[hollywoodnorth]

as the saying goes .... PHOTOS OR IT DIDN'T HAPPEN ;)

pics by me an hour ago

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y78/hollywoodnorth/2e627b32.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y78/hollywoodnorth/51255d33.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y78/hollywoodnorth/b22129a3.jpg

[SFUVancouver]

Thanks for the photos, Hollywoodnorth.

I think I missed a step on this tower; is it still all-office or is it mixed office/residential?

[jlousa]

The current application is still for all commercial, but they are in the process of converting it to mixed use with residential on top.

[MechMike]

Is the first tower still going to include the spire with the light up goal counter?

[SFUVancouver]

The current application is still for all commercial, but they are in the process of converting it to mixed use with residential on top.

Thanks jlousa. I recalled that was their plan but with construction prep and demo underway I was not sure whether they would be able to substantially change the building program. I guess the site prep/demo can happen independently of the zoning amendment process.

[Pinion]

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y78/hollywoodnorth/b22129a3.jpg

Looks like they're preparing for this year's riots. :)

[s211]

Looks like they're preparing for this year's riots. :)

Post of the month! :haha:

[hollywoodnorth]

more demo porn .... pics by me

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y78/hollywoodnorth/fd6b85bc.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y78/hollywoodnorth/860b4ee6.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y78/hollywoodnorth/832f63be.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y78/hollywoodnorth/c3918fd2.jpg

[hollywoodnorth]

holy old news batman!

Rogers Arena project part of global trend

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2012/05/29/bc-video-rogers-arena-towers.html

[Zassk]

more demo porn .... pics by me
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y78/hollywoodnorth/c3918fd2.jpg

Just think - in a few years, there will be 6 lanes of Georgia cutting down through the middle of this picture, between the two stadiums at a sharp grade, if Meggs has his way with the viaducts. I wonder what the two stadiums will do with their service entrances when that happens?

[EastVanMark]

Some awful reporting! How the hell does this plan even resemble LA Live? Have any of these morons ever been there? As for the Edmonton reference, there will be no residential immediately adjacent to the arena itself. (completely unlike this proposal).

The LA and Edmonton models are examples of how you create entertainment zones. Vancouver's is an exercise in greed, government corruption, and agenda pushing. The interview had a condo promoter weighing in on what you "want" in an entertainment area. (Gee, I wonder what he "wants"...no bias there or anything...:rolleyes:)

[Built Form]

The Vancouver Sun reported that all 3 buildings will now be rental.

http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Three+downtown+Vancouver+towers+focus+rental+units+over+market+condos/6704420/story.html

[s211]

The Vancouver Sun reported that all 3 buildings will now be rental.

http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Three+downtown+Vancouver+towers+focus+rental+units+over+market+condos/6704420/story.html

As per usual, it's difficult to entirely decipher a proposal when written up by the press. More specifically, does this story suggest that the entirety of the proposed office tower will now be rental apartments also? In part, the story suggests a portion of that tower to be rental apartments, but elsewhere the tower is mentioned as rental apartments...

[bcj]

The Vancouver Sun reported that all 3 buildings will now be rental.

http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Three+downtown+Vancouver+towers+focus+rental+units+over+market+condos/6704420/story.html

Negrin also mentions plans for a proposed 12-storey rental building at Oak & 14th. Anyone know anything about this one? Wondering if my rental will be slated for demo...

[jayyb]

Obviously this will never be anything like L.A. Live but if they can add some retail (bars, restaurants) I think it would really liven the area up. Chances are those bars/restaurants will be full the majority of the time considering there's a game night/concert, event almost every other day. There isn't a whole lot in the area except for Shark Club and Library Square Pub.

[dleung]

why can't this be like LA live again? Northeast false creek is pretty much Vancouver's ONLY chance at having some semblance of an urban waterfront (not the quiet residential mews with the odd starbucks or urban fare a-la Marinaside Crescent or Coal Harbour). The first 3 stories of every building in this area should be business/commercial/retail/entertainment

[Hed Kandi]

why can't this be like LA live again? Northeast false creek is pretty much Vancouver's ONLY chance at having some semblance of an urban waterfront (not the quiet residential mews with the odd starbucks or urban fare a-la Marinaside Crescent or Coal Harbour). The first 3 stories of every building in this area should be business/commercial/retail/entertainment

I completely agree with you.

L.A. live is fantastic but it's not going to happen, not in this city. Ever.

Recall how local NIMBY's protested against something as minuscule as West Pender Place's art installation or how they rallied against BC Place's digital signs.

http://www.dealzoid.com/f50/residents-rally-invasive-light-digital-signs-outside-503997/

http://www.straight.com/article-469716/vancouver/public-art-light-installation-angers-nearby-residents



If it was up to me the waterfront may look a little like this:

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/1268/skyscrapers94.jpg

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/8358/197941bdp1.jpg

http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/2796/architecturecontemporar.jpg

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/2796/architecturecontemporar.jpg

http://img826.imageshack.us/img826/3995/houstoncentralstation01.jpg

Source: worldarchitecturenews.com

[memememe76]

Do people actually live near LA Live to NIMBY?

[Pinion]

No. That part of LA is a ghost town outside of LA Live. At least by downtown Vancouver standards.

[EastVanMark]

Obviously this will never be anything like L.A. Live but if they can add some retail (bars, restaurants) I think it would really liven the area up. Chances are those bars/restaurants will be full the majority of the time considering there's a game night/concert, event almost every other day. There isn't a whole lot in the area except for Shark Club and Library Square Pub.

But that's just it; they won't add any of those things. It will be 99% residential with maybe a coffee shop on the bottom floor. Look no further how they handled all the development around the arena since its construction. The arena is completely invisible from the dt core with only a pair of narrow walkways leading to it. Entertainment/arena/stadium districts have been constructed in several cities that have transformed those areas into thriving areas filled with vibrancy used by many in the community. Vancouver instead chose to construct a quiet residential community:slob:

[EastVanMark]

why can't this be like LA live again? Northeast false creek is pretty much Vancouver's ONLY chance at having some semblance of an urban waterfront (not the quiet residential mews with the odd starbucks or urban fare a-la Marinaside Crescent or Coal Harbour). The first 3 stories of every building in this area should be business/commercial/retail/entertainment

Exactly! Just like was done in Toronto http://www.mapleleafsquare.com/home.html

The development plays host to a hotel, restaurants, sports bars, large-scale retail, as well as about 900 condo units. (all built well above the commercial portion of the project making it win-win for everybody).

[BodomReaper]

But that's just it; they won't add any of those things. It will be 99% residential with maybe a coffee shop on the bottom floor. Look no further how they handled all the development around the arena since its construction. The arena is completely invisible from the dt core with only a pair of narrow walkways leading to it. Entertainment/arena/stadium districts have been constructed in several cities that have transformed those areas into thriving areas filled with vibrancy used by many in the community.
Vancouver instead chose to construct a quiet residential community:slob:

Story of this city.

[hollywoodnorth]

photo update by me ... excavation is now underway!

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y78/hollywoodnorth/239cd2be.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y78/hollywoodnorth/90e3859f.jpg

[golog]

At the Canucks' season ticket holder summit the other day, they apparently mentioned the first 5 floors will go towards Rogers Arena and as part of that they'll expand the concourse/concession area (which is desperately needed). I wasn't there, and am not sure if the expansion would be for both the lower and upper bowl

[wrenegade]

This project didn't make it to the vote last night and the public hearing has been rescheduled to Thursday night (July 12th) at 6pm.

[Jebby]

This project didn't make it to the vote last night and the public hearing has been rescheduled to Thursday night (July 12th) at 6pm.

So none of this project has been approved yet?

How much site prep/digging can they do without final approval?

[wrenegade]

The West building was already approved. Part of the application that went to vote on Thursday revolved around changing part of the use. I wasn't able to make it to the public hearing though so I don't know how it went.

[Jebby]

The West building was already approved. Part of the application that went to vote on Thursday revolved around changing part of the use. I wasn't able to make it to the public hearing though so I don't know how it went.
Thats what I thought. Thanks for the info.

[Locked In]

From Frances Bula's article in the Globe from July 15 (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/rental-units-proposed-for-rogers-arena/article4418151/) - this doesn't sound like a promising start for the entertainment district...


Rental units proposed for Rogers Arena
FRANCES BULA
VANCOUVER — Special to The Globe & Mail
Published Sunday, Jul. 15 2012, 7:48 PM EDT
Last updated Sunday, Jul. 15 2012, 8:28 PM EDT

The Aquilini company’s unusual decision to put hundreds of rental apartments in three towers pressed up against its Rogers Arena will force the city to change its financial plans and noise bylaws for the area.

...

But Aquilini Development president David Negrin said the company, owned by the Aquilini family, has advantages over other developers, who usually see rentals as high risk and lacking the immediate profits that condos produce.

“The family has been in rental a long time and they know what it takes,” he said. “And our cost of land is lower.”

As well, Negrin said, that arrangement will ensure that the company doesn’t put on too many events at the arena that would disturb the nearby tenants.

“We will lose some concerts, we know that. But we need to rent the places. It is in our best interests to control [the noise],” Mr. Negrin said.

[Metro-One]

OK, honestly, can we just drop the "entertainment" district designation around the stadiums now, because it is pretty obvious that such a designation means nothing in how this area is being developed.

[jhausner]

From Frances Bula's article in the Globe from July 15 (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/rental-units-proposed-for-rogers-arena/article4418151/) - this doesn't sound like a promising start for the entertainment district...

So blatenly ridiculous. You want to live in a major city, EXPECT NOISE! It's like moving next to the Airport and complaining about planes landing. Or moving next to a hospital and complaining about the Ambulances at night.

You move into an entertainment district, THERE WILL BE NOISE. We have to start telling people to shut up and use their brains. Just makes me cringe. For once I want a city council to stand up and tell those types of people to "grow the F up" or to move out to Chilliwack if they want quiet.

I was in London recently and they were jack hammering a major road at 2am in a residential neighborhood. If I called to complain what do you think the local government would have told me? "We need to fix the road, if you don't like it wear ear plugs."

[wrenegade]

Is the amendment to the noise bylaw to increase the allowable limit from 70 decibels to 82 decibels? Isn't that a good thing?

Also, this was never going to be an office hub in this area, and residential condos would have brought a lot of problems with them (re: noise), so rental does make sense. I also think it's ridiculous that there is all this reference to the city "losing" $35M. Council acts like it was entitled to this money, it's disgusting. The city is not losing anything, they are just not getting a $35M cheque, however they will be getting a very large DCL cheque (and DCLs were originally supposed to pay for the same sorts of things that CACs do, although it seems like it all goes in the general revenue now). Council complains about a lack of rental in the city and then a developer comes along and offers to build 614 units of dedicated rental and all of a sudden council complains they aren't getting their CRAC...sorry CACs.

I witnesses the same thing at the public hearing for the small STIR project at 1388 Continental. Councillor Affleck (and councillors Stevenson and Carr to a lesser extent) couldn't let it go that they were forgoing $1.8M in CACs (and $640k in DCLs). That CAC money was never there. They project was never even proposed to be condos, it was a rental project from the start. Compare that to just a DP application under current zoning and all the city would get would be a small DCL cheque. No rental units, no LEED Gold, just a handful of condos. Council is speaking out of both sides of their mouth here.

[osirisboy]

Then why did they say that they will loose some concerts regarding the change in noise bylaw if it's to increase decibel from 70 to 82

[s211]

Is the amendment to the noise bylaw to increase the allowable limit from 70 decibels to 82 decibels? Isn't that a good thing?

Isn't the decibel scale logarithmic? I would imagine that going from 70 to 82 is a measurable increase.

[Prometheus]

As well, Negrin said, that arrangement will ensure that the company doesn’t put on too many events at the arena that would disturb the nearby tenants.

“We will lose some concerts, we know that. But we need to rent the places. It is in our best interests to control [the noise],” Mr. Negrin said.


This city is a total joke. So, going forward, there will now be less major events and concerts in The No Fun City's primary (and most natural and appropriate) venue for major events and concerts in the heart of the city.

My God. Where are we going as a city?

[Spoolmak]

So every Vancouverite loses out because a few hundred people want to live close to an arena that, in the long run, will be absolutely pointless because there will be LESS activity? What the actual fuck? Vancouver is the only major BC city. If Vancouver loses concerts, BC loses concerts.

[Klazu]

Why can't they just build those buildings with better sounds proofing? That should be obvious in such a location. I am sure all problems can be solved if people are just ready to pay.

I must also agree with other posters that if someone moves into such a building, he needs to expect to have some noise. I was expecting when I moved next to Burrard and Nelson. Fortunately in my case the building has windows that shut pretty much all the noise outside.

[p78hub]

So every Vancouverite loses out because a few hundred people want to live close to an arena that, in the long run, will be absolutely pointless because there will be LESS activity? What the actual fuck? Vancouver is the only major BC city. If Vancouver loses concerts, BC loses concerts.

Yup. In Vancouver, the majority doesn't rule, and the vocal minority always gets their way. Just look at what happened with the SkyTrain by CityGate...

[DKaz]

This is a serious face palm moment.

[quobobo]

Why can't they just build those buildings with better sounds proofing? That should be obvious in such a location. I am sure all problems can be solved if people are just ready to pay.

Agreed. I've stayed in low-end hotels in Tokyo just a few metres from insanely busy train tracks (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C5%AB%C5%8D-S%C5%8Dbu_Line), and the trains are barely noticeable. It's hard to understand why these buildings wouldn't be adequately soundproofed - perhaps someone with more knowledge about modern construction methods can comment?

[Track]

I suppose that we still have Pacific Colosseum for the arena shows that wont go to Rogers now, but its not a great trade off; Rogers Arena is by far the most easily accessible location for large scale concerts, as both Pacific Colosseum and Deer Lake Park require a bus trip and a walk from the nearest skytrain stop.

Though, can someone tell me why, exactly, they'll have to decrease the number of concerts at Rogers? If, lets say, 5 concerts are allowed, why not 6? As long as each individual show doesn't violate the noise laws, then I can't see why the amount of them would really matter.

[jlousa]

I would imagine that the low end hotel in Tokyo might of had punched windows that didn't open and was instead air conditioned. Having reduced window area keeps noise down as does having sealed windows. Train noise also blends into background noise and doesn't penetrate very well, bet if a freight train were to blow it's horn you'd have heard it pretty clearly though. Anyone that's had a beer or two at the Alibi Room will know that the trains passing by are incredibly quiet, shockingly so infact. I think the issue with this development won't be Canuck games but the noise of the crowds leaving the event all at once hollering like drunken banshees. Concerts will probably be a problem with heavy bass as it just travels throught objects and nothing but distance can do much to stop it. Maybe gluing a couple of layers of DynaMat to the ceiling of Rogers Arena would help. :)

[quobobo]

I would imagine that the low end hotel in Tokyo might of had punched windows that didn't open and was instead air conditioned. Having reduced window area keeps noise down as does having sealed windows.

Thanks!

The windows were pretty small (although they did open). I suppose that small windows in highrises really aren't going to fly in Vancouver though...

[golog]

It's not just Roger's Arena causing noise in that area though: Concord's tax exempt empty lots hosting marathons or other events, false creek dragon boat, BC Place games/conventions/concerts with an open roof, traffic on the viaducts or Pacific Blvd, ...

So whatever they do, it should have to be of high enough quality that programming decisions at Rogers Arena remain a separate matter.

Office space works best because they're mostly occupied during working hours on weekdays and the people are long gone when the noise peaks during evenings or weekends.

I would like to see some kind of cohesive vision for the area (Aquilini, Concord, Plaza of Nations owner, City of Vancouver, Pavco) like happened in LA or Toronto, whichever way that needs to go for everyone to pull in the same direction.

My idea would be to build some kind of market (along the lines of Granville Island, farmer's market, Chinese night markets) underneath the viaducts. It works whatever they do to the viaducts. It complements the immediate surroundings all the time, and probably would be well used by people downtown and around east false creek. It gives a pedestrian anchor to the area without forcing the VAG to move there to call it an entertainment district. It would probably be a boost to selling condos next door to it.

I think the city is just upset because they were planning to use the condo money to build part of that grand staircase to the waterfront from Georgia. If they really cared though, they'd make Concord pay tax on the land by assessing it correctly or get them to build the new park now even if they are going to wait on the towers. That land hasn't even been used for paid parking in years.

[Sir Conga]

If they really cared though, they'd make Concord pay tax on the land by assessing it correctly or get them to build the new park now even if they are going to wait on the towers. That land hasn't even been used for paid parking in years.

I couldn't agree more. I cannot believe the situation that is allowed to exist, given the history.

I also agree with a common sentiment here; the city needs to have a cohesive vision for the area. An entertainment-focused area is a great idea, and should not be diminished by this city's fixation on mixed-use residential.

[Metro-One]

I wish this city council was a strong headed in regards to creating and preserving a true entertainment district as they are in building bike lanes and tearing down useful infrastructure.

And I agree that the fixation on mixed use residential has gone to far, it has become obvious that it is better to have minimal to no residence in certain localities in a downtown area, such as entertainment zones and select commercial areas. In these areas, the mix should be restricted to retail, office, hotel, commercial, entertainment. No need for residents!

[red-paladin]

3 rental towers approved for Vancouver's Rogers Arena
CBC News
Posted: Jul 20, 2012 10:03 AM PT
Last Updated: Jul 20, 2012 11:43 AM PT

Vancouver council has approved a plan by the owners of the Canucks to build three residential and commercial towers next to Rogers Arena — the city's largest rental housing project in 40 years.

The Aquilini Investment Group says complex will include 614 rental condos, and rents are expected to range from $1,200 to $2,000.

Some rental groups have already criticized the project, saying the rates are too high for people on welfare, and there are no social housing units in the plan.

But Counc. Kerry Jang says the city needs a range of rental housing. ...

From http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2012/07/20/bc-rogers-arena-rental-vancouver.html

[easy as pie]

wow, $1200-2000 range on those rental units, that's kind of incredible. really really nice to see that, hopefully this works out for aquilini (having what amounts to free land doesn't hurt) and more developers can find ways to make affordable rental projects pencil.

[TwoFace]

Great news for Renters.
With these 614 condos coming on stream and also the existing 234 at the new Pacific Palisades (Robson St), I can see the rental inventory prices getting lower through competition and more affordable throughout the City Core.

[sacrifice333]

From http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2012/07/20/bc-rogers-arena-rental-vancouver.html

Do we know if these are strata-fied rental units?

[hankthetank]

From http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2012/07/20/bc-rogers-arena-rental-vancouver.html

Seems like a pretty good deal. I'm moving to Calgary in September to do my Master's in Environmental Design and all 2 bedroom/1 bathroom condos are going for at least $1200. And those are 30 year old places in need of updating, and not even located downtown.

Maybe someone should post a better rendering for the thread? And change the status to Under Construction? Exciting project!

[hollywoodnorth]

From http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2012/07/20/bc-rogers-arena-rental-vancouver.html

The largest rental project in the city's history was Langara Gardens, which was built in the early 70's.


WOW talk about sad that its taken 40 years for a project of this size to happen again ......

[Jebby]

From http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2012/07/20/bc-rogers-arena-rental-vancouver.html

Comments on the article are pathetic.

[BodomReaper]

Comments on the article are pathetic.

Fixed that for you!

[Built Form]

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1090265.jpg
pic by Built Form

[Klazu]

I drove by today and they were erecting a tower crane on the street. This project will be interesting to follow, as the lot is very small and working in such a location will require special arrangement.

[hollywoodnorth]

here is a photo of the erection!

can we get a thread title change!

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y78/hollywoodnorth/DB4599C4-5DA4-49D1-A273-AF3F7F61108A-7062-00000544AA2A5742.jpg

[red-paladin]

There you go, U/C & Proposed now.

[wrenegade]

Shouldn't it be U/C and approved?

[Jebby]

Shouldn't it be U/C and approved?

Not everything that has been proposed has been approved, IIRC.

[Hed Kandi]

here is a photo of the erection!

can we get at thread title change!

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y78/hollywoodnorth/DB4599C4-5DA4-49D1-A273-AF3F7F61108A-7062-00000544AA2A5742.jpg

Wow, that's a massive erection.

[osirisboy]

Not everything that has been proposed has been approved, IIRC.

Yea isnt just the one U/C now approved and the rest is still proposed

[wrenegade]

"This application has been approved by Council at Public Hearing on July 19, 2012."


Rezoning Application - 800 Griffiths Way (Rogers Arena) (http://former.vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/800griffith/index.htm)

[jayyb]

Based on the plans, it looks like there will be a 3,500 square foot restaurant/bar on the 300 level and a 10,000 square foot restaurant/bar on the 400 level. If that is the case, it seems like Acquilini wants to create his own sports bar to steal business away from his now hated former partner Tom Galgardi who owns the Shark Club a few blocks away.

Hopefully this is the case because we need some more sports bars around the arena. I know it will never be a LA Live, but something like this could at least provide some more choices before and after games.

[TwoFace]

Based on the plans, it looks like there will be a 3,500 square foot restaurant/bar on the 300 level and a 10,000 square foot restaurant/bar on the 400 level. If that is the case, it seems like Acquilini wants to create his own sports bar to steal business away from his now hated former partner Tom Galgardi who owns the Shark Club a few blocks away.


Good news for a "new" bigger and better sport's bar.
No love lost for Galgardi, as he also owns the Dallas Stars and the Kamloops Blazers.

[BodomReaper]

Based on the plans, it looks like there will be a 3,500 square foot restaurant/bar on the 300 level and a 10,000 square foot restaurant/bar on the 400 level. If that is the case, it seems like Acquilini wants to create his own sports bar to steal business away from his now hated former partner Tom Galgardi who owns the Shark Club a few blocks away.

Hopefully this is the case because we need some more sports bars around the arena. I know it will never be a LA Live, but something like this could at least provide some more choices before and after games.

So you mean there's actually a chance that our "entertainment district" will contain actual entertainment venues and not just condo towers? More like this, please!

[Joat]

Id love to see a good arcade or bowling alley, or something like that.

[jayyb]

There was talk about a new bowling alley at the storyeum site in gastown by the same company as xcalibur in surrey. It never materialized because of liquour license issues I believe. But yes, downtown needs a good bowling alley. Commodore lanes is really outdated now.

[huenthar]

Id love to see a good arcade or bowling alley, or something like that.

Build one on the police parking lot under the viaduct space on Quebec; then you could run some escalators between the spans up to a bar & restaurant built space-needle style between and above the viaducts between Quebec & Main. I always thought that space would be perfect for a bowling alley (may be too small), arcade, or something similar

[wrenegade]

I remember a while back it was mentioned in the press somewhere that after Aquilini visited Calgary and Flames Central he was "very impressed". If he and the Canucks did something like Flames Central right next to Rogers Arena it would be pretty awesome. They obviously wouldn't have a old theatre to work with (although now that Granville 7 is closing....) but I'm sure they could do something well. 3,500 sf isn't all that much space though.

[LeftCoaster]

There are plans in the works to create a Flames Central or Real Sports style sports bar downtown but they are separate to this and much larger.

[Smooth]

I was hoping that the Casino proposed next to BC Place might have presented an opportunity to do one of these mega-sports bars with huge screen TVs.

I checked out the Real Sports Bar next to Air Canada Centre in Toronto a year ago and would love to see something similar in downtown Vancouver.

http://ryanennhughes.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/RyanEnnHughes-20120114-0267.jpg
Image from: http://ryanennhughes.com/blog/?m=201201

[jayyb]

There are plans in the works to create a Flames Central or Real Sports style sports bar downtown but they are separate to this and much larger.

Do you know where it will be? And what the timeline is?

[LeftCoaster]

The plans are still in the stage of finding an appropriate location.

They are quite serious about moving forward though.

[Built Form]

800 Griffith went before the UDP yesterday for their 3rd review regarding the addition of residential. Minutes have not yet been posted. Wrenegade were you present?

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1110514.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1110513.jpg

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http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1110509.jpg

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http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1110501.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1110503.jpg

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http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1110505.jpg

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http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1110494.jpg

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http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1110490.jpg

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Pix by Built Form

[officedweller]

Thanks.
I dion't really mind the flatiron sides with the continuous balconies
but the back facing the arena is awful.
If they chose a fritted glass for the balconey enclosures, it would look better.

[phesto]

^Agreed the side facing the arena is awful. Might've even been better if the facade was concave to align with the curvature of the arena, but of course they would never do that.

[Vancity]

I was hoping that the Casino proposed next to BC Place might have presented an opportunity to do one of these mega-sports bars with huge screen TVs.

I checked out the Real Sports Bar next to Air Canada Centre in Toronto a year ago and would love to see something similar in downtown Vancouver.

http://ryanennhughes.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/RyanEnnHughes-20120114-0267.jpg
Image from: http://ryanennhughes.com/blog/?m=201201

would LOVE to have a screen that large at a sports bar to watch games with friends. atmosphere would be great too! gotta find a space in which to create something like this in the downtown area. hope it happens soon. would be an exciting place to watch canucks.

[Zassk]

would LOVE to have a screen that large at a sports bar to watch games with friends. atmosphere would be great too! gotta find a space in which to create something like this in the downtown area. hope it happens soon. would be an exciting place to watch canucks.

I thought Shanks has one of these huge screens already... are we talking about a different size class from what Shanks has?

[mr.x]

The designs are alright, but can't get over the fact that these 3 towers are largely residential instead of full on office/commercial. Even if there isn't sufficient demand for office, I would've preferred them to wait for the future.

For our sake, it doesn't make any sense as an entertainment district. This is the first huge blow.

Wasn't there originally a plan to build a shopping mall under Rogers Arena? Why was it chopped?

[officedweller]

^Agreed the side facing the arena is awful. Might've even been better if the facade was concave to align with the curvature of the arena, but of course they would never do that.

The funny / sad thing is that in this instance, spandrel would probably make sense for the opaque areas on the back of the tower, but instead, they look like they are using aluminum panels (making the facade top heavy, given the curtain wall on the office portion below).

[Hed Kandi]

This design is beastly. Looks like something off the Jetsons.

[wrenegade]

I wasn't there unfortunately, it's been a busy month and have been stuck in the office till 7 most evenings.

I don't mind the building, I think we all knew it wasn't going to be as good looking in mixed residential/office guise as opposed to full office. The side facing the arena roof is not good though. Hopefully the Walter Frankl towers at the south end of the rink will block the ghastly view for the Citygate and SEFC residents.

[Vancity]

This design is beastly. Looks like something off the Jetsons.

I don't mind it actually..

It's not THAT bad...looks much like any other highrise in dt van. lol.

[Klazu]

Not the most beautiful building, but for the location it's okay filler. I am surprised by the low number of floors, considering it's still going to be close to 100 meters tall.

[dleung]

What the shit is this!? Please tell me it got rejected unanimously.
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1110508.jpg

Not the most beautiful building, but for the location it's okay filler. I am surprised by the low number of floors, considering it's still going to be close to 100 meters tall.

Don't bring that post-rationalizing vocabulary into the Vancouver section.

[CBeats]

Yeah I have a feeling all those residents are going to complain about noise...even when they live attached to one stadium and beside another.

[Jebby]

What the shit is this!? Please tell me it got rejected unanimously.


I agree, that side looks hideous. The other corner looks quite good, though.

[mr.x]

Praying for a miracle that all 3 towers are axed and it's delayed into office towers for the future. No rush.

[wrenegade]

What the shit is this!? Please tell me it got rejected unanimously.


Hahahahahahahah, I don't know why, but that reaction made me burst out laughing. Almost put tea all over my monitor as well.

You're right though, it's fucking awful, and we really shouldn't have to made excuses just because we're used to such garbage in Vancouver.

[Vancity]

Yeah I have a feeling all those residents are going to complain about noise...even when they live attached to one stadium and beside another.

inevitable this is going to happen. they should just make the entire tower office. why go mixed?

[Vancity]

Hahahahahahahah, I don't know why, but that reaction made me burst out laughing. Almost put tea all over my monitor as well.

You're right though, it's fucking awful, and we really shouldn't have to made excuses just because we're used to such garbage in Vancouver.


unfortunately, we're used to the stuff that's being put out there. someone on this board told me that the variety in architecture will come with time. young city trying to find it's way, I guess, in the area of architecture, at least. hopefully, we have young, up and coming architects who will say enough of this uninspiring buildings we have in this city, and start a creative way of new stuff. but to be honest, we are a city of glass. ironically enough, we also live in earthquake areas, and glass is weak. hmm...what does that say about our city?....just saying...

but I have hope that our city will build better in the future. it's just not happening as often now. easier to duplicate what's already been done. harder to come up with inspiring designs that are not the norm.

[easy as pie]

seriously though, developers have very little incentive to break from the big architecture companies that can pretty much guarantee approval and costs. it's wild how unusually consistent the architecture is in the vanistan, like it's the first thing newcomers notice, all the glass towers that look broadly similar. i was at a conference in seattle recently and people were constantly using vancouver's consistency of design as an example of the pratfalls of building out too quickly.

as for the rogers arena, it's clear that they don't anticipate that viaduct coming down any time soon.

[Vancity]

seriously though, developers have very little incentive to break from the big architecture companies that can pretty much guarantee approval and costs. it's wild how unusually consistent the architecture is in the vanistan, like it's the first thing newcomers notice, all the glass towers that look broadly similar. i was at a conference in seattle recently and people were constantly using vancouver's consistency of design as an example of the pratfalls of building out too quickly.

as for the rogers arena, it's clear that they don't anticipate that viaduct coming down any time soon.

agree with this. i don't think the viaducts are going anywhere for a while, until they can find other transportation alternatives in moving people to and from downtown.

[oiler-dude]

Did you guys get one of our world renowned Edmonton architects to design that face, or what? ;)

I like the sides that don't face the arena, though.

[cornholio]

Praying for a miracle that all 3 towers are axed and it's delayed into office towers for the future. No rush.

Question is can they get a large enough floor plate for the other towers to ever justify office? The lots seem pretty small.

Also one positive is how this tower integrates with the viaduct, no surprise as I remember Aqualini being against their demolition (if I remember right). That means these towers if integrated make it more difficult to blindly tear them down, atleast a little more difficult. Right now I believe both Aqualini and Pavco are against the demolition of the viaducts so the faster they integrate them selves in to them the better.

Gotta find the positives. :)

Other then that I agree that I don't see why this tower should not be all office, they could have possibly phased it as well. BUT atleast its office space closest to the ground, imagine a residential tower with residential units going all the way down and the even bigger complaints from future residents.

[s211]

Did you guys get one of our world renowned Edmonton architects to design that face, or what? ;)

Words taken right out of my mouth. It's Edmon-tragic! :(

[Jebby]

What's the split on the building? How many office floors and how many residential?

[Log1988]

What's the split on the building? How many office floors and how many residential?
Project statistics from the rezoning application approved in July: Link (http://former.vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/800griffith/documents/projectstats.pdf)
The first 7 floors contain a mix of retail, office, cultural/recreational, and residential uses (lobby/common areas, presumably?).

The next 6 floors are office only. Level 14 and up is residential.

Full rezoning application: Link (http://former.vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/800griffith/index.htm)

[SFUVancouver]

I have no objections to a mixture of commercial office and residential uses in the building; it is the way the transition has been handled that I feel is inelegant. A setback between the office and residential floors would have sufficed, or perhaps a floorplate rotation, or some form of visual separation like a mechanical floor.