Downtown Vancouver Updates

[vancityrox]

Originally Posted by delboy

I like, I hope this signals a liberalizing of the city's waterfront areas which while nice, are boring. White Rock as more life on its waterfront. Vancouver lacks a defined waterfront with nightlife, restaurants, bars, retail etc. I hoped coal harbour would buck the trend but no, more condos.

Couldnt have said it better. This city really needs to spruce up the waterfront areas, especially English Bay's beach. I think this project will be a start of many good things for English Bay beach.

[Locked In]

I have to disagree that English Bay is especially in need of sprucing up. It could use a new concession, sure. But other than that, I think it's great. In any case, unless I'm really out of the loop, I wouldn't expect to see too many changes at English Bay.

A vibrant waterfront entertainment district somewhere close to the core would be fantastic... the question is where? Established residential areas are out. I'm not holding out much hope for NEFC - even with the talk of a vibrant, entertainment area, I'd be surprised if that's right on the water. There's been some chatter about more nightlife at Granville Island, which would be cool. Long term, the area north/east of Waterfront Station might be best for a large-scale waterfront restaurant/nightlife area - not much residential adjacent or nearby, the best transit connections, great views for restaurants and patios, lots of nearby offices (and hopefully more to come) to keep the area busy by day, etc. But even if that area does get built out, it won't be for years (and years).

[Locked In]

Emery Barnes Park extension update - I noticed when I walked by the corner of Seymour and Davie that the Money's drycleaner has a sign up saying they'll be open in their new location as of April 23, 2010. All the other units are empty now - bring on the wrecking ball!

Lots of fresh soil on site as of today - My photo, March 24:

[trofirhen]

I wouldlike to see more elegant lamp posts installed on downtown Vancouver streets. The models I am referring to can be seen at YVR, and along the Trans-Canada Highway in Burnaby. They are also used extensively in central San Francisco and in Toronto, and are more refined looking, with more desing in them than the vertical green poles with the lamp protruding from them, as are on so many Vancouver streets.

Georgia and Burrard have a slightly better design, but are still the old "economy" variety, and aesthetics are part of the urban landscape.
These elements are subtle, but have a greater overall impact on our preception of the city than we realize.

(... and yes, I know they cost money, but is the overall cost really that humungous? ....)

[trofirhen]

Originally Posted by Locked In

I have to disagree that English Bay is especially in need of sprucing up. It could use a new concession, sure. But other than that, I think it's great. In any case, unless I'm really out of the loop, I wouldn't expect to see too many changes at English Bay.

A vibrant waterfront entertainment district somewhere close to the core would be fantastic... the question is where? Established residential areas are out. I'm not holding out much hope for NEFC - even with the talk of a vibrant, entertainment area, I'd be surprised if that's right on the water. There's been some chatter about more nightlife at Granville Island, which would be cool. Long term, the area north/east of Waterfront Station might be best for a large-scale waterfront restaurant/nightlife area - not much residential adjacent or nearby, the best transit connections, great views for restaurants and patios, lots of nearby offices (and hopefully more to come) to keep the area busy by day, etc. But even if that area does get built out, it won't be for years (and years).

I quite agree with you. In fact, I rather enjoy the peaceful, palm-lined walkway, the small park at Denman and Davie with its palms and subtropical plants, the sound of the wind and the waves, and the overall calm and pleasant feeling that English Bay offers in the middle of the highrise jungle. There are lots of other neighbourhoods and streets which could use sprucing up and livening up.

In fact, for me, the English Bay waterfront is an indirect extension of Stanley Park in a way, and brings a refreshing pleasantness to that part of town.

[BCPhil]

English Bay + famous local chef Rob Feenie = perfect.

I only hope it is more bistro/pub feeling than the dance club vibe that other Cactus Clubs extrude. Like no loud music, or better yet, no music at all. It will annoy too many residents and incite open revolt if all you hear when you walk past on the sea wall is a loud thud of a boring techno beat. Just provide a great place for a burger or salad and beer while watching the sun set and chatting with friends. I hope it escapes the Vancouver attitude that to be a good restaurant it needs to have blaring music and no interior lighting.

And it doesn't need to be expensive, low priced take out food inspired by Rob Feenie will generate a line all the way to the Burrard bridge.

[SpongeG]

can't be any worse than spandy andy and his blaring music at english bay

[Locked In]

New sign at a new place at Granville and Smithe - my photos, March 27:





Emery Barnes Park extension:

[Spork]

Thanks for the photos. Emery Barnes is looking great. Is there actually a cinema there? It is a bit funny that it says "Hotel" in grime/leftover paint on the bricks.

[Locked In]

It's 'Cinema Public House' - I think that's just the name of the lounge/bar.

[SpongeG]

yes its a resto bar

was suppossed to open in january or they wanted it open before the olympics

new signs always welcome

[Spikester]

Originally Posted by Spork

It is a bit funny that it says "Hotel" in grime/leftover paint on the bricks.

The dead mall aficionados call that a "labelscar". And of course there's a blog for such things at labelscar.com

[privatejet]

Anyone have info on the Brockton Point Condos? The address does not make sense
http://livingplenty.com/aggregator/sources/1

[Stingray2004]

Originally Posted by Locked In

That pic just answers a question that has always puzzled me. I have long noticed "CBS" and its trademark logo at the bottom of many advertising billboards within downtown Vancouver and have always wondered why a U.S. television network would need to be advertising its presence here in Canada.

Well that truck with its "CBS Outdoor" logo and this following tidbit finally puts that query to rest.

On May 15th, 2006 following a corporate realignment within Viacom in the U.S.in which assets were split into two companies: Viacom and CBS, Viacom Outdoor Canada became part of CBS Corporation and was renamed CBS Outdoor Canada.

http://www.cbsaffichage.ca/eng/history.htm

[Locked In]

Corner of Granville and Georgia:







(My photos, March 28)

[SpongeG]

whats going in there?

[Delirium]

^ new lobby for the office building. looks good. thanks for the update Locked In.

i;ve seen "public house" used several times to describe a bar or lounge. what's up with that? never heard that before.

[bulliver]

Originally Posted by Delirium

^ new lobby for the office building. looks good. thanks for the update Locked In.

i;ve seen "public house" used several times to describe a bar or lounge. what's up with that? never heard that before.

Originates from the UK. You have heard it before...'pub' is short for 'public house'. Basically, just a place where you and your friends can meet for a pint...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_house

[osirisboy]

Originally Posted by bulliver

Originates from the UK. You have heard it before...'pub' is short for 'public house'. Basically, just a place where you and your friends can meet for a pint...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_house

Yea I noticed that before and I think "public house" sounds weird and a bit pretentious, just call it a Bar.

[osirisboy]

Originally Posted by Delirium

^ new lobby for the office building. looks good. thanks for the update Locked In.

So what will be going in the old lobby. Is pacific centre still wanting to go ahead with a reno/expansion?