Downtown Canada

[ue]

The Empire Theatre in City Centre has 3D, but no IMAX or UltraAVX.

[J.OT13]

Ottawa has the same problem when it comes to theatres. Downtown use to be the go-to place to see a movie, but they've been dropping like flies since the 90s. Now that Empire has left the theatre business, our last two first run downtown theatres (Rideau Centre and World Exchange Plaza) have closed down. All we have left at the moment are two small specialty cinemas (Bytowne on Rideau and Mayfair on Bank) right outside downtown.

A 10 screen Cineplex will open at Lansdowne later this year. The theatre will feature VIP Cinemas, UltraAVX auditorium, XSCAPE Entertainment Centre.

http://www.marketwired.com/printer_friendly?woid=929253&segid=1

Of course, that's still outside the traditional downtown core. The Rideau Centre expansion plans show an expanded cinema on the roof, but we haven't heard anything else since their release.

Ideally, I would love to see a Scotiabank theatre open on Rideau or west of the CBD.

[middeljohn]

I'm excited for once Edmonton City Centre Airport gets redeveloped. Downtown's northern border is at 104 Ave and the airport's southern border is at Kingsway/118 Ave. So very close. How many major cities can say they have hundreds of acres of essentially undeveloped land so close to downtown? The city core is going to get a lot more vibrant over the next 20 years.

[ue]

Originally Posted by middeljohn

I'm excited for once Edmonton City Centre Airport gets redeveloped. Downtown's northern border is at 104 Ave and the airport's southern border is at Kingsway/118 Ave. So very close. How many major cities can say they have hundreds of acres of essentially undeveloped land so close to downtown? The city core is going to get a lot more vibrant over the next 20 years.

Definitely. We're in a unique position, having such a huge parcel of land, surrounded by mature neighbourhoods, a 15 minute walk from downtown, at such a pivotal time in our city's history from an urban planning standpoint. This is our Yorkville or Kitsilano, only so much more than that.

[miketoronto]

My friends and I love going to see movies in the city. It is more exciting then the suburban movie theaters near our houses, as after or before the movie you can stroll the streets or sit in a cafe, etc.
Just not the same at the mall.

[middeljohn]

Originally Posted by ue

Definitely. We're in a unique position, having such a huge parcel of land, surrounded by mature neighbourhoods, a 15 minute walk from downtown, at such a pivotal time in our city's history from an urban planning standpoint. This is our Yorkville or Kitsilano, only so much more than that.

I drove past it this morning and saw cranes behind the terminal, but couldn't see what they're doing. Is construction of Blatchford already starting?

[ue]

I think the first construction is supposed to begin either late this year or early next.

[Chadillaccc]

You think the redevelopment of the Airport is going to be "so much more" than Kitsilano? I really just... 100% don't see that. Kits is one of the best neighbourhoods in the country, not to mention it's on a body of water and lined by gorgeous beaches, and Yorkdale is one of (if not thee) wealthiest and most high class neighbourhoods in the country. I just can't even give a second thought to that comparison.

[ue]

Whatever. I never said it could compete with Kitsilano's natural setting or Yorkville's wealth, but from an urban design perspective, this has the potential to be like what those areas represent for those cities, a second, but equally substantial urban node that competes directly with Downtown, rather than being an extension of it, like Oliver, or the Beltline, West End, Gastown, St. Lawrence, etc.

[logan5]

Originally Posted by ue

I never said it could compete with Kitsilano's natural setting or Yorkville's wealth, but from an urban design perspective, this has the potential to be like what those areas represent for those cities, a second, but equally substantial urban node that competes directly with Downtown, rather than being an extension of it, like Oliver, or the Beltline, West End, Gastown, St. Lawrence, etc.

Large, dense new neighboourhoods never seem to turn out well. Yaletown in Vancouver has a lot of heritage that it built around, but if it wasn't for that, Yaletown would be a lot more like Coal Harbour (very dull). At its worst, these large scale developments end up looking and feeling like City Place in Toronto. The best example that I can find of a neighbourhood made from scratch is Olympic Village. The architecture of the buildings are of a higher order, but the retail (which is the focal point of any neighbourhood) is of the generic variety, so even OV doesn't even come close to Kits, or Mt. Pleasant, or even South Fraser St. (between 41st and 49th).

I cite Garrison Woods often as a good example of new development that brings some character to a neighbourhood. If this model is followed, then I would say that the potential airport development could compete with older, more established neighbourhoods. But time and time again we see glass buildings with generic glass storefronts that create dull, sterile streetscapes that could never compete with the likes of Kits, where there is a variety of colour, texture, shape, diversity, etc.

[ue]

Originally Posted by logan5

Large, dense new neighboourhoods never seem to turn out well. Yaletown in Vancouver has a lot of heritage that it built around, but if it wasn't for that, Yaletown would be a lot more like Coal Harbour (very dull). At its worst, these large scale developments end up looking and feeling like City Place in Toronto. The best example that I can find of a neighbourhood made from scratch is Olympic Village. The architecture of the buildings are of a higher order, but the retail (which is the focal point of any neighbourhood) is of the generic variety, so even OV doesn't even come close to Kits, or Mt. Pleasant, or even South Fraser St. (between 41st and 49th).

I cite Garrison Woods often as a good example of new development that brings some character to a neighbourhood. If this model is followed, then I would say that the potential airport development could compete with older, more established neighbourhoods. But time and time again we see glass buildings with generic glass storefronts that create dull, sterile streetscapes that could never compete with the likes of Kits, where there is a variety of colour, texture, shape, diversity, etc.

I would invite you to look at the approved plans for Blatchford, which show a variety of styles and uses, which will likely be amended over time because unlike Yaletown or Cityplace, this thing isn't likely going to be built out for another 20 years. Blatchford isn't meant to be a vertical suburb of glass condos. In fact, there are varying heights and plenty of parkland planned, in addition to walkable commercial strips in the base of buildings.

Edit: here...

Originally Posted by Coldrsx

from edmonton.ca

Originally Posted by Coldrsx

City Centre Airport re-development costs worry Edmonton councillors


BY GORDON KENT, EDMONTON JOURNAL

EDMONTON - The city could spend more than $150 million on the Blatchford development by 2016 and not break even for another 20 years, a new report shows.

Cash flow estimates, based on an undisclosed development scenario, show the sustainable community at the former City Centre Airport producing a $200-million profit by 2038.

But the project’s finances still worry Coun. Michael Oshry.

“I have some significant concerns that the methodology we have to build this out; it’s really risky; it’s hundreds of millions of dollars,” he said Wednesday.

“I don’t want to be here in four years, eight years … and say ‘We’re out $500 million.’ ”

He questioned why the city, which usually oversees development rather than doing the job itself, is running such a huge project.

“I’m concerned we’re taking a group of 20 referees and making a hockey team, and they’re expected to win the Stanley Cup.”

Blatchford is intended to be a North American showcase for green development, with large stormwater lakes used to irrigate parkland, community gardens and LRT.

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/edmo...+costs+worry+Edmonton/9665814/story.html


(http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/edmonton/cms/binary/9665816.jpg?size=620x400s)


(http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/edmonton/cms/binary/9665815.jpg?size=620x400s)


(http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/edmonton/cms/binary/9665817.jpg?size=620x400s)


(http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/edmonton/cms/binary/9665818.jpg?size=620x400s)

Originally Posted by Coldrsx

Updated renderings of Edmonton's City Centre Airport redevelopment.

Even in 20 years, when this thing is built out (hopefully), it may not be anything like Yorkville or Kits, but neither were they when first settled. Given time, I do think Blatchford presents an opportunity for Edmonton to have an uptown akin to these areas in Vancouver and Toronto.

[logan5]

The thing is, Kits wouldn't be that hard to duplicate. Really it's a lot of average looking apartment buildings providing the density ingredient, with the focus of the neighbourhood directed at W. 4th and W. Broadway. All the developer has to do is recreate the variation in colour and texture at street level that you see along these streets. I'm not saying the airport is going to be a failure, but the track record for large scale developments, or master planned neighbourhoods is not very good. For the life of me, I don't know why they keep building these generic storefronts because they create a terrible streetscape.

[ue]

I know what you mean. Blatchford's redevelopment does seem to have better variation in designs and textures. I think we're slowly learning from the Yaletowns and Cityplaces of the '90s and 2000s. They were a good first step, but we can do better.

[Chadillaccc]

Originally Posted by logan5

Large, dense new neighboourhoods never seem to turn out well. Yaletown in Vancouver has a lot of heritage that it built around, but if it wasn't for that, Yaletown would be a lot more like Coal Harbour (very dull). At its worst, these large scale developments end up looking and feeling like City Place in Toronto. The best example that I can find of a neighbourhood made from scratch is Olympic Village. The architecture of the buildings are of a higher order, but the retail (which is the focal point of any neighbourhood) is of the generic variety, so even OV doesn't even come close to Kits, or Mt. Pleasant, or even South Fraser St. (between 41st and 49th).

I cite Garrison Woods often as a good example of new development that brings some character to a neighbourhood. If this model is followed, then I would say that the potential airport development could compete with older, more established neighbourhoods. But time and time again we see glass buildings with generic glass storefronts that create dull, sterile streetscapes that could never compete with the likes of Kits, where there is a variety of colour, texture, shape, diversity, etc.

For once, we agree! Olympic Village is the best post-millennium example of a new community. Its retail may be mostly generic, but it is a lively and active community. Also, to our discussion about East Village and Yaletown a few weeks ago, I have re-evaluated my opinion of Yaletown after my trip back to Vancouver. While most of the neighbourhood is as dull as the likes of coal harbour, there are extremely/constantly vibrant areas of the neighbourhood, and I had forgotten about the history in the area, especially the one street/alley with all of the bars in the converted factory. However, I've also realized that the residential area of the East Village (Fort Calgary takes about half the land area) is about half the size of Yaletown's. So having around half or just under half the amount of heritage buildings isn't such a bad thing, especially considering the major cultural amenities that are (will be) provided in the area, unlike Yaletown, which just has the community centre and a couple galleries. That said, I love Yaletown and if the East Village can become as good or even a bit better, it will be a resounding success.


Also, about Blatchford, I didn't mean that I think it won't be a success, I just couldn't wrap my head around comparing it to two of the most established and awesome neighbourhoods in the country, both with a history of over a century. I do think it will be cool, possibly even great if built out as planned. Developers tend to have different ideas when things start to get built though. Just look at the original plan of the EV vs. what we're getting now.

[Echoes]

Originally Posted by middeljohn

I'm excited for once Edmonton City Centre Airport gets redeveloped. Downtown's northern border is at 104 Ave and the airport's southern border is at Kingsway/118 Ave. So very close. How many major cities can say they have hundreds of acres of essentially undeveloped land so close to downtown? The city core is going to get a lot more vibrant over the next 20 years.

Saskatoon has this opportunity as well, albeit on a smaller scale. Planning is currently underway for the North Downtown Master Plan, being by led by Perkins + Will, the same firm that did the Edmonton City Centre Airport plan.

It's a long term redevelopment of a large portion of City-owned land, which has functioned for 100 years as the City Yards, abandoned railway land, and derelict/under-utilized industrial land. And it is literally on the doorstep of downtown. In the aerial image below, the brick warehouses in the foreground are the northern edge of downtown.


Source

Proposed plan:



Artist's rendering:



A land bridge park is proposed over the existing rail lines to link the 2 sides of the neighbourhood together, and provide an important connection for adjacent neighbourhoods with the downtown and river:



Source

[Boris2k7]

With regards to the Chinook area in Calgary (Chinook Centre + the portions of Manchester Industrial south of 58th Ave), see the Chinook Station Area Plan for the policy guidelines for the area. It's not the level of masterplanning like in the Edmonton or Saskatoon examples, but it does set out the broad strokes for what the area should look like.

Highlights

- a new pedestrian bridge over Macleod Trail at 61st Ave that would connect directly into the second storey of Chinook Centre

- conversion of 61st Ave into pedestrian-oriented retail district

- sidewalk widening and tree planting program along Macleod Trail

- filling in of existing Chinook Centre surface parking with new retail/office towers

- introduction of parks (there are none in the area right now)

- building heights up to 90m

This one is going to move ahead slowly for the moment, as there are is important policy work underway in areas such as a city-wide procurement program for high-quality street furniture. That said, there are already some proposals by private developers in the station area.

[Wooster]

Originally Posted by trueviking

I definitely don't consider the Beltline part of downtown Calgary...that would be like calling Osborne Village part of Winnipeg's downtown.

The Beltline has a different character...downtown to me is everything on the other side of the tracks.

The CPR tracks provide a bit of a psychological separation from the Central Business District, but keep in mind that Beltline has 6 million square feet of office space (on its own over 1/3 of Downtown Winnipeg as a whole) as well as its 20,000 residents in densities and building scales that are distinct from the rest of the city. In my view, it's every bit as "downtown" as Yaletown or the West end is for Vancouver or the Central Waterfront is for Toronto.

[milomilo]

Originally Posted by Echoes

Saskatoon has this opportunity as well, albeit on a smaller scale. Planning is currently underway for the North Downtown Master Plan, being by led by Perkins + Will, the same firm that did the Edmonton City Centre Airport plan.

It's a long term redevelopment of a large portion of City-owned land, which has functioned for 100 years as the City Yards, abandoned railway land, and derelict/under-utilized industrial land. And it is literally on the doorstep of downtown. In the aerial image below, the brick warehouses in the foreground are the northern edge of downtown.

[IMG]http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uXc7cjeC0oc/UP...hA/s1600/North_DT_Master_Plan_Aerial.JPG[IMG]
Source

Proposed plan:

[IMG]http://postmediathestarphoenix.files.wor...06-13-sask_site-plan-half-size.jpg?w=650[IMG]

Artist's rendering:

[IMG]http://postmediathestarphoenix.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/20130614_aerial-overall.jpg?w=650[IMG]

A land bridge park is proposed over the existing rail lines to link the 2 sides of the neighbourhood together, and provide an important connection for adjacent neighbourhoods with the downtown and river:

[IMG]http://postmediathestarphoenix.files.wor...130613b-landbridge-programming.jpg?w=650[IMG]

Source

I really like that land bridge - some posters have suggested something similar in Calgary for the downtown CN tracks connected to the +15/+30, which would be awesome.

[BretttheRiderFan]

This thread will be devoted to the downtowns/central business districts of Canadian cities.

Post away!

[Marshal]

What the hell . . . Vancouver has one.
Sorry, too much effort?