Development Rumours

[Jonovision]

It was quite an impressive model. I was shocked when they brought it in. I first thought maybe it was some other projects they had done in other cities. It is a highly ambitious plan. Being the optimist that I am I'd like to think it could happen someday. The way they planned the base for the new BMO building was great. They had a nice big curved entrance area that fronted onto Lower Water. Much better than what is currently there.

[beyeas]

Originally Posted by Jonovision

It was quite an impressive model. I was shocked when they brought it in. I first thought maybe it was some other projects they had done in other cities. It is a highly ambitious plan. Being the optimist that I am I'd like to think it could happen someday. The way they planned the base for the new BMO building was great. They had a nice big curved entrance area that fronted onto Lower Water. Much better than what is currently there.

I was shocked too. It took me a minute to process. I recognized the TD building, but it still took my mind a bit to realize "wait a second... are they serious about this? Are they really planning on developing four 20+ story buildings???". Admittedly that is a long way from reality, if it happens at all, but it is a cool plan.

I do like the current BMO building (although obviously not the RBC building, which is hideous), but I agree, how the new version would address that corner is a HUGE improvement!

I spent probably 1/2 my time there last night just staring at that one set of models (especially since it was the only one that really surprised me and that I didn't know about beforehand).

[dmac26]

Are there any resources online that show this planned extension of the financial area? I must have missed this last night at Viva.

[beyeas]

I asked and they said no.
They had brought the model as something new, and were keen to get some initial feedback etc, but the handouts and web stuff are all on the TD tower.

Incidentally, they want to start that in the spring and complete it within 3 years. Their goal is that they hope (from their perspective) by starting in the spring that they can beat Waterside Centre to the punch for new tenants.

[sdm]

Originally Posted by beyeas

I asked and they said no.
They had brought the model as something new, and were keen to get some initial feedback etc, but the handouts and web stuff are all on the TD tower.

Incidentally, they want to start that in the spring and complete it within 3 years. Their goal is that they hope (from their perspective) by starting in the spring that they can beat Waterside Centre to the punch for new tenants.

Well considering Waterside Centre is approved and ready to start i can't see how they would think they would be "beating them" to the punch.

If Waterside hasn't started i can't see how they could start and get tenants.

[beyeas]

No idea... just repeating what they said.
Maybe they feel that there are tenants that they are fighting over the same tenants, and if they don't get started before Waterside does they will lose out on them?

[sdm]

Originally Posted by beyeas

No idea... just repeating what they said.
Maybe they feel that there are tenants that they are fighting over the same tenants, and if they don't get started before Waterside does they will lose out on them?

Must be.

But considering Waterside Centre is in the position they are in and stating last night that they can be completed in 18 months once they start i say they are ahead.

[Jstaleness]

Originally Posted by planarchy

Gone! Both buildings have been demolished.

From my cell this afternoon.

[Jonovision]

Wow! What a lovely place for a new little residential building!

[beyeas]

Originally Posted by sdm

Must be.

But considering Waterside Centre is in the position they are in and stating last night that they can be completed in 18 months once they start i say they are ahead.

Yeah there is no question Waterside "could" be done 1st... but I bet it matters a lot as well who is willing to break ground 1st.

On the other hand... that may very well have just been posturing by the developer of the TD site!

[JET]

Originally Posted by Jonovision

Wow! What a lovely place for a new little residential building!

It's a good size piece of land. Apparently they had permits for demolition, but nothing so far for developmnet. Hopefully soon.

[Empire]

Originally Posted by worldlyhaligonian

Why would they reclad the BMO building??? Its beautiful the way it is... I agree with everything else, but think its a waste of money to reclad a great looking building!

That RBC tower seriously needs a reclad though.

The BMO phase is much more than recladding. There is an extension on the east side much like the TD proposal. This extension takes up the area where the little picnic table smoking pit is. This extension is curved the whole way up and the building looks similar to International Pl. It appeared that BMO was approx. 6fl. higher. It is possible that these buildings would have to be demolished if the columns/rebar/footings were not designed for additional load. The trade centre bid for these buildings called for the complete demolition of TD, BMO & RBC.

[someone123]

Originally Posted by Empire

The trade centre bid for these buildings called for the complete demolition of TD, BMO & RBC.

Seems very wasteful given how much land is available downtown. There is space for probably a couple million square feet of major new office buildings without even touching Cogswell and it is a stretch to imagine that much demand for the space.

The towers in the first place were a bit of a mistake - some of the nicest old buildings downtown were ploughed under for their construction.

[spaustin]

When I talked to the developers last night, they indicated the RBC would be the one they would concentrate on after the TD. BMO would be last and is the most fanciful right now since they don't own that corner, presumably the province does since it's their skywalk to the law courts. If they start asking the province for it now though, maybe the law courts will be relocated and they'll have that corner land when the market conditions are right for a 4th tower in 20 years

[Jstaleness]

I sure would like to see the Law Courts building gone. When the Bioscience Building comes down that one is going to really stick out.

[dmac26]

Speaking of the law courts building. I heard a rumor that Metro transit would be taking over the building as offices? Has anyone heard this?

[fenwick16]

I have always liked the Law Courts building. Is this the one with the concrete pedway crossing Lower Water Street? http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=rf7fyq9...Water%20St%2C%20Halifax%2C%20NS%2C%20B3J

[beyeas]

Here's the pictures of the development:

http://www.allnovascotia.com/story_img/getpic.php?imgName=20100930_vladi2.JPG

http://www.allnovascotia.com/story_img/getpic.php?imgName=20100930_vladi3.JPG

http://www.allnovascotia.com/story_img/getpic.php?imgName=20100930_vladi1.JPG

Not sure if you guys can access that link. If not I will find another way to repost.

[eastcoastal]

Originally Posted by beyeas

Here's the pictures of the development:

http://www.allnovascotia.com/story_img/getpic.php?imgName=20100930_vladi2.JPG

http://www.allnovascotia.com/story_img/getpic.php?imgName=20100930_vladi3.JPG

http://www.allnovascotia.com/story_img/getpic.php?imgName=20100930_vladi1.JPG

Not sure if you guys can access that link. If not I will find another way to repost.

Oh wow - impressive change... I have to say, I'm not THAT impressed with the end result (plus, I actually like the BMO building the way it is). It seems a little 1980s to me. I know it's just a concept - probably well in advance of detailed feasibility studies and architectural exploration... but beyond being big, they really aren't that 🞵🞵🞵🞵.

[fenwick16]

Originally Posted by beyeas

Here's the pictures of the development:

I think it looks good, but I think it would be better if the towers didn't all look so similar.