Downtown Vancouver Updates - Page 382

LeftCoaster · #**7621** Posted **Jul 5, 2011, 1:39 PM**

Looks great, I love all the additions to heritage buildings that keep popping up. Flack block, the plethora in Yaletown and Gastown... they fly under the radar but usually end up looking fantastic and really pumping life into neighbourhoods without drastically changing their character.

logan5 · #**7622** Posted **Jul 5, 2011, 4:37 PM**

That area around the Sun Tower and the Dominion Building is my second favorite part of downtown. Very historic = very cool. Maybe it's been mentioned, but are there plans for the parkade at Beatty and W. Pender? Something significant but thoughtful would really push that area over the top.

jlousa · #**7623** Posted **Jul 5, 2011, 5:45 PM**

I don't think there are any immediate plans, the city is in the process of conducting very expensive repairs to that parkade.
I always though it would've been nice to have a path punched out connecting Beatty to Hasting St, even if it were just for pedestrians and bikes, but don't think there is an appetite to destroy a building on the 100 W Hastings.

vanman · #**7624** Posted **Jul 5, 2011, 6:27 PM**

Crosstown is becoming such a cool hood. That area already feels very Montreal like.

jlousa · #**7625** Posted **Jul 6, 2011, 9:42 PM**

Following up on that project.

Quote:

2. Conservation Review
(a) 564 Beatty Street VHR C DE No. 414716

A development permit application has been submitted to rehabilitate and restore the existing 3-storey C listed building at 564 Betty Street and to add a 4–storey rooftop addition that reflects a contemporary style. The entire building will be used as office with a restaurant proposed on the 4th (Beatty Street) level. The application also proposes to introduce new openings (for windows and entrances) along the south facade adjacent to the Keefer Steps and Stadium Skytrain station.
The site is located in the Victory Square planning area. The Victory Square Policy Plan encourages development that is in keeping with the scale and density of the area with a maximum 5.0 FSR and 70’ height. However, the Policy Plan also includes a provision to permit consideration of increases beyond these on a case by case basis subject to urban design analysis and the provision of public benefit such as on-site heritage preservation. A number of relaxations and incentives (available through the Heritage Building Rehabilitation Program) are proposed through a Heritage Revitalization Agreement including:
Density (permitted 5.0 FSR; existing 4.80 FSR; proposed 8.45 FSR)
Height (permitted 70 ft)
(existing at Beatty 44 ft; proposed at Beatty 96 ft)
(existing at lane 76 ft; proposed at lane 133 ft)
Parking
Property tax exemption for 10 years
3 façade grants.
Issues:
(i)form of development including proposed rooftop addition;
(ii)approach to rehabilitation of south (plaza) elevation;
(iii)proposed conservation plan for existing heritage building and materials;
(iv)request for incentives and relaxations.

Very impressive density already at almost 5 and increasing to 8.5 is huge, a lot of high rises aren't even close to that.

jlousa · #**7626** Posted **Jul 6, 2011, 10:14 PM**

Looks like the end is near for a another Vancouver instution.

Quote:

855 Granville Street Palms Hotel – VHR B (M) The Coronet Theatre –VHR C Empire Theatres Building – Not listed on VHR
Pre-application
The ornate Palms Hotel (originally the MacKay Almond Block) was constructed in 1893 and designed by William Blackmore, an important Vancouver architect who designed a number of prominent and ornate buildings in the City (see the discussion for 239 East Hastings Street under this agenda, which is also a Blackmore building). In 1976 the façade of the hotel was designated “above the ground floor ceiling level”.
The site at 845-851 Granville Street has seen a number of theatre operations over the years. The Globe Theatre, constructed in 1912-1913, was re-worked in 1938 at which time the art deco façade was built and the theatre was re-named the Paradise Theatre. The Coronet Theatre opened in 1965 and featured a remodel by the well known architect Ross A. Lort. In 1986, sites were consolidated into one project which saw the conversion of the buildings into a theatre complex. The site in between the two featured a small retail building with an ornate, and somewhat unusual, gothic-deco façade visible in photos from the period (it was a reworking of the 1920 façade in 1935 by Thomas Kerr, the same architect who designed the deco façade for the Paradise Theatre). This building was demolished at the time the current complex was built.
The development application proposes to convert the entire theatre complex into commercial and retail uses, as the theatre use is no longer viable. The application complies with the height and density provisions of the Downtown Official Development Plan. The 1986 façade is to be demolished and replaced by a contemporary façade. The Palms façade is being retained as is, with the original clerestory windows being revealed at the storefronts. The main issues which staff are seeking the advice of the
Vancouver Heritage Commission, Agenda 5
July 11, 2011
Commission on are the interventions into the Coronet Theatre façade. The design proposes to allow for strategic openings which are to be sympathetic yet allow light to access the proposed commercial spaces behind the façade. The deco frieze is to be retained and neon lighting re-instituted based on period photographs. A vertical glazing element is proposed to replace the portion of the façade where the original “Coronet” sign was located (removed in the 1986 renovation). A new sign is proposed which re-institutes the vertical completion of the building on the north edge in a contemporary way without directly copying the previous theatre signage. Two small strip windows are proposed, which frame the 1938 figure motif on the façade, in order to allow additional light into the interior. The marquee canopy is original to the deco façade and will be retained. The existing theatre storefronts will be re-worked to be more sympathetic to the deco expression of the building.
The blank wall of the Coronet Theatre with its asymmetrical motif is somewhat unusual (many theatres of the period had false fronts or more symmetrically articulated facades), but photos reveal the original modern composition intent with the horizontal marquee canopy and the tall vertical signage in place. A Statement of Significance has not formally been prepared yet, but a research document is provided for reference and discussion.
Issues:
(i) the blank, or monolithic, façade of the Coronet theatre as a character defining element;
(ii) overall concept for the theatre façade and the interventions in the façade for additional daylight;
(iii) overall signage proposed for the project, including the contemporary sign on the north side of the site; and
(iv) the compatibility of the new façade with the heritage facades.

officedweller · #**7627** Posted **Jul 6, 2011, 10:29 PM**

Thanks for posting.
They don't need to punch windows through the Coronet facade - look at the University Theatre facade on Bloor St. in Toronto as an example. Retail can survive behind it without any windows.
Or maybe they can punch skylights through instead.

flight_from_kamakura · #**7628** Posted **Jul 6, 2011, 11:10 PM**

^ wow, that's nuts. seems really remarkable to me that recontruction/orientation would be more profitable than current use, i guess there's no real incentive for folks to come into the city anymore to see that sort of film. on the one hand, i'm sure folks will have a lot to say about converting this into more nightclub space, on the other hand, it seems like the most obvious of all moves.

djh · #**7629** Posted **Jul 6, 2011, 11:18 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by flight_from_kamakura

^ wow, that's nuts. seems really remarkable to me that recontruction/orientation would be more profitable than current use, i guess there's no real incentive for folks to come into the city anymore to see that sort of film. on the one hand, i'm sure folks will have a lot to say about converting this into more nightclub space, on the other hand, it seems like the most obvious of all moves.

What film? What nightclub? Are you reading between the lines and coming up with your own conclusions? Or do you know something about this project.

"Retail and commercial use" may or may not mean it's going to be a nightclub. I would be more inclined to imagine shops or restaurants, and some associated (or even completely separate) offices.

SpongeG · #**7630** Posted **Jul 7, 2011, 12:21 AM**

ao thats where Empire theatres is now? thats pretty big

BCPhil · #**7631** Posted **Jul 7, 2011, 1:00 AM**

It would be nice if the Coronet site could retain use for cultural activities. Restore it and use it as a mixed use concert hall and bar, or a comedy club, or even an arts theater. I know it is part of a larger plot, but I would hate to see it become just another nondescript waterhole, generic dance club, or tacky sportswear store with windows punched in the facade so shoppers can better see the skanky crap they should only wear in the dark.

And the reason that the theater use is no longer viable is because it hasn't been upgraded since the day it opened. The Scotiabank theater just down the street does insane business, and it doesn't even get every single big film available (so there is room in the market). The real problem is that Cineplex is a defacto monopoly in Vancouver, crowds out the competition, and it shows with the extortion like price at the ticket booth.

whatnext · #**7632** Posted **Jul 7, 2011, 3:03 AM**

That's going to be a real blow to the Film Festival, as they screen so much there.

SpongeG · #**7633** Posted **Jul 7, 2011, 5:11 AM**

the empire theatres on granville are crappy though - they would need to upgrade to stadium seating to get me back as a movie goer there - i saw a movie there a couple years ago my friends and I were the only 3 people in the theatre and the seats were bad and the floor was sticky and meh the cheap wasn't worth it

hollywoodnorth · #**7634** Posted **Jul 7, 2011, 5:49 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCPhil

And the reason that the theater use is no longer viable is because it hasn't been upgraded since the day it opened. The Scotiabank theater just down the street does insane business, and it doesn't even get every single big film available (so there is room in the market). The real problem is that Cineplex is a defacto monopoly in Vancouver, crowds out the competition, and it shows with the extortion like price at the ticket booth.

that theater badly needed upgrading for the past decade ..... such a dump and crappy sound and seats.

Prometheus · #**7635** Posted **Jul 7, 2011, 6:55 AM**

It used to be the premiere theatre in downtown Vancouver in the late Eighties and early Ninties (along with the Capitol Six).

flight_from_kamakura · #**7636** Posted **Jul 7, 2011, 7:50 AM**

^ yeah, that's the thing. downtown vancouver went from having those two huge ones essentially facing one another, to just the scotiabank (put aside the repertory cinematheque and second run denman cinema), suggests these can/could no longer compete with the suburban multiplexes. the thinking that this would end up as club space is pure speculation based current orientation of that block, but without knowing of any specific permitting limits or restrictions, i'm pretty sure it would be a something of a fight to get that through.

anyway, for someone of my generation, the disappearance of the granville 7 will be noticed. (that said, wish they could add a few stories over these and bring in more lighting and signage)

hollywoodnorth · #**7637** Posted **Jul 7, 2011, 10:49 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by flight_from_kamakura

^ yeah, that's the thing. downtown vancouver went from having those two huge ones essentially facing one another, to just the scotiabank (put aside the repertory cinematheque and second run denman cinema), suggests these can/could no longer compete with the suburban multiplexes. the thinking that this would end up as club space is pure speculation based current orientation of that block, but without knowing of any specific permitting limits or restrictions, i'm pretty sure it would be a something of a fight to get that through.

anyway, for someone of my generation, the disappearance of the granville 7 will be noticed. (that said, wish they could add a few stories over these and bring in more lighting and signage)

is the cineplex odeon international village cinemas ... not downtown enough for you?

http://www.cineplex.com/Theatres/TheatreDetails/Cineplex-Odeon-International-Village-Cinemas.aspx

I think there would be room for a 3rd Custom built high end theater in the Downtown Core.... but that would require Empire or who ever to drop some serious coin to either buy and build to suit ... or even lease/reno/outfit.

SpongeG · #**7638** Posted **Jul 9, 2011, 12:54 AM**

a picture of that project near to army and navy

pic by me

officedweller · #**7639** Posted **Jul 9, 2011, 3:49 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by hollywoodnorth

is the cineplex odeon international village cinemas ... not downtown enough for you?

He must be thinking of the 80s when there was the Vancouver Centre Theatres, Capitol 6, Granville 7, Vogue, Caprice and Paradise theatres.

You wouldn't have to decide in advance what movie to see - you'd walk down the street and look at all of the marquees and posters and then decide.

Built Form · #**7640** Posted **Jul 14, 2011, 8:09 AM**

The 'Harper Government' make work project at the Roundhouse plaza is STILL not finished! It'll probably be done when summer is over. I don't agree with the re-orientation of the trestle as it impedes flow. I know they had this in mind for people to linger however the cobblestones are very uneven and hard to walk on.

Here you can see the large anchor base for the retractable canopy to the left.

All pics by Built Form