Olympic Village & Southeast False Creek Updates Discussion

[Kapten]

The city has just sold the commercial properties at the Village @ False Creek. See http://www.vancouversun.com/business/com...rties+Olympic+Village/9243419/story.html .

[NewWester]

Originally Posted by rsxstock

are the prices of their bakery goods slightly higher compared to chain stores or do they only do specialty breads?

I think the prices are about the same as the Terra Bread at stores, but they have a wider selection than I think most stores carry. The shop in New West I get my Terra stuff at usually just has a couple olive loaves, french and sourdough loaves, and baguettes. Terra OV has their whole range including the amazing Levain loaf which is kinda my jam.

[NathanCH]

Originally Posted by Vin

Parisian mid densities have art decor and lots of retail to enhance them architecturally and in terms of creating vibrancy. OV is nothing like that at all and will just be another nondescript neighbourhood.

There are many 'nondescript neighborhoods' in European cities, especially in areas outside of the main center. These neighborhood are near or next to satellite centers, which are usually a few blocks. Sounds OV to me, especially with the newly planned commercial space. Higher end retail as well. Hmm sounds like Gothenburg.

[hollywoodnorth]

Nuba is at Quebec and 3rd >> http://www.nuba.ca/nuba-cafe-in-mount-pleasant/

also Starbucks has a spot leased in WEST

[squeezied]

lol I was wondering when Starbucks was coming.

[sacrifice333]

Anybody have any intel on the WCFC commercial spaces fronting onto Manitoba?

[Vin]

Originally Posted by NathanCH

There are many 'nondescript neighborhoods' in European cities, especially in areas outside of the main center. These neighborhood are near or next to satellite centers, which are usually a few blocks. Sounds OV to me, especially with the newly planned commercial space. Higher end retail as well. Hmm sounds like Gothenburg.

However, the nondescript OV should actually be considered part of the main centre of the smallish city of Vancouver. Aren't we expecting better than bringing nondescript Parisian suburb neighbourhoods to Vancouver's urban fabric? Shouldn't the new world outdo a very old city like Paris?

Furthermore, tourists from all over the world do not flock to Paris to experience the bland suburbs...... they want to see something exciting like the Eiffel Tower, something with pizazz! Thought of anything similar in Vancouver? If something sticks out in the middle of Vancouver, people here would consider it to be a sore thumb or worse, vulgar. Yet the Eiffel tower is loved everywhere.

[NewWester]

Originally Posted by Vin

However, the nondescript OV should actually be considered part of the main centre of the smallish city of Vancouver. Aren't we expecting better than bringing nondescript Parisian suburb neighbourhoods to Vancouver's urban fabric? Shouldn't the new world outdo a very old city like Paris?

Furthermore, tourists from all over the world do not flock to Paris to experience the bland suburbs...... they want to see something exciting like the Eiffel Tower, something with pizazz! Thought of anything similar in Vancouver? If something sticks out in the middle of Vancouver, people here would consider it to be a sore thumb or worse, vulgar. Yet the Eiffel tower is loved everywhere.

So... I visited Paris this summer and while it was a lovely, architecturally beautiful place to visit, I certainly wouldn't want to live there. Because Paris, especially the historic parts, was one gigantic tourist trap. The Eiffel tower, it's beautiful, graceful, the backdrop against which I asked my fiancee to marry me, and its also an efficient chute for hordes of tourists. And the whole place was kind of like that.

Honestly, the only really romantic, liveable place I visited while I was there was Montmartre, which once you get away from Sacre Coeur Basilica, was this really cool almost entirely residential neighbourhood spotted with small cafes and the odd art gallery. Not every great neighbourhood has to be a big crazy retail plaza or MEGATOWER to be noteworthy or a tourist draw.

Actually, the place I found the best to visit and to live in my brief Eurotrip was Amsterdam. Which, sure the city centre was full of retail and architectural splendor and the canals add a charm everywhere they wind, but there is tons of residential only, or residential with the odd cafe, neighbourhoods that were splendid to visit. These residential places made the city seem so much more real and inhabited. And as a person who lives in Vancouver, that is kind of what I'd like to see. (Incidentally, I find OV much more attractive a place to live in than Yaletown.)

I guess what I am really trying to say is that we ought to build some canals.

[theKB]

Originally Posted by NewWester

(Incidentally, I find OV much more attractive a place to live in than Yaletown.)

OV or SEFC will be the new yaletown, just give it some time. And this is not a good thing.

[Vin]

Originally Posted by NewWester

So... I visited Paris this summer and while it was a lovely, architecturally beautiful place to visit, I certainly wouldn't want to live there. Because Paris, especially the historic parts, was one gigantic tourist trap. The Eiffel tower, it's beautiful, graceful, the backdrop against which I asked my fiancee to marry me, and its also an efficient chute for hordes of tourists. And the whole place was kind of like that.

Honestly, the only really romantic, liveable place I visited while I was there was Montmartre, which once you get away from Sacre Coeur Basilica, was this really cool almost entirely residential neighbourhood spotted with small cafes and the odd art gallery. Not every great neighbourhood has to be a big crazy retail plaza or MEGATOWER to be noteworthy or a tourist draw.

Actually, the place I found the best to visit and to live in my brief Eurotrip was Amsterdam. Which, sure the city centre was full of retail and architectural splendor and the canals add a charm everywhere they wind, but there is tons of residential only, or residential with the odd cafe, neighbourhoods that were splendid to visit. These residential places made the city seem so much more real and inhabited. And as a person who lives in Vancouver, that is kind of what I'd like to see. (Incidentally, I find OV much more attractive a place to live in than Yaletown.)

I guess what I am really trying to say is that we ought to build some canals.

I don't think OV has any of those highlighted in bold to make up for its lack of architecture attraction. Maybe some over-rated crafted beer joints? And I mean 2 joints. And enough of the old world, people cross oceans to build something better.

[memememe76]

The big photo op in OV is with the two big birds. I don't know why that is any worse than some really nice looking building. OV makes for a romantic stroll along the water--the wooden planks, the pedestrian bridge, the benches, even those big white lounges. There are some artistic touches like that all over. There is a reason this part of the Seawall is a magnet for bikers and runners who want to take a break.

[NewWester]

Originally Posted by Vin

I don't think OV has any of those highlighted in bold to make up for its lack of architecture attraction. Maybe some over-rated crafted beer joints? And I mean 2 joints. And enough of the old world, people cross oceans to build something better.

I said the CITY CENTRE has those things. Vancouver already has a city centre: the downtown peninsula. OV can be it's own thing. And cafes in Paris and Amsterdam are basically pubs, so all the craft beer places are probably closer than you think. (And OV does have a few coffee shop options....)

But yeah, we should dig some canals.

[Jebby]

Originally Posted by Vin

And enough of the old world, people cross oceans to build something better.

They've failed. Miserably.

[WarrenC12]

Typical debbie downers in here. I like Yaletown and OV, call me crazy.

Of course the seawall has a lot to do with both.

[Vin]

Originally Posted by theKB

OV or SEFC will be the new yaletown, just give it some time. And this is not a good thing.

I love Yaletown although I think it can be better with a better retail centre, mixed with some commercial buildings like hotels, etc. A neighbourhood should be fluid and able to morph for the better over time unlike Vancouver's restrictions. I find Yaletown better than OV due to the presence of taller buildings that are spaced apart. Views from the suites are awesome.

OV, on the other hand, feels congested. Looks ok now when the buildings are new, but over time, it could be a suffocating area to live if you are away from the seawall. I also notice the area was really packed with people when the Craft Beer restaurant was opened, with the usual novelty crowd. A couple of weeks later, the crowd has definitely dwindled. There's a need for something else to make the place vibrant besides those beer joints.

Both Yaletown and OV share similar waterfront features, which are spectacular. They are possibly the biggest draws for people to the area, but only warmer seasons.

[sacrifice333]

A couple of items of food for your thought...

First... there are several cafes and small restaurants already...

• Tera Breads
• JJ Bean
• Aqua Sushi & Juice Bar
• Urban Fare Cafe
• Tea & Cakes? *coming soon
• Starbucks *coming soon
• Flying Pig *coming soon

The area is yet to have a small gallery, but honestly, it can't be that far away. AND the joint Bard / Arts Club Theatre space has been approved by the city.

I personally have lived in the following areas of Vancouver in both architecturally significant and non-significant buildings: Coal Harbour, UBC, South Granville, and now The Village. Without a doubt, the feeling of community and quality of life in the Olympic Village is miles above the other locations. It's hard to put into words, but this place was designed for community and somehow it works. Ask anyone who lives here.

There are some beautiful buildings in the OV. They may not be as tall as some would like or quite as "out there", but not every building will or should be an architectural masterpiece. Just ask Concord!

p.s. Our seawall is arguably the most beautiful in the city. I can't wait for the completion of the section between Hinge Park & Cambie Street Bridge.

Oh, and yes, T&B could really improve their food offerings.

And I shouldn't have said any of that... 'cause now it's out of the bag!

[vanman]

Originally Posted by WarrenC12

Typical debbie downers in here. I like Yaletown and OV, call me crazy.

Of course the seawall has a lot to do with both.

I very much agree. I've lived in Yaletown and would consider living in the Olympic Village. Both places have palpable youthful vibes tbat is hard to put into words. Much more energy basically than any standard suburb for sure.

[NewWester]

Hey, I like Yaletown too. I just find it too busy for my tastes as a place to live and OV a bit quieter and more to my tastes. My point is that Vancouver is richer with Yaletown AND OV, and that OV/SEFC should not necessarily be scaled up to Yaltetown2.

[subdude]

Oh my god how will they survive without an art gallery!?

[WarrenC12]

Originally Posted by Vin

I love Yaletown although I think it can be better with a better retail centre, mixed with some commercial buildings like hotels, etc. A neighbourhood should be fluid and able to morph for the better over time unlike Vancouver's restrictions. I find Yaletown better than OV due to the presence of taller buildings that are spaced apart. Views from the suites are awesome.

Retail center? Hotels? Yaletown has both. How many more stores do you want? I'm glad there is very little retail on Marinaside. Apart from a few patios, it isn't necessary.

Originally Posted by Vin

OV, on the other hand, feels congested. Looks ok now when the buildings are new, but over time, it could be a suffocating area to live if you are away from the seawall. I also notice the area was really packed with people when the Craft Beer restaurant was opened, with the usual novelty crowd. A couple of weeks later, the crowd has definitely dwindled. There's a need for something else to make the place vibrant besides those beer joints.

Those places are destined to be much busier in the summer. They will have plenty of regulars once the current crop of buildings under construction are occupied.