Downtown Vancouver Updates - Page 489

Canadian Mind · #**9761** Posted **Apr 25, 2013, 2:18 AM**

I might get e-stabbed to death for this, but I rather appreciate the design of a building when it has curved elements. A round building is terrible, but a curved portion is awesome.

smho · #**9762** Posted **Apr 25, 2013, 2:31 AM**

According to this article, http://www.boffo.ca/boffo-company-profile/ , Boffo Developments will launch an "iconic highrise" at Smithe and Cambie within the next year.

Unfortunately, the article doesn't include the exact location of the site or any renderings.

officedweller · #**9763** Posted **Apr 25, 2013, 3:58 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by smho

According to this article, http://www.boffo.ca/boffo-company-profile/ , Boffo Developments will launch an "iconic highrise" at Smithe and Cambie within the next year.

Unfortunately, the article doesn't include the exact location of the site or any renderings.

Boffo took over Artemisia from James Schouw (without altering it) -
and Smithe & Cambie is the site of Schouw's other proposal - named "Thalia". So that's probably the site and the tower.

But I hope they change the design....

http://christinelouw.blogspot.ca/2011/01/thalia-another-stunning-development-by.html

http://vancouver4life.com/thalia-by-jame...s-vancouver-new-development-and-presale/

osirisboy · #**9764** Posted **Apr 25, 2013, 4:30 AM**

No I like it!! Only if they use actual stone etc for the materials as apposed to painted concrete like on the one on Seymour

Sir Conga · #**9765** Posted **Apr 25, 2013, 4:49 AM**

On Beatty St. today.

smho · #**9766** Posted **Apr 25, 2013, 6:26 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by officedweller

Boffo took over Artemisia from James Schouw (without altering it) -
and Smithe & Cambie is the site of Schouw's other proposal - named "Thalia". So that's probably the site and the tower.

Thanks. Totally forgot about Thalia. Based on Boffo's previous projects I think whatever they build there could turn out well. I think the Jewel towers at Metrotown look great as well as the proposed Modello development.

trofirhen · #**9767** Posted **Apr 25, 2013, 3:00 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Klazu

"Some award", are you kidding? First place in the 2001 Emporis Skyscraper Award as best new skyscraper of the year is a very glorious club to be in.

Yes. Agreed. And personally, I wouldn't call Wall Centre an "eyesore," but that's just my opinion. I think it's one of our more striking buldings.

trofirhen · #**9768** Posted **Apr 25, 2013, 3:07 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by thomasdew_92

Been thinking about the benefits to curved towers and it seems as though there is significant increase in potential sun accumulation. With the curve, an increase in the number of units that experience direct sunlight would occur. Am i wrong to assume this? From a practical perspective, it only makes sense to have curved walls on towers. Although from the inside, curved walls could pose decorating concerns, as has been mentioned.

Quote:

Originally Posted by officedweller

Welcome to the Forum.

The biggest benefit of the curved walls for occupants that I see is opening up views to a wider angle across the face of the building (which as you mention, ould have the consequence of letting in ore light from those angles). It also preserves view from neighbouring buildings as well.

Regarding curves, this doesn't mean a building has to be crescent-shaped, oval, or semi-circle. 1250 Bvd René Lévesque in Montreal makes a subtle use of curves, and is, IMO, very smart and elegant-looking.

spm2013 · #**9769** Posted **Apr 25, 2013, 3:38 PM**

Changes on the 8th/9th floor of the VPL main branch and opening of the green roof to the public:

Quote:

The original design team is already back on board, said Singh, including architect Moshe Safdie and landscape architect Cornelia Oberlander.

So far, the plan is to turn the eighth floor into more indoor community spaces, and the ninth into an area with a grand reading room, two outdoor terraces and a staircase up to the outdoor garden.

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Vancouv...nning+downtown+garden/8290054/story.html

Sir Conga · #**9770** Posted **Apr 25, 2013, 11:20 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by spm2013

Changes on the 8th/9th floor of the VPL main branch and opening of the green roof to the public:

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Vancouv...nning+downtown+garden/8290054/story.html

Oh my goodness, finally! It has always bothered me that the roof was inaccessible to the public. Very cool.

jlousa · #**9771** Posted **Apr 26, 2013, 6:31 AM**

I'm usually pretty supportive of improvements and new developments, unfortunately this project has me a bit uneasy. I'll have to study the drawings before I make up my mind but as it stands I'm worried about this potential project.

Quote:

Birks Building (formerly Bank of Commerce Building)
12:00–12:40 pm
688 West Hastings Street
A–Municipally Designated
The owner and the tenant (Birks) of the building are seeking to modify the base of the building along Granville Street to enhance retail leasing opportunities in the building. The proposed changes include:

i.Three new entry doors;
ii.Addition of a new glass canopy;
iii.Revitalization of existing window displays; and
iv.Adding new backlit signs (optional).

The proposal is at the enquiry stage and feedback is being sought from the Commission prior to an application being submitted.

officedweller · #**9772** Posted **Apr 26, 2013, 7:53 PM**

Three new doors? That would kill the solid nature of the base.

itinerant · #**9773** Posted **Apr 26, 2013, 8:01 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlousa

...this project has me a bit uneasy.

My gut reaction tells me this is a bad idea on all counts.

jsbertram · #**9774** Posted **Apr 27, 2013, 2:23 AM**

not sure if we all missed this ...
(or a sign of how many people still read local newspapers)

Vancouver Sun:

A major development proposal for a 43-storey condo tower in Yaletown will now go through a public hearing process after Vancouver city council received staff recommendations on Tuesday.

Included in the project proposal is the creation of up to 81 new units of below-market housing close by.

Wall Financial Corp. is seeking to rezone its property at 1320 Richards St., near Drake, to allow for the construction of a 420-foot-high residential tower with commercial uses at street level.

more:
http://www.vancouversun.com/business/storey+condo+tower+proposed+Yaletown/8279036/story.html

I think this will replace the nightclub space (renamed to 'Boss' after some gunplay with drug gangs in the recent past) on the north end of the block, and there is a different project by Onni for the south end of the block (currently the storage facility).

Prometheus · #**9775** Posted **Apr 27, 2013, 2:29 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsbertram

not sure if we all missed this ...
(or a sign of how many people still read local newspapers)

Vancouver Sun:

A major development proposal for a 43-storey condo tower in Yaletown will now go through a public hearing process after Vancouver city council received staff recommendations on Tuesday.

Included in the project proposal is the creation of up to 81 new units of below-market housing close by.

Wall Financial Corp. is seeking to rezone its property at 1320 Richards St., near Drake, to allow for the construction of a 420-foot-high residential tower with commercial uses at street level.

more:
http://www.vancouversun.com/business/storey+condo+tower+proposed+Yaletown/8279036/story.html

I think this will replace the nightclub space (renamed to 'Boss' after some gunplay with drug gangs in the recent past) on the north end of the block, and there is a different project by Onni for the south end of the block (currently the storage facility).

This was already mentioned a few days ago in the thread for this development: http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=197136&page=4

spm2013 · #**9776** Posted **Apr 27, 2013, 6:03 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by itinerant

My gut reaction tells me this is a bad idea on all counts.

What they didn't realise it was a concrete bunker when they bought the place? There are too many people rushing into the store so they need two more?

phesto · #**9777** Posted **Apr 27, 2013, 5:29 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by spm2013

What they didn't realise it was a concrete bunker when they bought the place? There are too many people rushing into the store so they need two more?

Birks doesn't own the building, they are a tenant, and I think they have been in decline for some time, partially as a result of the location and lack of visibility. The owner is probably happy to make the changes to keep them there.

For anyone who has been inside Birks it's tough to imagine what else could go in that space...

officedweller · #**9778** Posted **Apr 27, 2013, 11:21 PM**

They must be wanting separate entrances for store within a store concepts.

jayyb · #**9779** Posted **Apr 28, 2013, 12:34 AM**

Anyone know what's going on at Nelson and Pacific? There is a lot of building material in the parking lot. Is this the start of the Concord development?

Homeowner · #**9780** Posted **Apr 28, 2013, 5:03 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by smho

According to this article, http://www.boffo.ca/boffo-company-profile/ , Boffo Developments will launch an "iconic highrise" at Smithe and Cambie within the next year.

Unfortunately, the article doesn't include the exact location of the site or any renderings.

BOFFO is an excellent builder with quality projects. However they make it up in a higher pricing. Their most recent project in North Burnaby had some of their 1 bedroom around $500k range and the 2 bedrooms around $750k+ range