Saskatoon Construction

[macca]

Okay, time for more "I have nothing to back this up" reasoning: it doesn't make sense to buy two buildings, then spend money tearing them down in the hopes that you may be able to build something on that site. I can't imagine spending 2-3 weeks demo-ing is cheap, nor do I believe those buildings were low cost. If it were me, I would have new proposals designed and approved before I started tearing buildings down. The Saskatoon market is not as speculative as say, shit-hot Calgary, and you can't just turnaround and make a profit selling a gravel pad if your plans don't work out. Anyone watch "Flip This House" on TLC? This is bad planning.

[Stewie]

I am guessing their reasoning is that since they own the property, they might as well earn some revenue while in the planning stages for construction. (or whatever the delay may be) If they are going to demo the site next year, why not do it this year and earn some $$ in the interim. The MNP parkade on 4th ave is sold out, so I am sure they can find some businesses in the area to lease spaces for the next year.

To help ease the anxiety I am sure we are all feeling about this site - I doubt that a company like North Prairie Homes would buy prime property in the core if they do not plan to begin construction as soon as they can.

[circle33]

Well the old Apex Graphics at Broadway and 9th (accross from the much anticipated Meridian) is going to house a place called Pestos Restaurant and Catering. Should be good for the street life -- better that a graphics shop. It'd be nice if they could convert some of that parking into a patio.

Sonny boy is suppose to be back fromthe arctic today. If he stops by the office today I'll see what I can pry out of him.

[macca]

Interesting news circle, it looks like Broadway is getting a few new restaurants (I've thought they needed more for years, and not more Subway/Booster Juice type places). I posted this earlier, but a new restaurant called "Upstairs" is moving into the old 49 Cent Video building, in the second level and it appears that Mothers Music is expanding into the ground floor space.

As for the Apex Graphics Bldg, is "Pestos" going to use the whole building? That portion of broadway will be great when the Meridian is up.

[circle33]

As far as I know Pestos will occuy about 1800 sq ft of the 4800 available. They have the prime piece at the front; lots of glass, good spot to watch the Meridian go up.

Do you know what type of cuisine this Upstairs will feature?

[macca]

I don't sorry, but I imagine the incredibly clever name will more than make up for any issues with the cuisine.

Hopefully these restaurants will feature some interesting menus and have actual chefs, rather than more cookie cutter family restaurants in the Nino's mold. Broadway does not need another Nino's.

[circle33]

Originally Posted by macca

Broadway does not need another Nino's.

So very true. I'm not sure it needs the one it has. But all in good time. From what I understand Apex Graphics was once a auto repair shop, there was a lumber yard where Taj Mahal et al sits and the former 49 cent Video site was also auto related. Broadway is growing up --some might say gentrifying.

[macca]

Ironically it was the rise of the indoor covered mega mall (and related suburban sprawl) that led to the unique and funky broadway we know today. Broadway was once a much more mundace mix of services (the more interesting ones have been retained, such as a butcher shop) like auto repair and the like. In the face of the mass exodus of its retailers, the Broadway BID was setup and the funky mom and pops starting moving in. So basically... thank you Wal-Mart? Yikes....

[macca]

According to a reliable source, who may or may not be able to share everything he knows with me, and to increase everyone's dissapointment: Extra Foods will likely be a parking lot for a while (as Stewie said) and if and when it is developed, it could be a low rise motel. However, these plans are not finalized and are still being discussed. The only way to dissapoint me more would be if the Meridian was cancelled. Seriously, a motel? Oh well, at least the Galaxy is hideous....

[swilley]

What? No 80 story Trump Plaza??????? ^How long would you estimate the extra foods site will be a parking lot for? 1 year? 2? more????

[macca]

He wasn't specific on a timeline, but Stewie said up to a year. Seriously, this depresses me. I need some Meridian renderings to improve my mood. Like cirlce said earlier, 2 steps forward, one step back...

[swilley]

^agreed, at least the Meridian has been anounced... I think we should see something soon.

[yorktonite]

swilley, I can get maps of other cities for those Impark parking maps. Now, come to think of it, this isn't even the right thread I'm replying in, haha, I'm not stopping now though.

Here is downtown Saskatoon if you're curious.


http://www.impark.com (Lot Finder on their main page, top left hand corner, it will lead to maps of selected city).

[swilley]

that's a lot of imparks.... holy smokes!

[circle33]

Greetings from Points F*&#ing North....I'll be here for the next week or two. However I was listening to CKOM on the way out of town this morning (the sacrifices I make to keep my fellow forumers informed) and they were saying the Tramps/Brass Monkey building has been purchased by the federal government and will serve as some sort of cheque distribution centre. That's the extent of the details, and I'm not entirely sure what that entails. Is this a place where people will pick up their welfare cheques? Don't they get them by mail? Is CKOM out to lunch? We'll have to keep an eye on that one.

Now to enjoy the splendor of a dozen ATCO trailers...

[macca]

That's a huge building; how much room do they need to distribute cheques?

And when is the city going to make a decision on the post office? I will be severely dissapointed if VCom doesn't move downtown.

[swilley]

^unfortunately there is alot of people to give cheques too....

[swilley]

Here is a cool little project going on in my part of town. This corner on 7th ave and Duchess st. sat vacant for a couple years with a foundation poured, and it kept me wondering what they were going to do with it. Finally they moved this 90 year old church in (had a write-up in the star-kleenex a while back) that has had quite a history (been moved a couple times before) and are planning some commercial development with it. I think it will help to spruce up that corner which I always thought was an eyesore in the neighbourhood. And the character of the old church will fit in well with the area. As you can see, the renos have allready begun. Here are some pics.....

[ReginaGuy]

That River landing thing is starting to look really good! And I'm jealous that your Galaxy is being built downtown. Regina's Galaxy theatre is way out in the north-west end of town

The Riverfront condos look pretty good too, when's it supposed to be done?

Nice to see so many nice projects going on in Saskatoon and Regina!

[circle33]

Hey Swilley, that project's looking OK...one piece at a time you know. If Saskatoon is ever to become the true urban oasis we all hope for, City Park will have to play a big role.