Marine Drive Gateway | 102.1m, 77.7m, 63.4m | 35flr, 26flr, 14flr | Completed

[officedweller]

Originally Posted by Genauso

aside:

I went to the multi big box mall that went in where WalMart had tried to build that store with a windmill for the first time today. ....

The Wal-Mart was to be next door - on block to the east (I think).

The Canadian Tire project was taken through at the same time as the Wal-Mart proposal and initially rejected (with the Wal-Mart project). A change in council saw the Canadian Tire project approved, but by then Wal-Mart had found existing big box space in the former Costco on Grandview Hwy and - it seems - lost interest in the SW Marine Drive site. Not sure if they still own it (or Smart Centres owns it?) There will be a Wal-Mart behind Lansdowne Mall in Richmond, so maybe this one fell off the table.

There was arecent rezoning application for the Canadian Tire project to expand the permitted retail / service uses at-grade along the Ontario bikeway - as they've had trouble leasing those spaces.

[vanciti]

Originally Posted by officedweller

The Wal-Mart was to be next door - on block to the east (I think).

The Canadian Tire project was taken through at the same time as the Wal-Mart proposal and initially rejected (with the Wal-Mart project). A change in council saw the Canadian Tire project approved, but by then Wal-Mart had found existing big box space in the former Costco on Grandview Hwy and - it seems - lost interest in the SW Marine Drive site. Not sure if they still own it (or Smart Centres owns it?) There will be a Wal-Mart behind Lansdowne Mall in Richmond, so maybe this one fell off the table.

There was arecent rezoning application for the Canadian Tire project to expand the permitted retail / service uses at-grade along the Ontario bikeway - as they've had trouble leasing those spaces.

Walmart still owns it. Its nearly 11 acres, however they have no support from the City to Rezone to build it out.

[osirisboy]

So why does the city allow big box stores such as Canadian tire but not wal mart?

[Vin]

Originally Posted by osirisboy

So why does the city allow big box stores such as Canadian tire but not wal mart?

One's Canadian and the other American.... Just pure patriotism.

Also, Walmart is known to swallow up other businesses, but Canadian Tire is less known for that. Reputation.

[WarrenC12]

This would be a good time to ask the NPA what they would do and get it in writing.

Wal-mart had a pretty innovative store design proposed. Anything would be better than what is there now.

[officedweller]

Originally Posted by osirisboy

So why does the city allow big box stores such as Canadian tire but not wal mart?

In all likelihood, the Wal-Mart would be able to proceed with the current Council - but they have not re-applied.

With the previous COPE (?) Council of the day, Canadian Tire took the fall with Wal-Mart (they couldn't reject one (big bad Ameican multi-national) but not the other (home-grown Canadian icon), and the same would be true going the other way. Canadian Tire has been approved, so Wal-Mart would likely also be approved. But with a Wal-Mart on Grandview Highway and one at Queensborough, a new Wal-Mart on-line for Richmond Alderbridge - the window may have passed for a South Vancouver store.

Many Vancouverites travel to the Richmond Costco - the same would be true for Wal-Mart. Ultimately, a new store has to make economic sense.

[WarrenC12]

Originally Posted by officedweller

Many Vancouverites travel to the Richmond Costco - the same would be true for Wal-Mart. Ultimately, a new store has to make economic sense.

Sure, but if Wal-Mart felt it didn't make sense, wouldn't they unload that property?

[b5baxter]

Originally Posted by WarrenC12

Wal-mart had a pretty innovative store design proposed.

How was it innovative?

[WarrenC12]

Originally Posted by b5baxter

How was it innovative?

Some background: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=233813

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/no-wal-mart-for-vancouver-1.543224

Interesting tidbit:

Just before dealing with the Wal-Mart application, council also rejected a big-box Canadian Tire store in the same area of Southeast Marine Drive.

City council meeting minutes:

http://former.vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/cclerk//20050614/documents/ph2.pdf

The plan includes wind turbines, solar roof, rainwater usage... not good enough for 2005 city council apparently.

BTW Walmart is paying taxes on that value of that land on Marine Drive (~$25M/year).... for many years while it sits empty.

[officedweller]

Originally Posted by WarrenC12

Sure, but if Wal-Mart felt it didn't make sense, wouldn't they unload that property?

Yeah, you'd think so.

The COV link you posted shows the property owner as First Pro Shopping Centres (last page of the pdf report) - which is also SmartCentres - so it's a developer, rather than Walmart itself, that is sitting on the land - so maybe they have something else in mind?

One of the main issues with the process at the time was the anger towards Walmart, whereas the City can't discriminate on who the tenant is, but should evaluate based on the built form and impacts. Just like Costco moved out of the Grandview space and Walmart moved in - retail space is in flux, and stores can and do open and close - even big ones like Walmart (and Sears).

Personally, I don't think the Canadian Tire project next door is very successful, so I wonder about the viability of a Wal-Mart next door (although the Wal-Mart would create some synergy with the Canadian Tire project).

Anyways, First Pro / SmartCentres has a huge stable of possible tenants that could move into a project down there:

http://www.smartcentres.com/our-tenants

The Walmart in Richmond will be in a SmartCentres project:

http://www.smartcentres.com/locations/richmond-n-bc

[Caliplanner]

I look forward to updates on this project (re: Marine Drive Gateway). Does any one know the estimated date of completion? Any updated project photos will be greatly appreciated. Can't wait for this one to be finished as it will be a great transit destination addition (in terms of amenities) within metro Vancouver.

[b5baxter]

Originally Posted by WarrenC12

The plan includes wind turbines, solar roof, rainwater usage... not good enough for 2005 city council apparently.

Or maybe the council was smart enough to distinguish between "innovation" and green-washing.

The wind turbine is a classic example. It would generate very little energy. It would probably take more energy to manufacture and install the thing then it would generate in its lifetime. Not exactly "green"

The renewable energy consultant they hired told them as much. But they ignored him and put it in the plans anyway. Clearly they were more interested in the optics of the project then achieving any real green objectives.

The "solar roof" also would be low performing given the design they chose. The "green roof" and rain water collection would have been good ideas. But hardly innovative - other buildings were already doing this in Vancouver.

[Crows]

[officedweller]

Great shot!

Interetsing that the south side of the tower is being enclosed with steel studs and sheettrock (or whatever those exterior boards are called), as opposed to precast panels. At least it's not spandrel glass!

[Caliplanner]

Crows, great picture. Excellent angle (I suspect from the vicinity of auto sales/showroom). Much thanks for the update.

[Crows]

Originally Posted by Caliplanner

Crows, great picture. Excellent angle (I suspect from the vicinity of auto sales/showroom). Much thanks for the update.

Thanks! I took this photo standing against the wall beside the dealer shop. ( I work there )

[Vin]

Originally Posted by Crows

Thanks! I took this photo standing against the wall beside the dealer shop. ( I work there )

You find yourself in a way better work place for lunch and services in the near future. Congrats.

[Crows]

Originally Posted by Vin

You find yourself in a way better work place for lunch and services in the near future. Congrats.

For sure. I live a 10 min walk from the train in richmond too. Been great. Unfortunately our company has new owners and plans to move to terminal area in a few years.

[jlousa]

Here's an update from the team behind the project

• Video Link

[GlassCity]

With that music you'd think somebody was lying on the ground dying while explosions went on in the background...

Fantastic update though. The aerial shots really show the scale of the project. I can't wait to take the train into downtown and see all the towers flanking this station.