General Updates and News

[Duff]

Not sure if this has been posted yet...Renderings for 2710 Agricola St.

Source -http://www.halifax.ca/planning/Applications/documents/ProposalApplication_Redacted.pdf

[someone123]

Is this scaffolding up on the Idealbikes building? This building was on the heritage district funding list.

That block keeps looking better and better.


Source

[someone123]

Originally Posted by Duff

Not sure if this has been posted yet...Renderings for 2710 Agricola St.

Here's the thread: http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=223012

[Drybrain]

Originally Posted by someone123

Is this scaffolding up on the Idealbikes building? This building was on the heritage district funding list.

That block keeps looking better and better.

Yeah, it's been up for a couple of weeks. Don't know what it's for but, being multi-levelled, it doesn't appear to be the usual collapsing-facade protection. Maybe something is happening here...

[Ziobrop]

They redid the woodwork at the ground level. I Clive they are doing something about the paint job and possibly restoring windows. It should be an improvement.

[someone123]

The plans may have changed but it was mentioned in a report: https://www.halifax.ca/council/agendasc/documents/150721ca1141.PDF

1678 Barrington St.
Phinney Building
Storefront restorations, and upper façade restoration including the
reinstatement of four ‘lost’ windows at the 2nd floor, and replacement of
3 inappropriate windows at the 4th floor.

Also of interest:

15-02 1537 Barrington St.
Pacific Building
Storefront restoration including the reinstatement of original
configuration of main entrance and shop fronts, and the full
restoration/replacement of badly deteriorated terra cotta at the upper
building levels.

The Pacific Building qualified for a possible $100,000 in grants and $160,000 in tax breaks.

[OldDartmouthMark]

From today's CH:

Halifax council asks for reports on Steele Auto Group development plan

[OldDartmouthMark]

Originally Posted by Drybrain

I was discussing this with Waye on Twitter, and he said that the restoration of the facade could cost up to $1.5 million and may even involve taking it down brick by brick before putting it back up.

The awning is the first part of this, apparently, to prep for more restoration work.

But I agree, DDI's track record, and apparent negligence with regards to basic repairs so far, lead me to think nothing will ever really be done with this as long as they own it. And the city has no power to conduct the repairs necessary and basically the send the bill to the property owner, as is the case in many other cities in emergency situations.

This sounds encouraging. I hope this is a first step towards an actual restoration.

Keep in mind, too, that there is also other work that needs to happen to keep the building habitable. Again, I'll try to keep a positive outlook despite their track record.

[Keith P.]

Originally Posted by OldDartmouthMark

From today's CH:

Halifax council asks for reports on Steele Auto Group development plan

Why the heck Steele just doesn't hop to it and knock these places down ASAP absolutely baffles me.

[Drybrain]

Originally Posted by Keith P.

Why the heck Steele just doesn't hop to it and knock these places down ASAP absolutely baffles me.

Environmental assessments for hazardous materials, and people are still living in a lot of the rental properties that are directly connected to vacant buildings.

[counterfactual]

Originally Posted by Drybrain

I was discussing this with Waye on Twitter, and he said that the restoration of the facade could cost up to $1.5 million and may even involve taking it down brick by brick before putting it back up.

The awning is the first part of this, apparently, to prep for more restoration work.

But I agree, DDI's track record, and apparent negligence with regards to basic repairs so far, lead me to think nothing will ever really be done with this as long as they own it. And the city has no power to conduct the repairs necessary and basically the send the bill to the property owner, as is the case in many other cities in emergency situations.

Originally Posted by OldDartmouthMark

This sounds encouraging. I hope this is a first step towards an actual restoration.

Keep in mind, too, that there is also other work that needs to happen to keep the building habitable. Again, I'll try to keep a positive outlook despite their track record.

Perhaps in fairness to DDI, we should wait and see-- they seem to be following through. I'm no expert, but the awning looks like the right kind of construct to protect for restoration work above.

Given that Detroit is a special case where the City and all property values in it basically fell off of a cliff, I don't necessarily blame them for not investing money to improve on property there for the time being.

[OldDartmouthMark]

Originally Posted by counterfactual

Perhaps in fairness to DDI, we should wait and see-- they seem to be following through. I'm no expert, but the awning looks like the right kind of construct to protect for restoration work above.

Given that Detroit is a special case where the City and all property values in it basically fell off of a cliff, I don't necessarily blame them for not investing money to improve on property there for the time being.

I've got my fingers crossed...

[OldDartmouthMark]

Steele Auto Group says no to demolition delay

Interesting...

Mayor Mike Savage, who the news release said “condemned the plan” in a meeting with residents and Steele Auto last week, denied it.

“I vote on plans but I don’t condemn them. That’s inaccurate,” he said in a phone interview Thursday. “I wanted to see if there was common ground but it’s up to Steele to decide what they want to do.”

While the Centre Plan development road map that’s expected by year’s end likely wouldn’t allow such an expansion, Savage said he isn’t suggesting a delay in this project.

“We have to follow the rules that are in play and Steele is following those rules.”

[Drybrain]

Originally Posted by OldDartmouthMark

Steele Auto Group says no to demolition delay

Interesting...

In a private meeting between neighbourhood members and Steele reps, he said, verbatim, "this isn't what we want to see here," and that if he could go back to change the zoning and prevent it, he would.

Too bad it's not on tape, but he condemned it. He didn't come down raining blows all over Steele, and he was definitely there in a "let's find a compromise" spirit, but he unequivocally expressed personal disapproval.

[Keith P.]

Originally Posted by Drybrain

In a private meeting between neighbourhood members and Steele reps, he said, verbatim, "this isn't what we want to see here," and that if he could go back to change the zoning and prevent it, he would.

Too bad it's not on tape, but he condemned it. He didn't come down raining blows all over Steele, and he was definitely there in a "let's find a compromise" spirit, but he unequivocally expressed personal disapproval.

He was pandering, as he is wont to do.

It is sad that we have a mayor who actively opposes the growth of a successful local business. Hopefully a strong challenger will emerge in the election this fall.

[Drybrain]

Originally Posted by Keith P.

He was pandering, as he is wont to do.

It is sad that we have a mayor who actively opposes the growth of a successful local business. Hopefully a strong challenger will emerge in the election this fall.

Yep, old no-growth Mike and his business-hating ways!

[counterfactual]

Originally Posted by Drybrain

Yep, old no-growth Mike and his business-hating ways!

That sounds like a Trump style attack!

Low energy Jeb. Lyin' Ted. Little Marco. No Growth Mike.

[Hali87]

A short video about the pre-proposal engagement process for Spring Garden West (not sure if there's a separate thread for that yet)

• Video Link

[Hali87]

Also, Jan Gehl is giving a public lecture at Dalhousie's Medjuck Building (Arch/Plan, next to the Central Library). It's on Tuesday from 12:30-1:50 in room HA19 (I think that's the auditorium in the basement, but not sure)

[Dmajackson]

Saint Patrick's Rectory on Brunswick Street


Halifax Developments Blog (Photo by David Jackson)