Sinclair Centre Redevelopment - Page 3

officedweller · #41 Posted **Jun 26, 2023, 10:10 PM**

Yeah, I don't like the top heavy look of the building either.

The loss of the limestone facade of the federal building is a shame, but you can see why they want a tall lobby height due to the downhill location of that corner. The tall ceiling height will be similar to that at 320 Granville across the street.

I fully expect the pedestrian overpass to Granville Square to be demolished with this project.

The semi-cruciform floorplate and the pattern on the middle of the tower is giving me Bank of Canada Building (900 West Hastings) vibes.

Pic from Modernist Bank Buildings:

https://modtraveler.net/city/vancouv...ank_buildings/

Quote:

Originally Posted by jollyburger

The newest renderings of the wood frame tower

Vin · #42 Posted **Jun 26, 2023, 10:31 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by jollyburger

I guess that thing on top of the Customs building was a recent addition which is why they are lopping it off.

https://searcharchives.vancouver.ca/...rd-cpr-station

I don't see a mere "recent addition", but a full heritage building that deserves preservation here.

East facade
https://www.google.com/maps/@49.2858...8192?entry=ttu

North facade
https://www.google.com/maps/@49.2862...8192?entry=ttu

Those in the Feds who want to destroy this should be hauled off to jail and charged for corruption. Let's get the legal proceedings ready for these bozos.

GenWhy? · #43 Posted **Jun 26, 2023, 10:42 PM**

More curious about the below grade on this on TBH

jollyburger · #44 Posted **Jun 26, 2023, 10:45 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by GenWhy?

More curious about the below grade on this on TBH

With underground parking or something else?

jollyburger · #45 Posted **Jun 26, 2023, 10:46 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vin

I don't see a mere "recent addition", but a full heritage building that deserves preservation here.

Those in the Feds who want to destroy this should be hauled off to jail and charged for corruption. Let's get the legal proceedings ready for these bozos.

Go chain yourself it to stop the demolition

whatnext · #46 Posted **Jun 26, 2023, 10:58 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Klazu

Ugh, that's one fugly proposal. I hope it doesn't fly.

Yeah it is pretty hideous.

The only saving grace may be that the Feds seem to be a day late as usual. With their employees (and others) fighting for WFH is this building even necessary anymore?

Frankly, if ever a site and collection of heritage buildings in Vancouver was crying out for a hotel redevelopment this is it.

GenWhy? · #47 Posted **Jun 26, 2023, 11:00 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by jollyburger

With underground parking or something else?

That but also from a geotech point of view and heritage preservation POV / and the old parking garage underneath. Just lots of neat tib bits going on all at once.

I forget what old building's basement you can see from the Expo Line (might not be Sinclair at all)

EDIT is it the Marine Building?

jollyburger · #48 Posted **Jun 26, 2023, 11:01 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by whatnext

Yeah it is pretty hideous.

The only saving grace may be that the Feds seem to be a day late as usual. With their employees (and others) fighting for WFH is this building even necessary anymore?

Frankly, if ever a site and collection of heritage buildings in Vancouver was crying out for a hotel redevelopment this is it.

Seems like it's more about consolidation than anything. They're still dumping a lot of office space across the country.

https://renx.ca/feds-accelerate-plan...-feet-of-space

Changing City · #49 Posted **Jun 26, 2023, 11:14 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by whatnext

Yeah it is pretty hideous.

The only saving grace may be that the Feds seem to be a day late as usual. With their employees (and others) fighting for WFH is this building even necessary anymore?

Frankly, if ever a site and collection of heritage buildings in Vancouver was crying out for a hotel redevelopment this is it.

You want the Federal Government to develop and own a hotel?

Migrant_Coconut · #50 Posted **Jun 26, 2023, 11:17 PM**

YMMV - I look at the Federal building and see a teardown. The rest can (and should) stay, which is what appears to be the plan.

Changing City · #51 Posted **Jun 26, 2023, 11:19 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by GenWhy?

That but also from a geotech point of view and heritage preservation POV / and the old parking garage underneath. Just lots of neat tib bits going on all at once.

I forget what old building's basement you can see from the Expo Line (might not be Sinclair at all)

EDIT is it the Marine Building?

Are you thinking of 325 Howe, across the street? It has 3 floors below grade, but only because the road is 3 storeys higher today than when the building was constructed.

[Changing Vancouver blog]

officedweller · #52 Posted **Jun 26, 2023, 11:26 PM**

Here's the Heritage Vancouver entry for Sinclair Centre on its watchlist:

https://heritagevancouver.org/top10-...nclair-centre/

There aren't many modern classical buildings like the Federal Building in Vnacouver:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinclair_Centre

whatnext · #53 Posted **Jun 26, 2023, 11:39 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Changing City

You want the Federal Government to develop and own a hotel?

I would like them to lease the land out to a developer who will build and operate a hotel. It is steps from the cruise ship terminal and Waterfront Station, the perfect place for it.

GenWhy? · #54 Posted **Jun 26, 2023, 11:43 PM**

Wonder why it's a Class B and not a Class A on the City's register.

TwoFace · #55 Posted **Jun 26, 2023, 11:53 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by whatnext

I would like them to lease the land out to a developer who will build and operate a hotel. It is steps from the cruise ship terminal and Waterfront Station, the perfect place for it.

Now that would be cool, Hotel and Casino even

madog222 · #56 Posted **Jun 27, 2023, 12:07 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by GenWhy?

That but also from a geotech point of view and heritage preservation POV / and the old parking garage underneath. Just lots of neat tib bits going on all at once.

I forget what old building's basement you can see from the Expo Line (might not be Sinclair at all)

EDIT is it the Marine Building?

The Marine Building and 1055 W Hastings are visible near the tunnel portal; the Customs Examining building and 325 Howe are visible just outside the station platforms.

Changing City · #57 Posted **Jun 27, 2023, 12:22 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by whatnext

I would like them to lease the land out to a developer who will build and operate a hotel. It is steps from the cruise ship terminal and Waterfront Station, the perfect place for it.

Interesting theory. I'd be surprised if any developer would be willing to sink the amount of money they'd need to spend to convert the building to a hotel with full seismic upgrade - they'd almost certainly end up with a facade rentention and a completely new structure inside. It would be more difficult to finance, leasehold. There's also no laneway or location to put a vehicle drop-off, so they'd end up with a loading bay on one of the streets (Howe maybe?) if the City allowed it, and no guest parking. And of course the Feds still have to find another location to build a million square feet, as they seem to want to own the space they'll occupy in future.