of the project, will push up the opening by 31/2 years, to 2012. That would be 99 years after a completed Circle Drive was envisioned for the city.

"We've been waiting since 1913. Don't you think it's time we went ahead?" he said after a meeting of council as an executive committee Monday.

The city will issue a request for proposals next month for a consultant to help define the project's scope. Within a few months, it will start assembling a short list of three contractors invited to submit a proposal. That work of coming up with a design, plan and cost estimate takes up to six months, for which the city would compensate all bidders.

The city has the final word on the project's design in the wording of its request for proposals and ultimate selection of the contractor, said Doug Drever, who's managing the project for the city. The look of the south bridge is one piece that's still anybody's guess, Atchison said.

"That will be something we have to deal with, how to make it architecturally pleasing," he said.

Once the contract is awarded, the design can't be substantially changed without adding cost, said Murray Totland, the city's general manager of infrastructure services.

In most cases, design-builds are cheaper, but they also generate some new costs. Along with compensating unsuccessful bidders for time spent on proposals, the city pays for a consultant instead of using city staff.

"We can never be assured we're saving money," Drever said.

In some design-build projects, the municipality asks the contractor to finance and maintain the new road or bridge as well as build it. The City of Saskatoon isn't going that far.

That's because the city can borrow money at a better rate than the private sector can, Drever said.

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by joelpiecowye

took hope photos at night today, hope you like them, anyways with the letter i think it is pretty good one of the main reasons i dont want it to be built is because the church will be blocked, it is one of the signature pieces of our skyline, if you block it, block it with something worth while, not a stucco square

[...]

I like the pano, very cool.

What kind of camera are you shooting with? Are those HDR images?

Oh, and on the topic of poor design considerations for Spadina, one of my urban geography professors ripped on Remai's Riverfront today during class while discussing the economic dimensions of cultural geography. It was encouraging to hear another Saskatonian speak out against poor urban design. My prof. was lamenting the poor street level interface and the overall blandness of the building, that it's not a building to remember/notice while strolling down Spadina...