[Halifax] The Vistas | 2X22 m | 2X7 fl | Completed

Dmajackson · #1 Posted **Aug 20, 2013, 1:34 AM**

Name: The Vistas
Address: 656-664 Bedford Highway, Halifax
Height: 22m
Floors: 2X7 Fl (1 FL Podium + 2X6 FL Towers)
Status: Proposed
Year Completed:
Developer(s): Premax Developments Ltd
Architect(s): Kassner Goodspeed Architect
Uses: Residential/Commercial
Notes:

2013.09.30 - Public Information Meeting #1
2014.02 - Revised Proposal Information Released

Case 18705 Details

someone123 · #2 Posted **Aug 20, 2013, 3:41 AM**

Interesting. This makes me wonder how much it would take to transform an area like this into a decent pedestrian-oriented neighbourhood.

If commuter rail (or LRT) is ever built there will be opportunities to do some really interesting stuff with integrated developments and things like pedestrian overpasses that run over the Bedford Highway and connect up with the hill on the other side. And of course if there were a station here it could connect up with a feeder service running along Uteck Blvd, providing pretty good transit service to that corridor.

halifaxboyns · #3 Posted **Aug 20, 2013, 3:41 PM**

Its actually a 7 floor building, not 11. We might want to update that...

Dmajackson · #4 Posted **Aug 20, 2013, 10:07 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by halifaxboyns

Its actually a 7 floor building, not 11. We might want to update that...

That's the old site plan. We don't have anything for the current proposal yet.

midasmull · #5 Posted **Aug 21, 2013, 12:55 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dmajackson

Here's the previous incarnation; Case 17760 Details

That's for the property next door (644 Bedford Highway vs. 664 Bedford Highway)

Dmajackson · #6 Posted **Aug 23, 2013, 8:38 PM**

Opening Post has been updated.

The proposal is for two 10 storey towers on a common one storey podium.

For its location it is a great proposal.

The site plan shows the proposed widening of Bedford Highway in front of the site to three lanes to allow for proper left-turn lanes.

Dmajackson · #7 Posted **Nov 22, 2013, 4:34 AM**

The developer has stated that in response to the public outcry he will be reducing the height of The Vistas. The new height wasn't confirmed though he did state there were 7 and 3 storey renderings made up previously.

Source : "Towers Will Be Lower After Major Outcry" (November 22nd, 2013) - AllNovaScotia.com

mcmcclassic · #8 Posted **Nov 22, 2013, 1:14 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dmajackson

The developer has stated that in response to the public outcry he will be reducing the height of The Vistas. The new height wasn't confirmed though he did state there were 7 and 3 storey renderings made up previously.

Source : "Towers Will Be Lower After Major Outcry" (November 22nd, 2013) - AllNovaScotia.com

I'm waiting for the day that people don't shoot down a development that is taller than 4 stories...

ILoveHalifax · #9 Posted **Nov 22, 2013, 1:42 PM**

Maybe we need to go back to a time when developers could easily gift (br%b*) councillors to get a building approved. Seems councillors are too tied to current voters and oppose everything groups, without thinking about future voters and the growth of our city.

IanWatson · #10 Posted **Nov 22, 2013, 5:32 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by ILoveHalifax

Seems councillors are too tied to current voters and oppose everything groups, without thinking about future voters and the growth of our city.

I was thinking about that the other day. What if municipal councillors were only permitted one term in office? This would do away with career politicians and vote pandering, and possibility bring back some of the "service" into "public service"; councillors would be free to make bold decisions for the good of the city. It would also eliminate the incumbant advantage in elections.

We'd make terms six years instead of four so that councillors don't spend half their time learning the ropes. We'd also offset elections so that there'd be an election every year, but it would be in a rotating set of districts (e.g. Districts 1, 2, and 3 would vote this year and 4, 5, and 6 would vote next year). That way you would always have experienced councillors who know the ropes, and new politicians who bring fresh ideas. It would also avoid the wholesale distraction to city business that happens every four years under our current system.

Maybe the mayor would be the only position who could have multiple terms. That way a mayor who was good for the city could stay on and bring a continuity to Council.

Drybrain · #11 Posted **Nov 22, 2013, 5:45 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by ILoveHalifax

Maybe we need to go back to a time when developers could easily gift (br%b*) councillors to get a building approved. Seems councillors are too tied to current voters and oppose everything groups, without thinking about future voters and the growth of our city.

That would just be the opposite problem--politicians in bed with a handful of business interests, who are thinking more about short-term profits than real city-building.

ILoveHalifax · #12 Posted **Nov 22, 2013, 8:03 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drybrain

That would just be the opposite problem--politicians in bed with a handful of business interests, who are thinking more about short-term profits than real city-building.

Couldn't get any worse than the current NIMBYs who want nothing built.

Dmajackson · #13 Posted **Feb 26, 2014, 9:01 PM**

Revised proposal has been submitted. The plan is now for 13'500sq ft of ground floor commercial with 98 residential units above in two 6 floor towers. There will be two levels of parking and the total height will be 22 metres.

Case 18705 Details

Overall the proposal looks great and it seems to address any concerns that commonly arise.

The proposal has some surface parking but it is not excessive like along most of the Bedford Highway. There are three walkway connections to the residential and commercial entrances and all will be well marked and have short parking lot crossings.

Aesthetically the rendering is better than neighbouring properties. The commercial area looks great with plenty of glass and landscaping. The two towers could be better but they appear much better than anything along the cliff on Larry Uteck. The steep hill and tree canopy will block the ability to view this proposal from behind.

The proposal retains the widening of the Bedford Highway. The new road will include bike lanes, a NB left-turn lane, and a curb and sidewalk on the west side.