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Originally Posted by HomeInMyShoes
Ugh. You really do jump to conclusions. Why don't you have something constructive to say on this. Other than jumping to suburban conclusions, which in Regina is where a vast majority of our commercial development has and is still going. Read Jacobs, or Kunstler, or Lynch. There's lots of stuff out there on why this might not be a good idea.
CUC is a terrible location as is the Palladium (or whatever they call it in Ottawa), but I agree with Trueviking that I'd rather see the stadium built elsewhere. We have an opportunity to create some more vibrancy in the warehouse district and increase pedestrian traffic by reintroducing some of the grid system in the area, but the stadium won't do that. We need uses that are diverse in users and in times of usage. A stadium doesn't usually fit that bill and acts as a rather large barrier for pedestrian traffic.
I want a new stadium. I used to get very excited about downtown locations, but in this case, I'm not so sure. I'd really like to see something else done there.
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I am nearing the end of my Masters Degree in Planning. I've read Jacobs and Kunstler once or twice before.
Exactly what conclusion am I jumping to? I responded briefly to the fact that some believe a more suburban location is of some sort of benefit. If you agree that much of the retail base has elected to locate outside the core, and you agree that this is a negative occurrence, then why advocate on behalf of more functions locating outside the downtown?
One of the largest impediments to downtown Regina is that the majority of "destination venues" are located outside downtown, such as the Mackenzie Art Gallery, Museums, Conexus Arts Centre. These are the types of destinations that bring people downtown. These are the types of destinations that we need downtown. To allow another significant destination to locate outside the core would be another lost opportunity.
If anyone believes for a second that the Warehouse district is somehow going to develop into Vancouver's Gastown overnight, then I'm sorry, but that's not the case. The Warehouse district needs a large scale development, such as a stadium, to inject life into the area. Much of the adaptive re-use has been completed in the area, and now we sit with a mixture of fantastic heritage buildings and low quality light industrial. A project such as this stadium has the ability to increase property values and interest in the area so that residential and commercial begin to push industrial out of the area.
Again, what is the benefit to building a stadium at the fringe of the city? It's ease of parking and a reduction in traffic congestion. Any economic benefit would be lost. Instead of patrons at the Rider game electing to mingle downtown or along Dewdney Avenue at Bushwakkers, they would instead choose to pick up A&W in Davidson on their way back to Saskatoon.
I ask anyone who is against this location, to prescribe a better venue. The only other viable option in my mind is the current Mosaic Stadium site. Then again, I believe that re-developing that site into a mixed use project will better serve the needs of North Central than a stadium will. That neighbourhood needs a grocery store, doctors offices and other essential services.
Some consideration might be given to a location at U of R, but I believe that's doing a disservice to varsity sports teams. A venue of this size is way too large for university sports and the university should work towards building a venue of a more appropriate scale.
Truly, this leaves the railyard as the superior option. Again, given what we have seen of the proposed design there will be no on-site parking. If the project is designed appropriately, then those linkages between the Downtown and Warehouse district can be created. The stadium will will not encompass the entire parcel and there is still room for other uses such as residential, commercial, etc. But truly, shouldn't we be intent on filling in the existing gaps that dot downtown Regina before we start to concern ourselves with developing the railyard into residential?
I am not sold on spending upwards of $400 million on a stadium, I believe there may be better uses for that money. However, if it goes ahead, then I'll embrace this decision as an opportunity to rejuvenate both Downtown and the Warehouse District. Where I do experience frustration, is at the thought that this project would be better served at a suburban location. Again, I repeat, this would lead to no benefits.
For those who believe a downtown sports venue cannot be beneficial in revitalizing an area, I leave you with a quote regarding Columbus, Ohio's Arena District in the downtown.
Quote:
“The Arena District has had a significant impact on the revitalization of downtown Columbus, bringing the first new multi-use projects to the central business district in many years,” said Brian J. Ellis, president of Nationwide Realty Investors (NRI).
“Our goal has been to create a new and exciting place for people who want to be downtown. And we've accomplished that. Our entertainment venues draw large crowds, office space has filled up, and the residential component is a success.”
Since its creation in 2000, the Arena District has introduced 3,600 jobs and 40 new or relocated businesses to the heart of Columbus. Once- barren real estate is now a center for round-the- clock activity.
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http://www.iedconline.org/downloads/smart_growth.pdf