Saskatoon Construction - Page 58

psych1 · #**1141** Posted **Mar 9, 2007, 4:47 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by swilley

The heritage society is probably pissed now. Tear the Legion down for a parking lot!

We should all be pissed, and the mayor should be embarassed. Based on the pace of private sector development downtown, it will indeed be a parking lot for the forseeable future. While a new development might have justified tearing down the old building, the existing building had a great deal more merit than a parking lot. Unfortunately, the preservationists wasted their energy and reputations on the Gathercole which undeniably had limited merit, and they have no currency left with the general public, so there is no-one left to fight this or even to highlight the folly of the whole hotel dream.

swilley · #**1142** Posted **Mar 9, 2007, 5:37 PM**

Murray Lyons @ the Kleenex summed up the situation pretty good IMO

Link is here

circle33 · #**1143** Posted **Mar 9, 2007, 5:41 PM**

As I understand it the original request for proposal for the site specifically required a hotel/spa be built. Since, as has been discussed here already, no one is building exclusive full service hotels there is little surprise that there was only one taker. Now that reality has sunk its teeth into the situation the city will no doubt be forced to call for less restrictive proposals. At this point we'll then see if this property is as hot as his worship has been trumpeting it as.

I'm not sure why Remai is still hell bent on demolishing the legion now that they have no plan for it. This could cost them a fair bit in goodwill.

CCF · #**1144** Posted **Mar 9, 2007, 6:02 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by circle33

As I understand it the original request for proposal for the site specifically required a hotel/spa be built. Since, as has been discussed here already, no one is building exclusive full service hotels there is little surprise that there was only one taker. Now that reality has sunk its teeth into the situation the city will no doubt be forced to call for less restrictive proposals. At this point we'll then see if this property is as hot as his worship has been trumpeting it as.

I'm not sure why Remai is still hell bent on demolishing the legion now that they have no plan for it. This could cost them a fair bit in goodwill.

Not to mention, they are probably paying for the demo.

Can anyone tell me why the Casino proposal for Saskatoon never went through?

swilley · #**1145** Posted **Mar 9, 2007, 7:39 PM**

^ It would not be Saskatoon politics without a good old fashioned Plebiscite. The Casino proposal was defeated by public votes.

jaysfan99 · #**1146** Posted **Mar 10, 2007, 12:32 AM**

At least we still have the "MOB",........................or at least I hope so. We need something to look forward to.

richmond · #**1147** Posted **Mar 12, 2007, 3:54 AM**

I agree that condos are the way to go. Increase the density then I hope restaurants, pubs, etc open up a few blocks from the river, stretching back towards downtown. Subdivide the Remai lot further so we can get some of those skinny point towers like Vancouver rather than the bulkier, less elegant ones going up in Calgary.

One of the towers at the Renaissance was condos right from the start. Not sure how successful that venture has been.

I haven't been on in awhile, but has anyone commented on the new infills next to the Capital Theatre? I give a thumbs up to the red for putting some life into that block.

Ruckus · #**1148** Posted **Mar 13, 2007, 5:36 AM**

During tonights council meeting City Manager Phil Richards stated between himself and Chris Dekker(Public and Intergovernmental Affairs/Special Projects), 10 phone calls had been received with respect to development of the private component(e.g. site of former Remai Hotel/Spa concept).

Further, Mayor Atchison declared that 10 phone calls from national, and indeed international interest provide reassurance for those feeling uncertain about River Landing's viability. Atchison concluded by stating the private investment surrounding River Landing (e.g. Galaxy,Farmers Market,Persephone) would have not been possible without Ellen Remai's initial investment of $1.6 million.

The economic state of Western Canada and respectful regional centers have transformed dramatically during the last several years(for better), an opinion held by council members, the Mayor, and City Manager. An indication which supports what would best fit the "vision of River Landing " as put forward by Phil Richards.

I expect an interesting debate of what is to become of this site. For some reason I support and recommend mix use of retail/condos, and it would only be fitting that a progressive design scheme be a requirement. As stated during council, expect a report by the city on the options available for the River Landing site in the next 4-6 weeks(after Easter).

On another topic, the city will review its approach to affordable housing in a effort to serve those not served by the increasing market cost of renting, and decreasing availability of housing stock(well maybe just the east side). This does not mean rent control should be the answer, hahaha some people assume too much.

My final thoughts lie with the development of Saskatoon's Whitewater river park. Council and resprentatives from the Whitewater Kayaking Association of Saskatoon(I think that was the organization) had an informal discussion on the realistic development, informing and questioning the nature of the citys role(costs/opportunities), as well as possible constraints. Further consultation is suggested with the community, and all concerning parties(e.g. MVA, Watershed Authority, etc).

A very promising presentation and acceptance towards a final product which Saskatoon will market to the fullest, and most importantly local residents having access to an exceptional world class facility.

nook · #**1149** Posted **Mar 14, 2007, 5:06 AM**

Hey, long time viewer, first time poster...

I was reading an article in the SP about the Northern League (Baseball) and their interest in putting a team in Saskatoon... and that got me thinking...

Through the years of playing hardball in the city, we NEED more hardball diamonds, both Leakos Field and Cairns Field are far overused in the summer... Also it should be noted that as much as I like Cairns Field, it's a dump. With noted interest of a professional sports team in our city, why not build a half decent baseball stadium? It doesn't even need to be huge... There's tons of nice stadiums in the states that are around 4,500-5,000 in seating capacity.

A good example.

I don't know if it's feasible to put something like this along the riverbank. I don't know about you guys/gals, but there's nothing like having a cold beer on a warm summer night watching a ball game. Saskatoon deserves more world class facilities. And it could be used by minor baseball teams in the city as well.

macca · #**1150** Posted **Mar 14, 2007, 3:26 PM**

Tidbit: Golder & Associates (a geo-engineering firm) is the lead (only?) tenant for the under-renovation former-RCMP building on 8th St. They are vacating their 1st Ave office, which is for lease. This is the most exciting thing currently happening in Saskatoon. Not that I'm discouraged or anything...

Oh, and the new retail spots between the Canada building and Emprie theatres are leased out, to Gino Gaudet Fashion House and True Identity, repsectively.

Ruckus · #**1151** Posted **Mar 14, 2007, 7:06 PM**

News for some of us: Saskatoon's former Strip Club(Diesel Nite Club) on 22nd street has finally been torn down to make room for an additional strip mall(similiar to the subway/dominos/vhq/tim hortons next door). I have not verified it, but the following link has some short discussion about the topic http://www.djsugardaddy.ca/stoonatnight/...rt=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight= (Yeah info was posted September 2006

)

After seeing it being torn down I was really hoping for a nicer condo development with underground parking and such. Walking distance to a large selection of services, quick drive/bike/bus ride downtown, and near the two new high schools and swimming pool/recreation center.

For sustainable development reasons, the city should encourage more adaptive reuse of property surrounding older high density retail sites/main arteries through rezoning and tax incentives which promote high density condo development of the type which would primarily attract working class people. Marketing to working class people seems like the best approach as they would benefit and contribute the most within such a concept(e.g. busy lifestyles, reduced transportation costs, pure convience). Although such policies might detract from downtown residential investment to some extent, the downtown IMO will always remain viable with the River parks, and central location and increasing amount of amenities(restaurants/coffee shops/fashion/etc).

As most know, Market Mall and the surrounding area has experienced a large investment in condo development(although mostly if not all senior complexes), one can easily argue the large senior population supports the services/businesses located within that small area. Looking at all older suburban retail malls including Lawson, Center, Confederation, Market Mall one can see the existence of mid-high density residential, but it varies widely between each center for different reasons.

On a related topic, I was quite put off by the Census statistics showing an increase in population for the "bedroom communites" surrounding Saskatoon. I hope that trend begins to decline with more serviced lots becoming available in Saskatoon, but I won't expect it.

Echoes · #**1152** Posted **Mar 14, 2007, 10:24 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by nook

Hey, long time viewer, first time poster...

I was reading an article in the SP about the Northern League (Baseball) and their interest in putting a team in Saskatoon... and that got me thinking...

Through the years of playing hardball in the city, we NEED more hardball diamonds, both Leakos Field and Cairns Field are far overused in the summer... Also it should be noted that as much as I like Cairns Field, it's a dump. With noted interest of a professional sports team in our city, why not build a half decent baseball stadium? It doesn't even need to be huge... There's tons of nice stadiums in the states that are around 4,500-5,000 in seating capacity.

A good example.

I don't know if it's feasible to put something like this along the riverbank. I don't know about you guys/gals, but there's nothing like having a cold beer on a warm summer night watching a ball game. Saskatoon deserves more world class facilities. And it could be used by minor baseball teams in the city as well.

As much as I'm not a fan of ball I like the idea. Winnipeg's downtown baseball stadium, CanWest Global Park has a capacity of 7,400. Its a great looking facility and an added bonus to their downtown. Of course, S'toon could only support a modest stadium. But I think if the stadium was built, baseball would become a more popular spectator sport in the city. To use the cliche from the baseball movie field of dreams, "If you build it, they will come."

Im trying to think of a great spot for it... perhaps in the city yards north of the 25th st extension? is it at all possible to fit it into river landing phase 2? of course im just entertaining the notion of something that likely won't ever happen

i wonder just how serious the northern league is about setting up a team in saskatoon.

CCF · #**1153** Posted **Mar 14, 2007, 10:33 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Country

As much as I'm not a fan of ball I like the idea. Winnipeg's downtown baseball stadium, CanWest Global Park has a capacity of 7,400. Its a great looking facility and an added bonus to their downtown. Of course, S'toon could only support a modest stadium. But I think if the stadium was built, baseball would become a more popular spectator sport in the city. To use the cliche from the baseball movie field of dreams, "If you build it, they will come."

Im trying to think of a great spot for it... perhaps in the city yards north of the 25th st extension? is it at all possible to fit it into river landing phase 2? of course im just entertaining the notion of something that likely won't ever happen

i wonder just how serious the northern league is about setting up a team in saskatoon.

Apparently very serious. Saskatoon is apparently number one on their list for expansion, but from what I've read the league did very pooorly last season in terms of attendance in Calgary/Edmonton.

Ruckus · #**1154** Posted **Mar 15, 2007, 1:06 AM**

Former Tramps converted to office space.

nook · #**1155** Posted **Mar 15, 2007, 3:21 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by CCF

Apparently very serious. Saskatoon is apparently number one on their list for expansion, but from what I've read the league did very pooorly last season in terms of attendance in Calgary/Edmonton.

I read in an article somewhere that Calgary's GM said, "We should put a team in Saskatoon", then the Northern League Commissioner said, "We WILL put a team in Saskatoon"

Also, I think the partial lack of attendance in Edmonton/Calgary is due to the recent loss of their 'AAA' teams. Many view the Northern League as inferior, which it is, and couldn't be bothered spending their money on something inferior. Saskatoon, I think, would do a much better job of supporting a Northern League team, since we've never had anything like it.

Build it downtown, I say. There's always the debate if the Blades would draw better if the CUC was downtown... so why not?

circle33 · #**1156** Posted **Mar 15, 2007, 11:37 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by SASKFTW

Former Tramps converted to office space.

That's not bad -- not what I was expecting, probably better. Good of them to keep the Bob painting. How's the 21st St. side look?

Only The Lonely.. · #**1157** Posted **Mar 15, 2007, 2:18 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Country

As much as I'm not a fan of ball I like the idea. Winnipeg's downtown baseball stadium, CanWest Global Park has a capacity of 7,400. Its a great looking facility and an added bonus to their downtown. Of course, S'toon could only support a modest stadium. But I think if the stadium was built, baseball would become a more popular spectator sport in the city. To use the cliche from the baseball movie field of dreams, "If you build it, they will come."

Im trying to think of a great spot for it... perhaps in the city yards north of the 25th st extension? is it at all possible to fit it into river landing phase 2? of course im just entertaining the notion of something that likely won't ever happen

i wonder just how serious the northern league is about setting up a team in saskatoon.

I don't know what to say accept that a ball park like Canwest in Winnipeg would be a real asset to Saskatoon.

Plus, i'd look forward to the rivalry.

The reason why Calgary and Edmonton failed is because they both had terrible facilities.

In many respects the Goldeyes used to draw poorly too when the played out of Winnipeg Stadium.

When the new ballpark was built it became an instant hit. I don't even really follow baseball, but I love drinking a beer outside on a hot summers night and taking in a game at a park that does it right.

If you built it , they will come Saskatoon!

rrskylar · #**1158** Posted **Mar 15, 2007, 3:03 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by swilley

^ It would not be Saskatoon politics without a good old fashioned Plebiscite. The Casino proposal was defeated by public votes.

What's the point of holding elections for public officials when the ones you elect don't have the balls to stand behind their convictions? A plebiscite is just the easy way out for our gutless civic leaders!

swilley · #**1159** Posted **Mar 15, 2007, 4:05 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrskylar

What's the point of holding elections for public officials when the ones you elect don't have the balls to stand behind their convictions? A plebiscite is just the easy way out for our gutless civic leaders!

Agreed!

swilley · #**1160** Posted **Mar 15, 2007, 4:07 PM**

About the Baseball in Saskatoon. How many teams have already tried and failed? I can't remember if the leagues failed or the franchise, but there has been a few for sure. I am not sure we could support a team attendance wise, even if we had a nice downtown stadium.