The Ultimate Vancouver Rumour Thread!

[LeftCoaster]

Just wondering if anyone heard the sam Sullivan interview regarding eco density. I just heard it on the radio this morning on the way to work, but he mentioned his desire to get rid of the height restrictions in certain areas, such as the DTES and other areas (notably not downtown), to acheive greater density. He also said he was attempting to push for more density allowances on larger city sites in downtown and around the city to further increase density in accordance with his eco density policy.

[LeftCoaster]

^ wow I really used the word density way to many times in that post

[jlousa]

Don't know why that Amacon tower rumours aren't dying down, as they are still activily leasing out 1133 Melville (as of today) , not to mention there is no density available to them there, it's been used for the Melville project. So my question is were is the density coming from as I don't know of any density they own, nor do I know of any for sale in the amount they would require. Before someone mentions maybe the city would allow it anyways as we need office space, that would set up the city for some nasty lawsuits from developers that have had to shell out cash for density already. While I'm not saying this project will never happen, I'm confident it won't happen with the next 5years.

[phesto]

Re: 1133 Melville - Merrick Architecture just moved in to the 7th floor about a month ago, and yes, they are still actively leasing out the remaining vacant space. Also, the Enterprise rental car just opened in that garage (with the storefront in the Melville), so I highly doubt Amacon would be pursuing a redevelopment until well after 2010.

Amacon will face some major obstacles, not the least of which is introducing that much office space to a market that will likely have seen close to a million new sq ft of space built (in GM Place, Bentall and Manulife) by the time they can build.

If they are serious about this though, my suspicion would be that they are trying to land a major existing tenant downtown in the 100-150k sq ft range (yes, there is a handful of companies that large downtown). Larger tenants might be willing to sign a prelease a few years out if it means finding AAA space. Still, this is VERY aggressive considering that A)this is Vancouver B) the market is probably close to peaking in terms of rents, and C) that Amacon has very little experience developing office buildings.

I'm also surprised that Manulife is just now looking at building on Howe - they have been talking developing the site for close to 5 years, only to watch another project get announced and continued skyrocketing construction costs?

Anyway, thanks for the updates raggedy.

[raggedy13]

What can I say, I'm just the messenger. I'd like to see it work out but only time will tell I suppose.

Originally Posted by Canadian Mind

don't suppose you have any influence over the design eh?

Nope, sorry.

[bbeliko]

Originally Posted by raggedy13

I found this render of some South American building concept that slightly resembles the current 1133 Melville design...



With ours the angles aren't as extreme but it is cantilevered in a similar fashion and has a sort of slit cut out that wraps half way around the tower 10% below the top or so. Ours also looks more stubby as its likely not nearly as tall as this one is meant to be.

From what I've seen of ours I'd take it over this South American one (save for the difference in height). I have no idea what the curtain wall is supposed to look like for ours though.

it was designed by rem koolhas

[Jacques]

Has anyone read today's paper the Province, there was an article pertaining to the restoration of the PANTAGES theatre at 144 east Hasting, discussion nearly completed with city counsel, but what caught my attention is that the city had done some approval of future development for 10,000 condos in the DTS area!
can anyone elaborate on what this is all about, if it includes the CONDORD PACIFIC planning of their Future buildings!
thanks
Note: the following text is quoted in the article:
While the Pantages Theatre Arts society, which has signed a long lease term with owner Marc Williams, is reluctant to speak about the theatre's revival publicly until negotiations with the city are finalized, it is also known that they have strong roots in the DTS community.
if the negotiations are completed by January, as expected, the three resident company will be the City opera of Vancouver, The Vancouver Cantonese Opera and the Vancouver moving theatre.

this little paragraph got my attention;

While the city has and I quotes from the article " HAS "
drawn up plans for 10,000 condos in this area and developers are poised to create a mix of storefronts and housing, residents are concerned.
most everyone who lives in DTS agrees improved housing is the first step toward addressing drugs and other problems.
end of paragraph
My question is how come we haven't sen anything to that effect if the city HAS drawn up plans?
it would be nice to know how tall these high rises are going to be overshadowing the Gastown district?

[mr.x]

^ great news. it certainly does sound like the Concord developments, they've previously said they have 10 towers in planning for the DTES. add in other developments by other developers and you could easily reach the 10,000 unit figure....which could mean condos for as many as 50,000 people?

is there a link to the article?

[Canadian Mind]

10 000 condo's... dunno how you could fit 5 people into a condo. But if thats your standard 300 foot, 30 storey tower, thats around 500 structures. There is no way that would all fit into the downtown eastside. So either they are planning some real small parcels, are going to put some massive structures in, or the DTES in this context is a fair bit larger than what we traditionally think of it.

That, or that is a typo and they are thinking close to 1000 units.[/s]

Edit - did my math wrong. That is only 50 structures (200 units per structure times 50 structures =10 000)

that could easily fit into the downtown eastside. I hardly see a problem there.

[cityguy]

Sorry,what's DTS?

[cornholio]

wouldent that be downtown south?

[androo3]

I think he means DTES

[Jacques]

Originally Posted by mr.x2

^ great news. it certainly does sound like the Concord developments, they've previously said they have 10 towers in planning for the DTES. add in other developments by other developers and you could easily reach the 10,000 unit figure....which could mean condos for as many as 50,000 people?

is there a link to the article?

answer: it was an article in SUNDAY " the Province newspaper

[Jacques]

Originally Posted by cityguy

Sorry,what's DTS?

it short for Downtown east side DTS

[radacal]

lol @ the banana out the door comment above!!

there's a sign on the Roots Outlet store site at Boundary and Grandview which says 'another project funded by Canada Western Bank'. sorry if i missed a previous post, but is there anything afoot for that site?

[officedweller]

Film studios?

[SpongeG]

have been wondering whats going on with that site - pass it all the time

[craner]

any new info on the Telus land sale for a substantial downtown office tower (I think I have that right)

[officedweller]

Haven't heard anything since the initial annoucement last year - I also think it'll be a mixed use tower with substantial office component rather than just office.

[androo3]

I can't wait to see a Mix use building with Hotel/commercial. Telus site would be good or Down by the convention centers