Saskatoon Construction II

[Jerry]

River Centre seals deal with two occupants

By Scott Larson, The StarPhoenix May 2, 2012


The new River Centre office building has secured two major tenants and a has a conditional deal with a major restaurant.

BHP Billiton and KPMG will be taking up the majority of the building, said Blair Sinclair, senior V-P of leasing and development with Tonka Realty Advisors, the building’s developer. He added there is also a national restaurant he can’t name that will also be taking up residence in the building. [...]

Read more: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/business/R...cupants/6556097/story.html#ixzz1toNsz7Q8

[Echoes]

^ I wonder if this restaurant that can't be named is the Cactus Club Cafe that was previously rumoured to be building on the Midtown parking pad at Idylwyld and 20th?

Also, nice to hear Tonko going ahead with planning for the 11 storey Phase II across 19th Street. But it would have been even nicer to hear mention of their plans for the 17 storey office at River Landing.

[Wyku]

Originally Posted by Jerry

River Centre seals deal with two occupants

By Scott Larson, The StarPhoenix May 2, 2012


The new River Centre office building has secured two major tenants and a has a conditional deal with a major restaurant.

BHP Billiton and KPMG will be taking up the majority of the building, said Blair Sinclair, senior V-P of leasing and development with Tonka Realty Advisors, the building’s developer. He added there is also a national restaurant he can’t name that will also be taking up residence in the building. [...]

Read more: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/business/R...cupants/6556097/story.html#ixzz1toNsz7Q8

Let the rumour mill begin! I hope it's a NEW "national restaurant" to the city and not something we already have.

[Echoes]

Divided citizens tug at city hall

By Gerry Klein, The StarPhoenix May 3, 2012

There was a time when, to be successful, a city had to be on major transportation routes or near markets.

Saskatoon, which was born on one of the continent's major rivers, depended heavily at the onset on its ability to attract the railroads if it was to thrive through trade.

A 21st century city, however, can trade in intellectual capital. Saskatoon, which is now developing at a frenetic pace, has become so confident of its ability to attract and retain that capital that not an eyebrow was raised at a recent meeting I attended with civic staff, business leaders and top officials with local public institutions when we were told the city must be prepared to have twice as many residents as it now does.

Accommodating this growth has been a central task city hall has set itself for the past several years. Not only is the city committed to having the infrastructure and neighbourhoods in place for this growth, it is determined to maintain and enhance the quality of life Saskatoon can offer while reducing its impact on the environment.

It is for these reasons, as well as the need to control the cost of growth, that the city's development plan calls for greater densification of residences, better public transport, protection and incorporation of natural areas, and new neighbourhood designs so people can live, work and shop more closely together.

There seems to be widespread agreement as the civic administration plots this course. Although some have expressed concern about the debt the city is incurring to accommodate growth and to snag cultural amenities such as the Remai Art Gallery of Saskatchewan, when council held a public hearing to get permission to borrow money for the gallery, not a soul showed up to speak against it.

[....]

Read more: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/travel/Divided+citizens+city+hall/6556970/story.html#ixzz1tokRwIT5

[TheCricket]

I just heard last night that "The Cove" the U of S arcade/snack shop has closed its doors. Apparently the owner has been looking to sell it for quite some time and just made the executive decision to pull the plug and close up shop. I wonder would might take its place?

[Brutopian]

Some Route Changes Near New Idylwyld Overpass to Start Tomorrow; Other Detours Delayed Until Monday, May 7, 2012

For Immediate Release: May 2, 2012

Due to rain this week, some previously scheduled detours are delayed until Monday, May 7, while other routes will re-open tomorrow:

•On Thursday, May 3 at 9:30 a.m., the new Clarence Avenue off-ramp will open for traffic heading north on Idylwyld Drive. Clarence Avenue off-ramp traffic can stay on this ramp to head north to downtown Saskatoon. Opening this new off-ramp will reduce the merge congestion currently being experienced at Idylwyld Drive and Clarence Avenue.

•Due to rain delays this week, traffic near the new Idylwyld Drive overpass will now be detoured on Monday, May 7 at 9:30 a.m. with both Idylwyld northbound and southbound traffic becoming single lane traffic in both directions. Traffic will move onto the outside (right hand) lanes respectively. The detour is required to construct the median drainage pipe along Idylwyld Drive and is expected to be in place for about one month.

Motorists are reminded to allow extra time when travelling through construction areas, watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs, and barriers.

The Circle Drive South Project is Saskatoon’s most massive infrastructure project, involving a new south bridge, five interchanges, and 10 kilometres of freeway. The project will be open on September 30, 2012. The Project hotline is always open for recent updates and traffic detours at 1-888-851-5303. Or check out the shots on the live web cams at www.saskatoon.ca.

[Dino35]

Originally Posted by Echoes

^ I wonder if this restaurant that can't be named is the Cactus Club Cafe that was previously rumoured to be building on the Midtown parking pad at Idylwyld and 20th?

Also, nice to hear Tonko going ahead with planning for the 11 storey Phase II across 19th Street. But it would have been even nicer to hear mention of their plans for the 17 storey office at River Landing.

Its not the Cactus Club..its new franchise from the East.

[Dillweed]

Originally Posted by Jerry

River Centre seals deal with two occupants

By Scott Larson, The StarPhoenix May 2, 2012


The new River Centre office building has secured two major tenants and a has a conditional deal with a major restaurant.

BHP Billiton and KPMG will be taking up the majority of the building, said Blair Sinclair, senior V-P of leasing and development with Tonka Realty Advisors, the building’s developer. He added there is also a national restaurant he can’t name that will also be taking up residence in the building. [...]

Read more: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/business/R...cupants/6556097/story.html#ixzz1toNsz7Q8

Hey I was close I had earlier predicted Rio Tinto as the mystery tenant. Now with respect to the mystery "national" restaurant setting up shop in River Centre.

Some rumours going around about the Cactus Club. I hope thats the case I go to the some of the Cactus Clubs here in Vancouver from time to time and they are very trendy and hip restaurants. Prices are a little high for my taste. But they have lots of hot women working there.

But I don't know if they would be classified as "national" because I don't think they are outside of BC & Alberta. Maybe "Milestones" is another candidate.

On the other hand if the Cactus Club is coming to Saskatoon. River Centre would be a perfect location since they tend to locate their restaurants in trendy areas.

Hope it's not a A&W.

[Scruff Bucket]

That'd be so cool if the restaurant was a Jack Astor's Bar and Grill (At night, their lit neon street sign flashes on and off the ( -tor' ) in "Astor's" like a malfunctioning sign, leaving the remaining letters to intermittently render a different word!), one of our favourite restaurants my wife and I frequent when we're in T.O.! I'm not sure it qualifies as a national company (there's only one location out west in Calgary), but it definitely does originate from the east, although not that new!

• Video Link

Another chain that I'd like to see locally is P.F. Chang's (trendy Asian fusion), but this is an American only company. Oh well! I'm still waiting on (previously announced as coming soon to Sask) White Spot! Even Red Robin would be nice! I love my all-you-can-eat potato/sweet potato fries! -- er, that is, my 2 y.o. loves them! ... Yeah! Heh ...

[nook]

Originally Posted by TheCricket

I just heard last night that "The Cove" the U of S arcade/snack shop has closed its doors. Apparently the owner has been looking to sell it for quite some time and just made the executive decision to pull the plug and close up shop. I wonder would might take its place?

I think The Cove was one of the business hurt the most from the Place Riel renovations. They moved from a pretty large space to a comparatively small space. I think before they were getting rent money from Extreme Pita and Jugo Juice for the spots that they used to occupy.

I used to go there all the time in my first few years of university. Sad to see it go.

The space will probably be turned into USSU offices.

[prairieguy]

Originally Posted by Scruff Bucket

That'd be so cool if the restaurant was a Jack Astor's Bar and Grill (At night, their lit neon street sign flashes on and off the ( -tor' ) in "Astor's" like a malfunctioning sign, leaving the remaining letters to intermittently render a different word!), one of our favourite restaurants my wife and I frequent when we're in T.O.! I'm not sure it qualifies as a national company (there's only one location out west in Calgary), but it definitely does originate from the east, although not that new!

Another chain that I'd like to see locally is P.F. Chang's (trendy Asian fusion), but this is an American only company. Oh well! I'm still waiting on (previously announced as coming soon to Sask) White Spot! Even Red Robin would be nice! I love my all-you-can-eat potato/sweet potato fries! -- er, that is, my 2 y.o. loves them! ... Yeah! Heh ...

Everyone is allowed to have their own taste and preferences, but I certainly hope that we are looking at a more high end restaurant for that prime location then a White Spot or Red Robin!

Some kind of great steak and seafood place would be nice to fill the void left after Johns closed. Maybe something like Hy's Steakhouse and Cocktail Bar.
http://www.hyssteakhouse.com/

Of course, this is just my opinion.

[The S'toon Goon]

I wonder what the odds are that by the time Tonko builds the 11 floor tower across the street, BHP is ready to lease the whole thing??

Also, since KPMG does the accounting for BHP, it seems like a perfect partnership for the River Center.

One more also.... I would love to see a Cactus Club here and if not that, perhaps a Saltlik. Its not a big chain, and it isn't from out east so I am guessing it won't be the tenant..... but I believe it would be a perfect fit!

http://saltlik.com/

[Scruff Bucket]

Originally Posted by prairieguy

Everyone is allowed to have their own taste and preferences, but I certainly hope that we are looking at a more high end restaurant for that prime location then a White Spot or Red Robin!

I agree, White Spot should not need to be part of River Centre, when there are plenty of other fine restaurant chains/franchises. I'm just waiting for White Spot to set up somewhere in Saskatchewan soon!

For a different experience, maybe a something like StoneGrill in Vancouver, or even Banff Grizzly House might be nice, where they each can present your meal on a hot stone slab -- which cooks your food until you desire, or keeps it warm while you eat -- or in the case of Grizzly House, presents alternatively as a food fondue!

Otherwise, another prime steak house candidate could be Ruth's Chris Steak House (expensive!), or more casual Outback Steakhouse.

For a more family oriented (and still pleasant) place, Old Spaghetti Factory or maybe even Olive Garden would be nice to have in there! We also tried Baton Rouge in T.O. which was pretty good, too!

[dsim249]

Ens Lexus Toyota set to become one of largest auto dealerships in province

In an exclusive to Global Saskatoon, Ens Lexus Toyota has announced a major expansion plan, one that will see it become one of the largest automotive dealerships in Saskatchewan.

The company will build two new facilities at the Auto Mall, a 22,000 square foot Lexus building and a 62,000 square foot Toyota/Scion building.

“These new buildings reflect the incredible growth of the Toyota, Lexus and Scion brands and the municipal and provincial economic development bringing new residents and companies to Saskatoon,” said Josh Ens, president of Ens Lexus Toyota.

“Our new facilities will allow us to service more than double our current capacity.”

Total cost of the project is $23-million.

The new facilities are scheduled to open in the summer of 2013.


Source

[WoodlandCritter]

Anyone else see the Tonko Realty spread in the Star Phoenix business section this morning? Great to see the plans to go forward with the second phase of their River Centre development. That end of Second Ave. is shaping up good.

[mim244]

Originally Posted by WoodlandCritter

Anyone else see the Tonko Realty spread in the Star Phoenix business section this morning? Great to see the plans to go forward with the second phase of their River Centre development. That end of Second Ave. is shaping up good.

Awesome news (see spread on page A4-A5). Not an article though, so unfortunately can't find it on the SP website and post. The rendering looks pretty nice with the buildings side by side. Nice way to take up more gravel surface lots and cover up some of that ugly Galaxy monstrosity.

[mike474]

Originally Posted by mim244

Awesome news (see spread on page A4-A5). Not an article though, so unfortunately can't find it on the SP website and post. The rendering looks pretty nice with the buildings side by side. Nice way to take up more gravel surface lots and cover up some of that ugly Galaxy monstrosity.

Can someone please post a picture for us expats who don't have paper copy access to the SP?? Why don't they just post it on their website

[ninipanini]

Originally Posted by mike474

Can someone please post a picture for us expats who don't have paper copy access to the SP?? Why don't they just post it on their website

I was just thinking the exact same thing... I've looked all over the web and it doesn't seem to exist outside of the SP!

[North_Regina_Boy]

Originally Posted by dsim249

Ens Lexus Toyota set to become one of largest auto dealerships in province

In an exclusive to Global Saskatoon, Ens Lexus Toyota has announced a major expansion plan, one that will see it become one of the largest automotive dealerships in Saskatchewan.

The company will build two new facilities at the Auto Mall, a 22,000 square foot Lexus building and a 62,000 square foot Toyota/Scion building.

“These new buildings reflect the incredible growth of the Toyota, Lexus and Scion brands and the municipal and provincial economic development bringing new residents and companies to Saskatoon,” said Josh Ens, president of Ens Lexus Toyota.

“Our new facilities will allow us to service more than double our current capacity.”

Total cost of the project is $23-million.

The new facilities are scheduled to open in the summer of 2013.


Source

After they move... DO NOT permit any new building on the old site! We need to stop issuing Building / Renovation permits to buildings on Circle north! This would be a way to increase travel times along that stretch.

Knock down the buildings that are directly on the street and create 2-3 lights from Miller to Idylwyle ONLY and then build service roads where the old buildings were. As well create back access off of Quebec, Venture Cres and 43rd ave.

Building that would have to go, or have other means of access...

Strip Mall where Jasmine is
The Brick
OK Tires
Acura (Move to automall)
Honda (Move to automall)
Suzuki (Move to automall)
Tims (Yes them too)
Conexus (Can enter from the HD parking lot off of a back access)
Super 8 (off access from 43rd)
Burger King (Demolish)
FasGas (Can access of Quebec)
SMP (Access from HD Parking lot, or move to automall, but seeing as they just rebuilt not likely)

Just to name a few but you see where I am going with this. Only lights after that, that would need to be on would be 1 at Quebec with restructuring that road to curve to meet with faithful and have 1 light. One light at Miller and Venture cres, with access to HD from Venture Cres.

I know this would require a bit of restructuring but still a much more cost effective way of controlling traffic. Not to mention there could be turn lanes long enough so that traffic wouldn`t back into a lot of the driving lanes.

My Rant.

[111ddd]

the other river centre tenant:

http://www.goodearthcafes.com/locations/saskatchewan