[FuzzyWuz]

You know, originally the red balconies just didn't do it for me. They didn't impress me at all - but the more and more I look at the renderings; the more them seem to be growing on me (of course not literally)...

"You have a rare condition we call 'red balconies'. I've scheduled you for surgery."

[someone123]

Add a building to this and well its not hard to see that the city is losing out.

The biggest problem I think is that when you have a situation like this there's very little pressure for NSP to find the best use for the property because they are not forced to pay for it. If they had to pay a tax bill every year they would either find a good use for it or would sell it off to save money and the buyer would develop it.

The buyer of the government building on Barrington near Morris Street is already looking to build on the parking lot in behind because there is demand in that area for much more than surface parking. Of course, that story is also kind of sad, since I remember some meetings about trying to down-zone the site to only townhouses back before a buyer was even chosen for the property - another clearly broken situation.

[Jonovision]

The buyer of the government building on Barrington near Morris Street is already looking to build on the parking lot in behind because there is demand in that area for much more than surface parking. Of course, that story is also kind of sad, since I remember some meetings about trying to down-zone the site to only townhouses back before a buyer was even chosen for the property - another clearly broken situation.

What building are you referring to?

[sdm]

What building are you referring to?

I believe he's talking about the Sir Thompson building.

And to correct an item, the parking lot has been zoned for townhouse use only. This was done by the community council and the residents in the area. This was done prior to the recent purchase.

[JustinMacD]

Tons of work being done on this one today. The crane was moving a lot of stuff around. They've really started to move quick on this one.

http://i26.tinypic.com/34qlr1t.jpg

[phn902]

Yeah, they just poured the rest of the first level yesterday. They seem to almost have half of the first level completely formed up. Not sure if they will do half a slab or the whole thing in one shot on this one.

From here on it things should move a lot smoother and quicker. Getting up out of the ground is usually the most difficult part.

[Dmajackson]

Yeah, they just poured the rest of the first level yesterday. They seem to almost have half of the first level completely formed up. Not sure if they will do half a slab or the whole thing in one shot on this one.

From here on it things should move a lot smoother and quicker. Getting up out of the ground is usually the most difficult part.

I have some photos from yesterday of them pouring the ground floor.

[worldlyhaligonian]

I have some photos from yesterday of them pouring the ground floor.

Got any Trillium shots you can add as well? :cheers:

[Dmajackson]

Got any Trillium shots you can add as well? :cheers:

Yep along with most of the other normals as well (SFM, NSP, 6955, TL, Portland, and KW).

[bluenoser]

These pictures don't show a whole lot... but I am pleased that this building will have a decent presence on the skyline!

http://a.imageshack.us/img96/4465/hollimorri1.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img444/1115/hollimorri2.jpg

source: me

[Dmajackson]

Just two this time;

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4863784990_6b4a353f7a_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4863171161_db5cf5685b_z.jpg

I have more photos of King's Wharf, Portland St, Theatre Lofts and NSP but I'm experiencing some problems finding my camera so I'll upload them this evening.

[worldlyhaligonian]

These pictures don't show a whole lot... but I am pleased that this building will have a decent presence on the skyline!

http://a.imageshack.us/img444/1115/hollimorri2.jpg

source: me

Where in the heck did that ugly ass house in the foreground come from? It appears as though its on the Salter Street proposed location?

Edit: Nevermind... its the tugboat station or whatever... it really should be torn down or moved... sooo ugly.

[Jonovision]

Where in the heck did that ugly ass house in the foreground come from? It appears as though its on the Salter Street proposed location?

Edit: Nevermind... its the tugboat station or whatever... it really should be torn down or moved... sooo ugly.

Actually there was an article in the Chronicle the other day. The tug boats have all moved. The ones that were stationed on the waterfront moved up to Point Tupper on the Canso Straight and the harbour will now be serviced by Irvings tugs which are docked over in woodside. So these wharves could very well be gone in a few years.

[Dmajackson]

From Tuesday;

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4883758538_b82de65483_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4883760720_2808315bcd_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4883158493_39dcdd74a7_z.jpg

[Empire]

Where in the heck did that ugly ass house in the foreground come from? It appears as though its on the Salter Street proposed location?

Edit: Nevermind... its the tugboat station or whatever... it really should be torn down or moved... sooo ugly.

This is a building I would put in a very ugly building thread. This building is only 15 years old and was built from scratch so there was ample opportunity to get it right. At the time it was being built I begged planning to request changes. The WDC should wear this as well. This type of building slips through the HRM cracks all the time.



Ugly Tug Building

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q7/empire1_2007/tug1.jpg

Prince Albert & Portland
http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=44.667653,-63.563622&spn=0,0.012746&t=h&z=17&layer=c&cbll=44.667889,-63.563839&panoid=UeXR1oGK1xvlUNqLz8xdFQ&cbp=12,324.87,,0,5

Staples Cogswell & Gottingen
http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&q=halifax&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Halifax,+Halifax+County,+Nova+Scotia&t=h&layer=c&cbll=44.650543,-63.580436&panoid=mBcmb-KQy96iq0V-sIvvRQ&cbp=12,349.76,,0,5&ll=44.663464,-63.5602&spn=0,0.050941&z=15

SuperStore Barrington?
http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=44.637555,-63.569705&spn=0,0.006266&t=h&z=18&layer=c&cbll=44.637465,-63.569694&panoid=3WpmICBGJM127IEnXzWU3Q&cbp=12,25.1,,0,5

[worldlyhaligonian]

This is a building I would put in a very ugly building thread. This building is only 15 years old and was built from scratch so there was ample opportunity to get it right. At the time it was being built I begged planning to request changes. The WDC should wear this as well. This type of building slips through the HRM cracks all the time.



Ugly Tug Building

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q7/empire1_2007/tug1.jpg

Prince Albert & Portland
http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=44.667653,-63.563622&spn=0,0.012746&t=h&z=17&layer=c&cbll=44.667889,-63.563839&panoid=UeXR1oGK1xvlUNqLz8xdFQ&cbp=12,324.87,,0,5

Staples Cogswell & Gottingen
http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&q=halifax&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Halifax,+Halifax+County,+Nova+Scotia&t=h&layer=c&cbll=44.650543,-63.580436&panoid=mBcmb-KQy96iq0V-sIvvRQ&cbp=12,349.76,,0,5&ll=44.663464,-63.5602&spn=0,0.050941&z=15

SuperStore Barrington?
http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=44.637555,-63.569705&spn=0,0.006266&t=h&z=18&layer=c&cbll=44.637465,-63.569694&panoid=3WpmICBGJM127IEnXzWU3Q&cbp=12,25.1,,0,5

Most of these buildings are so ugly that their sites would look better with nothing there!

[halifaxboyns]

Most of these buildings are so ugly that their sites would look better with nothing there!

Sometimes it comes down to a matter of jurisdiction. I am not sure if HRM's Bylaws may apply to the Waterfront Corp.

That's just like here in calgary - the LUB doesn't apply to the airport because most airport authorities cry that something that they want to approve is exempted by the aeronautics act. I never believed that hogwash; at least when I worked in Fort Mac and they wanted to build a hotel at the airport. That was a cluster f&*k. Thankfully some senior people with the city; who were on the airport board; put a stop to it and got permits.

But if the lub doesn't apply; they may have had no choice. Or; if it did apply - since this is a zoning system; if it met all the rules - the planning dept is required to issue an approval. That's the flaw in a zoning system - very little talk or issue on design, just fit the box. With calgary's development control system; it's too much focused on design and little issues bog down the whole thing.

Not saying I like the building...just saying that it may not all be the fault of staff.

[Empire]

Sometimes it comes down to a matter of jurisdiction. I am not sure if HRM's Bylaws may apply to the Waterfront Corp.

That's just like here in calgary - the LUB doesn't apply to the airport because most airport authorities cry that something that they want to approve is exempted by the aeronautics act. I never believed that hogwash; at least when I worked in Fort Mac and they wanted to build a hotel at the airport. That was a cluster f&*k. Thankfully some senior people with the city; who were on the airport board; put a stop to it and got permits.

But if the lub doesn't apply; they may have had no choice. Or; if it did apply - since this is a zoning system; if it met all the rules - the planning dept is required to issue an approval. That's the flaw in a zoning system - very little talk or issue on design, just fit the box. With calgary's development control system; it's too much focused on design and little issues bog down the whole thing.

Not saying I like the building...just saying that it may not all be the fault of staff.

This tug building didn't circumvent any policies but the problem is that no one had an issue with the design. That is the part that needs to change before any policy can be adopted to prevent this for happening. I have said in the past that I think you can govern design to a certain degree by enforcing certain materials to be used in defined locations. Not only does this design not fit but the materials look like an ugly house in the burbs instead of a tug headquarters.

[fenwick16]

The design doesn't look too bad if you think of old Halifax industrial harbour type buildings. I kind of like the design, but in the picture it looks like it might be cheap vinyl siding - is that the case? If it is, then Hardy Board (cement based siding) might have been a better choice and is more fire retardant).

Maybe there is something wrong with my taste because I really like the picture below. I like the colours especially and even the building designs. Except for the corrugated green roof on the one building and cheap vinyl on the building in question (if it is cheap vinyl).

(source: bluenoser in a previous post)

http://a.imageshack.us/img444/1115/hollimorri2.jpg

[Empire]

The design doesn't look too bad if you think of old Halifax industrial harbour type buildings. I kind of like the design, but in the picture it looks like it might be cheap vinyl siding - is that the case? If it is, then Hardy Board (cement based siding) might have been a better choice and is more fire retardant).

Maybe there is something wrong with my taste because I really like the picture below. I like the colours especially and even the building designs. Except for the corrugated green roof on the one building and cheap vinyl on the building in question (if it is cheap vinyl).

(source: bluenoser in a previous post)

http://a.imageshack.us/img444/1115/hollimorri2.jpg

Ugly Tug Building

In my opinion the building is flawed in almost all respects:

- cheap vinyl siding
- cheap vinyl windows
- residential doors
- cheap roofing with no gable detail and minimal pitch
- cheap vinyl railing
- exposed balcony with warped unfinished wolmanized framing & supports
- massive exposed diesel tank

I think a lot of this could have been prevented with material guidelines in place.

Salty's good waterfront design:
http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/p/m/3d7973/

[halifaxboyns]

With a zoning system; you must have rules; otherwise you can't ask for it. So you can have a rule that says something like this:

"Design
The design of a building must have consideration to the surrounding architectural form, design and materials of neighbouring buildings, to the satisfaction of the development officer."

The catch with that will be - the opinion of the development officer. If there is no policy or guidelines for the DO to follow; then a rule like that can be enforced in consistantly.

The same is true in the Calgary system; where there is a lot of discretion.

[HRM]

Empire/Worldlyhaligonian

Corrections/comments
1. The building was built in 2005 so it is 5 years old not 15
2. The building is not owned by WDCL; it is owned by SVITZER Canada Ltd.
3. This building sits the furthest into the harbour and is therefore subject to extreme weather conditions. The wind and salt spray are extremely unkind to the building. Increasing the pitch of the roof, for example, would simply turn it into a giant sail. No gable detail? Vinyl? The building is utilitarian only - it is used by a working tug company; not situated in a residential neighbourhood.
4. The fuel tank holds diesel for Atlantic Pilotage Authority boats used to ferry pilots to/from ships being guided into/out of the harbour. Remember it is a working harbour - where else would you put a fuel tank for boats?

Simply put this building certainly will not win any design awards but was purpose built with a design and materials to withstand the elements and the constant swaying caused by wind and surf.

[Empire]

Empire/Worldlyhaligonian

Corrections/comments
1. The building was built in 2005 so it is 5 years old not 15
2. The building is not owned by WDCL; it is owned by SVITZER Canada Ltd.
3. This building sits the furthest into the harbour and is therefore subject to extreme weather conditions. The wind and salt spray are extremely unkind to the building. Increasing the pitch of the roof, for example, would simply turn it into a giant sail. No gable detail? Vinyl? The building is utilitarian only - it is used by a working tug company; not situated in a residential neighbourhood.
4. The fuel tank holds diesel for Atlantic Pilotage Authority boats used to ferry pilots to/from ships being guided into/out of the harbour. Remember it is a working harbour - where else would you put a fuel tank for boats?

Simply put this building certainly will not win any design awards but was purpose built with a design and materials to withstand the elements and the constant swaying caused by wind and surf.

2. Did SVITZER build a building on the Hfx. waterfront with no input from WDC or HRM planning? Who do they pay property tax to.
3. Given the position in the harbour and the harsh conditions, vinyl siding, cheap roofing, and a balconny would be more prone to destruction than a solidly built roof with slightly more pitch. (eg. Historic properties)
4. Perhaps some attempt could be made to partially enclose the tank.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Empire/Worldlyhaligonian

Corrections/comments
1. The building was built in 2005 so it is 5 years old not 15
2. The building is not owned by WDCL; it is owned by SVITZER Canada Ltd.
3. This building sits the furthest into the harbour and is therefore subject to extreme weather conditions. The wind and salt spray are extremely unkind to the building. Increasing the pitch of the roof, for example, would simply turn it into a giant sail. No gable detail? Vinyl? The building is utilitarian only - it is used by a working tug company; not situated in a residential neighbourhood.
4. The fuel tank holds diesel for Atlantic Pilotage Authority boats used to ferry pilots to/from ships being guided into/out of the harbour. Remember it is a working harbour - where else would you put a fuel tank for boats?

Simply put this building certainly will not win any design awards but was purpose built with a design and materials to withstand the elements and the constant swaying caused by wind and surf.

I'm not arguing about the design... I don't think it should be there in the first place.

1. None of your points make the building less ugly...
2. You can find creative ways to hide things... or better yet, put them in a different part of the "working" harbour. I know the harbour extremely well and there are many other places aside from the foot of Bishop's Landing.
3. That is one of the most unsheltered areas on the Halifax side of the habour.

Buildings like this go up, but its world war III any time a building taller than 10 stories is proposed.

[someone123]

The fact that it's an industrial building isn't an excuse for it to be ugly. There are lots of attractive, durable, utilitarian buildings.

[worldlyhaligonian]

The fact that it's an industrial building isn't an excuse for it to be ugly. There are lots of attractive, durable, utilitarian buildings.

Totally, theoretically the design could be much more visually appealing and ultilitarian.

If the wind really is such an issue any box based design such as this vinyl sided monster is going to have poor aerodynamics.

It woulbe interesting to see a cone design on this site, like a 10-12 story obeservation tower.

[HRM]

Are you suggesting to simply move the operations of a company that has been in this location since the 1930s? Even though it is strategically placed between the harbour's two container terminals and directly across from Esso's oil refinery (the largest $ user of tugs in the harbour)?

Worldlyhaligonian - So to where should SVITZER relocate?

As I said the building has no redeeming qualities. I'm not going to argue that point - especially in a thread dedicated to The Vic.

This is a subsidiary of a European publicly-traded company. Shareholders get upset when money above and beyond what is necessary is spent on overhead. I guess the BoD, management and shareholders think it's more important to keep tugs running than spending money on upgraded building materials that result in no benefit whatsoever to the bottom line. Remember the publicly traded part?

Boards approve budgets. Local management has to do its best based on the budgetary constraints placed on it by its BoD. Simple as that.

Would you spend an extra $20K on Hardieplank or tug maintenance?

[someone123]

This is a subsidiary of a European publicly-traded company. Shareholders get upset when money above and beyond what is necessary is spent on overhead. I guess the BoD, management and shareholders think it's more important to keep tugs running than spending money on upgraded building materials that result in no benefit whatsoever to the bottom line. Remember the publicly traded part?

This is an explanation of why the building was built but not an explanation of why it ought to have been permitted in its current incarnation.

It stands to reason that European shareholders have little interest in the appearance of the Halifax waterfront. However, the building does impact more than just the shareholders; because this is in a very prominent area and visible to the public at large everybody has a stake in the development.

This is why cities implement development controls. They must force private interests to take the public interest into account in order to encourage a correct cost-benefit assessment that gives everybody a fair deal. Europeans should understand this more than anything - do you think they would allow something like this in the city centre of Copenhagen, where this company with $260B in revenues is headquartered?

It is absolutely worth it to force this company to spend $20,000 on hardiplank if it makes this building palatable to the public. The fact that such a simple improvement failed to happen reflects very poorly on the HRM.

[halifaxboyns]

I think we all agree the building is not good.

Most seem to agree; that fact it was approved (as is) is not good. But we're drifting off topic here (I know; I'm one of the biggest offenders so I'm laughing as I type this).

With their tugs relocating anyway; it may not be there for as long as you think. There was an article talking about the tugs leaving in the herald the other day...so I saw?

[Empire]

Are you suggesting to simply move the operations of a company that has been in this location since the 1930s? Even though it is strategically placed between the harbour's two container terminals and directly across from Esso's oil refinery (the largest $ user of tugs in the harbour)?

Worldlyhaligonian - So to where should SVITZER relocate?

As I said the building has no redeeming qualities. I'm not going to argue that point - especially in a thread dedicated to The Vic.

This is a subsidiary of a European publicly-traded company. Shareholders get upset when money above and beyond what is necessary is spent on overhead. I guess the BoD, management and shareholders think it's more important to keep tugs running than spending money on upgraded building materials that result in no benefit whatsoever to the bottom line. Remember the publicly traded part?

Boards approve budgets. Local management has to do its best based on the budgetary constraints placed on it by its BoD. Simple as that.

Would you spend an extra $20K on Hardieplank or tug maintenance?

"Would you spend an extra $20K on Hardieplank or tug maintenance" The issue is not so much should SVITZER build a building to last that respects the surroundings but why do we have a system that allows it. The cost saving on the cheap vinyl siding will come back to bite them when they try to unload the building because it already is in battered, faded & in poor condition. (not to mention it's champagne in colour) In my opinion buildings like this show lack of respect for the community as it's clear the owner is only concerned about their short term bottom line.

[terrynorthend]

Worldlyhaligonian - So to where should SVITZER relocate?



This is a moot point now anyways. SVITZER is leaving Halifax, the property is being abandoned, and will be available for redevelopment. Not sure if it will go to the WDC, but I expect it will.

SVITZER and Atlantic Towing have agreed to redistribute work in the province, with SVITZER taking work in other ports and Irving taking over all the Halifax traffic, operating out of their base in Woodside. The Navy will still operate its own tug fleet.

[fenwick16]

This is a moot point now anyways. SVITZER is leaving Halifax, the property is being abandoned, and will be available for redevelopment. Not sure if it will go to the WDC, but I expect it will.

SVITZER and Atlantic Towing have agreed to redistribute work in the province, with SVITZER taking work in other ports and Irving taking over all the Halifax traffic, operating out of their base in Woodside. The Navy will still operate its own tug fleet.

What are the designated building heights in this area? (I am not sure of the address).

Here are the pre-bonus and post-bonus building limits. It would be good to see it redeveloped.

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/9182/postbonusmaimum.jpg

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/6831/prebonusheight.jpg

[terrynorthend]

What are the designated building heights in this area? (I am not sure of the address).

Here are the pre-bonus and post-bonus building limits. It would be good to see it redeveloped.



I'm sorry for my ignorance, but what is meant by pre and post-bonus?

[fenwick16]

I'm sorry for my ignorance, but what is meant by pre and post-bonus?

Pre-bonus height is the height allowed as per the bylaws. To get the post-bonus height, the developer has to have a public benefit component (example the convention centre - although this is a special allowance above the post bonus height) or pay a penalty per additional height up to the maximum post-bonus height. To go higher (up to the viewplane heights) then a special development agreement would be required and if appealed then the HRM by Design will surely be used to fight the development (so it would drag on for years).

[Dmajackson]

From Wednesday;

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4930437933_696e0554ce_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4930441847_e913d5e8c4_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4931034830_aeed1e2264_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4931030630_1c9a93ac3f_z.jpg

[DigitalNinja]

This will look great with what they are doing to the power station!

[Dmajackson]

From Wednesday;

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/4952561239_7ff7100e0a_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/4952540909_b10616f8d6_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/4952546099_33ac88bdd3_z.jpg

[Jonovision]

From yesterday.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/S7300888.jpg?t=1284467295

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/S7300889.jpg?t=1284467304

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/S7300890.jpg?t=1284467387

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/S7300891.jpg?t=1284467401

[JustinMacD]

Nice pics. This one is taking off.

[DigitalNinja]

Drove by today, looks like they are half done the 4th floor.

[Dmajackson]

From the weekend;

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5034083475_5c0ebe4d6d_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/5034828946_7606cb8349_z.jpg

[fenwick16]

From the weekend;

Thanks for all the pictorial updates.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Yeah, esp. because you are now out of town the majority of the time right?

[Dmajackson]

No problem guys. Going home every couple of weekends beats being bored to death here in the valley so I may be able to keep most projects up-to-date with some help. :)

I'll be home next on Thanksgiving weekend and the weekend of November 20th-22nd and possibly Remembrance Day weekend. Hopefully thats all because the only other reason I'd go home is for emergencies like this weekend.

[halifaxboyns]

Great work DM. Yeah I heard about COGS being nothing but slow death through workload - I decided to opt out of that and do my BA at SMU. It wasn't much easier.

The more I look at the renderings and this building going up; I really think this building could create a bit of a trendy area to this part of downtown. I can't wait for the project website to come up - I haven't seen it yet.

[fenwick16]

Great work DM. Yeah I heard about COGS being nothing but slow death through workload - I decided to opt out of that and do my BA at SMU. It wasn't much easier.

The more I look at the renderings and this building going up; I really think this building could create a bit of a trendy area to this part of downtown. I can't wait for the project website to come up - I haven't seen it yet.

But the buildings would have to be low-rise. I don't think that this height is allowed by HRM by Design (Is this correct?).

[Canadian_Bacon]

No problem guys. Going home every couple of weekends beats being bored to death here in the valley so I may be able to keep most projects up-to-date with some help. :)

I'll be home next on Thanksgiving weekend and the weekend of November 20th-22nd and possibly Remembrance Day weekend. Hopefully thats all because the only other reason I'd go home is for emergencies like this weekend.

Lol... What are you complaining about. I've lived here all my life. Why do you think there is so many liquor stores around here. :haha:

If your from the city and living here now, you must be going to Acadia or something. There is no job around here that is good enough to move here from the city.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Lol... What are you complaining about. I've lived here all my life. Why do you think there is so many liquor stores around here. :haha:

If your from the city and living here now, you must be going to Acadia or something. There is no job around here that is good enough to move here from the city.

Well, jobs at Acadia, but for the most part it is typical of town in Canada.

The liquor store comment is dead on.

[Dmajackson]

I'll be home next on Thanksgiving weekend and the weekend of November 20th-22nd and possibly Remembrance Day weekend. Hopefully thats all because the only other reason I'd go home is for emergencies like this weekend.

I just had to jinx myself didn't I? :rolleyes:

Well if this year keeps on going as it has been I may be home a lot of weekends. As long as I don't forget my camera like I did this week there may be a lot of updates in the future.

If your from the city and living here now, you must be going to Acadia or something. There is no job around here that is good enough to move here from the city.

Haha I wish I lived in a town but sadly I do not. Just got to love the decentralization methods of our provincial government.

The liquor store comment is dead on.

Well there is one large area without a liquor store for kilometres and I managed to land smack dab in the middle of it without a car to use.

[Dmajackson]

From the weekend;

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/5071660519_3637493130_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5072260418_aed3a05842_z.jpg

[someone123]

Starting to have more of a sense of the scale of the final building. I'm looking forward to seeing some of the cladding materials.

The parking lots on the rest of the block are still sad. What a waste of valuable land! Instead of parking it could easily be home to 400 or 500 people.

[someone123]

Here is a photo of the construction taken by Haggis on Flickr:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1187/5107045681_8faabb402c_b.jpg
Source (http://www.flickr.com/photos/haggis/5107045681/sizes/l/)

[worldlyhaligonian]

Just beat me to it!

[JustinMacD]

This building is absolutely perfect for that corner.

[Dmajackson]

Working on the 7th floor now.

- DJ

[Jonovision]

The lighting this time of day didn't really lend itself to the shots, but you can get the idea that it has a nice presence.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/IMG_4808.jpg?t=1288842139

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/IMG_4815.jpg?t=1288842160

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/IMG_4811.jpg?t=1288842184

[JustinMacD]

Love the reflection off of the NSP building in the above pics.

[kph06]

The Paramount website is now taking tenant applications, citing a summer 2011 occupancy.

[Jonovision]

From this afternoon.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/IMG_4838.jpg?t=1289531541

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/IMG_4840.jpg?t=1289531552

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/IMG_4841.jpg?t=1289531568

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/IMG_4843.jpg?t=1289531584

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/IMG_4843.jpg?t=1289531584

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/IMG_4844.jpg?t=1289531597

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/IMG_4847.jpg?t=1289531621

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/IMG_4849.jpg?t=1289531641

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/IMG_4850.jpg?t=1289531653

[mcmcclassic]

This one is getting close to topping out- can't wait to see what the cladding will look like.

[Dmajackson]

From Friday I believe;

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/5176281702_10eae98907_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5175680299_b59f298ee2_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/5176282976_ce940d11c6_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/5175675987_522278c7ac_z.jpg

[Dmajackson]

Creeping up there;

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5009/5199902773_a47f5a65c3_z.jpg

[Northend Guy]

Creeping up there;

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5009/5199902773_a47f5a65c3_z.jpg

Wow - I am just imagining this shot with the expanded & recladded Fenwick Tower...I really hope they are firmly resolved to do that work...

[JustinMacD]

Looking good.

It's gotta be close to being topped out now though. :(

Another 6 or 7 floors would've looked awesome on this one.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Looking good.

It's gotta be close to being topped out now though. :(

Another 6 or 7 floors would've looked awesome on this one.

Definitely could have been much taller!

[EGS]

The Vic Is for Rent At Morris and Hollis
Apartments in the Lawen Group's new building, The Vic, at the one-time controversial corner of Hollis and Morris St. are being advertised for rent and to be available in July next year.
http://halifax.infomonkey.net/blog.details.php?post_id=17385

[beyeas]

Definitely could have been much taller!

Yeah I would have liked to have seen a set back after 2 floors, followed by about another 14 floors (as opposed to the 10 floors straight up). Not only with the height have looked better, but the street presence would have been better. That seems to be something that people don't get (and people like Halifaxboyns have picked up on as a theme) that height with proper setbacks is less obtrusive at street level than shorter squatter boxes.

That is not to say that I think the current design of this one is a box... I actually like that they have broken the massing up (using the differing facade elements) a bit and not made it purely a box.

[Northend Guy]

The Vic Is for Rent At Morris and Hollis
Apartments in the Lawen Group's new building, The Vic, at the one-time controversial corner of Hollis and Morris St. are being advertised for rent and to be available in July next year.
http://halifax.infomonkey.net/blog.details.php?post_id=17385

wow - looking at those rents, you will need deep pockets to live there!

[JustinMacD]

Wow.. these are some expensive apartments.

$4400 a month?!!!!

I'm paying $1200 a month for a 1 bedroom and I thought that was harsh...

[Keith P.]

Wow.. these are some expensive apartments.

$4400 a month?!!!!

I'm paying $1200 a month for a 1 bedroom and I thought that was harsh...

I believe that is the penthouse.

Still though, I note that even with all that rent being paid, you are not allowed to enjoy a smoke in your own apartment in that building.

If I could afford such a tab, I would surely also have a sexy GF. If she wanted to puff away after some indoor recreation, I would not discourage her. Yet I would risk eviction. Seems unfair. :notacrook:

[Dmajackson]

Well looking at how rich people will have to be to live here those prostitutes that used to work the corner might just return to make a quick buck. :P

Probably easier to work southern Hollis Street than Windmill Rd or Victoria St ...

[halifaxboyns]

4400 for the penthouse? Wow that sounds like rents here in Alberta.

I remember when I lived in Fort Mac; my pre-furnished 2 bedroom apartment was $1800/month. When I left to take another place; the rent had gone up to 2500. I checked tonight; it stands at 3800.

I'm sure the price is worth it though for the view!

[eastcoastal]

Yeah I would have liked to have seen a set back after 2 floors, followed by about another 14 floors (as opposed to the 10 floors straight up). Not only with the height have looked better, but the street presence would have been better. That seems to be something that people don't get (and people like Halifaxboyns have picked up on as a theme) that height with proper setbacks is less obtrusive at street level than shorter squatter boxes.

That is not to say that I think the current design of this one is a box... I actually like that they have broken the massing up (using the differing facade elements) a bit and not made it purely a box.

This design is stepped back... after 4 or 5 floors it looks like from the photos

[JustinMacD]

4400 for the penthouse? Wow that sounds like rents here in Alberta.

I remember when I lived in Fort Mac; my pre-furnished 2 bedroom apartment was $1800/month. When I left to take another place; the rent had gone up to 2500. I checked tonight; it stands at 3800.

I'm sure the price is worth it though for the view!

Not many places in Halifax are worth THAT much. The view is good but it's not an incredible part of town or anything.

[beyeas]

Well at this point I would say that asking for $4400/month and getting $4400 are two separate things. The apartment will be worth what the market says it is worth. Having said that, it is interesting that the developer thinks it is worth a shot at that rent. It is possible that is saying something positive about the state of the downtown residential market... or, maybe on the other hand it is just the developer trying to put a veneer of "high end" on his project.

[Jonovision]

That is very expensive. I was in The Paramount not too long ago and was shown a 4 bedroom penthouse there for only 4,100. Thats 2 extra bedrooms plus 7 stories in height.

[beyeas]

This design is stepped back... after 4 or 5 floors it looks like from the photos

To clarify, I wasn't saying that this project didn't have some step-backs... although I would characterize it more like a break-up of the mass rather than a full step-back (I actually like how they have broken up the mass of it though). I meant more so that I would have liked even more additional height, balanced by more of a true step-back off the street (ala Trillium).

I definitely like the overall look of this project though, and think that the varied massing and cladding will add a different feel to that area of the city.

[halifaxboyns]

I would have to agree with you beyeas - I think he might be trying to put a positive spin on the area and try to create an 'upmarket feel' to the area. I don't think that's such a bad idea and certainly this development and the NSP office bring some new night to the area.

Who knows; if that's their plan - they may be successful and we might see a few more buildings like this in the area, which I wouldn't mind at all.

[phrenic]

With the exception of the 10th floor units, most of those prices are very much in line with other high-end apartments in the city, including my own. I wouldn't expect there to be a problem filling most of them.

[someone123]

It is possible that is saying something positive about the state of the downtown residential market... or, maybe on the other hand it is just the developer trying to put a veneer of "high end" on his project.

The downtown residential market has been strong for a long time. There have been dozens and dozens of residential projects over the past few years. This is part of why I think it's so absurd to say that the downtown is dying. Even if office construction downtown is finished, which I don't think it is (particularly if more are going to be living downtown), I don't think it's a bad thing in the future to have a better mix of housing downtown while building more offices out in places like Bayers Road.

This neighbourhood in particular (Hollis/Morris) is quite attractive and has a pretty good mix of services. It's also starting to have decent density: the Vic, Waterford, Letson Court, Bishop's Landing, Salter's Gate, and W Suites are all newer buildings. Maybe something will happen with the Brewery tower soon.

I'd love to see a big redevelopment on the rest of this block and the Superstore site but I don't know how likely that is.

[Dmajackson]

From the weekend;

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5205/5232666779_b5514eda0e_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5202/5232672341_85ae426740_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5047/5233265148_0ec74f3521_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5045/5232675795_f26d66d141_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5047/5233270672_72de0662d8_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5002/5232668939_df75b855a7_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5042/5233268818_e81b535cd2_z.jpg

[macgregor]

Looks to be topped out!

Thanks for all the pictures DJ. There is lots going on in town.

[Jonovision]

I walked by about an hour ago and it seems last nights storm did quite number on the roofs form work. Half of it is gone!

[kph06]

I walked by about an hour ago and it seems last nights storm did quite number on the roofs form work. Half of it is gone!

I was thinking the same as I looked at it from the Superstore parking lot. The south side forms seemed to have toppled.

[Jstaleness]

Does the owner of this project also own the land that fronts Lwr. Water street for this project? There is a lot of land there and I hope that it will not become another parking lot.

[midasmull]

Does the owner of this project also own the land that fronts Lwr. Water street for this project? There is a lot of land there and I hope that it will not become another parking lot.

That land is owned by Nova Scotia Power and is currently a parking lot, so there's no need to worry about it becoming another parking lot.

[someone123]

Apparently that land used to be oil tanks for the power plant. I guess they were taken down sometime in the 80s or 90s. Perhaps NSP is holding onto that land because it would require remediation.

An unfortunate empty site in what is becoming a great neighbourhood.

[phrenic]

I'm told the NSP will assess the need for the land (for parking) when they move in next door. If it is not widely utilized by employees, it will be sold.

[someone123]

I'm told the NSP will assess the need for the land (for parking) when they move in next door. If it is not widely utilized by employees, it will be sold.

Seems like a weird way of doing things since it's very easy for "needs" to expand to fit whatever resources are available.

[Jstaleness]

This is just a quick shot I took when driving down Hollis the other day. Again from my bb so no quality. I need to get a camera like BedfordDJ has!
http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu360/jstaleness/IMG00279.jpg

[Dmajackson]

From today;

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5006/5286118673_5f4e1e51ea_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5287/5286714184_210e52fc79_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5289/5286116713_08e641511f_z.jpg

[DigitalNinja]

Is the roof curved slightly at the top?

[Jonovision]

No, its a V shape.

[Jstaleness]

V is for Vic:upload_71700:

[worldlyhaligonian]

Sort of reminds me of Waterside Centre, design wise, the way it is broken up.

[JustinMacD]

Very nice pics.

[halifaxboyns]

Took a drive down there today - looked awesome.

[Grav]

Not a bad design, I dont really like the awkward V shaped roof. It looks like something fell on the building and made a big dent in the top. Will there be any public spaces within the building or just street front retail?

[fenwick16]

This is just a quick shot I took when driving down Hollis the other day. Again from my bb so no quality. I need to get a camera like BedfordDJ has!
http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu360/jstaleness/IMG00279.jpg

I think that this is a great urban image. It also captures the feel of Halifax with the fog.

PS: I think that as far as multilevel parking garages go, MetroPark is very good, it even has some ground floor retail. Here is an interesting article that describes the MetroPark - http://www.cpci.ca/?sc=potm&pn=monthly32003 . With a construction cost of $10.3 million dollars, I think that it was a good deal - http://www.hardmangroup.ca/propertymgt/property3b.html .

[eastcoastal]

Not a bad design, I dont really like the awkward V shaped roof. It looks like something fell on the building and made a big dent in the top. Will there be any public spaces within the building or just street front retail?

I think just street front retail. I haven't seen any (memorable) public-type spaces incorporated within a residential/commercial development like this that have been successful though, so probably the smartest choice here.

I agree about the V-shaped roof... I'm sure the building needs to have SOMETHING to finish off the roofline, but not sure what I would have done myself, given the chance. Maybe it has some sort of practical application? Collecting rainwater or something?