[waterloowarrior]

90 George - Topped off
19 storey residential tower with ground-level retail in the heart of the market.
Developer: Canril
Location: 90 George St. backing onto Rideau St.
Web: http://www.90george.com/condo.html
Rendering:
http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?buildingID=46261
http://www.90george.com/images/pop_rideau.jpg
Most recent picture:
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1023/1408935342_710d656a79_b.jpg

[harls]

Construction photo set here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/blix613/sets/72157601478899126/

[harls]

Took a little tour at lunch today to see how it's coming along..

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2313/1935812099_1cc33bae64_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2342/1936653098_a04087332c_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2256/1936643428_43818b5eef_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2011/1935801335_4134581155_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2272/1935838987_1a183df6a6_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2004/1936682972_0584ec9536_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2285/1935852365_66925d263e_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2274/1936694600_f583405083_b.jpg

[Jamaican-Phoenix]

I must say, I thought this building was going to be butt-ugly, but it's starting to look kinda nice! :)

Thanks for the pics! :tup:


P.S. Just think, I initially thought that Claridge Plaza was going to be ncie-looking... :haha:

[the capital urbanite]

I must say, I thought this building was going to be butt-ugly, but it's starting to look kinda nice! :)

Thanks for the pics! :tup:


P.S. Just think, I initially thought that Claridge Plaza was going to be ncie-looking... :haha:


...you get what you pay for

[harls]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2262/2176166734_af34ac45c3_b.jpg

[waterloowarrior]

great pic harls

[harls]

I must say - I like what they're doing at street level.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2008/2241913355_2b802b5ee7_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2224/2242707862_64e9e1b9cb_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2341/2242694430_1ca9693ed8_b.jpg

[d_jeffrey]

:previous:

It's one of the best looking building in the city. Just think how great Rideau St. would look with all façades like that.

[jeremy_haak]

I didn't think they knew how to build like that anymore.

[O-Town Hockey]

I must say - I like what they're doing at street level.

It blends perfectly with the recently-refurbished facades just to the West.

[Ottawade]

Yeah, I second all the above. I often find myself going west bound and the top of the building visually integrates perfectly with the similar shaped peaks and spikes of the chateau and parliament, but then the street level, despite being different from the taller portion of the building integrates really really well with what's there.

[Rathgrith]

Hey Harls and everyone for that matter, notice the building directly opposite on Nicholas to the west side of the street. I swear its a secret government building covered so no one can look inside. its so dark as opposed to 90 George.

[Ottawade]

Hey Harls and everyone for that matter, notice the building directly opposite on Nicholas to the west side of the street. I swear its a secret government building covered so no one can look inside. its so dark as opposed to 90 George.

The building on the corner of Rideau and Cumberland is a DND building. It says so right on the sign.

[Deez]

I guess I'm the lone dissenter.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e2/Reersmeer/IMG_0696.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e2/Reersmeer/IMG_0697.jpg
(photos by me)

Although I do like that they've maintained the heritage streetfront, the way they've implemented it looks really cheap to me. Notice how on either side the brick abruptly cuts to cheap-looking concrete after only a few metres. Also, the rear end (facing George) is hugely out of proportion with the street...and features more ugly concrete. Way too much grey for my tastes.

[Rathgrith]

The building on the corner of Rideau and Cumberland is a DND building. It says so right on the sign.


No no no no no non. You are thinking of the wrong building. It is the corner of Rideau and NICHOLAS and Besserer. Its the one you cannot see inside, All dark and such.

[Tor2Ott]

Yo, I thought I read somewhere saying they will be installing a large Rolex clock in front of the building. Looking at the facade, where are they gonna put that thing?

[TMA-1]

Canril was required by the City/Heritage to conserve the old Rideau facade or rebuild it exactly. The Market Cinemas (the original (approximately) building planned for this site) project would have looked the same. Looks like they did a reasonable job.

[TMA-1]

I took this photo of the original building (Ogilvies?) in August 2001 for future reference. Here in the future we see that, colour aside, the Architect and Builder seem to have done a very good matching-job.



http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2246/2245409480_3b053b0336.jpg?v=0

[m0nkyman]

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e2/Reersmeer/IMG_0696.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2246/2245409480_3b053b0336.jpg?v=0

not too shabbily done.

[Jamaican-Phoenix]

From the look of it, 90 George even has more brick than the original! :haha:

[jeremy_haak]

What is the podium being used for? It would make a fantastic department store.

[citizen j]

I guess I'm the lone dissenter.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e2/Reersmeer/IMG_0696.jpg

Although I do like that they've maintained the heritage streetfront, the way they've implemented it looks really cheap to me. Notice how on either side the brick abruptly cuts to cheap-looking concrete after only a few metres. Also, the rear end (facing George) is hugely out of proportion with the street...and features more ugly concrete. Way too much grey for my tastes.

I'm going to guess that they anticipate that at some not-too-distant future date, someone will redevelop that underutilized lot now occupied by Scotiabank. At which point, the un-bricked side of the podium will be obscured. But, yeah -- in the meantime, it gives the Rideau St. facade a kind of tacked-on aspect (even if it's better in that regard than the original building was).

[bradnixon]

I took this photo of the original building (Ogilvies?)


It was the old Caplan Department Store.

Ogilvies is the one across the street- the Rideau Centre will have to incorporate its facade into its expansion.

[bradnixon]

I'm going to guess that they anticipate that at some not-too-distant future date, someone will redevelop that underutilized lot now occupied by Scotiabank. At which point, the un-bricked side of the podium will be obscured. But, yeah -- in the meantime, it gives the Rideau St. facade a kind of tacked-on aspect (even if it's better in that regard than the original building was).

I read somewhere that Canril (the folks developing 90 George) approached Scotiabank to buy that land as well, but couldn't get a deal done. Too bad.

[bradnixon]

What is the podium being used for? It would make a fantastic department store.

There's a sign for a Newlook eyewear coming soon... not too exciting...

You're right, though, it's a huge podium, it'd be nice to get something really nice in there, and not just restaurants.

[O-Town Hockey]

I would love to see a high-end boutique department store like the Ogilvy (http://www.ogilvycanada.com/en/index_flash.php)store on Ste. Catherine Street in Montreal. Would be a perfect fit for the building and I think would generate a bit of a buzz.

[Mille Sabords]

I would love to see a high-end boutique department store like the Ogilvy (http://www.ogilvycanada.com/en/index_flash.php) store on Ste. Catherine Street in Montreal. Would be a perfect fit for the building and I think would generate a bit of a buzz.

You got it. The elegance of that store would match the building.

[ElChancho]

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/2447/90george06wif1.jpg

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/9281/90george05wsf3.jpg

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/7730/90george04wfl6.jpg

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/4682/90george03wrj5.jpg

http://img125.imageshack.us/img125/5277/90george01wwc4.jpg

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/1006/90george02wfi1.jpg

very nice how much? too much for me...

[ElChancho]

feb 10 2008 :previous:

[sgera]

i heard that there's going to be a big Rolex sign on the front at the podium facing the market....

[Ottawade]

My girlfriend got a sweet haircut today (she looks like Uma Therman!) at Renaldo's in world exchange and the stylist told her that soon they would be moving to 90 George and will be taking up space on 2 floors.

So there's at least part of the retail space

[cityguy]

New Look eyewear is also opening up a location at that site.

[BywardCondo]

Great pictures Harls, 90 George is going to be as advertised "the best address in Ottawa" It looks fantastic. All others will pale in comparison.

[gatt]

last week.
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/9634/ottawafvrier2008038uc8.jpg

[gatt]

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/9577/ottawafvrier2008034pt3.jpg

[harls]

Cool vantage point, gatt.

Man I wish it was spring already.

[AylmerOptimist]

Wait untill the QC march break is over: I want to get to some slopes!

:)

[harls]

Here's one from today.. not that much has changed, and I'm way too far away. oh well.

Somebody better get up there and string that banner back up.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2307/2326782833_2cee9dfa82_b.jpg

[YOWetal]

Anybody know when they are expecting the first people to move into the George? What about the Claridge. Last I heard both were saying early summer but looks doubtful to me.

[ac888yow]

The last information I had was March/April and well, it appears there is no chance of that. Delayed again ... surprise surprise. I wonder how many purchasers they lost with all of these delays.

A few months ago the occupancy date, which amidst all of the previous delays had already been extended to the latest date legally allowed by that contract, was further extended. This meant that they had to re-issue new contracts to all purchasers. It also provided an opportunity to anyone with a good lawyer to back out of the purchase agreement and obtain a complete reimbursement of deposited money.

I can tell you I was one.

[the capital urbanite]

^^ That horrid covered walkway on Rideau really should be taken out!

[YOWetal]

The last information I had was March/April and well, it appears there is no chance of that. Delayed again ... surprise surprise. I wonder how many purchasers they lost with all of these delays.

A few months ago the occupancy date, which amidst all of the previous delays had already been extended to the latest date legally allowed by that contract, was further extended. This meant that they had to re-issue new contracts to all purchasers. It also provided an opportunity to anyone with a good lawyer to back out of the purchase agreement and obtain a complete reimbursement of deposited money.

I can tell you I was one.

Didn’t you leave a lot of money on the table by walking away at this point? I did notice they put a few units back on the market, but at substantially higher prices. The one bedrooms seem to have sold quickly even after the price hike (of 10-15%).

[ac888yow]

I received every penny of my money back. However, the unit did indeed appreciate since I purchased it, so one might argue that I lost out on the difference between the price I paid and the appreciated price (which I could have tried to obtain had I held on and put it on the market).

But,

Another event that further alarmed me was the splitting of a bunch 2 bedroom southeast corner units into two 1 bedroom units. Before this happened, the condo was more than 80% sold; that percentage being the magical number required to be able to register the condo as a corporation.

When the split occurred, that dropped the percentage to less than 70%. This meant that the building could be completed and have occupants living within, but because the condo corporation would not yet exist the unit would technically not be owned by the purchasers. In this situation, one is in effect 'renting' their own unit from the builder.

All this to say that there was a risk that I wouldn't even be able to sell it for god knows how long after it was completed, which seemed even more a possibility due to the significant slowdown in sales (which by looking at their web site continues today).

So I opted to take the easy, headache-free option and walk away with my cash in hand. I had other immediate uses to put that huge down-payment towards anyway, namely another property.

[Kitchissippi]

^^ That horrid covered walkway on Rideau really should be taken out!

The small one could probably go but the the other one is too well used. I wish it were a nicer, lighter design though, like this one in Manchester UK:

http://www.maths.manchester.ac.uk/~higham/photos/manchester/030105-1225-28_std.jpg N.J. Higham

http://www.maths.manchester.ac.uk/~higham/photos/manchester/040415-1329-46_std.jpg N.J. Higham

[AylmerOptimist]

Yes! YES YES!!!!

:)

[Deez]

A couple of my shots from today

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2316/2384379004_d881f32821_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2298/2384376784_98807db43e_b.jpg

[c_speed3108]

^^ That horrid covered walkway on Rideau really should be taken out!


I have long felt a considerable improvement to Rideau street would be to move those below grade. You could have escalators go down from inside the lower level of Rideau Centre and the same on the Freeman Mall side (simply extend the stack down another level)

Below ground, there would be additional retail space or an enlargement of the Bay...whichever there is more of a market for.


The other thing they could easily do on Rideau Street is have a bit of a post consolidation exercise to clean up the sidewalk. There are locations where there are 3 big posts side by side. I can think of one place where there is a lamp post, a traffic light post AND a post for an overhead street sign (I think marking bus lanes out) within a foot of each other. :koko: Can't some of this stuff share a post!

[harls]

Ha.. that 'condo' banner is still flapping in the wind. I'm surprised it didn't get blown away yesterday. Some homeless dude could've had a nice tent.

[d_jeffrey]

I have long felt a considerable improvement to Rideau street would be to move those below grade. You could have escalators go down from inside the lower level of Rideau Centre and the same on the Freeman Mall side (simply extend the stack down another level)

Below ground, there would be additional retail space or an enlargement of the Bay...whichever there is more of a market for.


The other thing they could easily do on Rideau Street is have a bit of a post consolidation exercise to clean up the sidewalk. There are locations where there are 3 big posts side by side. I can think of one place where there is a lamp post, a traffic light post AND a post for an overhead street sign (I think marking bus lanes out) within a foot of each other. :koko: Can't some of this stuff share a post!

Rideau and George St. need a MAJOR makeover.Walking on George is horrible, you don't know where the sidewalks are, druggies everywhere, :hell:

[harls]

A couple from today. It's actually HOT up there on the roof of the Rideau Centre today.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2038/2395866319_018ca30a87_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3117/2395868605_a85878cdb3_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2220/2395872213_cac304d1d0_b.jpg

[jitterbug]

This thing is simply too tall for this location. I'm still unclear why Ottawa needed to have an apartment building 19 storeys tall, on the south end of the Market so that it (partially) blocks sunlight on George Street. Let's hope this building is not the start of a slippery slope that will turn the Market into an inhospitable cave like the central business district.

The beauty of the Market is that it's people-friendly: most buildings are low-rise which allows sunlight in and keeps the wind out. In a cold climate like Ottawa, this is key. Please Ottawa, don't destroy the one good thing left about urban Ottawa: the Byward Market. Building like this don't help!

[TMA-1]

Shadow is not an issue in my opinion (see google earth and compare length of CLPL shadow) as the building is on the south end of the market. Setback is enough so that ti does not impose too much on Rideau and not at all on George. From Noon onward the shadow is cast to the east anyway. Couple of hundred new homes will not likely degrade the people friendly image of the market.


This thing is simply too tall for this location. I'm still unclear why Ottawa needed to have an apartment building 19 storeys tall, on the south end of the Market so that it (partially) blocks sunlight on George Street. Let's hope this building is not the start of a slippery slope that will turn the Market into an inhospitable cave like the central business district.

The beauty of the Market is that it's people-friendly: most buildings are low-rise which allows sunlight in and keeps the wind out. In a cold climate like Ottawa, this is key. Please Ottawa, don't destroy the one good thing left about urban Ottawa: the Byward Market. Building like this don't help!

[AylmerOptimist]

The beauty of the Market is that it's people-friendly: most buildings are low-rise which allows sunlight in and keeps the wind out. In a cold climate like Ottawa, this is key. Please Ottawa, don't destroy the one good thing left about urban Ottawa: the Byward Market. Building like this don't help!

That is what people get wrong. That is what they don't get.

High buildings doesn't take away any of the "humaness" but, if anything, adds to it;
What is humaness? is it small buildings? because I can tell you this, Barhaven isn't human by any stretch of the imagination. The humaness of which you reffer is attributed by the humans. Hence the word HUMANess. Even the ones that live in EXTREMELY high, unhuman residences. So next time you walk around looking sourly at the, ummm, "high" buildings, try to imagine if all of them lived in Orleans: the market would be a couple thousand humans less human!
That is also why the CBD is so dead! Nobody lives there!

You silly people!

:)

[d_jeffrey]

That is what people get wrong. That is what they don't get.

High buildings doesn't take away any of the "humaness" but, if anything, adds to it;
What is humaness? is it small buildings? because I can tell you this, Barhaven isn't human by any stretch of the imagination. The humaness of which you reffer is attributed by the humans. Hence the word HUMANess. Even the ones that live in EXTREMELY high, unhuman residences. So next time you walk around looking sourly at the, ummm, "high" buildings, try to imagine if all of them lived in Orleans: the market would be a couple thousand humans less human!
That is also why the CBD is so dead! Nobody lives there!

You silly people!

:)

There must have been some alcohol in your chocolate fondue, but really good writing. I suggest people to watch Radiant City. If anything, high rises put humans together. It's fun to have movie nights in my building, talking to neighbors, going to the same cafés. Humans are meant to function as a group, thus highrises are more suited to that than individual houses.

[O-Town Hockey]

I have no problems with a building of that height in that particular location. The tower is sleek and modest and the facade looks great from steet-level. You can feel the vibe on that stretch of Rideau that things are going to get better. As each individual building does its part to clean up the streetscape, more and more pressure is put on other property managers to do the same (i.e. they better repaint those Rideau Centre walkways soon).

[movebyleap]

90 George is NOT a beautiful building. It is an OTTAWA (synonym for "bland") building. It does not suit the area, but neither does that godawful bank building next to it. Just another example of horrible, incompetent urban planning in this town. Typical Ottawa mish mash of mismatched buildings - no eye for beauty or esthetics from anyone (city planners, coucillors, architects, developers). Poor, poor Ottawa. Ever the bridesmaid, never the bride.

[d_jeffrey]

90 George is NOT a beautiful building. It is an OTTAWA (synonym for "bland") building. It does not suit the area, but neither does that godawful bank building next to it. Just another example of horrible, incompetent urban planning in this town. Typical Ottawa mish mash of mismatched buildings - no eye for beauty or esthetics from anyone (city planners, coucillors, architects, developers). Poor, poor Ottawa. Ever the bridesmaid, never the bride.

That's still only your opinion. For me it's a great example on how you can accomdate low rise building nearby in a highrise. If anything, we should have more buildings like that in the market. It adds life and character.

[jeremy_haak]

While I like 90 George, the city should be careful in allowing high-rise condominiums in the market. Highrise buildings do have negative effects, shadows and wind being the primary problems associated with them. Presently the market isn't developed at a density that is problematic, but too much could have a negative impact on the unique character of the market.

I should really look deeper into the city's official plans regarding height and density. Personally, I think the city should really direct growth along Rideau St, as well as along Somerset/Wellington. Basically, focusing density along neighbourhood corridors, thereby increasing the viability of higher order transit along those corridors. Carling would be another interesting candidate since it has plenty of space for a transit line, plenty of amenities on the eastern side that may be attractive to developers and a lower likelihood of NIMBY opposition.

[jitterbug]

That is what people get wrong. That is what they don't get.

High buildings doesn't take away any of the "humaness" but, if anything, adds to it;
What is humaness? is it small buildings? because I can tell you this, Barhaven isn't human by any stretch of the imagination. The humaness of which you reffer is attributed by the humans. Hence the word HUMANess. Even the ones that live in EXTREMELY high, unhuman residences. So next time you walk around looking sourly at the, ummm, "high" buildings, try to imagine if all of them lived in Orleans: the market would be a couple thousand humans less human!
:)

When I say this building is too tall, I'm certainly not advocating the construction of suburban-style single-family homes in the Market area! As we all know, to have a vibrant (and safe) community, you need high density, a lively streetscape with a good mix of street-level retail services, and a pedestrian friendly environment (ie., trees, wide sidewalks, sunlight, etc). The question is how best to achieve it? The CBD has none of these qualities, which is why Sparks Street is doomed to remain in its current sad state. Suburban high-rise developments may achieve high density but typically lack the other two requirements. What does work in an area like the Market is a series of low-rise (3 to 4 storey) apartment blocks sitting atop street-level retail. This creates the density needed without the inherent drawbacks of towering high-rises.

90 George Street is a perfect example of willy-nilly development that sets a bad precedent for the Market's southern boundary. (Really, who wants to be sipping a cocktail at a patio with apartments towering high above you?) Besides, like the other writer here said, with its boxy utilitarian design, it is kinda ugly. Can you see a tourist visiting the Market point to it and say "Wow, look at that, kids"? (I can't.)

I have nothing against tall towers (why else would I be here?). But they have their place, and it's certainly not in a historic district like the Byward Market. Just take a walk in practically any European city to see how it should be done.

[d_jeffrey]

While we can probably live with 90 George Street, it sets a bad precedent for the Market's southern boundary. Really, who wants to be sipping a cocktail at a patio with apartments towering high above you? All one has to do is visit practically any European city to see how to make a city liveable, vibrant, and grand all at the same time. Ottawa has a long way to go to achieve any of these goals, and if anyone thinks building high-rise towers willy-nilly is a way to a better city, they're sadly mistaken.

I have done all of those, and I say that we need more skyscrapers, not less. Have you walked in this area, near 90 George? I do every morning. I can see that this building should be the first of many ones on Rideau St.

I'd rather be in La Defense sector in Paris, then some sinous crowed space in the core. Maybe that's why I don't like Québec City, no coherence. While the architecture is great and intense, it's not well designed for either pedestrians OR cars.

[Jamaican-Phoenix]

When I say this building is too tall, I'm certainly not advocating the construction of suburban-style single-family homes in the Market area! As we all know, to have a vibrant (and safe) community, you need high density, a lively streetscape with a good mix of street-level retail services, and a pedestrian friendly environment (ie., trees, wide sidewalks, sunlight, etc). The question is how best to achieve it? The CBD has none of these qualities, which is why Sparks Street is doomed to remain in its current sad state. Suburban high-rise developments may achieve high density but typically lack the other two requirements. Get the picture?

While we can probably live with 90 George Street, it sets a bad precedent for the Market's southern boundary. Really, who wants to be sipping a cocktail at a patio with apartments towering high above you? All one has to do is visit practically any European city to see how to make a city liveable, vibrant, and grand all at the same time. Ottawa has a long way to go to achieve any of these goals, and if anyone thinks building high-rise towers willy-nilly is a way to a better city, they're sadly mistaken.

Granted, the Europeans know a thing or two about making cities livable, but if you look to other places with skyscrapers such as New York or Tokyo, Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, etc., you can see that you can still have a pleasant and livable city with skyscrapers all around you.

[O-Town Hockey]

I agree that the Byward Market is no place for towering condos, but the edge of the Market is just the place. Not only is it nice to be able to live near the amenities that the area offers (i.e. shopping, restaurants, farmer's market), but having thousands of new residents in the periphery of the market will only benefit those that do business there. We definately need more density within the market and that can be achieved with 3-4 storey buildings as mentioned earlier, but to deny densification in such a key location in the core is truly a sin and only perpetuates suburban sprawl. As long as the towers meet certain criteria for street-level integration, setbacks, and ground-level retail/services I am all for such developments.

[jitterbug]

I have done all of those, and I say that we need more skyscrapers, not less. Have you walked in this area, near 90 George? I do every morning. I can see that this building should be the first of many ones on Rideau St.

I'd rather be in La Defense sector in Paris, then some sinous crowed space in the core. Maybe that's why I don't like Québec City, no coherence. While the architecture is great and intense, it's not well designed for either pedestrians OR cars.

I guess there's no accounting for taste, although you are the first person I've encountered who doesn't like Quebec City. While it's not perfect, the Grand Allée with its strip of nice restaurants and interesting buildings is a treat. And Old Quebec isn't a designated World Heritage Site for nothing. To solve the cars vs. pedestrian battle in this sector, I think all (or at least some) of Old Quebec should be a pedestrian zone, as should all or part of Ottawa's Byward Market district. But that's another story...

[Cre47]

Well they really need to add those buildings in order to restore order (or should I say clean-up) in that stretch of Rideau Street. Of course, the problem may shift elsewhere, but I guess they want to remove the problems away from the touristic zone.

[AylmerOptimist]

So your problem is with the design! (sorry then)

I find the building is coming along quite nicely and, once they add the exterior touches, should look very nice!

:)

[YOWetal]

I have done all of those, and I say that we need more skyscrapers, not less. Have you walked in this area, near 90 George? I do every morning. I can see that this building should be the first of many ones on Rideau St.


I was thinking the same thing looking at the stretch from 90 George to Maverick's.

Has anyone heard any rumours of any of those sites being developed?

Any thoughts on chances for approval for another building that high on that stretch?

[ungodlycrosscheck]

Is there any plan to finish the pitched roof element with metal sheeting or something or are we stuck with this skeletal unfinished look?

I can't detect any evidence of any work on the roof.

[O-Town Hockey]

Is there any plan to finish the pitched roof element with metal sheeting or something or are we stuck with this skeletal unfinished look?

I can't detect any evidence of any work on the roof.

The renderings show something draped over that skeleton, though I can't make out what it is. My guess would be some kind of mesh. It definately doesn't look like glass.

http://www.90george.com/images/gstreet.jpghttp://www.90george.com/images/pop_nite.jpg
From www.90george.com (http://www.90george.com)

[harls]

Looks like it could be a solar panel.

[YOWetal]

Looks like it could be a solar panel.


I don't think Solar panels are see through? looks like mesh, It stands out a lot more than in the rendering right now so hopefully when they add whatever they will add it will look better.

Has anyone moved into this building yet? I noticed patio furniture and the like in the Claridge but haven't seen any activity at 90 Geroge yet.

[Kitchissippi]

I think it will be metal slats or louvre, something like this:

http://www.socketsite.com/1234%20Howard%20Louvers%201.jpg

[SprintSheeba]

Someone on this board said that the A-Channel across the street complained that the building would block their antenna, so they added that metal grate to the roof to act as an antenna... Not sure if that rumour is true or not.

[Tor2Ott]

...and does anyone know if they're still planning to put up a Rolex clock on the facade?

[Radster]

Looks like it could be a solar panel.

Now that you brought the solar panel idea up, my question is why are condo developers (both high and lowrise) not installing solar panels on the roofs of their new buildings? Sure this requires some initial capital investment, but it reduces the building's reliance on the city's electrical grid which decreases hydro costs, it imrpoves sustainable living, its not an eyesore, plus the cost of solar panels is on a steady downward slope.

I know from my recent travels around Australia, Asia and Europe, that solar panels are being placed on the roofs of as many buildings as possible. Even subsidized housing apartment buildings have them in some places like Amsterdam (where it rains A LOT).

I think this is yet more proof of how far we are behind Europe and Asia in terms of technological advancement and sustainable living. One day, lets hope, our Fed. Gvt. will introduce some huge incentives for developers and building owners to add solar panels to their roofs so that it becomes economically viable for them to do so....Surely it won't happen with Bush's mini-me in power.

[harls]

Here's the Market side (taken today by myself). Where exactly would this Rolex clock go?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/2571232554_bcb8c0ba33_b.jpg

Has anyone moved into this building yet? I noticed patio furniture and the like in the Claridge but haven't seen any activity at 90 Geroge yet.

I didn't see anyone moved in yet.

[O-Town Hockey]

I didn't see anyone moved in yet.

I've been squatting on the 11th floor facing the market for the last 4 months, don't tell anyone.

[ungodlycrosscheck]

I think this is yet more proof of how far we are behind Europe and Asia in terms of technological advancement and sustainable living. One day, lets hope, our Fed. Gvt. will introduce some huge incentives for developers and building owners to add solar panels to their roofs so that it becomes economically viable for them to do so....Surely it won't happen with Bush's mini-me in power.

Ah gee-whiz, I can't let this go... Mini-me? Give me a break.

The federal government introduced production measures aimed at encouraging investment in renewable energy through programs, namely the $1.48 billion ecoEnergy for Renewable Power (ecoRP), which includes a suite of eligible energy sources including solar, biomass, wind, geothermal etc.

The ecoRP provides a market incentive of one cent per kilowatt-hour for up to 10 years to eligible low-impact, renewable electricity projects constructed over the next four years, April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2011. This is generally consistent with federal incentives in the US, although Congress is currently considering a more lucrative tax credit for renewables and low-impact non-renewables such as stationary fuel cells.

If the Harper Conservatives can be criticized it lies in how narrowly it defines eligible energy sources under the Eco Energy Program, by excluding low-impact alternatives which policymakers would expect would be a part of an integrated approach for transitioning away from a carcon based economy.

The Harper Conservatives also deserve credit for changes made to the Income Tax Act in Budget 2006, specifically section 43.1 which makes investments across a range of energy sources INCLUDING solar eligible for a capital cost allowance of 50 per cent.

[citizen j]

^Congratulations on your 1000th post.

[YOWetal]

Here's the Market side (taken today by myself). Where exactly would this Rolex clock go?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/2571232554_bcb8c0ba33_b.jpg



I didn't see anyone moved in yet.

I heard that they are delaying move-ins again, now they are looking at late in the year.

[the capital urbanite]

Now that you brought the solar panel idea up, my question is why are condo developers (both high and lowrise) not installing solar panels on the roofs of their new buildings? Sure this requires some initial capital investment, but it reduces the building's reliance on the city's electrical grid which decreases hydro costs, it imrpoves sustainable living, its not an eyesore, plus the cost of solar panels is on a steady downward slope.

I know from my recent travels around Australia, Asia and Europe, that solar panels are being placed on the roofs of as many buildings as possible. Even subsidized housing apartment buildings have them in some places like Amsterdam (where it rains A LOT).

I think this is yet more proof of how far we are behind Europe and Asia in terms of technological advancement and sustainable living. One day, lets hope, our Fed. Gvt. will introduce some huge incentives for developers and building owners to add solar panels to their roofs so that it becomes economically viable for them to do so....Surely it won't happen with Bush's mini-me in power.

...and whatever happened to the city's "green roof" campaign?

[Radster]

Ah gee-whiz, I can't let this go... Mini-me? Give me a break.

The federal government introduced production measures aimed at encouraging investment in renewable energy through programs, namely the $1.48 billion ecoEnergy for Renewable Power (ecoRP), which includes a suite of eligible energy sources including solar, biomass, wind, geothermal etc.

The ecoRP provides a market incentive of one cent per kilowatt-hour for up to 10 years to eligible low-impact, renewable electricity projects constructed over the next four years, April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2011. This is generally consistent with federal incentives in the US, although Congress is currently considering a more lucrative tax credit for renewables and low-impact non-renewables such as stationary fuel cells.

If the Harper Conservatives can be criticized it lies in how narrowly it defines eligible energy sources under the Eco Energy Program, by excluding low-impact alternatives which policymakers would expect would be a part of an integrated approach for transitioning away from a carcon based economy.

The Harper Conservatives also deserve credit for changes made to the Income Tax Act in Budget 2006, specifically section 43.1 which makes investments across a range of energy sources INCLUDING solar eligible for a capital cost allowance of 50 per cent.


Thanks for the reply, I was not aware of all of what you mentioned. But it looks like there is disconnect somewhere. Sure its all nice and rosy on paper, but why are we not seeing results? Is it due to a miserable promotional campaign? Why does subsidized housing in Europe have solar panels on their roofs (even in areas which don't get much sun) and we don't even have them on the roofs or regular housing here? Is it due to our snowy winters? I always thought that snow was not a deterrant to solar panels. So I would not be so quick to praise the Conservatives. I also would not use the USA as a comparison. Use Europe and Asia instead as they are better role models.

[harls]

I took a shot of the much-talked about panels today from Laurier.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3138/2784803844_89435f9528_b.jpg

[O-Town Hockey]

I took a shot of the much-talked about panels today from Laurier.


A little more transparent than I had anticipated, but still better than having all that mechanical exposed. I know some on here aren't too happy about this building, but I think they did an excellent job blending in with both the George and Rideau streetwalls. The setback is enough to make it not look out of place and it will also benefit the residents as a bit of a buffer for noise (and bus pollution....don't get me going on that one). It's a nice addition to the area.

[Deez]

I don't think this one is quite ready to have a fork stuck in it. Hording is still up and the back end (not pictured) still looks quite sloppy.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e2/Reersmeer/DSCN2829.jpg

[YOWetal]

I don't think this one is quite ready to have a fork stuck in it. Hording is still up and the back end (not pictured) still looks quite sloppy.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e2/Reersmeer/DSCN2829.jpg

Yeah it doesn't look like anyone has moved in yet.

[YOWetal]

Yeah it doesn't look like anyone has moved in yet.
I am hearing (from a friend who bought in the building) that move in dates have now been pushed back (again) to March. There was an article in the Citizen last week about delays on Condo projects in Ottawa, but this one has to take the cake.

[Mille Sabords]

Well, at least the hoarding on Rideau Street is out and we can see the full retail facade. This is actually a decent example of podium-and-tower development. From the skyline, though, the roof could've been peaked all the way to the top - it would have echoed the turrets of Parliament and the Chateau Laurier.

[O-Town Hockey]

My friend's father bought two condos from this project. From the sounds of it, the units (and the building) will be well worth the wait. Though I really don't understand why so many delays, I do understand the complexity of these large-scale projects and the balance between efficient construction and a quality product.

[movebyleap]

Just please don't tell me there's another Shopper's/Pharma Plus/Rexall moving into the ground floor retail space!!

[Mille Sabords]

Just please don't tell me there's another Shopper's/Pharma Plus/Rexall moving into the ground floor retail space!!

From what I know, there is New Look Eyewear and Rinaldo's spa, and they are looking for an upscale food shop.

(Whole Foods, are you there?)

[harls]

and they are looking for an upscale food shop.

Canadian Tire? (http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/526396) :ack:

[harls]

Shot from yesterday.. anyone know what's going on with the Westin sign? looks like they're redoing it..

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3172/3025813214_e3c7a157c2_b.jpg

[ac888yow]

From the sounds of it, the units (and the building) will be well worth the wait.That depends greatly on the person. I for one wasn't willing to wait any longer no matter how much quality and luxury they stuffed into the units/building.

And while the advertised quality and luxury is very high, I should mention that my disappointment with one of the building's more important amenities (to me - the indoor pool) sealed the opt-out deal with me.

I had a walk-through of the building last winter where I was able to visit what was to become my unit and also what would become the lobby, common, and amenity areas. The indoor pool was depicted in the renderings as being a decent size

http://www.90george.com/images/pool_full.jpg

but in reality what I saw was a hole in the ground less than half that size at best. It was so tiny I just had to laugh, as did pretty much everyone else in the group. I've seen small indoor 'lap' pools (such as at 570 Laurier) that were bigger than this thing.

Anyway, at the end of the day my mind was pretty much made up so I moved on. I'm sure those who are waiting out all of the delays will be satisfied when the finally take occupancy.

[theKpa]

Overall, the building really adds a presence to the downtown/market skyline, especially looking down Rideau. The podium is nice, fits in at street level.

[ottawatraffic]

My friend's father bought two condos from this project. From the sounds of it, the units (and the building) will be well worth the wait. Though I really don't understand why so many delays, I do understand the complexity of these large-scale projects and the balance between efficient construction and a quality product.

its not a quality issue when they crane stood by itself for 6 months. its a money issue.

[O-Town Hockey]

Very true.

Also, I noticed that Westin is changing their sign on the other side of the building as well to white letters. It looks really classy at night compared to the red light district vibe they were going for previously.

[waterloowarrior]

from http://www.ottawaurbain.ca/

http://www.ottawaurbain.ca/include/interplex/ottawaurbain/images/uploaded/1228084603_17354.jpg

[Davis137]

90 George looks good, just wish they had done like a 5-6 storey podium with that same fascia on Rideau, and made the tower like 25 floors on top of that...so that it would stand out from all of the buildings of similar height in that small area.

Still, nice looking building, it's very oldschool-ultramodern looking...(which makes me think they made the building look that way to blend in better with all of the older towers in the neighbourhood a little better overall).

[harls]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3238/3080189204_ed15129d3a_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3172/3079352417_86bc8a0367_b.jpg

façade on the left..

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3195/3075248286_8dc48f86fa_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3064/3080186934_1412ca9329_b.jpg