Saskatoon Construction

[drm310]

Originally Posted by Morogolus

They sent that email to everyone back in May. I wouldn't hold you breath on construction starting until the fall or next year sometime as they just applied for a one year extension on reserving the land until they can start construction. I wish they'd just come clean and let everyone know what's going on without these canned PR answers about how everything will be started in a few weeks. It's gone from being delayed into downright stalling.

I wish they would be more forthright about the project too, instead of the old "it's going to happen sometime" line. It doesn't do their reputation well to raise peoples' expectations with being certain that they can deliver. That's why I've been hearing them referred to lately as "Lake Flaccid"... they just can't seem to get it up (the buildings, that is! )

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by Morogolus

They sent that email to everyone back in May. I wouldn't hold you breath on construction starting until the fall or next year sometime as they just applied for a one year extension on reserving the land until they can start construction. I wish they'd just come clean and let everyone know what's going on without these canned PR answers about how everything will be started in a few weeks. It's gone from being delayed into downright stalling.

Stalling, no, nothing of the sort

The proposal process started out great, everyone was talking it up like it was the second coming of Raptor-Jesus (me included....) We were then told of legitimate issues with strata titles, a Provincial issue. We're now hit with a one-year extension.

Financing is likely the problem. The hotel chain may also have an influence on construction/finance, and there is the demand for condo units and office space to contend with. On top of all this, the big banks/pension funds are reluctant to lend cash in this economic climate, and are especially averse to the financing of mixed use developments (they prefer single use)...read the following paragraph for more info:

Source


I am in the wait and be patient crowd. The alternative to Lake Placid's proposal is not much better...or rather, we don't know what the alternative is (the city can retain ownership and sell it again, develop it into park space or similar).

Another wait and see...just like the Lighthouse, which is being redesigned or discarded.

[lbird]

The northern boundary of Riversdale is the south end of 22nd street, a nondescript but thriving commercial corridor. One particularly important address is the corner of 22nd and Ave. F, where the Giant Tiger is the only grocery store from 22nd south on the west side, and the Tim Horton's is a busy, safe and popular hangout. For all the talk of Station 20 West, this pairing has delivered important services to the area without government handouts.



One of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in Canada has reminders of violence and crime show up in ways big and small.



The Little Chief police station is a restored gas station used as a 'community policing' station. It's main use seems to be something the police chief threatens to shut down every year if his budget is threatened by city council. 20th St. and Ave. D.



You can find other posts on this board about this building on 20th. St. and Ave. B. It's owned by the guy who owns the Barry Hotel lot and seems to be fluctuating between a bingo hall, flea market, martial arts studio and artist space. I'm not a fan of the city spending yet more money, but this would be a good building for the city of province to set up shared artist space or something similar. It's a nice building that is holding back the area right now.



The commercial space between Ave. F and Idylwyld attracts businesses who want lots of retail space close to downtown without paying downtown prices. One of the best examples and a funny sight in the midst of urban blight, Garden Architecture, spanning multiple lots on 19th and Ave. A and B.





New 19th. St and Idylwyld Dr. bridge onramp.



The big redevelopment efforts in the district are focused on the Farmer's Market on 19th St. and Ave. B. and River Landing PII between the Farmer's Market and the river. Here's the outdoor market square where the farmer's market expands during the summer including the 'local history chairs' in the southeast corner of the square.





Sonneschein Way, a new street that is the south boundary of the farmer's market, was finished this year.



The farmer's market has a small business incubator facing Sonneschein way.



River Landing PII will be a while.





Conversely, Isinger Park, kitty corner from the Farmer's Market between Ave. B. and Ave. C looks almost done. The park was designed with 'see-through' sight lines in order to increase the perceived safety of the park. Unfortunately the south anchor of the park is a large electrical sub-station.



Moving south from the Farmer's Market along the river, we come to one of Saskatoon's best kept secrets: beautiful Victoria Park.



The main view across the river from Victoria Park contains some of the most exclusive houses in Saskatoon along Saskatchewan Crescent that is the only section of riverbank in the city that has private access to the river.





Lion's skate park.



Looking from the boat docks north towards River Landing II and the Farmer's Market.



This Canadian Legion branch got tossed from their old building on the site of River Landing P1, and they are now located at Spadina and 17th St.

[Echoes]

Thanks for the photos and commentary, lbird.

River Landing Phase II is probably more exciting than Phase I in the sense that there will be more variety of activities/uses than PI and it creates great potential for Riversdale's revival. I'm eager to see it progress.

[WCBldg]

A project the magnitude of River Landing is destined to have snags and unforseen difficulties arise, especially when it's being constructed in a small city like Saskatoon. Saskatoon, or Saskatchewen for this matter has never seen a project with a magnitude of this. I think rather than stirring negative rumours and damaging morale towards the project "Lake Flaccid", we should give the developer some time; as we all know in this economy that goes a long way. Im very confident this project will be built, and as soon as construction commenses, all the nay-sayers will be nowhere to be found.

Just a thought

[Echoes]

Originally Posted by WCBldg

A project the magnitude of River Landing is destined to have snags and unforseen difficulties arise, especially when it's being constructed in a small city like Saskatoon. Saskatoon, or Saskatchewen for this matter has never seen a project with a magnitude of this. I think rather than stirring negative rumours and damaging morale towards the project "Lake Flaccid", we should give the developer some time; as we all know in this economy that goes a long way. Im very confident this project will be built, and as soon as construction commenses, all the nay-sayers will be nowhere to be found.

Just a thought

Good point, agreed.

[kgc087]

Originally Posted by WCBldg

A project the magnitude of River Landing is destined to have snags and unforseen difficulties arise, especially when it's being constructed in a small city like Saskatoon. Saskatoon, or Saskatchewen for this matter has never seen a project with a magnitude of this. I think rather than stirring negative rumours and damaging morale towards the project "Lake Flaccid", we should give the developer some time; as we all know in this economy that goes a long way. Im very confident this project will be built, and as soon as construction commenses, all the nay-sayers will be nowhere to be found.

Just a thought

Thanks for the positivity, that is something usually lacking in this forum and in Saskatoon in regards to construction.

[babo]

Originally Posted by lbird

You can find other posts on this board about this building on 20th. St. and Ave. B. It's owned by the guy who owns the Barry Hotel lot and seems to be fluctuating between a bingo hall, flea market, martial arts studio and artist space. I'm not a fan of the city spending yet more money, but this would be a good building for the city of province to set up shared artist space or something similar. It's a nice building that is holding back the area right now.

What a great building. Were it located in Regina, it would have been Imparked years ago.

[GTR200]

Lux on Broadway







Discovery Plaza











I had some free time today and decided to take some pictures. Looking at the Lux, it looks pretty close to being done. This makes me wonder what the Meridian will try next. They started small, then they moved to the KG and The LUX. Maybe they will try something bigger after they are done the U Of S deal.

[RougeDude]

I had some free time today and decided to take some pictures. Looking at the Lux, it looks pretty close to being done. This makes me wonder what the Meridian will try next. They started small, then they moved to the KG and The LUX. Maybe they will try something bigger after they are done the U Of S deal.

Meridian does seem to make things happen .. but they might have to sell the units in these buildings (KG & LUX) before they can get another project going, or at least another residential project .. on the Lux website it shows which units in the building have been pre-sold to date and it is only a handful. I don't think the KG is much better either ..

[kiwi4life]

jeeze luxe looks good and is coming alone fast, they know how to get things done!, just a heads up, action happening down by where the new south bridge is to be, grading equipment, and a large porportion of ground moved.

[prairieguy]

Does anyone have any updates on the 'eco' residential development planned for by the Farmers' Market? I have not heard anything about this development for such a long time, I am wondering what its status is. I know there was a lot of initial interest. I am sure current market conditions are slowing this project down a bit, but hope they are still proceeding with a modified schedule. Appreciate any updates on this.

[Ruckus]

Thank you for another photo tour lbird, your contributions are much appreciated (another addition to the first page).

Thanks for the updates GTR200. Luxe is coming along quite nicely, its presence on Broadway complements the tower (name escapes me) at the five corners. A few more mid rises sprinkled on and around the commercial strip should give a daytime 2nd Avenue vibe, but during the night (and of course, more entertaining). The Luxe has made me appreciate Broadway's influence in shaping Saskatoon's urban identity as a city with pockets of mixed use districts in close proximity to one another.

The potential for a mixed use city is too great to ignore and we should thank previous administrations for reinforcing the vision of a compact city (although recent developments are threatening the pursuit of that vision).

And we should not discount the successful maturation of our organically grown mixed use districts. It is my hope that their successes are applied to improve the design of future greenfield developments and liven up our established suburban neighborhoods.

Discovery Plaza is also steadily coming together. The glazing appears to be transparent, with a blue tint to it. You can still see a support column on the second floor, that gives me a bit of an idea of how transparent the glass is. I'll reserve final judgment after the exterior is completed and the lights come on.

_______________________

A couple of hours ago I went for walk through Rotary Park and River Landing to check out the setup for Wake Fest. I predict another entertaining weekend in Saskatoon. Jazz Fest + Wake Fest, how sweet is that!

And how about that crane next to Persephone. SIGA has setup Dinner in the Air, it is exactly what the name suggests. Very

[GTR200]

Originally Posted by Ruckus

And how about that crane next to Persephone. SIGA has setup Dinner in the Air, it is exactly what the name suggests. Very

I'd love to see a 15 strorey observation tower in that spot with a restaurant. I think it would be a popular restaurant. Does anyone remember Martini's in Saskatoon Square? It was on the top floor. I remember it was popular.

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by GTR200

I'd love to see a 15 strorey observation tower in that spot with a restaurant. I think it would be a popular restaurant. Does anyone remember Martini's in Saskatoon Square? It was on the top floor. I remember it was popular.

Its interesting that SIGA was involved with promoting Dinner in the Sky. Perhaps this event was a trial run for an Art Gallery of Saskatchewan/observation tower and they were courting those who are likely to support such a development.

...am I grasping at straws?

[kgc087]

Originally Posted by Ruckus

Its interesting that SIGA was involved with promoting Dinner in the Sky. Perhaps this event was a trial run for an Art Gallery of Saskatchewan/observation tower and they were courting those who are likely to support such a development.

...am I grasping at straws?

I was walking along riverlanding and noticed that and instantly thought maybe this is a test run to see if people would utilize skytower. I honestly think this would be a good compliment to the museum as well if the exterior was completley re-done to be a modern masterpiece it would be fantastic! Chances of that tho are pretty slim

[Jerry]

Originally Posted by kgc087

I was walking along riverlanding and noticed that and instantly thought maybe this is a test run to see if people would utilize skytower. I honestly think this would be a good compliment to the museum as well if the exterior was completley re-done to be a modern masterpiece it would be fantastic! Chances of that tho are pretty slim

Originally Posted by Ruckus

Its interesting that SIGA was involved with promoting Dinner in the Sky. Perhaps this event was a trial run for an Art Gallery of Saskatchewan/observation tower and they were courting those who are likely to support such a development.

...am I grasping at straws?

That is to funny. My wife and I were walking past and had the same thoughts. It will be interesting to see what develops.

[GTR200]

Originally Posted by Jerry

That is to funny. My wife and I were walking past and had the same thoughts. It will be interesting to see what develops.

I hope something develops. Would be a cool tourist attraction.

[Ruckus]

I friend of mine was fortunate enough to have an invite for Dinner in the Sky. Here are some photos he shot...

Their website says 40 or 50 metres is the maximum height (depends on crane size). Skytower had a height of 450 feet, or 137 metres. But, the observing platform maxed out around 120 m or something (I'm too lazy to go find the specs).

If this event was indeed a trial run for Skytower, why the dining and such?...I think, sorry I hope its because certain people are considering something more than a Skytower. A restaurant would be a huge draw no doubt.

[ninipanini]

That dinner crane is the tackiest thing I've ever seen in Saskatoon. It looks like the construction site that may or may not ever be on that site!