Winnipeg Construction

[dpenner]

good point forgot to mention that, i wonder if the lots across from the CMHR (parcel 3 was it called?) will be zoned with height restrictions if there is ever development on them

[chrisallard5454]

Originally Posted by dpenner

good point forgot to mention that, i wonder if the lots across from the CMHR (parcel 3 was it called?) will be zoned with height restrictions if there is ever development on them

I think that Parcel 4 and others are ones that should not have height restrictions. What they should have is restrictions enabling only well thought out multi-purpose developments.
There is nothing that these parcels would be blocking if they were built as high rises. Unless one would use the argument that it is blocking the rest of the skyline, but it really doesn't take a genius to see the flaw in that argument.
I agree, waterfront is beautiful because of the restrictions in place. The beauty in this case comes from the restrictions. However, while walking around after many heated debates with other forum members concerning modern architecture and high rises within the Exchange, I have come to the conclusion that I wouldn't mind a well planned building within the exchange (high-rise or not). This is as long as the proper time is taken to make sure it fits with the niche of the surrounding area. However the Waterfront should be saved for the archetype which has already been established; mid-rise condo's overlooking the river.

On a side note, I am excited to point out that for the first time I have recieved "Top Comment" status on WFP's website!

[armorand93]

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/columnists/airport-sparks-hotel-boom-167519495.html

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Airport sparks hotel boom
Four under construction; fifth to open this week
By: Martin Cash
Posted: 08/25/2012 1:00 AM

It may not be the Las Vegas strip, but the Winnipeg airport region has become a hotbed for hotel developers with international brands flocking to the region.
The area currently features four hotels under construction and a fifth set to open this week, an unprecedented multimillion-dollar construction boom for the hotel sector in Winnipeg.
It's as if the brand-name players in the hotel industry suddenly realized there was an international airport in Winnipeg and are now rushing to stake their claim to the market.
But, of course, there is more to it than that. There is no one cause affecting the current spate of hotel development, but the opening of the new airport terminal has definitely provided some catalyst for the explosion.
"It's not just about warehouses around the airport anymore," said Barry Rempel, the CEO of the Winnipeg Airports Authority. "I think there were too many years when we were not keeping up with the growth that was happening in other markets. That's not the case anymore."
The first of the group to open -- and the largest -- will be the city's newest Holiday Inn property. The $14-million conversion of the old Howard Johnson property on Ellice Avenue, between Century and King Edward streets, is set to open on Thursday.

Dropping off a resume there on Wednesday, for sure!

[Reed Solomon]

Originally Posted by dpenner

am i the only one who prefers that we have zoning bylaws to prevent high rises in the east exchange?

I have nothing against zoning bylaws to prevent highrises in certain areas. I do think reasonable acomodation can be made for taller buildings in the area.

You could look at it as limiting supply creating demand. Smaller more intimate buildings along waterfront drive makes those properties more valuable. You can build (perhaps) taller buildings behind them set back somewhat from the waterfront with a better view. Everyone wins.

Frankly I'll be happy when the exchange is a fully realized and vibrant community.

[Mininari]

Originally Posted by Reed Solomon

I have nothing against zoning bylaws to prevent highrises in certain areas. I do think reasonable acomodation can be made for taller buildings in the area.

You could look at it as limiting supply creating demand. Smaller more intimate buildings along waterfront drive makes those properties more valuable. You can build (perhaps) taller buildings behind them set back somewhat from the waterfront with a better view. Everyone wins.

Frankly I'll be happy when the exchange is a fully realized and vibrant community.

The exchange district should remain a low-to-mid-rise (at most) neighborhood and grow laterally rather than vertically. I'd much rather have 16 - 24 blocks of vibrancy from low-rise development / redevelopment rather than cram it all into a few high-rises. Besides, there is plenty of suitable redevelopment plots for taller towers just about anywhere else in Downtown Winnipeg.

[urbandreamer]

d Condos has been previewed to brokers. Did anyone see it yet? Apparently it's gonna be hot.

[1ajs]

Originally Posted by urbandreamer

d Condos has been previewed to brokers. Did anyone see it yet? Apparently it's gonna be hot.

?

[headhorse]

^ d Condo is the Sandhu project on the Dubrovnik site

[1ajs]

o ok

20days in calgary now home good to be home

[dpenner]

anyone participating in the Winnipeg Design Festival? The lineup of stuff looks fantastic, really upset I wont be able to attend. The festival will be taking part in Park (ing) Day, http://www.facebook.com/PARKingDayWPG

for those unaware of the parklet movement should check it out, im hoping to construct one in Ottawa for park ing day

[rrskylar]

Originally Posted by 1ajs

o ok

20days in calgary now home good to be home

Welcome back to summer!

[Donovanf]

Took some pictures on my lunch walk. Buildings include:

Peace Tower
Old Salvation Army
Boutique Hotel on Waterfront
H2O

https://plus.google.com/photos/111550719543501232002/albums/5782153560175964097

[dpenner]

James Avenue is one disgusting street , i hope its going to be altered considering it how wide the road actually is for what supposed to be a dense pedestrian oriented urban neighborhood.....

[Mininari]

Originally Posted by dpenner

James Avenue is one disgusting street , i hope its going to be altered considering it how wide the road actually is for what supposed to be a dense pedestrian oriented urban neighborhood.....

Well, having a wide street to work with is great for future possibilities. Imagine narrowing the pavement down, widening the sidewalks, and maybe even seeing some patios here or there. Things are really (finally!) starting to happen along there, so maybe, just maybe, the ugly duckling will change.

[drew]

James Avenue is one disgusting street , i hope its going to be altered considering it how wide the road actually is for what supposed to be a dense pedestrian oriented urban neighborhood.....

^ You may be on to something, as the rumour is that the new parkade proposed for James Avenue requires a variance to encroach on James by up to 15 feet.

We should all hope this parkade goes ahead, as several developments in the area require this added parking for potential tenants prior to going ahead with construction.

[dpenner]

parklets and a bike path would be nice, how would patios manage though? Are any of the james ave redevelopments built with first floor commercial space that could see a potential restaurant or something? I could see patios springing from the parkade as they said it would contain multiple ground level commercial units.

[h0twired]

Isn't James Ave the first place they are starting the Exchange streetscape project?

You know the one with the crazy lit "trees".

[drew]

^ Market will be first IIRC.

[headhorse]

do we still not know what's going on with the Salvation Army reno? also, there's going to be another Exchange project announced fairly soon and it wouldn't surprise me if it's the James Ave Parkade (which I believe will have ground floor retail and residential above?)

thanks for the pictures, Donovanf.

edit: is this still the plan for the Salvation Army building? it sems to be from a few years ago.. http://www.cier.ca/about-us/green-building-capital-campaign.aspx?id=54

[Biff]

The Exchange needs the James Ave Parkade more than ever, now that the Civic Centre Parkade is falling apart and is closed. What a sad ending to a set of structures that already had enough detractors due to its unique brutalist design. I, myself am not a fan of the whole Civic Centre architecture but i can appreciate the style and time it was built.

I would have to think that this will ultimately lead to the demolition of the whole block when the new Police headquarters is complete.