Development Rumours

[RyeJay]

Originally Posted by Dmajackson

Looks like World Wide Furniture is moving to Gallery 1 in Dartmouth. Ramia owns the current property on Kempt Road. It's not a large lot considering the area but it could be interesting to redevelop.

It's in a major commercial corridor with the nearest low-density resident about 70 meters away on Prescott Street. The property is only accessible from Kempt Road but backs onto Massachusetts Avenue via a steep grade.

With these constraints in mind I think a 20-22 storey (~70m) mixed-use building would work the best. I'd include ground floor commercial space that is aimed towards one large-sized retailer (ie department store). Above it should house middle class apartments. All of this should be in a modern styled building with minimal setbacks and a design that emphasizes a south-facing wall. All parking would be internal and accessed via a lane along the north property boundary. To work with the site slope there would be two floors of commercial/office each accessed via separate exterior entrances. The residential lobby would be located near the parking garage entrance. Landscaping would include new street-parking, buried powerlines, street trees, and a landscaped private rooftop area on the podium (3rd floor).

These are my thoughts. Anybody have some?

Though I admit your proposal for a building of 20-22 floors, in consideration of the low-density housing approximately 70 metres away, is rational -- I would certainly hope for something 30+ storeys for a Kempt Road proposal.

This area has the potential to become a peninsular valley of height.

No height fears from the Citadel crowd. Centrally located between both bridges toward Dartmouth and both highways toward Halifax West. Established commercial hub with public transit access on Young Street.

Since redevelopment hasn't yet struck the Kempt Road area and we haven't many local residents to immediately support whatever possible commercial options a new mixed-used development could market, does this not harm the likelihood for a single, large department store for the first couple floors of this building?

Maybe a single, large grocery store may fair slightly better, despite the not-so-distant Atlantic Super Store. (Hello Sobeys?)

I would be inclined to agree with your idea of a structural design embracing a south-facing wall; nevertheless, I find it interesting that developments along the Kempt Road area would create a new 'face' of Halifax, from the perspective of the Bedford Basin.

Your proposal would be clearly seen from the Bedford Highway, even from quite a distance.

[Dmajackson]

Originally Posted by RyeJay

Though I admit your proposal for a building of 20-22 floors, in consideration of the low-density housing approximately 70 metres away, is rational -- I would certainly hope for something 30+ storeys for a Kempt Road proposal.

This area has the potential to become a peninsular valley of height.

No height fears from the Citadel crowd. Centrally located between both bridges toward Dartmouth and both highways toward Halifax West. Established commercial hub with public transit access on Young Street.

Since redevelopment hasn't yet struck the Kempt Road area and we haven't many local residents to immediately support whatever possible commercial options a new mixed-used development could market, does this not harm the likelihood for a single, large department store for the first couple floors of this building?

Maybe a single, large grocery store may fair slightly better, despite the not-so-distant Atlantic Super Store. (Hello Sobeys?)

I would be inclined to agree with your idea of a structural design embracing a south-facing wall; nevertheless, I find it interesting that developments along the Kempt Road area would create a new 'face' of Halifax, from the perspective of the Bedford Basin.

Your proposal would be clearly seen from the Bedford Highway, even from quite a distance.

For the height I was thinking of setting precedent. Right now the closest "tall" building is Young Tower which is quite a distance away. Since it is a smaller site (comparatively speaking) and it is the first maybe something in the 20-storey range would work. Once it gets approved then it lets taller buildings to go through more securely. 30-storey buildings should definitely be the norm along the Kempt Corridor but just after a few slighter shorter ones clear the path. This is about as close as you get to low-density housing along the corridor.

As for the tenant it could go one two ways. A large store could occupy both floors or with the grade change a second entrance could split it into two (smaller but each occupying a floor). I can't see another grocery store in the short-term (less than 5 minutes to Superstore and Sobeys), but there are markets missing from the Peninsula like home improvement stores, brand-name furniture stores, and so on.

You are right about the building being very visible. However it does sit in a low area with the highest points on the Peninsula immediately to the north-east. Future towers like this in the area would close in the view to a small section of the Bedford Basin. Since Willow Park will likely never redevelop the south would still be the best view in the long-term.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Originally Posted by Dmajackson

Looks like World Wide Furniture is moving to Gallery 1 in Dartmouth. Ramia owns the current property on Kempt Road. It's not a large lot considering the area but it could be interesting to redevelop.

It's in a major commercial corridor with the nearest low-density resident about 70 meters away on Prescott Street. The property is only accessible from Kempt Road but backs onto Massachusetts Avenue via a steep grade.

With these constraints in mind I think a 20-22 storey (~70m) mixed-use building would work the best. I'd include ground floor commercial space that is aimed towards one large-sized retailer (ie department store). Above it should house middle class apartments. All of this should be in a modern styled building with minimal setbacks and a design that emphasizes a south-facing wall. All parking would be internal and accessed via a lane along the north property boundary. To work with the site slope there would be two floors of commercial/office each accessed via separate exterior entrances. The residential lobby would be located near the parking garage entrance. Landscaping would include new street-parking, buried powerlines, street trees, and a landscaped private rooftop area on the podium (3rd floor).

These are my thoughts. Anybody have some?

I love it. Watch out for "Friends of the Industrial Park"

[Dmajackson]

^Well then we should form ABCD (Anything-But-Car-Dealerships)

[Nilan8888]

I'd love to see some great developments there. I used to work at the Wendy's there 13-14 years back (stopped in last month and had a burger too while I was in town), and always thought it was an area of town that could be really great with a few changes.

[Keith P.]

There is no residential on Kempt Rd whatsoever. It is a strange street that seemingly has been ignored forever.

I expect it will become part of a bigger and better car dealership.

[Dmajackson]

Jane’s in talks with landlord to stay on the Common
September 17, 2012 - 8:59pm BY BRUCE ERSKINEBUSINESS REPORTER

Jane Wright is in talks to stay on the Common.

“I am still in negotiations with my landlord regarding our lease on Robie Street and nothing has been finalized yet,” the owner of Jane’s on the Common said in a recent email.

“I do hope to have the matter resolved one way or the other very soon.”

The popular Halifax bistro, which opened in the fall of 2003, has been operating without a lease at 2394 Robie St. since July 2011.

The restaurant and an adjacent takeout are housed in space leased from Abraham Salloum, owner of Tony’s Pizza, Donairs & Subs at the corner of Robie and Cunard streets.

Salloum was travelling in the Middle East on Monday and could not be reached for comment on Jane’s lease or on speculation that he plans to redevelop the block, where he owns a number of properties.

...

Read more here; thechronicleherald.ca

This is kitty-corner to the Commons and a block over from many high-density residential buildings along Cunard Street. Also The Welsford (~17 floors) and the Quinpool@Robie Tower is in the immediate area.

I don't know what properties he owns so I can't say much but frontage on Robie and Cunard should be commercial. If it stretches to Clifton that is more suitable for street-level townhouses. With decent lot size to allow suitable setbacks I think 15-20 stories would be good fit.

Site Location on Google Maps

[someone123]

There was an article in ANS tonight about developments led by Tony Metlege. They talked about the 7 storey Isleville proposal, which has a thread already, but also mentioned that the plan is for the Glidden Paint building on Kaye Street to be redeveloped with a 7-10 storey building when the lease there runs out in 2-3 years. A lot of buildings in that height range are going up around the Hydrostone.

Another development mentioned was for a 2 acre site on Portland Place, which is between Gottingen and Brunswick. I'm not sure which lot they're talking about exactly but they said that Metlege is waiting for the city to confirm a 16 storey HbD-style height allowance for the site. Maybe they're talking about the former Marquee site, or maybe they're talking about the industrial looking building in behind. It does not sound like the former church site on the corner of Brunswick and Cogswell since that site is not on Portland Place, and I think it is owned by Joe Metlege, not Tony Metlege.

We could see some big changes to the Cogswell/Brunswick area. First 3 new towers at the Citadel hotel site, then maybe some highrises the next block over. If the 12 storey buildings on Gottingen are also built that whole area will have more of a downtown feel.

[halifaxboyns]

I'm not sure about everyone else, but it seems to me that buildings in the 8 to 15 storey range around the Hydrostone seems like a comfortable height range.

It seems to me that buildings in the 10-20 storey range seem to be becoming more and more common around HRM. Not that I have a problem with that - HRM could become the city of mid-rise buildings.

[Dmajackson]

Originally Posted by someone123

There was an article in ANS tonight about developments led by Tony Metlege. They talked about the 7 storey Isleville proposal, which has a thread already, but also mentioned that the plan is for the Glidden Paint building on Kaye Street to be redeveloped with a 7-10 storey building when the lease there runs out in 2-3 years. A lot of buildings in that height range are going up around the Hydrostone.

Another development mentioned was for a 2 acre site on Portland Place, which is between Gottingen and Brunswick. I'm not sure which lot they're talking about exactly but they said that Metlege is waiting for the city to confirm a 16 storey HbD-style height allowance for the site. Maybe they're talking about the former Marquee site, or maybe they're talking about the industrial looking building in behind. It does not sound like the former church site on the corner of Brunswick and Cogswell since that site is not on Portland Place, and I think it is owned by Joe Metlege, not Tony Metlege.

We could see some big changes to the Cogswell/Brunswick area. First 3 new towers at the Citadel hotel site, then maybe some highrises the next block over. If the 12 storey buildings on Gottingen are also built that whole area will have more of a downtown feel.

I've added both new projects to to the list.

As for the Portland Place development I think its either the church-hall or the Marquee combined with its neighbour (auto repair shop?). The church-hall lot and its attached retail building is large enough but they site square in the middle of a viewplane. The Marquee lot and its neighbour sit outside of the viewplane (for the most part) but both have a Gottingen Street address and both are in the 50 foot height area which if I'm not mistaken would require a development agreement or MPS/LUB amendments.

If I had to hazard a guess I'd say it would be the church-hall site. The Trinity proposal a few years back was theoretically taller and sat in the view plane. This is the only site that has a Portland Street address that is not heritage or owned by HRM. Any redevelopment of the Marquee or its neighbour would of been introduced as a Gottingen Street project.

The former church and the church-hall are on different lots. The church-hall is technically speaking a part of the martial arts center on Portland Place.

Joe Metledge used to be member of this forum. Maybe if he still lurks he can pop-in and give us some friendly information on this (if he knows anything) and on the Trinity site.

[NewBalearic]

The lot in question on Portland Street is lieky the Ravensberg College/martial arts building lot behind the Marquee and Staples, which Tony owns.

He also owns the auto repair shop site but that has a Gottingen St civic address.

[teddifax]

Originally Posted by Dmajackson

I've added both new projects to to the list.

As for the Portland Place development I think its either the church-hall or the Marquee combined with its neighbour (auto repair shop?). The church-hall lot and its attached retail building is large enough but they site square in the middle of a viewplane. The Marquee lot and its neighbour sit outside of the viewplane (for the most part) but both have a Gottingen Street address and both are in the 50 foot height area which if I'm not mistaken would require a development agreement or MPS/LUB amendments.

If I had to hazard a guess I'd say it would be the church-hall site. The Trinity proposal a few years back was theoretically taller and sat in the view plane. This is the only site that has a Portland Street address that is not heritage or owned by HRM. Any redevelopment of the Marquee or its neighbour would of been introduced as a Gottingen Street project.

The former church and the church-hall are on different lots. The church-hall is technically speaking a part of the martial arts center on Portland Place.

Joe Metledge used to be member of this forum. Maybe if he still lurks he can pop-in and give us some friendly information on this (if he knows anything) and on the Trinity site.

I have sent a message to Joe to see if he has any input on this!

[worldlyhaligonian]

Bring on the next wave of development! I'm hoping for higher densities.

Its hard to imagine how much residential we've added recently, and much of this north end projects are totally walkable to the core. In fact, the only mental block in terms of distance has always been how rough certain parts are.

The closer parts of the north end have potential to develop as an extension of downtown when the Citadel hotel site is completed, hopefully Trinity, and these other developments in proximity.

The Hydrostone is sort of a low rise hub beyond (as there are many residential neighborhoods / Stadcona which breaks up the urbanity). The Hydrostone differentiates areas to the west (e.g. the Young st strip... which is slowly developing) and the north.

[Keith P.]

Originally Posted by worldlyhaligonian

The Hydrostone is sort of a low rise hub beyond (as there are many residential neighborhoods / Stadcona which breaks up the urbanity). The Hydrostone differentiates areas to the west (e.g. the Young st strip... which is slowly developing) and the north.

I wonder if property owners in the actual Hydrostone will form a NIMBY group like the gawdawful "Friends of Schmidtville" in an attempt to keep developments out of their area. They probably would prefer an old gas station converted to a paint store to a new 7 storey building.

[JET]

on the south-west corner of Ochterloney and Irishtown Lane there are three old houses. There was some mention that they are for sale for $1,000,000 The third house in has a notice re it being a registered historic building and that there is a demolition request
not sure if that means that the one year has lapsed, or that the one year is starting
none of those houses are remarkable or would be a significant loss
be nice to see that space right down to Queen St developed.

[FuzzyWuz]

The Ford dealership on the corner of Main and Caledonia has been moved to Portland St. Any word on what will become of the site?

[Dmajackson]

Originally Posted by JET

on the south-west corner of Ochterloney and Irishtown Lane there are three old houses. There was some mention that they are for sale for $1,000,000 The third house in has a notice re it being a registered historic building and that there is a demolition request
not sure if that means that the one year has lapsed, or that the one year is starting
none of those houses are remarkable or would be a significant loss
be nice to see that space right down to Queen St developed.

Public Information Meeting - Case H00368
Thu, 25 October, 19:00 – 21:00
60 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth (Alderney Gate Library - Helen Creighton Room)
Case H00368 - Application to Demolish a Municipal Heritage Proeprty at 120 Ochterloney Street, Dartmouth.

There's no other information available as of yet.

[JET]

Originally Posted by Dmajackson

Public Information Meeting - Case H00368
Thu, 25 October, 19:00 – 21:00
60 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth (Alderney Gate Library - Helen Creighton Room)
Case H00368 - Application to Demolish a Municipal Heritage Proeprty at 120 Ochterloney Street, Dartmouth.

There's no other information available as of yet.

120 Ochterloney Street Alexander Hutchinson 1892
I wonder if that means they've waited the year to demolish, or if they are now apllying for the one year permission to demolish

[sdm]

Originally Posted by JET

120 Ochterloney Street Alexander Hutchinson 1892
I wonder if that means they've waited the year to demolish, or if they are now apllying for the one year permission to demolish

I believe the new rules are 3 years, not the 1. But that might be for Provincial heritage properties.

[JET]

Originally Posted by sdm

I believe the new rules are 3 years, not the 1. But that might be for Provincial heritage properties.

http://www.halifax.ca/planning/herfaqs.html
looks like it takes up to one year to gain approval for demolition, and if the request is denied, the property can go ahead and demolish after one year delay from the date of application. So if it takes up to one year, looks like it can be demolished once the request is denied. that guard dog's got no teeth