Saskatoon Construction

[Ruckus]

Rejected developers ask city to reconsider housing project
By Rod Nickel, TheStarPhoenix.com
Published: Monday, November 03, 2008

SASKATOON - Local builders are urging city council to shop at home when it decides who gets to build on two sites in Pleasant Hill.

Three builders - River Ridge Homes, Black Rock Developments and Ehrenburg Homes - would construct three 3.5-storey buildings as part of a proposal to the city from the Affordable New Home Development Foundation. City administration has recommended, however, that Cenith Energy Corp. of Ontario get the job.

"Points should be given to local companies," Joe Ehr of Ehrenburg Homes told council, sitting as an executive committee, today. "Does it not mean something if the local companies have supported and worked in our community for a number of years?"

When it comes to awarding contracts or selecting proposals, the answer is no, said Mayor Don Atchison. Council's policy is to pick the cheapest price and/or best proposal, he said.

"Ours is a free-market system. We want to be fair to everyone."

It's unusual for council to ask for a second look at proposals based on the urging of an unsuccessful proponent. Supporters of the foundation's proposal were scheduled to address council two weeks ago and request the proposal get a closer look. Instead, council voted unanimously to defer discussion to Monday's executive committee meeting before hearing the speakers.

The home development foundation and its builders criticized Cenith's proposal as unrealistic. In particular, Cenith says its homes will be more energy-efficient than conventional homes because of geo-thermal energy.

"These technologies do not stand up to even the first level of scrutiny," said Keith Hanson, executive director of the home development foundation.

In Cenith's proposal, representative Sam Qin showed slides of energy-efficient structures from around the world, including Olympic venues in China. Qin didn't make it clear, however, if Cenith had worked on any of those buildings.

When pressed by councillors, Qin acknowledged Cenith hasn't completed any projects comparable to those proposed for Pleasant Hill on the Prairies.

Cost of construction is a critical consideration in council's decision. Half of the units will be offered first to three non-profit housing groups, with the remainder likely going on the open market. The city is guaranteeing a sale of any left over. It would pay a negotiated cost per construction plus development fee.

Cenith promises to build the units for $170 per square foot. The Saskatoon foundation and its builders would only offer a range from $120-169 per square foot to the frustration of several councillors.

"I'm not going to spend a dime of taxpayers' money until I know what the price is," said Coun. Maurice Neault.

Council continued its discussion behind closed doors. It's expected to make a decision in two weeks.

The two parcels of land are part of a larger revitalization plan for Pleasant Hill that also includes construction of a new St. Mary School. More housing is planned for two other nearby sites in the future.

Pleasant Hill proposals

The city wants to sell two parcels of land to a housing developer for a price still to be negotiated, as part of a revitalization plan. The parcels are a 0.76-acre site along Avenue O, north of the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks, and a half-acre site on Avenue N south of 20th Street.

Cenith Energy Corp.
- 57 units, including townhouses, apartments and bilevel units
- Includes a wind-power generation plant, a solar water heating system and geothermal energy
- Promises housing that's 70 per cent more energy-efficient than conventional housing
- Cost of the dwellings estimated at $170 per square foot

Affordable New Home Development Foundation
- Three stacked townhouse blocks of 12 units each
- Neighbourhood-friendly design with patios, porches and balconies
- Local builders say they would give training opportunities to young tradespersons
- Cost of the dwellings estimated at $120-169 per square foot

[email protected]

© The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon) 2008

[Greco Roman]

Nice photo thread!

I've always liked Toontown; probably my favorite city in Sask

So how realistic is that "proposed" 30 story you mentioned?

[kgc087]

The photos look fantastic! The Millroy has gone from one of Saskatoon's ugliest buildings to a decent one! I'm very impressed. In regards to the rumoured 30 storey office tower, don't get your hopes up to high, my friend did confirm that but rumours are just rumours...we got quite excited about Cameco and look how that went up in smoke! Although I feel like that is a fantastic location for a structure like that, maybe it would even urge for more development in that area...meaning the toys r' us mile long parking lot.

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by Greco Roman

Nice photo thread!

I've always liked Toontown; probably my favorite city in Sask

So how realistic is that "proposed" 30 story you mentioned?

How realistic? Who needs more office space in Saskatoon? Resource companies, government...resource companies...who knows, we still remember Cameco's recent decision.

Within the last 8-9 months, Edgar Properties INC purchased a number of properties within a single block (blue polygon on map image). When the Star Phoenix ran a story on their first purchase, they mentioned their intentions to develop the site into a strong retail/commercial development...whether it becomes a 30 storey is rather uncertain.



The impact of an office tower on 1st Avenue...please understand this is not to scale, nor does it represent a 30 storey office tower (likely closer to a 60 storey).




kgc087 mentioned a rumored 30 storey office tower...

Originally Posted by kgc087

I forgot to mention but I was talking with a friend who owns a business along 2nd Ave. and he said he has noticed alot of construction people surveying the back alley there (he backs the midtown parkade) and he said he has a rumour of a 30 storey office tower going up.

swilley posted something as well...

Originally Posted by swilley

Global news had a blurb tonight on how Edgar properties has bought the parkade across from midtown, as well as the parking lot beside it, the folks building, and the art gallery. The report said this could possibly pave the way for class A office development.

Originally Posted by SASKFTW

Folks Finer Furs building sold
Cassandra Kyle, The StarPhoenix
Published: Wednesday, July 30, 2008

A property development group comprised of eight "significant businesspeople" has purchased a downtown landmark, one of its members said Tuesday.

Edgar Properties Ltd., which has already purchased the Yanke Trucking lot on Lorne Avenue, will take possession of the Folks Finer Furs building on Second Avenue and 20th Street next spring, said Vaughn Wyant, a member of the group. Edgar purchased the site for $1.7 million, a deal that will close in early 2009.

"It's just a great corner. It's a high-traffic corner and, over a period of the next number of years, that entire area is going to be redeveloped. It's going to be a real hub, and we think that corner may be the best corner in downtown Saskatoon," said Wyant, owner of the 12-dealership strong Vaughn Wyant Automotive Group.


The Folks Finer Furs building on Second Avenue and 20th Street has been bought by Edgar Properties Ltd. Greg Pender, The StarPhoenix

The new owners have yet to finalize plans for their new property.

"We haven't decided whether we are going to tear down the existing building and build a brand new building or develop it using the site that's there right now," he said, adding the current owners plan on operating their business as usual until keys are exchanged next year.

Investment-minded businesspeople from Edmonton, Calgary and Saskatoon make up the Edgar group, which is focused on developing properties for long-term revenue. Now with two properties under its collective belt, Wyant says the group is looking at other sites in Saskatoon to expand its holdings.

Wyant said Edgar plans "to take these promising sites and redevelop them into strong retail/commercial centres. . . . We're not into flipping properties, we're into buying properties and developing them for long-term revenue."

While Wyant couldn't reveal the other sites the developers are looking into, he did say Edgar partners have a lot of faith in the city's real estate market. Purchasing properties now is a smart investment, he said.

"Over the course of the next few years I think Saskatoon and Saskatchewan will turn out to be considered to be a relatively safe investment in real estate compared to a lot of other places," he said.

Folks Finer Furs, a third-generation city business, has been a part of Saskatoon's downtown retail environment since 1947 when it was first opened in the Empire Hotel (now the Capri building). The business moved to its current location at 297 Second Ave. South in 1959, said Merv Folk, who owns the building and business with his siblings.

Folk said it's the right time to sell the property. The family may continue to operate their store at a different location in the city when Edgar takes possession in the spring.

---

The empty space left vacant by a winter fire that destroyed Chau's Commodore Restaurant and Gotta Hava Java Cappuccino Bar on Second Avenue has been purchased.

Mid-West Development Corp. purchased the 5,250-square-foot site for more than $100 per square foot, said Todd Butler of ICR Commercial Real Estate.

Ken Achs, president and owner of Mid-West, said the "pricey dirt" is a good long-term investment. He owns the McDonald's located next door to the empty site, expanding the company's holdings at the busy corner.

"It's a pivotal corner in the city, so it probably warrants fairly substantial development," he said of future plans for the lot.

Busy with several other construction projects, Achs says the company will start developing the site within the next two years.

The company has yet to decide how high it will build on the lot or whether it will knock down the adjacent McDonald's. The site will be turned into a parking lot when Mid-West takes possession of the property in October.

[email protected]

© The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon) 2008

Source

[macca]

Extensive site clean up happening at 25th and 2nd ave.

[jaysfan99]

Originally Posted by kgc087

The photos look fantastic! The Millroy has gone from one of Saskatoon's ugliest buildings to a decent one! I'm very impressed. In regards to the rumoured 30 storey office tower, don't get your hopes up to high, my friend did confirm that but rumours are just rumours...we got quite excited about Cameco and look how that went up in smoke! Although I feel like that is a fantastic location for a structure like that, maybe it would even urge for more development in that area...meaning the toys r' us mile long parking lot.

I never understood why they put the TOYS R US where they did. It is a real pain to go to. More people would probably go, it it was in a more convenient location.

[jaysfan99]

Originally Posted by macca

Extensive site clean up happening at 25th and 2nd ave.

25th and 2nd? Is something going up there?

[Ruckus]

No more traffic!
_____________________

Don't change zoning plan to allow big condo project
The StarPhoenix
Published: Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Here we go again. We attended a public Information meeting last spring regarding a proposal to rezone our area from R2 to R3, to make way for a mega condo to be built in the Churchill Park-Haultain-Clarence Avenue zone.

We voted unanimously and without reservation to deny the rezoning request. The Full Gospel Church and the Medican Group have done some revisions, but still require R3 zoning to build this three-storey, 120 suite, 240-resident monstrosity.

If the church and Medican attain the rezoning, then will Medican build a new church -- kind of a back room deal between the two, with no thought of the bungalow owners who would surround this project?

The next meeting takes place at the Hugh Cairns School on Thursday at 7 p.m. and residents plan once again to reject the proposal unconditionally. Our area consists of bungalows built in the 1950s -- mainly privately owned and proudly maintained by taxpayers who do not want this condo project to downgrade their community.

In the past short time, the developments in Avalon and Stonebridge have been added to our infrastructure. The Clarence Avenue overpass has severely increased this area's traffic, causing a dangerous problem for pedestrians and vehicles. If this mega condo project proceeds, the pressure on our infrastructure and roadways will exceed their capability.

As taxpayers, we are asking city council to support our cause and not allow any change to our communitys R2 zoning regulations.

Bill Ryan

Saskatoon

© The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon) 2008

Source

_________________________

Industrial space rising in Saskatoon
Scott Sibbald, The StarPhoenix
Published: Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Colliers McClocklin Real Estate Corp. has announced in a report that about 400,000 square feet of industrial property is under construction in Saskatoon.

Year-to-date, more than 800,000 sq. ft. of space has been added to the industrial market, with the majority of new development in the Marquis Industrial Area, Colliers McClocklin said in its third-quarter Saskatoon industrial market report.

The additional space accounts for 4.3 per cent of Saskatoon's total industrial space of 18.5 million sq. ft. With the increase in industrial property, Colliers McClocklin reported Saskatoon's industrial vacancy rate has also increased to 3.5 per cent from 1.94 per cent at the end of the first quarter of 2008.

Jimmy Cheung, Colliers McClocklin research associate, said he anticipates the vacancy rate to remain steady through the winter as construction slows.

"It depends on how fast (properties) gets absorbed and how fast construction comes on," said Cheung. "All the stuff that's being planned is being built."

He said with the current financial uncertainty it is difficult to forecast business opportunities in Saskatoon. However, Cheung said it is likely natural resource and manufacturing sectors will absorb Saskatoon's industrial space. "We're kind of going the opposite of what Ontario is getting," said Cheung.

Industrial space in Western Canadian centres continues to reign supreme while Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal industrial vacancy and leasing rates suffer, Colliers McClocklin said in the report.

"We have a healthy market," said Cheung. "I just don't think the rate of (industrial property) increase will be as high as we've seen in the last six months, just because of the (financial) crisis."

The report says existing space is leased for $7.50 to $9.50 per square foot, while new space nets $11.50 to $12.50 per square foot. Colliers McClocklin reported Saskatoon should continue to lead the Canadian economy well into 2010 due to investments in natural resources, healthy employment levels and population and GDP growth. It also reported demand for industrial areas around Saskatoon remains strong. Serviced industrial lots range from $185,000 to $300,000 per acre at BizHub Industrial Park while in Warman, Langham and Martensville, lots range from $150,000 to $185,000 per acre.

The acquisition of 41.61 acres tendered by the City of Saskatoon on Millar Avenue in May accounted for a majority of industrial acquisition in the second and third quarters.


© The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon) 2008

Source

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by jaysfan99

25th and 2nd? Is something going up there?

All we know about that site is it was a former Esso gas/service station. They're likely there to remove the contaminated soil so the owner(s) can sell the site for a reasonable price, that's about it...unless we see another crew come in afterwards, though that is really flying under the radar.

That particular site is currently zoned for B5.

Originally Posted by City of Saskatoon - Zoning Address Maps Guidelines

B5 - Inner-City Commercial Corridor District
To recognize historic commercial areas which include a wide range of commercial uses in a medium to high density form. Typical uses include retail stores, shopping centres, offices, financial institutions, medical clinics, service stations, theatres, bakeries, restaurants and lounges, commercial
recreational uses, private clubs, banquet halls, hotels, motels, public garages, private schools, automobile sales, dry cleaners, libraries, galleries, and
parking stations, custodial care facilities and boarding houses and apartments. (Nightclubs and taverns are Discretionary Uses)

[The Bess]

thanks for th picture update saskfw. looks like development is pretty upbeat in toon town not like alot of other places where theres talk of construction slowdowns.

[kgc087]

So I asked my source about that rumour and they said it was from the construction workers in the alley where they bought that land. That seems like a pretty reassuring sign but who knows.

[midnightrambler]

Originally Posted by kgc087

So I asked my source about that rumour and they said it was from the construction workers in the alley where they bought that land. That seems like a pretty reassuring sign but who knows.

I love how with every building being constructed downtown there is a rumor of a 30 storey office tower. One of these times it may come true.

I went on the edgar properties website here:
http://www.edgarproperties.ca/contact/

and then the Tanner Properties website:
http://www.tannerproperties.com/main_7th/index.htm

I have a feeling that this may be the type of development that is likely to go in the area mentioned. Low rise shopping centre. It makes sense given it's proximity to Midtown and Movie Theatre's.

Of course I hope it is a 30 storey tower...

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by midnightrambler

I love how with every building being constructed downtown there is a rumor of a 30 storey office tower. One of these times it may come true.

I went on the edgar properties website here:
http://www.edgarproperties.ca/contact/

and then the Tanner Properties website:
http://www.tannerproperties.com/main_7th/index.htm

I have a feeling that this may be the type of development that is likely to go in the area mentioned. Low rise shopping centre. It makes sense given it's proximity to Midtown and Movie Theatre's.

Of course I hope it is a 30 storey tower...

I agree, and perhaps 100,000-150,000 sq/ft of office space in various configurations.

Of course, I also hope it is a 30 storey tower

[joelpiecowye]

wow lots of news today

the milroy looks alot better, i am extremely happy the puke yellow is gone
kg looks alright even though i still dont like it
as for the 30 story building i have my doubts, i also have my doubts about a 2 story shopping mall , i bet it will be 10 to 20 story office with retail on bottom

[macca]

Architects Chosen For Saskatoon City Bus Terminal
Report going to Council November 17th

Transit Manager Jeff BalonNovember 4, 2008 - 12:43pm
ShareThisReported By Tim Amey
Posted November 4, 2008 - 12:47pm


Saskatoon is one step closer to getting a new city bus transit terminal. Saskatoon City Transit Manager Jeff Balon says they have chosen the Architectural firm of Sanders and Evans. He says the report is being written up and will be presented to council on November 17th.
Balon says the design includes a new building where people can buy tickets and passes and keep warm during winter. Plus Balon says there will be a center platform. “So people don’t have to walk across the street anymore to catch their bus,” he says. “They’ll all be contained on the center platform and the buses will circulate around it.”
Balon hopes construction will start in the spring. He says they have to do some underground prep work first, but actual construction should begin in the summer.

He says the new terminal will be located in the same spot as the current one on 23rd street. Balon says 24th street will be used while construction is underway.


www.newstalk650.com

[kgc087]

I doubt a two level shopping centre will be built in that location, they did say they were going to develop class A office space. Even though I'm the one that informed you on the rumour of 30 stories, I also find it hard to believe that it will be built considering that it probably won't even fit into height restrictions as well I'm not sure if of the demand. Maybe they will build a 20 storey and 10 storey tower We will have to see!

[jaysfan99]

Originally Posted by kgc087

I doubt a two level shopping centre will be built in that location, they did say they were going to develop class A office space. Even though I'm the one that informed you on the rumour of 30 stories, I also find it hard to believe that it will be built considering that it probably won't even fit into height restrictions as well I'm not sure if of the demand. Maybe they will build a 20 storey and 10 storey tower We will have to see!

Build something, anything. Tree 10 storey, or one 30 storey. Would really be a nice view driving into downtown vs what is there now.

[joelpiecowye]

Architects Chosen For Saskatoon City Bus Terminal
Report going to Council November 17th

i saunders evans, i hope they will do a good job, bu unfortunately anything good that they design that is good etc casino gets scraped for a cheeper piece of garbage

[skyhigh953]

Hey everyone,

After coming to this site every once and a while, I have finally decided to join.

Thought I would start off with a rumour I heard about the Biz Hub Industrial Park just outside of the city limits in the RM...supposedly it is going to be the biggest industrial park in Western Canada when it is finished and sales have been strong... (www.biz-hub.ca) ...anyway the rumour I heard is that the president of a major food distributor has been in town and is considering the site for a major warehouse...Which is very good timing, because I think Saskatoon should be very worried about Regina's new air/land/rail transport hub and its potential to damage Saskatoon's growth, especially after the closure of Western Grocers, Minacs, Doepker, and Mercury Graphics...

On another note...a 30-storey tower would be absolutely awesome, but unless there is a major tenant, such as Areva/Cameco or government, I can't see it happening. Even PotashCorp, for example, uses only floors 5-11 of their office tower. I think if Saskatoon had a very strong head office relocation policy, this sort of thing may be more realistic. Attracting head offices, even at major tax breaks, are the real generators of wealth (and 30 storey office towers).

[kgc087]

Originally Posted by skyhigh953

Hey everyone,

After coming to this site every once and a while, I have finally decided to join.

Thought I would start off with a rumour I heard about the Biz Hub Industrial Park just outside of the city limits in the RM...supposedly it is going to be the biggest industrial park in Western Canada when it is finished and sales have been strong... (www.biz-hub.ca) ...anyway the rumour I heard is that the president of a major food distributor has been in town and is considering the site for a major warehouse...Which is very good timing, because I think Saskatoon should be very worried about Regina's new air/land/rail transport hub and its potential to damage Saskatoon's growth, especially after the closure of Western Grocers, Minacs, Doepker, and Mercury Graphics...

On another note...a 30-storey tower would be absolutely awesome, but unless there is a major tenant, such as Areva/Cameco or government, I can't see it happening. Even PotashCorp, for example, uses only floors 5-11 of their office tower. I think if Saskatoon had a very strong head office relocation policy, this sort of thing may be more realistic. Attracting head offices, even at major tax breaks, are the real generators of wealth (and 30 storey office towers).

This is really fantastic news! I also agree that the inland port is a cause for concern but hopefully with ample industrial park space we will still be the leading competitor and still have the advantage over them.