Regina Construction III

[Treesplease]

Originally Posted by HomeInMyShoes

Viterra is most definitely a prison block.

Actually I think there is a prison (some type of incarceration facility) in Chicago that looks just like that. Windows were designed to be tall and skinny, just narrow enough that a human head couldn't fit through.

[VANRIDERFAN]

Originally Posted by Treesplease

Actually I think there is a prison (some type of incarceration facility) in Chicago that looks just like that. Windows were designed to be tall and skinny, just narrow enough that a human head couldn't fit through.

This is CFB St Jean sur Richelieu, it is a prison design that DND used for an all encompassing recruit and leadership school



I spent 6 months there. It is a depressing fucking shithole and I hated every second I was there. The only thing that made it bearable was that it was only 15 minutes from Montreal.

[Festivus]

If we're talking horrible designs with no windows, then nothing tops 33 Thomas St in NYC:





It's an AT&T building that was built in the Brutalist style and is a giant telephone exchange for the area. The average floor height is 18 feet, and is designed to be self-sufficient for up to 2 weeks after a nuclear attack (assuming it survived the initial blast if it was far enough away). It's claimed to be one of the most secure buildings in the US. The entire exterior is concrete.

You can find more info here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/33_Thomas_Street

It's ugly, but at least is ugly for kind of a reason.

[pappcam]

Originally Posted by Festivus

If we're talking horrible designs with no windows, then nothing tops 33 Thomas St in NYC:





It's an AT&T building that was built in the Brutalist style and is a giant telephone exchange for the area. The average floor height is 18 feet, and is designed to be self-sufficient for up to 2 weeks after a nuclear attack (assuming it survived the initial blast if it was far enough away). It's claimed to be one of the most secure buildings in the US. The entire exterior is concrete.

You can find more info here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/33_Thomas_Street

It's ugly, but at least is ugly for kind of a reason.

That's actually awesome and ugly at the same time.

[Drofmab]

Originally Posted by BrutallyDishonest2

Not a chance. The lack of windows makes Viterra te easy winner.


But yes, many of the 70s styling left much to be desired, Grenfell and Victoria Towers for example.

That the Viterra tower doesn't match the heritage building it what botheres me most about it. On its own, I kinda of like the Viterra building.

Chateau, Grenfell, Victoria, & North Cdn Oil are all ugly as sin. In my opinion, they are all far less aesthetically pleasing than Viterra... but this is subjective, of course (the parkades play a huge part in why I don't like these 4 buildings... I just can't get past them).

[Drofmab]

Originally Posted by Drofmab

A lot of the stories we're hearing are garbage (pun intended) - other cities recycle materials that Regina & Emterra are claiming to be unrecyclable/of no marketable value. There need to be incentives in the agreement which encourage Emterra to seek out buyers & encourage them to send less to the Landfill

City of Ottawa has holiday waste diversion marketing going out right now - wrapping paper, paper plates, napkins, food waste - all key items they're focusing efforts to send to the City's curbside recycling or composting programs... not the landfill.

They even have a site where you can search for anything under the sun to recycle/compost.

(yes, Sask Waste Reduction Council offers a similar search... but the recyclables on the site are just a fraction of the items the City of Ottawa lists)

When I moved back to Regina from Ottawa in 2008, there was a $41 annual solid waste charge on my tax bill. Having a look at their 2015 revenue & expenses, environmental services (which covers garbage, recycling, composting, operation of the landfills, and associated policies & programs) averaged $159/household in expenses, and $114 in revenue. Quick math, based on Regina's 2015 figures - expenses of $229/household.

[pappcam]

Originally Posted by Drofmab

That the Viterra tower doesn't match the heritage building it what botheres me most about it. On its own, I kinda of like the Viterra building.

Chateau, Grenfell, Victoria, & North Cdn Oil are all ugly as sin. In my opinion, they are all far less aesthetically pleasing than Viterra... but this is subjective, of course (the parkades play a huge part in why I don't like these 4 buildings... I just can't get past them).

Yes, North Cdn. Oil is quite ugly:

[BrutallyDishonest2]

Originally Posted by pappcam

Yes, North Cdn. Oil is quite ugly:

Its not as bad from the SE. And if Capital Point actually happens it would hide the blank side.

[BrutallyDishonest2]

Originally Posted by Drofmab

Chateau, Grenfell, Victoria, & North Cdn Oil are all ugly as sin. In my opinion, they are all far less aesthetically pleasing than Viterra... but this is subjective, of course (the parkades play a huge part in why I don't like these 4 buildings... I just can't get past them).

The pedestal parking does make it difficult to be beautiful, but all things considered I think the NCO is reasonably coherent. But the Avord Tower leads the pack into how to make an inherently ugly structure pretty decent looking in the end.

[pappcam]

Originally Posted by BrutallyDishonest2

Its not as bad from the SE. And if Capital Point actually happens it would hide the blank side.

I agree with that.

I guess I'm more aligned with dromfab's thinking in that at least the Viterra building is architecturally different and isn't just a stone and glass box on top of a 4 or 5 story parkade.

Even the Viterra building looks quite a bit different from different angles:

[Festivus]

Originally Posted by BrutallyDishonest2

Its not as bad from the SE. And if Capital Point actually happens it would hide the blank side.

Yeah it has a unique look from that angle. Once (hopefully, eventually) a tower goes up on Vic/Albert, it will all fit.

[BrutallyDishonest2]

Originally Posted by pappcam

I guess I'm more aligned with dromfab's thinking in that at least the Viterra building is architecturally different and isn't just a stone and glass box on top of a 4 or 5 story parkade.

Even the Viterra building looks quite a bit different from different angles:

Well it'd say it is a stone box. And the windows are a crime against humanity.

Needless to say, the 70s was a bad time for architecture.

[Stormer]

It looks like Vale's $4B potash mine at Kronau is dead for the foreseeable future after Mosaic's acquisition. There is no way Mosaic will develop this to compete with its other underutilized mines.

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-vale-sa-m-a-mosaic-fertilizers-idUSKBN148142

[Stormer]

Originally Posted by BrutallyDishonest2

Well it'd say it is a stone box. And the windows are a crime against humanity.

Needless to say, the 70s was a bad time for architecture.

Everyone says this about 40 year old buildings every generation. That is why so many treasures are lost. No one sees the value until about 60 years later. Mid-century modern is really hot right now. I agree though that these cheaply built pre-cast buildings are irredeemable. The 70's seemed to have a lot of these. I think City hall has held up OK though. We may appreciate it even more in 30 years.


http://www.citylab.com/work/2012/02/scourge-1970s-era-office-towers/1235/

[Stormer]

City cutting down several mature elms in the north end of Victoria Park today. I am sure there is good reason, but it is still sad to watch.

[thefourthtower]

http://leaderpost.com/opinion/letters/two-views-on-property-development-in-wascana-centre
Two views on property development in Wascana Centre

Published on: December 15, 2016 | Last Updated: December 15, 2016 2:30 PM CST
Jim Gallagher of Regina writes:

Re — Conexus WCA Announcement:

“The Camel’s Nose Under the Tent Flap” is an Arabian fable, a cautionary tale akin to, but more colourful than our “slippery slope” or “thin edge of the wedge” metaphors.

It warns that if, during a sandstorm, you allow the camel to put his nose under the flap of your tent, before long you will be sleeping with the whole camel. Now camels are known to be large, lumpy and stinky, three adjectives also suited to the Conexus development recently approved for construction in Wascana Park.

With regard to that project, the camel’s nose is now well under the tent flap and the rest of the camel is lurking.

It might look like this: First, another large commercial office building (Brandt Industries) being proposed for construction on the pretence that it will replace the currently dilapidated CNIB building; second, an acknowledgement from the U of R administration that “discussions” took place concerning a large seniors residence (presumably considered for its revenue-generating potential) possibly toward the west end of College Avenue; third, a low-key acknowledgment from some in city hall that business interests in Toronto have made overtures about renting space in Wascana Park.Consider this in light of the provincial cabinet’s warning, almost certain to become reality this spring, that Wascana and Meewasin park (Saskatoon) may no longer receive provincial funding. And thus the perfect storm that will drive the rest of the camel under the tent flap and into the tent. Pleasant dreams

[thefourthtower]

http://www.marketwired.com/press-release...g-project-underway-in-regina-2184360.htm
December 19, 2016 15:15 ET

Construction of New Affordable Housing Project Underway in Regina






REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwired - Dec. 19, 2016) - The Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan, along with the City of Regina and Halifax Holdings West Inc., officially broke ground to begin construction of a 45-unit affordable rental housing project for individuals with complex needs.

The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the Honourable Tina Beaudry-Mellor, Minister of Social Services and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC), His Worship Michael Fougere, Mayor of the City of Regina, and Stephen Onda, President of Halifax Holdings West Inc., made the announcement today.

Quick facts:
•The project consists of the construction of a 45-unit apartment building at 1920 Halifax Street in Regina. All units in the building are approximately 350 square feet (32.5 square metres). All 45 units qualify as affordable and will rent below market rates.
•The Federal and Provincial Governments, through CMHC and SHC, are jointly contributing about $2 million towards 20 of the 45 units under the Canada-Saskatchewan Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH) 2014-2019 Agreement.
•Approximately $3.5 million in funding will be provided by Halifax Holdings West Inc. in the form of cash/land equity and mortgage financing.
•The City of Regina is also contributing $705,000 towards the project.
•Clients will benefit from YWCA support services provided in an independent living environment. Services will include mental health, domestic violence, and addiction supports.
•This project is aligned with a number of strategic priorities outlined in the Province's Housing Strategy, the Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan and the Disability Strategy. These priorities include the need to improve housing affordability, increase community capacity to support people living with mental health and addictions issues, and to increase accessibility and inclusive environments.

Quotes:

"Our Government is pleased to be involved in the creation of new affordable housing that helps people live independently in Regina. Residents will also have access to support and services that meets their needs." - Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

"We continue to focus on housing for people experiencing disability and those who are "hard-to-house". This project is another tangible example of how we are working with our partners to put this goal into action. Most importantly, the individuals who will call these units home will have a safe place to live with the supports they need as they work towards independence and a brighter future."

- Honourable Tina Beaudry-Mellor, Minister of Social Services and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation

"We know that there are some gaps in our city's housing picture. Providing targeted funding to housing projects that are affordable and offer service provision to people in need is a strong investment of taxpayer dollars where they are needed most." His Worship Michael Fougere, Mayor, City of Regina

"We are proud to work with the dedicated individuals and organizations that helped bring this project to reality. When developing this project, we looked to public and private resources, as well as input from community-based organizations for the design and best use of the facility. The YWCA played a leadership role advising as to potential resident needs. Projects like this one are accomplished with a joint effort to address housing needs." - Stephen Onda, President, Halifax Holdings West Inc

[Stormer]

this type of housing is sorely needed in the core. I readily admit I would not want it next door to my home or business, but it has to go somewhere.

[Drofmab]

Originally Posted by thefourthtower

...second, an acknowledgement from the U of R administration that “discussions” took place concerning a large seniors residence (presumably considered for its revenue-generating potential) possibly toward the west end of College Avenue...

Sounds like the author doesn't know what he's talking about... the UofR doen't own any land further west on College Ave. Darke Hall's west wall was literally the UofR's property line, until the City gave them the chunk of land between Darke Hall & Wascana Dr. This chunk will be used for the Conexus building.

oh - maybe he's privy info that this "large" seniors' residence was going to be extremely thin (about the width of the grass between College & Ramsey Dr. - blocking the view of College Ave Campus buildings from College Ave).

...as goes with rumours, there may be a sliver of truth here: the UofR does own the property south of College Ave Campus (to the lake), and the Centre for Continuing Education does cater to an older demographic, so maybe someone floated an idea. Floating an idea is exceptionally different from an idea being given serious consideration (reference: Seminole/Hard Rock stadium in Regina).

[BrutallyDishonest2]

Originally Posted by Stormer

Everyone says this about 40 year old buildings every generation. That is why so many treasures are lost. No one sees the value until about 60 years later. Mid-century modern is really hot right now. I agree though that these cheaply built pre-cast buildings are irredeemable. The 70's seemed to have a lot of these. I think City hall has held up OK though. We may appreciate it even more in 30 years.


http://www.citylab.com/work/2012/02/scourge-1970s-era-office-towers/1235/

I see what you're saying and I agree to a point, but I think some the 70s architecture is universally bad. In fact I'd argue that the 70s was uniquely bad compared to the 60s and 80s. Even the houses were garbage.

Mid-Century modernism is cool but the Viterra building is not mid-century modernism. And I'm even someone who like a lot of Brutalism.