[alps]

The United Gulf proposal for 1591 Granville Street and an adjacent property has been approved by both the city council (about a year ago), and also by the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board during an appeal by the Heritage Trust that wrapped up this month. So let's celebrate! :notacrook:

The towers will be built on the site of the old Texpark, a municipal parkade that was demolished a few years ago. A smaller, rather ugly building currently housing a law office and other businesses will also be demolished.

The towers are being designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects of Toronto, and will cost C$140-150 million. One of the towers will be used as a hotel, while the other will contain around 250 condos housing about 500 people. The 4-storey podium will contain a conference centre, offices, and ground-level retail. Parking will be located underground (the site is also located next to the newish MetroPark facility). Streetscape improvements are also included in the development. When completed, the buildings will be tied for third tallest in the city.

Now that the appeal is out of the way, the design will be completed, and construction should begin within the next couple years. I can't wait to see these beautiful buildings constructed and benefiting the Barrington Street area through good design & increased population density. The lot is pretty ugly, at the moment.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l217/halps00/2.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l217/halps00/3.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l217/halps00/1.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l217/halps00/4.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l217/halps00/0697_05.gif

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l217/halps00/5.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l217/halps00/street1.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l217/halps00/street2.jpg

Photo credits: United Gulf Developments

[Mike K.]

Nice!

...and I was about to suggest to you guys to put up some threads on active projects in your region ;)

[skyscraper_1]

Blah, you beat me to it! :D Mike can you remove mine!

[Stanzmastertron3000]

Yesss!

[worldlyhaligonian]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/8d/Towers_from_Citadel.jpg/350px-Towers_from_Citadel.jpg

Apparently this is what the towers will look like from the citadel. Sweet.

[Mike K.]

This is such a rad proposal.

What's the current status? Are they selling units yet, or generally moving forward with an estimated completion date?

[someone123]

They're working on the detailed design at this point. They could theoretically market the condos whenever they finalize the layouts. The narrow tower is a hotel that won't have to be pre-sold.

It didn't really make sense for them to fully design the building before because the proposal could have been appealed again by the Heritage Trust. The Heritage Trust has already lost a council decision and two appeals of the same project. This project was originally proposed in 2004. It has taken 2-3 years just to get approval, which is pretty unreasonable.

[Mike K.]

2-3 years in the pre-approval stage would spell disaster for most projects. Seems like the proponents are equally concerned with building a lasting landmark as they are with making the numbers work. Nice to see.

[Jonovision]

As well as completing the detailed design of the buildings, do they not also still have to acquire the land on the eastern side of the block? Where there is still a small office building?

[cityguy]

I'm actually suprised a project that tall was approved in Halifax.

[skyscraper_1]

I'm actually suprised a project that tall was approved in Halifax.
Well it certainly wasn't easy! :)

[Canadian_Bacon]

They will be a great addition to the city. Can't wait until construction actually begins.

They look great

[someone123]

I'm actually suprised a project that tall was approved in Halifax.

They'll actually be the third tallest in the city, behind Fenwick and one of the office towers. The Maritime Centre, one block South, is only a few metres shorter.

[phrenic]

http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/heritage.trust/images/UG_CitC.jpg
http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/heritage.trust/htns_texpark.html

That is the "artist's rendering" of how the towers would block the view from the Citadel that the Heritage Trust used in their appeals...:shrug:

Fortuantly, it didn't sway anybody.

It will be interesting to see how the towers will actually conform (or not conform) to that drawing.


EDIT: I noitced in one of the original renderings that there are "Channel" and "Louis Vuitton" signs on the commerical portion of the structure at street level, I wonder how realistic those are, lol.

[someone123]

The shape is a bit off in that "rendering", but the scale is pretty close. What's misleading is that they cropped out all the other tall buildings that block the view in a similar way. Another factor to consider is that the glass cladding will make the building somewhat reflective.

The elevation image is totally misleading, because (1) that vantage point doesn't even exist in reality, and (2) it's like looking through a telephoto lens. That's not how people see things in practice. In reality, even a 3-4 storey building 30-40 feet away blocks a huge part of your field of view. The towers won't be very noticeable on Barrington, not that that would be a huge problem anyway (there are already half a dozen office towers *on* Barrington Street).

As for this one, I think it makes a case for the UG development. The tower looks great (although in practice it won't actually be tilted, that's just what they've done with the image, maybe because they just didn't realise it or maybe because they wanted to make it look scarier):

http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/heritage.trust/images/UG_Sack.jpg

Ideally, in my opinion, the scene would include another large tower next to the Bank of Canada on Hollis and the 3-4 storey Discovery Centre/Reflections building would be used as the base of a new office building 6-8 storeys in height.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Yes, I think that the Discovery Centre/Reflections building would be perfect as a tower base. Is that the Woolco Building?

Also, the 30's style CBC building at Bell Rd. would look nice with a couple of glass floors of offices above it in black glass.

[keninhalifax]

The project is growing on me. I like the idea of a reflective glass tower -- the material can achieve very interesting visual effects when viewed from various angles at different times of the day, and isn't nearly as offensive to surrounding areas as exposed concrete. However, I still wish they would re-design the street elevation. The ground-level facade looks disturbingly institutional (even 'Torontonian') for downtown Halifax.

[Halifax Hillbilly]

The project is growing on me. I like the idea of a reflective glass tower -- the material can achieve very interesting visual effects when viewed from various angles at different times of the day, and isn't nearly as offensive to surrounding areas as exposed concrete. However, I still wish they would re-design the street elevation. The ground-level facade looks disturbingly institutional (even 'Torontonian') for downtown Halifax.

Oh oh Ken pulls out the Torontonian comment!

Personally I think the street level component is one of the stronger parts of the proposal. It's about time we had a nice podium/tower building in the city and I like how the abstract shapes break up the long facade.

[skyscraper_1]

Here are some old imagines I found.

View from of Barrington.
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u257/sarahann85/7.jpg

View of skyline.
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u257/sarahann85/unitedgulfnewpano6dy.jpg

[The_Bow]

Whats the official name for this project now?

[skyscraper_1]

Phil Pacey Plaza.

[Haliguy]

I emailed UG asking them about this and they said a decision on the name should be coming soon.

[phrenic]

Anybody want to put forth a rough estimation as to when construction will start?

I understand their is a consiterable amount of planning left to do, but I am curious as to when people think we will start to see these towers rise up. Will UG want to sell x number of condos first?

[MolsonExport]

Here are some old imagines I found.

View from of Barrington.
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u257/sarahann85/7.jpg

View of skyline.
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u257/sarahann85/unitedgulfnewpano6dy.jpg

Perfect location for infilling the Halifax skyline.

[someone123]

Usually units are pre-sold in condo developments before construction starts, although in this case there are other components such as the retail and hotel which could have tenants lined up already.

I can't wait for construction to begin but I think it will be a while.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Are the floors white when seen from the exterior? Do they actually protrude outside of the glass?

[Keith P.]

One thing that hasn't ben mentioned is that this gives the opportunity for a true 4-star or 5-star hotel in Halifax. Reading the Halifax hotel reviews on tripadvisor.com, I was astounded to learn that the best-rated hotel in Halifax is the Marriott Courtyard (Salter St) which is just a nice new 3-star Marriott standard hotel. Nothing bad, but nothing special. It turns out that the concensus there is that Halifax doesn't have a 4-star or better hotel. The Prince George is close, but getting tired and is lacking some facilities, and the Marriott Harbourfront suffers from several issues as well. As for the Westin (which gets horrible reviews) and the Deltas, they don't even come close. If this is done right and they go after the right kind of affiliation -- Fairmont, Intercontinental, FourSeasons, Omni, etc -- it will serve a market that is currently being ignored in this city.

[someone123]

I think major developments like this open up completely new possibilities. It might be possible to attract a hotel chain for this project that wouldn't even consider a smaller building. Similarly, the hotel rooms and condos above are likely to make the retail below much more attractive for certain potential tenants, and the design and height lend this development a bit of cachet.

A major new building on the corner of Spring Garden and Queen could potentially be similar.

[Keith P.]

A major new building on the corner of Spring Garden and Queen could potentially be similar.

What, you mean the library? :yuck:

[someone123]

What, you mean the library? :yuck:

Yes, they could put in a coffee shop and maybe even some bike racks to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.

[hfx_chris]

nevermind.

[terrynorthend]

Are the floors white when seen from the exterior? Do they actually protrude outside of the glass?

I doubt it. That's just the developer's model comped into some current photos. It looked like it was built from acrylic or something. My impression is that this is largely conceptual. It is to demonstrate the airy feeling the development hopes to capture. I doubt very much that it will actually be a see-thru building.

[citiguy]

I heard that the block that currently had BMO, TD, second cup on Spring Garden between Queen and Brunswick is going to get redevelopment. Has anyone heard about this?

[phrenic]

I know none of this is new information, but farting around the downtown Halifax site today I came across a pdf document that gives a bit more info on the architectural concept of the project, in case anyone is interested.

http://www.downtownhalifax.ns.ca/images/tex-park.pdf

[someone123]

I heard that the block that currently had BMO, TD, second cup on Spring Garden between Queen and Brunswick is going to get redevelopment. Has anyone heard about this?

Yes, I've been hearing about this for a while. The plan is for Westwood to develop a boutique hotel once they are finished with Gladstone Ridge.

It's unclear how many buildings on that block will be a part of the redevelopment and what will happen to them. The building on the corner should definitely be preserved.

As for United Gulf, I hope they release some new info soon. It's been a while since this was approved.

[Keith P.]

I heard that the block that currently had BMO, TD, second cup on Spring Garden between Queen and Brunswick is going to get redevelopment. Has anyone heard about this?

The last I heard, Danny Chedrawe (Westwood) has the BMO/Second Cup building, and the Fireside/Thackeray's building at the other end, but not the TD Bank bldg in the middle.

Given how long these things take around here, and especially given the neighborhood, don't expect anything within the next 5 years.

[Empire]

One option is to demolish the BMO building on the corner of Spring Gdn Rd. and Quen. Unthinkable but very HRM acceptable!!

[someone123]

SGR is a busy area but most of its buildings are pretty bland. The BMO building is actually a highlight so I hope it doesn't come down. Ideally I would like to see a kind of point tower (preferably glass) on just part of the block but I guess that's unlikely to happen.

It would be nice to see SGR and Queen turned into a major corner. Queen Street South of SGR could also become more commercial.

[craner]

Nice - hope they get built.:tup: :cheers:

[worldlyhaligonian]

Old Article:
http://www.canadianarchitect.com/issues/ISarticle.asp?id=165714&story_id=86157105910&issue=07012005&PC=&RType=

http://www.canadianarchitect.com/common_scripts/xtq_images/86157-56104.jpg

[Empire]

Does anyone know when the Twisters Towers will break ground?

[sdm]

Does anyone know when the Twisters Towers will break ground?

Not likely going to happen in 2008, or 2009. As per the development agreement they are required to start construction 3 years from approval, could be 4 but it is part of the deal.

With what everyone is seeing in the global economy, local economy and the lack of money available i doubt this will happen before the schedule deadline.

[Halifax Hillbilly]

Not likely going to happen in 2008, or 2009. As per the development agreement they are required to start construction 3 years from approval, could be 4 but it is part of the deal.

With what everyone is seeing in the global economy, local economy and the lack of money available i doubt this will happen before the schedule deadline.

Is there an option to renew the development agreement after four years?

[sdm]

Is there an option to renew the development agreement after four years?

Don't believe so. If there was it will likely be subjected to approval again.

[someone123]

The local economy seems to be doing fine and is what has the largest impact on these projects.

As far as I know, most renewals of development agreements are more or less trivial, although they do require a council vote. In this particular case the deadlines are also kind of unreasonable since final approval was not granted until long after the original development agreement was drafted.

[Haliguy]

Not likely going to happen in 2008, or 2009. As per the development agreement they are required to start construction 3 years from approval, could be 4 but it is part of the deal.

With what everyone is seeing in the global economy, local economy and the lack of money available i doubt this will happen before the schedule deadline.

Actually the local economy is doing quite well.

[sdm]

Actually the local economy is doing quite well.

Local economy is doing well yes, but there is no market for 500k plus condos nor market segment for high end hotel at this point.

Furthermore money for financing is tight, and will be getting tighter. I am already seeing commercial developers moving away from projects due to requirements in financing the projects that are not the traditional norms. We are recession bound in my opinion.

The deadline for ground breaking is tied to the last hurdle they encountered, not the original development agreement granting date. If it was then it would need to be in the ground within a short period of time. Furthermore this particular development agreement is very very fine in the details of what is permitted etc.

[someone123]

The financing issue is possible, although this is a project by a pretty major developer.

I don't know what their planned price structure is but I would imagine that there is a certain degree of pent-up demand for this project. It will also take a couple of years to build, minimum, so there's lots of time to absorb the new condos.

When Bishop's Landing was first proposed people said many of the same things. In fact, I don't think there's been any period during the past 10 years when I *haven't* heard people saying the economy was about to tank and condo sales were finished.

In reality we've seen a big shift above and beyond demographic changes. More people want to live downtown and are willing to live in condos, so they're a major part of the housing market and there will always be demand as long as there are more people looking for housing.

I don't know much about the hotel market in the past year or two but there's nothing to say that they won't try to jump into a saturated market and steal business from other older hotels. Hotels are also capable of 'growing the market' if they are large and nice enough, especially when it comes to tourists.

[sdm]

The financing issue is possible, although this is a project by a pretty major developer.

I don't know what their planned price structure is but I would imagine that there is a certain degree of pent-up demand for this project. It will also take a couple of years to build, minimum, so there's lots of time to absorb the new condos.

When Bishop's Landing was first proposed people said many of the same things. In fact, I don't think there's been any period during the past 10 years when I *haven't* heard people saying the economy was about to tank and condo sales were finished.

In reality we've seen a big shift above and beyond demographic changes. More people want to live downtown and are willing to live in condos, so they're a major part of the housing market and there will always be demand as long as there are more people looking for housing.

I don't know much about the hotel market in the past year or two but there's nothing to say that they won't try to jump into a saturated market and steal business from other older hotels. Hotels are also capable of 'growing the market' if they are large and nice enough, especially when it comes to tourists.

Trust me on the financing problems, there will be blood in the streets within the next 6-8 months. Furthermore the developer does not have the capcity to fund the project. The costs of construction have probably risen 30-40% since proposed which will further hender development.

Hotels are built to demand, however when supply exceeds demand all hotels suffer. With 60% occupancy rates hotels are barely making a profit.

Agree, people want to be downtown, but at 500k plus there will be little who can afford such in my opinion.

[Keith P.]

Geez, SDM, you're just a ray of sunshine, aren't you?

I have no doubt the condos will work out fine. The hotel is possibly another matter, but time will tell. There is no top-class hotel in Halifax, so if this goes into that segment, it will be unique and will likely do well.

[Haliguy]

Geez, SDM, you're just a ray of sunshine, aren't you?

I have no doubt the condos will work out fine. The hotel is possibly another matter, but time will tell. There is no top-class hotel in Halifax, so if this goes into that segment, it will be unique and will likely do well.

Yeah really talk about negative...geech! Office space is well in demand maybe one of towers could be an office tower as opposed to a Hotel. I guess there would be some design changes for an office tower but it could be possible.

[sdm]

Yeah really talk about negative...geech! Office space is well in demand maybe one of towers could be an office tower as opposed to a Hotel. I guess there would be some design changes for an office tower but it could be possible.

Sorry to burst everyone’s bubble.
Sure i would love to see new development downtown, but unfortunately we have missed the boat yet again in Halifax for large scale projects. The developer is already quoted as saying the project may not go.

Haliguy, the development agreement is very detailed to what is to be developed on the site. Switching to office would require the developer to amend the agreement and therefore open the process again.

That being said, dependant upon the final design (which on a side note theres rumors floating around that are claiming the twist in the design may not be feasible) may make the building less attractive to business office use as floor layout and core design may make in inefficient combining with the building common area design in which office tenant typically pay their proportionate share of costs.

[Architype]

That being said, dependant upon the final design (which on a side note theres rumors floating around that are claiming the twist in the design may not be feasible) may make the building less attractive to business office use as floor layout and core design may make in inefficient combining with the building common area design in which office tenant typically pay their proportionate share of costs.

That's unfortunate, but architects are supposed to think of these things before they propose it. That being said, towers with a twist are being built elsewhere, such as the Turning Torso in Malmo, and the Ritz-Carleton and the Erickson in Vancouver.

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=138004

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=138570

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=140279&highlight=turning+torso

[someone123]

That's unfortunate, but architects are supposed to think of these things before they propose it. That being said, towers with a twist are being built elsewhere, such as the Turning Torso in Malmo, and the Ritz-Carleton and the Erickson in Vancouver.

I don't think there has ever been a major project in Halifax that was not accompanied by speculation as to how it would ultimately end up failing in any number of ways.

Similarly there's never been a time in Halifax where the condo market wasn't supposedly at imminent risk of collapse.

[phrenic]

Article from the Herald today.

http://thechronicleherald.ca/Metro/1048722.html

[skyscraper_1]

That is totally not fair at all. After going though years and years of appeals(and winning everyone of them) just to have the top cut off anyway. Hopefully it will get started ASAP.

[someone123]

Well they have three years to start it and they were given an expiry date from the beginning. The article title strikes me as more misleading spin than anything else.

Kind of disappointing how UG is going to finish up other projects before seriously starting on the towers. Back in the fall it sounded more like they'd be starting on the detailed planning immediately.

[Spitfire75]

I find it odd how the title in the actual paper was "Towers height probably won't be affected" or something like that, however the title on the website has completely opposite spin.

[Helladog]

I'm confused about the height restriction. That's a tall building for Halifax, but not that tall. To bring a company to Halifax and build say a luxury hirise, where is one supposed to go? Is downtown closed for business?

[Keith P.]

I'm confused about the height restriction. That's a tall building for Halifax, but not that tall. To bring a company to Halifax and build say a luxury hirise, where is one supposed to go? Is downtown closed for business?

For anything over 65 meters, yes. Ridiculous.

[Wishblade]

For anything over 65 meters, yes. Ridiculous.

Well, are there any restrictions on downtown Dartmouth? I'm sure that could accomodate some high rises, and no viewplanes from citadel hill ;)

[skyscraper_1]

Well, are there any restrictions on downtown Dartmouth? I'm sure that could accomodate some high rises, and no viewplanes from citadel hill ;) No doubt someone at a public meeting will pipe up about the possibility of seeing the highrise from the north-east quadrant of Sullivan's pond or something....

[Keith P.]

No doubt someone at a public meeting will pipe up about the possibility of seeing the highrise from the north-east quadrant of Sullivan's pond or something....

There was discussion a while back during the King's Wharf thread about a viewplane in Dartmouth planning bylaws from Brightwood golf course. I kid you not.

[Helladog]

Any movement on this development? It'd be a shame if it doesn't get built. I see it as one of the most interesting designs in Hfx since Purdy's Wharf.

[sdm]

Any movement on this development? It'd be a shame if it doesn't get built. I see it as one of the most interesting designs in Hfx since Purdy's Wharf.
The site is now being operated as a parking lot, so needless to say no, nothing apparent. Its going into winter and winter construction is unlikely, so therefore we have to wait till spring. I have a great feeling this building will never become a part of Halifax;shame. I hope my feeling is wrong though.

[Wishblade]

The site is now being operated as a parking lot, so needless to say no, nothing apparent. Its going into winter and winter construction is unlikely, so therefore we have to wait till spring. I have a great feeling this building will never become a part of Halifax;shame. I hope my feeling is wrong though.

Well, United Gulf maintains that it will be built, and they will begin once they get The Waterton over with (atleast thats what I heard). So we'll see what happens I guess.

[Spitfire75]

And considering they're still on the first Waterton tower, I wouldn't expect to see this project start this year.

[sdm]

Well, United Gulf maintains that it will be built, and they will begin once they get The Waterton over with (atleast thats what I heard). So we'll see what happens I guess.


Hopefully your right, but you would expect them to be at least trying to pre sell them, don;t you think. I highly doubt they will build on spec hoping for buyers.

[worldlyhaligonian]

The Waterton is so attractive and not even half complete. This is a positive IMO because it speaks to the quality of UG development and financially benefits the developer. It tops Armoury Square or Gladstone Ridge easily.

I have more faith in UG delivering downtown now.

[worldlyhaligonian]

And they are moving fast on the Waterton, I'm really impressed actually.

I hope we see cranes for International Centre in the near future!

[Takeo]

Bear in mind that the design we saw was nothing more than a sketch and an early conceptual model. Detailed architectural design on a project of this scale takes time. At least a year I would say... if not more. It's a long way from a few drawings and models to a full spec document (these things are like the size of phone books for a project this big) and set of finished and stamped construction drawings.

[sdm]

Bear in mind that the design we saw was nothing more than a sketch and an early conceptual model. Detailed architectural design on a project of this scale takes time. At least a year I would say... if not more. It's a long way from a few drawings and models to a full spec document (these things are like the size of phone books for a project this big) and set of finished and stamped construction drawings.

Takeo

What you said is correct, however it isn;t the hold up here.

[Takeo]

Takeo

What you said is correct, however it isn;t the hold up here.

What is the holdup? Waterton? Are you saying that the design phase is done or close or well on it's way?

[sdm]

What is the holdup? Waterton? Are you saying that the design phase is done or close or well on it's way?

Holdup? I;ve heard they haven't decided to proceed.

[jasonashhh]

Geesh are you sure? i really wanted to see this development..:( :(

[sdm]

Geesh are you sure? i really wanted to see this development..:( :(

Well considering there is little activity on site, couple with the fact they need to break ground within 2 years i doubt it. Besides i think the recent economic conditions maybe making things tough. Construction costs are up 30-40% more the when a lot of these buildings were proposed.

I say Halkirk goes before this one.

[jasonashhh]

Well considering there is little activity on site, couple with the fact they need to break ground within 2 years i doubt it. Besides i think the recent economic conditions maybe making things tough. Construction costs are up 30-40% more the when a lot of these buildings were proposed.

I say Halkirk goes before this one.
man o man....... when is the Halkirk sent to start?

[sdm]

man o man....... when is the Halkirk sent to start?

Good question, but considering it was just approve i figure they need to run full construction plans and costing then determine if its economically viable. Thereafter i believe they will pre-sell and if that is successful then they will start.

[Dmajackson]

Some pictures of the lot taken by me today;

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3623/3368483671_605b8997ea_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3572/3369310458_f5893a5250_b.jpg

[hfx_chris]

What a great hole, huh. Aren't we all glad the Heritage Trust is standing up for that?

Bless them.

[someone123]

The hole is awful, as is the hole one block down next to the Bank of Canada building.

When was the TexPark torn down? 2004? The MetroPark was built in 2002 or 2003...?

[phrenic]

*blows dust off of thread*

allnovascotia.com reports Navid Saberi (UG guy) has said construction will begin within two years as he needs a year and a half to complete current projects.

That's not really 'new' news, but at least it shows it hasn't fallen off the radar completely.

[Jonovision]

Doesn't he still have to acquire that last piece of land that currently has a small office building on it?

Good news though.

[phrenic]

The article doesn't mention anything about acquiring adjacent properties. :shrug:

I know I'm speaking for a lot of people when I say I'd like to see this go up asap, but maybe waiting a while yet will ultimately help with condo sales. Seems like there are still a bunch the market right now that aren't sold.

[DigitalNinja]

I really wanna see this one go up :D

[Barrington south]

so do I...

but to think, by he time it will be completed,
it's design,
while being very impressive will still be 10 years old...Halifax's most progressive project....
only 10 years old!!!... if the material usage is of high quality however, and the towers reach their full aesthetic potential,
I think they will age very well, and hopefully become timeless structures,
that do not become hopelessly dated
or when architecture design and tastes have change, they will be seen as iconic examples of a bygone era, something that will be a cherished reminder of an other age.....compared to say, the Marriott garden suites, which people will loath till the day there is another crane on that site

on a side note.... as someone said, I guess UG owns Greater Homes......

[michael_d40]

so do I...

but to think, by he time it will be completed,
it's design,
while being very impressive will still be 10 years old...Halifax's most progressive project....
only 10 years old!!!... if the material usage is of high quality however, and the towers reach their full aesthetic potential,
I think they will age very well, and hopefully become timeless structures,
that do not become hopelessly dated
or when architecture design and tastes have change, they will be seen as iconic examples of a bygone era, something that will be a cherished reminder of an other age.....compared to say, the Marriott garden suites, which people will loath till the day there is another crane on that site

on a side note.... as someone said, I guess UG owns Greater Homes......


Where is the marriott garden suites located at? Im trying to place the location..

[Barrington south]

so do I...

but to think, by he time it will be completed,
it's design,
while being very impressive will still be 10 years old...Halifax's most progressive project....
only 10 years old!!!... if the material usage is of high quality however, and the towers reach their full aesthetic potential,
I think they will age very well, and hopefully become timeless structures,
that do not become hopelessly dated
or when architecture design and tastes have change, they will be seen as iconic examples of a bygone era, something that will be a cherished reminder of an other age.....compared to say, the Marriott garden suites, which people will loath till the day there is another crane on that site

on a side note.... as someone said, I guess UG owns Greater Homes......

****OPPPPS, I meant to say the Marriott, residents inn.....@1599 Grafton

[Dmajackson]

I'm all for this one going up but I've got to wonder if they actually will proceed with this or will they start projects on other properties they own instead (ie Bedford Motels)?

[sdm]

Doesn't he still have to acquire that last piece of land that currently has a small office building on it?

Good news though.

already owns it.

I don't find this very much news really.

[City_of_Lakes]

I'm just glad to hear SOMETHING from this

[worldlyhaligonian]

Its a good thing Waterton will keep proceeding and alot of other projects are going well.

[musicman]

I have just read most of the City Center Atlantic information and i was wondering if the same rules apply to this project... There is a section about signing the development agreement that states that the development agreement has to be signed before the experation date... Not that you have to break ground... And that this date can be extended with notice from the developer 60 days prior to the the experation date

[sdm]

I have just read most of the City Center Atlantic information and i was wondering if the same rules apply to this project... There is a section about signing the development agreement that states that the development agreement has to be signed before the experation date... Not that you have to break ground... And that this date can be extended with notice from the developer 60 days prior to the the experation date

Development agreements vary between projects. These documents become a registered document on the property amd therefore can be reviewed with people with access.

From what i can remember, the agreement for this development is signed, and that the developer has to commence the project prior to expiry.

For example the trillum project i believe had 10 years to start, so each development agreement varies.

[musicman]

Ok thanks for the explanation.

[Jonovision]

Sadly this lot is now being opened as another parking lot. It has been smoothed over and leveled to some extent and numbers have been placed all around.

[fenwick16]

The only way that I can see this proceeding with towers of the proposed height would be if United Gulf gets an extension on their development agreement. If a new developer takes over and makes a new proposal then they might be required to follow the new HRMbyDesign height restrictions for that site (about 21 residential storeys, with bonus height 66m, as opposed to rampart maximum height as it was before). http://www.halifax.ca/capitaldistrict/documents/DHLUBandDesignManual.pdf - page 56 of 141

Probably the current soft condo and hotel markets have a lot to do with it. This is why Halifax needs the new convention centre to bring more visitors downtown (just my opinion).

[halifaxboyns]

The problem is that a convention centre would take time to build (roughly 3 years I'm guessing).

An extension to a DA should be no problem; they happen all the time for various reasons.

Calgary had a major change to it's Bylaw and permit processes to allow extensions to development permits; because of the market. It's allowed many of the big projects to have an extended life in hopes of getting out of this economic slump. But many of the projects in downtown are converting to parking lots; to recoup money in the interim.

[alps]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4466450054_b79cd154bd_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4466450100_3b81c5d69b_o.jpg

if these never come through I'm pulling a Someone123 and moving to Vancouver.

[DigitalNinja]

So sad, these would have looked so cool.