[Halifax] Nova Centre | 65-58-58 m | 16-15-14 fl | Completed

[someone123]

The notion that this gives Rank an unfair advantage is a bit of a joke given the fact that the municipality and province waffled and delayed this project for years. Had the public portion been cut, a scaled-down private portion could have been approved under HbD long ago.

My impression is that Watts' single dissenting vote was meant to please the small contingent of people who are still opposing this project even though it's long past the point where they could even hypothetically do any good for the city.

[teddifax]

Shouldn't the new design be shown in the picture for this site instead of a previous one?

[counterfactual]

Originally Posted by someone123

The notion that this gives Rank an unfair advantage is a bit of a joke given the fact that the municipality and province waffled and delayed this project for years. Had the public portion been cut, a scaled-down private portion could have been approved under HbD long ago.

My impression is that Watts' single dissenting vote was meant to please the small contingent of people who are still opposing this project even though it's long past the point where they could even hypothetically do any good for the city.

Cue the formation of "Friends of the Large Empty Hole in Downtown", a group of local "citizens" (ie Beverly Miller, Phil Pacey, and a handful of hasbeen NDP local activists) who will argue that the huge hole currently in the ground at the Nova Centre has heritage value and therefore should be preserved.

[RyeJay]

Originally Posted by counterfactual

Cue the formation of "Friends of the Large Empty Hole in Downtown", a group of local "citizens" (ie Beverly Miller, Phil Pacey, and a handful of hasbeen NDP local activists) who will argue that the huge hole currently in the ground at the Nova Centre has heritage value and therefore should be preserved.

The NDP fully support the convention centre.

[Keith P.]

Watts is against it because it won't be built using structural wood. Or something. She is against virtually all development above 3 storeys. She has rapidly become one of the worst councillors in HRM.

[RyeJay]

Originally Posted by kph06

More Info here

Elevations, Floor Plans and Renderings

I wonder what kind of signage will be displayed on the signature tower? According to the planning documents, two spaces are set aside along the very top of the 'ship'.

The rendering shows us a clean building, which is appealing. I hope this signage doesn't cheapen the tower's appearance.

[Empire]

Originally Posted by RyeJay

I wonder what kind of signage will be displayed on the signature tower? According to the planning documents, two spaces are set aside along the very top of the 'ship'.

The rendering shows us a clean building, which is appealing. I hope this signage doesn't cheapen the tower's appearance.

I hope there is a restaurant on the top floor. This would be the only restaurant with a view in Halifax if one was included.

[OldDartmouthMark]

Originally Posted by Empire

I hope there is a restaurant on the top floor. This would be the only restaurant with a view in Halifax if one was included.

Yes!!! We so desperately need this in Halifax!

[scooby074]

Originally Posted by olddartmouthmark

yes!!! We so desperately need this in halifax!

+1

[someone123]

The landscape plan is pretty interesting too: http://www.halifax.ca/planning/documents/18708Prelim_Landscape_IBI_Group.pdf

I wonder if the interior space will have a public or private feel, and how hospitable it will be in the winter. It should theoretically be possible for a covered, well-lit space like that to be pretty nice on all but the coldest days. The hotel drop-off and atrium should keep it reasonably busy too.

[Empire]

Originally Posted by OldDartmouthMark

Yes!!! We so desperately need this in Halifax!

There used to be a cafe style restaurant at the top of the Centennial Building that had a great view. There is a restaurant called Windows at the top of the current Trade Centre with not much view. Create a new one in at the top of the Trade Centre and call it Windows Too.

There also was a great restaurant at the top of the Delta Halifax years ago called the Night Watch when it was the Chateaux Halifax. Not sure what is there now.

[JET]

"a cafe style restaurant at the top of the Centennial Building"
At the VGH? when was that?

[beyeas]

Originally Posted by Empire

There used to be a cafe style restaurant at the top of the Centennial Building that had a great view. There is a restaurant called Windows at the top of the current Trade Centre with not much view. Create a new one in at the top of the Trade Centre and call it Windows Too.

There also was a great restaurant at the top of the Delta Halifax years ago called the Night Watch when it was the Chateaux Halifax. Not sure what is there now.

I have a vague memory of hearing a plan to put a restaurant at the top of Fenwick when the reno/addition gets done.

[MonctonRad]

There used to be a lounge on the top floor of the Tupper Medical Building at Dalhousie University. We used to retire there after the weekly "Friday at Five" lecture series for drinks, hors d'oevres, conviviality and conversation. Wonderful view! Probably the best in the city.

Sadly they sacrificed this staff lounge a number of years ago for more lab space.......

[OldDartmouthMark]

Originally Posted by Empire

There used to be a cafe style restaurant at the top of the Centennial Building that had a great view.

Didn't know about that one.

There is a restaurant called Windows at the top of the current Trade Centre with not much view.

I was there a few years ago, and concur that the view was so-so, depending on where you sat. Also I recall that their hours weren't very good - seemed it was aimed more at the business lunch crowd and event catering than the casual diner. Haven't been there since, so I don't know if this is a valid assessment currently.

Create a new one in at the top of the Trade Centre and call it Windows Too.

I love that idea!

There also was a great restaurant at the top of the Delta Halifax years ago called the Night Watch when it was the Chateaux Halifax. Not sure what is there now.

I think that is just used for special events now. Went there for Christmas brunch the past couple of years. The first time we had a nice corner table with a fantastic view of the harbour, Cogswell, etc. Last year they had moved it to another room and the view was less spectacular. Again, though, you can only enjoy it for special events.

What we really need is a good restaurant with a great view and hours suitable for casual dining (i.e. minimum Wed - Sat, 4pm to midnight or something along those lines). Went to a couple restaurants of this type in San Francisco ( http://www.topofthemark.com/ ) and really enjoyed watching the view change as the evening light faded while enjoying food and drink! A revolving restaurant like the one in Quebec City ( http://www.loewshotels.com/Quebec-City-Hotel/dining/restaurants ) would be really cool, but would have to be incorporated in the original design - so I know it won't happen... but I'd love it if it did!

If this came to Halifax, I'd be there on a regular basis!

[teddifax]

Originally Posted by JET

"a cafe style restaurant at the top of the Centennial Building"
At the VGH? when was that?

This is the Centennial Building downtown on Hollis and Sackville, I believe!

[Keith P.]

Originally Posted by Empire

There used to be a cafe style restaurant at the top of the Centennial Building that had a great view.

Don't remember that one.

There is a restaurant called Windows at the top of the current Trade Centre with not much view. Create a new one in at the top of the Trade Centre and call it Windows Too.

That one is no longer open. They use the space for event meals, etc, but you cannot just walk in any longer.

There also was a great restaurant at the top of the Delta Halifax years ago called the Night Watch when it was the Chateaux Halifax. Not sure what is there now.

It is ballroom space now. I remember going there in the late '70s when it was Night Watch, when the hotel was run by CP Hotels. It was great, maybe the best restaurant experience I had up to that time.

[Empire]

Originally Posted by JET

"a cafe style restaurant at the top of the Centennial Building"
At the VGH? when was that?

Centennial Building on Hollis. This was the 70's to mid 90's. Standard club sandwich fish and chip kind of place but had a great view.

As it stands now, there is no restaurant with a high harbour view.....wow! Many cities of any size have a restaurant with a great view. I think it says something about the mindset in Halifax ..........could be a reason we don't have a stadium.

Maybe we need a version of Altitude 737 in Montreal.

http://www.worldsbestbars.com/canada/montreal/altitude-737

[scooby074]

Originally Posted by Empire

Centennial Building on Hollis. This was the 70's to mid 90's. Standard club sandwich fish and chip kind of place but had a great view.

As it stands now, there is no restaurant with a high harbour view.....wow! Many cities of any size have a restaurant with a great view. I think it says something about the mindset in Halifax ..........could be a reason we don't have a stadium.

Maybe we need a version Altitude 737 in Montreal.

http://www.worldsbestbars.com/canada/montreal/altitude-737

Hopefully our version won't go out of business like 737 has
http://promoclub737.com/

[someone123]

In an ANS article tonight, a BMO representative was quoted as saying they're considering moving to the Nova Centre, and that a decision might be made in 60-90 days.