Saskatoon Construction II

[The S'toon Goon]

I am all for heritage buildings. I think they are absolutely important. Farnham Block fits the criteria and it and in my opinion it would be awesome if it could be restored to past glory. The style, says Broadway to me, and it would a shame to lose it completely, but that is what happens when a blind eye to upkeep is taken.

This seems to happen once a year or so though. A developer wants to invest some time and money into revamping a property and the Heritage Society goes up in arms over it. Granted, this wasn't a designated Heritage site, but I wish more could be done to ensure these buildings don't find themselves in a condition where it makes more sense to demolish than renovate.

The Arrand Block is on a similar path. Let's have the Heritage Society do inspections and make an honest effort to ensure that it is kept up so that a reno can one day be plausible.

[Echoes]

Originally Posted by The S'toon Goon

The market is definitely not in decline, however a correction seems to be in order and that seems to be starting to take place. I certainly agree that this is the time for developers to take advantage of the market. A company like North Prairie should have the capital to invest in a time like this, but time will tell. I am certainly optimistic that downtown will see some solid housing growth. I also think we will continue to see restaurants/pubs and other retailers setting up shop, just not at the torrid pace that has been occurring.

I'm hopeful as well that a slowdown could ease construction costs and spur some growth downtown. A complete crash would have the opposite effect.

I think LeFevre is right when he says that Saskatoon's high growth and construction costs are its Achilles heel. I am interested in hearing other opinions on if a relative slowdown will spur some growth in the city centre. I think that the rapid pace of sales at the Banks is testament to this being an underserved market.

[Echoes]

Move to Remai Modern a year away
Mendel to close in June

BY SEAN TREMBATH, THE STARPHOENIX JANUARY 24, 2015

Expect more than a year to pass between the closing of the Mendel Art Gallery and the opening of its $100-million replacement.

The Mendel will close its doors on June 7, according to Gregory Burke, executive director and CEO of the Remai Modern Art Gallery of Saskatchewan. His current expectation for the new gallery to open is "late summer or early fall 2016," he said.

"It's very much contingent on a whole basket of factors, not least of which is the date of a final handover for the building, and that could be a moving target," Burke said Friday.

That handover is expected to take place in May 2016, after which the gallery will have to be prepared for its unveiling to the public.

Burke was careful to point out that projects like this can often deviate from schedule.

"I'm hesitant to make promises we may not be able to keep. I'm more pragmatic about these things," he said.

One question looming over the transition between galleries is what the more than 30 current employees of the Mendel will do during that time.

"All of the staff are City of Saskatoon employees and will remain so," Burke said.

The two galleries are controlled by separate corporations. Burke said they are "working through the issues" associated with shifting the employees from one gallery to the other with the city and CUPE Local 59, which represents the gallery staff. He said they will know much more this April.

It's expected that the new gallery will employ more people than the Mendel, but specifics won't be available until the Remai's business plan is presented to city council. That was expected this month, but has now been delayed until March.

[....]

http://www.thestarphoenix.com/entertainment/Move+Remai+Modern+year+away/10757291/story.html

[casper]

Originally Posted by Echoes

I'm hopeful as well that a slowdown could ease construction costs and spur some growth downtown. A complete crash would have the opposite effect.

I think LeFevre is right when he says that Saskatoon's high growth and construction costs are its Achilles heel. I am interested in hearing other opinions on if a relative slowdown will spur some growth in the city centre. I think that the rapid pace of sales at the Banks is testament to this being an underserved market.

The slow-down in Alberta, due to the price of oil, may help with construction costs. Repatriate some of the Rider fans from Alberta.

[Crisis]

Originally Posted by Echoes

That's the Arrand Block, and it's a designated heritage property.

IMG_4191 by echoes320, on Flickr

Anyone else notice the mural of the Farnham Block (hidden behind the power pole) on the side of the Arrand block ? It may soon be the only remaining evidence of the Farnham Block.

In my opinion, on architectural merits alone, the Arrand Block is far more worthy of heritage status than the Farnham Block. It also appears to be far better maintained than the Farnham Block, based on viewing from the street. If the Farnham block had maintained it's original 1912 exterior finishes, instead of having the brick and feature stones painted over, it would have more merit as a heritage building.

The lack of grade level access to the Farnham block will drastically decrease retail rental rates for the space as it currently sits. That, combined with the poor condition of the building resultant from years of neglect will very likely doom the building to the wrecking ball.

[sask202]

Meadows Market:

http://www.nwaretail.com/media/44327/nwa-pss-brochure-meadows-market.pdf

pretty sure that looks like a costco and a Lowes's?

[North_Regina_Boy]

Great...They will fix they will fix traffic issues at Highway 16 and Boychuck with an interchange and put up another traffic light at Zimmerman road! Common Saskatoon City Planners, if you are going to allow a development like this make them PAY 50-75% of a new new interchange and BUILD IT NOW! You think the left turn lanes are bad onto Boychuck, wait until you have Lowe's and a Costco!

[Echoes]

Originally Posted by Crisis

Anyone else notice the mural of the Farnham Block (hidden behind the power pole) on the side of the Arrand block ? It may soon be the only remaining evidence of the Farnham Block.

In my opinion, on architectural merits alone, the Arrand Block is far more worthy of heritage status than the Farnham Block. It also appears to be far better maintained than the Farnham Block, based on viewing from the street. If the Farnham block had maintained it's original 1912 exterior finishes, instead of having the brick and feature stones painted over, it would have more merit as a heritage building.

The lack of grade level access to the Farnam block will drastically decrease retail rental rates for the space as it currently sits. That, combined with the poor condition of the building resultant from years of neglect will very likely doom the building to the wrecking ball.

The significant architectural feature of the Farnham Block, I think, is the split-level entry from the sidewalk, allowing access to the main floor and basement. Buildings like this are common in older cities out east, but it's the only building like it that I can think of in Saskatoon, and probably even Saskatchewan. And the setback from the street that provides gives it real presence on that corner. It will be a shame to lose that.

I understand how this kind of split-level entry limits accessibility, and would make the main floor less attractive for retailers. I suppose it's too late to launch my "Bring back Lydia's!" campaign...



IMG_7727 by echoes320, on Flickr

[Arts]

Originally Posted by North_Regina_Boy

Great...They will fix they will fix traffic issues at Highway 16 and Boychuck with an interchange and put up another traffic light at Zimmerman road! Common Saskatoon City Planners, if you are going to allow a development like this make them PAY 50-75% of a new new interchange and BUILD IT NOW! You think the left turn lanes are bad onto Boychuck, wait until you have Lowe's and a Costco!

Agreed completely - if you are going to plan for huge developments and a hierarchal street network, then the plan must comprehensively implement the transportation side of things too - you can't just slap a few at-grade crossings between major arterial roads and freeways and not expect traffic deaths. It is known that an interchange is needed, so make it a requirement now.

[North_Regina_Boy]

Originally Posted by Arts

Agreed completely - if you are going to plan for huge developments and a hierarchal street network, then the plan must comprehensively implement the transportation side of things too - you can't just slap a few at-grade crossings between major arterial roads and freeways and not expect traffic deaths. It is known that an interchange is needed, so make it a requirement now.

Thanks for agreeing Arts. I feel like a broken record, and I know a lot of things with traffic that Mecca points out "can't fix things" but seriously this is so completely asinine and negligent by the City of Saskatoon and the Province that they would allow On a MAJOR CANADIAN Highway this to happen, in a day and age when they claim to be setting a new standard in Highway design. A light! Common Seriously!

[macca]

The problem is the sprawl, not the lack of infrastructure to facilitate the sprawl.

This development is terrible and completely counter to the city's strategic plan.

[sask202]

Not sure if and when an interchange would be built but here is how the development fits within the proposed transportation network

[miked22]

Originally Posted by Echoes

The significant architectural feature of the Farnham Block, I think, is the split-level entry from the sidewalk, allowing access to the main floor and basement. Buildings like this are common in older cities out east, but it's the only building like it that I can think of in Saskatoon, and probably even Saskatchewan. And the setback from the street that provides gives it real presence on that corner. It will be a shame to lose that.

I understand how this kind of split-level entry limits accessibility, and would make the main floor less attractive for retailers. I suppose it's too late to launch my "Bring back Lydia's!" campaign...



IMG_7727 by echoes320, on Flickr

Nice photo Echoes , I'm going to miss that building if it goes.

[North_Regina_Boy]

Originally Posted by sask202

Not sure if and when an interchange would be built but here is how the development fits within the proposed transportation network

Where did that image come from?

EDIT:

Looks like it comes from here:

http://www.saskatoon.ca/DEPARTMENTS/City...oodNeighbourhoodConceptPlanAmendment.pdf

Hope it is built soon, after or in conjunction with Boychuck. Also it appears this new interchange proposal removes the one between Boychuck and Zimmerman Road.

[North_Regina_Boy]

Originally Posted by macca

The problem is the sprawl, not the lack of infrastructure to facilitate the sprawl.

This development is terrible and completely counter to the city's strategic plan.

It seems to be yes. However, I do understand Costco's want to be on the exterior edge of the city. So that people from out of town don't have to add to city traffic causing more congestion. Or maybe that is a good coincidence? However I am glad to see there is an interchange planned. But am saddened as also in that document is an "at-grade" crossing.

[sask202]

That came from the Reports to Council section from the city website

http://saskatoon.ca/DEPARTMENTS/City%20C...oodNeighbourhoodConceptPlanAmendment.pdf

[gowest]

It amazes me how work stops here in the winter. If you drive thru Edmonton right now along the Yellowhead you can see overpass construction going on in several locations. This goes on all winter. Must be warmer there!

[Echoes]

Originally Posted by miked22

Nice photo Echoes , I'm going to miss that building if it goes.

Me too. I hold out some fragments of hope.

[dsmmace]

Originally Posted by gowest

It amazes me how work stops here in the winter. If you drive thru Edmonton right now along the Yellowhead you can see overpass construction going on in several locations. This goes on all winter. Must be warmer there!

The level of growth is much greater there. Think about how many people live in the province of Sask vs Edmonton for example.

[Draftsman]

IMG_7727 by echoes320, on Flickr[/QUOTE]

You are absolutely correct, Echoes. There are no buildings in Regina with an exterior split-level entry such as this.
I am happy that you posted your beautiful picture. I forgot how special and attractive the Farnam Block is.
It will be a real shame if another heritage building meets the wreckers ball.