Saskatoon Construction III

[phone]

Originally Posted by CCF

Why can't Wascana Centre and Meewasin both be attractions in Saskatchewan? Shouldn't we invest in making both excellent places for residents (and tourists too). Why is it one or the other?

They both can, and it's silly to suggest that it's an either/or situation.

I hesitate to get into the (typically one way) rivalry between Saskatoon and Regina, but I think it largely derives from Saskatoon's historic place as junior partner to Regina, where Saskatoon still has this residual need to "prove itself" against Regina despite having outgrown the capital in terms of population.

That said, it's stupid, and how Regina is sometimes treated by Saskatonians is a point of embarrassment. Yes, there will always be some degree of jockeying for provincial dollars (see the developing "arena race"), and some degree of lighthearted rivalry can be positive, and possibly inevitable, but the underlying fact is that the two cities are very much alike and should be rooting for each other's success at every turn.

[905er]

Originally Posted by phone

Yes yes, Baydo bad, glass good. Cunning observation.

I thought so.

[CCF]

Originally Posted by phone

They both can, and it's silly to suggest that it's an either/or situation.

I hesitate to get into the (typically one way) rivalry between Saskatoon and Regina, but I think it largely derives from Saskatoon's historic place as junior partner to Regina, where Saskatoon still has this residual need to "prove itself" against Regina despite having outgrown the capital in terms of population.

That said, it's stupid, and how Regina is sometimes treated by Saskatonians is a point of embarrassment. Yes, there will always be some degree of jockeying for provincial dollars (see the developing "arena race"), and some degree of lighthearted rivalry can be positive, and possibly inevitable, but the underlying fact is that the two cities are very much alike and should be rooting for each other's success at every turn.

Couldn't agree more. Well said.

I root for Saskatoon's success. I think any city in the province that helps move the dial on better urbanism is for the betterment of all cities (and the province as a whole). I believe that if best practices are embraced in one city, it could help push for the same in the other (we see this in Calgary-Edmonton). If one were successful in securing funding from the province for city-building initiatives (like a new arena/entertainment district), then naturally so will the other. I truly believe we need stronger urban advocates in Saskatchewan (and not just specific to Regina and Saskatoon) to address the many issues that our communities are facing. Saskatchewan is still one of (if not the) most rural provinces in Canada. We need champions who collectively advocate for better cities.

[The Bess]

Didn't BHP say this about jobs

BHP announced today that its Board of Directors approved the Jansen Potash Mine in Saskatchewan and will be moving ahead with the project. This decision marks the single largest economic investment ever made in Saskatchewan's history.

BHP's decision is a milestone for Saskatchewan as the company will invest a total of $12 billion to complete the Jansen project. To date, approximately $5 billion has been spent to construct the mine with an additional $7.5 billion in investment expected to complete the project.

The project is expected to create around 3,500 jobs annually during construction. Once in operation, the project will support over 600 direct jobs at the mine site and at the corporate office in Saskatoon.

[Biff]

Not being from Saskatoon I haven't gone though all of these pages, but I haven't seen a thread for Spire. 838 Spadina Cres - 19 storey, 106 Units. Looks like a great project.

[phone]

Originally Posted by Biff

Not being from Saskatoon I haven't gone though all of these pages, but I haven't seen a thread for Spire. 838 Spadina Cres - 19 storey, 106 Units. Looks like a great project.

I believe that one involved either/both subdivision and rezoning and generated a little contention. I understand there has been some procedural advance but I'm not quite sure the current status.

Personally it's hard to see the downside to this project, it's a unique building for Saskatoon, brings more residents downtown, and will help the adjacent United Church (which moonlights as a performing arts venue) survive. I understand the counterargument is loosely based around crowding the riverbank. BANANAs.

[The Bess]

The project was approved earlier this year, when i contacted Meridian they said they would not be starting it this year.

[Overklll]

I don't recall seeing this exact image of the Meridian Knox project. Is there somewhere this is posted? Perhaps that is an older image though?

[asdfgh]

I think someone may have posted something about this a while ago, but it's a nice little infill across from the skatepark on Spadina in Riversdale. Looking at some listings on facebook marketplace and it appears they are renting for around $1750 to $2000.

It's nice to see some smaller projects like this popping up. The views from those top units will be spectacular.

[Overklll]

I am surprised they are priced this low considering they are new, large, and in a great location. I pass by this frequently and am glad to see this type of project in the area. Hopefully more to come, and maybe council will get the parcels near the Farmer's Market up for sale soon too. Now that the silly idea to have that area as an option for the arena is now gone it is time to get those parcels moving!

Originally Posted by asdfgh

I think someone may have posted something about this a while ago, but it's a nice little infill across from the skatepark on Spadina in Riversdale. Looking at some listings on facebook marketplace and it appears they are renting for around $1750 to $2000.

It's nice to see some smaller projects like this popping up. The views from those top units will be spectacular.

[phone]

Video of the presentation regarding the proposed National Urban Park has been posted online and is available at this link (starting around 13:00):

https://pub-saskatoon.escribemeetings.co...?Id=35583d91-2785-4a12-ac37-5047ddf1a456

Some excellent Q&A as well. Whole project sounds very promising, and we are looking at a designation in 2025 or '26.

[Wyku]

I'm sure this has been discussed, but what the heck is being built at the landfill across from the bus barns? There's a huge elevated platform with what looks like a massive parking lot built on top of it with a few buildings scattered around. More City Yards?

[Brutopian]

Originally Posted by phone

Video of the presentation regarding the proposed National Urban Park has been posted online and is available at this link (starting around 13:00):

https://pub-saskatoon.escribemeetings.co...?Id=35583d91-2785-4a12-ac37-5047ddf1a456

Some excellent Q&A as well. Whole project sounds very promising, and we are looking at a designation in 2025 or '26.

Check out the website here.

[chrisniel]

Originally Posted by Wyku

I'm sure this has been discussed, but what the heck is being built at the landfill across from the bus barns? There's a huge elevated platform with what looks like a massive parking lot built on top of it with a few buildings scattered around. More City Yards?

Recovery park: http://https://www.saskatoon.ca/environm...d-waste/recovery-park-landfill-expansion

[WhipperSnapper]

Originally Posted by phone

You are right, and Saskatoon is certainly far down the totem pole, but that doesn't mean we can't take steps to make it a more marketable location. I have a hard time seeing this place move that high up in the national ranks (maybe we will be firmly alongside Halifax in my lifetime, if we are lucky), but we can still try our best to make sure that our slice of the pie is a good one.

My point was the investor crowd is not a good thing for all local residents although you can get alot of shiny development built in a much shorter time over attracting people looking for a place to establish roots.

Bazis is a major Kazakhstan development with a Canadian subsidiary building in Toronto. Their glass window wall buildings leave a lot to be desired.

[phone]

Originally Posted by WhipperSnapper

My point was the investor crowd is not a good thing for all local residents although you can get alot of shiny development built in a much shorter time over attracting people looking for a place to establish roots.

Bazis is a major Kazakhstan development with a Canadian subsidiary building in Toronto. Their glass window wall buildings leave a lot to be desired.

Fair enough, and I agree with your point, but I just have a hard time seeing Saskatoon getting to the point where that becomes a real issue for local residents. That pattern of development has yet to firmly establish itself here, and by the time it works its way down, who's to say that it won't have been displaced by some other?

[Crisis]

Originally Posted by phone

I believe that one involved either/both subdivision and rezoning and generated a little contention. I understand there has been some procedural advance but I'm not quite sure the current status.

Personally it's hard to see the downside to this project, it's a unique building for Saskatoon, brings more residents downtown, and will help the adjacent United Church (which moonlights as a performing arts venue) survive. I understand the counterargument is loosely based around crowding the riverbank. BANANAs.

Originally Posted by The Bess

The project was approved earlier this year, when i contacted Meridian they said they would not be starting it this year.

A bit of an update on this. I see that Meridian is now soliciting subtrade pricing for the "Spire Tower Project" at 838 Spadina Crescent. Currently out for the following:

• Foundation Waterproofing
• Concrete
• Masonry
• Structural Steel
• Flooring
• Mechanical & Plumbing
• Fire Protection
• Electrical

They also note that construction is slated to start in Q1 of 2023. As part of the package, they've issued 90% drawings. I'm not at liberty to post any documents, however, it would appear that roof level is approximately 63m.

I'd say this is a pretty good indication that the project is likely to proceed.

NOTE: THIS IS ABOUT THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AT THE KNOX UNITED CHURCH PARKING LOT. WHEN I COPIED THE PREVIOUS POSTS, THE RENDERING DIDN'T COPY.

[phone]

There's something going up on Jasper Ave that you can see from Idylwyld just south of Ruth. Looks like 3 or 4 floors, potentially. Might just be some kind of warehouse but given its proximity to the freeway I thought it could end up something of note. Any clues?

[phone]

Originally Posted by Crisis

A bit of an update on this. I see that Meridian is now soliciting subtrade pricing for the "Spire Tower Project" at 838 Spadina Crescent. Currently out for the following:

• Foundation Waterproofing
• Concrete
• Masonry
• Structural Steel
• Flooring
• Mechanical & Plumbing
• Fire Protection
• Electrical

They also note that construction is slated to start in Q1 of 2023. As part of the package, they've issued 90% drawings. I'm not at liberty to post any documents, however, it would appear that roof level is approximately 63m.

I'd say this is a pretty good indication that the project is likely to proceed.

NOTE: THIS IS ABOUT THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AT THE KNOX UNITED CHURCH PARKING LOT. WHEN I COPIED THE PREVIOUS POSTS, THE RENDERING DIDN'T COPY.

Exciting!! I was looking at that part of downtown from Cosmo Park the other day thinking how nice of an addition that building will be to the skyline. I think it will complement the area quite nicely. I don't understand those who say that it will detract from the churches in the area -- the churches are already overwhelmed by all the apartment blocks behind them! If anything, this will help the churches stand out by providing a foreground focal point to counterbalance the older towers farther back.

That said, I'm not a big fan of the moniker "The Spire"... gaudy, cute, while still being generic and palate-less. "Knox Tower" would offer a better sense of place while still connoting an "executive trim" meaning (Fort Knox?). Regardless of the name, ultimately I do like the building, and I applaud Meridian for actually being committed to larger scale (for Saskatoon) projects in the city centre (even if I still haven't fully recovered from the untimely Frankenstining of the Modern Press building).

[Overklll]

Agreed! I was worried this was not going to happen given the steps leading up to now... great to see it is happening in the new year.

Wondering if anyone knows what is happening with the lot next to the Parktown? 916 Spadina Crescent East. It seemed to sell reasonably quickly (or maybe I am just optimistically remembering this...) and would be another good location for an interesting 'The Spire'.

Originally Posted by phone

Exciting!! I was looking at that part of downtown from Cosmo Park the other day thinking how nice of an addition that building will be to the skyline. I think it will complement the area quite nicely. I don't understand those who say that it will detract from the churches in the area -- the churches are already overwhelmed by all the commie blocks behind them! If anything, this will help the churches stand out by providing a foreground focal point to counterbalance the older towers farther back.

That said, I'm not a big fan of the moniker "The Spire"... gaudy, cute, while still being generic and palate-less. "Knox Tower" would offer a better sense of place while still connoting an "executive trim" meaning (Fort Knox?). Regardless of the name, ultimately I do like the building, and I applaud Meridian for actually being committed to larger scale (for Saskatoon) projects in the city centre (even if I still haven't fully recovered from the untimely Frankenstining of the Modern Press building).