I don't know what a 23 story bldg would look like at the East end of Water St without seeing a mockup, BUT from the various photos that Signal has posted I think the new buildings at the West end (351, Fortis) could easily have been another 5 or 6 stories higher without being out of pace with the waterfront scene-scape. Let's not fear buildings a little higher than historically allowed, providing they aren't just large square boxes out of pace with current scene. A little more creative use of materials would go a long way to enhancing proposals than what we've seen in the recent past - witness the dramatic difference between the initial and final proposals for the Star of Sea site.
Last edited by rthomasd; Dec 31, 2012 at 11:25 PM.
Hi guys, I've been looking at the last three pages which I missed until now.
A 23 storey office building would be about 84 meters, but if it were mixed use, containing some residential or hotel (say 9 office floors and 14 residential floors) it might be around 70 meters. 9 stories of offices on Water Street would be about 33 meters, and a 23 floor all residential building would only have to be about 62 meters minimum.
It sounds exciting and I would love to see something like that, but I think this sort of proposal would be turned down flat for the waterfront.
23 floors of mixed use wouldn't be too tall, but definitely too tall for those NIMBY nay-sayers who will throw such an idea out before even giving the developer a chance to try and win them over. Sad but true.
Now, if we could replace Scotia Place (or even AP and the parkade) with Purdy's Wharf (why are they all called wharf over there?), then I'd be thrilled.
__________________ Note to self: "The plural of anecdote is not evidence."
At 88m, Purdy's Wharf II isn't horribly out of scale with its surroundings. It's a little bulky compared to the relative size of downtown so I'd like to see a skinnier development, but as for its height its pretty good. Not too extreme, but would definitely stand out against everything else.
I know it wouldn't be a problem for me, but I feel like there are many, maaany people who would disagree.
Something similar to what you guys were discussing earlier, but why are owners of buildings on Water street allowed to have the back side of their buildings on Harbour Drive be so hideous? Harbour Drive is ugly as all hell, but no one cares enough to make it look nice. Not to mention, THAT is the first thing tourists see when coming to dock, and not the historic "fronts" of buildings on Water.
I think it's because we've always had a very industrial port and, for most of our city's history, Harbour Drive didn't exist.
Water Street was the very first street up from the harbour. Its backside was all industrial - finger piers, docks, etc. Between Water Street and the harbour has always been an industrial free-for-all.
Wouldn't be an issue if we hadn't filled in parts of the harbour and created Harbour Drive.
__________________ Note to self: "The plural of anecdote is not evidence."
Truth, but now I feel like these buildings should be made to put brick or something on the backs of their buildings just to make that street more attractive. It's the first thing tourists see, it should be softer and more inviting
Nice render architype! I would like to see something skinnier than purdys wharf II, but That's a good height. I would much rather a taller 351 than a purdys wharf looking building though!
Happy new year everyone! It's going to be an exciting one for sure!
Groupe Germain is doing the garage?! Yay! Can't wait to hear more! I didn't know it was possible to add more floors to the garage. Does anyone know just how many floors they could possibly add to the garage? Groupe Germain does fantastic work and I can't wait to hear more! It's early 2013 now, bring on the proposals!
And sorry for doubting you before, A325. Sound like you were right!
Maybe someone can email Groupe Germain and ask for some info.
I emailed their director of development a little while ago and all they would reveal was that they were "very interested in the market" someone else can try if they want but I don't think they will reveal anything. We should get news soon-ish anyway. Doc did say early 2013
Now, if we could replace Scotia Place (or even AP and the parkade) with Purdy's Wharf (why are they all called wharf over there?), then I'd be thrilled.
I suppose with such a large harbour, and with so many settlers forming their own separate wharf, modern developments along the waterfront have maintained this historical trend of naming buildings after these many separate wharfs.
Prev
Linear Mode
