Saskatoon Construction

[drm310]

Well, I think it's a foregone conclusion that the new south bridge will be as bland and uninspiring as the Circle Drive or Buckwold Bridges. It sucks but it's not unexpected.

Perhaps we could at least come up with a somewhat inspiring name for the bridge, so it has some redeeming value. My nomination would be for "(Christopher) Yorath Bridge". He was the city commissioner in 1913 who conceived the whole concept for Circle Drive - as he called it, "inner and outer encircling boulevards". It seems appropriate to mark the completion of his vision, almost 100 years later, with a bridge in his name.

[Stormer]

Originally Posted by shmakim

Take a look at this site, which covers construction of a spectacular bridge they're building in Nevada to bypass the Hoover Dam.

http://www.hooverdambypass.org/

This incredible-looking bridge is quoted as costing $114M (in the project FAQ page), well under HALF of what's been estimated to construct what we suspect is a lackluster, utilitarian "freeway in the sky" extension across our river. How can this be? Does the $297.5M for the Circle Drive project cover the bridge and all interchanges and road construction, or simply the bridge itself?

The Hoover Bypass bridge is 1900 feet long, which looks maybe a bit longer than our required span... or maybe pretty close.

I don't know why the Circle Bridge is so expensive, but I am sure it would cost even more if it were an elaborate suspension bridge or other type of long span that would be much more aestheticly pleasing. On the S. Sask, high suspension bridges and long spans are not necessary because their is no ship traffic underneath and it is possible to put pilings in the middle of the river, as is done on all of the other S. Sask River bridges.

Having said this, it would have been nice to some effort made to make the design nice to look at.

[macca]

$300 mil is the price for the entire project, not just the bridge.

[madsad]

You can gussy-up a freeway bridge all you like, but it'll still be a freeway bridge.

Does anyone know of the accommodations, if any, are being made for a multi-use trail crossing on the south bridge? There is mention of it in the project report, but they don't seem to know whether it would be on the bridge deck itself, or slung underneath like the north Circle Dr bridge. I assume it would be on the bridge deck for now.

A more detailed and finalized rendering of the U of S student residence should be revealed on Monday (Feb 8).

[jas321]

No source for this, but I'm pretty sure I remember hearing they were doing a suspended pedestrian walkway underneath the bridge, similar to Circle Dr North Bridge. I hope this is the case.

[shmakim]

Originally Posted by jas321

No source for this, but I'm pretty sure I remember hearing they were doing a suspended pedestrian walkway underneath the bridge, similar to Circle Dr North Bridge. I hope this is the case.

Yeah I seem to remember hearing that too, although I can't remember where. To be honest, I quite like that arrangement - it's much more desirable than riding your bike right next to roaring traffic, it (usually) provides shade to cyclists and pedestrians, and gives better views of the river below. I think the suspended pathway under the existing Circle Drive bridge is the best thing that could happen to it. With a winner of a design idea like that, I should hope they'd plan that into the South Circle Drive bridge from the start.

[taguy]

Originally Posted by jas321

No source for this, but I'm pretty sure I remember hearing they were doing a suspended pedestrian walkway underneath the bridge, similar to Circle Dr North Bridge. I hope this is the case.

2 of the 3 contractors show a suspended walkway. Nothing fancy like circle drive. Very plain jane.

[midnightrambler]

Speaking of Hoover Dam bypass, I was there about a week ago and took these shots:





It is really a fantastic site. I find it hard to believe that it was built for under $200M, but it is likely late and over budget.

But I have always loved the idea of spending a little extra to make things aesthetically pleasing. Up here in Saskatoon we tend to cut corners everywhere, and it doesn't pay off. Instead of going for the overpass we choose traffic lights. Instead of traffic lights we choose stop signs. Instead of concrete we use ashpalt. Instead of moving snow off the streets we drive over it and salt the roads. I am suprised that the proposed bridge isn't just a one lane each way bridge... where we'll spend 100M less but still have the same problem.... They probably have no foresight for growth either and a third lane will have to be built.... The Airport needs to be expanded again already. Well they just finished the upgrade, cutting corners in space and in design... no foresight....

It is really frustrating living here sometimes because people don't have a clue what efficiency means.... but they can sure cut corners...
5 years from now when that bridge is finished it will likely be time for another one on the north end of the city becuase all the semi traffic will still be clogging up circle dr. and the mass transit system will still suck... but instead of contracting out the entire project at once and saving a bit of dough we'll go through the process again and spend double... and end up with another boring freeway bridge...

Remember when bridge building was a symbol of pride here? The Broadway Bridge, The University Bridge? The pictures of the city always include either of these bridges.

I say spend more. And I want the Provincial and Federal government to pony up the cash. This is a regional project and our municipal politicians just up our taxes here in the city of Saskatoon to pay for these things which is a Trans Canada highway. I am sure if we were in Quebec this bridge would be fully payed for and built already.

I'd like to see a government on any level just say (this project is fully funded by the province, or the feds etc... but all three levels of government need to get in there and scratch their friends backs and contract out business on every detail.) And pretend they are cutting corners....

[shmakim]

Originally Posted by taguy

2 of the 3 contractors show a suspended walkway. Nothing fancy like circle drive. Very plain jane.

I think the very design of a suspended walkway is nice, whether fancy or not. As I mentioned above, it separates the pedestrian / cyclist experience on the bridge from the commuter experience, and gives better views of the river for those taking more time to cross it. 2 thumbs up.

[Morogolus]

Well said MidnightRambler, I couldn't agree more.

I've always loved bridges and I think it's one of the most aesthetic ways for a city or country to show flex it's architecture and engineering skills for the world to see. There are so many different types and configurations that can be built and there is a lot of room for making the design something unique.

It was recently our 100th anniversary, we have been the economic power center of the country for 3-4 years straight and have been doing alright with all things considered despite North America going through a recession. Our population has been steadily increasing and with the demand for oil, potash and uranium SK has a bright future ahead of it. We are even known as the City of Bridges for crying out lout.

You think that city council and the powers that be would want to celebrate this by having a new and modern symbol of our city. With every other construction project falling through or having trouble, that they would want to instill the population with a bit of pride and give them something to be proud of.

But no we're giving just another purely functional boring bland concrete ugly bridge like every other project the city has been involved with. Well that's not true they might buy some half a million dollar Christmas lights for it.

City council would be the worst chefs in the world. They'd take every reciepe and completely remove any spices or sauces or anything that made it remotely taste good and just leave you with a piece of meat or lump of potatoes on your plate.

Sometimes it just seems the staff at McDonalds would be better at running a city.

[Ruckus]

I found some time for photography (nothing you haven't seen before...maybe).
_______________________

J.B. Black Estates (estates?)...sorry, no pit pics




Health Sciences E-Wing

I don't remember anyone posting this render of the x-wing...

Source (high resolution)

E-Wing construction...














Details do serve a purpose














Saskatoon's land fill, future home of a wind turbine?

[Echoes]

^ If only the view of the downtown skyline was as good elsewhere around Saskatoon as it is from the landfill!

Some news... one of those free newspapers, the "Neighbourhood Express" is reporting that the Uptown Market will now open in March. Still waiting on those freezers I guess. No surprise, delays delays delays are the norm around here.

[swilley]

Not sure why the fuss about the new bridge. IMO its a freeway bridge on the outskirts of town - why fancy it up? I would rather see some cash thrown at the traffic bridge to actually fix the thing. Anyway, I heard today that different electrical firms are bidding on the new 11 story Holiday Inn at the former Pacific Cinemas site. No other details... Looks like this should be a go...

Dug this up from a while back....

[Ruckus]

...I wonder if the city would consider commissioning Marie Lannoo (she's local ) for a public art installation.

My photo

On display until April 5th Mendel Art Gallery

[midnightrambler]

How's this for an idea:

Once the bridge is built, close the city dump on the south end of the west side and turn it into a ski park.... sure we can put up a wind farm too.

I wonder where they could relocated the dump though? It really shouldn't be upstream from our water treatment plant... let alone next to the river.... Great city planning there...

And the trifecta of incompetence:

[iron883]

"Once the bridge is built, close the city dump on the south end of the west side and turn it into a ski park"

I drive by the dump every day, and often think the same thing.
That would be lovely.

[mike474]

If every level of government is so incompetent perhaps some of you should run for public office. If your powers of fiscal management are in any way comparable to your ability to complain you'd be perfect for the job.

Politicians sure get the shaft from some people on here. When you can't rationalize an opportunity cost to anything the job seems pretty easy.

Or we could all just move to Quebec where everything would be handed to us.

[midnightrambler]

Originally Posted by mike474

If every level of government is so incompetent perhaps some of you should run for public office. If your powers of fiscal management are in any way comparable to your ability to complain you'd be perfect for the job.

Politicians sure get the shaft from some people on here. When you can't rationalize an opportunity cost to anything the job seems pretty easy.

Or we could all just move to Quebec where everything would be handed to us.

I pay taxes and vote in elections so I can say whatever I want.

I have often thought of running for public office. But you see the problem is political parties and the bureaucratic culture within them that restricts free thought and open conversation. In the end they all just end up toeing the party line, or at the very least, and rightly so, kicked to the curb like Jim Pankiw.

Politicians get the shaft everywhere. I don't disagree with all they do, but I am dissatisfied as much with the Conservatives and Saskatchewan Party and their tight wad attitude as I was with the Liberals and NDP's and their tax and spend attitude on useless projects.

The Conservatives have a chance to get it right. They need to spend some money. So do the Sask Party. I could care less about a 40% reduction in our province's debt. I don't think it helps us as citizens all that much. And there is a lot of places that have no regard for debt whatsoever. I'd like to see some money spent on useful, landmark, cultural, and symbolic projects. We have a chance to do all that with the bridge in this city right now.

Take the 1930s for example, which was also a difficult economic time. In Arizona/Nevada they built the Hoover Dam. In Saskatoon they built the Bessborough hotel.

How symbolic are those projects now?

There is just no imagination in architecture or design anymore and therefore no pride and no heritage. That is what I believe is what this blog is largely about, and what currently politicians fail to realize.

[shmakim]

Lofty achievement

Conversion of Bay draws international acclaim

By Peter Wilson, The StarPhoenixFebruary 5, 2010 8:43 AM


2nd Avenue Lofts is one of six projects shortlisted in an annual competition sponsored by World Architectural News (WAN), an online news and global resource for architecture.

The project is the only North American entry still in the competition and joins other finalists from around the world in the running for the 2009 WAN Residential Award.

Wayne Lemauviel smiles as he takes a seat at the kitchen island in one of the show suites in the 130-unit building. He is pleased with the conversion of a half-century-old department store into a residential complex that has captured the imagination of an international team of judges.

Against a backdrop of floor-to-ceiling windows, polished concrete floors and 17-foot ceilings, the suite's open floorplan design has proved popular not only with the judging panel, but with buyers. Only 16 suites are left in the sales inventory, says Lemauviel, one of the building's developers.

"We're proud of our building, proud that we could bring such a project from concept and give it a new life downtown," he said.

Lemauviel credits Edmonton architect Gene Dub as the genius behind the building's transformation.

Dub, who also designed Edmonton's City Hall, not only agreed to take on the challenge back in 2004, he also came on board as a project partner with Lemauviel and Prince Albert contractor Gary Bender.

"Gene recognized the potential of the building and has done an incredible job creating what we have today," Lemauviel said.

The project has helped change the face of downtown. But the conversion was not easy for the developers as they struggled with manpower and material shortages during Saskatoon's frenetic construction boom, which took off shortly after work began.

Five years on, and more than $20 million and many grey hairs later, Lemauviel sighs as he takes in the view of the city through the huge windows in the show suite.

"It was quite a roller-coaster ride," he said. "At times we had real issues finding workers because of the boom, and at one point there was a world shortage of copper and for weeks we couldn't get the piping and wiring we needed," he said.

Part of the Bay's department store empire when it opened in 1960, the downtown landmark became an empty shell when the Bay opted to move to the Midtown Plaza.

The Bay was having problems finding buyers, but Lemauviel and his two partners saw the possibilities and managed to purchase it for what they say was a good price.

"I think that there were numerous times we wondered what we'd got ourselves into, but we had many good times, too. I think being in the running for the award makes up for any sleepless nights we've had," he said.

2nd Avenue Lofts is competing against other residential projects from the U.K., Chile and Malaysia. The judges' decision is expected before the end of February, says Lemauviel.

http://www.thestarphoenix.com/Lofty+achi...international+acclaim/2524683/story.html

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Woweewowoww! In the running with only 6 project from around the world?! Impressive. Although I can't get my head around the photo that accompanies the story - looks just a little too sterile for me, but I suppose that's interior decor, not architecture.

[Morogolus]

I love how Google came here in the spring when everything was brown with no leaves on the trees and there was old gravel filled snow everywhere and garbage and cigarette butts all over the place. Probably the worst time of the year they could have come.

Why is that sign the "trifeca of imcompetence"? Are they not planning on building that anymore?