Edmonton Construction 9 (2008-08)

[240glt]

[vaportrail]

Originally Posted by ExcaliburKid

If all those employees are being moved from the Annex and Terrace building, would it be safe to assume that those 2 buildings may have a date with the wrecking ball?

The Annex at least, according to the following Journal story. Haven't heard anything about Terrace. Who has and from where???


Sweeping Capital Boulevard planned for Edmonton

EDMONTON — The Alberta government envisions a sweeping “Capital Boulevard” downtown by the year 2012, allowing a clear view from Grant MacEwan University to the legislature dome, Infrastructure Minister Jack Hayden said Thursday.

With fellow government members looking on, Hayden described the legislature grounds renovations, including rehabilitating the long-empty Federal Building - just north of the legislature grounds, at 9820 107th St. - and adding new underground parking to the area while making room for a new outdoor skating rink.

Initially, the province pegged the work - expected to be done by 2012, the legislature’s 100th anniversary - at $356 million. But in recent months, construction companies have become far more competitive, Hayden said, estimating costs will come down by at least 20 per cent and the total cost of the project will ring in under $300 million.

“Restoring this historically significant building will add to the legislature site (and) help with the rejuvenation of downtown Edmonton,” Hayden said.

Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel called the efforts a rebuilding of history and tradition.

“This is the pride of the province,” he said.

The press conference updating progress on the renovation took place in the Federal Building’s art deco lobby Thursday. It was a positive announcement in a sea of recent criticism of the provincial government’s handling of health care and cost-cutting.

The Federal Building will become the main office building for MLAs and other government staff. Hayden broadly hinted the Annex, next to the legislature and the current home to such offices, will be torn down altogether. “Green space,” is his vision for the building, he said, although there will be opportunities for public consultation.

The 10-storey Federal Building was completed in the 1950s, but first designed by George Heath MacDonald in 1939. MacDonald also designed the Robertson Wesley Church, the University Hospital and the old Public Library Building.

The Federal Building has stood empty for 20 years.

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[240glt]

I see some slight changes to the existing structure as well.

Is that a green roof ?

[Coldrsx]

^yup

[naidoo]

I like the feature on the very top of the building. What is it? Looks like an observation deck? Or maybe it's just a skylight.

Overall awesome :-0

[Kevin_foster]

Now THATS how you do a RENO!!!

How awesome would it be to have a giant piece of public art to signify the rejuvination of old into new?

Perhaps right here:

[noodlenoodle]

In the middle of the skating rink!?

[dancinb]

I like obelisks and I can certainly picture one there. Seems like a great place for one!

[Daveography]

That west addition is a piece of art in itself. I love it.

[ExcaliburKid]

Thanks for the renders guys, looks great, can't wait to see this completed!

[Kevin_foster]

Originally Posted by noodlenoodle

In the middle of the skating rink!?

Maybe a giant sculpture of wayne gretzky frighteningly rupturing out of a giant glowing blue and gold colored birds egg. Would fit both skating rink and reborn ideas just perfectly!!!

[Keats82]

I've been a long time browser, and have had so much to say, and finally got off my butt regarding signing up and joining the discussion.

Few popints I'd like to makeregarding the Federal Building renovations, and associated comments:

1) Green space for the Annex building would be wonderful, but I think edmonton and the provincial government could do better than that. What about some sort of glass sculpture in the shape of trees, towering 5-7 stories up, with real trees below? That could look super nifty, in my current train of thought.

2) I really like dancinbs' suggestion - an obelisk or something of that nature. Any sort of elegant, tall structure could bring an invigorating element to that area of the grounds.

3) Amazing interiors! Edmonton is starting to get on board the "awesome boat" with some of the new and refurbished buildings! Here's hoping to see more!

[CMD UW]

^Welcome to the forum Keats and good points.

Overall, this is a fantastic project. To sum it up, awesome, awesome, awesome.

[0773|=\]

Re: Fed

Awesome design for the front of the building. Those spray fountains remind me of the Olympic Plaza in downtown Atlanta, minus the synchronization of the water flumes (or perhaps we will get something like that!). The fact that it could be a skating rink in the winter really puts Edmonton's stamp of 'identity' on the whole project.

Now if Jasper and 109 get off the ground, this whole area of downtown has the potential to be a very lively place!

[ue]

Thanks for the renderings . Looks like we'll really be getting some nice urban plazas/parks! I just hope there is some neat public art and details in there too to add interestingness...but I doubt they'd show it in the renderings. Just cross fingers.

[mintzilla]

are those really vertical fountains? if so, hot damn.

[Shodan]

Council creates office to handle bids on airport land

Florence Loyie
Edmonton Journal

Friday, September 25, 2009

The redevelopment of City Centre Airport as a residential hub of high-rises, condominiums and parks is set to take off next April when the city releases the terms for a design competition to develop the land.

The process will begin with the creation of a project office modelled after the Mill Woods project office and similar to the Canada Lands Company, which administered the Griesbach development project, says a report headed to city council next week. The office is expected to be in place by year's end. A request for proposals for a design competition is being drafted with the terms expected to be released next spring.

Submissions must detail land-use and density plans, environmental sustainability, streets and sidewalks, parks and other public open spaces, neighbourhood integration, transit services and affordable housing. The design must also have a component that honours the airport's history.

Coun. Kim Krushell said she will be asking a number of questions when the report gets to council, particularly on how much public input will be sought at the design stage.

"I really want to make sure we have a public committee that includes the community leagues surrounding the location, because they are going to be most impacted. I want to make sure they have input into what the outcome should be. There are also some hangars that have historical significance, so I am going to be asking questions on that...because I think it is really important that we preserve the historical heritage."

On June 8, after months of consultations and days of public hearings, city council voted 10-3 to begin a phased closure of the airport. According to the motion, the Edmonton Regional Airport Authority was to begin work on closing Runway 16-34, which runs north and south.

According to the report, 16-34 is the runway used for instrument landings, and the airport authority has completed a tender for the installation of a GPS system for runway 12-30 to replace the current system. The GPS system is expected to be in place by the end of the year, after which it will need to be certified by NAV Canada. The certification and decommissioning of runway 16-34 is set to be completed by April 30. After that date, environmental testing on the land will begin and the city will release the terms for a design competition.

Medevac operations will continue to operate out of the airport, but discussions are underway with Alberta Health Services and Alberta Health and Wellness for a phased transition of those services to the international airport.

"A target relocation date of April 30, 2010, has been set contingent upon ensuring appropriate facilities and plans are in place at Edmonton International Airport to ensure patient safety can be maintained," the report says.

Discussions are also underway with NAIT about its future land-use plans and needs. NAIT's original plan called for a low-density suburban-style campus in south Edmonton. But with the closure of runway 16-34, NAIT is reviewing those plans, although the continued use of runway 12-30 does place some constraints on development of those plans, the report says.

"It is the city's desire that any NAIT expansion would reflect a higher-density urban-style campus that optimizes the presence of the LRT. These planning efforts are in their early stages," the report said.
© The Edmonton Journal 2009

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[Shodan]

Originally Posted by Kevin_foster

Now THATS how you do a RENO!!!

How awesome would it be to have a giant piece of public art to signify the rejuvination of old into new?

Perhaps right here:

Like this?


www.tms.org

[Coldrsx]

i'd rather see something like this from Chicago

[Jasper and one o nin]

Originally Posted by Kevin_foster

Now THATS how you do a RENO!!!

How awesome would it be to have a giant piece of public art to signify the rejuvination of old into new?

Perhaps right here:

or this