Winnipeg Construction

[esquire]

Originally Posted by Biff

Nope, its all Shoppers.

The second floor appears to be vacant. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I vaguely recall some mention of that area being intended for office use by Shoppers, but then there was discussion about it being leased out as a CRU by a restaurant or retail tenant.

For what it's worth the new structure is an improvement over the old one... the street wall of the west side of Osborne on that block is far better defined than it was 15 years ago when there was just an A&W Drive Thru, Vi-Ann, Movie Village and a surface lot. It casts a nice light on the block at night. The building itself is nothing fancy, but at least they tried (even if it's just because the City made them try). If it had been built a decade ago you could bet it would have been a single-storey, stucco coated job.

The only issue I really have with this development is that it is somewhat disappointing something bigger wasn't built on that site. Given that it is a prime site in the densest neighbourhood in the city, it would have been nice to see a mixed-use building...not necessarily a highrise, but at least a 5 to 10 storey apartment or condo block on top of a base that included a drug store. This project is a little underwhelming in that regard.

At least there's still the other side of the street... surely that ugly little strip mall with Mac's and A&W can't have that much longer to go before it gets replaced by something appropriate, can it?

[Jimbo]

I was really opposed to the Shoppers expansion but I must say it turned out reallly nice. I like.

[trueviking]

not to doubt Biff, but I'm pretty sure the second floor is rentable space, with the roof of the lower a potential restaurant patio...you can actually even see a guardrail on the roof in place.

I find it hard to believe they would put a glass elevator for a second level storage area......but Biff usually knows.

[good_dude]

Originally Posted by trueviking

not to doubt Biff, but I'm pretty sure the second floor is rentable space, with the roof of the lower a potential restaurant patio...you can actually even see a guardrail on the roof in place.

I find it hard to believe they would put a glass elevator for a second level storage area......but Biff usually knows.

There is a restaurant with a rooftop patio going in on floor 2.

[Shinook]

Originally Posted by good_dude

There is a restaurant with a rooftop patio going in on floor 2.

Good to hear. Do you happen to know what kind of restaurant it will be?

[WestEndWander]

Interior demolition has begun full swing at the old Canada Bread plant on Burnell St. I stuck my head in the other day for a look, they're making good progress.

http://westenddumplings.blogspot.ca/2012/12/open-house-burnells-former-canada-bread.html

Hope it turns into something. I live just down the street, would be a nice addition to the neighbourhood.

[monolithic]

Just personal opinion, but it seems the new Shoppers really could have done more for the sidewalk level. Being the gateway to the Village via downtown, it seems intimidating to have such an intense and flat envelope. It would be great to have a more welcoming entrance on the Osbourne side. Regardless, I'm sure the restaurant tenant on the second level will add to the personable feeling, as well as having The Grove's new venture and Little Sister Coffee nearby.

[Cyro]

Progress on CN's New Facility


Manitoba Train Training Facility
July 22, 2013

CN Rail's new Canadian training facility is taking shape next to their heavy repair shop site in Winnipeg's Transcona neighborhood.

The 100,000 square foot facility will train the next generation of railroad workers.

Winnipeg-based Akman Construction is the general contractor for the project, which is expected to be completed in 2014.

http://www.journalofcommerce.com/article/id56228/--manitoba-train-training-facility

[Biff]

Originally Posted by good_dude

There is a restaurant with a rooftop patio going in on floor 2.

good_dude is right, I was wrong. I looked into it a little and the 2nd floor has space for a 6,000 sq ft renter. Apparently it was roughed in for restaurant use.

[Cyro]

2 in one update on the St Regis and Carlton Hotels.

CentreVenture won't ID possible St. Regis redeveloper
By: Murray McNeill

A new contender has emerged in the city's search for someone to redevelop the downtown St. Regis Hotel property.
_____________

The St. Regis is one of two older downtown hotels the city agency has purchased since late last fall. The other is the Carlton Inn on Carlton Street, which is also slated for redevelopment.

McGowan said CentreVenture took possession of that now-vacant hotel on Friday, and will soon apply for a demolition permit. It hopes to demolish the two-storey structure within the next eight to 10 weeks.

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/busines...ible-st-regis-redeveloper-216712081.html

[1ajs]

— is with the city

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
No new parkade for Exchange
Planned facility off table despite area condo spurt, free land
By: Bartley Kives
Posted: 1:00 AM

A plan to build a 450-stall parkade to serve new Exchange District condos has stalled despite an offer of free provincial land and a $5-million city investment.
In 2011, the Winnipeg Parking Authority issued a call for private-sector developers interested in designing, building and financing a parkade on a provincially owned surface parking lot on James Avenue, east of the Centennial Concert Hall.
The lot is located close to new condo projects by the Streetside Development Corporation, Sunstone Resort Communities and other builders. Condo developers and arts organizations alike have been clamouring for years to increase parking capacity in the area, where a relatively fast-growing residential population competes with theatre audiences for parking stalls.

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/no-new-parkade-for-exchange-216711961.html

[Biff]

Originally Posted by 1ajs

— is with the city

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
No new parkade for Exchange
Planned facility off table despite area condo spurt, free land
By: Bartley Kives
Posted: 1:00 AM

A plan to build a 450-stall parkade to serve new Exchange District condos has stalled despite an offer of free provincial land and a $5-million city investment.
In 2011, the Winnipeg Parking Authority issued a call for private-sector developers interested in designing, building and financing a parkade on a provincially owned surface parking lot on James Avenue, east of the Centennial Concert Hall.
The lot is located close to new condo projects by the Streetside Development Corporation, Sunstone Resort Communities and other builders. Condo developers and arts organizations alike have been clamouring for years to increase parking capacity in the area, where a relatively fast-growing residential population competes with theatre audiences for parking stalls.

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/no-new-parkade-for-exchange-216711961.html

.......Follow this in the Exchange District thread. This is old news. They are still working on a parkade plan just not with the original developers.

[rrskylar]

Originally Posted by 1ajs

— is with the city

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
No new parkade for Exchange
Planned facility off table despite area condo spurt, free land
By: Bartley Kives
Posted: 1:00 AM

A plan to build a 450-stall parkade to serve new Exchange District condos has stalled despite an offer of free provincial land and a $5-million city investment.
In 2011, the Winnipeg Parking Authority issued a call for private-sector developers interested in designing, building and financing a parkade on a provincially owned surface parking lot on James Avenue, east of the Centennial Concert Hall.
The lot is located close to new condo projects by the Streetside Development Corporation, Sunstone Resort Communities and other builders. Condo developers and arts organizations alike have been clamouring for years to increase parking capacity in the area, where a relatively fast-growing residential population competes with theatre audiences for parking stalls.

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/no-new-parkade-for-exchange-216711961.html

So not only do condo developers want a $10K kickback to condo purchasers they want something that they should have rightfully provided to begin with, that being a parkade. Why the province and city should kick in any money be it in terms of tax incentives, grants or free land is absurd, as home-owner if I put in a new driveway or garage can I get grants or tax breaks as well.

[rypinion]

Originally Posted by rrskylar

Why the province and city should kick in any money be it in terms of tax incentives, grants or free land is absurd, as home-owner if I put in a new driveway or garage can I get grants or tax breaks as well.

Do you plan to pay the city $150/month to use your garage like the people in the exchange would be doing with this parkade?

[good_dude]

Originally Posted by monolithic

Just personal opinion, but it seems the new Shoppers really could have done more for the sidewalk level. Being the gateway to the Village via downtown, it seems intimidating to have such an intense and flat envelope. It would be great to have a more welcoming entrance on the Osbourne side. Regardless, I'm sure the restaurant tenant on the second level will add to the personable feeling, as well as having The Grove's new venture and Little Sister Coffee nearby.

I think there are something like 3 entrances on the Osborne side, which to me seems pretty welcoming. Unless you mean the way the entrances are configured - here Shoppers is kind of stuck in that they are required to include ramps for accessibility purposes. In that sense, it is welcoming - of people of different abilities.

I think they could have done more to make the facade appear pedestrian friendly, however. I think the ornamental lamps and the signage on Osborne side are too high and in that way are more car oriented than pedestrian oriented.

[rrskylar]

Originally Posted by rypinion

Do you plan to pay the city $150/month to use your garage like the people in the exchange would be doing with this parkade?

^This make no sense, how do you equate someone financing their own garage on their own property (and in turn paying a higher property tax) with a taxpayer subsidized parkade built for the exclusive use of certain residents based on where they live nor having to incur cost of the initial construction or financing.

[rypinion]

Originally Posted by rrskylar

^This make no sense, how do you equate someone financing their own garage on their own property (and in turn paying a higher property tax) with a taxpayer subsidized parkade built for the exclusive use of certain residents based on where they live nor having to incur cost of the initial construction or financing.

All I'm saying is that over time the users of the parkade (residents as well as Exchange District workers and evening patrons) would be paying for it. Presumably the parking authority would be charging daily and monthly rates that would allow them to profit off their investment.

[DonaldSmith]

From the Twitter:

FortressDevelopments ‏@FortressRDI 2h
At the MTS Centre where CEO @Jawad_Rathore is talking to a room of agents about 'LiveWorkPlay Winnipeg' pic.twitter.com/9XqWol4r5S

[DonaldSmith]

Looks like they have somewhat of a site now: http://www.fortressrealcapital.com/projects/winnipeg-manitoba/

item of note:
Available Supporting Documentation
Proforma, Appraisal, Purchase agreement, Title Search, Ammendment of waiver conditions, Market Assessment Report

So it looks like the sale fo land is not final yet.

[Cyro]

Originally Posted by DonaldSmith

Looks like they have somewhat of a site now: http://www.fortressrealcapital.com/projects/winnipeg-manitoba/

item of note:
Available Supporting Documentation
Proforma, Appraisal, Purchase agreement, Title Search, Ammendment of waiver conditions, Market Assessment Report

So it looks like the sale fo land is not final yet.

This project from MADY and Fortress in the heart of downtown Winnipeg is planned as a mixed use development comprised of condominium apartments, office space and retail. Located one block north of the new MTS Centre (home of the Winnipeg Jets), and flanked by a transit only street to the west, the site is primed for development. This iconic building will have a striking design created by an award winning architectural firm and become the postcard shot for downtown Winnipeg. This $150M+ project is planned to be the tallest free standing structure between Toronto and Calgary. Plans are to build and open a full sales center in early 2014. MADY brings over 40 years of international experience to the project and have established themselves as one of the premiere development groups in Canada.

Term: 48 Months Current Value: $18M Built Value: $240M Current Raise: $10M

http://www.fortressrealcapital.com/projects/winnipeg-manitoba/

Great info, They appear quite serious. (cookies must be enabled to enter. Wow who uses cookies anymore?) Good news.
ps: who gets the magical 10,000? Ps Wierd, my post says 10,000..a deletion along the way? whatever.