Downtown Vancouver Updates - Page 228

Hed Kandi · #**4541** Posted **Oct 8, 2009, 12:07 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by officedweller

I think that map just shows the existing/old Onni display centre (last used for The Beasley).
Anyone know where the project is located - looks like Mt Pleasant...

I thought it is where the yellow square is located on the map.

officedweller · #**4542** Posted **Oct 8, 2009, 12:15 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hed Kandi

I thought it is where the yellow square is located on the map.

The black square is the display centre. The project can't be on that same corner because a social housing tower is already located there.
The green rectangle is Emery Barnes Park

I think it's this one - formerly called "The Elyse" before the developer backed out:

Quote:

2321 SCOTIA STREET

DE: 413025
Use: To add to and alter the existing approved development permit DE410347.

Zoning: C3-A
Application Status: Complete
Architect: IBI/HB Architects

Owner: Onni Group

Review: Second
Delegation: Martin Bruckner, IBI/HB Architects
Jennifer Stamp, Durante Kreuk Landscape Architects
Beau Jarvis, Onni Group
Jane Renwick, Onni Group
David Roberts Kane Consulting (Sustainability)

Staff: Anita Molaro

EVALUATION: SUPPORT (4-1)

Introduction: Anita Molaro, Development Planner, introduced the proposal which was reviewed by the Panel July 15, 2009 and was not supported. Ms. Molaro noted that the application had a new architect and massing details. The applicant reconsidered some of the design and has incorporated those changes based on the comments from the Panel. Ms. Molaro presented the recent changes to the Panel which included additional brick and some metal panels on the facade.

Advice from the Panel on this application is sought on the following:

Response to the Panels previous concerns:
overall architectural character as a Mount Pleasant buildings
material treatment
livability of the units
sustainability
roof treatments
public realm interface
Ms. Molaro took questions from the Panel.

Applicant’s Introductory Comments: Martin Bruckner, Architect, noted that the massing hadn’t changed since the last review by the Panel. They changed the townhouse composition on Scotia Street and East 7th Avenue by adding a three storey expression of the bays. They also added brick veneers and concrete frames to the facade. The 4th floor still has a glassy expression and a strong overhang. The building height has also been brought down level with the three storey building across the street. Mr. Bruckner noted that the brick facade has punched openings and an architectural expression more appropriate to the Mount Pleasant, Brewery Creek neighborhood. There are further changes in the materiality with the concrete expressed up the building from the front entrance and creating an overhang on the building. There are also some darker concrete pieces and lighter coloured overhangs. Mr. Bruckner added that they will be LEED™ Silver equivalency and have submitted a LEED™ Checklist to staff. The units that were in the in the corner which had some liveability issues have now been made into one unit. Mr. Bruckner also noted that they tried to mitigate the impact of the parking garage entrance and have added a deck over the entrance. Now the window in the amenity area doesn’t look onto the ramp but will instead look onto the deck.

Jennifer Stamp, Landscape Architect, noted that very little had changed on the ground floor other than extension of the deck over the parking ramp. The patios have been expanded on the roof top and more trees have been added. Ms. Stamp added that they are looking at increasing the size of the cistern to allow for 4-5 weeks of drought and possible potable water uses.

The applicant team took questions from the panel.

Panel’s Consensus on Key Aspects Needing Improvement:

Consider an architectural expression more appropriate to Mount Pleasant on the building;
Consider adding the green roof back into the project; and
Consider a stronger 3-storey base.
Related Commentary: The Panel supported the proposal and thought the current architectural treatment was an improvement from the last review.

The Panel still thought the original model showed a more artistic, simple and dynamic design but agreed that it was time to move on with the new architectural expression. They felt the applicant had done a good job in pulling all the parts together and had dealt with the Panel’s concerns regarding some of the complex and fussy elements of the facade. They noted that the corner was much stronger and the brick was a better expression. Taking the brick further up the building made for a less heavy top. However, they were not convinced that the project expressed the Mount Pleasant, Brewery Creek context and may need to be edited to fit into the neighbourhood.

The Panel thought the materials were supportable, particularly at the four-storey base. They also thought the scheme was stronger. The Panel appreciated that the applicant had made some effort toward sustainability by proposing to achieve LEED™ Silver equivalency. They also liked all the useable roof space and thought the treatment was good although a couple of Panel members were disappointed that the green roof on the corner was removed from the design. Regarding the public interface, the Panel wasn’t sure that it was a really strong three-storey base as well as the concrete wrap around, but thought it was however, interesting. Several Panel members liked the deep red element on the facade.

One Panel member noted that the corner at the lane on East 7th Avenue needed some work as there was a question regarding the boulders that wrap around the project. Even thought it was a reference to Brewery Creek they don’t seem to have a purpose. The Panel agreed that it would be better if the cistern was useable year round and to consider using it for flushing toilets.

Regarding sustainability, the Panel thought there was a noticeable improvement and liked that the facade was broken down to the punched window elements. Overall the glazing is less than 50% and is evenly distributed across the building. There was some concern regarding the treatment on the west and south facade because of the possible impact on the thermal comfort. Most of the Panel thought it would be commendable if the applicant would commit to LEED™ Gold Certification. They also noted that there weren’t any indications as to what type of energy or mechanical systems were being considered which will need to be addressed. They also thought the trees on the roof would help to lower the solar loading on the building.

One Panel member noted that the building costs might be lowered if the suite’s kitchens and bathrooms were laid out back to back as this would be more efficient.

Applicant’s Response: Mr. Bruckner said he appreciated the comments and would take them to heart to make an even better designed project.

dreambrother808 · #**4543** Posted **Oct 8, 2009, 1:56 AM**

edit: I was wrong.

Phil McAvity · #**4544** Posted **Oct 8, 2009, 2:02 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hed Kandi

New stub proposal from Onni...

Any nimby who opposes this project will obviously be anti-social.

BigWilly · #**4545** Posted **Oct 8, 2009, 2:02 AM**

I think officedweller is right this is the Elyse and it will be located on Main and 7th.

On the map its just to the right of 1 Kingsway which is the new community centre being built.

From another wesbite:

"Onni has applied for a development permit to erect a 125-unit, nine-storey high-rise at 2321 Scotia Street, one block east of Main. The site is a corner lot on Scotia and 7th. The project was originally to be developed by the Eden Group, and branded as Elyse, but was cancelled due to high development costs. Onni has now taken on development of this property"

Delirium · #**4546** Posted **Oct 8, 2009, 2:09 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by officedweller

Work is continuing on the TD Tower canopy.
A new biege fabric canopy was installed on the vestibule facing the Sears Plaza yesterday. It actually looked much much better for the couple weeks when the old green canopy had been removed. There was much more light in the vestibule (i.e. near the Fido Kiosk at the top of the escalators).

thanks.
i noticed that scaffolding went up at the base of the black building just across the street from you. any idea what they're doing?

SFUVancouver · #**4547** Posted **Oct 8, 2009, 2:49 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by officedweller

I think that map just shows the existing/old Onni display centre (last used for The Beasley).
Anyone know where the project is located - looks like Mt Pleasant...

6th and Scotia.

Also, someone was asking for a render or model of the Karis Place social housing project on Seymour between Pacific Blvd and Drake.

Taken by SFUVancouver, October 7th, 2009

entheosfog · #**4548** Posted **Oct 8, 2009, 6:01 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigWilly

I think officedweller is right this is the Elyse and it will be located on Main and 7th.

On the map its just to the right of 1 Kingsway which is the new community centre being built.

From another wesbite:

"Onni has applied for a development permit to erect a 125-unit, nine-storey high-rise at 2321 Scotia Street, one block east of Main. The site is a corner lot on Scotia and 7th. The project was originally to be developed by the Eden Group, and branded as Elyse, but was cancelled due to high development costs. Onni has now taken on development of this property"

Here's what the site looks like now, or a few weekends ago at least. It would be nice to see something get done with this site:

PROSTSHOCKER · #**4549** Posted **Oct 8, 2009, 7:17 AM**

Well.

Since this summer it seems the recession has ended.

Good news, bring on the progressive developments.

I'd like to see some densification around Broadway and Commercial.

WarrenC12 · #**4550** Posted **Oct 8, 2009, 2:28 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by PROSTSHOCKER

Well.

Since this summer it seems the recession has ended.

Good news, bring on the progressive developments.

I'd like to see some densification around Broadway and Commercial.

It has? Wow thanks for the update. I'll let the hundreds of thousands of recently unemployed know they can get back to work.

Broadway and Commercial? Yes Sir we'll get right on that. Anything else?

Hed Kandi · #**4551** Posted **Oct 8, 2009, 4:41 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by PROSTSHOCKER

Well.

Since this summer it seems the recession has ended.

Good news, bring on the progressive developments.

I'd like to see some densification around Broadway and Commercial.

cabotp · #**4552** Posted **Oct 8, 2009, 5:24 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by PROSTSHOCKER

Well.

Since this summer it seems the recession has ended.

Good news, bring on the progressive developments.

I'd like to see some densification around Broadway and Commercial.

Broadway and Commercial do not need to be densified yet. That station is already busy enough as is. We don't need to add more people to it already.

I'd first go after the area around Nanaimo and 29th Ave Stations, before touching Broadway and Commercial. Of course I realize we have huge all of nimbys to get past in regards to Nanaimo and 29th Ave Stations. Maybe in the future we could look at Broadway and Commercial.

djh · #**4553** Posted **Oct 8, 2009, 5:33 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by entheosfog

Here's what the site looks like now, or a few weekends ago at least. It would be nice to see something get done with this site:

Here's the location:
http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_...JtFoCMQhgW_qV_3LQ&cbp=12,243.13,,0,11.18

Delirium · #**4554** Posted **Oct 8, 2009, 5:46 PM**

the new English bay bistro was approved this week by the DPB. here's some little tidbits i thought were interesting;

the design of the proposed restaurant provides a visually rich pedestrian experience from both the seawall promenade (readily visible restaurant activity at the project’s entry, patio, take-out concession areas and upper terrace, and a handsomely treated facade incorporating broad use of glazing); and from Beach Avenue (the pattern of coloured glazing, the fritted archival image of Joe Fortes, views to the Bay through a layering of people, restaurant activity, and daylight filtered through the coloured glass roof.) The evening effect includes views of the sunset through the subtly lit entry pavilion complimented by coloured feature strip lighting embedded into the basalt pavers of the entry terrace surface.

i like it. the glass roof looks cool and i really like that they will have a take-out window. the orange/red colour of the glass will really play well with the setting sun. the patio will remain open until 11pm.

there's lot of renderings and more in the PDf link below
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/dpboard/2009/PDF/1790%20Beach%20Avenue%20-%20DE412932.pdf

Vancity · #**4555** Posted **Oct 8, 2009, 6:00 PM**

^ This is ideal for the summer months. Just curious, but what are they going to do during the winter months? Doesn't look like it was built for the fall or winter?

djmk · #**4556** Posted **Oct 8, 2009, 6:26 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vancity

^ This is ideal for the summer months. Just curious, but what are they going to do during the winter months? Doesn't look like it was built for the fall or winter?

I think they are trying for the same vibe as the watermark on kits. and english bay is rocking all 12 months of the year. Our firm recently tried to book our Christmas party. Everything good was booked in this edge of town.

the only problem i foresee is parking. Parking sucks around english bay in the evenings. All dressed up, walking blocks in the rain..... blows

Delirium · #**4557** Posted **Oct 8, 2009, 6:26 PM**

the city had the same concern so this was a condition in the approval;

1.4 Note to Applicant: Any temporary enclosure system should be carefully considered as part of the architecture. Consider the use of high quality operable glazing systems rather than the proposed roll-up screens.

it appears that you will be able to sit on a protected patio - similar to Watermark in kits.