Regina Construction III

[one_brick_at_a_time]

Amazing for the YWCA!

What is our list so far of large 2019 projects to begin and/or to be finished?

[Nathan]

Originally Posted by StealthGirl

YWCA wants to build a new facility in Cathedral. $35-million facility at the site of the former Victoria School and Lucy Eley Park. (A block north of Victoria between Rae and Retallack). City would gift the land.


https://leaderpost.com/news/local-news/y...-with-city-likely-to-pitch-in-free-land?

I wonder how much opposition this will face.

I live nearby and I think it's a fantastic idea.

Hope it passes all the hurdles.

[Stormer]

Shelters for at risk women and children are sorely needed. The addiction component is also something new, I believe. So often the addictions are part of the issue and often disqualify women from shelters or get them kicked out. They end up in even worse situations.

[Stormer]

How can the old building be repurposed? I can't imagine it has a lot of value. Perhaps low income housing? I do not believe the living units have their own bathrooms, but I may be wrong.

Typically these charity-owned buildings have tons of deferred maintenance. They get grants to build them by not necessarily to maintain them.

[UPP]

Originally Posted by StealthGirl

YWCA wants to build a new facility in Cathedral. $35-million facility at the site of the former Victoria School and Lucy Eley Park. (A block north of Victoria between Rae and Retallack). City would gift the land.


https://leaderpost.com/news/local-news/y...-with-city-likely-to-pitch-in-free-land?

I wonder how much opposition this will face.

I'm gonna guess a lot of opposition. The Safeway rebuild was hugely opposed as was the condo redevelopment on the corner of 13th and Elphinstone. Not to mention, plenty of people opposed the Connaught School rebuild despite the fact the old building was literally falling down.

[HomeInMyShoes]

^It does have one less arguing point as there are no existing structures where it is being built, but I would agree that the outrage will be loud.

[StealthGirl]

Originally Posted by HomeInMyShoes

^It does have one less arguing point as there are no existing structures where it is being built, but I would agree that the outrage will be loud.

I've already seen some outrage online about losing more green space.

[BrutallyDishonest2]

My issue... is that it's all unnecessary. The city had less valuable land it could have given. And the YW should focus on expanding their existing location rather than building the inevitable low-rise facility that's going to happen.

Given that the YWCA just bought (and massively overpaid for) another facility it's a bit confusing...

[J-Walker]

Originally Posted by BrutallyDishonest2

My issue... is that it's all unnecessary. The city had less valuable land it could have given. And the YW should focus on expanding their existing location rather than building the inevitable low-rise facility that's going to happen.

Given that the YWCA just bought (and massively overpaid for) another facility it's a bit confusing...

Agreed. There is a much better location for this project. First, this is the only park space in that area of Cathedral for the residents within several blocks, it’s not fair to them that it’s going to be converted to institutional use - I understand that they say the project will include park space, but it’s not the same as a dedicated public park. Second, no one’s ever going to buy the city owned land where the old Taylor feild was unless it comes at a deep discount. The city should give them land there. That area needs new development. It’s what is suppposed to happen there, and they could give them an even larger lot if the YW needs without taking away a community park from a neighbourhood with very little park space as is. They should seriously reconsider this.

[one_brick_at_a_time]

What will happen to the current YWCA building? Could they make proper apartments there?

[Stormer]

Originally Posted by one_brick_at_a_time

What will happen to the current YWCA building? Could they make proper apartments there?

Proper would be a stretch. The windows are tiny. I t would be expensive as currently the rooms have no private kitchens or bathrooms.

Does anyone know where the $35 million is coming from and how much more they need to raise to move forward?

[Nathan]

Originally Posted by J-Walker

Agreed. There is a much better location for this project. First, this is the only park space in that area of Cathedral for the residents within several blocks, it’s not fair to them that it’s going to be converted to institutional use - I understand that they say the project will include park space, but it’s not the same as a dedicated public park. Second, no one’s ever going to buy the city owned land where the old Taylor feild was unless it comes at a deep discount. The city should give them land there. That area needs new development. It’s what is suppposed to happen there, and they could give them an even larger lot if the YW needs without taking away a community park from a neighbourhood with very little park space as is. They should seriously reconsider this.

It's a bit of a garbage park, but you are right that it's the only green space for a number of blocks.

I didn't think about the old Taylor Field lands though, that could definitely be a good spot for something like this as well.

[BrutallyDishonest2]

Originally Posted by Stormer

Proper would be a stretch. The windows are tiny. I t would be expensive as currently the rooms have no private kitchens or bathrooms.

Does anyone know where the $35 million is coming from and how much more they need to raise to move forward?

Maybe the same place as Namerind's money?

Honestly though, the YWCA's building is going to be very hard to offload unless it's a similar user. To be reused the entire pre-cast would need to be taken off which is enormously expensive.

[one_brick_at_a_time]

I sent an email to Regina Transit asking if they have any plans to update the signage and lighting on their building location next to Lulu. 1. It looks so shady and not as bright and welcoming as it could be especially since it’s the main location for riders to access. 2. The facade with the pillars is beautiful and needs to be shown in a better light. Some new LED lights shining vertically up the pillars for at night time would really add to the evening downtown lighting visuals especially along that strip that just had Lulu renovate and the new and restored H&M building.

That brings me to the question, are there any incentives for downtown businesses and buildings to add evening lighting features/focuses (colour as well) to their businesses and properties to make Regina Downtown more lively?

[StealthGirl]

Originally Posted by one_brick_at_a_time

at brings me to the question, are there any incentives for downtown businesses and buildings to add evening lighting features/focuses (colour as well) to their businesses and properties to make Regina Downtown more lively?

That would be a great question/suggestion to make to the Regina Downtown BID.

[Udon'tknow]

Interesting article in the LeaderPost about discussions regarding the potential for a new downtown arena. Saskatoon is having similar discussions so why not Regina, our arena is older and smaller there's likely some interest in something new but probably others who would prefer a renovated Brandt.

https://leaderpost.com/sports/hockey/regina-pats/new-arena-could-be-on-reginas-radar

[brithgob]

Originally Posted by Udon'tknow

Interesting article in the LeaderPost about discussions regarding the potential for a new downtown arena. Saskatoon is having similar discussions so why not Regina, our arena is older and smaller there's likely some interest in something new but probably others who would prefer a renovated Brandt.

https://leaderpost.com/sports/hockey/regina-pats/new-arena-could-be-on-reginas-radar

They’re talking about a minimum capacity of 10,000 and I don’t believe it’s possible to expand the Brandt Centre to that level.

[one_brick_at_a_time]

Originally Posted by brithgob

They’re talking about a minimum capacity of 10,000 and I don’t believe it’s possible to expand the Brandt Centre to that level.

Would be awesome to put the 10,000 seat arena in the rail yard lands to make that the main event space feature. Then condos, grocery store and shops around it with underground parking.

[skphc08]

Originally Posted by one_brick_at_a_time

Would be awesome to put the 10,000 seat arena in the rail yard lands to make that the main event space feature. Then condos, grocery store and shops around it with underground parking.

Or exhibition grounds with some mid- or high-density residential and significant transit access...?

[one_brick_at_a_time]

Originally Posted by skphc08

Or exhibition grounds with some mid- or high-density residential and significant transit access...?

With the amount of businesses along the Dewdney stretch plus (with the future pedestrian bridge across to the Cornwall Centre/Hamilton Street area) wouldn’t it be better to have the arena around all those businesses that could benefit from the before and after crowds (who parked, walked)? I get that the exhibition grounds are a big hub, but there isn’t much in the immediate area other than DQ south of the Stadium. The Arena would really play to the revitalization of a currently empty space at the railyards.