Saskatoon Construction II

[Cicero]

Originally Posted by kgc087

Could the U of S not purchase this church and use it for something? Even if it was just a concert hall, maybe they could also buy out that parking lot beside it and make some sort of college of music or make a library out of it. These are just random/vague...and most likely not so sexy ideas BUT the U of S would def maintain the heritage of the church. OR why doesn't the WDM purchase it? It would make a fantastic museum! OH WAIT! The U of S and WDM could merge and make a theology museum perhaps?

I guess I throw these ideas out there b/c Saskatoon has a lot of rundown heritage buildings that are just neglected. I don't think the population realises the sterility associated with an all modern city. I think I would actualy shed a tear of this church was demolished (and I'm not even Christian!)

I've thought to myself that losing that church would be like losing one of the buildings on campus. It reminds me a lot of campus. Is it made out of the same greystone/tyndall stone that many campus buildings are? In any case, it would be a tragedy for the city to lose this building. I am not always on board with the heritage gang, but that church is beautiful by any standard. Also, I wonder if the church would be having financial problems if more people were living in the downtown and giving it tribute each Sunday. Maybe not?

[Morogolus]

I wonder if they're still planning on turning the RLV site into a temporary parking lot. I hope not, that wouldn't really go along with their timeline of breaking ground this summer. Although I'm amazed the IMPark Nazis are letting those workers park there for free. I'm surprised they haven't just stuck one of the pay stations into one of the dirt mounds.

Also when that other office building is completed where will everyone park that goes to the movies? Will that building have a parking lot or is everyone going to use the parking lot at RLV? God that "parking lot" by the movie theatre is awful, good riddance. I think driving on the moon would be a smoother ride. I can't believe they actually charge people to destroy their suspension and completely cover their vehicles in mud in that parking lot.

[skSK]

Originally Posted by Cicero

I've thought to myself that losing that church would be like losing one of the buildings on campus. It reminds me a lot of campus. Is it made out of the same greystone/tyndall stone that many campus buildings are? In any case, it would be a tragedy for the city to lose this building. I am not always on board with the heritage gang, but that church is beautiful by any standard. Also, I wonder if the church would be having financial problems if more people were living in the downtown and giving it tribute each Sunday. Maybe not?

Not only is it stunning but it has arguably the best acoustics in Saskatoon. My friend has performed there multiple times (he has also organized other professional musicians and singers to perform there), and from the artists' point of view, they so rarely get to hear what they sound like with such accuracy as is possible inside that space. As for the audience, I've been to a number of concerts there (symphony, piano, Ladysmith Black Mambazo... haha) and it's always an amazing venue. It has the ability to make intimate moments incredibly intimate, and loud, exciting moments loud and exciting. Yes, a lot can happen to the space, but I think it would be a missed opportunity to have it saved only to have it turned into condos or something that can be done with any old building. Plain and simple, they don't build spaces like this anymore. Not to mention that Saskatoon could do with a venue its size. There's a benefit concert there featuring Danika Lorèn (2011 National Champion for Voice) on June 1. I'd suggest that people interested in saving the building put a little bit of their money where their mouths are.

[Brutopian]

Originally Posted by Morogolus

I wonder if they're still planning on turning the RLV site into a temporary parking lot. I hope not, that wouldn't really go along with their timeline of breaking ground this summer. Although I'm amazed the IMPark Nazis are letting those workers park there for free. I'm surprised they haven't just stuck one of the pay stations into one of the dirt mounds.

Also when that other office building is completed where will everyone park that goes to the movies? Will that building have a parking lot or is everyone going to use the parking lot at RLV? God that "parking lot" by the movie theatre is awful, good riddance. I think driving on the moon would be a smoother ride. I can't believe they actually charge people to destroy their suspension and completely cover their vehicles in mud in that parking lot.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the RLV site has been an actual Impark lot for months now, and that it will remain as such until construction begins at the RLV site. At least, that's my understanding of things.

[Jerry]

Originally Posted by Brutopian

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the RLV site has been an actual Impark lot for months now, and that it will remain as such until construction begins at the RLV site. At least, that's my understanding of things.

Yes sir you are correct. Here is a photo from last year and a link to the news story.

>> Link to SP article

[Jerry]

Saskatoon building permits up 34 per cent
By Scott Larson, The StarPhoenix with Postmedia files May 7, 2012



The province rang up a record $224.2 million in housing permits in March of this year, a 17 per cent from the $191.4 million record in March 2011, said a Statistics Canada.

In Saskatoon, building permits hit $90.1 million in March 2012 compared to $67.2 million for the same period in 2011, an increase of 34 per cent.

“It reflects that Saskatoon’s market is very strong, primarily in that middle and lower-middle housing starts,“ said Ron Olson, president of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association. [...]


Read more: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/business/S...ts+cent/6581779/story.html#ixzz1uMvQtkey

[Jerry]

Originally Posted by kgc087

Could the U of S not purchase this church and use it for something? Even if it was just a concert hall, maybe they could also buy out that parking lot beside it and make some sort of college of music or make a library out of it. These are just random/vague...and most likely not so sexy ideas BUT the U of S would def maintain the heritage of the church. OR why doesn't the WDM purchase it? It would make a fantastic museum! OH WAIT! The U of S and WDM could merge and make a theology museum perhaps?

I guess I throw these ideas out there b/c Saskatoon has a lot of rundown heritage buildings that are just neglected. I don't think the population realises the sterility associated with an all modern city. I think I would actualy shed a tear of this church was demolished (and I'm not even Christian!)

All great ideas Kelly but the one problem is $$$$. The UofS is short on it and the WDM is being underfunded and is closing one day a week. It always comes down to money.

The thought of loosing it sickens me. Its a huge part of Saskatoon history.

[Jerry]

Your Wed morning wake up photo. Today's temp. will be 26 degrees so get out and enjoy it.

[Brutopian]

Originally Posted by Jerry

Your Wed morning wake up photo. Today's temp. will be 26 degrees so get out and enjoy it.

Wow. Beautiful shot, Jerry. Nicely done.

[Brutopian]

Saskatoon housing starts slip, but numbers remain strong

By Scott Larson, The StarPhoenix; With Files From Postmedia News May 9, 2012 9:18 AM

Saskatoon's housing starts moderated in April, but still remain at elevated levels, said Lai Sing Louie, a regional economist with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

In the Saskatoon census metropolitan area, a gain in single-detached starts could not compensate for weaker multi-family construction. A total of 189 single-detached units were started in April, 31 per cent higher than the previous year.

[........]

Read more: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/business/S...+strong/6589770/story.html#ixzz1uOBlzWVh

[kgc087]

Originally Posted by Jerry

All great ideas Kelly but the one problem is $$$$. The UofS is short on it and the WDM is being underfunded and is closing one day a week. It always comes down to money.

The thought of loosing it sickens me. Its a huge part of Saskatoon history.

TOO bad one of us isn't a millionaire!! Hmm maybe my lottery winning budget should include saving that church! But I won't be tacky and have them name it after me

[Brutopian]

Originally Posted by Jerry

Saskatoon building permits up 34 per cent
By Scott Larson, The StarPhoenix with Postmedia files May 7, 2012



The province rang up a record $224.2 million in housing permits in March of this year, a 17 per cent from the $191.4 million record in March 2011, said a Statistics Canada.

In Saskatoon, building permits hit $90.1 million in March 2012 compared to $67.2 million for the same period in 2011, an increase of 34 per cent.

“It reflects that Saskatoon’s market is very strong, primarily in that middle and lower-middle housing starts,“ said Ron Olson, president of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association. [...]


Read more: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/business/S...ts+cent/6581779/story.html#ixzz1uMvQtkey

In the article, Olson states that "there’s roughly 500 [people] per month coming into Saskatoon...."

WOW. That is a phenomenal growth rate. At that pace, Saskatoon could reach 300K population (city proper) in a decade, with Saskatoon's CMA population possibly reaching over 350K in that timeframe.

[Jerry]

When I read that number I could not believe 500 people per month. Good to see our tax base moving into positive numbers for a change.

[skSK]

Originally Posted by Jerry

All great ideas Kelly but the one problem is $$$$. The UofS is short on it and the WDM is being underfunded and is closing one day a week. It always comes down to money.

The thought of loosing it sickens me. Its a huge part of Saskatoon history.

There are a few models out there as to what can be done with Third Avenue. I've linked them below.

St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London has its own chamber orchestra, a cafe in the crypt, and frequent concert performances (at lunch, in the evening) across genres (classical, choral, jazz, etc). Third Ave's basement is large and has some original pull-down divider panels--great for convertible spaces! It'd be a great space for a cafe! Plus the Bassment is now located right next door in the old Post Office building... just saying... a little bit of collaboration maybe?

Belmont University owns a church for which they have received funding to turn into a concert hall. So the U of S purchasing it and using its clout to find sponsors might be an idea Kelly...

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by Jerry

Your Wed morning wake up photo. Today's temp. will be 26 degrees so get out and enjoy it.

...stunning!

[Ruckus]

_____________________

How about these hahaha




I think River Centre is the checkered facade


The white house with the veranda overlooks Rotary Park

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by skSK

There are a few models out there as to what can be done with Third Avenue. I've linked them below.

St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London has its own chamber orchestra, a cafe in the crypt, and frequent concert performances (at lunch, in the evening) across genres (classical, choral, jazz, etc). Third Ave's basement is large and has some original pull-down divider panels--great for convertible spaces! It'd be a great space for a cafe! Plus the Bassment is now located right next door in the old Post Office building... just saying... a little bit of collaboration maybe?

Belmont University owns a church for which they have received funding to turn into a concert hall. So the U of S purchasing it and using its clout to find sponsors might be an idea Kelly...

I like the idea of marketing the church as a secular music venue. Maybe position itself as an alternative to the Odeon or Tequila.

[skSK]

Originally Posted by Ruckus

The white house with the veranda overlooks Rotary Park

Where is this picture taken from? Warehouse District? It's crazy how the downtown just disappears, but you can see the Canada Building and the old theatre. I just spent 20 minutes trying to find the perspective on Google maps!

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by skSK

Where is this picture taken from? Warehouse District? It's crazy how the downtown just disappears, but you can see the Canada Building and the old theatre. I just spent 20 minutes trying to find the perspective on Google maps!

CIBC parking lot on Circle drive looking down Ontario Avenue. haha over 3 kms to downtown.

[drm310]

Both the U of S and the WDM are dealing with budget shortfalls, so I wouldn't expect them to be purchasing new facilities anytime soon.

Originally Posted by kgc087

Could the U of S not purchase this church and use it for something? Even if it was just a concert hall, maybe they could also buy out that parking lot beside it and make some sort of college of music or make a library out of it. These are just random/vague...and most likely not so sexy ideas BUT the U of S would def maintain the heritage of the church. OR why doesn't the WDM purchase it? It would make a fantastic museum! OH WAIT! The U of S and WDM could merge and make a theology museum perhaps?

I guess I throw these ideas out there b/c Saskatoon has a lot of rundown heritage buildings that are just neglected. I don't think the population realises the sterility associated with an all modern city. I think I would actualy shed a tear of this church was demolished (and I'm not even Christian!)