Winnipeg Construction IX - Page 172

wags_in_the_peg · #**3421** Posted **Jun 2, 2017, 12:34 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by balletomane

City asks for input on future of Alexander Docks site

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/winnipeg-alexander-dock-1.4142641

I hope that whatever ends up being built in its place adds to the growing vibrancy of the area.
It would be cool to see the River Rouge and Paddlewheel Queen implemented into the future site and turned into one of those museum/restaurant/hotel ships like the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA. If there's little hope for riverboats on our rivers again we might as well try to save the last ones, cause the marine museum up in Selkirk seems to be tight for space.

I think a marina (or at least seasonal dock space) for recreational boaters would be huge benefit.

wags_in_the_peg · #**3422** Posted **Jun 2, 2017, 12:56 PM**

52 Albert is for sale, $2 mill, hard to believe some Exchange District buildings are sitting empty and derelict inside

"Gregg Building has now come available and is ready for finishing touches. Featuring +/- 35,000 SF on five levels, plus basement"

http://www.winnipegrealestatenews.com/Property/Detail?ML_Number=1713580

rrskylar · #**3423** Posted **Jun 2, 2017, 1:38 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by wags_in_the_peg

I think a marina (or at least seasonal dock space) for recreational boaters would be huge benefit.

There is next to no boat traffic on Winnipeg's rivers anymore, the 97' and subsequent smaller floods took care of most private docks with few if any replaced, cost of fuel and at less interest in boating (at least on the city's rivers), used to see dozens of boats daily out on the Red in the summer now just a few if any some days. The Manitoba govt. and COW could go a long way in helping though, maybe give zero interest loans or grants to potential boat owners and waive the taxes on fuel for pleasure water craft on Winnipeg's waterways!

drew · #**3424** Posted **Jun 2, 2017, 1:45 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by wags_in_the_peg

52 Albert is for sale, $2 mill, hard to believe some Exchange District buildings are sitting empty and derelict inside

"Gregg Building has now come available and is ready for finishing touches. Featuring +/- 35,000 SF on five levels, plus basement"

It's not that hard to imagine from my experience. Basically a lot of these underused buildings in the Exchange can not be further developed until their owners decide to let it happen.

esquire · #**3425** Posted **Jun 2, 2017, 1:51 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by wags_in_the_peg

52 Albert is for sale, $2 mill, hard to believe some Exchange District buildings are sitting empty and derelict inside

What has happened to Albert Street is downright tragic... it went from being one of the best streets in the city 15 years ago to being barely more than a glorified backlane now. A few committed property owners could probably turn it around, though.

Urban recluse · #**3426** Posted **Jun 2, 2017, 2:13 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by BAKGUY

I so agree.
After all the hoop-la, I sure hope that there will be some parapet or cornice relief for the top edging. That would finish it off. I understand the goal will be to have large awnings to recreate the look of the early 1880's when it was built.
I also hope on the adjoining parking lot some nice cafe / patio or attractive infill building will nicely compliment these buildings and the soon to be renovated Winnipeg Hotel.

That lot really needs to be addressed because despite the restoration of the buildings, that lot would lessen the impact they have on the streetscape.

Urban recluse · #**3427** Posted **Jun 2, 2017, 2:16 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by esquire

What has happened to Albert Street is downright tragic... it went from being one of the best streets in the city 15 years ago to being barely more than a glorified backlane now. A few committed property owners could probably turn it around, though.

No kidding. Rather than improve over time, it has deteriorated despite increased efforts revitalizing downtown. This Winnipeg phenomenon where government has to do everything is ridiculous, proving the private sector cannot ever take the f*ckin lead.

esquire · #**3428** Posted **Jun 2, 2017, 2:29 PM**

^ There's a lot of truth in that, for better or for worse. There is very little that has happened in the Exchange over the last 20 years that has not been at least partly government backed in one way or another.

CoryB · #**3429** Posted **Jun 2, 2017, 2:34 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrskylar

There is next to no boat traffic on Winnipeg's rivers anymore, the 97' and subsequent smaller floods took care of most private docks with few if any replaced

After the 97 and other floods wasn't there a ban on construction of any new, permanent private docks on the rivers, including replacement for docks that were lost? I thought this was due to the restrictions on flow especially of ice and debris these docks caused.

The other side of this gets down to the origin and destination question. Assuming you can get your boat onto the river in Winnipeg, looking past the origin side of the equation, what is the destination you are taking the boat and how will you dock when you get there?

I think most of the boat traffic has moved to lakes now.

drew · #**3430** Posted **Jun 2, 2017, 2:39 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by esquire

^ There's a lot of truth in that, for better or for worse. There is very little that has happened in the Exchange over the last 20 years that has not been at least partly government backed in one way or another.

There is a lot of blame to go around regarding buildings that remain underused in the Exchange - but I will reiterate that you cannot develop a building that someone isn't willing to sell, or at least sell for a reasonable amount.

Delinquent owners are a big issue in the Exchange.

robertocarlos · #**3431** Posted **Jun 2, 2017, 2:45 PM**

Why aren't they taxing the hell out of him?

Gregg Building looks solid but for $2 million you can't even park in front of the front door.

Urban recluse · #**3432** Posted **Jun 2, 2017, 2:46 PM**

No one is disputing that, in fact, that is the problem.

esquire · #**3433** Posted **Jun 2, 2017, 2:58 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by drew

Delinquent owners are a big issue in the Exchange.

Yes. I get the impression that there aren't many institutional owners in the Exchange with the resources and inclination to improve their properties. I'm sure there are a lot of local owners who bought buildings when they were dirt cheap in the 90s and are just sitting on them waiting for something to happen to allow them to cash in... I'm fairly sure that's what's going on along Albert. Admittedly not a bad business strategy, but terrible when it comes to the Exchange reaching its full potential.

oftheMoon · #**3434** Posted **Jun 2, 2017, 3:03 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by drew

There is a lot of blame to go around regarding buildings that remain underused in the Exchange - but I will reiterate that you cannot develop a building that someone isn't willing to sell, or at least sell for a reasonable amount.

Delinquent owners are a big issue in the Exchange.

And I'm not sure what these owners are holding out for as there's no benefit owning and watching a building deteriorate. Having said that, I don't think there are tons of developers chomping at the bit to buy these buildings, but I'm sure there is some interest.

The stretch of Albert from McDermot to Notre Dame is sad - maybe someone will buy this building and it will be the kickstart it needs, but also so much $$$$ to refurbish these buildings.

TimeFadesAway · #**3435** Posted **Jun 2, 2017, 3:10 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by esquire

Yes. I get the impression that there aren't many institutional owners in the Exchange with the resources and inclination to improve their properties. I'm sure there are a lot of local owners who bought buildings when they were dirt cheap in the 90s and are just sitting on them waiting for something to happen to allow them to cash in... I'm fairly sure that's what's going on along Albert. Admittedly not a bad business strategy, but terrible when it comes to the Exchange reaching its full potential.

I think in the particular case of the Gregg Building, the current owner also owns the Albert. He had grand plans for both, but ended up taking on a business partner who was a crook (and who died on his 'snow'mobile). After that, he seemed to lose his shine for the properties and closed the only good thing going on there, the bar.

drew · #**3436** Posted **Jun 2, 2017, 3:14 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by oftheMoon

And I'm not sure what these owners are holding out for as there's no benefit owning and watching a building deteriorate. Having said that, I don't think there are tons of developers chomping at the bit to buy these buildings, but I'm sure there is some interest.

The stretch of Albert from McDermot to Notre Dame is sad - maybe someone will buy this building and it will be the kickstart it needs, but also so much $$$$ to refurbish these buildings.

A lot of these buildings were bought for a song back in the day.

They are robust, basically empty spaces that can withstand a great deal of neglect while the owners wait for the value to creep up.

People are sitting on them to wait for some kind of offer they can't refuse. And those types of offers basically fly in the face of the economic realities required to re-purpose the buildings.

Hence why we need gov't money to bridge that gap and grease the process.

Admittedly not in the exchange - but have you ever wondered why the (relatively handsome) Natcom building on the north side of Portage near Sherbrook sits empty? The owner is not even willing to discuss selling it. And they also own other property and lots in the West Broadway area that they aren't willing to part with. Why? Who knows.

robertocarlos · #**3437** Posted **Jun 2, 2017, 3:17 PM**

When he couldn't smoke a cigar, in his own bar, it was over.

Urban recluse · #**3438** Posted **Jun 2, 2017, 3:19 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertocarlos

Why aren't they taxing the hell out of him?

Gregg Building looks solid but for $2 million you can't even park in front of the front door.

Sounds good. For the betterment of the downtown, making it incredibly costly to sit on vacant properties (mainly heritage buildings) is what the city must do.

robertocarlos · #**3439** Posted **Jun 2, 2017, 3:20 PM**

PSB Breaking news. Cats and his buddies should be in jail.

esquire · #**3440** Posted **Jun 2, 2017, 3:47 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertocarlos

PSB Breaking news. Cats and his buddies should be in jail.

You must be talking about this?

http://www.cbc.ca/beta/news/canada/manitoba/police-headquarters-firearms-lab-1.4143012

It just never ends with the PSB. Classic Winnipeg penny wise, pound foolish approach, enabled by racketeers masquerading as civic officials.