Edmonton Construction 13 (November 2015) - Page 204

canucklehead2 · #**4061** Posted **Aug 21, 2016, 7:18 PM**

Still kinda bummed there isn't more of a tourist component to the building only because Edmonton still doesn't and hasn't had a proper observation deck since the 1980's. And as much as they are still knocked as kitschy tourist traps, they are certainly profitable and do give people a unique perspective of a city that people would otherwise not be privy to...

CMD UW · #**4062** Posted **Aug 22, 2016, 4:17 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hardhatdan

That's a very very nice detail.

Yes sir it is. It really finishes off the look.

ue · #**4063** Posted **Aug 22, 2016, 4:59 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by canucklehead2

Still kinda bummed there isn't more of a tourist component to the building only because Edmonton still doesn't and hasn't had a proper observation deck since the 1980's. And as much as they are still knocked as kitschy tourist traps, they are certainly profitable and do give people a unique perspective of a city that people would otherwise not be privy to...

Agreed, they are nice to have and if anything, draw in tourism dollars.

s211 · #**4064** Posted **Aug 22, 2016, 3:16 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by canucklehead2

And as much as they are still knocked as kitschy tourist traps, they are certainly profitable

As profitable as the premium rents that could be received if the space was leased as offices? I've not done the comparative math before, but gross rents for top floor offices can easily exceed $40-50 psf in new builds.

Coldrsx · #**4065** Posted **Aug 22, 2016, 4:37 PM**

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x164/...0little%20italy/DSC_0018_zpshij5aty1.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x164/...0little%20italy/DSC_0054_zpsyv3rm8ry.jpg

Coldrsx · #**4066** Posted **Aug 22, 2016, 4:43 PM**

Fox

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x164/...0little%20italy/DSC_0222_zpshbjw7oj1.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x164/...0little%20italy/DSC_0205_zpsctzwragi.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x164/...0little%20italy/DSC_0202_zpstnvzy3jd.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x164/...0little%20italy/DSC_0201_zpsljrqm0jq.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x164/...0little%20italy/DSC_0198_zpstbiuhtl8.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x164/...0little%20italy/DSC_0197_zpslllao1cj.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x164/...0little%20italy/DSC_0196_zpsxybg1kpg.jpg

mcc16 · #**4067** Posted **Aug 22, 2016, 5:21 PM**

I can't seem to find attendance figures for Calgary owner or CN tower. Is it fair to say an observation deck in Edmonton should get at least 500000 visits per year? And at a minimum of 15 dollar entrance (realistically probably closer to 25-35 based on towers elsewhere) that quite a bit of revenue. But then you'd probably need dedicated elevator and obviously security. But you'd think the demand would be there. It'd be western canadas highest observation deck and a quick Wikipedia search says it'd be at least in the top 40 highest in the world... But just doesn't make much sense... You need elevators for offices, elevators for res, then one or two elevators or observation levels.

Also the glass on ultima reminds me so much of 11 Brunel (west one) in cityplace in Toronto... Just a much smaller version. But that tower is from 2007... Ultima looks a little dated already like it was built 07 as well...hopefully glass on encore will be nicer.

Coldrsx · #**4068** Posted **Aug 22, 2016, 5:33 PM**

'Is it fair to say an observation deck in Edmonton should get at least 500000 visits per year?'

Maybe 50,000...maybe.

hotwheels · #**4069** Posted **Aug 22, 2016, 5:48 PM**

Pedestrian-Scaled Southpark on Whyte to Replace Auto-Centric Lands

Quote:

Like most cities that experienced growth spurts in the midst of the automobile age, Edmonton's built landscape was largely manufactured with cars in mind. But megaprojects like the Ice District are changing the composition of the downtown core quickly, and developments just outside the city centre are turning auto-centric land uses into pedestrian-scaled hubs of activity. A new multi-block project by WAM Development looks to convert the former Southpark Pontiac Buick GMC dealership lands on Whyte Avenue into a vibrant mixed-use destination.

SHOFEAR · #**4070** Posted **Aug 22, 2016, 5:48 PM**

I thoroughly enjoyed watching the chaos of Jasper Ave being blocked off yesterday for the marathon from the comfort of my living room with a 18 case of kokanee at my disposal.

Bless all the heavier middle aged ladies with the "I want to speak to your manager haircut (you know the type)" who got out of their minivans to attempt to move the pylons and barricade before being confronted by security. You ladies made my day.

mcc16 · #**4071** Posted **Aug 22, 2016, 6:11 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coldrsx

'Is it fair to say an observation deck in Edmonton should get at least 500000 visits per year?'

Maybe 50,000...maybe.

Wikipedia (so truth questionable) says Calgary tower topped 500000 visitors in 1993 for its 25thanniversary... Surely numbers in Edmonton could at least be similar to 1993 Calgary numbers? And Toronto says revenue of 73 million for 14-15. I know we wouldn't be anywhere near CN tower numbers but still...

s211 · #**4072** Posted **Aug 22, 2016, 6:27 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotwheels

Pedestrian-Scaled Southpark on Whyte to Replace Auto-Centric Lands

"Auto-centric lands"? It's a car dealership FFS. Somebody needs to drop the social engineering vernacular. I don't care for the dealership being there either, but please drop the confrontational vernacular de jour.

canucklehead2 · #**4073** Posted **Aug 22, 2016, 6:52 PM**

That's the spirit, Ian! ;-)

Coldrsx · #**4074** Posted **Aug 22, 2016, 6:56 PM**

The reality is the the CN is in its own league and the Calgary tower is a proper observation tower that would attract more than a high floor on an office tower. Not to mention that Calgary has a significant difference in tourist visits and there are multiple reasons to go up.

Not trying to poo poo, but the reality is that it is not comparable.

mcc16 · #**4075** Posted **Aug 22, 2016, 7:05 PM**

See Willis tower. Again, I know different league, but office tower observation level is common in American cities. And considering this is surrounded by arena, museum, art gallery, citadel, winspear, ice district, would there not be quite a bit of synergy?

I think an Observation level would do well, but just not in this mixed use building...

MacLac · #**4076** Posted **Aug 22, 2016, 7:05 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by SHOFEAR

I thoroughly enjoyed watching the chaos of Jasper Ave being blocked off yesterday for the marathon from the comfort of my living room with a 18 case of kokanee at my disposal.

Bless all the heavier middle aged ladies with the "I want to speak to your manager haircut (you know the type)" who got out of their minivans to attempt to move the pylons and barricade before being confronted by security. You ladies made my day.

Oh? Like this haircut?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CH0X7wbC3Us

Coldrsx · #**4077** Posted **Aug 22, 2016, 7:08 PM**

^^well aware. Again, I like the idea, am supportive of it, but 500,000 visits is 1369/day going through... seems very high.

canucklehead2 · #**4078** Posted **Aug 22, 2016, 7:09 PM**

But isn't the stacking plan for the Stantec with luxury apartments on top, so really this potential common area would be awkwardly placed upon a multi-million dollar dwelling of a Katz-type instead, which is an obvious no-go... Just so the facts are clear... ;-)

canucklehead2 · #**4079** Posted **Aug 22, 2016, 7:21 PM**

Well I think part of the conversation has to do with the very nature of Edmonton and what people consider world class... This area is being touted as "WC" for better or worse, and yeah as far as urban redevelopment projects in this early decade it's probably up there. But does its vision seem rather provincial in some respects?

No public access to most buildings except for the casino/rink block and limited retail. And when I say public access I am talking about the 95% of the public who probably won't spent $500/night for a hotel room and $600-800/sq ft for a condo... So yeah, I'd say WC for those handful of jet-setter types and WC for those who consider Earl's high-end... Not that I'll totally knock the chain, they do make good soup!

s211 · #**4080** Posted **Aug 22, 2016, 7:35 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by canucklehead2

But isn't the stacking plan for the Stantec with luxury apartments on top, so really this potential common area would be awkwardly placed upon a multi-million dollar dwelling of a Katz-type instead, which is an obvious no-go... Just so the facts are clear... ;-)

Thank you for spelling that out. You'd have figured that for the large majority on this board that such a clarification wouldn't be needed, but hey...