Winnipeg Construction VIII

[Wigglez]

Originally Posted by vid

The Exchange was the first part of Winnipeg to get tall buildings. Why must we neglect that aspect of its heritage?

I like the way you think!

Personally I've always wanted to see some more height in the exchange. Filling in some of those annoying parking lots. But I've also always been a fan of mixing old and new together, a nice blend in the exchange could make it an absolutely world class location.

That being said I do understand why some people want to keep new development to a minimum. I agree that if all of the new construction was very out of place and totally overshadowed beautiful heritage buildings, that would be a shame.

Its all about a nice balance. And with this building going up on a street that is almost totally new developments, in an area of the exchange that rapidly loses its character and stock of quality heritage buildings, I think it's a great addition to the area and not at all out of place.

[inlp89]

Originally Posted by bomberjet

Just because there are no tall buildings there now, doesn't mean one can't be built. Using that logic. When Winnipeg was first built, there were no tall buildings. So that means there should never be any tall buildings?

I know, the height restrictions. Someone needs to be a pioneer and have some vision for the future. Maybe this will help get the ball rolling even faster in the exchange. Not saying we need 40 storey towers, I would prefer not to have those in the exchange. Keep the character of the neighbourhood. That's what the height restriction is for.

You believe a 24 story mix-use is going to spur more like sized building in that area? Does that mean we are getting rid of the historic look and feel of the neighborhood to make way for this sort of development? or are these "pioneers" going to build 20 something story buildings strewed among the warehouses? It must be me bc I feel you're stretching your logic for the sake of any development, and again that got us to where we are now, a downtown/core area that's way too large to sustain with 750,000 pop.

[GORDBO]

Originally Posted by vid

The Exchange was the first part of Winnipeg to get tall buildings. Why must we neglect that aspect of its heritage?

Wasn't the old Royal Bank bldg. at Main and William, the tallest bldg. in the british Commonwealth when it was first built?

[DancingDuck]

Originally Posted by Wigglez

Its all about a nice balance. And with this building going up on a street that is almost totally new developments, in an area of the exchange that rapidly loses its character and stock of quality heritage buildings, I think it's a great addition to the area and not at all out of place.

Right. How it looks depends on which side of main it goes: On the west side, which most people consider the exchange proper, a high-rise wouldn't fit. West of main, in the "east exchange", an area dominated by the museum, concert hall, and new buildings on waterfront, a 24 story building fits right in. Mostly.

[vid]

Originally Posted by GORDBO

Wasn't the old Royal Bank bldg. at Main and William, the tallest bldg. in the british Commonwealth when it was first built?

It was the tallest building in Western Canada when built, and its flagpole was the tallest in the commonwealth at the time. There was a building in Hamilton that was taller at the time, it was demolished.

http://skyscraperpage.com/diagrams/?searchID=60472426

[chrisallard5454]

Originally Posted by inlp89

You believe a 24 story mix-use is going to spur more like sized building in that area? Does that mean we are getting rid of the historic look and feel of the neighborhood to make way for this sort of development? or are these "pioneers" going to build 20 something story buildings strewed among the warehouses? It must be me bc I feel you're stretching your logic for the sake of any development, and again that got us to where we are now, a downtown/core area that's way too large to sustain with 750,000 pop.

I think what he was trying to say is that this could be a catalyst for more developments that would include conversions. Such a building would require - and I don't use that word lightly - a grosser and parking, two things that have been desperately needed in the East Exchange, in order to spur population growth.

I am not one to say build anything for the sake of development, but I am not opposed to this development. Sometimes in order to respect the past you have to move forward. Some of the worlds most treasured historic sights are hotbeds for forward thinking developments. This sight with the inclusion of mixed use, office, retail, rental residential, a museum and parking is one of the most progressive proposals that I have seen for this city. I see no reason to turn it down, especially when considering it means saving a historic building, something you seem very keen on doing.

This proposal has also brought the city and the province together without conflict for the first time in a few years now. There seems to be no question by any, educated or not that this development, if done correctly, is very good for the area.

[trueviking]

Originally Posted by vid

It was the tallest building in Western Canada when built, and its flagpole was the tallest in the commonwealth at the time. There was a building in Hamilton that was taller at the time, it was demolished.

http://skyscraperpage.com/diagrams/?searchID=60472426

Union Bank Tower was the tallest building in Canada when it was built. It opened in 1904. It was the tallest for 2 years.

The Bank of Hamilton in Hamilton was a two storey building built in 1892, that was expanded to ten stories in 1905. It was still not taller than the 11 storey Union Tower in Winnipeg....that is quite obvious looking at them.

not sure who drew those diagrams.

[roccerfeller]

Originally Posted by chrisallard5454

I think what he was trying to say is that this could be a catalyst for more developments that would include conversions. Such a building would require - and I don't use that word lightly - a grosser and parking, two things that have been desperately needed in the East Exchange, in order to spur population growth.

I am not one to say build anything for the sake of development, but I am not opposed to this development. Sometimes in order to respect the past you have to move forward. Some of the worlds most treasured historic sights are hotbeds for forward thinking developments. This sight with the inclusion of mixed use, office, retail, rental residential, a museum and parking is one of the most progressive proposals that I have seen for this city. I see no reason to turn it down, especially when considering it means saving a historic building, something you seem very keen on doing.

This proposal has also brought the city and the province together without conflict for the first time in a few years now. There seems to be no question by any, educated or not that this development, if done correctly, is very good for the area.

Well said, Chris

Just to add, inlp89 (and not to take away from your points which are valid),

This proposal exists because of the economics related to the redevelopment of this site; which is being redeveloped in the first place for a myriad of reasons.

I'd take this proposal over the building being demolished and turned into yet another parking lot any day.


That doesn't mean there aren't problems, inlp89, with the development. There are things being taken away and there may be better solutions on paper. I also understand why its important to not look at it just as a "wow pretty high rise" and forget the things it may not be good for, in that area overall.

But that area could certainly use a development of this calibre. The positives that come with it are potentially excellent; density is increased, the surrounding restaurants have more people to draw business from, this could even increase demand for a grocery store if there isn't one planned to be part of this proposal, and it potentially saves a historic building among other things.

There are negatives too, but I don't think one should dismiss the potential the building could bring either. Both sides need to be weighed, and I think there is merit to both ends of a debate, though I do personally feel this type of proposal is a forward thinking one overall.

But first this proposal would need to be approved. Right now, its just a proposal and could just as quickly disappear as it appeared.

[Biff]

I think the fact that this is a tall building proposed for the "Exchange" area needs to be taken with a grain of salt. Yes it might be in the footprint of the Exchange but it is definitely on the northern fringe of it. The block that it is on has no heritage buildings, other than the Pump House itself (Sky 1 & 2, The Warehouse Theatre and by extension the Manitoba Museum) so there is no fear of ruining the fabric or continuity of the exchange......similar to The Richardson Bldg being across from the Grain Exchange.

This might be one of the last legitimate chances for the Pump Station Building to be saved without using massive amounts of public funding. I like this proposal. I am not sure i am sold on it being as tall as it is (and i looove tall buildings) but I understand the need for it to be this size. In talking to people in the know it seems that this will pass at the City level. All that needs to be done is hope that the business plan is solid and the development team can make it work.

[esquire]

^ Why the secrecy regarding who the developer is? It seems odd that none of the news reports came right out and identified the people or companies behind the project.

[Cyro]

Biff...would you hazard a guess that the pump house proposal is contingent on the adjacent (Publically funded parkade) going through 1st? Or would they wait for the pump house proposal to be passed 1st at the city level, then proceed with the parkade? thx.

ps: Any one have an idea what they are doing on River and Donald? Fencing and machinery are on site? It used to be a community centre, which has been demolished?

[Wigglez]

Originally Posted by Cyrodill

Biff...would you hazard a guess that the pump house proposal is contingent on the adjacent (Publically funded parkade) going through 1st? Or would they wait for the pump house proposal to be passed 1st at the city level, then proceed with the parkade? thx.

That could be a fun debate..

"I won't build my parkade until you build your tower"
"Yea well I won't build my tower until you build your parkade!"

There was mention of the parkade development becoming public soon (within a week I believe). So hopefully that kills any "I wont until you do" debate.

[ctochico]

Originally Posted by Cyrodill

Biff...would you hazard a guess that the pump house proposal is contingent on the adjacent (Publically funded parkade) going through 1st? Or would they wait for the pump house proposal to be passed 1st at the city level, then proceed with the parkade? thx.

ps: Any one have an idea what they are doing on River and Donald? Fencing and machinery are on site? It used to be a community centre, which has been demolished?

i saw that yesterday after work as a i drove by and was curious to whats going on...saw a crane there...

[steveosnyder]

Originally Posted by Cyrodill

ps: Any one have an idea what they are doing on River and Donald? Fencing and machinery are on site? It used to be a community centre, which has been demolished?

http://www.winnipeg.ca/CLKDMIS/ViewDoc.a...nitUrl=/CLKDMIS/Documents/pd/2012/m12185

City is redoing the recreation complex at the corner there.

[DonaldSmith]

Originally Posted by steveosnyder

City is redoing the recreation complex at the corner there.

Here is a rendering:

http://www.bridgmancollaborative.ca/Project-Mayfair.html

[steveosnyder]

Originally Posted by DonaldSmith

Here is a rendering:

http://www.bridgmancollaborative.ca/Project-Mayfair.html

I met Wins Bridgeman during Doors Open this year -- that is the most eccentric man I have ever met. Neck beard with no moustache and those black framed round glasses something like this:

EDIT: I removed the image -- how do you work with Height and Width in the [IMG] forum tags? Anyone got a link?

[cheswick]

Originally Posted by steveosnyder

I met Wins Bridgeman during Doors Open this year -- that is the most eccentric man I have ever met. Neck beard with no moustache and those black framed round glasses something like this:

EDIT: I removed the image -- how do you work with Height and Width in the [IMG] forum tags? Anyone got a link?

Here's a picture of Wins Bridgman:

from Winnipeg Free Press Story: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/business/new-life-for-north-main-89896872.html

[esquire]

Originally Posted by DonaldSmith

Here is a rendering:

http://www.bridgmancollaborative.ca/Project-Mayfair.html

I appreciate the effort at bold contemporary design on a budget, but I'm not sure that building will age well given its purpose and location.

[Biff]

Originally Posted by Cyrodill

Biff...would you hazard a guess that the pump house proposal is contingent on the adjacent (Publically funded parkade) going through 1st? Or would they wait for the pump house proposal to be passed 1st at the city level, then proceed with the parkade? thx.

All the new residential projects in the immediate area essentially hinge on the parkade being built. They are however distinctly separate projects. The parkade will be built when it is ready to be built. The other residential projects have their sales and marketing linked to the parkades existence. Once the parkade is announced as a go the District Condos and others will proceed. This new Pump Station project has a number of hurdles to pass yet so it may be more of a question mark.

[1ajs]

Originally Posted by steveosnyder

I met Wins Bridgeman during Doors Open this year -- that is the most eccentric man I have ever met. Neck beard with no moustache and those black framed round glasses something like this:

EDIT: I removed the image -- how do you work with Height and Width in the [IMG] forum tags? Anyone got a link?

i run into him allot great guy. he's done some amazing projects in my area