Regina Construction III

[DandyUnderworld]

Any more information about this:

Development in Heritage: A report from Planning Commission recommends the approval of a proposed mixed-use building at 1440 11th Ave The proposed development would contain space for 3 restaurants, a convenience store, a grocery store and 5 residential units.

http://www.shawnfraser.ca/council_agenda_for_august_29th_2016

[Drofmab]

Originally Posted by Dan0myte

No photos but the Superstore is going well. They were rolling down crushed stone in preparation for the concrete floor on Friday. The Fairfield is externally complete with landscaping complete as well. Lots of interior finishing to do over the course of the fall/winter I assume.

I'd be surprised if they take until fall to finish (though, with this project, nothing should surprise me).

There are TVs mounted in many (all?) of the rooms - I'd think those would be one of the final touches.

[Drofmab]

Originally Posted by DandyUnderworld

http://www.shawnfraser.ca/council_agenda_for_august_29th_2016

Fraser has an interesting comment in the post above, "There are already plans from other commercial developments in Wascana Park (apparently Brandt has been in talks with the Canadian Institute for the Blind to build a commercial tower on their land).[Conexus building on College Ave Campus] absolutely sets precedence."

We knew that CNIB was looking to renew/rebuild their location in Wascana... I hadn't hear this rumour that Brandt wants to build a tower there.

Fraser's speculation seems out-of-step with the 2016 Wascana Centre Master Plan, which was just released in March. The document says:

"CNIB Regina Headquarters (formerly Culliton Centre)
The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) has resided in the Culliton Centre for many years. It was a non-conforming use which pre-dated the establishment of the Centre. The WCA Board has recently confirmed that the CNIB is a conforming use in Wascana Centre.

Currently, CNIB have proposed the redevelopment of their headquarters to house their operations in a new expanded facility. The new building may accommodate other tenants in addition to the CNIB. Wascana Centre Authority has conditionally approved the project.

The proposal includes a single building larger than the existing Culliton Centre. The building will align with the front of the CBC Headquarters to the north. To the south of the building is a vehicle drop off area. Parking will be both below grade and at surface to the rear of the building so that the Broad Street landscape character is retained. Access to parking is proposed to the south and west of the building, with the existing drive removed and replaced by walkways from Broad Street. Dense planting will buffer the surface parking lot from the surrounding park."

Given the language the 2016 Master Plan uses to refer to the only tower bordering Wascana Centre, one would expect them to be at least as negative regarding a tower within the Centre (especially since the conditional approval doesn't seem to mention a tower... though, I notice the height of the new building isn't mentioned in the Master Plan).

"An equally pressing threat to the bucolic Wascana image is presented by private development adjacent to the Centre, as is demonstrated by the visual intrusion of the tower of Roberts Plaza. These intrusions into the view shed from vantage points within Wascana Centre seriously compromise fundamental objectives."

[Stormer]

Originally Posted by Drofmab

Fraser has an interesting comment in the post above, "There are already plans from other commercial developments in Wascana Park (apparently Brandt has been in talks with the Canadian Institute for the Blind to build a commercial tower on their land).[Conexus building on College Ave Campus] absolutely sets precedence."

We knew that CNIB was looking to renew/rebuild their location in Wascana... I hadn't hear this rumour that Brandt wants to build a tower there.

Fraser's speculation seems out-of-step with the 2016 Wascana Centre Master Plan, which was just released in March. The document says:

"CNIB Regina Headquarters (formerly Culliton Centre)
The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) has resided in the Culliton Centre for many years. It was a non-conforming use which pre-dated the establishment of the Centre. The WCA Board has recently confirmed that the CNIB is a conforming use in Wascana Centre.

Currently, CNIB have proposed the redevelopment of their headquarters to house their operations in a new expanded facility. The new building may accommodate other tenants in addition to the CNIB. Wascana Centre Authority has conditionally approved the project.

The proposal includes a single building larger than the existing Culliton Centre. The building will align with the front of the CBC Headquarters to the north. To the south of the building is a vehicle drop off area. Parking will be both below grade and at surface to the rear of the building so that the Broad Street landscape character is retained. Access to parking is proposed to the south and west of the building, with the existing drive removed and replaced by walkways from Broad Street. Dense planting will buffer the surface parking lot from the surrounding park."

Given the language the 2016 Master Plan uses to refer to the only tower bordering Wascana Centre, one would expect them to be at least as negative regarding a tower within the Centre (especially since the conditional approval doesn't seem to mention a tower... though, I notice the height of the new building isn't mentioned in the Master Plan).

"An equally pressing threat to the bucolic Wascana image is presented by private development adjacent to the Centre, as is demonstrated by the visual intrusion of the tower of Roberts Plaza. These intrusions into the view shed from vantage points within Wascana Centre seriously compromise fundamental objectives."

Brandt's proposal is a low rise not a tower.

[Stormer]

Originally Posted by DandyUnderworld

Any more information about this:

Development in Heritage: A report from Planning Commission recommends the approval of a proposed mixed-use building at 1440 11th Ave The proposed development would contain space for 3 restaurants, a convenience store, a grocery store and 5 residential units.

http://www.shawnfraser.ca/council_agenda_for_august_29th_2016

I mentioned this a few pages back. I think it is just broadening the zoning for the existing building which appears to be set up to accommodate small businesses immigrants require to qualify for residency. It is already divided up into a series inactive Asian storefront businesses.

[Stormer]

Hmm it now appears that the owner is proposing to add a second floor. This building had a second floor 30 years ago but the top floor was demoed after a fire.





To:
His Worship the Mayor
and Members of City Council
My reference number is PRC16-45.
This building is located at 11th Ave, old china town. People never know it is china town because no many Chinese living here or doing business here.
There are 3 Asian food restaurant nearby this building. They are Korean food, Philippine food and Vietnamese food. There is a Hongkong bakery here as well, and a indian food going to open.
I want to have another 2 aisan food here, Chinese food and Japanese food. To make it as a Asian food street. People will surely like it.
The second floor I would like to build 5 apartments. There is a bus stop in front of our building and many restaurant. It is very close to downtown.
Those 5 apartments will available for sell and rent. Young couples who works in Downtown will like to have a apartment here.
This building will be a Chinese style building as the picture showing. The windows and the edge of the roof will be Chinese style.
I would like to start from this building to let people kno

know here is a China town or an Asian town.

I will be able to answer any questions that City Council may have and please attach a copy of the

graphic with the agenda.

Thanks

Bo Chen

Ottawa Street Side 1967:



Current: https://www.google.ca/maps/place/1770+Ot...08665c99!8m2!3d50.4504467!4d-104.6005638

[jigglysquishy]

Very interesting look. I'm glad our Chinatown is getting some actual Chinese investment. More retail and residential is desperately needed on 11th.

[one_brick_at_a_time]

Originally Posted by Drofmab

Fraser has an interesting comment in the post above, "There are already plans from other commercial developments in Wascana Park (apparently Brandt has been in talks with the Canadian Institute for the Blind to build a commercial tower on their land).[Conexus building on College Ave Campus] absolutely sets precedence."

We knew that CNIB was looking to renew/rebuild their location in Wascana... I hadn't hear this rumour that Brandt wants to build a tower there.

Fraser's speculation seems out-of-step with the 2016 Wascana Centre Master Plan, which was just released in March. The document says:

"CNIB Regina Headquarters (formerly Culliton Centre)
The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) has resided in the Culliton Centre for many years. It was a non-conforming use which pre-dated the establishment of the Centre. The WCA Board has recently confirmed that the CNIB is a conforming use in Wascana Centre.

Currently, CNIB have proposed the redevelopment of their headquarters to house their operations in a new expanded facility. The new building may accommodate other tenants in addition to the CNIB. Wascana Centre Authority has conditionally approved the project.

The proposal includes a single building larger than the existing Culliton Centre. The building will align with the front of the CBC Headquarters to the north. To the south of the building is a vehicle drop off area. Parking will be both below grade and at surface to the rear of the building so that the Broad Street landscape character is retained. Access to parking is proposed to the south and west of the building, with the existing drive removed and replaced by walkways from Broad Street. Dense planting will buffer the surface parking lot from the surrounding park."

Given the language the 2016 Master Plan uses to refer to the only tower bordering Wascana Centre, one would expect them to be at least as negative regarding a tower within the Centre (especially since the conditional approval doesn't seem to mention a tower... though, I notice the height of the new building isn't mentioned in the Master Plan).

"An equally pressing threat to the bucolic Wascana image is presented by private development adjacent to the Centre, as is demonstrated by the visual intrusion of the tower of Roberts Plaza. These intrusions into the view shed from vantage points within Wascana Centre seriously compromise fundamental objectives."

I wish Brandt would build downtown instead. A low rise hotel along Broad Street would be a better addition and offer income to Wascana Centre Authority as well as be a tourist draw.

[Stormer]

Originally Posted by one_brick_at_a_time

I wish Brandt would build downtown instead. A low rise hotel along Broad Street would be a better addition and offer income to Wascana Centre Authority as well as be a tourist draw.

This is not about WCA but rather CNIB who need a new facility and have no cash.

[Nathan]

Looks like the land transfer was approved and Conexus has all but been given the green light to develop a large office complex there... say hello to higher than the current 15% office vacancy downtown when they vacate their spaces?

Way to support that downtown plan guys...

[Festivus]

Originally Posted by Nathan

Looks like the land transfer was approved and Conexus has all but been given the green light to develop a large office complex there... say hello to higher than the current 15% office vacancy downtown when they vacate their spaces?

Way to support that downtown plan guys...

Plans are merely guidelines to the all-knowing Regina City Council.

[HomeInMyShoes]

I think you are overestimating the importance of plans to the city. They are more like bird cage liners.

[UPP]

Originally Posted by Nathan

Looks like the land transfer was approved and Conexus has all but been given the green light to develop a large office complex there... say hello to higher than the current 15% office vacancy downtown when they vacate their spaces?

Way to support that downtown plan guys...

I'm glad it went through. It'll help the U of R with some much needed revenue, it's still close to the downtown, I mean really, it's 3 blocks from Vic. Besides, for a while, the complaint was that there wasn't any or enough class A office space. With it being adjacent/in the park, maybe it'll encourage workers to bike to work and become more active during work.

[Stormer]

Originally Posted by Nathan

Looks like the land transfer was approved and Conexus has all but been given the green light to develop a large office complex there... say hello to higher than the current 15% office vacancy downtown when they vacate their spaces?

Way to support that downtown plan guys...

Just to be clear, most of the workers are coming from outside of downtown. Conexus only has a small downtown office space (one floor) on Vic and Albert. Most will come from their Ross Industrial building.

[StealthGirl]

Originally Posted by HomeInMyShoes

I think you are overestimating the importance of plans to the city. They are more like bird cage liners.

Pretty much. The city doesn't say no to anything. That development in Cathedral was an anomaly.

[ReginaGuy]

Originally Posted by Nathan

Looks like the land transfer was approved and Conexus has all but been given the green light to develop a large office complex there... say hello to higher than the current 15% office vacancy downtown when they vacate their spaces?

Way to support that downtown plan guys...

Not to mention they opened precedent for more office buildings to be built in the park, which sucks.

I wouldn't be surprised if Connexus builds some stucco monstrosity with a huge parking lot in the front. It'll probably be some lazy bullshit of a building that doesn't fit in with the surrounding area at all

[StealthGirl]

When Fougere said something to the effect that they've been working on this deal for four year, I knew there was no stopping it. I don't know how the public can get any sort of design standard upheld to prevent that stucco monstrosity and huge parking lot. I think this is a real loss for Wascana Park.

Wascana was in much better hands when Bob Ellard was around. Now he's in Calgary and Stantec and the city is going to keep chipping away at the park.

[Drofmab]

Originally Posted by Stormer

This is not about WCA but rather CNIB who need a new facility and have no cash.

True, but CNIB is leveraging an asset very few other entities have: a grandfathered building in Wascana Centre. A building & entity that WCA has for years noted as a "non-confirming use" (it pre-dates the Centre, so was grandfathered).

The 2016 Master Plan has confirmed it as a conforming use (aligned with a slight shift/clarification in the Centre's mandate).

If not for CNIB's location in Wascana Centre, does anyone truly believe Brandt would be partnering with them?

So, yes, it's true this is about CNIB... but it's inextricably linked to the WCA. If for no other reason than the basic fact that CNIB doesn't own the land their building sits on (the province does).

Found a comment at YQRcc last night interesting - the CNIB/Brandt building design is larger than the Conexus building's 80,000sqft. Anyone know the approx. size of the building?

[StealthGirl]

Bring on the shadows from all these taller buildings.

[Stormer]

Originally Posted by StealthGirl

Bring on the shadows from all these taller buildings.

3 stories! The trees are taller.