Quote:
Originally Posted by GlassCity
This wasn't about approving a lesser design. It was about approving a better design (wood) and the developer thinking they could quietly get away with using the other material instead.
It is not uncommon, in all cities, for developers to change their buildings as they're building them in a way that doesn't align with what planners approved. It's the "ask for forgiveness over permission" strategy.
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I was referring to all the other crap that's been approved and built lately – the city should implement some basic design guidelines. As I've said, I applaud the city for finally having some guts and holding this developer accountable, but I fear it's just going to make more developers just propose bad materials from the start to avoid this – and as we've seen, the city will no doubt approve anything.
As well, I have a feeling the only reason why the city actually upheld their approvals for this project is due to a lot of area residents launching formal complaints. Bet if that didn't happen, no one at the city would have even bothered to check... things like that happen all the time.
For example, and I'll admit I'm not sure what was actually approved by the city, but look two initial renderings of 373 River compared to what ended up being built:
Actual:
https://www.google.ca/maps/@49.88058...7i13312!8i6656
I believe the wood and orange one was first. Then that got value engineered to the beige one with swirl design. Ended up losing the open staircase completely, some windows, and hint of colour and effort.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MG922
Saw them working on this building this morning. They're not even removing the gross orange metal panels. Just strapping over top and attaching the wood planks.
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At this point they've probably spent 4x the labour on the siding as planned, and will do anything to finish and save money.