Claridge Icon [505 Preston St] | 143m | 45 fl | Completed

[JackBauer24]

Originally Posted by Davis137

It will look amazing, along with the other projects proposed, when viewed from the hilltop between March Road and Moodie Drive...Ottawa's Skylines actually looks pretty awesome from this vantage point at night...

Nothing built by Claridge looks "amazing" - I will be shocked (pleasantly shocked) if they're able to build something I won't dread to look at everyday on my commute by Dow's Lake.

[Harley613]

Well hopefully they finally pull off an 'icon'ic building :p

[McC]

Originally Posted by JackBauer24

Nothing built by Claridge looks "amazing" - I will be shocked (pleasantly shocked) if they're able to build something I won't dread to look at everyday on my commute by Dow's Lake.

You won't get any argument from me on their past performance (and I live in a 90s vintage Claridge townhouse, so I have the gripes first hand) but it really seems like Neil Malhotra wants to change their reputation. It comes across in a number of ways, the more upscale branding on the Plaza III-IV and Tribeca* sites, the presentations to the community about Somerset and Breezehill, the second hand from his chat with Darwin on westsideaction, etc. I get the impression that they're beginning to see that as the number one builder in town**, they're in a unique position to shape the development culture, skyline and urban fabric of this town, and to recognize the responsibility that goes along with that power. As such, I'm mildly optimistic that Claridge will pleasantly surprise with the quality of their designs over the next two years, (as long as the bubble doesn't burst!) irrespective of whether this proposal goes or doesn't. Like it or not, they're this city's equivalent of Concord in Vancouver, and they'll be the ones to decide if there is to be an Ottawa style (whether to be emulated or avoided) or not.

... Meanwhile, Richcraft, who claim to be the largest private property holder in the city continue to fiddle while their properties rot.

* though I could do without the meaningless port of the name... What triangle below which canal? Coulda worked for the "Golden Triangle" maybe, but unfotunately the real estate agents went with Paris instead of New York for the reference when they teamed up decades ago to rebrand that one.

** by volume, if nothing else.

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by McC

... Meanwhile, Richcraft, who claim to be the largest private property holder in the city continue to fiddle while their properties rot.

I know I'm getting a bit off topic but... how do they figure to be the largest private property holder in the city? Would'nt that be Minto... by far!?

[McC]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

I know I'm getting a bit off topic but... how do they figure to be the largest private property holder in the city? Would'nt that be Minto... by far!?

Won't attest to the veracity of the claim, only it's source, it was noted in the OBJ article on the sale of the Dow Honda site to Richcraft that S-Man had linked to on the Rumour Thread:

Richcraft Homes

Claiming to be the largest landowner in Ottawa, Richcraft Homes' website states it has sold more than 11,000 units at an average of 500 homes per year. The developer builds homes, condos and communities across Ottawa.

http://www.obj.ca/Real-Estate/Non-reside...lership-selling-land-for-redevelopment/1

[JackBauer24]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

I know I'm getting a bit off topic but... how do they figure to be the largest private property holder in the city? Would'nt that be Minto... by far!?

I know Minto was the biggest "landlord" in Ottawa for many years, but I think Claridge my have passed them recently - but I could be wrong. Either way, I doubt Richcraft have surpassed both of those two real estate giants.

[JackBauer24]

Originally Posted by McC

You won't get any argument from me on their past performance (and I live in a 90s vintage Claridge townhouse, so I have the gripes first hand) but it really seems like Neil Malhotra wants to change their reputation. It comes across in a number of ways, the more upscale branding on the Plaza III-IV and Tribeca* sites, the presentations to the community about Somerset and Breezehill, the second hand from his chat with Darwin on westsideaction, etc. I get the impression that they're beginning to see that as the number one builder in town**, they're in a unique position to shape the development culture, skyline and urban fabric of this town, and to recognize the responsibility that goes along with that power. As such, I'm mildly optimistic that Claridge will pleasantly surprise with the quality of their designs over the next two years, (as long as the bubble doesn't burst!) irrespective of whether this proposal goes or doesn't. Like it or not, they're this city's equivalent of Concord in Vancouver, and they'll be the ones to decide if there is to be an Ottawa style (whether to be emulated or avoided) or not.

... Meanwhile, Richcraft, who claim to be the largest private property holder in the city continue to fiddle while their properties rot.

* though I could do without the meaningless port of the name... What triangle below which canal? Coulda worked for the "Golden Triangle" maybe, but unfotunately the real estate agents went with Paris instead of New York for the reference when they teamed up decades ago to rebrand that one.

** by volume, if nothing else.

I have noticed that Claridge's marketing has changed recently, but I'm still not sold that anything is actually different about their product. The interior specs for CP 3 and 4 are basically the same as CP 1 and 2 - which is sad since 1 and 2 started to sell 3-4 years ago, you'd think Claridge would have upped their standard spec just a bit in that time frame. And you can throw Tribeca into that mix as well, their standard spec (thin granite counters, cheap stainless steel appliances, berber carpet in bedrooms, etc...) is the same as they were selling in the early 2000's. If Claridge didn't have the locations they do I'm convinced they wouldn't sell half the product they do. As a born-and-raised Ottawan, I'm frustrated and embarrassed that these prime lots (which tourists and visitors see during their time in Ottawa) have unimaginative and uninspired buildings on them - Canada's capital deserves better IMO.

But every new project is a chance for a builder to change their reputation, with all the direct competition in the Little Italy area (Soho, Domicile, Ashcroft, etc...) I hope they step their game up. My fingers are crossed, but I'm sure not holding my breathe though.

[McC]

Originally Posted by JackBauer24

I know Minto was the biggest "landlord" in Ottawa for many years

I think you hit a key difference: Minto actually rents out the buildings located on the land that they own, so square footage-wise, they should definitely be a bigger "landlord" than Richcraft (who prefer to own vacant lots), regardless of which of the two actually owns more land.

[K-133]

Originally Posted by JackBauer24

I have noticed that Claridge's marketing has changed recently, but I'm still not sold that anything is actually different about their product. The interior specs for CP 3 and 4 are basically the same as CP 1 and 2 - which is sad since 1 and 2 started to sell 3-4 years ago, you'd think Claridge would have upped their standard spec just a bit in that time frame. And you can throw Tribeca into that mix as well, their standard spec (thin granite counters, cheap stainless steel appliances, berber carpet in bedrooms, etc...) is the same as they were selling in the early 2000's. If Claridge didn't have the locations they do I'm convinced they wouldn't sell half the product they do. As a born-and-raised Ottawan, I'm frustrated and embarrassed that these prime lots (which tourists and visitors see during their time in Ottawa) have unimaginative and uninspired buildings on them - Canada's capital deserves better IMO.

But every new project is a chance for a builder to change their reputation, with all the direct competition in the Little Italy area (Soho, Domicile, Ashcroft, etc...) I hope they step their game up. My fingers are crossed, but I'm sure not holding my breathe though.

This is why location is attributed to the top three factors of the perceived value of real estate.

I don't have a lot of positive experiences in my numerous dealings with Claridge but I do recognize that they sell a product just as McDonald's and Tim Horton's do. They aren't of particularly high quality but focused on value, which is a smart angle to take as it creates simplicity which allows for profits through economies of scale.

With regards to value of quality they could use some improvements most especially in the customer service area, but I suspect that since they are run such a large pool of insestual human resourcing, this is unlikely to change.

With regards to improving their specs, I think you need to understand their strategy which is focused mainly around location and minimizing costs. Quality does not only increase direct costs to the buyer, but also adds a complicity which in turn likely increases administrative costs. Though I do agree that it would be nice to raise the bar, which other builders may encourage Claridge to do, they will continue to deliver the minimum necessary.

With that, you can't really blame them but people like myself who have bought from them in the past. This however isn't to say that the people who own in the building aren't themselves responsible for raising the value of their investments either through improvements of their own (simple enough) or improvement of the building as a community.

[JackBauer24]

Originally Posted by K-133

This is why location is attributed to the top three factors of the perceived value of real estate.

I don't have a lot of positive experiences in my numerous dealings with Claridge but I do recognize that they sell a product just as McDonald's and Tim Horton's do. They aren't of particularly high quality but focused on value, which is a smart angle to take as it creates simplicity which allows for profits through economies of scale.

With regards to value of quality they could use some improvements most especially in the customer service area, but I suspect that since they are run such a large pool of insestual human resourcing, this is unlikely to change.

With regards to improving their specs, I think you need to understand their strategy which is focused mainly around location and minimizing costs. Quality does not only increase direct costs to the buyer, but also adds a complicity which in turn likely increases administrative costs. Though I do agree that it would be nice to raise the bar, which other builders may encourage Claridge to do, they will continue to deliver the minimum necessary.

With that, you can't really blame them but people like myself who have bought from them in the past. This however isn't to say that the people who own in the building aren't themselves responsible for raising the value of their investments either through improvements of their own (simple enough) or improvement of the building as a community.

That's just it, until people in Ottawa start accepting and expecting a higher spec to their condos, then builders like Claridge who keep pumping out the same low-quality, bare-minimum condos; there is no need to change. I've been following conods in Ottawa very closely over the last 10 years or so and I hear the same complaints all the time "why are all the condos the same?" "why can't there be better options?" etc... But when something fun, luxurious or different comes out, everyone goes back to their default purchase of what they know and are comfortable with and we're stuck with the majority of the high-rises being ugly, boring and very, very basic, and unfortunately some of the best and most iconic locations in the city have been stained with poorly consturcted and designed buildings.

One thing I do disagree with your statement though is that the additional administration costs of increasing a standard interior spec would be so minute it wouldn't be a factor. Paying Westboro flooring to install marble tiles instead of ceramic tiles, or having an assistant fill out a form with quartz countertops instead of tired granite, wouldn't have a large impact on anyone's budget.

[K-133]

Originally Posted by JackBauer24

One thing I do disagree with your statement though is that the additional administration costs of increasing a standard interior spec would be so minute it wouldn't be a factor. Paying Westboro flooring to install marble tiles instead of ceramic tiles, or having an assistant fill out a form with quartz countertops instead of tired granite, wouldn't have a large impact on anyone's budget.

Ottawa is just too conservative

I think there are overhead costs. What likely happens, is they get better deals because they offer a limited selection of things which the supplier/contractor would rather offload. I don't know for sure, but I do believe there is a cost factor here.

[JackBauer24]

Originally Posted by K-133

Ottawa is just too conservative

I think there are overhead costs. What likely happens, is they get better deals because they offer a limited selection of things which the supplier/contractor would rather offload. I don't know for sure, but I do believe there is a cost factor here.

Well it's no surprise that the Tega homes sites and other "discount" builders sites are sold out much faster than the rest - people gravitate to the cheapest prices naturally. But I believe there should be much more emphasis on value and not just finding the cheapest cost, because that's exactly what type of condo and construction you'll get - cheap. I still find it hilarious that some of the would-be investors in the city judge and compare condos by price/sq. ft., which is a very antiquated way of comparing today's condos: they seem to think the standard spec you get a the RE or Soho is the same you get at Tega or Claridge.

[kevinbottawa]

Just saw this tweet by Peter Kovessy of OBJ retweeted by Neil Malhotra of Claridge. Haven't been able to find it on devapps yet.

"Claridge formally files rezoning app for 505 Preston: 42 storeys, ~250 units, 263 underground prkng spots & 23,680 sq ft of commercial space"

[McC]

It can take a while for the docs to get posted. For reference, with the Richcraft lot on Parkdale, it was about a week after we received the letter notifying neighbours that the city had received a proposal for the lot, so add in the time for postage, and the time for the City to do a preliminary review of the proposal and prepare the letters, too.

[kevinbottawa]

Claridge files Preston rezoning request

Published on July 23, 2012
OBJ Staff

Claridge Homes is taking a formal step towards building the tallest tower in the city.

City records show the developer has applied to rezone its property in Little Italy to allow it to construct its proposed 42-storey Claridge Tower.

The mixed-use building, located at 505 Preston St., would contain approximately 250 units with almost 24,000 square feet dedicated to commercial uses and 263 underground parking spaces, according to the document filed with the city. The site is currently vacant but previously featured a gas station.

Public comments will be accepted until Aug. 21 with the goal of going before the city’s planning committee on Oct. 23, where the developer will ask to amend the current arterial mainstreet zoning to allow for the mixed-use building.

Claridge vice-president Neil Malhotra initially announced plans for the tower in May, and said at the time that he hoped to build by 2017.

Records show Claridge purchased the 15,700-square-foot property from Imperial Oil in March for slightly more than $9 million.

The proposal is one of many mixed-use buildings in the works near Little Italy, as outlined in a recent OBJ feature.

http://www.obj.ca/Real-Estate/Residentia...laridge-files-Preston-rezoning-request/1

[Davis137]

I get the feeling this is going to go ahead, but they will likely have to build the thing to a higher standard than what they have been building downtown lately.

[Postmaster]

Given the recent number of approvals I have a feeling this will go through too, it doesn't look to be causing the storm that SOHO did.

[OTSkyline]

If this goes through and gets approved at 42 stories and actually gets build, I will jump up & down in complete joy!

"Public comments will be accepted until Aug. 21 with the goal of going before the city’s planning committee on Oct. 23, where the developer will ask to amend the current arterial mainstreet zoning to allow for the mixed-use building."

Let's all send in comments on how this is a great development in a perfect area, maybe then they will receive more positive comments than just the usual negative ones from the NIMBY's... "It's too tall, it will fall on me!" -_-

[kevinbottawa]

Originally Posted by OTSkyline

Let's all send in comments on how this is a great development in a perfect area, maybe then they will receive more positive comments than just the usual negative ones from the NIMBY's... "It's too tall, it will fall on me!" -_-

Where do you send comments?

[McC]

Originally Posted by kevinbottawa

Where do you send comments?

There will be a single contact person in the Planning Department assigned to the file, their coordinates will be posted with all of the application documents on the devapps site.... eventually.

Don't worry about numbers of comments for or against OTSkyline, it's not a poll or plebiscite; in fact from reading previous recommendation reports, public comments can be treated rather contemptuously by the Planning Department (see, e.g., the report on the SoHo Italia, I commented on it in that thread)