Edmonton Construction 11 (November 2011)

[240glt]

I notice it too at my place... the house is fairly close to the street and I have a picture window in the living room.. I have translucent blinds that when closed, nobody looks in. But when the blinds are open, almost everyone who walks by takes a look. I know I am guilty of it too when I walk the dogs around the neighborhood.

Like driving past a car accident I guess.. you know you should just keep your eyes on the road but you just can't help sneaking a peek

[Airboy]

Originally Posted by YegFan

The cost of delaying and postponing important projects....Same with building an expressway from the south side to downtown.

Too expensive....can't do it. Too much money.. Can't do it.

In the meantime, why doesn't the city have a policy of containing urban expansion and instead put more infrastructure money on rebuilding the major roadways in the city!!!!

To expensive has always been the excuse. The YH will never be upgraded in my life time.

[CanadianCentaur]

Originally Posted by 240glt

I notice it too at my place... the house is fairly close to the street and I have a picture window in the living room.. I have translucent blinds that when closed, nobody looks in. But when the blinds are open, almost everyone who walks by takes a look. I know I am guilty of it too when I walk the dogs around the neighborhood.

Like driving past a car accident I guess.. you know you should just keep your eyes on the road but you just can't help sneaking a peek

I get similar problems too, as I live on a 2nd floor condo not too far from a sidewalk which see a quite a bit of foot traffic. Even worse, my condo is also very close to another highrise condo, which means the residents in that highrise can see inside my place if it's lit inside.

But I'm able to leave my blinds open in the living room during the day because there really isn't much ambient light for one to be able to see the inside of my condo. In other words, it's a little too dark for anybody to see in, even on a sunny day (this is also a reason why places like abandoned apartments or hotels are favourite locations for snipers).

[Coldrsx]

Be an extravert for once, do what the neighbour did on 'Friends'.

[Coldrsx]

EDACC

Framework For The Galleria Project
Purpose:

The philanthropically led Edmonton Downtown Academic and Cultural Centre
Foundation is spearheading the development of the Galleria Project which
provides a transformational opportunities to the City of Edmonton through:
• The City gaining four new state of the art theatres that are financially self
sustaining and would not require operating or maintenance subsidies
• Cultural program expansion to offer additional context for the community
• Complementing the flagship arts and cultural facilities along 99th Street
from the Shaw Conference Centre and CKUA to the Citadel Theatre,
Winspear and Stanley Milner Library to the Galleria and Royal
Alberta Museum, creating a cultural core
• Market-making through growing, broadening and diversifying audiences
and visitors to the City of Edmonton
• Proposed relocation of the School of Music and Department of Art and
Design and one additional Department or Faculty into the Centre which
brings up to 5,000 staff and students into the district
• Facilitating an additional potential 3 million sq.ft. of development that
would bring up to an additional 15,000 people to the district
• Realistic operating economics achieved through the Cultural Trust and the
EDACC Foundation managing operating and maintenance costs; and
• Formation of the Cultural Trust that insures all excess revenue is
reinvested in the Downtown Arts District and the arts community
Project Components:

The Edmonton Downtown Academic and Cultural Centre would consist of the
following components:
• University of Alberta, School of Music 150,000 sq.ft.
• University of Alberta, Dept. of Art & Design 200,000 sq.ft.
• University of Alberta, other academic Dept. 300,000 sq.ft.
• Commercial Office Space 300,000 sq.ft.
• Edmonton Performing Arts Theatres 300,000 sq.ft.
(Large Theatre, Mid-Size Theatre, Recital Hall, and Small Theatre)
• Galleria (covered and open)
• Parking underground 600 stalls

Total institutional, commercial, and public space up to 1,250,000 sq.ft.

[Coldrsx]

Part 1 – Key Elements
1. Edmonton Downtown Academic and Cultural Centre Foundation is a
Charitable Not-For-Profit Foundation and would remain so under this
agreement.
Attachment 1
Page 2 of 4 Report: CR_280 Attachment 1
2. Economically, the sustainability of the Edmonton Downtown Academic
and Cultural Centre Foundation (The Galleria Project) is to own,
manage, and operate the facilities with no expectation for ongoing
funding being provided by the City of Edmonton.
3. Preliminary cost estimations of the project are expected to be in the order
of magnitude of $850M with funding comprised of:
a. Support from: +/- $200M
City, Province, Federal, and
Charitable Donations
b. Arranged Financing +/- $650M - $750M
Part 2 – City of Edmonton Contribution
1. The amount of financial support from the City of Edmonton and from the
other orders of Government is being determined. The non commercially
viable elements that are expected to be funded with assistance from the
City include:
a. Up to $10 million in value of City owned land which includes roads
closures. The initial City contribution would be the surplus City
owned land (Lots 100-102, Plan 1919NY) and closed portion of 104
Avenue (valued at $8.3 million) to enable the Foundation to
consolidate the lands with those already purchased by the
Foundation in order for the Galleria Project to commence.
b. Up to $11 million to extend the Churchill Station LRT pedway under
103A Avenue to the forecourt of the Royal Alberta Museum and
Galleria. This is a condition precedent to University of Alberta
advancing with the development.
c. Up to $35 million in additional land purchases (including the School
Board property).
d. A future contribution towards an estimated $35 million for the
development of the roof over the Galleria which is not deemed for
commercial purposes; and
e. Public realm (area under the Galleria roof) to be secured for
ongoing public enjoyment by way of Public Easement.
2. The City of Edmonton would provide a full-time Liaison Manager for the
Edmonton Downtown Academic and Cultural Centre project. Candidate
selection would be at the discretion of the City of Edmonton.
3. The City of Edmonton would provide two Board Members from members
of City Council for the Edmonton Downtown Academic and Cultural
Centre Foundation.
Attachment 1
Page 3 of 4 Report: CR_280 Attachment 1
Part 3 – EDACC Contribution
1. The Edmonton Downtown Academic and Cultural Centre Foundation have
acquired a key piece of property between 101 Street and 103 Avenue, at a
cost of $17.5 million.
2. The Edmonton Downtown Academic and Cultural Centre Foundation are
to secure an agreement with Station Lands (Qualico) for the land where
the University of Alberta School of Music will be located and the land for
the Galleria.
3. The Edmonton Downtown Academic and Cultural Centre Foundation
would be the project lead and would be responsible for the following:
a. Raising or arranging the balance of the finances to develop the
Project
b. Obtaining philanthropic donations of $50 million of which $37.5
million has been committed to date and has invested
greater than $1.5 million in front end costs plus $17.5 million in
acquired land
c. Managing the project
d. Creating a Cultural Trust to manage and maintain the cultural
facilities over the long-term
e. Arrange long-term leases of academic space with the University of
Alberta and the commercial office space
f. Develop the cultural facilities
g. Arrange for the project financing
h. Raise charitable dollars required for the project
I. Responsible for pursuing Provincial and Federal funding
j. Responsible for any additional funding methods such as fundraising
and sale of naming rights
k. Engage professional management as required for the development
and operation of the stages at the venues
l. Maintain, and operate the open space under the Galleria roof in
cooperation with Station Lands (Qualico). Programming of the
space will fall to the Foundation on which the City of Edmonton has
two members to provide a City of Edmonton perspective
3. Edmonton Downtown Academic and Cultural Centre Foundation will liaise
and work with cultural and other downtown stakeholders in the
development of the Cultural Trust and Galleria Project.
4. Edmonton Downtown Academic and Cultural Centre Foundation will
explore establishing a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) with
residents and stakeholders in the areas surrounding the Galleria. This will
endeavor to build relationships and engage key stakeholders during this
process.
Attachment 1
Page 4 of 4 Report: CR_280 Attachment 1
5. The Edmonton Downtown Academic and Cultural Centre Foundation as
the Project Lead and Principle Borrower, would use the University of
Alberta lease, the commercial leases and facilities as security for
financing. No guarantees or funding from the City of Edmonton are
required or requested to secure any financing for the Galleria Project.
6. Edmonton Downtown Academic and Cultural Centre Foundation are to
operate the Centre and are to pay all operating expenses, capital
maintenance and repair.
7. The Edmonton Downtown Academic and Cultural Centre Foundation are
responsible for obtaining any necessary memorandums of understandings
from:
a. Qualico Developments
b. University of Alberta
c. Provincial Government
d. Federal Government
Part 4 – University of Alberta Contribution
To Be Determined
Part 5 – Provincial/Federal Government Contribution
To Be Determined

edmonton.ca

july 24 exec comm

[Coldrsx]

Scaffolding up at corso/pent/pho/new pizza place on Jasper... another facade improvement?

[ccw219]

Originally Posted by Coldrsx

Be an extravert for once, do what the neighbour did on 'Friends'.

I concur. My neighbours across 103 Ave either love me or hate me. There's no way it's anywhere in the middle...

In other news, getting more impressed by the Galleria funding model by the day.

[Coldrsx]

Also, site fenced and some sort of site work beginning on 122st north of Jasper...

Astorian site

(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/scottman251/E_SW1_zpsbf40f794.jpg)

[240glt]

122 PH.3 I think. That portion seems to be working it's way through the system

Astorian is a little ways off I believe

[Coldrsx]

Source said east side of st north of Planet.

[240glt]

Intersting.. just reading through my new BOMA 2013 real estate guide.. good write-ups on the new proposed office buldings working their way through the system.

Other things to note.. downtown office space sold last year at an average rate of $346/psf, up about 50 Suburban space actually dropped 15 to $230

Rental residential vacancies forecast to be around 2.3 for this year

DT office should dip below 8% this quarter (2nd)

118th ave has the lowest vac. rate in the city @ 3.8 on 778k

DT rates seem to be struggling, with 4th 2012 still sitting at around $18.

They are forecasting Edmontonians disposable income to grow by 50% in the next five years

[Coldrsx]

^last sentence is absolutely nuts if true.

As for downtown rates, they seemed to be mid 20s from the real estate forum and predicting high twenties to 30 by 2014.

[240glt]

Originally Posted by Coldrsx

^last sentence is absolutely nuts if true.

As for downtown rates, they seemed to be mid 20s from the real estate forum and predicting high twenties to 30 by 2014.

Remember, those are averages. Even when we hit 30, some class A is still going to be leasing in the mid to high teens

[basilbrush]

Originally Posted by Shodan

Cost stands in the way of upgrade to Yellowhead Trail, Mandel warns

Gordon Kent
Edmonton Journal

Thursday, June 27, 2013

There's no relief in sight for drivers snarled in Yellowhead Trail traffic because high costs mean an overhaul of one of the city's busiest corridors isn't likely to happen for years.

There has been a plan since 2011 to turn the commuter and truck route into a smooth-flowing freeway with limited access and no traffic signals, but councillors said Wednesday the price could be prohibitive.

"We can't just open the wallets and spend probably four to five billion dollars to fix it along the way," Mayor Stephen Mandel said following a closed-door transportation committee discussion of a proposed 149th Street interchange...

[email protected]
© Edmonton Journal 2013

Copyright © 2013 CanWest Interactive, a division of CanWest MediaWorks Publications, Inc.. All rights reserved.
CanWest Interactive, a division of CanWest MediaWorks Publications, Inc.. All rights reserved.

http://www2.canada.com/components/print.aspx?id=5be145af-dc8c-47aa-a200-e7748c5a88c9&sponsor=

Doesn't sound like the mayor even bothered to read the report. Article states $1.1B in 2012 numbers for free flow from 50 street to 156 street and yet the mayor is spouting off about $4B to $5B. I know there is inflation and all that, but if he is predicting inflated costs that massive - then there are many more projects we should not be pursuing either (LRT, Arena, Rec centres...). I really don't get his lack of love for the YH - We are a city on the move and thrives on transportation - so why rely on the AHD to detour people around? It will lead to more suburban intensification. Instead of continually delaying the inevitable they should continue (or perhaps start) to seriously engage the other 2 levels of gov't to partner up on what should be an important project to the City of Edmonton.

[240glt]

118493429-005
14-Jun-2013
2404 - 51 AVENUE NW
Plan 1220852 Blk 1 Lot 1
To construct a 3-storey office
building
" DFI Office "
CAMDON CONSTRUCTION LTD.,
SHAYNE SUNDBERG
Value: $7,600,000

128449521-017
13-Jun-2013
12045 - 22 AVENUE SW
Plan 0721051 Blk 22 Lot 1
12035 - 22 AVENUE SW
Plan 1120979 Blk 22 Lot 2
12025 - 22 AVENUE SW
Plan 0721051 Blk 23 Lot 1
To construct an apartment building
(Building 1000) with 91 units as
part of a 265 Dwelling unit
Apartment Housing Development
(3 Buildings and an accessory
building- garbage enclosure).
CASOLA KOPPE ARCHITECTS

128449521-018
13-Jun-2013
12045 - 22 AVENUE SW
Plan 0721051 Blk 22 Lot 1
12035 - 22 AVENUE SW
Plan 1120979 Blk 22 Lot 2
12025 - 22 AVENUE SW
Plan 0721051 Blk 23 Lot 1
To construct an apartment building
(Building 2000) with 75 units as
part of a 265 Dwelling unit
Apartment Housing Development
(3 Buildings and an accessory
building- garbage enclosure).
CASOLA KOPPE ARCHITECTS

135343506-007
13-Jun-2013
10167 - 101 STREET NW
Plan F Lots 41-42
10169 - 101 STREET NW
Plan F Lots 41-42
To demolish commercial buildings
on a site (WEST side-Phase 1
demo)
="Swedish Jeweller"|"Sony"
(KellyRamsay redevelopment site
clearance)
LEDCOR CONSTRUCTION LIMITED Value: $460,000

135665318-006
14-Jun-2013
9810 - 103A AVENUE NW
Plan 8121667 Lot 1
9904 - 104 AVENUE NW
Plan 9525104 Lot 3
9810 - 103A AVENUE NW
Plan 1648RS Lot 1A
To demolish the existing building
on a site (site prep for Royal
Alberta Museum)
LEDCOR DESIGN BUILD(ALBERTA)

[240glt]

134236299-002
19-Jun-2013
10037 - 109 STREET NW
Plan 1024201 Blk 8 Lot A
To change the Use of an existing
Retail Store to a Restaurant
(151sq.m. Public Space), to
construct interior alterations, and
to develop an outdoor patio
(44sq.m. of Public Space).
WHITE KNIGHT CONSTRUCTION,
FRANK
Value: $340,000

118713057-004
19-Jun-2013
10217 - 149 STREET NW
Plan 1125791 Blk 12 Lot 34A
To construct 12 Dwellings of
Apartment Housing.
VIVZ ARCHITECTURE Value: $2,000,000

138578970-001
20-Jun-2013
10200 - 102 AVENUE NW
Plan 0221698 Blk 1 Lot 1
To construct interior alterations to
a restaurant, "Fionn MacCool's",
Edmonton City Centre.(Unit 518)
SOLA PROJECTS LIMITED Value: $550,000

127787901-003
21-Jun-2013
10355 - JASPER AVENUE NW
Plan 5727HW Blk 3 Lot 74A
10349 - JASPER AVENUE NW
Plan 5374NY Blk 3 Lot 74C
10343 - JASPER AVENUE NW
Plan 1762HW Blks C,D
To construct a temporary
COVERED WAY HOARDING [21
JUN 2013 to 08 JULY 2013
(OSCAM expiry) paid fees to 21
JULY 2013]
for exterior alterations to a
commercial building (facade
improvement program)
RJT DEVELOPMENTS INC Value: $5,000

112297869-008
21-Jun-2013
10741 - 109 STREET NW
Plan 1024708 Blk 8 Lot 187A
To construct a 28 Dwelling
Apartment House building (4
storey).
BENNETT ARCHITECT INC Value: $0

[rapid_business]

Originally Posted by basilbrush

Doesn't sound like the mayor even bothered to read the report. Article states $1.1B in 2012 numbers for free flow from 50 street to 156 street and yet the mayor is spouting off about $4B to $5B. I know there is inflation and all that, but if he is predicting inflated costs that massive - then there are many more projects we should not be pursuing either (LRT, Arena, Rec centres...). I really don't get his lack of love for the YH - We are a city on the move and thrives on transportation - so why rely on the AHD to detour people around? It will lead to more suburban intensification. Instead of continually delaying the inevitable they should continue (or perhaps start) to seriously engage the other 2 levels of gov't to partner up on what should be an important project to the City of Edmonton.

Maybe they want it to get the point where congestion and infrastructure deficit is so bad on the whole Yellowhead that the Province takes it over. I know that had been hinted at before, but I don't know the practicality of it.

[240glt]

^ I think with the completion of the AHD that will never happen.

The city is just going to have to take responsibility for the Yellowhead, just like the Whitemud.

Letting it crumble and hoping for the best is not an option. It's too important a route

[Coldrsx]

Was just at the ONE Edmonton morning meeting with about 70 business and community leaders. EEDC put it on to help coordinate a response to the post secondary cuts and to reinforce the important of these institutions to the City and Province.

A call to action will be forthcoming, stay tuned.