[Halifax] Nova Centre | 65-58-58 m | 16-15-14 fl | Completed

[JET]

are there views of what the Market st side will look like?, everything seems to reflect the south end of it.

[RyeJay]

I believe there's another crane base on site, according to the cam.

[kph06]

New angle?


Source

[RyeJay]

I'm in love!

[JET]

Originally Posted by kph06

New angle?


Source

what is that street corner?

[RyeJay]

Originally Posted by JET

what is that street corner?

Prince-Argyle.

[ns_kid]

Originally Posted by JET

are there views of what the Market st side will look like?, everything seems to reflect the south end of it.

Here is the architect's drawing of the Market Street side of the Nova Centre project, from the plans as submitted to HRM:


From: http://www.halifax.ca/planning/documents/18708SiteandBuildingPlansandImagesoftheProposal.pdf

[Drybrain]

Unfortunate, though the Harbour Ridge apartments already sets a back-alley precedent for that block.

[MonctonRad]

So they're turning Argyle in front of the Nova Centre into a pedestrian only street?

It's not a bad idea, I just wasn't aware this was part of the plan.......

[ns_kid]

My understanding is that Argyle Street might be closed periodically to vehicles, perhaps for special events, not permanently.

[Drybrain]

Originally Posted by ns_kid

My understanding is that Argyle Street might be closed periodically to vehicles, perhaps for special events, not permanently.

I think it'd be a great idea permanently, though. With all the bars, restos, Neptune Theatre, etc, it's already basically the nightlife district. There are no business that depend on street parking, and it's not exactly a major auto thoroughfare. The Convention Centre will bring a lot of visitors to the area who will probably appreciate spilling out of the hotel/centre into an inviting, urban boulevard filled with shops and restaurants.

It's the most logical ped-and-bikes only street in town, and it would become a natural setting for small, informal events. Pedestrian malls rarely work when they're foisted on an area (see: Granville) but this seems like a natural extension of the street's existing strengths.

[MonctonRad]

I would agree with this analysis. Pedestrian only streets frequently don't work well in North America, but this particular location seems ideally suited to the concept.

It would suit the restaurants already in the area (especially in the summertime) and Neptune Theatre.

[beyeas]

Originally Posted by Drybrain

Pedestrian malls rarely work when they're foisted on an area (see: Granville) but this seems like a natural extension of the street's existing strengths.

Certainly the major difference here is that Argyle is a street that people will be going down, and it connects some important areas of downtown, whereas unless you already know that there is a place near the north of Granville that you want to go to, there is absolutely no reason why you would walk down there.

I actually do think that it is a good idea for it to be only for pedestrians part time, but for me I think that is seasonal. During the summer when people are out, and sitting on patios, wandering in the evenings, make it pedestrian. The rest of the year I think you could open it to cars again with little impact. I often go to Ottawa for CIHR grant reviews, and during any period outside of the summer Sparkes is deader than a door nail. Been there many times in February and it is nothing but a windy cold street with no one on it. I think the same is likely here.

[Ziobrop]

Originally Posted by kph06

Looks like concrete was poured in a hole that looks perfect for a crane base on the south end of the site by the access ramp.

The third Crane base is over by the the base of the ramp. They Stood it up this morning. (Sorry No Picture)
They are also pouring more floor, and work has begun on the rebar for the second level.


See more @ http://fillingtheholehfx.tumblr.com/

[RyeJay]

Originally Posted by Drybrain

I think it'd be a great idea permanently, though. With all the bars, restos, Neptune Theatre, etc, it's already basically the nightlife district.

Yes, I agree with your idea. And I do see how this area is transforming into a kind of entertainment district, or something of that nature. I hope Neptune's popularity increases with this additional exposure.

As far as all the restaurants on this portion of Argyle are concerned, I wonder if they'll be allowed to expand their outdoor tables during the summer when the street is closed-off to vehicles?

$ $ $ !!

[Drybrain]

Originally Posted by beyeas

Certainly the major difference here is that Argyle is a street that people will be going down, and it connects some important areas of downtown, whereas unless you already know that there is a place near the north of Granville that you want to go to, there is absolutely no reason why you would walk down there.

Bingo. Even I only walk down it to gawk at the buildings--I rarely actually enter any of the businesses, and the vast nothingness to the north renders it useless as a thoroughfare.

[IanWatson]

Originally Posted by worldlyhaligonian

Pulling this forward because Keith is right. My entire life this area has been "dead" because of the herald building and the pit next to it.

Anything is better and obviously downtown won't die if that section has had nothing going on for so long, period.

I agree, we can't do much worse than what was there. That being said, isn't it reasonable to advocate for something better? Presumably this building will still be there in a few decades, and by that time downtown could very well be full enough that we're clamoring for Market to be an active street.

Put another way, if we could go back in time, how many of you would go and smack the people who thought the Barrington St. side of Scotia Square wasn't worth questioning?

I honestly don't think most of the "opposition" that's occurring now is an attempt to stop the Nova Centre. Although there are exceptions, I think most people accept the fact that the Nova Centre is happening. The stuff going on at the DRC and in public meetings isn't a play at obstruction, it's (for the most part) an honest attempt to get the best for our city that we can out of this extremely significant development.

[Chadillaccc]

Any idea when this will be done? Unfortunately that info isn't in the database. Glad to see the excavation is done, that seemed tedious with all of the bedrock blasting!

[RyeJay]

Originally Posted by Chadillaccc

Any idea when this will be done? Unfortunately that info isn't in the database. Glad to see the excavation is done, that seemed tedious with all of the bedrock blasting!

2016, I think? They already have conventions booked.

[OldDartmouthMark]

Originally Posted by IanWatson

I agree, we can't do much worse than what was there. That being said, isn't it reasonable to advocate for something better? Presumably this building will still be there in a few decades, and by that time downtown could very well be full enough that we're clamoring for Market to be an active street.

Put another way, if we could go back in time, how many of you would go and smack the people who thought the Barrington St. side of Scotia Square wasn't worth questioning?

I honestly don't think most of the "opposition" that's occurring now is an attempt to stop the Nova Centre. Although there are exceptions, I think most people accept the fact that the Nova Centre is happening. The stuff going on at the DRC and in public meetings isn't a play at obstruction, it's (for the most part) an honest attempt to get the best for our city that we can out of this extremely significant development.

That's a great point, whatever is built there will be there for a long time, and therefore it's reasonable to keep an eye on what we would like it to be for the future, not just ok it because it's better than what has been there. The Barrington side of Scotia square is a prime example.

What will the planners of 30 years in the future be saying about this project?