Winnipeg Construction X

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Originally Posted by esquire

When is something going to happen with J. Werier/Cockshutt Plow further up the street? That building looks like it could be a jewel.

Earlier in July, Heritage Committee nominated the building for additioin to the List of Historical Resources. Just last week, Property Committee heard the matter and the vote was a tie, so the vote was lost and the matter was bumped up to Exec. Policy without a recommendation. The owner (Alan Werier) was opposed to the designation but gave no reasons why.

[esquire]

^ Thanks.

It's funny that they keep that little family business going in there. If you've never been inside, have a look around, it's a trip. It's just a bunch of dusty, random crap from the 70s that has been for sale for the last 40+ years. There is almost nothing that appears to have been made since the USSR fell, even though it's all technically "brand new" unused merchandise. I'm assuming it gives someone in the family something to do?

I remember at one point they had surplus clothing for sale on the upper floors, it was breathtaking... piles of low grade garments from the 60s and 70s, although it was probably about a decade ago that I last set foot up there.

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Interior photos from the heritage report. Some great space on the upper floors.

[esquire]

^ One of the last great untouched jewels of the Exchange District.

[drew]

That building has residential conversion written all over it. Once the development of Princess gets down that far.

[esquire]

Originally Posted by drew

That building has residential conversion written all over it. Once the development of Princess gets down that far.

There are recent residential developments just a few metres to the south, west and north... its time has come. It would probably be redeveloped already if it didn't have the owners it has.

[drew]

Originally Posted by esquire

There are recent residential developments just a few metres to the south, west and north... its time has come. It would probably be redeveloped already if it didn't have the owners it has.

Probably. The same story for virtually every underused building in otherwise attractive areas of the City (Exchange, Osborne Village, South Osborne).

[esquire]

Oh to have the money to crumple up and throw out the offers they have undoubtedly received to buy vacant buildings they probably got for a pittance during one of the lean years.

[Labroco]

Originally Posted by esquire

So when does the selling part happen?!

Perhaps when Mrs. Werier passes away...

They do not need the money...

[drew]

I suspect some people collect and hold on to buildings the same as some people hoard random shit in their basements.

That being said, I can't imagine myself wanting to hold on to several older blocks in Winnipeg for much longer than is necessary. It just seems like a lot of added stress for no apparent reason.

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2756 Main - right at the north limit of the City boundary with RM of West St. Paul

[wardlow]

The Murray V. Jones & Associates’ 1968 report on downtown Winnipeg development summed it up quite nicely:

“A substantial amount of downtown land is owned by individuals who are not members of the real estate or development community. Rather, they tend to be in other business and professions and, being unfamiliar with actual real estate conditions, they do not behave according to the dictates of the market.”

More than 50 years later, it’s still a major impediment to development.

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Kimberley at London.

[drew]

Originally Posted by wardlow

The Murray V. Jones & Associates’ 1968 report on downtown Winnipeg development summed it up quite nicely:

“A substantial amount of downtown land is owned by individuals who are not members of the real estate or development community. Rather, they tend to be in other business and professions and, being unfamiliar with actual real estate conditions, they do not behave according to the dictates of the market.”

More than 50 years later, it’s still a major impediment to development.

It's probably still mostly the same people/families that are holding out today.

That quote is great - it's a really polite way of saying there is a bunch of deadbeat owners of buildings in Winnipeg.

[bomberjet]

^^ That little step down on the Kimberley apts was a key item for the locals. lol Virtually the same building as the original.

[esquire]

Originally Posted by bomberjet

^^ That little step down on the Kimberley apts was a key item for the locals. lol Virtually the same building as the original.

[Labroco]

Originally Posted by Labroco

Perhaps when Mrs. Werier passes away...

They do not need the money...

It’s very very difficult to part with a building one has owned for 40 or 50 years, pay huge taxes and be left with cash you don’t need. The cash is intangable where as the building holds memories and an intrinsic value for the one who may own it. Some I must admit may have a black heart with no concern for the building such as the owners of the St. Charles hotel or the St. Regis.

I am very surprised this building was not listed as every other building in the area has been...

It is a beauty and in time will be converted I’m sure but the problem will be no parking for the users. It will make a better tec building than residential as the parking requirements will be easier to address.

[drew]

Originally Posted by Labroco

It’s very very difficult to part with a building one has owned for 40 or 50 years, pay huge taxes and be left with cash you don’t need. The cash is intangable where as the building holds memories and an intrinsic value for the one who may own it. Some I must admit may have a black heart with no concern for the building such as the owners of the St. Charles hotel or the St. Regis.

I am very surprised this building was not listed as every other building in the area has been...

It is a beauty and in time will be converted I’m sure but the problem will be no parking for the users. It will make a better tec building than residential as the parking requirements will be easier to address.

100 Princess (a very similar building size wise) was successfully converted to residential (main floor commercial) with zero onsite parking.

[Labroco]

[QUOTE=drew;8685167]It's probably still mostly the same people/families that are holding out today.

That quote is great - it's a really polite way of saying there is a bunch of deadbeat owners of buildings in Winnipeg.[/QUOTE

The quote from 1968 refered to the multitude of business owners who happened to own the buildings they worked out of. They did not wish to sell and become renters or have to relocate somewhere else. That’s why it was considered difficult to buy large contiguous parcels of land for “modern” redevelopment. It was the government agencies such as the precursor of centre venture that felt all of downtown should be razed for a “modern” city hall, convention centre, post office or trizek. Much of this property was expropriate or very close to it.

It’s because of those holdouts you refer to who did not want or need the money we have any heritage buildings at all!

The real estate issues downtown are not as transparent as they may seem.

[Labroco]

Originally Posted by drew

100 Princess (a very similar building size wise) was successfully converted to residential (main floor commercial) with zero onsite parking.

Perhaps...

As a rental but not a condo..

With no residential grants that will have to wait for a while.