Olympic Village & Southeast False Creek Updates Discussion

[jlousa]

The interiors at Shangri-la were never downgraded, and are not of inferior quality. They might not be of your taste but don't spread misinformation.

I don't expect Millennium to make any changes to the interior of their units as they wouldn't want to open themselves up to contract cancellations by the purchasers.

[crazyjoeda]

Originally Posted by vanman

That aerial is insane. SEFC will be approaching European densities when it is all built out if the Olympic Village is any indication.

Thats what I thought of when I saw the aerial photo. There should be me more high density low rise buildings in this city. The problems with many of these condos in that they are prohibitably expensive, and that make sense for downtown waterfront properties. However, it would be great if more affordable apartments were built. The costs for low rise buildings is cheaper than high rise and most people would give up expensive designer furnishings for an affordable place they can own and not have to rent. Im just thinking for my self it would be great if there were more 1 bedroom condos for around $200,000, obviously they wouldn't be downtown.

[vanman]

^with ecodensity I really think that is the way Vancouver is heading. Condos along Main st or Kingsway for example are not going to warrant Millenium Water prices obviously.I agree though that developers have to start building affordable condos with basic finishings in working class neighborhoods. Maybe with the global economic/ real estate slowdown this will finally start to happen.

[vanman]

Originally Posted by raggedy13

^It would seem that is the way things are heading. I can't wait to check this area out for that reason too. I'm interested in seeing what kind of vibe its more European built form will produce.

I was so dissapointed when I found out that the south shore of false creek was going to be zoned for low rise residential but now I couldnt be happier. Point towers are overplayed and Vancouver needs to experiment with other building forms and the OV is the first step in the right direction.

[Metro-One]

save the downtown core for office towers! (so i am happy that they are building the OV along the south shore of False Creek, that area is perfect for residential)

[agrant]

Originally Posted by vanman

^with ecodensity I really think that is the way Vancouver is heading. Condos along Main st or Kingsway for example are not going to warrant Millenium Water prices obviously.I agree though that developers have to start building affordable condos with basic finishings in working class neighborhoods. Maybe with the global economic/ real estate slowdown this will finally start to happen.

Even with the most basic of finishings, that would only bring a price down so far. An "affordable" unit would have to be one that is small, in addition to the basic finishings. I.e., a studio for 300 thousand vs a two bedroom for 700 thousand. With finishings, we are talking about thousands of dollars difference rathar than hundreds of thousands.

[sacrifice333]

IIRC, at the end of the Miami real estate booms much of the development shifted from grande towers along South Beach to more affordable digs in outlying areas.

It was a fairly natural transition. That same transition should be quite natural here, especially with the changing of zoning rules in the CBD downtown.

[Mike Stewart Realtor]

This makes sense from another perspective. Lots suitable for large towers are now very rare on the West Side of Downtown Vancouver.

If you look at Vancouver's City Plan from the mid 90's it calls for 4 story development along all major ateries. The Caper's building on the old Plimley Dodge site (I love the Dodge hubcaps in the new buildings decoration!) at 4th & Vine is a prime example.

4 stories in total with the street level as retail and the top 3 as residential. It allows the City to increase density without disrupting neighbourhoods. You see alot of this at Nanaimo & Hastings as well...

Sites for this type of development abound and are relatively inexpensive. These projects will be encouraged by expanded public transit that will come with the coming stimulus packages. Roads and Highways are just to politically incorrect, unlike public transit.

[Canadian Mind]

Why just 4, wouldn't 5 or 6 provide even more density but still not change the neighbourhoods too much?

[fever]

Originally Posted by Canadian Mind

Why just 4, wouldn't 5 or 6 provide even more density but still not change the neighbourhoods too much?

or 8 or 10. Then there are neighbourhoods that should be changed.

[SpongeG]

Originally Posted by Canadian Mind

Why just 4, wouldn't 5 or 6 provide even more density but still not change the neighbourhoods too much?

proabbly to do with the fact that 4 storeys can be wood over that they cannot - but there is some in the industry trying to get the codes changed to allow 6 storey wood construction

[osirisboy]

thats already passed, you can build up to 6 storeys with wood

[raggedy13]

A few shots of the site in the snow from today:

[fever]

Awesome. Did you just move in?

[raggedy13]

^Ha, I wish. But no, I just got a rare opportunity to get a higher vantage point than usual.

[rather_draconian]

Thanks raggedy. I'm interested to see how this development will affect the warehousey neighbourhood just south of it...new Yaletown?

[Coldrsx]

Originally Posted by rather_draconian

Thanks raggedy. I'm interested to see how this development will affect the warehousey neighbourhood just south of it...new Yaletown?

not quite but you have to think that from cambie to main from false creek to broadway will see a lot of "redevelopment" for the next decade or so.

[Mike Stewart Realtor]

Great pix!

Where did you take them from?

I think the City felt that an increase from 1/2 stories to 4 would not change the feel, site lines, amount of light etc. all that much.

[deasine]

taking pictures in the snow? brave brave brave... *shivers*

[Coldrsx]

those im guessing are from the pedestrian are of cambie bridge... i watched "blade 2" (or was it 3) being filmed in that warehouse area from there once en route to a beerfest at plaza of nations.