Edmonton Construction 11 (November 2011)

[EdmTrekker]

Originally Posted by ibz

In defense of Kasian, the building was designed some time ago. Its not their issue if the client decides to build a dated design.

Epcor is a disaster...the front entrance is hideous. And I just don't get the need for balconies on what is an office building. Who thinks this shit up anyway?? Just saying what I think thats all...

[craner]

Not sure if it's been mentioned but there is an interesting article on Edmonton's urban development under Mandel in the February issue of Canadian Architect. Nice 2-pg. arial photo as well.

[Coldrsx]

Originally Posted by EdmTrekker

Epcor is a disaster...the front entrance is hideous. And I just don't get the need for balconies on what is an office building. Who thinks this shit up anyway?? Just saying what I think thats all...

Not quite.

Dont like the blue lighting, but the landscaping and water features are nice. The grade differential there was a challenge I am sure.

WHY NOT? I sure as hell would love to have that if I was stuck way up there. If anything, that is one of the neatest features of the building.

[Daveography]

^ Yup, balconies are an awesome asset for any tenant in an office building.

[Black Star]

I really like the Epcor tower. It's quirky and a little thick. But very unique IMO.

[Coldrsx]

Community leagues up in arms over Edmonton zoning plan


BY ELISE STOLTE, EDMONTON JOURNAL FEBRUARY 8, 2013 9:15 AM

0

STORYPHOTOS ( 1 )



File photo of the mature neighborhood of Highlands in northeast Edmonton.
Photograph by: Larry Wong , Edmonton Journal
EDMONTON - A contentious zoning bill regulating infill housing in mature neighbourhoods could be sent back for a lengthy makeover if several community leagues have their way.

The bill coming before executive committee Monday would allow homeowners to subdivide 50-foot (15 metre) lots, would increase opportunities for duplex and semi-detached homes in single-family zones, and would refine the rules for when homebuilders can add suburban-style front garages.

On Thursday, 28 community leagues sent a joint letter to council asking it to stop and do a better job of consulting with affected communities.


http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/edmo...+Edmonton+zoning+plan/7935107/story.html

[Coldrsx]

Millions needed to preserve Edmonton’s Rossdale power plant, report says


BY GORDON KENT, EDMONTON JOURNAL FEBRUARY 8, 2013 1:03 PM



Edmonton must spend at least $4.5 million this year to preserve a historic former Rossdale power plant, according to a city report.

Epcor has offered to give $1 million to spend on the site as part of negotiations over transferring ownership of the decommissioned boiler hall and low-pressure building to the city.

That money would help offset the cost of replacing the roof and stabilizing the west wall of the structure, which would then cost $650,000 annually for temporary heating, security, maintenance and environmental monitoring.

A further $2.8 million is required to install permanent heating and electrical systems, and guardrails, says the report, to be discussed Monday by council’s executive committee.

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/edmo...+Rossdale+power+plant/7939143/story.html

[Coldrsx]

New Telus Tower in MTL...


(http://www.lemayonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/vue-ext-finale_jfsto-620x479.jpg)

[Daveography]

^ Nice tower, but awful interaction with the street.

[Black Star]

^^ Augh

[CMD UW]

Originally Posted by Coldrsx

Not quite.

Dont like the blue lighting, but the landscaping and water features are nice. The grade differential there was a challenge I am sure.

WHY NOT? I sure as hell would love to have that if I was stuck way up there. If anything, that is one of the neatest features of the building.

Agree. At first I wasn't a fan of the balconies but have since changed my mind.

[hqcan]

Originally Posted by BLACK STAR

I really like the Epcor tower. It's quirky and a little thick. But very unique IMO.

A little thick? It's inspiration was drawn from the Duracell 9 V battery man...

[CMD UW]

Check out the blog for our new office building retrofit on 124 Street. New renderings to boot. DP has been submitted! http://beljandevelopment.com/2013/02/introducing-limelight-on-124/

[kcantor]

Originally Posted by hqcan

A little thick? It's inspiration was drawn from the Duracell 9 V battery man...

it wasn't but i do like the humour in the comparison...

the "inspiration" was drawn from the inside moreso than the outside for those that work in those spaces. if you get a chance to "walk" any if those floors you would understand.

having said that, there were other "inspirations" for the exterior as well - which for the record i am quite fond of - and of its articulation and detailing.

i'm okay if the entire world doesn't concur with my opinions and choices - when it comes to things ultimately determined by personal taste there's never going to be unanimity. it is too bad however when discussions embrace hostility rather than inviting exchanges of information and opinion..

[mcc16]

I think Epcor is great. We just need the hotel to go up north of it to break up the view of its massive width... It's unfortunate the street level (although beautiful) doesn't provide much interaction ( ie retail). But this is the norm for most buildings in our CBD as well as other CBDs in North America. I don't understand why everyone is hating on balconies on an office tower. Maybe I am wrong, but I assume that the developer will not see much profit from adding balconies. It is an amenity space to help attract people to the project. Good on the developer for adding interest to the building, and providing outdoor amenity spaces at their own cost... Unless of course, the balconies are leasable areas... Lol

[Drynagolt]

Originally Posted by mcc16

I think Epcor is great. We just need the hotel to go up north of it to break up the view of its massive width... It's unfortunate the street level (although beautiful) doesn't provide much interaction ( ie retail). But this is the norm for most buildings in our CBD as well as other CBDs in North America. I don't understand why everyone is hating on balconies on an office tower. Maybe I am wrong, but I assume that the developer will not see much profit from adding balconies. It is an amenity space to help attract people to the project. Good on the developer for adding interest to the building, and providing outdoor amenity spaces at their own cost... Unless of course, the balconies are leasable areas... Lol

EPCOR is a great looking tower. It's different and that's a positive. Also like the unique balcony aspect.

[Atlguy33]

I love EPCOR Tower! I agree that the balconies are an asset. If I were an office worker in a cubicle all day, I would appreciate the opportunity to go to a balcony during my break. And as far as it being "fat", correct me if I'm wrong, but that's just a result of today's tenants desiring large floorplates, right?

[EdmTrekker]

Originally Posted by Atlguy33

I love EPCOR Tower! I agree that the balconies are an asset. If I were an office worker in a cubicle all day, I would appreciate the opportunity to go to a balcony during my break. And as far as it being "fat", correct me if I'm wrong, but that's just a result of today's tenants desiring large floorplates, right?

How big are the floor plates? The Bow are 3200 m2

[ue]

I still remember when EPCOR was under construction, thinking the tower was abnormally chubby, being told it would thin out once it was topped out. Yet here we are, and EPCOR still looks abnormally chubby.

In other news, though, check out the skyline from Crestwood. Pearl is dominating, even blocking part of the view of Manulife.

[kcantor]

Originally Posted by EdmTrekker

How big are the floor plates? The Bow are 3200 m2

2,462.5 m2 inside of glass to inside of glass on a typical lower floor.