Saskatoon Construction III

[Echoes]

Great work, thank you!

[asdfgh]

This is exciting to see. Now to figure out what sites have been for sale or could have been for sale for approximately $9 million. Given how impressive the SPL's business plan was for this project, I do anticipate that this new central library will have a major effect on the downtown and will end up being a significant city-wide draw, so wherever it goes should have impact on other future developments.

https://thestarphoenix.com/news/loca...-f1d346143687/

[roryn1]

That’s a huge price tag for a small parcel of land downtown Saskatoon.. I can’t believe no one has an inside scoop on what plot it is. I’m pretty disappointed in them paying that much - the massive old police station lot with a good building on it was $11 million. This must be a lot with some old buildings they’re tearing down? Or it’s one of the premium lots at River Landing. If it’s one of those I’m upset with council letting that go through when we have so many parking lots that need to be utilized and this was one of the best projects to remove parking lots in the central core of downtown.

[roryn1]

Originally Posted by roryn1

That’s a huge price tag for a small parcel of land downtown Saskatoon.. I can’t believe no one has an inside scoop on what plot it is. I’m pretty disappointed in them paying that much - the massive old police station lot with a good building on it was $11 million. This must be a lot with some old buildings they’re tearing down? Or it’s one of the premium lots at River Landing. If it’s one of those I’m upset with council letting that go through when we have so many parking lots that need to be utilized and this was one of the best projects to remove parking lots in the central core of downtown.

I love how the police station cost 11, and they did maybe 15 million in renovations, and it's the perfect size and open concept for the new library, but will stay unused because the library needs a special building? How did we get to a place in history where we need $120 million for a library :/. The entire second floor of the current library is stored art and video games.

This pandemic is a perfect example of why we don't need libraries for any sort of education anymore. $120 million is a lot of iPads plus annual course subscriptions for 50 years.

[macca]

we don't need stores, pubs, restaurants, parks or public places anymore either, so much savings!

[prairieguy]

I think the Library news is exciting....and like all other major projects in Saskatoon, is going to cause significant debate and opposing positions.

I look forward to a quick but thorough process of community consultation (but hope that the design is driven by experts who know what a library's needs are versus just community opinion). And then a great innovative design and shovels in he ground.

If we need anything right now, it is signs and news of progress and looking forward!

[roryn1]

Originally Posted by macca

we don't need stores, pubs, restaurants, parks or public places anymore either, so much savings!

Stores - instant access to goods
Pubs/Restaurants/Parks/Public Spaces/Coffee Shops, etc.. - a physical social setting for networking
Library - Physical Book Retrieval, a place you can't network because you have to be quiet (if anyone mentions conferencing space, I will list out 50 conferencing spots in Saskatoon that don't cost $120 million).
Apple University - Free Online Courses for anyone of any age from hundreds of universities across the world
Amazon E-Books - Cheap books that we could buy like 10 a year online for everyone for the next 25 years with $125 Million.

A brand new downtown space the exact same size of which the library is requesting that wouldn't be an architectural masterpiece - $50M

I'm only using facts, and we haven't even gotten to the main user of the Library in Saskatoon that seriously needs funding - underprivileged individuals that are looking for a place to go be it iif they're homeless or wanting a change of scenery from their potentially negative living quarters - of which this Library is trying to not cater towards which I 100% disagree with. Spend $120M on a hybrid Lighthouse/Library, and I would be 1000% for, but this library is trying to deter this crowd, which I see as a huge shame to our community.

The shallow love I have for architectural masterpieces has me excited for this project - but the moral side of me doesn't understand how our social services are so underfunded that we have individuals running around downtown with hatchets, my condo building's door has been smashed twice this year, countless break ins of vehicles and businesses. Somehow we can afford a masterpiece, but can't even afford security for The Lighthouse or upkeep of the smashed glass windows surrounding it (yes, they don't even have security).

[asdfgh]

Originally Posted by roryn1

Stores - instant access to goods
Pubs/Restaurants/Parks/Public Spaces/Coffee Shops, etc.. - a physical social setting for networking
Library - Physical Book Retrieval, a place you can't network because you have to be quiet (if anyone mentions conferencing space, I will list out 50 conferencing spots in Saskatoon that don't cost $120 million).
Apple University - Free Online Courses for anyone of any age from hundreds of universities across the world
Amazon E-Books - Cheap books that we could buy like 10 a year online for everyone for the next 25 years with $125 Million.

A brand new downtown space the exact same size of which the library is requesting that wouldn't be an architectural masterpiece - $50M

I'm only using facts, and we haven't even gotten to the main user of the Library in Saskatoon that seriously needs funding - underprivileged individuals that are looking for a place to go be it iif they're homeless or wanting a change of scenery from their potentially negative living quarters - of which this Library is trying to not cater towards which I 100% disagree with. Spend $120M on a hybrid Lighthouse/Library, and I would be 1000% for, but this library is trying to deter this crowd, which I see as a huge shame to our community.

The shallow love I have for architectural masterpieces has me excited for this project - but the moral side of me doesn't understand how our social services are so underfunded that we have individuals running around downtown with hatchets, my condo building's door has been smashed twice this year, countless break ins of vehicles and businesses. Somehow we can afford a masterpiece, but can't even afford security for The Lighthouse or upkeep of the smashed glass windows surrounding it (yes, they don't even have security).

You aren't using only facts, because a library is for much more than physical book retrieval. As you have strong moral reason for being critical of this project, I'd really recommend you read Eric Kleinberg's Palaces for People (which is conveniently available through your local library). Here's a nice overview of it:
https://www.citylab.com/life/2018/09...gether/569854/

It really speaks to some of the issues you seem concerned with. A library can be used as part of the strategy to address those underfunded social services. Case in point is the Francis Morrison libraries decision to provide walk-in counselling services (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saska...ling-1.5241666)

I agree other services need more support, but a library can be part of the strategy to address issues in a way that is potentially less stigmatizing than just pouring money into something like the Lighthouse which is targeted at those who have hit or are close to hitting rock bottom.

[roryn1]

I agree a library could be part of the solution to the social issues facing our downtown - the business plan has extremely minimal mention of those issues. It’s a shame, with such a high price tag and an underfunded Lighthouse next door.

[roryn1]

For $9 million, I wonder if Midtown would have subdivided the vacant corner left over of Sears, and the Library could build up if they need more space...
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saska...rary-1.4362321

[prairieguy]

Maybe the library bought the old Farmers Market site? I can see them want to be in that area and they could definitely include a market/square to their design which would meet the need to "animate" the site. They of course would have to bull doze the building, which would be unfortunate. Businesses currently located there could just move over to The Banks commercial space that is still vacant.

[roryn1]

I’m so surprised that we don’t know which lot it is. I’ll be so disapointed if it is a city owned lot that a condo/commercial developer would definitely purchase, and not in the center of downtown.

[prairieguy]

Kind of interesting article about Prairie Sun and old Farnham block. I still really miss the old building but do think Prairie Sun did a great job on exterior and interior of their new building. Hope they (and many others) can survive our current shut down. Any one know if they are doing delivery or take out??

https://thestarphoenix.com/news/loca...rmer-building/

[Crisis]

Prairie Sun is planning to have takeout and delivery running full time next week.

Just for the record, Prairie Sun were only responsible for the interior of the space. The design and construction of the exterior of the building was directed by the building owners Drs. Kiva and Potapinski.

[The Bess]

I'm not sure who is interested in the burbs but here is some info of what might be released for 2020 in the form of building lots.

https://saskatoonhomebuilders.com/is...2020-Print.pdf

[Echoes]

Originally Posted by The Bess

I'm not sure who is interested in the burbs but here is some info of what might be released for 2020 in the form of building lots.

https://saskatoonhomebuilders.com/is...2020-Print.pdf

There are some infill projects highlighted at the end of the document, including 321 Ave C N (part of the former transit barns in South Caswell) that is noted as "Sale pending - under negotiation".

[roryn1]

According to that document, North Prairie needs 13 months to redraw existing drawings

[FarmerHaight]

Anyone know what's going on to the 8th Street extension east of the city? Are they re-working the road all the way to Zimmerman? It seems earlier than originally planned for the Holmwoood sector.

[asdfgh]

New library location has been revealed. The library board has purchased the old Pat Hotel site and the strip mall with the LCBO in it at the corner of 2nd and 24th.

That could be a pretty alright location. It could create much more of a draw for that recently quiet part of downtown.

https://thestarphoenix.com/news/loca...box=1586187718

[roryn1]

I don't think any university students used the old library to study, but this new space will bring them downtown as an alternative to Murray Library and allow for more eyes on the street both overlooking the intimidating to walk by 7/11 and the library. I'm pretty happy that they took this lot. I'm pretty sure this removes the stigma of walking by the other library space as well as walking by 7/11. They're going to need some very soundproof windows, being next to a main corridor like 25th.

With the new Starbucks across the street this could be a great new public space - as long as we keep loitering to a minimal.

This, along with the new starbucks strip is a removal of about 100 surface parking spots!