Park Hyatt (1128 W Georgia) | 197m | 62 fl | Completed

[EdinVan]

Originally Posted by Metro-One

Why do you think i am always pushing for more LED screens and tower lights.

I applaud your enthusiasm and advocacy. Yes, we really do need more LED screens and such to enliven the streets at night.

For my part, I've been emailing property owners of prominent buildings (eg, The Electra) to once again turn on some of their lights. Some have appreciated my messages and have complied. Others (the majority) have told me that neighbouring condo owners are insistent that all lights be turned off at night. This just amazes me. Vancouver is the only city in which commercial property owners roll over and let residential owners tell them what to do.

I really do agree with you --- you can't live downtown and except everything to be the way it is in suburbia. You can't have it both ways.

[eduardo88]

^^ they switched on the lights because you emailed them...?

[TwoFace]

Originally Posted by EdinVan

This just amazes me. Vancouver is the only city in which commercial property owners roll over and let residential owners tell them what to do.

You may have slept through what has been going on the last couple of years, such as: think green, carbon footprint, energy conservation, reduce waste, etc.
Not to mention that the corporate entities that own office towers are saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in Hydro fees each year.

[phesto]

As far as signage on top of Vancouver office buildings, owners aren't turning them off at night to save power (at least none that I know of).

Tenants pay big money as part of their lease to get a sign up there - I'm sure the energy required to light them is relatively little compared to other energy saving measures the tenant and building owner can take.

[SpongeG]

there just aren't that many big offices

lol

my friends when we drove past shangra la thought the lobby looked really asian tacky

[TwoFace]

Originally Posted by phesto

As far as signage on top of Vancouver office buildings, owners aren't turning them off at night to save power (at least none that I know of).

Tenants pay big money as part of their lease to get a sign up there - I'm sure the energy required to light them is relatively little compared to other energy saving measures the tenant and building owner can take.

I agree, "Corporate Name" or other type of advertising signage should be on all the time.
I was referring to every office and hallway light bulb being on 24/7 in an office skyscraper.

[officedweller]

The lights in TD Tower are on timers - janitorial staff are around during the evening and the timers shut the lights off at midnight - and again at 2:00 am if workers turn them on after midnight.

[city-dweller]

Now I have the correct thread....

On saturday, I went by SL to check out the lower development. The urban fairSL is fully stocked with non-perishibles (spl?) The side door was open so I 'accidently' took a look inside. Its going to be great! I talked to an UF employee setting up stuff (not sure what). Says SL location opens sometime this month (november). As for the exterior, I am not a huge fan of bamboo. I know it is part of the SL Asian theme, but doesn't at all fit west coast. And it is one of the most pervasive invasive species. They have to burn it to the root to truely get rid of it. That said, downtown should make that issue irrelevant. The landscaping looks impressive though. The grade at which the banks follow either side of the stairs on either side of the building, took a lot of what looks like dirt-bags (like sand bags but dirt). Couldn't sneak up the stairs to take a look at what I think is the spa entrance?

[SpongeG]

theres two kinds of bamboo though - one is really bad and the other doesn't spread as much which is usually used around here

[squeezied]

just a request here:

would anyone be generous enough to take a few shots of SL? i'm dying to see what the interior looks like. school's been a drag so i haven't really had the time to "tour" around.

[EdinVan]

Originally Posted by eduardo88

^^ they switched on the lights because you emailed them...?

Some did, yes (in most cases, the issue was more that signage lightbulbs were burnt out and nobody was aware of it).

[EdinVan]

Originally Posted by TwoFace

You may have slept through what has been going on the last couple of years, such as: think green, carbon footprint, energy conservation, reduce waste, etc.
Not to mention that the corporate entities that own office towers are saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in Hydro fees each year.

Yes, I've slept through the last couple of years.

I was referring to building signage, not the main lighting.

[EdinVan]

Originally Posted by SpongeG

my friends when we drove past shangra la thought the lobby looked really asian tacky

I had to take a Gravol when I walked by it the other day.

But if they're planning on catering to an Asian clientele, then I guess it will be pleasing to certain people. Let's just pray we get a W Hotel soon to temper the tackiness.

[osirisboy]

really? i like it and im not even asian

[rather_draconian]

What do you mean by Asian tacky?

Like a contrived grand thing i.e. chandeliers, pianos, and grand staircases?
Or are you talking about Chinese restaurant decor?

Please describe.

[officedweller]

Originally Posted by rather_draconian

Or are you talking about Chinese restaurant decor?

I think Chinese restuarnt decor (i.e. Hon's pink and black) is more Asian utilitarian.

[duener]

I'm not sure if this was mentioned already... but didn't the Asian tycoon (can't remember who) funding this originally want a tacky neo-classical tower? The sort of thing you would find in Bangkok. But then Ian Gillespie convinced him to go for a modern design instead. I thought I read that somewhere.

[officedweller]

Doubt it. I think Peterson Developments built the Carmanah Plaza next door and it's typical glass curtain wall.

[jlousa]

Officedweller is correct.

Also not sure if it's been posted, Urban Fare opens on the 15th.

[SpongeG]

global TV is doing some big coverage of the urban fare opening - they have been advertising it all week