General Vancouver Updates - Page 64

mr.x · #**1261** Posted **Jul 10, 2009, 9:23 PM**

wow, i thought those comments and article were much more suitable if the park was closing and being replaced with a parkade. it's a TEMPORARY park improvement closure! if the residents of the DTES had their way, i'm quite sure the neighbourhood will also stay and remain as the nation's slum. nothing would ever improve.

flight_from_kamakura · #**1262** Posted **Jul 13, 2009, 8:20 PM**

just noticed this:

http://blog.ounodesign.com/2009/06/29/the-mcbarge-ghost-ship/

would be great to see this one brought back from the dead.

SpongeG · #**1263** Posted **Jul 13, 2009, 8:30 PM**

i like the housing the homeless idea that would be useful at least

hollywoodnorth · #**1264** Posted **Jul 13, 2009, 10:34 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by flight_from_kamakura

just noticed this:

http://blog.ounodesign.com/2009/06/29/the-mcbarge-ghost-ship/

would be great to see this one brought back from the dead.

here she is BTW >> http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?v=...&scene=29230778&where1=burnaby&encType=1

Located in North Burnaby. Poor Mcbarge......eserves a better fate than this.....

Delirium · #**1265** Posted **Jul 20, 2009, 9:30 PM**

i don't remember seeing these renderings on here so sorry if it's a repost.
thought this looked good!

Containers on Terminal http://www.containersonterminal.com

www.containersonterminal.com

www.containersonterminal.com

the view

www.containersonterminal.com

according to their website it says phase 1 has a 2010 occupancy. that looks doubtful but i hope these get built one day..

metroXpress · #**1266** Posted **Jul 20, 2009, 9:35 PM**

^ nice addition...if it gets built

SFUVancouver · #**1267** Posted **Jul 20, 2009, 10:14 PM**

It's a Rize Alliance project. They are also behind the stacked "Jenga" tower at Drake and Granville.

My hunch is that both of these will go forward.

hollywoodnorth · #**1268** Posted **Jul 20, 2009, 10:22 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by SFUVancouver

It's a Rize Alliance project. They are also behind the stacked "Jenga" tower at Drake and Granville.

My hunch is that both of these will go forward.

that would be great stuff

raggedy13 · #**1269** Posted **Jul 20, 2009, 11:32 PM**

Containers looks like a great project and just the sort of architectural style Vancouver could use more of for infill projects. I guess the fact that it's not residential helps in this regard as well.

Kwik-E-Mart · #**1270** Posted **Jul 20, 2009, 11:45 PM**

Finally there's something done on the empty plots south of Terminal Ave.

phesto · #**1271** Posted **Jul 21, 2009, 12:02 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by SFUVancouver

It's a Rize Alliance project. They are also behind the stacked "Jenga" tower at Drake and Granville.

My hunch is that both of these will go forward.

Both projects are effectively on hold until market conditions improve. The developer has deep pockets and can afford to wait.

They had initially considered building Containers without a pre-lease commitment, but thought better of it...they've had no leasing activity in over 12 months...

jlousa · #**1272** Posted **Jul 21, 2009, 2:40 AM**

I beleive I posted the same renders a couple of months back, but still good to see them again. Phesto is correct that Containers is on hold, as is the Red Truck brewery site as far as I know, but both are expected to proceed in the not to distant future. My understanding though is that the Rolston "Jenga" site is a go and they are working out the final touches.

jlousa · #**1273** Posted **Jul 21, 2009, 4:10 AM**

Always divided if Chinatown/Gastown stuff should go in here or in the Downtown thread, since the downtown thread has been pretty active today figured I'd post this here so it won't get buried so quickly.

Quote:

228 Abbott Street DE#412957
VHR C(M)
Mr. Jankovic introduced this façade grant application for rehabilitation of the principal façade of the building and noted that Donald Luxton, Heritage Consultant, has prepared the conservation plan. PJ Mallen, Architect, provided some background to the project and advised the new owner intends the building for use as a furniture store. The building was originally called the Hickey Building, built about 1889. Mr. Mallen noted that little of the original façade is intact and the attempt to restore is primarily replacement of some elements and recolouring and conditioning the building. The work will include
restoring the pediment, reinstating some cornice lines along the horizontal and as well as the brick course above, and the uppermost cornice. The window surrounds will be rehabilitated and coloured to differentiate the window openings. The windows will be replaced and a window that was removed and filled in will be restored. The new storefront will be set back from four existing iron columns and treated similarly to the adjacent property and other Gastown buildings. The storefront design reflects the original
layout but will have a single main entrance. There will also be some interior rehabilitation work. Mr. Jankovic noted that staff have identified no particular issues with this application. Staff believe the proposed contemporary restoration is appropriate because all of the original elements except the columns have been lost in the past.
Questions raised the committee included:
• What provision is there for garbage/recycling?
• Will the top of the central pilasters be reinstated?
• There is little relief to the retail glazing which seems inappropriate for Gastown;
• Are the colours accurate?
• What is planned for the roof?
• Will noise from fans be an issue for residential neighbours?
Comments included:
• Strong support for this building being rehabilitated;
• Much has been done that is commendable (the proud main entry with the relief work and the cornice details over the doorway) but the proposal does not go far enough for a façade grant;
• The profiling on the ground level windows has been made invisible;
• There needs to be allowance for garbage and recycling;
• Concerns about noise from the fan;
• Concerns about keeping the stucco. The brick should be exposed, especially at the front. It was noted that very little stucco would need to be removed. Feasibility of removing it can be determined in consultation with staff and would be a worthwhile exercise.
The Committee RESOLVED,
THAT the Gastown Historic Area Planning Committee supports the application with the following recommendations:
• Provision for garbage and recycling;
• Providing traditional storefront window treatment;
• Adequate noise attenuation from the rooftop fan;
• Removal of stucco, subject to testing for feasibility

Quote:

488 Carrall Street
VHR C(M) DE #412922
Mr. Jankovic briefly introduced this application to carry out some exterior improvements and restorations to the storefront. The application is seeking a heritage façade grant up to $50,000. Timothy Ankeman, Architect, briefly described the building context and noted the intent is to restore the building to its original appearance rather than to the period restorations carried out in the 1950’s. The restoration work will be done in two phases. This application comprises the first phase to restore the ground floor façade and the interior of the main floor for use as a restaurant/pub. The owner intends to restore the upper floors of the building from revenue generated by the restaurant/pub and hopes to complete the work in two years.
Mr. Ankeman distributed illustrations and reviewed the proposed work. He also explained the rationale for a contemporary restoration that is respectful of the overall character of the building. He sought the committee’s feedback on two options presented for the canopies
The committee’s comments and suggestions included:
• raise the canopy above the hotel entrance to distinguish it better;
• consider cast iron signage;
• consider some recognition of the areaways;
• applaud the intent to work with the market alley;
• some concerns about the colour and use of wood.
RESOLVED
THAT the Chinatown Historic Area Planning Committee supports the application as proposed, with a recommendation to consider providing an interpretation of the historical context of the building. The Committee supports the applicant’s Option Two for the canopy treatment but does not support the inclusion of banners.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Quote:

4) Chinatown Plaza Parkade Neon Lighting Project - Update
Helen Ma, Planner (Downtown Eastside Group) referenced the previous presentation of design options made to the committee last fall, as well as the background of the project to bring back the historical nighttime character to Chinatown. Illustrations of the proposed neon sign at Keefer and Columbia streets were presented and discussed. Ms. Ma noted it will be necessary to seek a variance of the current Sign Bylaw, or for the Sign Bylaw to be amended so that the sign will comply. The intent is for the sign to be installed by the end of the year, before the Chinese New Year and the 2010 Olympics. The committee’s comments and suggestions included:
• The “lantern” motif weakens the appearance of the intermediate characters;
• Suggest eliminating the “lanterns” and making the characters larger;
• Add some background to the intermediate characters to make them more prominent;
• Would like to see the sign more dynamic; up and down movement may help to offset the weakness of some of the characters;
• Support for the “lanterns”;
• Suggestion to reverse the colours.
RESOLVED
THAT the Chinatown Historic Area Planning Committee supports the proposed neon signage as proposed, with the following recommendations:
• to consider adding some motion to the ribbon; and
• ensure that all the characters have equal prominence by adding backlighting.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Also the COV is looking like it will up the maximum transferable density from the density bank from 10% to 20%. This should clear up the inventory quickly and bring it back online, the city is currently freezing it for 3 years and will then only allow density to be created at the average rate it was consumed over the last 3 years. Personally I don't think the freeze will need to last that long but we'll see.

AlexYVR · #**1274** Posted **Jul 21, 2009, 4:13 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delirium

i don't remember seeing these renderings on here so sorry if it's a repost.
thought this looked good!

the view

www.containersonterminal.com

according to their website it says phase 1 has a 2010 occupancy. that looks doubtful but i hope these get built one day..

Thought that rendering was interesting. Anyone else notice the 'hopeful' downtown they portray above the existing buildings?

SFUVancouver · #**1275** Posted **Jul 21, 2009, 4:18 AM**

I think those ghosted in City Gate towers are meant to represent the build out of SEFC to Main Street.

LeftCoaster · #**1276** Posted **Jul 21, 2009, 4:22 PM**

Yeah I thought that was odd too. my first thought was a poor shot from inside a building reflecting off the glass... then my brain kicked in and I realized there is nothing that tall there. A weird effect none the less.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlousa

My understanding though is that the Rolston "Jenga" site is a go and they are working out the final touches.

Interesting, I haven't heard much about it for several months now, I just figured it was on hold. Must have gone to another contractor.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlousa

Also the COV is looking like it will up the maximum transferable density from the density bank from 10% to 20%. This should clear up the inventory quickly and bring it back online, the city is currently freezing it for 3 years and will then only allow density to be created at the average rate it was consumed over the last 3 years. Personally I don't think the freeze will need to last that long but we'll see.

Cool news, I wonder if they will also put caveats on transferring this density to residential developments in order to further promote the core's commercial stock.

Re: Abbot 228... Another furniture store? Are we serious? This is honestly getting completely out of hand, it will be about the fourth in the block. This is the building with the Mexican restaurant at the base is it not? It would be quite a bad deal to lose a large restaurant like that to another damn minimalist furniture store.

jlousa · #**1277** Posted **Jul 22, 2009, 2:11 AM**

No it's across the street on the East side of the street.

LeftCoaster · #**1278** Posted **Jul 22, 2009, 6:00 PM**

Hmm isn't that the Lamplighter though? I can't really see that place going anywhere. Or is it one of the smaller buildings a bit further south?

Google maps cannot get their street view up and running in Vancouver soon enough!

Jared · #**1279** Posted **Jul 23, 2009, 2:01 AM**

Went to the council meeting on laneway housing yesterday. Seems like it's pretty much a go; all the councillors seem pretty positive, and about 90% of the speakers were in favour. There's another meeting tomorrow night to hear the rest of the speakers (only about 1/2 spoke). The real question IMO is whether of not they'll adopt the 1 or 2 parking spaces requirement. Most speakers spoke in favour of the 1 car option.

They also approved the secondary suites thing.

jlousa · #**1280** Posted **Jul 23, 2009, 2:28 AM**

Left coaster, for exact info use Vanmap, not to mention they have their aerial maps updated yearly

It's the building just south of the lane (lamplighters is north of the lane)
It's the building behind Balthup (sp)

This next bit is interesting, my understanding was Onni was going to wait just a bit more before proceeding with V6A.

Quote:

CONDOMINIUM APARTMENT, COMMERCIAL Proj: 9064087-7
Vancouver, Greater Vancouver RD BC
NEGOTIATED/START
V6A, 221 Union St, V6A 2B2
$27,000,000 est
Note: There was a slight delay in the main construction, but construction is now fully underway. The Contractor uses primarily Invited Sub Trades. Website: www.onni.com
Scope: 120,000 square feet; 9 storeys; 3 storeys below grade; 128 units; parking for 140 cars

Anyone know if this is the case and it's already back on, or just a trade paper jumping the 🞵🞵🞵.