Saskatoon Construction

[nook]

Driving downtown today, I noticed that the ol' Cineplex Odeon building across from TCU place has a big "SOLD" sign on it. Any idea what's going on there?

[Stewie]

Originally Posted by nook

Driving downtown today, I noticed that the ol' Cineplex Odeon building across from TCU place has a big "SOLD" sign on it. Any idea what's going on there?

I heard it's being torn down. Hopefully not another GPL (gravel parking lot).

[macca]

Originally Posted by Stewie

I heard it's being torn down. Hopefully not another GPL (gravel parking lot).

To be fair, a parking lot would compliment the parking lot across the street. It would create a panoramic vista of black top and SUVs, as well as maintaining the "feel" of the neighborhood. Plus, what downtown doesn't need a few more parking spaces? And surely ImPark could use the revenue. If we don't support them, they might not survive!

[richmond]

Geez ... I still think of Pacific Cinemas as the "new" theatre in town so I hope it doesn't come down. The art deco-ish look is kind of refreshing. Put an indoor skateboard park in there or something.

[nook]

Originally Posted by Stewie

I heard it's being torn down. Hopefully not another GPL (gravel parking lot).

I think the way that the building is designed on the exterior would make it look like a really cool 50's style diner.

But then again, it's a pretty big place for a diner.

[ToddStoon]

Just a tiny development to report on. I saw that Gibson's Fish & Chips (in the Cumberland strip mall) is expanding to take the space where the Salvation Army used to be beside it. Peeking in I saw a bunch of new table space and it looks quite nice. Not sure when its opening.

[Thrill Seeker]

Small bit of Midtown Plaza news... The mall is about to undergo major construction in the food court area. They plan on tearing down Midtown Village as soon as the Government offices move to the new 2nd Ave location. Midtown plans to expand the food court with new restaurants and an expanded, more modern seating area, create a striking new entrance from the back parking lot (where the current small, sketchy entrance is) and open 4 new 2,000 sq. ft retail spaces (using the RV showroom/old Midtown Theatre space). Supposed to be complete by September.

[subdude]

Originally Posted by richmond

Geez ... I still think of Pacific Cinemas as the "new" theatre in town so I hope it doesn't come down. The art deco-ish look is kind of refreshing. Put an indoor skateboard park in there or something.

I went to the grand opening of Pacific Cinemas - they had a pretty good spread laid out, free wine even. Hard to believe it's coming down.

[Hawker]

Originally Posted by nook

Driving downtown today, I noticed that the ol' Cineplex Odeon building across from TCU place has a big "SOLD" sign on it. Any idea what's going on there?

You are a little behind Nook...


Developer Purchases Pacific Cinemas
posted February 7th, 2007

A Saskatoon developer is making noise in Saskatoon's downtown.

News Talk 650 has learned Lawrence Rychjohn has purchased the former Pacific Cinemas on 22nd Street, across the street from the YMCA and TCU Place.

It's unknown what will become of the site at this time.

Rychjohn is no stranger to development in the city.

He's responsible for the Holiday Inn Express just off Idywyld Drive. He also put up Circle Park Mall, and has a number buildings in Kelowna. BC

[circle33]

Originally Posted by Thrill Seeker

Small bit of Midtown Plaza news... The mall is about to undergo major construction in the food court area. They plan on tearing down Midtown Village as soon as the Government offices move to the new 2nd Ave location. Midtown plans to expand the food court with new restaurants and an expanded, more modern seating area, create a striking new entrance from the back parking lot (where the current small, sketchy entrance is) and open 4 new 2,000 sq. ft retail spaces (using the RV showroom/old Midtown Theatre space). Supposed to be complete by September.

Actually, in the context of any other development announcements as of late this is a pretty big piece of news.

What retailers might be filling this space? Will the addition of 8000 sq ft have any effect on the proposed/rumoured retail space along 2nd Ave (not really looking for answers, just thinking aloud here).

[Echoes]

Wow that is exciting. I'm glad to hear Midtown Village is coming down... I hated that thing. I had just been thinking as of late how much midtown (particularly the food court) needs some updating.. great news. thanks thrill seeker, you on the inside of this deal or where's your info coming from?

[Dalreg]

Always hoped that the Midtown Village would be demolished. I figure the corner on 20th could look a lot better. Maybe a good place for a high rise?

[circle33]

Yes, but construction costs are too high and labour is too scarce for any high rise construction in Saskatoon. Now a single family snout house on a cul-de-sac....

[Thrill Seeker]

Originally Posted by circle33

Actually, in the context of any other development announcements as of late this is a pretty big piece of news.

What retailers might be filling this space? Will the addition of 8000 sq ft have any effect on the proposed/rumoured retail space along 2nd Ave (not really looking for answers, just thinking aloud here).

Apparently, Midtown's traffic numbers from 2006 were quite high. Although I don't know what that magic number is, I do know that it's a number that makes Midtown Plaza very appealing to a lot of national retailers. Rumours of chains such as Jacob, Buffalo, Guess, Off The Wall entering this market are circulating. These stores won't have any real negative impact on the retail strip being built along 19th. These national retailers probably wouldn't choose to build there. I believe the 19th St. development will likely include a mix of franchises and private ventures, similar to what we see between the Canada Bldg and Empire Theatres. I think the best thing about Midtown's redevelopment is the tearing down of Midtown Village and the Community Resources offices. That food court is dark and dirty, and it's currently a haven for deadbeats. Opening it up with new seating and lighting, bringing in several new restaurants and retailers, and cleaning up the outside of the building will be a huge boost for the mall and the downtown core, in general.

[Echoes]

Where on 2nd ave is community resources moving to?

[Thrill Seeker]

Midtown Plaza's website lists Saskatchewan Community Resources and Employment Services as their tenant at Midtown Village. If I am not mistaken, that office is moving to the newly renovated (former Tramps) bldg on 2nd Ave and 21st St.

[swilley]

hmmmm.... Could Impark make a pitch?

City To Sell King George Hotel

Written by Jim Mattern - 600 Action News-Local First
Monday, 26 March 2007

A call for tenders will be issued by the city of Saskatoon for the King George Hotel next month.

The Hotel reverted back to the city after Nazir Kassam of Vancouver failed to pay back taxes and a deal with Olstar Developments of Saskatoon fell through last month.

City Treasurer Shelly Sutherland says the Tax Enforcement Act dictates the property be sold through public tender. Sutherland says the first notice is expected to appear April 7th, and will run for three successive weeknds until April 27th. She says following that the tenders will be reviewed. The KG Hotel is under a repair or demolish order by Fire and Protective Services after a fire in February of 2004. It has also been placed on the Saskatchewan Architectural Heritage Society's 2007 Watch List.

[GMMTC]

Originally Posted by Thrill Seeker

Midtown Plaza's website lists Saskatchewan Community Resources and Employment Services as their tenant at Midtown Village. If I am not mistaken, that office is moving to the newly renovated (former Tramps) bldg on 2nd Ave and 21st St.

Correct, I noticed they added the decals on the windows for "Saskatchewan Community Resources and Employment Services" within the last couple days and there was a big moving truck blocking 2nd ave yesterday aswell. The government works fast when it concerns their own comfort.

[Echoes]

Originally Posted by Thrill Seeker

Small bit of Midtown Plaza news... The mall is about to undergo major construction in the food court area. They plan on tearing down Midtown Village as soon as the Government offices move to the new 2nd Ave location. Midtown plans to expand the food court with new restaurants and an expanded, more modern seating area, create a striking new entrance from the back parking lot (where the current small, sketchy entrance is) and open 4 new 2,000 sq. ft retail spaces (using the RV showroom/old Midtown Theatre space). Supposed to be complete by September.

question... this expansion definitely does not seem big enough to fill the space that midtown village will leave when knocked down. can we expect some more lovely surface parking?
perhaps they're making surface parking cuz a big development is taking the place of the lot on 22nd

[Hawker]

Have a look at this for what Midtown is looking at doing in the future, including with the Village area:

http://www.primarisreit.com/images/upload/2005%20Investor%20Presentation.Midtown%20Plaza.pdf