Saskatoon | Baydo Towers | ??m - ??m | 25-25 Floors | U/C

[Saskabusher]

Well, first of all, thanks for the visual, CanadianDriverYXE, it's very much appreciated.

I'm on a laptop and can't get the whole image at one time without scrolling, so I'll try my phone later.

Anyway, updates have happened! Top of the posts is now 24 floors, and you can see rebar poking up top the core. That could be the final height, which from ground level is still hard to estimate.

Nevertheless, Baydo has come through, when other local developers like North Prairie keep advertising developments and do nothing.

As slow as this project moves, there is progress, which will lead to more diverse housing choices in Saskatoon, love or hate it, when it's finished. The density is welcomed in a city that sorely needs it.

[WhipperSnapper]

thanks for the update

Not sure what diversity of housing is supposed to mean. These will likely lease at the uppermost end of the market given the high cost of construction. They could potentially raise rents for all classes given that there are at least 500 units and if Saskatoon doesn't have rent control.

[Saskabusher]

Diversity of housing was meant to mean different choices for people looking for places to live, bolstering core choices, which are very limited here, thus adding to a market dominated by the single family dwelling, which dominates Saskatoon's market. Baydo said in their ads that these rentals would include spaces for large vehicles, which adds an option for folks who might usually think of an apartment as a no-go off the bat. That's all I meant. This is a very small, developing market, my friend. It ain't TO

[WhipperSnapper]

Umm, Baydo's 500 units potentially raising rents across the board infers the market is small.

Choices in housing is typically centred on price. There can be 100 buildings like in this thread's favourite city, Toronto. However, there's no diversity if they are priced similarly at the peak of the market and out of your range.

[Saskabusher]

Okay, very true. Cheers!

[The Bess]

The only reason people here pick Toronto is because your from there and your opinions are probably formed from that fact. Should move here for a couple months (in the summer) and rethink things. Not every city has to follow a news report or some real estate poll. Not criticizing you W.S just saying we can only see what really happens when its done. Our rent at the moment is one of the cheapest in Canada if you want to use reports.

https://www.mpamag.com/ca/mortgage-i...in-2022/422562

[FarmerHaight]

Originally Posted by WhipperSnapper

thanks for the update

Not sure what diversity of housing is supposed to mean. These will likely lease at the uppermost end of the market given the high cost of construction. They could potentially raise rents for all classes given that there are at least 500 units and if Saskatoon doesn't have rent control.

These are purpose-built rentals that are pretty clearly not luxury. Yes, they might be more expensive than older buildings but why would extra supply ever mean higher rents across the board?

[905er]

I'm curious to see the impact these two towers will have on the skyline. They may be bland AF but the heft in the downtown might be nice.

On a separate note.. I noticed in some recent modellings of Saskatoon's d/t area that there is a proposed tower that looks almost as if it may be slated to be the tallest in Saskatchewan. DOes anyone here know what that proposal is for and what the status is?

[FarmerHaight]

Originally Posted by 905er

I'm curious to see the impact these two towers will have on the skyline. They may be bland AF but the heft in the downtown might be nice.

On a separate note.. I noticed in some recent modellings of Saskatoon's d/t area that there is a proposed tower that looks almost as if it may be slated to be the tallest in Saskatchewan. DOes anyone here know what that proposal is for and what the status is?

This one?

Province overturns city decision to block 112-unit condo development in downtown Saskatoon

It wouldn't be the tallest in Saskatchewan, but it may sneak into Saskatoon's top-10?

[905er]

Originally Posted by FarmerHaight

This one?

Province overturns city decision to block 112-unit condo development in downtown Saskatoon

It wouldn't be the tallest in Saskatchewan, but it may sneak into Saskatoon's top-10?

Maybe it's this one.. I don't know. Glad to see this one isn't dead.

I recall seeing once a bulky looking thing..kinda Jenga blocky in design. I thought maybe that was the one proposed for downtown area.

[Crisis]

Originally Posted by 905er

I'm curious to see the impact these two towers will have on the skyline. They may be bland AF but the heft in the downtown might be nice.

I'll try to use this a reminder to pull over and snap a photo one of these days when driving south on Millar Avenue. Even though the taller of the two towers is quite a ways away, it's perfectly lined up with Millar Avenue and both the building and tower crane are now very noticeable from this vantage point in the north end of Saskatoon.

[FarmerHaight]

Originally Posted by Crisis

I'll try to use this a reminder to pull over and snap a photo one of these days when driving south on Millar Avenue. Even though the taller of the two towers is quite a ways away, it's perfectly lined up with Millar Avenue and both the building and tower crane are now very noticeable from this vantage point in the north end of Saskatoon.

I haven't seen the buildings from that angle. I've only experienced them from the top of the College Bridge, and they are quite prominent from there.

[WhipperSnapper]

Originally Posted by FarmerHaight

These are purpose-built rentals that are pretty clearly not luxury. Yes, they might be more expensive than older buildings but why would extra supply ever mean higher rents across the board?

I didn't say more expensive than older buildings. I said if these are the among the most expensive units on the market; namely newer or high end older units. The more charged for newer units, the more older units can charge at a discount to those new units. The delivery of Baydo towers could create a short term rental oversupply. It's not going to create a long term oversupply leaving owners of older units desperate for tenants. That's the typical misguided understanding that construction will create an oversupply of new units reducing the price for older units.

[prairieguy]

I believe 905er is referring to the one in Nutana area that is now scaled back. I believe the initial propsal was 33 stories, but due to initial community pushback it has been reduced in height and also design....

I believe this is the new proposal....drastically reduced in scope and height

https://www.saskatoon.ca/engage/555-...th-street-east

[Saskabusher]

The units offer something new and mid-range, with truck-sized parking. They definitely won't create a situation like in Vancouver or Toronto. You can still get a house here for $300,000, and a pretty nice one in the 400's, with plenty to choose from. It's a big leap here and lifestyle change to blow your wad on a dt condo. People rent before they buy or are just here for a year or four, working at, or going to, the university. I bet you're feeling the laid-back vibe already. Also, it's COLD! We also don't have an influx of foreign money-launderers leaving empty units- or horrible renting rates- in their wake.

Btw, one building will be available for rental upon completion, while the second will be built, but mothballed, until demand activates it. At least that's their plan.

[CanadianDriverYXE]

Baydo Construction Update December 21, 2023.

[Saskabusher]

CanadianDriverYXE, you've come thru again! Thanks for the thousand words. I have a feeling you live there and snap after work? Your position never wavers. I stayed there for several days and loved the vibe of the residents, so close to the natural embankment of the Saskatchewan....

My thoughts: It seems like the 24th floor posts are a little taller? It'll be interesting to see what happens in the next month- oops, this is Baydo time so, in the next season, to crown this building, aka top-out.

They're close, but the Penthouse/Rec centre 25th floor is still to come. While in renderings, there is no wheelhouse/mechanical penthouse, there's probably just a higher 25th fl ceiling.

Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be much progress in the South/foreground. That's the building to come online later. It would still be nice to see the four floor podium solidify over its footprint, to complete the base of this project. I bet they wish that, too. Then folks could see the commercial rental property and make plans, if any. We'll see. If a donair shop, a health clinic, a coffee shop and a bakery/deli/market open up, all the better for the area! (The brew pub is across the street;>) Ai!

[CanadianDriverYXE]

To answer your question Saskabusher, no unfortunately I do not live downtown. Not yet anyway. I hope and want to live downtown, but I can’t afford it yet, maybe after I finish College! I grew up on the west side of Saskatoon, and I’m passionate about infrastructure, construction and tall buildings, and so I found SSP!

I wanted to snap a photo for this community before I go and spend christmas at my partner’s hometown of Melville! so on that note, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all. Thank you for welcoming me in this community! Cheers!

[Crisis]

Merry Christmas to you, CanadianDriverYXE, and safe travels. Your photos and contributions are always appreciated.

[Saskabusher]

CanadianDriverYXE, Happy New Year to you and yours! (And all the folks on here.)

I also very much enjoyed your videos when you showcased "Saskatchewan's new tallest", and drove around Saskatoon highlighting Nutrien's new HQ, its siblings and the developments' impact on the skyline. Appreciation confirmed!

I look forward to Baydo's impact and eventual coloured-siding. As I recall on Broadway, they didn't start adding it until the whole building was insulated. Oh well. At least they've toned it down. It won't be as darkly tr3ndy of the time and this project should better stand the test of time. It's a low bar, just keep that in mind. I hope to be pleasantly surprised.