The Metro Vancouver Retail Thread

[s211]

Interesting how we're now seeing the enclosing of open areas originally designated as open space when projects were originally approved. This site and 1040 West Georgia, as examples. I know of several other open space areas being evaluated for expansion/development. These proposals are not in the public realm and I cannot divulge them.

The diminution of open spaces all in the name of densification feels problematic to me.

[Vin]

I'm totally with you on this s211.

[officedweller]

I could see any plaza or low pavilion style building being a target for redevelopment. (i.e. old rumours of a possible tower at Royal Centre where the RBC banking hall is located)

As development sites become scarcer, it's bound to happen (development of "under-utilized" sites).

Even MNP Tower took away open space from the adjacent Guinness Tower plaza (not just land behind the University Club), if I recall correctly.

Conceivably, if the City holds out and retains public open space, the demand will grow until the demolition of a mid-rise office block and replacement with a taller one would become feasible (i.e. redevelopment on existing footprint rather than building on an adjacent plaza).

Note that the Pacific Centre proposal is different since it's not office space.

[officedweller]

Article about Overwaitea Food Group and Save-on-Foods:

Profile: Darrell Jones oversees Overwaitea expansion
https://www.biv.com/article/2016/8/profile-darrell-jones-oversees-overwaitea-expansio/

It says they will be phasing out the Overwaitea name.

[jollyburger]

Originally Posted by s211

Interesting how we're now seeing the enclosing of open areas originally designated as open space when projects were originally approved. This site and 1040 West Georgia, as examples. I know of several other open space areas being evaluated for expansion/development. These proposals are not in the public realm and I cannot divulge them.

The diminution of open spaces all in the name of densification feels problematic to me.

But the fact they have an underused space across the street in front of VAG and with the closure of Robson Street on the other side seems to fly in the face of this lack of plaza space downtown.

[Whalleyboy]

Originally Posted by officedweller

Article about Overwaitea Food Group and Save-on-Foods:

Profile: Darrell Jones oversees Overwaitea expansion
https://www.biv.com/article/2016/8/profile-darrell-jones-oversees-overwaitea-expansio/

It says they will be phasing out the Overwaitea name.

noooo. I like when I go up to Nakusp it still is an Overwaitea there

[Vin]

Originally Posted by jollyburger

But the fact they have an underused space across the street in front of VAG and with the closure of Robson Street on the other side seems to fly in the face of this lack of plaza space downtown.

Georgia street is designed in such a way that properties along the stretch are high density but at the same time open spaces are provided on the frontages. This theme is evident from BC Place Stadium all the way to Denman Street. Hence it does not make sense to create a constricted area near at the PC entrance. On top of that, that new PC entrance isn't the most inspiring of structures. I love how open spaces along Georgia street allow one to view the city skyline at many of the street corners, including the said glass dome plaza. It allows one to step to the side, slow down and gaze at the city, instead of being constantly hurried along by the herd on a narrow and walled-in walkway.

[LeftCoaster]

Originally Posted by Whalleyboy

noooo. I like when I go up to Nakusp it still is an Overwaitea there

Going food shopping at a store called Over Weight-y isn't really the best way to push more sales

[PeterAKer]

Nike Robson has reopened today.

[officedweller]

Tsawwassen Mills Announces 133 New Tenants
http://www.retail-insider.com/retail-insider/2016/8/tsawwassen-mills-133

[trofirhen]

Originally Posted by Vin

^^^ Ripping off something from the 60s and pretending to be avant garde is all I can say.

Yeah, tacky-looking, too.

Originally Posted by s211

Interesting how we're now seeing the enclosing of open areas originally designated as open space when projects were originally approved. This site and 1040 West Georgia, as examples. I know of several other open space areas being evaluated for expansion/development. These proposals are not in the public realm and I cannot divulge them.

The diminution of open spaces all in the name of densification feels problematic to me.

This is Vancouver, a city that is growing, but is torn between retaining small-town-quaint and big city sleek. They just haven't learned the knack yet. (There are worse, such as Detroit)

[Whalleyboy]

Originally Posted by LeftCoaster

Going food shopping at a store called Over Weight-y isn't really the best way to push more sales

Its actually over weight tea it got its name from selling over weighted bags of tea. The stores only are in small villages and having a store with some neat history behind the name is nice for those small villages even if it is actually a massive chain company. I wonder how this will actually go over in some of the small villages

[Conrad Yablonski]

Originally Posted by officedweller

Tsawwassen Mills Announces 133 New Tenants
http://www.retail-insider.com/retail-insider/2016/8/tsawwassen-mills-133

I also heard that Tsawwassen Mills is going to be running a shuttle from the nearby ferry terminal I presume for the convenience of Vancouver & Gulf Islanders.

[whatnext]

Originally Posted by officedweller

Tsawwassen Mills Announces 133 New Tenants
http://www.retail-insider.com/retail-insider/2016/8/tsawwassen-mills-133

At a time malls are beginning to go the way of the dinosaur:
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/12/business/macys-q2-earnings-store-closings.html?_r=0

[NewfBC]

Originally Posted by whatnext

At a time malls are beginning to go the way of the dinosaur:
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/12/business/macys-q2-earnings-store-closings.html?_r=0

From the article:
T. J. Maxx, Marshalls and outlet stores have boomed by loudly advertising big savings over their full-priced department store rivals, spurring some to create their own versions. Nordstrom long ago created Nordstrom Rack, for example, while Macy’s recently introduced Macy’s Backstage.

A number of these 'type' stores are opening at this mall.

Ron.

[VanK]

Originally Posted by whatnext

At a time malls are beginning to go the way of the dinosaur:
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/12/business/macys-q2-earnings-store-closings.html?_r=0

I for one am extremely skeptical about the success of this Tsawwassen mall.. Rents better be dirt cheap.

[Vin]

Originally Posted by Conrad Yablonski

I also heard that Tsawwassen Mills is going to be running a shuttle from the nearby ferry terminal I presume for the convenience of Vancouver & Gulf Islanders.

Or for folks missing a ferry, leaving their cars and riding the shuttle to do some quick shopping.

[Sheba]

Originally Posted by VanK

I for one am extremely skeptical about the success of this Tsawwassen mall.. Rents better be dirt cheap.

I doubt CoV is really their main target - but SoF certainly would be, esp when bridge tolls become more common.

[cairnstone]

Originally Posted by Sheba

I doubt CoV is really their main target - but SoF certainly would be, esp when bridge tolls become more common.

this mall s designed for Americans and rural areas

[officedweller]

Presumably, as a follow-up to this story, Bob Ransford suggests Cadillac Fairview is selling Richmond Centre Mall.

Buyers of Cadillac Fairview's #Richmond Centre Shopping Mall, now on the market, could re-develop and transform Richmond's downtown.

https://twitter.com/BobRansford

Teachers eyeing sale of stake in Vancouver property portfolio: report
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on...operty-portfolio-report/article31462693/