Saskatoon Construction

[drm310]

Well as they say, a drunk man's words are a sober man's thoughts. I'm not surprised, given the length of time with no activity. Yet again we've allowed more buildings to be demolished with nothing to take their place. What a proud tradition we're upholding.

At least Impark's happy that it got another gravel lot.

Originally Posted by circle33

Just before Christmas, on a liquor fueled evening, I was talking to a guy directly linked to the 2seven5 project. I asked him outright if it was going to be built and he came right back, no hesitation, with a "NO". He then retracted a bit and said what we already know; it would not be built without a signed tenant. Before I could follow up on that front, i.e., potential tenants on the horizon he, irritated by my pestering, disappeared into the fog.

[Jerry]

It would be great if more developers just jumped in like North Prairie Developments Ltd. did.
Once Discovery Plaza was built it wasn't long before it was leased.

[Jerry]

An interesting read I found this morning so thought I would post it in its entirety. Gives us a little insight to what is happening with office space.

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Downtown faces office challenge

More space planned, but suburban locations present competition

By Cassandra Kyle, The StarPhoenix February 3, 2011 3:06 AM



Up to 450,000 square feet of new office space is set to rise over downtown Saskatoon in the coming years, but developers with city centre projects are being challenged by suburban office developments for tenants, a Saskatoon real estate expert said Wednesday.

Tom McClocklin, president of Colliers McClocklin Real Estate Corp., said in addition to potential new downtown space, up to 250,000 square feet of suburban office space is set to be built in areas outside of the downtown core. This could cause problems for property devel-opers who are waiting for enough tenants to start building new office space in the heart of Saskatoon's business district.

"It could potentially be a concern that tenants get dragged out of downtown," McClocklin said following a morning presentation. "The rental rates -they are slightly less for a suburban office building than a downtown office building because of the type of construction, but not substantially."

At the end of 2010, Class A office vacancy in the city was zero per cent, with both Class B and Class C at about the six per cent, according to the real estate firm. Included in the 450,000-square-foot outlook is the River Landing project, which will take a number of years to complete, and the 275 Second project on 20th Street, which requires tenants before construction will begin. Developments including Mid-West Development Corp.'s Modern Press project and the Arthur Cook building redevelopment are both set to be completed this year.

Suburban projects, McClocklin said, include office developments in Stonebridge and University Heights Square.

The challenge for the city is to attract enough new business and support as many local businesses as needed to keep both the downtown and suburban office markets sustainable, McClocklin.

"I'm a believer that a strong healthy downtown needs a strong healthy city, so we need to keep the focus, we need to create the environment to attract tenants downtown," McClocklin said.

Meanwhile, retail space in the city remains popular, with the city recording a 2.2 per cent vacancy rate at the end of 2010. McClocklin said for the past several years, Saskatoon has been a destination for retail companies now that the population is spending its money.

"We're coming out of a very conservative saving mentality to where we're confident in our future and we're willing to spend money," he said.

"So that's attractive to retailers -that they can set up a store and be successful in Saskatoon."

But the crunch may be on for retailers -especially national brands -in the coming years as the city's big box developments run out of space. After the Blairmore and University Heights Square developments are full, McClocklin wonders if and where in the city zoning will allow for a new retail development.

Demand, he said, will keep rising for retail.

"We're on the national radar scene these days, we get a lot of press and people know it's a good place to be," he said. "If the mayor is correct in his position of us getting to 300,000 people in a decade, then retailers will do well."

Overall, McClocklin expects Saskatoon's commercial real estate market to be stable and strong in 2011, with vacancy rates remaining low.

"I think Saskatoon is in a very good spot and it should be for the foreseeable future," he said.

[email protected]
© Copyright (c) The StarPhoenix

Read more: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/Downtown+faces+office+challenge/4215751/story.html#ixzz1CtAMUx55

[jigglysquishy]

The City of Saskatoon should simply not allow building permits for offices outside the core. Everyone talks about making downtown the place to be, while why don't you simply force office jobs down there.

[Echoes]

Tonko's River Centre at 19th and 2nd is starting construction on spec early this year according to officials with that company.

As the above article says, the Arthur Cook and Ken Achs' Mid-West project are both full-steam ahead (which, by the way, is already on its 3rd floor!). River Landing Village should start excavating in the spring.

The big mozza ball hanging over downtown office development continues to be 275 Second. I really hope that this project at its current scope is eventually realized.

But, the City of Saskatoon does need to sit up and take note. Our downtown office market does seem to be struggling more than it should in times like this. The City needs to see what they can do to make downtown the most attractive office market in Saskatoon.

[Echoes]

On the City of Saskatoon website:

Mendel Art Gallery Re-Use Plan >> Call for Ideas

[prairieguy]

Originally Posted by Echoes

But, the City of Saskatoon does need to sit up and take note. Our downtown office market does seem to be struggling more than it should in times like this. The City needs to see what they can do to make downtown the most attractive office market in Saskatoon.

I believe this starts with trying to court some major corps to the city along with head offices. Regina was successful several years ago with Standard Life(??) with, I believe, much assistance from the province. Saskatoon needs to flex its provincial muscle as the largest city and economic engine of this province and have the prov and civic gov't pro-actively go after business. I would fully support some concessions being made to attract a decent size corp., as the long term benefits would far out weigh any short term incentives.

[Jerry]

Originally Posted by WoodlandCritter

Jerry and dsin249, thanks for the updates guys, and yeah some recent pics would be great. I also hope they try and make it authentically German in some way, i mean it will never be the old club but that should be something to aspire to. It was a shame that fire happened in the first place.

Here you go WoodlandCritter a few photos of the new German Cultural Centre. I'm not getting that authentic German feeling as of yet but maybe the finishing touches will surprise us. Anyone know what the significance of the branch and wreath are ?

Just as a side note, I did get caught on site without permission and a hard hat. The site manager was pretty good about it but got his point across that I should check in first. I guess I spent too much time grazing this winter and wasn't as stealthy as I normally am.















New German club building going up in Saskatoon after fire

[UPP]

Originally Posted by prairieguy

I believe this starts with trying to court some major corps to the city along with head offices. Regina was successful several years ago with Standard Life(??) with, I believe, much assistance from the province. Saskatoon needs to flex its provincial muscle as the largest city and economic engine of this province and have the prov and civic gov't pro-actively go after business. I would fully support some concessions being made to attract a decent size corp., as the long term benefits would far out weigh any short term incentives.

That was Crown Life. Which was purchased by the Hill group of companies, a completely private, family organization. They did get some help from REDA (Regina Economic Development Authority). That company was eventually purchased by Canada Life and much of it moved back to Ontario.

Saskatoon has already been the beneficiary of a tonne of government support, (university, tech, hospital/healthcare, etc) which is largely why it has surpassed Regina in recent years in population.

It's time for Saskatoon to be weaned off the handouts.

[WoodlandCritter]

Thanks Jerry. I appreciate you risking your skin sneaking into the site for me to snap some pics haha.

By the looks of it they will try and make the front building a little more authentically aesthetic. Too bad about the back steel sided building, but i understand that it was probably cost effective to build that way.

Since the city is expanding south so much it would be great to see them have a full time restaurant and authentic German pub in the structure. I know the previous building served food too but it would be nice place to go in the summer for a nice german brew. just a thought. and maybe some pretzel girls too. sorry i have hofbrauhaus on the mind, so good haha.

[dsim249]

Good news for S'toon!

Saskatoon the fastest growing region in Canada: Statistics Canada report


The latest population estimates released by StatsCan say the Saskatoon region was the fastest-growing metropolitan area in Canada last year, surpassing Alberta’s major cities in growth for the first time in decades.

The Saskatoon region is also now the youngest of the metropolitan areas in the country, bucking the pan-Canadian trend of a rapidly aging population.

The region, which includes bedroom communities such as Warman, Martensville, Dundurn, and Dalmeny, has now passed the 265,000 population mark, a jump of more than 30,000 people since 2005.

Regina was third in the country in growth, behind Vancouver in second spot. The Regina region is now 215,000 people, an increase of close to 5,000 from the previous year.

The main reason for Saskatoon’s gain is a huge spike in international immigration, StatsCan reports.

Saskatoon added more than 3,300 new immigrants over the year, higher than major Canadian cities such as Hamilton and Quebec City, Statistics Canada notes.

Read more: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/technology...+report/4220473/story.html#ixzz1CxWFVqiW

[Brutopian]

Originally Posted by dsim249

Good news for S'toon!

Saskatoon the fastest growing region in Canada: Statistics Canada report


The latest population estimates released by StatsCan say the Saskatoon region was the fastest-growing metropolitan area in Canada last year, surpassing Alberta’s major cities in growth for the first time in decades.

The Saskatoon region is also now the youngest of the metropolitan areas in the country, bucking the pan-Canadian trend of a rapidly aging population.

The region, which includes bedroom communities such as Warman, Martensville, Dundurn, and Dalmeny, has now passed the 265,000 population mark, a jump of more than 30,000 people since 2005.

Regina was third in the country in growth, behind Vancouver in second spot. The Regina region is now 215,000 people, an increase of close to 5,000 from the previous year.

The main reason for Saskatoon’s gain is a huge spike in international immigration, StatsCan reports.

Saskatoon added more than 3,300 new immigrants over the year, higher than major Canadian cities such as Hamilton and Quebec City, Statistics Canada notes.

Read more: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/technology...+report/4220473/story.html#ixzz1CxWFVqiW

Saskatoon's growth is indeed phenomenal. By my calculations, Saskatoon grew by nearly 20 PEOPLE A DAY last year.

Ya gotta love this chart (see link below). The future looks very bright for Toontown. 300,000 here we come!

http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/91-214-x/2009000/ct001-eng.htm

[Crisis]

Originally Posted by jigglysquishy

The City of Saskatoon should simply not allow building permits for offices outside the core. Everyone talks about making downtown the place to be, while why don't you simply force office jobs down there.

I'd like to thinkk that you're kidding, but I'm pretty sure that you are actually serious about this statement aren't you? It continues to boggle my mind how people on this forum feel that they should have the right to enforce their will on others. The next thing we know, you'll be telling us how to dress, what to eat & how many children we can have.

Ideas like that will certainly have an immediate impact on business activity in Saskatoon - Unfortunately the impact will be the ceasing of said activity.

[sk187]

Originally Posted by Crisis

I'd like to thinkk that you're kidding, but I'm pretty sure that you are actually serious about this statement aren't you? It continues to boggle my mind how people on this forum feel that they should have the right to enforce their will on others. The next thing we know, you'll be telling us how to dress, what to eat & how many children we can have.

Ideas like that will certainly have an immediate impact on business activity in Saskatoon - Unfortunately the impact will be the ceasing of said activity.

I disagree.. I think that if the City offered incentives for businesses to set themselves up downtown (the only reason they are establishing themselves in suburbs is because of the low cost). the downtown could be a very important hub of business activity. Perhaps refusing to issue suburban office permits isn't the best way to achieve a revitalization of our downtown, but I believe we should take a page from Regina's book. They have a ton of exciting dowtown development due to incentives and demand. We could easily have the same amount if not more development in our downtown if the city was playing their cards right.
There are ways of improving business activity in our city without "ceasing" it.

[UPP]

Originally Posted by sk187

I disagree.. I think that if the City offered incentives for businesses to set themselves up downtown (the only reason they are establishing themselves in suburbs is because of the low cost). the downtown could be a very important hub of business activity. Perhaps refusing to issue suburban office permits isn't the best way to achieve a revitalization of our downtown, but I believe we should take a page from Regina's book. They have a ton of exciting dowtown development due to incentives and demand. We could easily have the same amount if not more development in our downtown if the city was playing their cards right.
There are ways of improving business activity in our city without "ceasing" it.

Demand is the key. For all the excitement in Regina, its been 20 years since a highrise office has been built. Demand doesn't come by forcing where you can develop. Saskatoon is a different business climate, the research park is huge, the university is very large and the manufacturing/distribution sector is very healthy. Build on your strengths, promote diversification and the rest will fall into place.

[Crisis]

Originally Posted by sk187

I disagree.. I think that if the City offered incentives for businesses to set themselves up downtown (the only reason they are establishing themselves in suburbs is because of the low cost). the downtown could be a very important hub of business activity. Perhaps refusing to issue suburban office permits isn't the best way to achieve a revitalization of our downtown, but I believe we should take a page from Regina's book. They have a ton of exciting dowtown development due to incentives and demand. We could easily have the same amount if not more development in our downtown if the city was playing their cards right.
There are ways of improving business activity in our city without "ceasing" it.

You're missing the point. There are a large number of people (workers, if you will) that do not want to work downtown. We've just had this discussion at my workplace. Here, it is unanimous that none of us wants to be downtown. We're in & out of the office regularly and coming & going from downtown is a PITA. A downtown office is a disincentive for many people to work for a particular business.

The real issue I have is the idea that government and internet forum participants feel that they have the right to tell people & businesses where they can work, outside of legitimate environmental & health factors regarding heavy industry, chemicals, etc.

[Morogolus]

Originally Posted by UPP

Demand is the key. For all the excitement in Regina, its been 20 years since a highrise office has been built. Demand doesn't come by forcing where you can develop. Saskatoon is a different business climate, the research park is huge, the university is very large and the manufacturing/distribution sector is very healthy. Build on your strengths, promote diversification and the rest will fall into place.

Downtown development will always be stifled as long as parking is such a pain in the ass.

I know they're an eyesore but they need to build more leveled parking structures, not just crappy gravel IMPark lots.

[Temperance]

Originally Posted by Crisis

You're missing the point. There are a large number of people (workers, if you will) that do not want to work downtown. We've just had this discussion at my workplace. Here, it is unanimous that none of us wants to be downtown. We're in & out of the office regularly and coming & going from downtown is a PITA. A downtown office is a disincentive for many people to work for a particular business.

The real issue I have is the idea that government and internet forum participants feel that they have the right to tell people & businesses where they can work, outside of legitimate environmental & health factors regarding heavy industry, chemicals, etc.

It's called city planning crisis. These kind of decisions are for the betterment of the community as a whole. I've been to cities without much planning and it's not a pretty picture (or a reasonable alternative).

[sk187]

Exciting to see some action already taking place at Midtown! Stitches is closing out, Aldo is closed for renovations, and beside Aldo there is a Michael Hill going in.. I did some research and apparently Michael Hill is a New Zealand Jeweller who is in the midst of doing a huge international expansion. It looks very cool.
Super exciting that the shopping scene is improving, I have a friend who works in the mall that says she has heard buzz of Sephora, H&M, and Guess all going into the mall within the next two years. (I know this was already posted, but it was cool to hear a non-forumer talk of these rumors)

[radioactive1]

Originally Posted by Crisis

You're missing the point. There are a large number of people (workers, if you will) that do not want to work downtown. We've just had this discussion at my workplace. Here, it is unanimous that none of us wants to be downtown. We're in & out of the office regularly and coming & going from downtown is a PITA. A downtown office is a disincentive for many people to work for a particular business.

The real issue I have is the idea that government and internet forum participants feel that they have the right to tell people & businesses where they can work, outside of legitimate environmental & health factors regarding heavy industry, chemicals, etc.

When a company locates their office, they need to weigh all the advantages and disadvantages of locating in a downtown core. For most office-type businesses it is preferable to be downtown.

I disagree with you that municipal governments shouldn't be able to make decisions on where specific types of businesses can locate within a city. That's why we have zoning. It's about making most of the people happy most of the time.....