Quote:
Originally Posted by windypeg
If people who live and work here don't even fully understand how the circus works then how on earth do so many people think it's acceptable for the visitors coming through our main business and hospitality area? It's almost like the suburbanites want our city to be embarrassing.
|
I wouldn’t call it our main business section anymore. That’s shifted quite a bit west now. And I’m sure more will shift yet still. We have a few half empty towers soon once they move into TNS. And the area around broadway and to TNS is a very business section of the city.
I’m for it though opening it. Don’t get me wrong. But I don’t want to see some half assed job. It MUST include the entrances to the concourse and the concourse itself. Just opening the top isn’t going to change the area. You need to do it all at the same time.
I know in Winnipeg style we will open it and forget about the concourse and then 3 years later tear all that fresh concrete up and start on the concourse rehabilitation.
Don’t forget we have winter. Talk to some older folks who braved that corner in the winter. They will tell you it was hell on earth. So the concourse still needs to be done properly and with clear signage. Proper elevators and escalators. Sky lights to make it look inviting. And above all. Around the clock security for the time being. I’m sure once more people move downtown security won’t be an issue. But for now it’s a dead zone after 5.
Also this new mall which to me seems like Portage Place all over again might just work in that spot. If they can manage staying open later that will help.
And above all. Those 4 corners need more the. Just some places to walk to the other side. Lighting needs to be a major topic. A place for the food carts in the warmer months. Even maybe a place in front of Richardson building for some live smaller concerts. That area is quite large. And opening the fronts of those buildings would be awesome.
And I’d like to see more above ground signage for advertising like PnM used to have. Make it bright and inviting. And it just might turn into a mini Times Square.