[Halifax] Nova Centre | 65-58-58 m | 16-15-14 fl | Completed

[OldDartmouthMark]

Originally Posted by Keith P.

It always has been in living memory though. Probably an improvement over the gravel parking lots that used to be on that part of Market St.

I'm in complete agreement with this, but my point was that we probably could have done better.

[OldDartmouthMark]

Originally Posted by eastcoastal

"Rogers Plaza," the thing that used to be a public street.

Maybe we should just start the competition for naming rights for the whole city now? No more H/\LIF/\X. Hello to Rogerstown... Eastlinkville... Upper Telusland...

Hmmm... at least it could help us deal with streets/places named after historical figures whom have done wrong...

[OldDartmouthMark]

Originally Posted by worldlyhaligonian

Big improvement. I don't think many remember how bad that section was and its also the buildings on the Brunswick side that contribute to this.

There will be some streets like that in every city. The complaining never stops about the Nova Centre... most of it isn't constructive, its just to whinge (perfect use of the word).

It sounds like you classify the expression of opinions that don't align with your own as whinging.

I don't. I think that such conversations are constructive, whether I agree with the points being presented or not. It's a healthy exchange of ideas, IMHO.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Originally Posted by eastcoastal

Shockingly (or not), there's already a street named after Gloria McCluskey.

That was the joke!

[worldlyhaligonian]

Originally Posted by OldDartmouthMark

It sounds like you classify the expression of opinions that don't align with your own as whinging.

I don't. I think that such conversations are constructive, whether I agree with the points being presented or not. It's a healthy exchange of ideas, IMHO.

Well, I mean, its built and we've known that Market street would be the service entrance and was utterly dead (and exposed to wind) before the NC was built. I think you're the one beating a dead horse.

I think a more constructive point is how can any blank walls be addressed.

The difference of opinion is largely that those who wanted to see squat buildings on the site won't stop bringing it up.

Definition - complain persistently and in a peevish or irritating way.
"stop whingeing and get on with it!"

[OldDartmouthMark]

Originally Posted by worldlyhaligonian

Well, I mean, its built and we've known that Market street would be the service entrance and was utterly dead (and exposed to wind) before the NC was built. I think you're the one beating a dead horse.

Hey, I like horses...

So, now that it's (almost) built, we aren't allowed to express our thoughts about it? Sorry, I didn't know...

I think a more constructive point is how can any blank walls be addressed.

Go for it! Let us know your thoughts.

The difference of opinion is largely that those who wanted to see squat buildings on the site won't stop bringing it up.

That's not me, but I guess you didn't read my post.

Definition - complain persistently and in a peevish or irritating way.
"stop whingeing and get on with it!"

Yeah, I already looked it up (not a word commonly used around here - well, never used actually). I'm sure you didn't mean it to be insulting in any way.

Great discussion! Thanks!

[worldlyhaligonian]

Originally Posted by OldDartmouthMark

Hey, I like horses...

So, now that it's (almost) built, we aren't allowed to express our thoughts about it? Sorry, I didn't know...



Go for it! Let us know your thoughts.



That's not me, but I guess you didn't read my post.



Yeah, I already looked it up (not a word commonly used around here - well, never used actually). I'm sure you didn't mean it to be insulting in any way.

Great discussion! Thanks!

No worries. I suggested that screens be placed over the blank walls a few pages back. These could either be LED type and display something or more decorative.

[OldDartmouthMark]

Originally Posted by worldlyhaligonian

No worries. I suggested that screens be placed over the blank walls a few pages back. These could either be LED type and display something or more decorative.

That's an interesting idea. Would be neat if the screens could have a more muted look to appear as paintings, etc., vs the typical bright and flashy LED screens.

My larger concern is that there is little to engage passers-by, like no real reason to walk there - it's just something to walk around.

[ILoveHalifax]

Originally Posted by OldDartmouthMark

That's an interesting idea. Would be neat if the screens could have a more muted look to appear as paintings, etc., vs the typical bright and flashy LED screens.

My larger concern is that there is little to engage passers-by, like no real reason to walk there - it's just something to walk around.

I did go to one of the meetings back before construction and Ramia was proposing some interesting screens or art type thing along Market. I suppose they need to finish the brick work before they install the screens/art

[IanWatson]

Originally Posted by OldDartmouthMark

That's an interesting idea. Would be neat if the screens could have a more muted look to appear as paintings, etc., vs the typical bright and flashy LED screens.

I've been following e-ink (the screens in e-readers) technology for a while and it's finally getting to the point where it can be used on a large scale, and also where colours are possible. I think it's pretty exciting in terms of what it could mean for things like architectural design. The San Diego airport just installed a whole bunch of them on their parking garage to use as a changeable mural.

[OldDartmouthMark]

Originally Posted by ILoveHalifax

I did go to one of the meetings back before construction and Ramia was proposing some interesting screens or art type thing along Market. I suppose they need to finish the brick work before they install the screens/art

Hey, that's good news if they are still intending to do it.

Like I said before, I'll hold off till it's finished before I decide to hate it or not (lol). I'm sure it will be a net positive for the area, and will be even better if they add some nice extras to make it more attractive.

[OldDartmouthMark]

Originally Posted by IanWatson

I've been following e-ink (the screens in e-readers) technology for a while and it's finally getting to the point where it can be used on a large scale, and also where colours are possible. I think it's pretty exciting in terms of what it could mean for things like architectural design. The San Diego airport just installed a whole bunch of them on their parking garage to use as a changeable mural.

That sounds cool!

[RangerNS]

Everyone's memories and even current perspective is through rose colored glasses.

The Nova Center block of Market Street is, even with the 4 story wall of dark grey the brightest and most open of the three blocks. Between the Keg and the Prince George, and especially between Cambridge Suites and Symcor are nothing short of claustrophobic.

Sure, the NC block is less open then when it was a parking lot, but it continues to be great in comparison to the rest of Market.

[OldDartmouthMark]

Originally Posted by RangerNS

Everyone's memories and even current perspective is through rose colored glasses.

The Nova Center block of Market Street is, even with the 4 story wall of dark grey the brightest and most open of the three blocks. Between the Keg and the Prince George, and especially between Cambridge Suites and Symcor are nothing short of claustrophobic.

Sure, the NC block is less open then when it was a parking lot, but it continues to be great in comparison to the rest of Market.

Respectfully, my post wasn't about memories or the past, just about a potential missed opportunity to make it better than it looks like it will be. But maybe it will be great, really really great (sorry for the Trump reference...).

I appreciate the discussion as the forum has been a little dead lately...

[RangerNS]

Originally Posted by OldDartmouthMark

Respectfully, my post wasn't about memories or the past, just about a potential missed opportunity to make it better than it looks like it will be.

It was a reply against the general feeling.

To which, my general feeling is I don't like either the politics or location of the NC. in particular, selling off the street is neigh criminal. But it isn't a horrible building. The offices will be empty and the convention center not big enough to be better than the WTCC, but alas.

1/4 of the sides being kinda a wasteland (but better then adjacent wastelands) isn't a point to be complaining about.

[OldDartmouthMark]

Originally Posted by RangerNS

It was a reply against the general feeling.

To which, my general feeling is I don't like either the politics or location of the NC. in particular, selling off the street is neigh criminal. But it isn't a horrible building. The offices will be empty and the convention center not big enough to be better than the WTCC, but alas.

1/4 of the sides being kinda a wasteland (but better then adjacent wastelands) isn't a point to be complaining about.

Understood. Great points in both posts, actually. I especially agree about the politics, location and selling off part of Grafton Street.

The dead side - we'll see. I'm expecting (hoping) that when the bank bunker (Symcor) site next to The Dillon is redeveloped, it should be a major improvement to the area and will improve the general feel of the neighborhood greatly. I don't mind the Prince George/Keg areas of Market, it's usually fairly well travelled. The Carmichael side of the Homburg building on Market used to have a restaurant/bar in it, so maybe this could be revitalized once the NC is in operation?

Maybe Market St. side of NC will be a reasonable sacrifice?

[worldlyhaligonian]

Originally Posted by RangerNS

It was a reply against the general feeling.

To which, my general feeling is I don't like either the politics or location of the NC. in particular, selling off the street is neigh criminal. But it isn't a horrible building. The offices will be empty and the convention center not big enough to be better than the WTCC, but alas.

1/4 of the sides being kinda a wasteland (but better then adjacent wastelands) isn't a point to be complaining about.

My thoughts about naming the section of the street: we have plenty of things named after commercial interests in Halifax... its literally part of the tradition of the city. Keith and Cunard are examples.

Looking at the office tower layout and the confirmed tenants, I think it will be full and maybe some of the 80s and 90s towers will be more vacant.

Time will tell. It is definitely a huge improvement over the WTCC.

Next, we need a proper stadium!

[worldlyhaligonian]

Originally Posted by OldDartmouthMark

Understood. Great points in both posts, actually. I especially agree about the politics, location and selling off part of Grafton Street.

The dead side - we'll see. I'm expecting (hoping) that when the bank bunker (Symcor) site next to The Dillon is redeveloped, it should be a major improvement to the area and will improve the general feel of the neighborhood greatly. I don't mind the Prince George/Keg areas of Market, it's usually fairly well travelled. The Carmichael side of the Homburg building on Market used to have a restaurant/bar in it, so maybe this could be revitalized once the NC is in operation?

Maybe Market St. side of NC will be a reasonable sacrifice?

The bunker needs to go!

[Ziobrop]

Originally Posted by worldlyhaligonian

Keith and Cunard are examples.

err Keith was mayor of halifax for a number of years, and Cunard was one of the principles of the halifax Steamboat company which offered the first powered ferry to dartmouth, and who went on to revolutionize transatlantic travel with fixed scheduled service.

while names carry on as a Beer/Cruise line brand, both were haligonians worthy of commemoration beyond "corporate naming rights"

[worldlyhaligonian]

Originally Posted by Ziobrop

err Keith was mayor of halifax for a number of years, and Cunard was one of the principles of the halifax Steamboat company which offered the first powered ferry to dartmouth, and who went on to revolutionize transatlantic travel with fixed scheduled service.

while names carry on as a Beer/Cruise line brand, both were haligonians worthy of commemoration beyond "corporate naming rights"

Right, but I'm sure they aren't getting that for free and Rogers is named after Ted Rogers, a prominent Canadian. Its not that big a deal.