BC Place: Stadium Refurbishment | Completed [Archive] - Page 50

trofirhen

Apr 29, 2013, 1:27 AM

But buying BC Place makes a lot of sense if the buyer can tear it down and build more condos. It's no secret that some people in Vision have this strange hatred for BC Place (and anything resembling big city entertainment) and want it to disappear. Prior to the Olympics, there were some voices openly calling for BC Place to be torn down and moved to the suburbs as an alternative to the proposed renovations. Indeed, the city has been doing much to facilitate the suffocation of BC Place (and the entertainment zone that was supposed to be built around it) by ubiquitous residential development. With their provincial allies finally in power, the dreams of some at city hall could become a reality.
jiminy crickets. I wonder what the long-term outcome of all that would be? (other than the sea of residential itself)? A "dead" sort of area, or what?

Jebby

Apr 29, 2013, 2:45 AM

jiminy crickets. I wonder what the long-term outcome of all that would be? (other than the sea of residential itself)? A "dead" sort of area, or what?

He wasn't being serious.

Pinion

Apr 29, 2013, 2:46 AM

jiminy crickets. I wonder what the long-term outcome of all that would be? (other than the sea of residential itself)? A "dead" sort of area, or what?

Do you consider Yaletown a dead zone? Because it would probably be like that in this completely impossible scenario.

mr.x

Apr 29, 2013, 7:51 AM

Prometheus

Apr 29, 2013, 11:52 AM

Yeah they're going to tear down a stadium after they spent 500 million renovating it. Genius at work.

Are you keeping up with current events? The NDP is floating the idea of selling-off BC Place.

spm2013

Apr 29, 2013, 3:39 PM

Are you keeping up with current events? The NDP is floating the idea of selling-off BC Place.

No, they're not. Stop lying liar!

trofirhen

Apr 29, 2013, 3:40 PM

He wasn't being serious.

Do you consider Yaletown a dead zone? Because it would probably be like that in this completely impossible scenario.
WHOOPS!!! I stand corrected again!! (what a relief, this time)!;)

theKB

Apr 29, 2013, 6:06 PM

Yaletown is an entertainment zone relative only in the Vancouver context as it's a lot of what little entertainment we have, but it's extremely stifled considering it's in an residential area. It's not a true entertainment zone, where the entertainment part comes first - not residential needs and residential developments.

Big city entertainment rarely appears out of nor flourishes within areas that are packed with nothing but residential, and Vancouver is rather an extreme example of this.

Yaletown is a complete dead zone, a barren waste land of chain restaurants that cater to the suburbanites going out for a "night on the town" (even though they could find the same places at their local strip mall).

Vancouver doesn't really have a real entertainment district and with its current direction will only stifle further any last bit of entertainment areas that are downtown. I miss the old days of Robson being jammed with people and cars to the wee hours of the morning. Place had a lot of life back then.

I find it interesting/dumb that Rogers Arena will be changing and reducing concerts and other types of events to placate the towers going up there.

I always forget that people move downtown for a quieter, slower pace of life :koko:

Pinion

Apr 29, 2013, 7:40 PM

I mentioned Yaletown only because a theoretical neighbourhood where BC Place is would probably be similar to it. Never meant to imply it was an entertainment zone.

mr.x

Apr 29, 2013, 7:52 PM

Yaletown is a complete dead zone, a barren waste land of chain restaurants that cater to the suburbanites going out for a "night on the town" (even though they could find the same places at their local strip mall).

Vancouver doesn't really have a real entertainment district and with its current direction will only stifle further any last bit of entertainment areas that are downtown. I miss the old days of Robson being jammed with people and cars to the wee hours of the morning. Place had a lot of life back then.

I find it interesting/dumb that Rogers Arena will be changing and reducing concerts and other types of events to placate the towers going up there.

I always forget that people move downtown for a quieter, slower pace of life :koko:

Sadly, Yaletown is part of the what "little" entertainment we [might] have. And hence, qualifies as entertainment.

I've had chats with other people on this matter and they went on the defensive, saying a "mixed and inclusive" neighbourhood is ideal - not entertainment zones. They didn't understand why an entertainment zone couldn't truly flourish if it's surrounded by residential.

This article and its comments section really expands on this sentiment: http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2013/01/the-waldorf-is-the-tip-of-the-iceberg-new-condos-at-bc-place-and-rogers-arena-will-kill-false-creek-entertainment-district/

officedweller

Apr 30, 2013, 12:41 AM

Paragon proceeding with new (same-sized as current) casino...

Posted in the Convention Centre thread:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2013/04/25/bc-paragon-sale-bc-place.html

Looks like they are moving ahead with a smaller casino (same size as Edgewater. Sounds like it would still include a hotel too...

jlousa

May 17, 2013, 10:00 PM

Well some news but doesn't look like there's much progress, going to the DPB on July 15th.

To extend the time-limited approval of the Casino-Class 2 use in Building C at the Plaza of Nations until December 31, 2015 and to extend the timelimiteduse of the 138 parking spaces in Building B to coincide with that date.

officedweller

Jul 12, 2013, 8:03 PM

Casino move has been formally announced.

See:
http://www.site10a.com/

Edgewater Casino to relocate closer to BC Place

By Zoe McKnight, Vancouver Sun
July 10, 2013
VANCOUVER -- Edgewater Casino is firming up plans to move from False Creek to BC Place, two years after a major expansion in that location was nixed by city council.

The move was announced on a newly-created website of Paragon Gaming, which runs the casino, and BC Pavilion Corp., known as PavCo, which owns the stadium and adjacent land.

Site10a.com refers to the casino’s future site, immediately west of the stadium at Expo Boulevard and Smithe Street.

It’s expected Crown corporation PavCo will take in $3 million in revenue from the new lease agreement with the casino, half the revenue from the 2011 proposal for a mega-casino that was unanimously rejected by the mayor and council in 2011.

At that time, amid major public outcry, council blocked the proposed $500-million expansion, which would have doubled the casino’s capacity, but said Paragon could move across the street with its existing operation of 600 slot machines and 75 gambling tables.

In January, B.C. Lottery Corporation president Michael Graydon told The Vancouver Sun the gambling regulator was close to revealing plans for a new Edgewater Casino near BC Place, maintaining the location was “ideal.”

...

As for the mixed commercial and hotel development that was part of the initial proposal and demanded by council in the relocation agreement in 2011, it’s not clear how that will proceed.

“We are in discussions with various potential partners,” Hicks wrote in an email Wednesday, but did not elaborate on who those partners might be.

While no firm timeline was available from Paragon, it’s likely the new casino could open in less than three years.
...

BCLC has final approval on the development plans.

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Edgewater+Casino+relocate+closer+Place/8642853/story.html

officedweller

Jul 18, 2013, 7:21 AM

Edgewater Extension granted:

http://www.vancourier.com/news/Edgewater+Casino+gets+extension/8668270/story.html

officedweller

Jul 24, 2013, 10:37 PM

http://www.biv.com/article/20130723/BIV0302/307239989/paragon-playing-its-hand-close-to-the-vest-on-edgewater-move

Bob Mackin| Sports Business
Paragon playing its hand close to the vest on Edgewater move
What is Las Vegas-based Paragon Gaming’s end game?

By Bob Mackin
Tue Jul 23, 2013 12:01am PST

The future of two local sports venues is inextricably tied with gambling.

First, the biggest. BC Place Stadium, renovated for $514 million in public money, could be getting a casino attached to its west side after all.

But what is Las Vegas-based Paragon Gaming’s end game?

BC Pavilion Corp. (PavCo) and Paragon came to a new lease agreement in March that was announced, then denounced, by then-PavCo chairman Peter Fassbender while he was running for the BC Liberals and before he became education minister.

PavCo would still own the land, Paragon would still be the leaseholder, we’re told on the Site10a.com website that was registered with no fanfare on June 19. The 70-year term (for “an estimated” $3 million a year) is shorter than the 99-year lease that Fassbender talked about. The lease payments are half what was originally contemplated under the original plan for Western Canada’s biggest casino, which was shot down by Vancouver city council in April 2011.

The original plan contemplated a $500 million casino/hotel complex, with two Marriott hotels. Paragon claims the new complex would still have two hotels, but is not showing any architectural drawings for now.

City council approved a relocation of the existing size licence in April 2011 and rezoned the site in November 2011. Paragon is now playing its hand close to the vest on the question of who would own, operate and/or bankroll the new Edgewater.

Paragon defaulted on a $111 million loan at River Cree Casino in Edmonton in April 2012 after a dispute with the Alberta government First Nations Development Fund. Paragon is ending its partnership with the Enoch Cree First Nation, which will take full control of the casino.

Paragon CEO Diana Bennett and president Scott Menke are the new management team contracted to turn around the struggling Riviera Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas.

For Edgewater, Paragon is seeking “partners.” Spokeswoman Tamara Hicks admitted they are in the gambling business. When the city’s Development Permit Board unanimously decided July 15 to allow Edgewater to stay at the Plaza of Nations until the and of 2016, Paragon vice-president John Cahill declined to talk about whether one of those prospective partners is Gateway Casinos.

Gateway is controlled by the Catalyst Capital Group of Toronto, whose managing director Gabriel de Alba is Gateway’s executive chairman. Catalyst founder Newton Glassman is also a Gateway director.

De Alba met with Deputy Premier Rich Coleman on February 5, according to Coleman’s daily agenda, which was obtained via Freedom of Information. Glassman and de Alba met with Coleman a week later on February 12. Coleman was both minister responsible for BC Lottery Corp. and PavCo until becoming the natural gas minister after the election. Coleman’s office won’t comment on the reasons for or the outcome of the meetings. Glassman’s spokesman Marc Budgell said he “will not be available for comment.”

Joat

Jul 25, 2013, 2:53 AM

I cant help but think that the anti gambling crusaders are only gonna get worse as time goes on. How likely is it that they will eventually get the amount of tables and machines they originally wanted?

Pinion

Jul 25, 2013, 7:41 AM

I cant help but think that the anti gambling crusaders are only gonna get worse as time goes on.

Why? It's been proven that you can just wait until the media gets bored with the story then keep expanding with little resistance. There was nothing in this province 16 years ago and now every suburb has a large casino nearby.

I'd be extremely frustrated with the lack of effective activism if I was passionately anti-casino.

Joat

Jul 25, 2013, 9:09 AM

Hopefully you're right but they also blocked the Surrey proposal recently, I believe. It feels like nimbys are getting worse as time goes on. And these days they can start facebook groups and all sorts of crap like that to get their message out there.

jayyb

Sep 24, 2013, 7:27 PM

VANCOUVER — Paragon Development Ltd. has reinvented its proposal for a $535 million redevelopment of the south side of BC Place Stadium as what they are calling an urban resort that plays up entertainment and plays down gambling with the relocation of its Edgwater Casino on False Creek.

Paragon’s last plan, in a lease deal with the BC Pavilion Corporation, was rejected by the City of Vancouver in 2011 over the proposal’s expansion of its gaming floor, but company officials said Tuesday that they’ve listened to their opponents and the new proposal is a straight transfer of Edgewater’s existing operations to the new facility, which fits into the city’s existing rezoning approval.

Paragon, with financing partner Dundee Corp.’s and operating partner 360 Vox, a real estate management company, unveiled the revamped design Tuesday, which calls for two luxury hotels with 550 rooms, a conference centre restaurants and retail space that will be linked in with BC Place.

The overall development will be 675,000 square feet of space and create an additional 2,000 jobs within the complex. Developers are aiming for completion of the project in 2016.

cornholio

Sep 24, 2013, 7:33 PM

For comparison the original proposal from what I remember was 680,000 sqf. This new one is said to be 675,000 sqf...so roughly the same size. I will guess that they are going to build this to easily handle a future expansion of slots and tables, once a more friendly municipal government is in power and the city and locals get used to this new development.

Given the size I assume it will be in the 1000 hotel room range as well, like the original proposal.

*They better get this approved asap before the concord development across the street starts selling.

This is good news, although in reality they likely had little choice. The former site needs to be vacated, BC place is hemorrhaging money (I would guess), and giving up the gambling licence is not a option.

WarrenC12

Sep 24, 2013, 8:06 PM

Should have added a green roof for guaranteed council approval.

officedweller

Sep 24, 2013, 9:40 PM

Posted over at the downtown thread:
http://www.site10a.com

AgziHlunFLg

PLUS:

Architectural Features and Renderings:
(I like the interior spaces - definitely not a condo development with an added hotel)
mV01EUfu8-U

Architects:

design architect
ARCOP + ACDF ARCHITECTURE in collaboration with Michel Panzini

http://www.arcop.com/flash.php?lang=en

http://www.acdf.ca/site/fr/accueil/

http://panzini.com/

Pinion

Sep 24, 2013, 10:10 PM

I like the new proposal a lot more than the previous proposal. Both in design and lessened emphasis on the casino part.

AverageJoe

Sep 24, 2013, 10:18 PM

WarrenC12

Sep 24, 2013, 10:35 PM

I really like this design and concept. My only gripe is its location.

1) It would've been great next to the water at the current Edgewater location.

I disagree completely. Right beside BC Place is a perfect place for a convention centre style hotel complex.

The Plaza of Nations site would ideally become something else that can take much better advantage of the waterfront... I liked the previous art gallery proposal, with plenty of public space.

EastVanMark

Sep 24, 2013, 11:01 PM

I really like this design and concept. My only gripe is its location.

1) It would've been great next to the water at the current Edgewater location.

2) The wall of black glass, nice as it is, would be shielding the view of BC Place as one drives into downtown from Cambie Bridge. I think BC Place says "welcome to Vancouver" much more than the black glass.

Agreed. This new render certainly is better than the previous ones, the project is significant enough to warrant its own prominent spot across the street at the Plaza of Nations leaving the city with 2 significant buildings with unique architecture to feed off of each other and energize that whole area. Oh well, at least now we will no longer have the worst casino in the region in our largest center :fingerscrossed:

Smooth

Sep 24, 2013, 11:23 PM

I disagree completely. Right beside BC Place is a perfect place for a convention centre style hotel complex.

The Plaza of Nations site would ideally become something else that can take much better advantage of the waterfront... I liked the previous art gallery proposal, with plenty of public space.

I think the problem with an art gallery right on the waterfront is that art doesn't do well in natural light so the building space could not make great use of the location. The gallery also needs lots of vault space so they probably wouldn't want to build at sea level.

Personally, I think the current Plaza of Nations building would be a great site for a relocated Vancouver Maritime Museum.

Klazu

Sep 24, 2013, 11:40 PM

spm2013

Sep 25, 2013, 12:00 AM

http://www.site10a.com/content/30/aerial0115_960x633.jpg

http://www.site10a.com/content/30/aerial0408_960x633.jpg

http://www.site10a.com/content/30/pour-matt_960x633.jpg

Credit: site10a.com

Project briefing (still getting processed by Youtube):

u1XWmNsz4VQ

TwoFace

Sep 25, 2013, 12:30 AM

I don't see any longevity in this type of design. It may look "cool" today, but 10 years from now it will probably rival the Pacific centre Toilet Bowl.

dleung

Sep 25, 2013, 12:52 AM

The design doesn't fit in Vancouver, though it will fit quite well next to the Mandalay Bay in Vegas. Imo, the immediate block surrounding BC place should have a height limit to the bottom of the stadium's clerestory windows.

GeeCee

Sep 25, 2013, 1:29 AM

I'm not a big fan of the new look. I guess it matches the stadium better..

red-paladin

Sep 25, 2013, 2:08 AM

O.O
I thought everyone wanted buildings with reflective curtain walls...

cornholio

Sep 25, 2013, 2:23 AM

I like the design and everything about it, but I don't get how this and One Pacific development will fit together in that small lot with current street alignments? :???:

I also agree that it's shame that beautiful BC Place gets more covered by the buildings. I also wouldn't want to have a window facing the bright LED lights of the roof... :rolleyes:

If the glass is reflective enough then the stadium won't be covered but infact maybe even more visible from more angles. Although that would also result in more light being reflected into more condos...

logan5

Sep 25, 2013, 2:47 AM

It's flashy, but not over the top flashy. It covers up a lot of the lower half of BC Place (which is a good thing), but preserves a partial view of the top half of the stadium which include the masts and the lighting feature - which I think is a good thing as well. IMO, the stadium lighting looks garish (especially when they use christmas green), so I think getting the stadium in smaller doses is an improvement. I could easily accept the facade of this building over BC Place.

The end of one of the presentations said fall 2016, so they expect to start construction almost right away? (pending approval)
-----
It appears that the rest of the building will have a glass curtain wall in a silver colour.

Infrequent Poster

Sep 25, 2013, 3:01 AM

Hey a building that isnt speckled with ten million balconies. This alone is enough to make me a fan.

Pinion

Sep 25, 2013, 3:08 AM

Hey a building that isnt speckled with ten million balconies. This alone is enough to make me a fan.

Balconies+casino=lots of street clean-up crew overtime pay. There aren't many in Vegas either.

squeezied

Sep 25, 2013, 4:35 AM

I don't see any longevity in this type of design. It may look "cool" today, but 10 years from now it will probably rival the Pacific centre Toilet Bowl.

You read my mind. The first thing I though of was the Sears building. Surely it looked cool and futuristic at the time it was designed, but it ended up being one of the most hated buildings in Vancouver.

Being one of the many persons in this forum frustrated by the sea of monotone towers in this city, I can appreciate the boldness and uniqueness of this design. However I can't help but feel that a few decades later we'll have very different opinions of this building. I just don't see it ageing well.

NewWester

Sep 25, 2013, 5:45 AM

I'm mostly curious about how it will really look. Glass in renders poorly reflects their reality and this whole building is ambitiously glazed glass. I think this one we will have to actually see to judge.

(Although, the argument about it being too of-the-moment sounds like its got some merit to it.)

GeeCee

Sep 25, 2013, 6:02 AM

O.O
I thought everyone wanted buildings with reflective curtain walls...

No way, sea foam green glass buildings forever!

spm2013

Sep 25, 2013, 6:18 AM

The design doesn't fit in downtown Vancouver, but it's fine in the weird world of False Creek with Science World and BC Place. I just hope the city encourages some supplemental development next door to make it a true urban resort.

officedweller

Sep 25, 2013, 7:53 PM

I don't mind the reflective glass - the one thing that I don't like too much is the massing.

It should have some curves to it to mimic the bowl of BC Place - i.e. like a narrower or a stepping version of the Wynn, Las Vegas.

But the problem is that the buildings are being shoehorned onto a small site with height restrictions.

PaperTiger

Sep 25, 2013, 8:31 PM

I agree, the massing is weird. For me it comes from having the massive slab for the convention/casino space on the same plane as the nubby (Technical term. Look it up.) towers.

Some kind of stepping or articulation might help. Additional height would definitely also help.

officedweller

Sep 25, 2013, 9:08 PM

That plane is also a result of the straightening of Terry Fox Way / Smithe St. - which is really no longer necessary since it won't connect westwards to downtown.

But with One Pacific there, there's nothing they can do about it now to give the project a bit more width.

djh

Sep 25, 2013, 9:46 PM

It's interesting that all of the renders forget to draw-in even an opaque render of the One Pacific development that will be going in across the (quite narrow) new road from this (might even be a cul-de-sac; I see that's modelled though). So the residents of One Pacific will be staring at a multi-floor shiny wall...! As officedweller speculated in that thread, there's a possibility that the jumbotron gets relocated from against BC Place; wouldn't it be fun if it gets moved onto/integrated into that huge blank wall....

Another thought for the future residents of One Pacific. They'll presumably be sharing that cul-de-sac with pick-ups and drop-offs to the hotel/casino complex. If that junction is managed well, fine. Is there potential for that to be a bit of a logjam at peak hours? 2-3 residential towers at rush hour, plus 2 hotels doing arrivals/departures, plus a casino running at all-hours? Plus commercial vehicles...

Edit: I actually like the boldness of the design. They have some real challenges with the space they have - fully-utilizing a given FSR without completely ruining the view of an already iconic building, but also creating something interesting in itself. As somebody else mentioned, when you see the building in context of the interesting other buildings along SEFC (Science World and the existing Edgewater building), I think it's appropriate to have a design that is so non-practical and artistic. So with some refinements - e.g., some more curves to reflect BC Place, as was mentioned, it could really work there.

Klazu

Sep 28, 2013, 1:14 AM

I am happy that the city will be getting it's first J.W. Marriott with this project. Ritz-Carlton seems to be really missing out on the apparently lucrative local splurge accommodation market.

EdinVan

Sep 28, 2013, 2:29 AM

It's upsetting that the city and province are going out of their way to ensure that most views of BC Place are blocked. It's a great structure that deserves to be showcased, not hidden.

WarrenC12

Sep 28, 2013, 5:48 AM

It's upsetting that the city and province are going out of their way to ensure that most views of BC Place are blocked. It's a great structure that deserves to be showcased, not hidden.

Please detail the ways in which the city and province are "going out of their way to ensure that most views of BC Place are blocked".

This is only a proposal by a 3rd party that has yet to get any approval from any level of government.

cjohnny4

Sep 28, 2013, 3:53 PM

We build a beautiful new stadium and then do everything we can to try to hide it from view. That is the most disappointing thing to me. And yes, have they considered how bright those LED lights are? No one gonna get any sleep in those rooms facing the stadium!

osirisboy

Sep 28, 2013, 5:12 PM

It's called curtains. Seriously I'm surprised how many people forget about the invention of window coverings

Denscity

Sep 28, 2013, 10:11 PM

The only way to leave BC Place unhidden is to have acres of parking lots or fields surrounding the stadium. Please no.

spm2013

Sep 28, 2013, 10:41 PM

Or they could build a new stadium 200 feet in the sky. It will be wonderful. :)

idunno

Sep 29, 2013, 2:12 PM

Hahahaha or just put it 'on top of a mountain!'

VanCityDeveloper

Sep 30, 2013, 4:42 PM

The only way to leave BC Place unhidden is to have acres of parking lots or fields surrounding the stadium. Please no.

exactly...then you'd have Rexall Place and the Northlands complex in Edmonton...no Thank You.

connect2source

Sep 30, 2013, 6:47 PM

Just returned from Barcelona and this is truly a hot piece of architecture and would be perfectly at home alone Barcelona's beachfront, specifically around The Forum

http://www.localnomad.com/en/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/museo-blau-edificio-forum-barcelona.jpg

It's is a shame, however, to completely hide BC Place but at least they'll be something amazing to look at in it's place.

officedweller

Oct 8, 2013, 8:44 PM

Paragon's proposal is now up at the City's website - including floorplans:

http://former.vancouver.ca/commsvcs/developmentservices/devapps/39smithe/index.htm

jlousa

Oct 8, 2013, 9:10 PM

Open house on the 15th

Please join Dundee Corp., 360 Vox Corp. and Paragon Development Ltd. at this Community Open House to discuss design plans for 39 Smithe Street (also known as Site10a).

The partnership, Paragon Holdings (Smithe Street) ULC, has submitted a Preliminary Development Permit Application to the City of Vancouver, which will seek to create a unique mixed-use building to further invigorate the downtown entertainment district. Vancouver’s Urban Resort will include two hotels, conference space, restaurants and lounges, gym and spa, and the relocation, as approved by the City Council on November 29, 2011, of the Edgewater Casino.

The open house will be a “drop-in” event where you can view the proposed project as submitted to City of Vancouver’s Planning and Development Services Department on September 25, 2013 for the Preliminary Development Permit Application. The applicant team will be available to answer your questions and receive your comments. We look forward to hearing your thoughts. Your feedback will become part of the consultation record which will be considered by City Staff and the Development Permit Board.

Community Open House Information:
Date: Tuesday, October 15th, 2013
Time: 5pm - 8pm
Location: The Georgian Court Hotel – the Club Room
773 Beatty Street, Vancouver, BC

GeeCee

Oct 16, 2013, 1:21 PM

Did anyone here attend?

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/paragon-pitches-new-downtown-casino-plans-in-vancouver-1.2065034

officedweller

Nov 19, 2013, 12:32 AM

UDP minutes for the casino project are finally up:

http://vancouver.ca/files/cov/committees/minutes-urban-design-panel-20131023.pdf

Joat

Nov 20, 2013, 3:14 AM

I like the design a lot. I hope they don't try to hide the fact that its a casino too much. Id love to see some vegas style lights and signs.

So this casino will have the same number of slots and tables as the current edgewater?

spm2013

Nov 20, 2013, 3:36 AM

Pinion

Nov 20, 2013, 3:53 AM

Another Panel member thought the colour and reflectivity of the glass wouldn’t work in Vancouver.

Urrrgh

Has "no mechanical ventilation" ever worked well? The current Edgewater has super poor air quality and now they're going to screw up the new one. Gamblers are stinky, smoky disgusting people and need fresh air.

The CNV library has this too and it's stifling all the time.

Klazu

Nov 28, 2013, 4:10 AM

WarrenC12

Nov 28, 2013, 3:09 PM

^^^^ Maybe Concord changed their mind about One Pacific and turned it into a park for property tax relief instead. :)

Graham_Yvr

Nov 28, 2013, 5:57 PM

Strange and deceiving rendering from Changing City (http://changingcitybook.com/2013/10/01/bc-place-casino-resort/). What's with that grass and those trees? :???:

http://changingcitybook.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/2013-casino-3.jpg

From the Changing City's blog post:

"We particularly like this render from the Las Vegas press who can’t be expected to know that the gorgeous lawn is in fact the location of Concord Pacific’s One Pacific residential scheme, now under construction."

Klazu

Nov 28, 2013, 8:08 PM

From the Changing City's blog post:
"We particularly like this render from the Las Vegas press who can’t be expected to know that the gorgeous lawn is in fact the location of Concord Pacific’s One Pacific residential scheme, now under construction."

I must say that I didn't read the blog posting, but I wasn't thinking a newspaper would be doing their own renderings. Just thought this is some oddball version among the real ones. :haha:

Joat

Nov 29, 2013, 3:20 AM

So if they are planning to get approval to expand their amount of tables and machines, I guess they will just have some extra convention and conference space that can be easily converted into gaming space? Ideally theyd get approval to expand while its under construction and save them a lot of trouble; though Id imagine they will have to wait much longer than that to try again.

PeterAKer

Nov 29, 2013, 3:34 AM

The current revised design is awful I much preferred the original design. I just doesn't fit the feel of the Stadium nor the new development next door.

spm2013

Nov 29, 2013, 5:39 AM

Joat

Nov 29, 2013, 6:46 AM

I think a few articles (and maybe some SSPers) mentioned that they could try again later. That's what a lot of the people protesting the casino seem to be worried about anyway.

I just found this recent one where they ask the preident of paragon if theyll try to expand later.

"Asked if the design would allow the casino to be expanded later, Paragon president Scott Menke said the company is “not contemplating that right now.”

“We heard very clearly from city council that it was 600 machines and 75 table games. So we are going into this reconcepting this as an urban resort with much more emphasis on hotel rooms and engagement with B.C. Place and surrounding entertainment areas,” Mr. Menke said."

source: Globe and Mail (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/casino-company-rolls-dice-again-on-downtown-vancouver-development/article14504321/)

I'd imagine they still hope to make it a destination casino. But I think it will only be more difficult to expand as time goes on, since more and more condos (and even an elementary school if i recall?) are popping up in the 'entertainment district'.

EDIT: If your question was in regards to me assuming they will turn convention or conference space into gaming space its just my guess. I have zero insider info or expertise on the matter.

spm2013

Nov 29, 2013, 5:00 PM

Ah okay, I just mean that they were asked flat out during the press conference if they were going to leave extra space to look to expand the casino down the road and they said no.

Yes, I know it might just be lip service but I doubt it will ever get approved.

EastVanMark

Nov 30, 2013, 4:48 PM

source: Globe and Mail (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/casino-company-rolls-dice-again-on-downtown-vancouver-development/article14504321/)

I'd imagine they still hope to make it a destination casino. But I think it will only be more difficult to expand as time goes on, since more and more condos (and even an elementary school if i recall?) are popping up in the 'entertainment district'.

Yup, every good entertainment district needs an elementary school in it.:koko: Good grief Vancouver...:yuck:

officedweller

Dec 2, 2013, 10:03 PM

The school is over on the other side of BC Place - at International Village (next to the future super-road).

EastVanMark

Dec 3, 2013, 5:53 PM

...In the Village that is not very International and the road that certainly is anything but "super," we add a district that is anything but "entertaining." (unless you find looking at street level townhomes devoid of any commercial value entertaining):haha:

city-dweller

Dec 3, 2013, 6:18 PM

The whole super-road label is to mollify those freaking out about the viaducts removal. The road will be essentially an extension of pacific boulevard with a tie-into Georgia street.

Now relating to this thread, I noticed yesterday while walking around false creek that they have added a few transmitters/antennae looking devices on the stadium. What is odd is they are located just on top of the lower window box just above the north side road, and they were added recently. My question is why didn't they put these higher up completely out of sight and why were they only recently added?

Prometheus

Dec 3, 2013, 11:32 PM

Here is a detailed fly-through of the entertainment district Edmonton is building around its new arena: http://downloads.oilers.nhl.com/arena/flyover.mov

And here are a few renders of the arena:

http://downloads.oilers.nhl.com/arena/NW-white.png
(http://downloads.oilers.nhl.com/arena/NW-white.png)

http://downloads.oilers.nhl.com/arena/SW-white.png
(http://downloads.oilers.nhl.com/arena/SW-white.png)

http://rogersplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/plaza.jpg
(http://rogersplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/plaza.jpg)

http://rogersplace.com

rsxstock

Dec 4, 2013, 1:06 AM

^wish we had some dominant "chic" structures like that

Pinion

Dec 4, 2013, 3:37 AM

Rogers Place? Seriously?

Looks nice otherwise.

spm2013

Dec 4, 2013, 5:21 AM

I prefer living in architectural cesspool of obscurity. It makes travelling more enjoyable. :)

GeeCee

Dec 4, 2013, 7:43 AM

Ugh, I briefly thought that our Rogers Arena was going to be re-wrapped like that.

Gotta put all that oil money to use somehow.

officedweller

Dec 10, 2013, 9:54 PM

Staff report for the DPB meeting on Dec 16th is up.

http://vancouver.ca/files/cov/committees/report-development-permit-board-39-smithe-street-DE417276-20131216.pdf

Seems like the remaining issues are ensuring there is enough exit room on the BC Place concourse (since the project will block part of the concourse), and a shift in the angle of the tall tower which caused it to encroach on a view cone.

Here are some floorplans. I'm disappointed there's no "show theatre" like at River Rock.

Ground floor with Hotel lobbies and BC Place loading docks:

http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/5856/q11i.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/541/q11i.png/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Level 2 - Casino floor:

http://imageshack.us/a/img96/9648/oo8p.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/96/oo8p.png/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Level 3 - Casino floor:

http://imageshack.us/a/img854/3593/8e5y.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/854/8e5y.png/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Level 4 - Ballrooms:

http://imageshack.us/a/img34/9223/5x86.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/34/5x86.png/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Level 5 - Mezzanine health club / spa

http://imageshack.us/a/img22/1607/sd2e.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/22/sd2e.png/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Level 6 - Roof terrace:
One of the Hotel Lobbies on on the roof terrace.

http://imageshack.us/a/img35/966/r9xw.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/35/r9xw.png/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Level 7 - Tower floorplates:
Note the two south towers are connected, requiring only one elevator core.
Also note that the tall tower (closest to BC Place, has no rooms fronting the Northern Lights display).

http://imageshack.us/a/img14/8645/q0ix.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/14/q0ix.png/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Here's the view cone encroachment (right hand edge of envelope)
requiring a shifting or redesign of the taller tower.

http://imageshack.us/a/img819/8412/y8uy.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/819/y8uy.png/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

http://imageshack.us/a/img703/2883/ailj.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/703/ailj.png/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

The Landscape Plans shows the pedestrian circulation around the site and though the building.
So when you hit the dead-end on the councourse, you should continue through the building to get to Pacfic Blvd:

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/4338/618p.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/197/618p.png/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Landscape Plan of heavily planted and treed roof terrace:

http://imageshack.us/a/img194/4619/7zgr.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/194/7zgr.png/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Swimming Pool is on the roof of the shorter south tower:

http://imageshack.us/a/img541/2464/fbxx.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/541/fbxx.png/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Elevations anbd Cross-Sections:

http://imageshack.us/a/img585/5302/6l8u.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/585/6l8u.png/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

http://imageshack.us/a/img571/5729/l28i.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/571/l28i.png/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

http://imageshack.us/a/img7/8630/sk2f.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/7/sk2f.png/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Huge internal atrium:

http://imageshack.us/a/img36/4588/l5vm.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/36/l5vm.png/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

http://imageshack.us/a/img4/3924/9ytt.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/4/9ytt.png/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

LeftCoaster

Dec 10, 2013, 10:04 PM

Here are some floorplans. I'm disappointed there's no "show theatre" like at River Rock.

I'm actually quite happy there isn't. I'd rather the shows go to the existing theatres rather than be subsidized by the casino leading to the downfall of Vancouver's stock of much more handsome historic theatres.

WarrenC12

Dec 10, 2013, 10:10 PM

I didn't realize the casino would be so close to BC Place and the outdoor concourse. Looks great to me.

officedweller

Dec 10, 2013, 10:36 PM

Yeah, I figure that's why there's no show theatre.

The podium gets really really close to the stadium (also because the stadium facade pokes out in places), but the towers are set back farther. Not sure how claustrophobic it may be on the south side (concourse looks to be narrowed to half current width, although it's a dead-end so won't be used much).

nefc

Dec 10, 2013, 11:43 PM

From the staff report, regarding the concourse layout:

"Staff are concerned about the proposed new layout of the Stadium concourse with respect to its overall functionality as a major thoroughfare for large, tight crowds before and after stadium events, as well as to the resulting lack of visual amenity for pedestrians when travelling on this portion of the redesigned concourse. As such, staff look for an overall design strategy to accommodate stadium events that is equal or better than the existing condition."

dleung

Dec 11, 2013, 12:16 AM

The Landscape Plans shows the pedestrian circulation around the site and though the building.
So when you hit the dead-end on the councourse, you should continue through the building to get to Pacfic Blvd:

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/4338/618p.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/197/618p.png/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

They shouldn't have narrowed the concourse or limited the main path of travel to through the complex... this is sort of dooming the southern most-exposed side of the stadium to remain as a concrete bunker.

I still think no building sharing the same block with BC place should be any higher than the concrete rim of the stadium itself.

officedweller

Dec 11, 2013, 2:24 AM

I still think no building sharing the same block with BC place should be any higher than the concrete rim of the stadium itself.

At least the podium is fully below the Northern Lights display. Skinnier towers would have helped with sightlines to the stadium, but the view cone killed that possibility.

Here's the another diagram from the report - but it ignores the fact that people will exit the stadium and walk diagonally through the casino.
People headed to the Plaza of Nations will be diverted to Smithe Street, onto the street grid, which could be a good thing
(esp if Smithe St., with the casino and One Pacific are supposed to be an entertainment zone with restaurants, etc.).

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/6448/cni2.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/7/cni2.png/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Jebby

Dec 11, 2013, 2:35 AM

Here's the another diagram from the report - but it ignores the fact that people will exit the stadium and walk diagonally through the casino.

Aren't the casino and stadium exits on different floors?

officedweller

Dec 11, 2013, 3:09 AM

Yup - the concourse is on level 2.
You'd just use the stairs and escalators inside the building instead of the stairs outside the building - so it would be a question of walking around the outside of the building or dodging some casino tables when walking through the building.

Joat

Dec 11, 2013, 3:21 AM

Is this project going to get its own thread?

Also, is the casino likely to retain the edgewater name? Maybe it will be given a vegas brand name? I guess that could also depends on who the hotel tenants will be.

officedweller

Dec 11, 2013, 4:00 AM

Agreed, I think it should get a new thread

Jimbo604

Dec 11, 2013, 4:32 AM

One idea would be for the city to try and use this upcoming development permit application to motivate BC Pavilion Corp to come into compliance with its giant non-conforming electronic signs that it has outside of the stadium right now.

Graham_Yvr

Dec 17, 2013, 2:34 AM

Development Permit Approved! :cheers:

http://globalnews.ca/news/1034421/city-of-vancouver-green-lights-new-edgewater-casino-and-hotel-complex/

officedweller

Dec 17, 2013, 2:56 AM

Nice!

Prometheus

Dec 17, 2013, 4:28 AM

Good to hear.

Here is another rendering:

http://www.vancouverobserver.com/sites/vancouverobserver.com/files/resize/images/article/body/P1060599-500x375.JPG
http://www.vancouverobserver.com/city/casino/vancouver-permit-board-approves-supersized-edgewater-casino-bc-place-live-blog

Prometheus

Dec 17, 2013, 6:37 AM

Apparently, the story is not over yet.

The DPB's approval seems to be conditional. Paragon apparently must satisfy a number of conditions, including developing an approved strategy for mitigating gambling addiction, limiting access to alcohol and the availability and number of ATMs, etc. The issue still has to go back to city council in January and the mayor is vowing to block construction if Paragon does not meet the conditions. The mayor also vows to pass by-laws that prevent any possible future expansion of gambling on the site, possibly by limiting the proposal's floor space.

Here is the mayor's statement:

I have been very clear that I am opposed to any expansion of gambling in the City of Vancouver. Today’s decision by the Development Permit Board ensures that the proponent will have to align operations with the concerns raised in the recent Provincial Health Officer’s Report on Gambling.

Before a new casino can begin construction, the proponents have to come back with a plan that addresses the health concerns raised by Dr. Perry Kendall. If they don’t, it cannot proceed.

I’m pleased to see the DP Board direction to the applicant to develop a management plan that will address Dr. Kendall’s recommendations, including issues such as access to alcohol, the availability and number of ATMs at the casino, and the need for a public health strategy to minimize risk and harm.

These steps go far beyond anything previously mandated by the city when it comes to gaming and public health.

Even with these conditions to the development permit, I’ve heard clear concerns from the community about the potential for future councils to expand gambling.

Given these public concerns, many of which were raised at today’s Development Permit Board meeting, I will ask City staff to identify further measures to prevent any expansion of gambling in the future on this site, including amendments to by-laws or the Northeast False Creek Official Development Plan that will restrict the allowable casino floor space to the existing proposal.

http://www.francesbula.com/uncategorized/vancouver-development-permit-board-approves-new-casino-site-mayor-says-will-take-extra-precautions-to-ensure-no-gambling-expansion/