Saskatoon Construction

[CCF]

Originally Posted by jaysfan99

The current U of S dorms are UNGLY from the outside, and the inside (refering to the ones on Cumberland). They should work on building a new one on that site, and then completely renovate the excisting ones inside and out. They are an eye sore. They remind me of something you would find in a RUNDOWN HOOD of a big city, like Toronto or Chicago.

I think if you are looking at them from the bowl, they are nice.

[macca]

You guys are talking about two different residences. CCF is talking about the ones on campus, which are very nice, and jaysfan is talking about the towers in by the soccer fields on Cumberland, which are hideous.

[CCF]

Originally Posted by macca

You guys are talking about two different residences. CCF is talking about the ones on campus, which are very nice, and jaysfan is talking about the towers in by the soccer fields on Cumberland, which are hideous.

Ah, right you are. I agree then, those three "off-campus" apartments are in bad shape. I think they are slowly in the process of re-doing them as they have been taking out the old, ugly brown carpet and replacing it with laminate. I would always get a headache from those buildings. The mold and dust in there can't be healthy.

[Stewie]

Meridian On Broadway (from the mouth of a anchor tenant Facility mgr.)

Approx specs:

1st Floor - Retail / Financial Services / Parkade

2,3,4 Floor - Parkade

5-12 Floor - Suites, only 5 or so per floor - 2/3 width of parkade with 5th floor terrace over rest

12 - 19th floor (higher depending on presale) 1/2 width of middle floors, single penthouse style suites with elevator opening into suite, 2nd balcony off bedrooms with possible built in jacuzzi.

Top floor - common room, fitness, jaccuzi's, lookout. Multi use facilities.

Footings must be in by the 2nd week of October to facilitate cast-in-place concrete at a rate of 1 floor per week built over the winter. Existing bakery and SCU buildings look like they will remain in place.

He said the design was scoped from an existing downtown Vancouver condo project. Still no rendering made public, but my contact says that he saw it. I hope my info is right, this looks like a big step forward for Saskatoon.

[macca]

Stewie, you just made my day.

[circle33]

That sounds great. So I'm reading 20 floors and more if demand warrants. I would have preferred to see underground parking. There are not too many examples in town where the above ground parking has been handled eloquently, at least none come to mind. Maybe these guys can get it right.

I'd kind of liked to have seen the Nutana Bakery building bite the dust. That business needs to at least get into the 80s, if not the 21st century.

[swilley]

^This better not be a joke, as it would be a very bad one.....

This is fanf*ckingtastic news. Looking like a modern high-rise in Vancouver will not be dissapointing for the area. I can't wait to see the drawing.

Soo... Who's moving in?

[swilley]

In other (much less important) news.....

Victoria Bridge Will Open to Motorists on Friday
Written by Neil Billinger
Wednesday, 06 September 2006

Saskatoon's oldest bridge will be back in business in time for the Friday afternoon rush hour.

After being out of commission for more than a year, the Victoria Bridge will re-open to vehicles at 4pm following $800,000 worth of repairs.

The bridge closed in August 2005 during the construction of a roundabout on the downtown side of the river. However, an inspection of the bridge in the fall found the superstructure was deteriorating at a faster rate than expected. Repairs were needed to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians.

The improvements to the structure should extend the life of the bridge by 20 years.

Before it closed, the Victoria Bridge carried about 10,000 vehicles per day. The re-opening should ease some of the traffic congestion in the downtown.

[jaysfan99]

Originally Posted by Stewie

Meridian On Broadway (from the mouth of a anchor tenant Facility mgr.)

Approx specs:

1st Floor - Retail / Financial Services / Parkade

2,3,4 Floor - Parkade

5-12 Floor - Suites, only 5 or so per floor - 2/3 width of parkade with 5th floor terrace over rest

12 - 19th floor (higher depending on presale) 1/2 width of middle floors, single penthouse style suites with elevator opening into suite, 2nd balcony off bedrooms with possible built in jacuzzi.

Top floor - common room, fitness, jaccuzi's, lookout. Multi use facilities.

Footings must be in by the 2nd week of October to facilitate cast-in-place concrete at a rate of 1 floor per week built over the winter. Existing bakery and SCU buildings look like they will remain in place.

He said the design was scoped from an existing downtown Vancouver condo project. Still no rendering made public, but my contact says that he saw it. I hope my info is right, this looks like a big step forward for Saskatoon.

That is such owesome news!!!! Hope it really happens. By the sounds of it, should be the nicest condo project in Saskatoon history.

[macca]

Enough about boring condo highrise projects that will change the face of the city, here's more on what we're all really excited about, FIELDS:


Fields opens on 20th

The StarPhoenix
Published: Thursday, September 07, 2006

Hudson's Bay Company (Hbc) is launching its junior department store chain, Fields, in Saskatoon. The company has picked the former Red Apple location at 20th Street and Idylwyld Drive for its first store. A Regina company briefly operated at the location under the name Dollar Stretcher this past year, but closed earlier this summer. Hbc spokesperson Hillary Marshall says Fields is "an extreme value, dollar-format" store and the company has been rapidly expanding the chain eastward from B.C. and Alberta this year. The Saskatoon store is scheduled to open on Oct. 31. "We understand the Riversdale area is going through a major revitalization and we're very excited to be part of it," Marshall said in a telephone interview from Toronto. Earlier this year, Hbc opened a new format Zellers, its discount department brand, in Saskatoon. In addition to its traditional Bay department stores, Hbc also operates Home Outfitters and Designer People specialty retail stores.

[psych1]

Originally Posted by swilley

yes, and every other development in the city including south downtown...

Have you actually read her platform, or spoken with her, before you presume to speak for her? Having actually spoken to her, I believe she is referring of the suburban development, particularly the big box malls, which I would expect you would also dislike, if for nothing other than aesthetic reasons. But then I wouldn't want to speak for you This is not intended as a flame, but sometimes boards get a little too comfortable and I think alternative views warrant expression. BTW how come you chose that avatar?

[Stewie]

Originally Posted by psych1

Have you actually read her platform, or spoken with her, before you presume to speak for her? Having actually spoken to her, I believe she is referring of the suburban development, particularly the big box malls, which I would expect you would also dislike, if for nothing other than aesthetic reasons. But then I wouldn't want to speak for you This is not intended as a flame, but sometimes boards get a little too comfortable and I think alternative views warrant expression. BTW how come you chose that avatar?

It is always good to hear both sides of the issues!

In my opinion, call me crazy, but if a large company like Walmart wants to run 4 big box retail stores in this city and employ over 2000 people, I will support it 100%. It is not up to me to decide that the design is inappropriate, or that they are stealing business away from others, or to spread fear, loathing and envy by stating that all the profits go to an American conglomerate. Paying wages to 2000 workers who live and spend their wages in Saskatoon is nothing less than positive for this city.

If I don't want to shop there (and trust me, I do not shop at Walmart), I will shop somewhere else. Small businesses should adapt and evolve to the changes in the marketplace like everyone else. As far as I'm concerned, unless the opponents have the ability to employ the same amount of people in the absence of Walmart, then they should mind their own business.

Just my opinion...

[macca]

Stewie, I agree with you on principle, however, I believe it's Wal-Mart's questionable practices (they are many and likely better discussed elsewhere) that lead people to oppose them. In terms of what you are saying, and what many opponents of Ms. Swystun say (essentially, gov't should stay out of _____ [insert your issue here]), then I believe the opposite to be true. Gov't should not go out of it's way to assist companies like Wal-Mart. It's hardly a level playing field when city council is willing to build interchanges years (decades?) ahead of schedule to encourage more big box (and Wal-Mart) development. I don't see how free market economic thinking applies to a situation where government (in this case, the city) is essentially a partner in developing a private enterprise (Wal-Mart).

Personally, I don't like Wal-Mart, I don't shop there and I think despite their massive labour force they are bad for cities and bad for Saskatoon.

[Stewie]

I understand your position completely, macca, but one issue you brought up - Walmart's unfair labour practices etc- applies to many local employers as well, just that Walmart's issues are much more publicized. I think they offer fair wages, benefits, etc, and the fact that so many people happily work there speaks for itself. I am not condoning what they have done in the past, or are doing right now, and I agree that this is a topic for a different forum, but in this city, they seem to have a satisfied workforce, and their problems seem to be far away.

In regards to the interchange - the developer was injecting millions of $$ into the project, which I am sad to say, many taxpayers would appreciate more than business ethics, etc. Looks like the "ShEEP" analogy works both ways here (pardon the pun on Ms Swystun's lobby group). Another sad fact is that if government doesnt try to accomodate some of these major corporations, they will just take their money and their jobs elsewhere. Most of our city's largest employers were given incentives such as tax abatements or land swaps to remain in Saskatchewan. Ipsco, Mitchells, Great West, Cameco (expanded mineral rights in the north), InterCon, etc. Without these employers, we all know where we would be.

[newflyer]

The city has the obligation to build infrastructure for a new business if it wants to attract the associated investment. Since Wal Mart is such a significant employer and pays significant taxes, city council must wiegh the pros and cons of allowing new investment to flow into the city.

Sometimes it takes an interchange to attract investment dollars into the city. Of course one business alone would not justify such an investment, but if it attracts further investment it is worth considering. It is ussually much better to open the door to new private investment than to put the breaks on an expanding local economy. The fact is Saskatoon has done a very good job at expanding its economy and the result is more retailers will want to invest into the market.

[swilley]

Originally Posted by psych1

Have you actually read her platform, or spoken with her, before you presume to speak for her? Having actually spoken to her, I believe she is referring of the suburban development, particularly the big box malls, which I would expect you would also dislike, if for nothing other than aesthetic reasons. But then I wouldn't want to speak for you This is not intended as a flame, but sometimes boards get a little too comfortable and I think alternative views warrant expression. BTW how come you chose that avatar?

Welcome to the forum psych1. No, I have not read her platform or spoken with her. I was not speaking for her, I was stating MY opinion about her, formed by her previous actions as a city councillor. Which has included putting the breaks on a number of developments other than the suburban type. BTW I picked my avatar because I like the guy, and I think he has done a great job promoting positive growth in this city.

I am with Stewie on the whole Wal-Mart issue. As much as everyone loves to hate Wally world, they employ a lot of people and contribute to the local economy as does other local employers. However, unlike Stewie, I do shop at Wal-Mart from time to time. Why? It's cheaper! Why would I spend 2 dollars more for a pack of Diapers, and 3 dollars more for a bottle of Contac lens solution? Competition is a good thing.

Anyway, I found a condo in Vancouver that kind of matches the given description of the Meridian on Broadway. What do you think?

[macca]

I like that rendering swilley, though the colours feel a bit, I don't know... Miami Beach? It's not remarkable architectural structure by any means, but what it will bring in terms of vitality and vibrancy to the street will hopefully out weigh however unattractive it may end up being.

[jaysfan99]

Originally Posted by swilley

Welcome to the forum psych1. No, I have not read her platform or spoken with her. I was not speaking for her, I was stating MY opinion about her, formed by her previous actions as a city councillor. Which has included putting the breaks on a number of developments other than the suburban type. BTW I picked my avatar because I like the guy, and I think he has done a great job promoting positive growth in this city.

I am with Stewie on the whole Wal-Mart issue. As much as everyone loves to hate Wally world, they employ a lot of people and contribute to the local economy as does other local employers. However, unlike Stewie, I do shop at Wal-Mart from time to time. Why? It's cheaper! Why would I spend 2 dollars more for a pack of Diapers, and 3 dollars more for a bottle of Contac lens solution? Competition is a good thing.

Anyway, I found a condo in Vancouver that kind of matches the given description of the Meridian on Broadway. What do you think?

I really like it. We would be very lucky to have something that nice on Broadway. Hope it really happens!!!!!!

[sharpie]

Originally Posted by newflyer

The city has the obligation to build infrastructure for a new business if it wants to attract the associated investment. Since Wal Mart is such a significant employer and pays significant taxes, city council must wiegh the pros and cons of allowing new investment to flow into the city.

Sometimes it takes an interchange to attract investment dollars into the city. Of course one business alone would not justify such an investment, but if it attracts further investment it is worth considering. It is ussually much better to open the door to new private investment than to put the breaks on an expanding local economy. The fact is Saskatoon has done a very good job at expanding its economy and the result is more retailers will want to invest into the market.

I disagree that the city has this obligation. Wal Mart is a retailer and they want a piece of the retail dollars that Saskatonians have to spend. They aren't bringing any new dollars to the area. Now if you're talking about new industry, that's a different story, the city should consider helping out. But as far as new retail, especially on the fringe of the city, they should bare the cost of development. When you have cities paying to bring infrastructure out to suburbs, the existing taxpayers and businesses in the city are basically subsidizing the new housing and shopping being built in the burbs.

Don't get me wrong, I believe in the free market and if Wal Mart wants to open 10 stores in Saskatoon, then that should be their right, as long as they meet development standards (which are very low in Saskatoon), and long as they pay the full cost to develop.

By the way, I like the rendering (as long as they do something with the parkade). Miami Beach colours are cool.

[newflyer]

The fact is in a growing city you will have new suburban development weither you like it or not. Most young families still want to live in a quite nieghbourhood away from the pace of the city (even Saskatoon). With that being said, I didn't say I thought city council should approve the overpass, only that it needs to consider the pros and cons of such an investment. Many cities have proven that suburban development can be viable as a means to generate taxes. Vegas and Pheonix come to mind of course desert land can be fairly cheap. The alternative requires the city to have the ability to attract a dence inner city population. I am not sure that Saskatoon meets that requirement at the moment.