Edmonton Construction 9 (2008-08) - Page 326

IKAN104 · #**6501** Posted **Jul 4, 2009, 3:57 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by basilbrush

If true, then perhaps we'll see them apply the windows on that face on the higher (than the Coast Hotel) floors.

That's kind of what I'm hoping for too.

240glt · #**6502** Posted **Jul 4, 2009, 4:58 PM**

Proposed tower has residents concerned

Meeting Tuesday over 35-storey Oliver building

A developer is proposing to construct a 35-storey building in the Oliver neighbourhood that would almost triple current height restrictions for the area.

The proposal is raising concerns among some residents who worry the commercial/ residential tower planned for Jasper Avenue and 119th Street would tie up traffic on the thoroughfare and block sunlight for surrounding properties.

A public meeting to discuss the proposal is scheduled for Tuesday.

"It is significant," said Shafee Mohamed, a senior planner for the city. "Oliver hasn't seen any major developments for quite a while, except for those that are on the fringes of the neighbourhood, and even then it's not been more than 12 to 15 storeys. There's nothing that's 35 storeys in that area, as far as I know."

Current zoning for the neighbourhood allows for a maximum of 12-storey buildings with a density of 450 units per hectare. This proposal calls for a 35-storey building with a density of 600 units per hectare.

Mohamed said the development group is offering to build an environmentally sustainable building, a small park, and wants to discount five per cent of units for affordable housing in exchange for increased density allowances on the site.

With shops planned for the ground floor, the project could benefit the commercial potential of that area of Jasper Avenue, Mohamed said. The proposal also plays well into city plans to increase density in mature neighbourhoods and could improve Edmonton's skyline, Mohamed said.

The building would replace a cluster of older four-storey buildings. Twelve-storey towers stand on either side of the proposed project.

The Oliver Community League and the Community of Oliver Group have raised concerns over the height of the tower.

"With 35 storeys, people will lose their sun," said Dolores Nord, a past-president of the Community of Oliver Group.

Parking plans for the building are also a concern. It is currently proposed that access to the parking lot come from Jasper Avenue, which some people think could tie up traffic on the main road.

"It's a concern for everybody because it's certainly going to affect anyone travelling along Jasper Avenue," Nord said, noting that traffic might divert to side-streets such as 102nd Avenue.

With just a few days until the first open public meeting on the project, residents are concerned the timing will not allow some residents to attend since many could be away on summer holidays.

The public meeting will be held at Robertson-Wesley United Church, starting Tuesday at 7 p. m.

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Business/Proposed+tower+residents+concerned/1759708/story.html

CMD UW · #**6503** Posted **Jul 4, 2009, 6:05 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by IKAN104

Wheeeeee. T&T is open. I wasn't expecting them to open until fall. I believe that was the original plan. I'll be one of those non-asians shopping there regularly.

The whole mall redeveloment looks good too. It was such a mess before.

Yes, Anthem did a good job...but given their track record, it was expected.

Coldrsx · #**6504** Posted **Jul 4, 2009, 6:19 PM**

"There's nothing that's 35 storeys in that area, as far as I know."

...as far as you know hey. Thanks for the insight.

HomeInMyShoes · #**6505** Posted **Jul 4, 2009, 7:05 PM**

^Haha. Pinnacle and Lamplighter are both reasonably tall. Pinnacle is 26 and Lamplilghter is 25. Now 35, is maybe a bit of a stretch, but all this piddly 12-story stuff is getting a little pathetic along Jasper. Much as I think the stuff built along Jasper has been pretty reasonable, it would be nice to really notch up the density a bit in that area.

How is the commercial along that area of Jasper doing? I'm specifically thinking of the strip in front of Pinnacle and then a litte further West where the gallery section starts?

CMD UW · #**6506** Posted **Jul 4, 2009, 7:52 PM**

^Good, in fact that area is starting to see some evolution to higher quality tenants. There are some pockets of space available, but overall it is coming along.

ue · #**6507** Posted **Jul 4, 2009, 8:41 PM**

Is this the 'Pearl' we're talking about? If these residents want sunshine, they can go out to the nearby parks, though, so I don't see that a big complaint. 35 stories would be beautiful out there.

HomeInMyShoes, well Jasper between 120-124st is okay. Still could use some more pedestrian life and a more variety of businesses, but it's pretty decent.

IKAN104 · #**6508** Posted **Jul 4, 2009, 11:17 PM**

Tried to go to the new T&T today. It was super busy. There wasn't enough parking so I couldn't go in. Had to settle for a slow drive by.

IKAN104 · #**6509** Posted **Jul 4, 2009, 11:34 PM**

Quote:

"With 35 storeys, people will lose their sun," said Dolores Nord, a past-president of the Community of Oliver Group.

This is retarded. We're talking about a neighbourhood with hundreds of high rise buildings already. If all day sunshine is really an issue for Dolores then she shouldn't be living downtown.

Coldrsx · #**6510** Posted **Jul 5, 2009, 12:10 AM**

^not to mention but last time i checked there is plenty of sunshine there.

Hardhatdan · #**6511** Posted **Jul 5, 2009, 12:14 AM**

I'd like to see the shawdow on it and just how far it would extend north...this would be the only location where it would block sun from residences wouldn't it?

Coldrsx · #**6512** Posted **Jul 5, 2009, 12:26 AM**

^and its path... in winter that would extend quite a bit north. Hence why a point tower is best in this situation.

CMD UW · #**6513** Posted **Jul 5, 2009, 1:13 AM**

Shadowing, increased traffic and lack of parking are the common issues raised by residents. Most of the time these are only 'perceived' issues and are not backed by fact.

IKAN104 · #**6514** Posted **Jul 5, 2009, 1:54 AM**

Yes and in terms of traffic, it's not even an issue if four 12 storey buildings are built over the span of 5 years (that's a total of 48 floors), but if you build a single 35 storey tower, suddenly it's an issue.

kcantor · #**6515** Posted **Jul 5, 2009, 2:56 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by IKAN104

Tried to go to the new T&T today. It was super busy. There wasn't enough parking so I couldn't go in. Had to settle for a slow drive by.

way more fun inside than a slow drive by... not as hectic as the last couple of days according to staff but still pretty busy. lots of staff and nothing short on the shelves. well worth the walk down from the other end of the site.

EdmTrekker · #**6516** Posted **Jul 5, 2009, 3:23 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by IKAN104

That's kind of what I'm hoping for too.

Are you guys saying there is NO west facing windows on ICON2?? on the lower floors?? Who would buy something like that?

CMD UW · #**6517** Posted **Jul 5, 2009, 3:28 AM**

^Yes, that may be true...which is ridiculous.

EdmTrekker · #**6518** Posted **Jul 5, 2009, 3:31 AM**

Does anyone have a link to a GREAT picture of Edmonton (downtown) that I can cut and paste and use? Looking for some that give a real "skyscraper" image. I have seen some winter shots but they look "cold" as in snow etc. The first pages of this thread do not have any pics of the city.

ue · #**6519** Posted **Jul 5, 2009, 3:37 AM**

^are you looking at skylines from the ground or aerials? are you looking at dense skyline shots, or does it matter, or in terms of 'skyscraper' are you just looking for the buildings to look tall?

240glt · #**6520** Posted **Jul 5, 2009, 3:51 AM**

I have this, it's outdated & I have no idea where it came from