[sdm]

Developer has big plans for downtown Halifax property
Valuable two-block Herald lands being considered for new convention centre
By BRUCE ERSKINE Business Reporter
Wed. Aug 27 - 6:29 AM



Argyle Developments is mulling three options for the soon-to-be-vacant Chronicle Herald headquarters on Argyle Street in Halifax. The newspaper’s staff are moving to new offices on Joseph Howe Drive at the end of the month. (Eric Wynne / Staff)


The developer that owns the Chronicle Herald property at 1650 Argyle St. is working up three possible scenarios for the large downtown Halifax location.

"We have to have options," said Joe Ramia, a principal with Argyle Developments Inc., in an interview on Tuesday.

One of those options is for a new downtown convention centre, but Mr. Ramia said he needs contingency plans if the convention centre proposal by his group, Rank Inc., isn’t selected by the municipality and the province.

Halifax Mayor Peter Kelly said Tuesday that a decision on a shortlist of convention centre developers will be made in September. Six proposals, including Rank’s, are now being reviewed by a panel of provincial and municipal appointees.

Mr. Ramia said all three plans for the two-block Chronicle Herald property are still being formulated. "We haven’t submitted anything to anybody."

Before the province and the municipality called for proposals to build a new convention centre in March to replace the aging World Trade and Convention Centre, also on Argyle Street, Mr. Ramia had speculated that the downtown site would be home to a mixed commercial-residential development

Argyle Developments bought the Chronicle Herald property in 2007 from the estate of the late cable TV mogul Charles Keating, which had listed it for $15 million. Mr. Keating purchased the property from the Dennis family, owners of The Halifax Herald Ltd., in 2002.

In July, Mr. Ramia bought the nearby Midtown Tavern property on Grafton Street for $1.5 million, after a court battle involving the children of the pub’s former owner, Doug Grant. That purchase, combined with the Chronicle Herald property, gives Argyle Developments one of the largest single pieces of real estate in the downtown core.

The former owners of the Midtown were given a year to operate the bar, but Mr. Ramia said Tuesday that his group could take the property over earlier than that.

Staff at The Chronicle Herald will complete their move from Argyle Street into new offices on Joseph Howe Drive by the end of the month, and Mr. Ramia said his group will take official possession of the downtown property on Oct. 1.

Argyle Developments has a demolition permit for the property, but Mr. Ramia said his firm is still determining the best way to proceed with taking the building down.

"We’re deliberating on how quickly to move on it," he said, confirming that taxes on the property are higher with the building in place.

Mr. Ramia said the structure could be knocked down in stages or imploded. "It’s still up in the air," he said.

( berskine@herald.ca)

Fluff, fluff, fluff. Pretty much the same thing that was said 3 months ago.

[Jonovision]

I didn't know exactly where to post this. But I found a pdf with a full overview of the recommended facade improvements on Downtown Portland Street in Dartmouth.

http://www.downtowndartmouth.ca/images/Gallery%206%20Recent%20News/Facade/Portland%20Street.pdf

[hfx_chris]

I didn't know exactly where to post this. But I found a pdf with a full overview of the recommended facade improvements on Downtown Portland Street in Dartmouth.

http://www.downtowndartmouth.ca/images/Gallery%206%20Recent%20News/Facade/Portland%20Street.pdf

Pretty lofty... but I do like the "after" pictures. Would certainly be a huge improvement; although some work has already been done, the building housing Starr Bakery (now Queen of Cups, on pages 91-94 of that pdf), although they didn't follow those guidelines. Does look a hell of a lot better though, than it used to.

[someone123]

Too bad that the Herald redevelopment isn't proceeding more quickly. I personally think the site is poorly suited to a convention centre and doubt that it will be chosen. The best option would simply be some mixed-use buildings of moderate height with ground floor retail and office and residential above.

I hope we are not left with an extra block of empty parking downtown to go along with the still-derelict UG site, empty Roy building, etc.

[Keith P.]

Pretty lofty... but I do like the "after" pictures. Would certainly be a huge improvement; although some work has already been done, the building housing Starr Bakery (now Queen of Cups, on pages 91-94 of that pdf), although they didn't follow those guidelines. Does look a hell of a lot better though, than it used to.


Portland Street needs something other than micromanaged designer facades to improve its fortunes. It seems a very unwise investment of public funds when what is really needed are people living in the area to bring customers to those businesses.

[Wishblade]

Portland Street needs something other than micromanaged designer facades to improve its fortunes. It seems a very unwise investment of public funds when what is really needed are people living in the area to bring customers to those businesses.

And who said that wasn't going to happen? Kings Wharf could change everything for downtown Dartmouth. Founders Corner is just the start of great things for that area in the future.

[Keith P.]

And who said that wasn't going to happen? Kings Wharf could change everything for downtown Dartmouth. Founders Corner is just the start of great things for that area in the future.

In which case, taxpayer-funded facades won't be needed, which would be great.

I read that document and it just sounds like total overkill. Standards for everything that someone would do to the outside of their building to make it look like some sort of movie-set main street. No thanks.

[Takeo]

I read that document and it just sounds like total overkill. Standards for everything that someone would do to the outside of their building to make it look like some sort of movie-set main street. No thanks.

I haven't seen the plan, so I can't form an opinion on this specific plan, but in principle... I would disagree with you.

Just look at Barrington St. where there are no standards at all. You have all these lovely Heritage buildings, but you'd never know it if you didn't look up because at street level, the facades look horrible. They are clad in horrible corrugated metal (travel cuts... or the cd store beside it?) or a ugly brown aluminum (Roy) or plywood panels (building beside Mason Hall) or painted in hideous neon colors (lunchbox). I'm sorry... I love Freaks Lunchbox as much as anyone else... but what they did to their facade should be criminal. Literally.

Can you imagine someone going into old Quebec City or Boston's Beacon Hill or wherever and painting a beautiful historic building neon pink and purple or whatever?

Again, I haven't seen the plan... so maybe it goes TOO far... but there needs to be SOME kind of standard. Right now it's a free-for-all on what you can do to the facade of an historic building.

[JET]

There was public $ used when the G8 was in Halifax to fix up some storefronts, and some nice work was done. A good investment. Over time Portland St will hopefully improve on it's own, but some public funds will result in better changes sooner. Losing the pawnshops and tattoo palours will also improve the area. JET

[hfx_chris]

In which case, taxpayer-funded facades won't be needed, which would be great.
You think the storefronts should remain the same as they are today?

Whether they're funded by taxpayers or the building owners themselves I wasn't commenting on, all I said is that the after images in the document linked to above looked a hell of a lot better than the before images. That's all I said.

Why do I always feel like I'm being put on the defensive when you respond to me...

[Keith P.]

You think the storefronts should remain the same as they are today?

Whether they're funded by taxpayers or the building owners themselves I wasn't commenting on, all I said is that the after images in the document linked to above looked a hell of a lot better than the before images. That's all I said.

And what I said was that the document outlines a set of standards that are ridiculously detailed and that it would not be a wise use of taxpayer dollars. If you have people living there you have customers for those businesses which means an investment will be paid back which means that upgrades would be financed by the property owner, not the taxpayer. Which is the way it should be.

Why do I always feel like I'm being put on the defensive when you respond to me...

Dunno... maybe because you're defensive? ;)

[hfx_chris]

You still can't argue with the notion that if the business owners on Portland decided to do some serious upgrades to their buildings similar to what is proposed in that document, whether it's funded by the taxpayer or themselves, it would look better than it does today.

[Dmajackson]

HRM loses round in old land battle
Case about development’s road coming to a head in October
By AMY PUGSLEY FRASER City Hall Reporter
Fri. Aug 29 - 5:30 AM

Halifax Regional Municipality has lost a bid to throw out a lawsuit it faces in October — and must pay $1,500 plus taxes for the effort.

The municipality is to pay costs to the lawyer for Olympic International Realty and Paper Mill Lake Developments Ltd., Justice Bob Wright said Thursday in Nova Scotia Supreme Court chambers.

The judge didn’t make any decision on the facts in the case, which is set to go to trial in October.

The main issue is whether the municipality should be ordered to build a road over land belonging to another developer to comply with the terms of a development agreement dating back to the mid-1990s.

The road link is part of a 12-year-old agreement between the old Town of Bedford and Annapolis Basin Group, the original owners of just under 90 hectares of land bordered by the Bicentennial Highway, Moirs Mill, Paper Mill Lake and Hammonds Plains Road.

Back in 1995, "many concerns were raised relating to the potential impact of the proposed development on the residential neighbourhoods and existing municipal infrastructure," says a city staff report written for the local planning advisory committee in 2005.

A clause was added to the agreement stipulating that only 100 houses could be built and that a collector road had to be built out to the Hammonds Plains Road to alleviate the traffic congestion expected to arise from the rest of the development.

But a dozen years later, the collector road is still not built and Annapolis has sold its land holdings to two groups: about 30 hectares in a southwest section to Ali Ahmadi and Paper Mill Lake Developments Ltd. and about 52 hectares on the northeast side to United Gulf Developments Ltd.

Olympic, along with Paper Mill Lake Developments Ltd., still wants to build 325 residential units on its lands near Paper Mill Lake in Bedford.

But while Paper Mill Lake Developments and Olympic International Realty have said they are willing to build the collector road as far as the end of their property at Kearney Run, they can’t compel United Gulf to continue that road the rest of the way to Hammonds Plains Road.

And while Paper Mill has not been able to develop its lands, it alleges that the municipality allowed United Gulf to build a 60-unit condominium building that ties up traffic on the same roads.

Over the past decade the case has come before council committees, quasi-judicial tribunals and the courts.

Municipal lawyer Randall Kinghorn told Justice Wright that the developers have waited too long to seek a remedy through the courts.

"We’re not talking about unsophisticated parties here," he said. "The proper way would be for someone to object in 1997 . . . to challenge HRM’s decision to issue a building permit."

The municipality also argues that the condominium was meant to be a seniors residence, which would be exempt from road restrictions imposed on other developments.

But lawyer Eric Slone told the judge that the municipality’s attempt to get the case thrown out was "oppressive and abusive."

"Just because they woke up to a new arguable defence . . . that shouldn’t be of concern to the court."

Mr. Slone wanted to know why the municipality doesn’t "own up to the fact" that the building it approved is not a seniors complex.

"The city has not been forthright with the public or the developers," he said.
Another Uniter Gulf vs HRM battle. Just for anyone unfamilar with this area its the forest behind Paper Mill Lake (its on your right coming off the Bi-Hi towards Bedford).

[Dmajackson]

Bigger booze store on tap
Former video store to house Quinpool Road outlet
By BRUCE ERSKINE Business Reporter
Fri. Aug 29 - 6:37 AM

The Nova Scotia Liquor Corp. plans to open a large new outlet at Halifax’s Quinpool Centre in time for Christmas.

"We’re in the process of moving into the old Rogers Video store," corporation spokesman Rick Perkins said in an interview.

For 15 years the corporation has operated a 2,200-square-foot outlet connected to the centre’s Superstore grocery, which is owned by Loblaw Cos. Ltd. But Mr. Perkins said a bigger and better store is needed to meet the demands of the area.

"We had discussions with Loblaws, but Loblaws has its own challenges," he said. "We moved on."

Mr. Perkins said construction tenders have been put out for the new 5,800-square-foot outlet, which will be located between the Quinpool Centre’s Canadian Tire store and its Wendy’s Restaurant. The store, which will feature a contemporary design, is scheduled to open by the end of November.

In recent years, the corporation has leased NSLC outlet locations adjacent to Superstores and Sobeys grocery stores. Mr. Perkins said there are more than 50 such outlets in the province that are almost equally divided between the two grocery giants.

The corporation thought there might have been an opportunity to build a new Quinpool Road store as part of a grocery store development involving the nearby St. Patrick’s High School site. The building became home to the Quinpool Education Centre.

There was talk that a grocery store might be developed on the large Agricola Street lot near North Street which is home to a large stand-alone liquor outlet leased from a private owner, but Mr. Perkins said nothing has come of it.

The liquor corporation operates a number of other freestanding stores in Halifax, including locations on Clyde Street and Doyle Street, site of its Port of Wines outlet.

Mr. Perkins said the corporation would like to combine the Clyde Street outlet with the Doyle Street store to create a premium retail outlet as part of the redevelopment of the old Infirmary lands on Queen Street between Spring Garden Road and Morris Street.

Plans for the large Infirmary site, which has been touted as the location of a new central library, have not been finalized.

[Keith P.]

Bigger booze store on tap
There was talk that a grocery store might be developed on the large Agricola Street lot near North Street which is home to a large stand-alone liquor outlet leased from a private owner, but Mr. Perkins said nothing has come of it.


That used to be a Dominion Store until they pulled out and the NSLC took over the space. The store is pretty shabby and the area deserves that something be done to that property. With the neighborhood on the way up that is too big a site for the building owner to ignore.

Today marks the last edition of the Chronicle Herald to emanate from their building on Argyle. Here is an interesting pic they posted of the building in 1950:


http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll229/keith_p/ChronicleHeraldBuilding_10Feb195-1.jpg

I love the sign on the roof but even more interesting are the old structures across the street (construction fences in front -- perhaps its about to come down) and adjacent. I am a bit stumped by the old building in the middle of the block next to the Herald because I always thought that the old Argyle Garage was next to it (the story mentions the garage, which was at the corner across from the Carleton -- it operated as a parkade and gas station until the late 60s). I also find this pic interesting because the existing international style of that side of the Herald Building was obviously just a cosmetic refresh only and not original. The original building looks pretty basic.

.

[spaustin]

If memory serves the Canada Permanent Insurance Building was built in 1951 (the modern office building now apartment at Barrington and Sackville) so that construction site across the street would either be the demo of the original building to make way for it or the start of its construction.

[MonctonRad]

If memory serves the Canada Permanent Insurance Building was built in 1951 (the modern office building now apartment at Barrington and Sackville) so that construction site across the street would either be the demo of the original building to make way for it or the start of its construction.

I didn't think you were that old SPA.:D :D

[spaustin]

I didn't think you were that old SPA.:D :D

haha. Actually 1951 was not one but TWO liftetimes ago for me ;)

[Dmajackson]

I was thinking now with council back in session for the year y dont we make some sort of way to keep track of public hearings/meetings?

I was thinking of maybe having a thread for each hearing in either a new folder dedicated to these or maybe the "general" folder and it can look something like this;

PROJECT NAME | DATE | LOCATION | TIME | MEETING/HEARING/WORKSHOP

Waterside Centre | Sept. 9, 2008 | City Hall | 6:00pm | Hearing

[NorthYorker]

Hey guys,
I was wondering if there are any plans for the parking lot on Lower Water, between Morris and Terminal rd. (the site across from the new NSPower building) Sorry if this topic has been recently discussed, but I usually post on SSC, and clearly their Halifax content is lacking.
Thanks

[Dmajackson]

Hey guys,
I was wondering if there are any plans for the parking lot on Lower Water, between Morris and Terminal rd. (the site across from the new NSPower building) Sorry if this topic has been recently discussed, but I usually post on SSC, and clearly their Halifax content is lacking.
Thanks

I do not know of any plans for that specfic spot but there are many things happening around it (Alexander. Vic, and NSP renovation). I think the land is currently owned by NSPI but I'm not an expert on this.

[someone123]

Yes, it's owned by NSP. That along with the waterfront power station renovation probably implies nothing for the site for a long time.

[Jonovision]

Yah, from what I've heard from the developers doing the Vic and others in the area. There are no plans and that land could very well remain a parking lot for the coming 20 years. Very sad if you ask me.

[worldlyhaligonian]

I'm not aware.

There are going to be a number of developments in this area though.

[sdm]

Hey guys,
I was wondering if there are any plans for the parking lot on Lower Water, between Morris and Terminal rd. (the site across from the new NSPower building) Sorry if this topic has been recently discussed, but I usually post on SSC, and clearly their Halifax content is lacking.
Thanks
The lot is owned by Emera/NSPI and i figure the use will be as a parking lot for their new building.

[GUB]

The lot is owned by Emera/NSPI and i figure the use will be as a parking lot for their new building.

I think it would be a great spot for a park/some kind of public space to tie into the waterfront ped. traffic.

[sdm]

I think it would be a great spot for a park/some kind of public space to tie into the waterfront ped. traffic.

I think the lot would be better served as high density residential my self.

[someone123]

I also think that high density residential would be best for that site. Something along the lines of other buildings that have gone up or are proposed for that area.

Another key site is the land behind the Westin.

At least for now there are still multiple nearby projects in the works and a few recently completed.

[NorthYorker]

Thanks for the info guys. Actually, I'm doing this research for a school project. I'll partly be discussing ideas for future use, so to hear your opinions are great. Why do you think high-density residential is good? I hadn't made a decision yet, but I'm thinking about its place as a connection (between the piers/touristy area and downtown). A park is an option too, but I think something more appropriate could be done. Any ideas?

[spaustin]

If I recall correctly, NSP also owns frontage on Hollis Street on this block. Essentially everything that is vacant is owned by NSP. If they don't use it for parking, I kind of wonder whether they'll end up selling it. The possibility of owning nearly a complete block would no doubt be appealing to developers and NSP isn't exactly in the development game. I personally think the best use of the block would be mid-rise residential (8 stories or so) with, perhaps, some street front retail on the ground floor. That would fit in with the dense, but low-rise neighbourhood that's already here. Residential would also help link Pier 21 into the rest of the downtown. Putting a park on that site would just further emphasize the dead zone between Pier 21 and the rest of the city whereas developing it would help integrate the area.

[Barrington south]

I'm a part owner of the Henry House, so all this development in the area is great for us. Also, my cousin works for the federal goverment, and he has told me that the goverment building at Harvey and Barrington is about to be sold to developers. (the building is about 8 stories tall and yellow brick, I forget the name of it however) I have been told that the developer behind the W and the 10 story HOLLIS/Morris building is very interested in the property and he would consider converting the exsisting building into lofts and building town house's in the parking lot behind ( the parking lot is only zoned fo house's. Hopfully someone else buy's it and creates something special, something that will add quality and character to Barrington.

[sdm]

I'm a part owner of the Henry House, so all this development in the area is great for us. Also, my cousin works for the federal goverment, and he has told me that the goverment building at Harvey and Barrington is about to be sold to developers. (the building is about 8 stories tall and yellow brick, I forget the name of it however) I have been told that the developer behind the W and the 10 story HOLLIS/Morris building is very interested in the property and he would consider converting the exsisting building into lofts and building town house's in the parking lot behind ( the parking lot is only zoned fo house's. Hopfully someone else buy's it and creates something special, something that will add quality and character to Barrington.

There is more then just that developer looking to aquire that building. Last time i heard there was over 10 waiting to bid.

[someone123]

Here's an article that mentions a new building at Dal, which I guess is under construction where the management building used to be on Coburg Rd: http://www.dailycommercialnews.com/article/id30435

Rendering:

http://www.dailycommercialnews.com/images/archivesid/30435/130.jpg

They are going for LEED Silver certification. It looks nice... certainly better than the old building.

[Jonovision]

That's quite a nice building. Looks like it should be retails though.

[Dmajackson]

That does look nice. To bad its hidden on Coburg Road not somewheres more open like SGR.

[worldlyhaligonian]

It totally looks like it should be retail.

[hfx_chris]

What's with all these designs lately with that ugly style roof? Nice building, but I don't like that roof...

[Spitfire75]

Anyone know what they're doing with the lot on the corner of Joseph Howe and Dutch Village where that gas station used to be?

[sdm]

Anyone know what they're doing with the lot on the corner of Joseph Howe and Dutch Village where that gas station used to be?

Nothing i've heard

[Dmajackson]

Anyone know what they're doing with the lot on the corner of Joseph Howe and Dutch Village where that gas station used to be?

I don't remeber a gas station ever being there but i do know that they've been working on a building there for a long time. They've been doing it for at least one year now. I'm nto sure what was going to happen to it but i do remember they had it gutted out in the spring time.

[Spitfire75]

I should clarify, I meant here:
http://maps.google.ca/?ie=UTF8&ll=44.653436,-63.63071&spn=0.002095,0.003927&t=h&z=18

I thought Dutch Village turned into Bayers Rd at the intersection of Joseph Howe, but I guess I was wrong.

[Dmajackson]

Opps sorry the building i mentioned was at the other intersection with Joesph Howe up by the Fairview Interchange.

Every map I've ever has says that where you're talking about is Dutch Village Road. Google Maps is commonly wrong.

[Keith P.]

That was an Ultramar station up to about a year ago. The building was there until the last few weeks. Now it is gone and they are doing the usual gas station remediation of the site. Haven't heard what is destined for there.

[someone123]

That whole area is pretty run down. Is the old Halifax West site still empty?

[sdm]

Understand there is an office building begining construction next to the gallery in Dartmouth

[Wishblade]

Understand there is an office building begining construction next to the gallery in Dartmouth

I saw this construction site earlier today. This project along with Park Place V will change the look of that area a fair bit.

[sdm]

I saw this construction site earlier today. This project along with Park Place V will change the look of that area a fair bit.
For sure, although Park Place V is within the business park were as the other being in Highfield park isnt and seems to be not as great of a location.

[Dmajackson]

Does anyone know how tall this is supposed to turn out to be? If I had to guess I would say maybe the same height as Park Place V...

[sdm]

Does anyone know how tall this is supposed to turn out to be? If I had to guess I would say maybe the same height as Park Place V...

Office buildings are limited in height to 3 stories, expect for Downtown Dartmouth, and City of Lakes Business Park.

This one will be 3 stories

[wackypacky]

There was an article in Metro saying that it was housing for some company that currently has its employees staying at stadacona but I can't remember the name of it.

[Empire]

Office buildings are limited in height to 3 stories, expect for Downtown Dartmouth, and City of Lakes Business Park.

This one will be 3 stories

How can this city do everything wrong? What is wrong with allowing more height in the industrial parks? Someone in planning thinks a squat 3-5 storey industrial park is a model of success. Why not allow whatever the market can bear for height in Burnside or Dartmouth Crossing. The street system can accommodate the traffic, there are no wind issues, no shadow issues, no heritage issues just bad planning issues.

[sdm]

How can this city do everything wrong? What is wrong with allowing more height in the industrial parks? Someone in planning thinks a squat 3-5 storey industrial park is a model of success. Why not allow whatever the market can bear for height in Burnside or Dartmouth Crossing. The street system can accommodate the traffic, there are no wind issues, no shadow issues, no heritage issues just bad planning issues.

It was probably done to promote the taller buildings to be built in the core of the cities, not out in the burbs.

[someone123]

The idea behind that is that major office developments should go in the downtown or in Dartmouth. The logic is pretty sound, except for the fact that proposals in the core are often shot down and take way too long to approve even in the best cases.

[sdm]

There was an article in Metro saying that it was housing for some company that currently has its employees staying at stadacona but I can't remember the name of it.

Probably aerospace industry then

[worldlyhaligonian]

Speaking about business parks, alot of new info about the future of Bayers Lake is in this Burnside News article:

http://www.burnsidenews.com/index.cfm?sid=186327&sc=397

[sdm]

Probably aerospace industry then

It appears the building at the Gallery is for Lockheed Martin

150,000 Square foot building, 3 stories.

[terrynorthend]

Hey, has anyone heard anything about the Convention Centre shortlist yet? I thought it was supposed to be released sometime soon, with proposal details.

[sdm]

Hey, has anyone heard anything about the Convention Centre shortlist yet? I thought it was supposed to be released sometime soon, with proposal details.

I believe its down to 2 firms, Ramia and Hardman last i heard.

[hfx_chris]

Wasn't there talk a year or two ago about the TD building expanding onto the neighboring lot where that building came down a few years back? Would be nice to see them complete the tower...

[Dmajackson]

I believe its down to 2 firms, Ramia and Hardman last i heard.

I don't know what the firms are but the Herald article awhile back claimed it was between Cogswell Interchange and the Heralds land proposals.

I really hope its the Herald lands. Close to existing one, no waiting time to demolishg interchange, nearer metro centre, ect.

[someone123]

The problem with the Herald lands is that they are just average-sized blocks. Either the new footprint of the convention centre would be exactly the same as the old one or they would have to combine blocks, which would be terrible for the area. It's possible that they dealt with this issue in some really clever way, and if that's the case I'll retract my statement, but for now the Herald lands convention centre idea worries me. It is also slightly annoying since they could have been moving forward with some other development for the site in the meantime.

The best solution for the Herald lands would be to develop as part of the "entertainment district" that exists around Argyle/Grafton.

Something else to consider is that a new convention centre on the interchange lands provides an impetus for clearing them. It's slightly more complicated but we probably won't get rid of the interchange without some project like this to move things along and in the end it would be a vastly superior way for the city to go.

[hfx_chris]

Perhaps if they built on the Herald sites, they could have two separate buildings with a common level below street level, and a series of glass pedways across the street on the upper levels?

[Takeo]

I don't like either option. Putting a monolith in the middle of what should be an entertainment district or replacing one monolith (the interchange) with another. A choice between two evils if you ask me.

[Dmajackson]

Perhaps if they built on the Herald sites, they could have two separate buildings with a common level below street level, and a series of glass pedways across the street on the upper levels?

In addition to your idea the could close down part of Grafton to vehicles and integrate it somehow into the convention centre.

Does anyone know what will happen to the old convention centre when the new one is built? Looking at some aerial pics and it looks like they could tear it down without damaging the Metro Centre and restore a narrower street through there...I'm not positive though. I'd love to see some of the city blocks restored downtown. Downtown has a very strange gridlock system...

[Barrington south]

personally I think it would be a big mistake to put the new convention center on the old herald lands. downtown should be a mix of residential, commercial and retail. and I would love to see all those worked into a single development, a development that would help the core thrive and bustle with local residents. This is the heart of the city, a development should have cafes, restaurant's, boutique's and bar's at street level, and people living and working above it, not a giant monolithic convention center, full of out of towners. If the convention center was built on the outskirts of downtown, everyone would still head to down town for the restaurant's, bars and hotels. so there is no disadvantage for local establishments, and for the good citizens of Halifax, we would have a much improved downtown to enjoy

[Barrington south]

Sorry, I stopped reading on page 23 and missed everything that was said on 24, I did not mean to echo or copy takeo or someone 123, we just had similar thoughts ......and good one's at that!

[Dmajackson]

I also would prefer it if it was built on Cogswell or elsewhere but my only issue with Cogswell is it takes away from the only area in downtown where buildings dont have to worry about height restrictions, heritage issues, viewplanes, ect.

How about the block where the Police HQ are? I dont think anything important is one the block and its big enough to keep the Police HQ.

[someone123]

I also would prefer it if it was built on Cogswell or elsewhere but my only issue with Cogswell is it takes away from the only area in downtown where buildings dont have to worry about height restrictions, heritage issues, viewplanes, ect.

Sure.. so they could put an office tower or condos on top of the convention centre on the Cogswell lands, while that would not be possible farther up the hill. That seems like another benefit to me.

[Empire]

I also would prefer it if it was built on Cogswell or elsewhere but my only issue with Cogswell is it takes away from the only area in downtown where buildings dont have to worry about height restrictions, heritage issues, viewplanes, ect.

How about the block where the Police HQ are? I dont think anything important is one the block and its big enough to keep the Police HQ.

Has anyone defined the heights in the Cogswell St. area? HRM by design tagged some heights in that area but I think it was a guess. The only thing governing the height in the Cogswell St. area is the sightline from parade square inside the ramparts of Citadel Hill. It is not clearly defined where that point originates. Is it the center of the square at ground level, center of the square 5ft. above ground or any point in the square at ground level or some height at eye level. A point from the square at ground level in the center would likely yield heights much greater than 22 floors. Maybe that could be a project for Rodney?

[someone123]

There's a general height limit of 83 m or so. Probably it will be included in HRM by Design. It makes no sense but makes certain people happy.

[Barrington south]

ideally, in my opinion, the convention center and the metro center would be rebuilt in the cogswell lands, both with tower components on top of them ( perhaps multiple on each). Because I think it's almost inevitable that anything built on the cogswell lands with be barren at street level (so your not missing much) and have an atmosphere surrounding them similar to purdurys wharf ( not good!) so why not put both centers there? I can't think of a better place close to downtown to build two monoliths. That would leave a lot of land downtown to expand on what's already there (hearld lands, metro center lands and the old convention center lands turned into something similar to the entertainment district like someone123 said) witch I think has a lot better chance of being successful than a massive extension of purdy's warf...and knowing Halfiax you know that's what your going to get if they attempt to build a business core there.

[Dmajackson]

I found something on Willow Ridge, a development I've personally never heard of before. How old is this community?

http://halifax.ca/districts/dist09/images/WillowRidgeConcept_Jan2008copy.jpg
Credit: HERE (http://halifax.ca/districts/dist09/images/WillowRidgeConcept_Jan2008copy.jpg)

[someone123]

So that's across from Mic Mac Mall? Looks like a very average suburban development, but it's interesting that all these little pockets are being filled in now. Much of Cole Harbour was built before inner Dartmouth was built out.

[terrynorthend]

I wonder whatever became of the development across Woodland from this.. on the old MT+T lands behind Horizon and Summit towers. I think it was Dexel developments or something like that.. an 8 story project with a fairly large footprint.

[Dmajackson]

Isn't Maybank Fields across from this? I know that the Summit and Horizong are behind Mic Mac somewheres...

I wish Dexel had a website, they're also behind the Vic (?) proposal downtown.

[sdm]

This isn't dexel's site, this is on the other side of woodlawn

[hfx_chris]

...but it's interesting that all these little pockets are being filled in now. Much of Cole Harbour was built before inner Dartmouth was built out.
There used to be houses on this site, I have no idea what ever happened to them, but they were all demolished and the streets rebuilt.

The lot terry is talking about is the one between Maybank Field and Horizon. It's the empty lot you can see from Woodland.

[Keith P.]

There used to be houses on this site, I have no idea what ever happened to them, but they were all demolished and the streets rebuilt.

That was military housing of some sort, small 1 1/2 storey houses. They were taken out 3-4 years ago.

You can see this new development when you take the exit ramp from the Circ to Woodland if you're heading outbound from the MacKay bridge.

[wackypacky]

Theres plans for 2 more highrises on the old mt&t site they were just waiting for demand to get back up after summit. They'll be starting one of the buildings in the spring.

[Dmajackson]

So that's across from Mic Mac Mall? Looks like a very average suburban development, but it's interesting that all these little pockets are being filled in now. Much of Cole Harbour was built before inner Dartmouth was built out.

I think between this and Trinity-Harbourview there is only one area inside the Circ not filled in (at the top of Mount Hope Ave next to the Circ). Thankfully there are already plans for building up, like 249 Windmill, YMCA Towers, King's Wharf, ect.

There used to be houses on this site, I have no idea what ever happened to them, but they were all demolished and the streets rebuilt.

The lot terry is talking about is the one between Maybank Field and Horizon. It's the empty lot you can see from Woodland.

Thanks "hfx_chris" i looked it up on Microsoft Live and there is some sort of a cleared lot there.

[Wishblade]

Theres plans for 2 more highrises on the old mt&t site they were just waiting for demand to get back up after summit. They'll be starting one of the buildings in the spring.

That's good news. Do you have any details on it?

[dartmouthian]

hopefully they,re better looking than the summit. the desin of it was kind of dissapointing and bland. A really modern glass highrise would look great on the site.

[Dmajackson]

Once again I got very bored tonight so I went out to Wal-Mart and took the very long way home. Willow Ridge (the one in the picture) has Phase I complete.

Also Trinity-Harbourview has a few townhouses complete. Theres no sign of the multi-unit buildings right now.

I'm really starting to hate the slowness of the snow removal here. Its been a day since the storm and the 118 collector lanes still haven't been plowed. I was only going 30-40km/h!

[Jonovision]

To my knowledge there was only one other building planned for the site next to summit. The eight storey building that was approved by community council at least 3 years ago now.

[wackypacky]

I have a relative that works for dexter and they are supposed to be starting in spring and they are both going to be similar to the 2 buildings there now. I think the problem with the summit is that its penthouse looks incomplete. Something more like horizon would look much better. I think maybe they changed the original plan for the 8 story because under hrm by design that land is zoned for high density residential and they allow for a much higher building without the approval process. But thats just speculation im just a noob.

[Dmajackson]

I have a relative that works for dexter and they are supposed to be starting in spring and they are both going to be similar to the 2 buildings there now. I think the problem with the summit is that its penthouse looks incomplete. Something more like horizon would look much better. I think maybe they changed the original plan for the 8 story because under hrm by design that land is zoned for high density residential and they allow for a much higher building without the approval process. But thats just speculation im just a noob.

HRM by Design only applies to downtown halifax, not the Circ area. I haven't heard of any plans that would change the heights there. Maybe the municipality allowed for higher buildings without a development agreement?

[sdm]

I have a relative that works for dexter and they are supposed to be starting in spring and they are both going to be similar to the 2 buildings there now. I think the problem with the summit is that its penthouse looks incomplete. Something more like horizon would look much better. I think maybe they changed the original plan for the 8 story because under hrm by design that land is zoned for high density residential and they allow for a much higher building without the approval process. But thats just speculation im just a noob.

They will still require a development agreement, which has been granted for a 8 storey building. HRM by design doesn't deal with this area yet, and besides HRM by design needs to be approved by the spring to proceed under its rules.

I believe they would be starting in the spring if the global economic crisis wasn't the way it is. Financing is extremely difficult right now.

[someone123]

Something random to mention: I read an article a while ago implying that the plans for the Herald Lands are fairly concrete and that there are architectural renderings. Once a convention centre plan is chosen we should get the details for what will happen with these blocks one way or the other (as I've mentioned before, I'm simply hoping it goes mixed use with some office space, residential, and retail).

[Jonovision]

With regards to the Herald lands. They already had a development ready to be released when the city went looking for proposals for the new Trade Centre and it was to be mixed use residential and office and retail. So I would assume their Trade Centre proposal would still have all of those components. One can hope at least. Speaking of which, shouldn't the winner be chosen soon?

[Barrington south]

I'm hoping and praying for some residential, office and retail components for this convention center (which I'm assuming will be on the herald lands, simply because it's the easiest solution, so HRM and that numb nuts Kelly will naturally gravitate towards it) but my gut feeling tells me that it's going to be a white elephant

[Dmajackson]

I was around East Dartmouth today for the first time in years. Just some things i noticed:

- From what i saw on the Circ Russell Lake West is looking very nicely.

- Some nearby condos (part of Russell Lake West?) are looking nice as well.

- NSCC CBE is coming along nicely.

- What is happening on Pleasant St at the Circ? I noticed a lot of construction equipment and new curbs.

- Not in East Dartmouth but the Highfield Office Building looks really big. Does anyone have the square-foot of the building?

-And the site of the old YMCA which is proposed of the United Gulf Towers had some construction crews on it...

[hfx_chris]

- What is happening on Pleasant St at the Circ? I noticed a lot of construction equipment and new curbs.
No idea, although I get stuck in it every day. Far as I know that's it, new curbs; I can't see it being related in any way to the construction activity at the old Moirs factory.

[Haliguy]

No idea, although I get stuck in it every day. Far as I know that's it, new curbs; I can't see it being related in any way to the construction activity at the old Moirs factory.


I drive by ther everyday. It appears to be related to the Moirs redevelopment.

[Dmajackson]

One thing i forgot to ask was;

- Hows the Penhorn Mall redevelopment coming along? I noticed some construction equipment and i could see part of a building.

[Wishblade]

One thing i forgot to ask was;

- Hows the Penhorn Mall redevelopment coming along? I noticed some construction equipment and i could see part of a building.

Yeah, thats the new Sobeys under construction, which is being built where the old Wal Mart was. The building seems to be getting closer to completion at this point.

[hfx_chris]

Regarding the construction on Pleasant Street, they were doing some road widening to incorporate a center turning lane. Excellent, because so often people making a left turn into the strip mall by the gas station would back up traffic in the left lane, and a lot of people seem to turn in there (myself included, to get my morning Robins coffee). It's a shame this couldn't be continued all the way up to the intersection with Atlantic Avenue, a dedicated left turning lane for the cars and buses heading to the ferry terminal.
They created a new entrance/driveway to the old Moirs building almost directly opposite the gas station, so the center turning lane will also serve that in the opposite direction. Anybody know much about what's going on in there? Lot of construction activity and renovations on the building. Last I heard some sort of retail development, and I also heard that Valu Village may be involved as well.

[wackypacky]

the only thing i can tell you is that value village is moving in there and they plan on moving in march so its a little ways off yet.

[phrenic]

As most people know, the Marquee Club on Gottingen is closing - for good this time.

Rumors have been swirling about it - and the old gas station/automotive place place beside it - being knocked down for condos. I haven't read anything substantial to back this up though.

Given the decent sized lot behind it, proximity to other residences, and the pseudo-facelift of Gottingen going on with the Theatre Lofts, Falkland st constuction and apparent condos planned for the old Met/Envirostore building, it doesn't seem to far from the truth to believe the rumor.

[sdm]

As most people know, the Marquee Club on Gottingen is closing - for good this time.

Rumors have been swirling about it - and the old gas station/automotive place place beside it - being knocked down for condos. I haven't read anything substantial to back this up though.

Given the decent sized lot behind it, proximity to other residences, and the pseudo-facelift of Gottingen going on with the Theatre Lofts, Falkland st constuction and apparent condos planned for the old Met/Envirostore building, it doesn't seem to far from the truth to believe the rumor.

Not sure if the marquee will be sold to the developer, but i believe a developer owns the rest of the block to staples, plus the buildings besides the Trinity site.

[phrenic]

I should ad I've also heard Victor is in talks with the owners of the rest of the block. It could potentially be a large development.

Hopefully if this happens there will be some ground floor retail. That was a real opportunity lost with 5505 Falkland.