[kph06]

I walked by tonight and the crane has jacking gear rigged up on the lower levels. Looks to me as though it will be a section by section lift, so they might be able to move it with the building as it goes, opposed to doing it all at once.

[Dmajackson]

I walked by tonight and the crane has jacking gear rigged up on the lower levels. Looks to me as though it will be a section by section lift, so they might be able to move it with the building as it goes, opposed to doing it all at once.

I have a photo of those ... I was wondering what they were for.

[Dmajackson]

Here they are;

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4780958486_c9b52cb46f_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4780326121_126d370a93_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/4780963618_699ee7cf94_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4780965708_4a861fa830_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4780968264_e4cecc4e0d_z.jpg

[worldlyhaligonian]

Thanks Dj!!

They are kicking ass... does it switch to steel frame at some point?

[fenwick16]

Thanks for the images, Dmajackson. It looks like there are about 3 more storeys before it steps back to a somewhat slimmer section.

Halifax needs a lot more towers like this - maybe this will change some people's opinions about highrises.

[JustinMacD]

Nice pics. I'm assuming you took those yesterday when the sun was out... lol

[Helladog]

Snapped a few pics today...last one yesterday...


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/Obsceneeyedog/a1d3f74b.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/Obsceneeyedog/e64cdcd7.jpg

Crane from a distance...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/Obsceneeyedog/DSCF0089.jpg

[worldlyhaligonian]

Nice shots!

The skyline view is incredible!

[JustinMacD]

God.

That is going to fill in the skyline so well.

Amazing.

[Jonovision]

Nice to see it poking out from that side. I can't wait till we see Salter, and the Library in that view. And maybe even the Alexander.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Nice to see it poking out from that side. I can't wait till we see Salter, and the Library in that view. And maybe even the Alexander.

For sure... the Alexander will be crucial, and the concept for the 19 story Dal life sciences building next to the tupper building will also do the view some good.

[JustinMacD]

I really hope that they fill in that spot between Dairy Queen and Bookmark on SGR.

With this first class development now in the neighborhood, it's disgraceful that there is such a gaping hole in such a prime spot of real estate.

[phn902]

Well things seem to be moving along pretty good. Concrete should be going down at 7am tomorrow if the rain isn't bad.

Also pieces of the crane began arriving yesterday so they should start to jack it up on Friday for those interested. Not sure how much higher they will go with it, but it won't be to the full height just yet.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Pics anyone? :banana:

[terrynorthend]

Crane is jacked!.. its well above Park Vic, and at least one more section to go.. (I can see it hanging on the boom)

[JustinMacD]

Yep I think they're starting floor #12 right now.

[HRM]

Bottom of the 12th has been poured.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Somebody should take camera phone pics!

[JustinMacD]

Somebody should take camera phone pics!

I'll go upstairs and get a pic right now. Gimme 10 minutes.

[JustinMacD]

WOW I had no idea how foggy it was today. Maybe later. You can barely see half of Park Vic.

[worldlyhaligonian]

WOW I had no idea how foggy it was today. Maybe later. You can barely see half of Park Vic.

Thanks! They really need a Trillium webcam!

[halifaxboyns]

Wasn't there a story going around that the building containing the Dq was being redeveloped; but no where near as tall?

[worldlyhaligonian]

Wasn't there a story going around that the building containing the Dq was being redeveloped; but no where near as tall?

Its the lot next to it where the fire was. I believe it was 8 stories... which is less than half the height of the Trillium.

I think it should be both the DQ and the lot with the fire and should be like 12-14 stories. Put a DQ in the ground floor of the new building... problem solved.

[-Harlington-]

i was at york redoubt today and when the fog cleared for about 5 mins i could see the crane from there and it is very much higher than park vic.

[Haliguy]

Here's a few pics I got today.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j260/a_gallant/IMG_2020.jpg


http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j260/a_gallant/IMG_2019.jpg

[worldlyhaligonian]

Thanks for the shots!

I was wondering what it would like like from that distance.

[someone123]

Wasn't there a story going around that the building containing the Dq was being redeveloped; but no where near as tall?

If I remember correctly the proposal was for a five storey L-shaped building around the DQ. The DQ owners stated they weren't necessarily interested in selling but that they'd consider it for a development like that.

With that and the YMCA, that stretch of South Park would be very nice.

[halifaxboyns]

If I remember correctly the proposal was for a five storey L-shaped building around the DQ. The DQ owners stated they weren't necessarily interested in selling but that they'd consider it for a development like that.

With that and the YMCA, that stretch of South Park would be very nice.

The L shaped one to me seemed to be quite small and would be out of place. It should be higher; but then again you can't force people.

I liked the idea earlier of buying out the owners for the land and then putting the DQ in a much taller building.

[someone123]

I think whether or not it would look out of place depends more on the design than anything else. Mostly it comes down to having a big, open, welcoming looking retail space on the corner.

The site is a little small for a tower - not enough room to have a setback for upper floors:

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/9843/screenshot20100725at713.png

[worldlyhaligonian]

You could put a thin and wide tower there, or a triangular design.

Podium for the whole site, then setbacks up to 14 stories... it would look good if done properly. Its all about the design.

[Jonovision]

I was watching the crane lift itself on friday. It was very interesting. And was attracting quite a crowd as well.

[Haliguy]

I was watching the crane lift itself on friday. It was very interesting. And was attracting quite a crowd as well.

Cool..I seen it just before they were starting...they had the piece at the end of the crane ready to go in but I had to leave.

[halifaxboyns]

I think whether or not it would look out of place depends more on the design than anything else. Mostly it comes down to having a big, open, welcoming looking retail space on the corner.

The site is a little small for a tower - not enough room to have a setback for upper floors:

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/9843/screenshot20100725at713.png

I wonder if someone could buy all the buildings up to the corner and create a bigger parcel? That would definately support a tower in that case; problem would be any parking access if you did underground parking (it would either be SP or SGR access - I suspect SP).

If someone could consolidate all the remaining parcels on the block and do two towers; now that would be impressive - because you could then have one access off Brenton (through a mutual access agreement) feeding the two.

I always thought that the back corner of Brenton (Brenton Street and Brenton Place) would be a great place for an urban boutique hotel. Not quite on the main drag; but close enough that you could easily walk to it. The parking lots may be another location to do something like that. Perhaps another Westin or Sheraton? Maybe even a Four Seasons or a Hyatt?

[JustinMacD]

[QUOTE=halifaxboyns;4925535]I wonder if someone could buy all the buildings up to the corner and create a bigger parcel? That would definately support a tower in that case; problem would be any parking access if you did underground parking (it would either be SP or SGR access - I suspect SP).
QUOTE]

I love the buildings from Dairy Queen on down to the Trillium. They are really beautiful little buildings and they fit in nicely in that area.

The Dairy Queen building.. bulldoze it. It's an eyesore. But those other ones are keepers.

[sdm]

[QUOTE=halifaxboyns;4925535]I wonder if someone could buy all the buildings up to the corner and create a bigger parcel? That would definately support a tower in that case; problem would be any parking access if you did underground parking (it would either be SP or SGR access - I suspect SP).
QUOTE]

I love the buildings from Dairy Queen on down to the Trillium. They are really beautiful little buildings and they fit in nicely in that area.

The Dairy Queen building.. bulldoze it. It's an eyesore. But those other ones are keepers.

Well i know there is something in the works for all those buildings in the area, stay tuned.

[someone123]

I checked and the Allnovascotia story about this was on May 20.

They say the plan is for a "six to seven storey structure" and that Studioworks have been hired to draw up plans. Obviously, it would be best if the DQ building were included in this.

I do not necessarily think it would be better to include the Daily Grind and other buildings in with the development since they are so successful as they are. Sometimes it is better not to consolidate since it maintains a better variety of buildings, rents, and businesses.

Part of what makes Halifax interesting is that there are a lot of interesting older buildings with small-scale stores. In many parts of Toronto and Vancouver large areas have been redeveloped and now feel like a bit of a wasteland of chain stores - Starbucks and Whole Foods get really boring after awhile.

[halifaxboyns]

I checked and the Allnovascotia story about this was on May 20.

They say the plan is for a "six to seven storey structure" and that Studioworks have been hired to draw up plans. Obviously, it would be best if the DQ building were included in this.

I do not necessarily think it would be better to include the Daily Grind and other buildings in with the development since they are so successful as they are. Sometimes it is better not to consolidate since it maintains a better variety of buildings.

I don't disagree. Just that if you did consolidate them; it would be a better possibility of a tower. But so long as they improve the area; then I'll be happy. More people; more business.

I still think the parking lots would be a great spot for a boutique hotel.

[someone123]

There was a plan for a small hotel including the BMO/Planet Pool building a while ago but it seems to be on hold.

The sidestreets south of SGR are very underdeveloped. Part of that is the city's fault since they have been holding onto the Clyde Street lands. They should have been developed long ago. Same thing goes for Queen Street - demolition took place in 2005. It's hard to believe that there could be a good explanation for this delay.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Well, if we get a library built those will likely enter the fray. It seems like we don't have critical mass downtown yet, but I think the next 5 years will be interesting for the city.

[bluenoser]

one from yesterday:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4147/4834496866_a1e36dc90c_b.jpg
source: me

The crane doesn't look very high here, but as you can see in the previous pics, it is up there!

[Haliguy]

Nice shot!

[worldlyhaligonian]

Thanks for the update!

[Dmajackson]

From Monday;

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/4839897840_15aba64884_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/4839901966_dc4a65b0d8_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/4839899654_c10b08f3ee_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/4839292007_a47cd9c300_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/4839294991_f51337e425_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/4839905682_7a0c1934e2_z.jpg

[worldlyhaligonian]

Really good shots D... the tower grouping is excellent in one shot.

[bluenoser]

For some reason it took me awhile to figure out how to load these pics, so they're a couple days old but I figured I'd put them up anyway.

http://a.imageshack.us/img148/3467/trillium1.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img9/2800/trillium2.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img717/4416/trillium3.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img831/1951/trillium4.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img266/8523/trillium5.jpg

source: myself

[Dmajackson]

Lol to the fountain picture. I have almost exactly the same as that. :P

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4863782922_271b8677ec_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4863173137_8af8aae619_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4863175387_49153cfa9a_z.jpg

[JustinMacD]

Quick question, now that they only have around 6-7 floors left to build.. when do you think they'll start putting the glass up on the bottom floors?

I became curious after seeing this picture:

http://i41.tinypic.com/2ljrkp3.jpg

[halifaxboyns]

The Bow here in Calgary was doing something similar - they started putting up the window and shell glazing when they reached about the 10th floor. Now that they are closing in on the top floor (I believe they are 47 now) they've been working their way up the building with the windows and exterior cladding.

I don't see why they couldn't start doing the same for the Trillium unless they have to wait for things like the balconies to be installed first?

[Jonovision]

All the brackets are in place so I do not see why they wouldn't start fairly soon on installing more of the cladding.

And again I seem to be in a nit picking mood, but I was sitting having my lunch the other day on the bench right beside the little monument in Victoria Park and one thing came to mind. Maybe it was again me misreading the rendering, but I felt like the curved section in the front of the tower would act as a small atrium that would go up two or three floors. Would have made for a nice entrance and would have been cool from the outside too.

[someone123]

I could be wrong but it looks to me like the railings along the second floor on the corner are concave, implying that they could put in a curtain wall and have an open lobby going up two floors..?

In general I like the corner entrance. A lot of new buildings in Halifax feel like the entrance is hidden somewhere because they abuse old architectural styles originally created to provide cues for entrances in the centre or on corners. A good example of this kind of design misstep is the small brick Royal Bank building at Summer Street and Spring Garden Road. The Trillium does not have this issue.

The first two floors are also of a decent height so it looks open and inviting instead of low-slung and closed off. Note how floor 3 is much shorter than floors 1 and 2 - in many other developments in Halifax floors 1 and 2 are the same height as 3 and it looks terrible. Even worse, some like Bishop's Landing and Salter's have ground floors sunk 3-4 feet below street level, so at eye level pedestrians get to look at the blank space between two floors.

The materials and construction for this project so far seem pretty standard for the downtown area but the design is a step above the norm. We haven't seen many buildings like this in recent years, which is sad because they just take a little thought, not necessarily a huge budget. Maybe HRM by Design will help a little with this.

[Keety]

what do the units start at?

[-Harlington-]

what do the units start at?
ive heard 500,000 but i could be wrong

[halifaxboyns]

ive heard 500,000 but i could be wrong

There was a range starting in the low 300K I thought?

[phrenic]

I think they started at $300,000 and something pre construction. But I'm sure that price was for the tinniest, closest-to-the-ground-level unit there is.

[JustinMacD]

I went in there about 2 months ago and they were starting at 450.

[JustinMacD]

The crane was moving big time on this one yesterday.

[Dmajackson]

From Tuesday (I got distracted in case you cant tell);

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4883138239_c5f8d0b9c6_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4883140665_8ae2e4af9f_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4883740006_e3c44880b2_z.jpg

[JustinMacD]

Unless my eyes were playing tricks with me this morning, it looks like they've already started doing those narrower upper floors. Looks really cool.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Unless my eyes were playing tricks with me this morning, it looks like they've already started doing those narrower upper floors. Looks really cool.

From what I remember its floors 15-19 for that section... not sure it its steel frame or concrete.

This thing should be topped out by October.

[phn902]

The building steps in again on level 14 and reduces down to 4 units per floor. Right now they are working on the columns, which are larger then the columns that they've been using, to support level 14 and up.

So the next pour will be the same size as the last, to cover the ceiling of level 13, then the building will step in leaving space for a terrace on level 14.

The entire building will be built with concrete and rebar, there will be no steel used for the structure of the floors.

A little side note, glass was starting to go in on the rear of the building on level 200 yesterday, and the company who is doing the pre-cast installation was also on site.

[David1gray]

yesterday

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4894085651_f46c7b4455_b.jpg

by me

[fenwick16]

yesterday

by me

Thanks for the picture. This is going to be very noticeable on the skyline and will look great at night (how can anyone be against buildings like the Trillium?).

[terrynorthend]

Thanks for the picture. This is going to be very noticeable on the skyline and will look great at night (how can anyone be against buildings like the Trillium?).

Yeah!.. The nighttime renders of Trillium appear to show a cone of light emanating from the peak. If so, it'll look great from here!!

[JustinMacD]

Lots of work being done on this today. Wouldn't be surprised to see some glass going up within the next few weeks.

[kph06]

The glass should be going up soon, particularly on the curved front part, the panels for the first 14 floors are going up in 3 weeks time.

[halifaxboyns]

When you look at David's photo - it makes me wonder the same point fenwick raised - how can you oppose a building like this? It fits in so well.

I guess what needs to be done from here on in is just bring up how well buildilngs will fit into the city context as a whole!

[eastcoastal]

When you look at David's photo - it makes me wonder the same point fenwick raised - how can you oppose a building like this? It fits in so well.

I guess what needs to be done from here on in is just bring up how well buildilngs will fit into the city context as a whole!

When people oppose these things as "not fitting in," it's not at the scale of skyline, it's at street and neighbourhood scale. Our designers and developers need to do better jobs convincing us (both through better design, and through better arguments) that their proposals work at ALL scales.

City scale is significant if you view a building as an object. The street or neighbourhood scale is more important to how a building can positively contribute to the life of a city (beyond providing a critical mass of residents).

I'm not arguing that tall buildings don't work at a neighbourhood or street scale, as many do, I'm arguing that we don't do a good job of dealing with this in Halifax (possibly because we don't get enough practice).

[Jstaleness]

Photo by me.
Taken near the Peace Pavillion on Dartmouth Waterfront.
http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu360/jstaleness/Peter/PIC_0028.jpg

[worldlyhaligonian]

Photo by me.
Taken near the Peace Pavillion on Dartmouth Waterfront.
http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu360/jstaleness/Peter/PIC_0028.jpg

Nice, it will definitely be visible in skyline shots of Purdy's from that angle!

[halifaxboyns]

When people oppose these things as "not fitting in," it's not at the scale of skyline, it's at street and neighbourhood scale. Our designers and developers need to do better jobs convincing us (both through better design, and through better arguments) that their proposals work at ALL scales.

City scale is significant if you view a building as an object. The street or neighbourhood scale is more important to how a building can positively contribute to the life of a city (beyond providing a critical mass of residents).

I'm not arguing that tall buildings don't work at a neighbourhood or street scale, as many do, I'm arguing that we don't do a good job of dealing with this in Halifax (possibly because we don't get enough practice).

Well said and I completely agree. Many times when I've had to present items to city council for tall buildings - you really do have to talk about the 3 levels: street, neighbourhood and community scale. The street wall and massing (shadow) are often the biggest issues that scare people for new development, then traffic and then the 'rental' issue. I still cannot believe how many bring up crime as being a high density issue - that one makes me laugh and frustrates me.

I really see Halifax having the ability to have more opportunities to improve on this argument though. The Hollis building (with the red balconies) is a good example of how a medium scale building can still work quite well and improve an area. Trillium is a great example of how good design, materials and massing can contribute to an area.

I can't wait to see this building finished and it would be interesting to go back in 5 to 10 years and ask the people who opposed it what they think after it's done. I suspect that a large number would have their minds changed; especially if some really interesting restaurants or shops open up on the ground floor.

[worldlyhaligonian]

I think a Lacoste store would do well in this location... they have such a restrictive distribution network that it would really draw people downtown and from across the maritimes.

A brand like Coach might also do well because they would be able to outprice any of the other sellers.

[halifaxboyns]

I think a Lacoste store would do well in this location... they have such a restrictive distribution network that it would really draw people downtown and from across the maritimes.

A brand like Coach might also do well because they would be able to outprice any of the other sellers.

Oh yes - they would be good chains to have on Spring Garden. Never thought of them - my friend Shelly is a huge fan of Lacoste, I've only just become a recent convert since the Lacoste store here in dt Calgary (in the Core Shopping Centre) was going through changes with the whole mall.

The coach store out in Crossiron Mills (in Balzac - yes, it's pronouced Ball-zach, not ball-sack) is so busy that they have a queueing area. Lacoste certainly would give Duggers a good run for their money.

[worldlyhaligonian]

This is an amazing shot! Trillium making a huge impact...

Credit: small_rcer on Flickr

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4920395296_137589c72f_b.jpg

[Phalanx]

Now just imagine that shot with the YMCA redevelopment, central library, and potential Spring Garden/South Park development.... it'll look great.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Oh yes - they would be good chains to have on Spring Garden. Never thought of them - my friend Shelly is a huge fan of Lacoste, I've only just become a recent convert since the Lacoste store here in dt Calgary (in the Core Shopping Centre) was going through changes with the whole mall.

The coach store out in Crossiron Mills (in Balzac - yes, it's pronouced Ball-zach, not ball-sack) is so busy that they have a queueing area. Lacoste certainly would give Duggers a good run for their money.

I think the success of Lululemon proves that there is a female market in Halifax for mid priced designers.

A store like Lacoste is not female/yoga centric like Lulu... a) I'm a dude, b) Lacoste has such a rich history in athletics and fashion. I would be heading down to grab a polo every once and awhile if we had a store. It would be a great place for Christmas gifts.

I don't think the city will be ready for LV or Gucci anytime soon.

[beyeas]

This is an amazing shot! Trillium making a huge impact...



Great show indeed. Really highlights to me just how badly that "gaping hole" of a parking lot along both the Queen & Clyde street lands needs to be developed!

[q12]

I think a Lacoste store would do well in this location... they have such a restrictive distribution network that it would really draw people downtown and from across the maritimes.

A brand like Coach might also do well because they would be able to outprice any of the other sellers.

Coach is now in the Halifax Shopping Centre.

[halifaxboyns]

Great show indeed. Really highlights to me just how badly that "gaping hole" of a parking lot along both the Queen & Clyde street lands needs to be developed!

If the clyde street lots fill in (even with 6 ot 7 storey buildings) plus the YMCA proposal and then the library lands - a lot of the gaps in this picture will be gone.

[halifaxboyns]

I think the success of Lululemon proves that there is a female market in Halifax for mid priced designers.

A store like Lacoste is not female/yoga centric like Lulu... a) I'm a dude, b) Lacoste has such a rich history in athletics and fashion. I would be heading down to grab a polo every once and awhile if we had a store. It would be a great place for Christmas gifts.

I don't think the city will be ready for LV or Gucci anytime soon.

Lacoste or even a gap store would work in my mind or an old navy. Something which multi-generations would shop at; but that would bring more people.

But I'd like to see that spot merge into the existing city centre atlantic and not be standalone - it should all be one complex. YOu might be able to get away with more residential units in front of those already proposed by the city centre addition (I say proposed since they are under appeal).

[worldlyhaligonian]

Coach is now in the Halifax Shopping Centre.

Wow, HSC must be trying to go upmarket!

[Dmajackson]

From yesterday;

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4929789078_4619ebdfd7_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4120/4929198885_b41febcd3c_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4929793826_c55c7a6f71_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/4929203021_ed597666e4_z.jpg

[worldlyhaligonian]

Thanks D! I don't know what I would do without your posts. Back in Halifax in 2 months!

[Dmajackson]

Thanks D! I don't know what I would do without your posts. Back in Halifax in 2 months!

You'll find out soon I move late next week.

[worldlyhaligonian]

You'll find out soon I move late next week.

Noooooooooo

[HRM]

Worldly

Where are you now? Returning home for a visit? Returning for good?

[worldlyhaligonian]

Western Canada... back to Halifax for a bit, then onto the next place (maybe europe).

[worldlyhaligonian]

Sweet shot:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/freshtables/4931149220/sizes/l/in/photostream/

[Dmajackson]

From Wednesday;

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/4952427467_cf5be42974_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/4953024144_1b10c9f5f0_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4133/4953054070_38871c543a_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4953021724_38b2d69529_z.jpg

[Jstaleness]

From my cell phone today

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu360/jstaleness/trillium.jpg

[halifaxboyns]

From my cell phone today

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu360/jstaleness/trillium.jpg

This picture really lends (in my mind) support to filling up this block with more buildings of the same size. The more I think about this block; the more I think a nice boutique hotel on the corner (where the small brick building is) and then the DQ site could be combined with the lots on Brenton and maybe the moustache buildings to build another condo tower - same size. That would fill out this block so nicely.

[fenwick16]

Thanks for the image Jstaleness. This looks very impressive. The location close to the Public Gardens, Spring Garden Road and the Citadel makes it that much more appealing.

[someone123]

This picture really lends (in my mind) support to filling up this block with more buildings of the same size. The more I think about this block; the more I think a nice boutique hotel on the corner (where the small brick building is) and then the DQ site could be combined with the lots on Brenton and maybe the moustache buildings to build another condo tower - same size. That would fill out this block so nicely.

I was thinking the same thing. I wouldn't be surprised if somebody buys up the two houses and the small apartment building on Clyde Street.

Something else to note is that it's very possible that the NSLC location will soon be up for redevelopment. The idea to develop a major new downtown liquor store on Queen Street makes a lot more sense than the current setup, where the store is in a residential area.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Thanks for the pic... I guess my prediction of being topped out in October will miss the mark, maybe Novemeber or December?

The tower is beautiful!

[HRM]

Cladding starting to go up today. Will try to get some photos today or tomorrow.

[halifaxboyns]

I was thinking the same thing. I wouldn't be surprised if somebody buys up the two houses and the small apartment building on Clyde Street.

Something else to note is that it's very possible that the NSLC location will soon be up for redevelopment. The idea to develop a major new downtown liquor store on Queen Street makes a lot more sense than the current setup, where the store is in a residential area.

You know I was thinking about the liquor store on Clyde Street the other day and honestly; I wouldn't want it to be anything like Trillium or anything tall. I'd actually want to cap it quite low as part of a 'compromise' with the Schmidtville Residents.

I'd leave the height maximum around 35' and put some rules in the LUB about any infilling in the area requiring design elements and materials used by some of the older homes in the area. I can understand their complaint about the tall buildings being so close to their area (lets face it park vic is no gem). But that would be my compromise - leave the low density residential component low.

I don't think you could change the heights of the parking lots because even if you got rid of the pre/post bonus heights in HbD - you'd still run into the viewplane so I think 8 (maybe 9) stories is the best youw ould get.

[someone123]

In HbD any redevelopment of the Clyde Street lots has to step down to something like 4 storeys on Clyde (from 8 or so on sidestreets like Brenton), which is fine. The liquor store could become something like townhouses or a small condo building, maybe with a couple of retail spaces.

[worldlyhaligonian]

In HbD any redevelopment of the Clyde Street lots has to step down to something like 4 storeys on Clyde (from 8 or so on sidestreets like Brenton), which is fine. The liquor store could become something like townhouses or a small condo building, maybe with a couple of retail spaces.

I think a 4 floor brick townhouse (same quality as the Trillium's) would work perfectly. Have the retail at groundfloor with all residential above that.

A large NSLC on the lot diagonally north-east, with a walk in fridge and good wine/expensive liquor selection would be great. SGR would seem ever better and Schmidtville would be well stepped down.

[Keith P.]

I am told that the NSLC pushed HRM hard for the SGR/Queen corner that is now the site of the library proposal. They wanted the ground floor corner for a retail flagship, with other development, including the library or whatever, around and above them. They were unsuccessful obviously. They were told to wait until the Queen St parking lot opposite the site is developed and they could go there; however, I hear they are frustrated by the delays in doing anything regarding that development. I understand they continue to look for a site in the area that is bigger and more visible than the current Clyde St location. I can see why, as they are a business and they feel their business is being hurt by their current store site and want to do better. It's a shame that HRM does not feel the same sense of urgency to get things done in cases like this.

[someone123]

There was a short piece in ANS a couple of months ago about somebody in the provincial government complaining about how slow the process to develop the infirmary lands has been. The demolition at this point happened 5 years ago and plans to redevelop could have come before that. As for the Clyde Street lots, well, they've been sitting there for as long as I can remember.

In most cities development is limited by how much demand there is for new buildings. In Halifax it's limited by the bureaucracy. It is astounding how slowly things move there compared to Toronto or Vancouver, where planners and others presumably have a lot more work since there is more going on. Really that kind of thing is what makes Halifax feel like a bit of a backwater.

[JustinMacD]

I am told that the NSLC pushed HRM hard for the SGR/Queen corner that is now the site of the library proposal. They wanted the ground floor corner for a retail flagship, with other development, including the library or whatever, around and above them. They were unsuccessful obviously. They were told to wait until the Queen St parking lot opposite the site is developed and they could go there; however, I hear they are frustrated by the delays in doing anything regarding that development. I understand they continue to look for a site in the area that is bigger and more visible than the current Clyde St location. I can see why, as they are a business and they feel their business is being hurt by their current store site and want to do better. It's a shame that HRM does not feel the same sense of urgency to get things done in cases like this.

Why the heck was the NSLC even built in its current location in the first place? How long has it been there?