Saskatoon Construction II

[111ddd]

Quite a bit of work has been done on the new Credit Union head office (old FNUC) building in City Park. It looks like they have knocked out most of the interior walls and have started building the glass atrium type addition on the north end.

picture taken today, with my phone.

[111ddd]

My first time trying to post a picture, doesn't look like it worked.

Hopefully this time it will.

Originally Posted by 111ddd

Quite a bit of work has been done on the new Credit Union head office (old FNUC) building in City Park. It looks like they have knocked out most of the interior walls and have started building the glass atrium type addition on the north end.

picture taken today, with my phone.

[kgc087]

I've noticed a lot of talk about density and in fill in the city. I think Atch. really hit with acknowledging Riverlanding is the catylist for dense urban development in the city. Once it gets up and going, and is lucrative other developers will see the opportunity and jump on it. I'm actually very excited to have the height restriciton of 34 floors. I think it could make for a very unique downtown that offers a more cohesive overally density when viewed rather then a pinacle then the rapid decline in height of the structures surrounding this pinacle. Could almost be mini vancouverish if some serious mixed use condos/buildings get underway.

[Jerry]

City's growth is 'new normal'
By Jordon Cooper, The StarPhoenix January 3, 2012 2:09 AM

When I moved to Saskatoon in 1984, it was a sleepy and tired city. The landmark that endures in my mind was the unfinished foundation that dominated Five Corners on Broadway and sat uncompleted for years.

Moving here from a struggling Calgary, Saskatoon's plight seemed worse. It seemed to be accompanied by a spirit of mediocrity. There were moments of hope, such as when the Saskatoon Blues seemed to be a possibility, but the dominant story was one of survival, instead of optimism for prosperity. [...]

Read more: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/business/City+growth+normal/5938106/story.html#ixzz1iO2pQSsv

[drm310]

City to consider historic house move
Getting home across river a challenge

By Jason Warick, The StarPhoenix
January 4, 2012 8:06 AM

The largest house-moving project in Saskatoon's history will require countless approvals from various city departments and other agencies.

"This would be the biggest one," City of Saskatoon roadway activity coordinator Todd Jarvis said.

"There are a whole lot of variables at this point. We'll sit down with them and see."

The 100-year-old house, located on Queen Street between Saskatoon City Hospital and the riverbank, weighs an estimated 500,000 pounds.

Saskatoon resident Orion Morgan wants to move the house across the river to a large lot he owns on Saskatchewan Crescent between the University and Broadway bridges. [...]

Read more: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/City+consider+historic+house+move/5942853/story.html

[kgc087]

Originally Posted by Jerry

City's growth is 'new normal'
By Jordon Cooper, The StarPhoenix January 3, 2012 2:09 AM

When I moved to Saskatoon in 1984, it was a sleepy and tired city. The landmark that endures in my mind was the unfinished foundation that dominated Five Corners on Broadway and sat uncompleted for years.

Moving here from a struggling Calgary, Saskatoon's plight seemed worse. It seemed to be accompanied by a spirit of mediocrity. There were moments of hope, such as when the Saskatoon Blues seemed to be a possibility, but the dominant story was one of survival, instead of optimism for prosperity. [...]

Read more: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/business/City+growth+normal/5938106/story.html#ixzz1iO2pQSsv

I'm happy to see that all things are pointing at a new sustained level of population and economic growth but at the same time why are we only building new homes! Every time I talk to a city official they say there is a surplus of condos but when I talk to my realty friends they say the opposite. I don't think the city understands that old apartments turned into condos aren't really condos they are still apartments that you pay more for. No indoor parking, no indoor facilities, no personal patio or green space, same timber frame. I would really like to see a much more radical infill plan proposed for the city. Riversdale and basically all of the surrounding west side neighbourhoods of the downtown could support this density. They have the space and are poised to be redeveloped.

[drm310]

Montgomery battle brews
Developer says area not 'an island'

By David Hutton, The StarPhoenix
January 5, 2012 6:42 AM

Montgomery Place residents say a proposed apartment development at the edge of the historic area would significantly change the character of the neighbourhood.

"We feel under siege here," said Barb Biddle, president of the Montgomery Place community association. "The character of this community has been preserved over the years."

But Wally Mah, president of North Ridge Developments, which owns the 18 acres of land on 11th Street West, says it is time for the area, comprised of single-family homes once set aside for veterans after the Second World War, to add more housing as the city tries to curb sprawl. [...]

Read more: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/news/Montgomery+battle+brews/5948817/story.html

[gowest]

The remarks are starting in this morning's paper about the people in Montgomery whining. I think they have the right to be concerned about their area. They are like an island, a beautiful island in the middle of commercial developement. The concern is not only with the apartment which are similar to those behind the Stovebridge and across from the Blairmore malls, but with all the increases to traffic and other related problems. 11th Street between Highway 7 and Circle is a major truck route and with the CN container yard and the Vittera elevator it will only increase. At times there are 25 or more semi's parked along the street waiting to unload their grain products. Add the increase in container trucks coming and going to CN yards. When the new bridge is finished, they will have increased traffic from there to Highway 7 and 14, this being both cars and large trucks. Now let's throw in another 600 housing units to increase traffic as well. For those of you who do not know the area, 11th Street has been redone as part of the Cirlce drive project, however it is still a 2 lane roadway having one entrance into Montgomery. All this is going to create hugh traffic concerns. and safety problems. With the wind turbine, the new Circle Drive, the new city yards and now apartments, the people in this area have the right to be concerned, and should be congratulated for fighting for the beautiful area they live in.

[Morogolus]

Originally Posted by gowest

The remarks are starting in this morning's paper about the people in Montgomery whining. I think they have the right to be concerned about their area. They are like an island, a beautiful island in the middle of commercial developement. The concern is not only with the apartment which are similar to those behind the Stovebridge and across from the Blairmore malls, but with all the increases to traffic and other related problems. 11th Street between Highway 7 and Circle is a major truck route and with the CN container yard and the Vittera elevator it will only increase. At times there are 25 or more semi's parked along the street waiting to unload their grain products. Add the increase in container trucks coming and going to CN yards. When the new bridge is finished, they will have increased traffic from there to Highway 7 and 14, this being both cars and large trucks. Now let's throw in another 600 housing units to increase traffic as well. For those of you who do not know the area, 11th Street has been redone as part of the Cirlce drive project, however it is still a 2 lane roadway having one entrance into Montgomery. All this is going to create hugh traffic concerns. and safety problems. With the wind turbine, the new Circle Drive, the new city yards and now apartments, the people in this area have the right to be concerned, and should be congratulated for fighting for the beautiful area they live in.

Sorry I have to disagree, they are just coming across as whiny entitled snobs in that article and residents of Montgomery typically complain about everything. They are the biggest CAVEs in the city. The city is growing and it's something they are going to deal with. If they don't like they can move out into the country. The neighborhood does not have any major thoroughfares going through it and I don't think they are going to see much an increase of traffic in their neighborhood. The developer brings up a good point that they shouldn't be exempt from the infill developments going around Saskatoon because they like to complain a lot.

[Cicero]

Originally Posted by Morogolus

Sorry I have to disagree, they are just coming across as whiny entitled snobs in that article and residents of Montgomery typically complain about everything. They are the biggest CAVEs in the city. The city is growing and it's something they are going to deal with. If they don't like they can move out into the country. The neighborhood does not have any major thoroughfares going through it and I don't think they are going to see much an increase of traffic in their neighborhood. The developer brings up a good point that they shouldn't be exempt from the infill developments going around Saskatoon because they like to complain a lot.

I think it is a really terrible plan, similiar to others we have already seen, and it is going to be bad for the city, Montgomery, and the future residents of that shithole. We've discussed this a few pages back.

[TheCricket]

Roots in Midtown Plaza seems to have vacated. I called the number listed for them and the number has been disconnected. Urban Behavior has also left the building.

[Echoes]

City of Saskatoon kills proposed wind turbine project at landfill

By David Hutton, The StarPhoenix January 6, 2012

The city has put an end to the controversial proposed wind turbine project at the Saskatoon landfill.

The city received only one bid at $6.35 million, close to $2 million over budget. It would still make a profit but “the rate of return is not enough,” the city said Friday in a press release.

“This is disappointing, for sure,” said Kevin Hudson of Saskatoon Light and Power in the release.

“It’s difficult to explain the reasons for the lack of proposals submitted, but perhaps, and despite our conservative estimates, the safety expectations the city has in place are so stringent the marketplace cannot meet them at this time in a cost-effective manner.”

[....]

Read more: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/health/Cit...andfill/5958405/story.html#ixzz1iic9k8Gl

[Brutopian]

City smashes building permit records
2012 could be as busy as last year

By Scott Larson, The StarPhoenix January 6, 2012

It was a record-breaking year for building permits issued by the city in 2011.

The city issued 4,651 building permits, eclipsing the previous record of 4,523 set in 1987.

"That is quite significant," said Bob Baran, the city's building standards branch manager. "Everything seemed to be a little bit more this year."

The building permits were 551 more than 2010s figures and the value of those 2011 construction projects was $936 million compared to $666 million in 2010.

[............]

Read more: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/business/C...records/5954676/story.html#ixzz1iinUPHNk

[Brutopian]

Saskatoon volume hits $1.2 billion

The StarPhoenix January 6, 2012

It was a record-setting year for total residential sales volume in Saskatoon and area which saw $1,247,705,573 in sales, according to a Saskatoon Region Association of Realtors news release.

The total number of residential sales for 2011 was 4,027 units, up 13 per cent from 2010 while the average selling price was up five per cent to $309,835.

[...........]

Read more: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/business/S...billion/5954679/story.html#ixzz1iipEqE8I

[blueboy9]

Anyone know who the new tenants are going to be in Midtown Plaza?

[Timebomb]

Roots is gone for good. Hallmark is leaving its current spot, taking the Roots space instead with its specialty brand, Papyrus. Town Shoes will be taking the old Hallmark, Spareparts is opening their new concept store next to it, vacating their current spot and Melanie Lyne will be taking up the rest of the space, which will move Foot Locker to another spot. Boathouse purchased Urban Behavior and will be opening their new store in that location. There's a lot more going on at Midtown (Aeropostale, Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works), and those changes should happen this year and into 2013.

[Timebomb]

I don't know if it's been posted earlier, but the old Red Apple Clearance Centre on the corner of Idylwyld and 20th is turning into a wellness centre (spa, gym, etc.); great for Riversdale! I also heard that the small building next to it will be a vegan or gluten-free restaurant.

[Echoes]

^ Timebomb, thanks for your updates and welcome to the forum! I noticed the facade makeover that the former Red Apple and its next door neighbour are receiving. Yet more good news for Riversdale. It's also good to hear someone with concrete news on what's going on in Midtown Plaza.

Also, does anyone have any idea what's going on (for what seems like years) in the space attached to the north side of Earl's along 2nd Avenue? Every time I drive by it seems like something's changed without any noticeable progress. Doors and windows are cut in to the blank wall only for them to be plastered over and then appear again in a slightly different configuration. What are they doing???

[The Bess]

Hi Timebomb, hey do you know if Roots will be setting up another location in toon

[TheCricket]

Originally Posted by The Bess

Hi Timebomb, hey do you know if Roots will be setting up another location in toon

I contacted Roots directly via email asking them just that and the response I got back was:

"Thank you for writing to Roots.com. We appreciate hearing from you and we will be happy to assist you.
In regards to your inquiry, we will no longer have a store in Saskatoon. We apologize for the disappointment this matter has caused you.
Please let us know if you have any further questions or concerns.
Thank you for choosing Roots.com.
Sincerely,
Jasmine
Roots.com Customer Care"