Saskatoon Construction

[Ruckus]

Oh. I guess some gods do move in mysterious ways...I bet that Tacotime will outlast Don Cherry's. To be replaced by...you guessed it, Tim Hortons.

[kgc087]

A local developer says Riversdale is ready for the next stage in its development.

To that end, Curtis Olson of Shift Development Inc. has purchased the former headquarters of the Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company at 220 20th St. West.

He plans to turn it into his company's head office and the location of several like-minded small businesses involved in everything from graphic and website design to furniture design to engineering.

"I'm going to be kind of bringing together a lot of these forward-thinking businesses, people who are concerned about how our city is growing and developing in the coming years, into one facility,'' said Olson.

"The building and Riversdale are going to be a home for my business for the next 20 years."

The main floor will have a cafe. Olson couldn't announce the owner yet, but it's an established local operator. Office and shared space, such as meeting and board rooms, will be upstairs.

Olson bought the building based on location and quality. Listed at $645,000, it was also a good price, though he wouldn't say how much he paid for it. The rennovations should cost about $250,000 and be ready by fall. At one point, the building was home to Joe's Cycle.

"That building is smack dab in the best part of 20th Street, and it's a big building and it's got great bones. And it's going to be a really easy renovation project," Olson said.

"It's one block away from the farmer's market. I can walk there in five minutes from my house in Caswell Hill. I figure I've got it licked to live without a car now."

The concept of hubs for creative business -- laptop-based, world-focused -- is growing in the United States but still fairly rare in Canada, said Olson.

"I know a lot of people who've moved back to Saskatoon that still do business all over North America. They're a little shop -- but they have unbelievable talent.

"It's going to be very exciting."

The theatre company, meanwhile, has said it plans to move next door to its original building at 228 20th St. after renovating it. The theatre was forced to restructure and put one of its two buildings up for sale due to its debt load.

While some ponder the future of Riversdale, Olson says he can already see it.

"I have spent a lot of time in Riversdale. I've kept a very close eye on that neighborhood and Caswell Hill. In my mind, the future of those two neighborhoods has already been determined because I know the demographic of people buying houses and moving into these areas and it is a very progressive, very urban-focused demographic of people moving in.

"The future is written for Riversdale."

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© Copyright (c) The StarPhoenix

Read more: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/entertainm...g+gears/3081357/story.html#ixzz0pEzXuV8l
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This is incredibly exciting! I can really see this area developing into a Saskatoon version of 17th Ave. in Calgary. It is already beginning and has the bones to become a beautiful part of the city. The character lighting and corner sculptures and character buildings are all in excellent condition. With some increased high end density this neighbourhood become one of the stars of Saskatoon.

[Echoes]

Wonderful news. I am glad now that Shift was not awarded the Arthur Cook project, or else we probably wouldn't see this type of project going into Riversdale. Now we're getting both a property in the Warehouse District and in Riversdale being revamped.

Keep these catalyst projects in the neighbourhood coming, I say. The Farmer's Market and Ideas Inc. are already having an effect on the neighbourhood. The fact that one of Ideas Inc.'s tenants (Cava) has graduated into its own space in Riversdale is so encouraging. As these businesses establish themselves in the incubator and begin to look for their own space as they grow, Riversdale and 20th Street will be so attractive because they've already established themselves in that area, built a customer base, have the opportunity to be surrounded by like-minded entrepreneurs, and River Landing is right there.

Now just to get that veterinarian to do something spectacular with the Adilman and Barry site. Not holding my breath though.

Regardless, I can't wait to see Riversdale in 10 years!

[milanboy]

Originally Posted by Ruckus

^ Haven't heard about that one. Google doesn't turn up much legit info about a Stoon franchise.

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I noticed the 3rd Ave Master Plan depicts a median preventing 21st Street traffic to cross 3rd Ave. I thought council passed an amendment to remove the median...or was it just discussed?

I just checked the drawings on the city's website (3rd Ave Master Plan) and there is no median on 3rd Avenue at 21st Street. Maybe they just updated the drawing.

[Jerry]

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by milanboy

I just checked the drawings on the city's website (3rd Ave Master Plan) and there is no median on 3rd Avenue at 21st Street. Maybe they just updated the drawing.

Wonderful!...and curious

I think removing the median will result in more congestion but that's quite alright with me.

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Originally Posted by Jerry

I see your Saskatonian and raise you one comedic forecast (an oldie but the dates just about match up).

Warning: This image contains adult language, viewer discretion is advised. (f-bombs and such... ).

[RHINO]

From my understanding, Calgary and Toronto already have Cold Stone Ice Cream stores, so Saskatoon wouldn't be the first in Canada to get one.

We have one in Kamloops B.C. as well, its brand new.

[Jerry]

A few shots of the 3rd Avenue project. Looks like the median on 21st street is gone.



3rd Ave. and 21st street looking east.


Street Corners.


Looking south on 3rd Ave.


Tree grates.


Tree grates.


Looking north on 3rd Ave.

[Jerry]

We now have a bridge construction viewing platform on the east side of the river.

SP story - Sod turned on Circle Drive South project

[kgc087]

The pictures are amazing! I really love the decorative tree graits the city comes up with. It just adds that extra bit of style to the area that is unexpected. I'm confused about the median though, the depth it's set at right now is WAY to shallow for any sort of root system by trees or shrubs, do you think a second layer, or walls will be added later?

[milanboy]

Originally Posted by kgc087

...I'm confused about the median though, the depth it's set at right now is WAY to shallow for any sort of root system by trees or shrubs, do you think a second layer, or walls will be added later?

From what I could see them doing the other day when I was downtown, they were pouring the curbs on top of the existing pavement, then sawing out the pavement between the curbs for removal. When I was there they were doing the sawing with a huge circular saw but hadn't actually taken the asphalt out yet. Of course all this is speculation on my part.

[dsim249]

Thanks for the update Jerry! 3rd Ave is lookin' good so far.

[Jerry]

Originally Posted by kgc087

The pictures are amazing! I really love the decorative tree graits the city comes up with. It just adds that extra bit of style to the area that is unexpected. I'm confused about the median though, the depth it's set at right now is WAY to shallow for any sort of root system by trees or shrubs, do you think a second layer, or walls will be added later?

I have to agree with milanboy and as you can see in the photo they have cut the pavement. They will more than likely install Silva Cells to support the root system as they did on the sidewalks as is seen in the second photo.

It just amazes how much work goes into a project like this that we never see.

Thanks milanboy for getting the info on Silva Cells from the city.

Some earlier shots of the 3rd Avenue project




Silva Cells

[Wyku]

Originally Posted by Country

Wonderful news. I am glad now that Shift was not awarded the Arthur Cook project, or else we probably wouldn't see this type of project going into Riversdale. Now we're getting both a property in the Warehouse District and in Riversdale being revamped.

Keep these catalyst projects in the neighbourhood coming, I say. The Farmer's Market and Ideas Inc. are already having an effect on the neighbourhood. The fact that one of Ideas Inc.'s tenants (Cava) has graduated into its own space in Riversdale is so encouraging. As these businesses establish themselves in the incubator and begin to look for their own space as they grow, Riversdale and 20th Street will be so attractive because they've already established themselves in that area, built a customer base, have the opportunity to be surrounded by like-minded entrepreneurs, and River Landing is right there.

Now just to get that veterinarian to do something spectacular with the Adilman and Barry site. Not holding my breath though.

Regardless, I can't wait to see Riversdale in 10 years!

"That veterinarian" also bought the old SAAN/Red Apple/Fields/whatever else it's been store on the corner of 20th and Idylwyld as well. I haven't heard of any plans for any of the locations yet though--I think he's just waiting until the area around the farmers market and West River Landing gets more developed to either sell or develop.

[milanboy]

Originally Posted by Wyku

"That veterinarian" also bought the old SAAN/Red Apple/Fields/whatever else it's been store on the corner of 20th and Idylwyld as well. I haven't heard of any plans for any of the locations yet though--I think he's just waiting until the area around the farmers market and West River Landing gets more developed to either sell or develop.

I would speculate that he is speculating.

[kgc087]

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities handed out its Awards of Excellence on the weekend in Toronto. The City of Saskatoon was a regional winner in the Watershed Awards category. Saskatoon was recognized for its superpipe drainage system to alleviate the potential of basement flooding in highly susceptible areas. [gw may 31 2010]
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Not exactly the most exciting award to win, but none the less it is national recognition for a specific infrastructure initiative, go Saskatoon!

[Echoes]

From ICR's website, a posting for the Arthur Cook Building:

Available for lease

20,000 sq. ft.
(approximately 6,667 sq. ft. per floor)

The Arthur Cook Building is a historic warehouse building located within Saskatoon’s downtown core.

The following will be featured in the building:

• Warm, neutral shades that blend with the natural character of the building have been used to create a dramatic entry way with exposed brick and sweeping 18 foot clear lobby area
• All office areas will provide minimum height 10’ open ceilings featuring exposed concrete columns, brick walls, concrete ceilings and hardwood floors
• New large, energy efficient windows with an excellent inlet for natural light
• New heating, cooling, electrical, and communications systems
• New passenger elevator and barrier free access
• Ample on-site and street parking adjacent to the building
• Ample storage on-site
• Building will be designed and engineered to target a LEED Silver designation
• Aluminum sunshades, as shown in rendering to reduce sunlight and cooling costs.

Source

Also, the Shift Developments project on 20th Street:

Available for lease

Main floor – 4,356 sq. ft.
2nd floor – 5,948 sq. ft.

The Two-Twenty is a renovation project by Shift Developments in the popular Riversdale area, adjacent to the Farmers market and the west phase of the river landing development, www.riverlanding.ca. With escalating downtown rents and declining vacancies, the Two-Twenty is the ideal development to relocate your business and be a part of the resurgence of the Riversdale area.

Renovations include a completely new facade with second floor windows. All mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems will be replaced or upgraded. Retail and office will be provided as a clean open shell with an electrical panel and HVAC unit ready for distribution.

Source

Will be great to see a contemporary facade like this on 20th!!
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And finally, of note in this S-P article is highlighted in bold:

Premier Wall outlines Saskatchewan Party government priorities over next 18 months
Opposition NDP says there's nothing new in Sask. Party mandate

REGINA — Premier Brad Wall has given his troops new marching orders as they head towards the 2011 election.

The Opposition NDP, however, says there is precious little that is fresh in the mandate letters given to Saskatchewan Party cabinet ministers on Monday.

Among the highlighted priorities for the Saskatchewan Party government are attracting eight to 12 new corporate investments and two major head office expansions, improving educational outcomes for First Nations and Metis learners, increasing the supply of rental housing, reducing violent crime and developing a province-wide multi-material recycling program.

Speaking to reporters, Wall acknowledged that most of the items mentioned are not completely new but the letters put the government’s updated priorities together in one place.

“The point of this is that they’re posted and they’re transparent and our government can be measured against progress in these areas,” he said outside a meeting of cabinet at the legislature.

NDP house leader Kevin Yates said the government was simply trying to “change the channel” after a tough session of the legislature that concluded a week and a half ago.

“It hasn’t been a very successful spring. Their budget has been a disaster,” he said.

“The cuts have not been popular with people. They’ve been hurtful, been harmful to many Saskatchewan residents.”

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© Copyright (c) The StarPhoenix

Read more: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/news/Premi...+months/3093267/story.html#ixzz0pY2EE7Lj
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^ I remember reading in an Enterprise Saskatchewan report that they've working on attracting the head offices of Mosaic to Regina. I would assume that is 1 of the 2 head office expansions. I wonder if the second has anything to do with Saskatoon? Anybody know something about this?

[kgc087]

The Arthur Cooke isn't anything amazing, but it def has it's heritage kept which is a positive. The Shift reno is outstanding! These people really have a vision for Saskatoon and once they establish themselves will probably be a main player in the cities development. It's a bit concerning though to talk about companies "relocating" from downtown to Riversdale. To me they should be relocating from 8th or something. It would be great to see a new head office come into Saskatoon, then perhaps the 12 story office building could be constructed since it would have a tenant.

[Ruckus]

Thanks Jerry. I feel the new attitude of 3rd Avenue. It feels good so far, however the boulevard height could change that.

It may not be practical or worth the cost, but some soft back-lighting to emphasize the tree grate design would be a nice touch. I think the Broadway Five Corners art installment has a similar effect.

These would make 3rd a bit more grandiose if the trees were mature elms. The lighting scheme for 2nd Ave would be fine too.


Source

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Shift will be a great stimulator for 20th Street. That setback almost looks comfortable enough for a couple tables and chairs.

The first and only 3rd Avenue sidewalk cafe.

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by Country

[...]

^ I remember reading in an Enterprise Saskatchewan report that they've working on attracting the head offices of Mosaic to Regina. I would assume that is 1 of the 2 head office expansions. I wonder if the second has anything to do with Saskatoon? Anybody know something about this?

I think the other is a crown corporation expansion...I really don't know. They probably don't even know