Saskatoon Construction

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by gowest

What happened to all the great information on this site about buildings and such that is happening in Saskatoon. I would rather read about that than people's personal opinions on other countries and the weather. Anyone have something new on construction here in the city.

We will continue construction talk right we where we left off, you'll see

I was going to go for a leisurely (it is a burden to bring the camera every time I go out ) bike ride around downtown and the river today, but because there hasn't been a photo update for some time I will bring my camera along for the ride.

Discussion sparked by Gehl's visit to Saskatoon continues here

[Wyku]

Originally Posted by Ruckus

I was going to go for a leisurely (it is a burden to bring the camera every time I go out ) bike ride around downtown and the river today, but because there hasn't been a photo update for some time I will bring my camera along for the ride.

Do you do requests? A couple shots requests from me, for others to see, are:
- shots of the Luxe, specifically going south towards it and it peaking up over the buildings. It's a pretty cool sight and I think it fits in nicely with the area even though it's somewhat tall.

- shots of the Rumley. The glass on the extension is up now and I think it looks so-so, I'd be curious what others think.

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by Wyku

Do you do requests? A couple shots requests from me, for others to see, are:
- shots of the Luxe, specifically going south towards it and it peaking up over the buildings. It's a pretty cool sight and I think it fits in nicely with the area even though it's somewhat tall.

- shots of the Rumley. The glass on the extension is up now and I think it looks so-so, I'd be curious what others think.

No problem Wyku

Any requests from other members?

[Ruckus]

40 posts were moved from the construction thread.

This may be a premature statement, but I think we will have more urban design gurus coming to Saskatoon

[Jerry]

Looks like it will be a while longer before Scratch opens on 2 Ave. South.

http://www.scratchclub.ca/

[kgc087]

I really enjoy the exterior of Scratch, it has a minimalist approach but is oozing good design, perfect use of proportions, I give it a

As for all of the Urban Design and Redesign talk I really agree and support the notion of redeveloping our city to be pedestrian and bicycle oriented, even public transit oriented or a combination of all three! Saskatoon's downtown core is in a very unique position due to its low building heights. We have the opportunity to densify on top of shorter office (3-5 level) towers with residential which could be family and yuppee oriented to promote a 24 hour vibrancy within the downtown. These additions could be built in such a way that restaurants and boutique shopping could be incorporated on the bottom of the newer developments, this would help create a more three dimensional living area rather then just a line of store fronts.

This also creates the opportunity for a more vertical greening of the downtown. Terraces and open skywalks could be lined with shrubbery and full grown trees. This would really create an urban oasis that would entise people to live in this community. As well it would enhance the aesthetic and property value of all surrounding areas AND help prevent the heat island effect. This densification will also lend itself to promoting pedestrianism as well as cycling. The downtown sidewalks could be widened to incoroporate a second row of trees then a bike lane then parking then one lane of traffic each direction.

I feel the first step to creating a beautiful urban oasis like this would be to create a pedestrian road from the midtown to the bess. Public fountains along the road as well as large permanent planters could be constructed and the second of row of trees along the sidewalks could be added. The sidewalks could be redeveloped to incorporate the glowing glass bricks at night which would give the area a unique charm.

These are just some of my thoughts on things, enjoy!

[one_brick_at_a_time]

Very interesting ideas kgc087!

[Ruckus]

I am too lazy to provide captions, I trust everyone can figure out the subject of most photos.

The first four were shot during the Cruise Weekend Show and Shine downtown...

[ninipanini]

Thanks for the great pictures... it's nice to see that S'toon is finally getting a summer. kgc087 I couldn't agree more! Saskatoon is still small enough that really innovative, progressive developments can be built into existing plans (ie. we're not some huge metropolis, and don't have to remove a lot of existing infrastructure to become a more modern city). I really believe that we're in a great position to become one of the most progressively planned cities in the country... all we need is some serious initiative in city hall! So kcg087, how do you feel about running for council?

[kgc087]

Originally Posted by ninipanini

Thanks for the great pictures... it's nice to see that S'toon is finally getting a summer. kgc087 I couldn't agree more! Saskatoon is still small enough that really innovative, progressive developments can be built into existing plans (ie. we're not some huge metropolis, and don't have to remove a lot of existing infrastructure to become a more modern city). I really believe that we're in a great position to become one of the most progressively planned cities in the country... all we need is some serious initiative in city hall! So kcg087, how do you feel about running for council?

Actually I would love to run for mayor, and when looking into the application the only thing required is you don't have a criminal record and you must be a citizen, and I am both . But being quite young I doubt that would work. I feel that development ideas like mine are better fascilitated when there is significant public support. Say the city approved to redevelop one city block downtown in this manner and if the people like it we could begin to rezone more locations which would eventually cover the entire downtown area.

People are afraid of change but once they can be assured the change is in there favour and that it is 100% for them they support and utilize it VERY rapidly. Could you imagine if a terraced development I was talking about was developed on top of midtown. There could be say 2 or 3 condo's built on top with restaurants as well as additional retail space, then the roof could be transformed into an urban garden that people can sit and enjoy, they could look over the edge to see the activity below, as well this could be a park for children to play in (b/c the towers would be family oriented rather then yuppee). Then 21st could be closed down like i said and redeveloped along with this. I'm sure people would recognize the improvement and the shift from auto domination to pedestrianism and the public realm. THEN with that the support is gained and downtown could be transformed into a thriving, densley populated urban oasis.

Sorry I could keep writing but I feel everyone will lose interest if my blurbs are to long. Perhaps its time SSP Saskatoon compiled ideas and submitted a detailed report making reccomendations to council?

[kgc087]

Great pics, there are alot of positive developments happening within the city right now!! As well has anyone else noticed since university has began again that the city is really thriving. I was driving downtown around 8 and it was busy! I actually got hung up in traffic, as much as I am opposed to cars, I really do enjoy a good traffic jam. Not only were there cars but there were lots of pedestrians!!

[gowest]

Thanks for the great pictures. If anyone is out west, the Walmart and 4 story hotel are coming very quickly, as well the parks around the schools and Shaw Centre. Hampton Village has lots of construction also.

[EarlyByrdProductions]

Originally Posted by kgc087

Great pics, there are alot of positive developments happening within the city right now!! As well has anyone else noticed since university has began again that the city is really thriving!

I agree, our city is defined by that University!

and September is always the best month to go out and get some nightlife in Saskatoon with all the students back with minimum projects due...

---

Great pics.
I am so pleased with Meridian.
Classy, done quickly and an overall benefit to our city.

The Luxe with its fin adds such a beautiful dynamic to looking down broadway!

The KG with its 4 black tops adds much needed class to the 2nd ave skyline, and to me, compliments the Bes!
If only more of our development would work with and complement the beautiful existing structures we already have in place our city would have a much nicer 'brand'.

---

Sounds like they're finally tearing down the Continental and 'ye olde pub' across from galaxy for more condos...i hope they look nice.

---

should be a beautiful weekend for some fireworks/ live music/ beer gardens down at river landing. this city is really doing well!
I don't think I can make it but if someone could post some pics of the event that would be great!

[macca]

Originally Posted by EarlyByrdProductions

Sounds like they're finally tearing down the Continental and 'ye olde pub' across from galaxy for more condos...i hope they look nice.

What?

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by macca

What?

I hope they keep it as a gravel Impark, at least for a couple years.

I wonder if some of these demos are because developers fear a new bylaw is about to pass restricting, through taxation, the conversion of structurally sound buildings into temporary parking lots. If this is indeed the case, I hope the city applies the law to all existing parking lots.

I may be wrong for this particular case, but the potential is certainly there (I have little faith in our city administrators and downtown property owners)...

[EarlyByrdProductions]

Originally Posted by macca

What?

Yeah, my friend was looking for extra workers with any construction experience for helping in the demo. Sounds like good workers are pretty scarce these days.

And I agree completely regarding the tax break on parking lots.
I know it was even brought up at the talks with Jan Gehl as to better ways to use a fine building instead of making it so easy and cheap to tear down to just leave a gravel lot.

[Kruzat]

Ya I heard about the demo going down on the ye old pub as well. It's funny, in the last year that I've been living downtown I've seen all these eye sores and thought to myself "why don't they just change this crap, it would looks so much better" and now slowely all these eye sores are changing. The first was Romley, thought it would be cool lofts, and a few months later the news was out. The parkade across from midtown was the ugliest thing, and now it actually looks not bad, even better with 227. I thought about the hotel and ye old pub, and now it's coming down! There is also a parking lot just before wall street on 24 that is gonna be displaced by an office building. I'll take pics tomorrow.


Also good pics, I like the one of the people in 2nd ave lofts hahaha...the rooftop terrace should be open soon, I was taking a look the other day while they were just finishing up. it's a super modern looking deck with a really really great view, I'm hoping a wicked BBQ and hottub will be up there soon! I'll take pics as soon as I can tomorrow.

On another note, has anyone seen the open show suits in the KG? I went today and they are very nice, they have a very refined and classy style, but somethings almost look tacky. The rooftop was pretty nice aside from the fake fireplace ahaha..i hate those things. I found it to be very private, but on a 5th floor why not open it up a bit? there was a very small portion to actually enjoy the view. I like my terrace better, personally.

I agree with kgc about the green roof tops. I see these roofs as wasted space really. why not take advantage of all the space?

[Jerry]

The Continental Hotel is here to stay according to the owner Mark Bobyn . I ran into Mark on Saturday morning as he was attaching his Use of Right-Of- Way Permit on the building. According to him he is stripping down the interior to have a look at the structural integrity . The building is apparently around 100 yrs old and he has no intention of bringing it down . Once the structure gets an ok he has a few ideas for use of the building including condo's. I do believe Mark said he was an architect.

to Mark

[Ruckus]

Thanks for the upbeat news Jerry.

2nd Avenue is quickly establishing itself as a walkable mixed use corridor (similar to the progression of Broadway).

[kgc087]

This would be awesome if the exterior of the hotel was restored and maybe the windows were made a bit larger to be better proportioned to the building. Thiw would be nice to have high end condos/lofts here, maybe once the lighthouse moves out of the capri this could become a high end corner for the city.