Saskatoon Construction

[swilley]

Originally Posted by drm310

Restaurant will complete Preston Crossing phase two
November 14, 2008

Site work is underway at Preston Crossing in anticipation of completion of phase two of the retail development.

Judy Yungwirth, director of Corporate Administration, said the area north of Preston Avenue and east of Wal-Mart will be home to a restaurant but because negotiations are not complete, she cannot name the future tenant. Those negotiations are being handled by the Preston Crossing developer but the university, which owns the land, has approval on the terms and conditions of the agreement as well as the architectural drawings and landscaping plans for the site, she said.

There is a third phase in the works for Preston Crossing, which generates funds for the university that are directed toward scholarships, but Yungwirth said that stage of the development is still many months away.

Source

There is a Chili's sign on the lot.

[dsim249]

Originally Posted by swilley

There is a Chili's sign on the lot.

lol. Guess the cat is out of the bag.

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by molasses

here's a small but cool project for y'all. The MPS building on 2nd is being turned into two condo units. It could be a very cool space and great to see more intersting housing happening downtown.

Originally Posted by drm310

MPS Building? Where is that?

Originally Posted by molasses

Motion Picture and Sound...next to Moore's

Right on

It may only be two units, but that's two that weren't there before. There still remains a few underutilized buildings and smaller parking lots on 2nd Ave, but those will soon be developed (2-3 years max).

[socialisthorde]

Originally Posted by dsim249

lol. Guess the cat is out of the bag.

And into the taco!

[kgc087]

I was looking for information on sustainable development for a paper I'm doing and I stumbled across something pertaining to the city, I'm not sure if it has ever been brought up, if not it is a good read. http://www.roadmap2020.ca/eghgmp/eghgmp-19nov07.pdf

[macca]

Stoneset Equities opens Saskatoon office: http://www.stonesetequities.com/news.php

They've also posted their 3Q report, but there isn't much news on the project. Still in the planning stages, apparently.

[kgc087]

Mendel backer frustrated
Expansion process slow despite community support
Rod Nickel, The StarPhoenix
Published: Thursday, November 20, 2008
The chair of the Mendel Foundation says he's frustrated by the art gallery's apparent lack of progress with its expansion project.

"There were plans in place to modify that building for a very long time, and they've never gone anywhere," said Ray Martineau, the foundation's current chair and a former longtime member of the Mendel board of trustees. "So the question becomes, after we've spent all this money on study, what is it we're doing? No one is revealing a damn thing."

The Mendel has a $21.5-million plan to expand the gallery and commitments from the city ($4.5 million) and province ($4.1 million). The gallery has already spent $1.1 million of the city's commitment on architectural drawings.

The project, which is at least five years old, is awaiting word on its $7.6-million request from the federal Canada Builds program. The city, on behalf of the Mendel, had originally applied to the federal Cultural Spaces program, but learned this summer it doesn't award such large sums.

Once the gallery gets federal backing, it will be clear the project is a winner, said Art Knight, chair of the Mendel board of trustees. The gallery has quietly secured $1 million in private donations and expects a surge of public support once Ottawa makes a commitment, Knight said in an interview.

"In this context of building a large project, there's always challenges with money," Knight said, noting the Art Gallery of Alberta pursued its expansion for a decade before opening. "We've certainly had some ups and downs. Our sense is (there's) a fair amount of community support but we've got to demonstrate that there is a plan in place that will justify that support."

Martineau said it's also frustrating the Mendel board chair told the foundation to cease fundraising several years ago while the expansion campaign took shape.

"The chair of the Mendel board told us we were in the way."

The foundation used to raise about $30,000 per year through fundraisers like the Magic of the Mendel gala. The funds added to a principal investment -- which now sits at $346,000 -- the interest of which paid for new art.

Knight confirmed he asked the foundation to halt fundraising.

"In the capital campaign (for expansion) we're looking for $6 million to $8 million and that price tag is going to be a challenge enough," he said. "We didn't want two simultaneous fundraising activities going on."

City officials' uncertainty about what happens to the expansion project if it doesn't attract federal funds suggests it's not a high priority for the City of Saskatoon, Martineau said.

"I guess we'll cross that bridge when the time comes," Atchison said in an interview. "We were the first ones to get on board (funding the project). People can say what they want but the city is committed to it."

The city, not the Mendel, is in charge of securing the federal money, according to a letter Atchison wrote to the Mendel's former board chair in 2006 that was obtained by The StarPhoenix.

Martineau said the bottom line for him is seeing the expansion go forward with the public's support.

"I like that little institution. I'd like to see it progress. And I don't have the sense that that's happening."

[email protected]

MENDEL EXPANSION

Q How big? The Mendel would increase to 45,000 square feet from 25,000.

Q What is it? The expansion bumps up the grand gallery to 4,600 square feet from 1,370, includes a 3,210-square-foot salon and courtyard, adds the 1,130-square-foot Joni Mitchell Cafe and expands the civic conservatory by 40 per cent. It also replaces heating and air-conditioning systems and improves accessibility.

Q How much? The last estimate was $21.5 million if the project was tendered in 2007. It will cost more now.

Source: Mendel Art Gallery

© The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon) 2008

[drm310]

New owners plan makeover for Confederation Mall
The StarPhoenix
Published: Friday, November 21, 2008

The Confederation Mall on Saskatoon's west side has been sold and will undergo renovations, its property manager said Thursday.

David Kevill, senior commercial property manager with ICR Commercial Real Estate, said Confed. Shopping Centre Inc. purchased the mall at the end of September. However no other details, including the purchase price of the development, are being released.

"We work for the client so we have to respect their wishes. But understanding that people are interested, I think once things are at a point where things are going to be announced then certainly there will be information shared all around. At this point they just prefer to keep a low profile," Kevill said of the mall's new owners.

ICR is managing the property for Confed. Shopping Centre Inc., taking over from RioCan REIT, which had managed the property and had an ownership investment in the mall.

The new owners are not locally based, said Kevill, who added the company has indicated it is working on plans for modernizing and updating the site.

Confederation Mall, located at 300 Confederation Dr., is anchored by Safeway, Petland and Wal-Mart and houses a Saskatchewan Gaming and Liquor Association liquor store in its lot.

According to a retail investment offering package on the mall prepared in early 2008 by TD Securities Realty Group and ICR, the property was 95.3 per cent occupied before March 28. It has 329,128 square feet of usable space and 1,382 parking spaces. The mall was built in the early 1970s.

Source

[Wyku]

I don't see how the Confed mall will survive once Wal-Mart leaves, although who knows when that's going to happen since development on the West Side is ssssslllllllooooowwww. It's a pretty small mall and I'm not sure what can be done to somehow revitalize it, but I'll be interested to see! Safeway and Wal-Mart are usually the only places I go to there, and I usually end up driving around the mall from one to the other since there's nothing to see in the mall.

[midnightrambler]

Originally Posted by Wyku

I don't see how the Confed mall will survive once Wal-Mart leaves, although who knows when that's going to happen since development on the West Side is ssssslllllllooooowwww. It's a pretty small mall and I'm not sure what can be done to somehow revitalize it, but I'll be interested to see! Safeway and Wal-Mart are usually the only places I go to there, and I usually end up driving around the mall from one to the other since there's nothing to see in the mall.

Actually I disagree with you. Development on the west side does seem fairly slow compared to the east side, but there is a fair amount of it going on. Just drive south west of the airport and you would see. As for the confed mall being able to survive I don't think that will be a problem at all. I'm still anxious for the area immediately south of the airport to develop commercially. Wal-Mart is going to Blairmore I believe. As for Confederation mall, that area is always pretty bumping with people. I'd say it's close to being as busy as Lawson. I think a revamped looking mall would add alot to the city's west side and I hope it goes through without a hitch.

[Ruckus]

Previously released rendering


Overture, curtains, lights
Former movie theatres on First Avenue being converted to office, retail centre
Cassandra Kyle, The StarPhoenix
Published: Friday, November 21, 2008


Source - Friday, November 21, 2008 Star Phoenix

A new retail and office space conversion project is set to premiere this spring at the site of two former downtown movie theatres.

Capitol Centre at 216 First Ave. South will add nearly 30,000 square feet over four floors to downtown's growing commercial sector.

Mitch Molnar, owner of Regina-based Mitchell Developments Ltd., says his company is spending in excess of $6 million to rehab and refurbish the old Empire Theatre and Capitol 4 building to turn it into a one-of-a-kind business environment.

"We're hoping to bring something a little unique to the marketplace -- an update -- and to utilize a property that we think has a lot of economic life in it yet," Molnar said Thursday.

The top three floors will house office space, he said, while the main floor will be occupied by retail outlets and parking stalls. The design of Capitol Centre will retain the old theatre atrium, he said, adding the property will be updated to current standards.

"The whole building, except for the skeleton of it, will be brand new. All new mechanical, electrical, elevators, safety systems -- all those things will be brought up to 2008 standards," he said.

"We think that there's a good opportunity in this re-use (property) and I think to replace that asset the budget would be much more than $6 million."

Construction on the project began in early fall and is expected to be complete by late spring.

Real estate broker Barry Stuart of ICR Commercial Real Estate, who is Capitol Centre's leasing agent, said at $19.50 per square foot, the property is competitively priced. Comparatively, Stuart said space inside a new office building downtown would lease for more than $30 per square foot.

"There is a very limited supply of larger space on the market, so this offers a really attractive alternative to people having to pay 30 per cent more for new, but yet still (work in) a very attractive development," Stuart said.

The broker said Capitol Centre's location adds to its qualities.

"To offer something like that in the market that's attractive, that's a great alternative to new, and with lots of glass and in a location right across the street from the largest mall in Saskatchewan (Midtown Plaza), I think it's a great opportunity," he said.

This isn't Mitchell Developments' first project in Saskatoon. The company is behind the Giant Tiger/Tim Hortons shopping centre on 22nd Street and did the first stage of renovations on the Avenue Building prior to it being sold.

Redeveloping space, however, is where Molnar's professional passion lies.

"I always like to do the rehabs and the re-use projects. I think they're the most interesting and you really get to use your creativity," he said.

The Empire Theatre was put on the market for $1.6 million in November 2007.

[email protected]

© The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon) 2008

Source

[Greco Roman]

Originally Posted by Wyku

I don't see how the Confed mall will survive once Wal-Mart leaves, although who knows when that's going to happen since development on the West Side is ssssslllllllooooowwww. It's a pretty small mall and I'm not sure what can be done to somehow revitalize it, but I'll be interested to see! Safeway and Wal-Mart are usually the only places I go to there, and I usually end up driving around the mall from one to the other since there's nothing to see in the mall.

I'll be they'll tear the mall down and built either A-condos or B-a big box store "mall"

[The Bess]

maybe they will add high rises like market mall. Nice job on the capital centre.

[Morogolus]

The old captiol theater looks good, I just hope they get rid of that ugly parking garage.

[nook]

Does anyone know what restaurant is going up in the Lakewood Suburban Center?

I know they're building a BMO there, and they just opened the Papa John's pizza not too long ago... It looks like a classy restaurant, but I can't find anything on what's going there.

[dsim249]

Originally Posted by nook

Does anyone know what restaurant is going up in the Lakewood Suburban Center?

I know they're building a BMO there, and they just opened the Papa John's pizza not too long ago... It looks like a classy restaurant, but I can't find anything on what's going there.

It's a Boston Pizza. It has the same architectural attributes(?) as the one on Nelson Road.

That's interesting how we got Papa John's again. I remember when it was 8th a few years ago. It didn't last very long if I remember correctly.

[jaysfan99]

Two pictures taken today of the KG.





IT WAS A VERY WINDY DAY

[Wyku]

Originally Posted by midnightrambler

Actually I disagree with you. Development on the west side does seem fairly slow compared to the east side, but there is a fair amount of it going on. Just drive south west of the airport and you would see. As for the confed mall being able to survive I don't think that will be a problem at all. I'm still anxious for the area immediately south of the airport to develop commercially. Wal-Mart is going to Blairmore I believe. As for Confederation mall, that area is always pretty bumping with people. I'd say it's close to being as busy as Lawson. I think a revamped looking mall would add alot to the city's west side and I hope it goes through without a hitch.

I live in the area and do know what's going on. I realize Wal-Mart is supposed to be moving to Blairmore, but....what's going on with Blairmore?? Obviously things are being planned, but it's just slow which is what my original point was. One big area the new owners could improve at Confed Mall is the food court .

Out of curiosity I did a search to see if there were any updates on the Blairmore project and there was an article posted in the paper today lol. They also talk about Confed Mall being re-zoned to allow for residential high-rises ala Market Mall .

Blairmore mall goes big
Big-box developer plans two giant stores for west-side location

Rod Nickel
The StarPhoenix

Monday, November 24, 2008


The biggest store in Saskatoon may be under construction next year as part of the city's next regional big-box mall.

SmartCentres has applied for its development permit from the city and filed its site plans for the 31-acre Blairmore location it owns at the city's west edge. The plans don't identify which stores are included, but the anchors are expected to be Wal-Mart and a building supply outlet.

At 183,000 and 152,000 square feet, the anchors would dominate the site and stretch typical expectations of store dimensions. The larger store would be 63 per cent larger than the footprint of Credit Union Centre and significantly bigger than the Stonegate Wal-Mart, currently Saskatoon's biggest store.

The shopping centre and its "super-huge" anchors will balance west-side development with the rest of the city, said the ward's councillor, Maurice Neault. The shopping centre would include a proposed 375,000 square feet of retail space including the anchors and six smaller buildings.

"I'm excited about the retail," Neault said. "If you ever go shopping to the (Confederation) mall and Superstore, Canadian Tire area, any evening or Saturday, Sunday, you take your life in your own hands. That suburban centre is just jammed."

The Blairmore big-box mall will be south of 22nd Street and east of an undeveloped site earmarked for a hotel, office space and multi-unit housing.

Along with stores, the shopping centre can include a long list of uses, such as pharmacies, clinics, gas bars and up to two freestanding restaurants. Neault expects those to be major restaurants, not fast-food outlets.

Movie theatres, car dealerships and nightclubs are among the prohibited businesses.

SmartCentres is planning to create 1,785 parking spaces, slightly more than required. Vehicle access to the site is expected to be off Betts Avenue and Hart Road.

SmartCentres officials didn't return phone messages Friday.

The developer, which also built the Stonegate shopping centre, hasn't informed the city of how soon it plans to build the shopping centre, or whether it will build the anchor stores in stages.

The original plan was to build the big-box mall this year and next. The developer could opt to build it all next year, said Randy Grauer, manager of city planning and development services.

The next step is for council to approve SmartCentres' development permit, as early as Dec. 1. After that, the developer would prepare construction drawings to go to tender.

The city is planning a traffic interchange at the junction of highways 14 and 7 but it won't likely be built in time to serve the shopping centre's opening, Grauer said, unlike the Circle and Clarence interchange that the city fast-tracked to accommodate Stonegate. SmartCentres helped fund that interchange but won't have to pay part of the next interchange.

"The traffic situation is quite different," Grauer said.

"The quality of the intersection at Circle and Clarence was totally incapable of handling that development (without an interchange)."

Blairmore's construction will give the city three retail sites intended to serve the region within an hour's drive, along with Stonegate and Preston Crossing. The city is also tendering for sale 23 acres of land in University Heights.

Neault expects the Confederation Mall, which recently sold, to be viable even if it loses Wal-Mart to Blairmore. A new type of zoning approved by city council this year allows malls to add residential highrises. That's the route Market Mall is going as it competes with Stonegate.

A big-box mall on the west side is inevitable, said Terry Scaddan, executive director of The Partnership downtown business improvement district. He said retail in the core is strong enough to stand its ground.

Grauer agrees, despite the global economy's continued slide.

"Saskatoon's retail sales have outperformed almost every other city in Canada in terms of absolute growth in the past few years," he said. "We have a lot of confidence."

[email protected]

© The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon) 2008

[circle33]

Great. More big box. Progressing towards the past.

[macca]

No no I'm pretty sure gigantic stores with acres of parking are the future.