[sdm]

Case 01163
Application by Dexel Developments Limited to enter into a development agreement to allow for a 10-storey mixed use commercial/residential building at the corner of Hollis Street and Morris Street (1267-1285 Hollis Street and 5142-5144 Morris Street; PID #'s 00092635 and 00092627), Halifax.

http://www.halifax.ca/planning/Case01162Details.html

[gm_scott]

I like the idea. I'm just not sure if it looks contemporary enough.

[Dmajackson]

Thats the set of wooden houses that supposedly are huge fire hazards. That block is currently a disaster zone so I welcome any development here. Looking at the renderings it looks pretty good. The parking buildings look a little strange though... Just some more info:

Public meeting: June 25th, 2008 @ 7:00pm @ City Hall

And the thread title should look like this:

5114 Hollis|45m|10frs|Proposed

[sdm]

I like the idea. I'm just not sure if it looks contemporary enough.

I like it, its a good fit for the area. Hopefully it gets built.

Too bad looking at HRM by design maps this building couldn't be built to ten stories.

I figure we are going to see lots of development agreements for downtown come flying in before HRM by design gets adopted.

[worldlyhaligonian]

10 floors is good for that location, I'm going to guess that the HT is going to shit their pants yet again.

The cranes for this, the Alexander development, the Centennial development, and UG would make Halifax look like a development boom was going on...

For now, Canada's virtual city

[sdm]

Thats the set of wooden houses that supposedly are huge fire hazards. That block is currently a disaster zone so I welcome any development here. Looking at the renderings it looks pretty good. The parking buildings look a little strange though... Just some more info:

Public meeting: June 25th, 2008 @ 7:00pm @ City Hall

And the thread title should look like this:

5114 Hollis|45m|10frs|Proposed

Thks, will make the change.

EMERA owns the site beside this, could be interesting.

[worldlyhaligonian]

the lower water street side?

I wish the whole area would reach its potential.

[Dmajackson]

Hopefully HT won't have much of an arguement against this. Theres no historic buildings nearby and its not under a viewplane as far as i know. Of course they could argue the Water St power plant is historic and it would ruin the view of it...:rolleyes:

Looks good though. Now all they have to do is develop that parking lot next door with the billboard in it...

[Keith P.]

But isn't the building on the corner the very run-down but otherwise interesting building with the wraparound verandahs? I tohught it was owned by Victor Syperek. I can't believe the HT wouldn't scream bloody murder and I'm surprised that isn't a registered heritage property.

The proposal looks OK, pretty ordinary, maybe a 6 out of 10.

[Dmajackson]

But isn't the building on the corner the very run-down but otherwise interesting building with the wraparound verandahs? I tohught it was owned by Victor Syperek. I can't believe the HT wouldn't scream bloody murder and I'm surprised that isn't a registered heritage property.

Yes its that house. No its not registered. The closet registered building is across the intersection and down two buildings (1328-1332 Hollis Street).

[Jonovision]

I don't know how I feel about it. It's not anything inspiring, thats for sure. I do like the way it face the corner though. It looks to me like a combination of the new building that just went up on the south end of Barrington Street and the building built about 10 years ago just north of this site on Hollis Street. It's an ok infill project, but what's up with that roof?!

[worldlyhaligonian]

I like it, I mean its 10 stories and if its red brick will suit the Westin as you go south on Hollis. It will help complement the building next to it before, It would be visible on the skyline until a development goes in on the east corner. Would also complement the Waterford... I'm in favor, as I doubt alot of more advantageous proposals will pass undetered.

[sdm]

I like it, I mean its 10 stories and if its red brick will suit the Westin as you go south on Hollis. It will help complement the building next to it before, It would be visible on the skyline until a development goes in on the east corner. Would also complement the Waterford... I'm in favor, as I doubt alot of more advantageous proposals will pass undetered.

Couldn't agree more, however it better get passed now as like i said HRM by design by law state 70 foot height for that area. Mind you they pose a 70 foot height restriction for most of downtown.

[someone123]

I've long suspected that a development would come along for this site. The wooden building is definitely interesting but feels like it's a leftover from another era:

http://www.pbase.com/halifaxphoto/image/18839546/original.jpg

There were probably a bunch of these around Halifax and Dartmouth back in the 1950s and earlier. I've seen old pictures of Dartmouth with rows of wooden four storey apartments that are similar. I'm guessing a few of them burned down and others were simply demolished as slums or replaced by modern buildings in the 60s and 70s.

One can argue about the architecture of this one but I think the form and uses are perfect for the neighbourhood. I also like the curved corner detail.

The Southern end of Hollis and Barrington are going to be a really solid, upscale neighbourhood in a few years. It's a small area but it has a good location, great old building stock, and good access to public space like Cornwallis Park and the waterfront.

[spaustin]

Well it's hard to be enthusiastic about this one... I live in 5142 Morris Street.

[Dmajackson]

Well it's hard to be enthusiastic about this one... I live in 5142 Morris Street.

Wow...well you may get an eviction notice soon. I've never heard of anyone else on this forum having a proposal where they live.

[spaustin]

Probably eventually, although given the pace of these things we could be here a while before we're evicted. The thing that really annoys me is that we moved in just a few months ago and asked before we signed on if there was any reason why the building was month to month. They told us that they couldn't change it to yearly leases because the law requires any buildings to be all month to month or all year to year, not a mix, so therefore switching the building would be difficult. It didn't sound very plausible at the time and sounds even less plausible in hindsight. This proposal didn't spring up overnight so slimey Paramount Management seems to have just lied to us to fill the unit. Jerks.

It does look like a good project, it just sucks that I'm going to have to move as it's a really great spot to live and there is a good chance I won't be able to afford to stay down here.

[spaustin]

Just fyi, all but 1 of the 6 old rowhouses on the other side of Morris Street are registered heritage properties as is the Pryor house that is on the other side of Hollis. Only Victor Sprycheck's rowhouse (the yellow one with all the ironwork and the roof patio) isn't registered. Heritage trust will no doubt cite these buildings in their opposition.

Hopefully HT won't have much of an arguement against this. Theres no historic buildings nearby and its not under a viewplane as far as i know. Of course they could argue the Water St power plant is historic and it would ruin the view of it...:rolleyes:

Looks good though. Now all they have to do is develop that parking lot next door with the billboard in it...

[someone123]

I don't think this one will be appealed by the Heritage Trust. It's quite short and has the brick cladding, etc.

I didn't know that Paramount Management ran these buildings but it was pretty clear that whoever did was not that interested in putting money into them.

It does suck to have to move frequently, and affordable housing is disappearing from this area as it becomes more upscale. Then again, parts of the North End are taking on a character similar to what the south part of Hollis was maybe 10 years ago. Not as close to the downtown and universities/hospitals/Spring Garden Road, however.

I hope NSP does something good with their lot.

[spaustin]

I don't think this one will be appealed by the Heritage Trust. It's quite short and has the brick cladding, etc.

I didn't know that Paramount Management ran these buildings but it was pretty clear that whoever did was not that interested in putting money into them.

It does suck to have to move frequently, and affordable housing is disappearing from this area as it becomes more upscale. Then again, parts of the North End are taking on a character similar to what the south part of Hollis was maybe 10 years ago. Not as close to the downtown and universities/hospitals/Spring Garden Road, however.

I hope NSP does something good with their lot.

I kind of think they'll mount some opposition, maybe not a full court battle as they have a pretty full plate, but maybe a URB appeal. I say this because I went on their walking tour earlier this year (lots of interesting facts) and they actually stopped and paid special attention to the building. They referenced it as one that was threatened and could be further imperiled by HRM by Design. I guess the building use to be a hotel and dates back to the mid-19th century. Its not registered, but that won't concern them since its not just about what's on the registry. The building's age, the stop on the walking tour and the neighbouring heritage properties makes me think they'll be mounting some kind of fight.

Agreed about NSP, they own everything else on the block so the ball falls in their court now. Hopefully they won't try and turn it into a parking garage for their proposed new hq on the Electropolis site. That would be a big waste.

[Wishblade]

I kind of think they'll mount some opposition, maybe not a full court battle as they have a pretty full plate, but maybe a URB appeal. I say this because I went on their walking tour earlier this year (lots of interesting facts) and they actually stopped and paid special attention to the building. They referenced it as one that was threatened and could be further imperiled by HRM by Design. I guess the building use to be a hotel and dates back to the mid-19th century. Its not registered, but that won't concern them since its not just about what's on the registry. The building's age, the stop on the walking tour and the neighbouring heritage properties makes me think they'll be mounting some kind of fight.

Agreed about NSP, they own everything else on the block so the ball falls in their court now. Hopefully they won't try and turn it into a parking garage for their proposed new hq on the Electropolis site. That would be a big waste.


Sounds like your saying what your hoping and not what you really think will happen lol.

[spaustin]

Sounds like your saying what your hoping and not what you really think will happen lol.

No and that's a unfair thing to say/assume. When we moved in here we knew it was land that would one day be redeveloped. We just didn't expect it to come up so soon. I'm not even against the project even though I'll have to move whenever it gets off the ground. The big weakness to this part of town is my block. Filling it in would be a big plus for the city. I base my assumption that they'll be a fight on what Heritage Trust has fought in the past and what has been said. I think that from what I heard during the Heritage walking tour, the presence of heritage houses that form a streetscape directly across from the site and 10 storeys in the downtown indicates that there is a good chance that Heritage Trust will try and fight it or at least modify the project (they would probably settle for the developer taking some of the upper floors off). It might not come to a court battle, but I would be willing to bet they'll be opposed.

[someone123]

Some renderings from the HRM website that I don't think were up before:

http://www.halifax.ca/planning/images/Case01162RenderSouthOnHollis.jpg

http://www.halifax.ca/planning/images/Case01162RenderWestOnMorris.jpg

http://www.halifax.ca/planning/images/Case01162RenderNightView.jpg

http://www.halifax.ca/planning/images/Case01162RenderSoutheastCnrHollisMorris.jpg

http://www.halifax.ca/planning/images/Case01162RenderNorthwestFromLowerWater.jpg

[Dmajackson]

I say paint the verandas but other than that the building looks pretty good. In my view this will simply help step down the "Alexander" to South-End levels. This will be 9 storeys shorter then the "Alexander" and three (?) storeys higher than the office building next door. Something in the block between this and Brewery Market around 13-14 storeys would really finish this nice step-down. Overall not very inspiring but not a project that should be rejected.

[Jonovision]

These renderings make me feel a lot better about this project. It looks quite nice. And the roof doesn't look as out of place. For some reason it reminds me of San Fransisco. Hope to see it go through.

[someone123]

Based on the renderings I think this is a really solid project. Its scale is perfect for the area. It's along the lines of the somewhat-recently-completed Waterford or Letson Court.

I hope we eventually see something on the big empty lot next door.

[Spitfire75]

Nice renderings. I really like the roof. The pink I'm not so sure about, but who knows, it might look good once it's built.

[Jonovision]

The more and more I look at it the more and more I like it. They have addressed the corner quite well and have done a really good job breaking up the mass of the building.

[worldlyhaligonian]

I love it, I would prefer red brick to match the area, but anything in that lot would be a plus. And yes, it addresses that corner and the area perfectly.

[someone123]

I doubt those renderings show the intended colours. I recall seeing other versions that had some red and some yellow brick. The balconies probably won't be that colour either.

[spaustin]

The developer/my landlord had a public meeting the other night at the superstore. Only three people attended (myself, one other tenant and the owner of Zed from across the street). One of the things that they're apparently debating behind the scenes is the red balconies. The red is in fact a tinted glass so how red it looks will depend a lot on the lighting on any particular day. It could disappear though but that rendering is actually what they're currently thinking in regards to colour.

[phrenic]

I like the red myself. It provides an interesting contrast from the facade.

[worldlyhaligonian]

The developer/my landlord had a public meeting the other night at the superstore. Only three people attended (myself, one other tenant and the owner of Zed from across the street). One of the things that they're apparently debating behind the scenes is the red balconies. The red is in fact a tinted glass so how red it looks will depend a lot on the lighting on any particular day. It could disappear though but that rendering is actually what they're currently thinking in regards to colour.

Were they enthusiastic about the development?

[spaustin]

Were they enthusiastic about the development?

They seemed to be. They're casting it in the same light as the Waterford and W Suites. If you're looking for a name, they're thinking the Vic since the building that's currently on the site was originally the Victorian Hotel and then became Victorian Apartments.

[someone123]

The clear balconies sound interesting. They may or may not turn out that great but it's time for developers to try some more interesting designs in Halifax. The city's building stock is already fairly eclectic. Very few parts of the core are built up in a single style, including this one.

There have been a lot of mid-scale developments south of the downtown in the past few years. I can think of 3 on Barrington, 2 others on Hollis, one on Queen Street, 1-3 on South (depending on where you want to cut it off), Letson Court on Morris Street, Bishop's Landing... overall these must account for 500-1000 new housing units.

[Dmajackson]

Public meeting tonight at 7pm at City Hall!

[Jonovision]

Is it a public meeting or a public hearing?

[Dmajackson]

Public Information Meeting

[Jonovision]

Wish I could have made it tonight. Was anyone there?

[Haliguy]

Yes I was there and it was the same old Mr Pacey giving the developer and all of us a big leacture of how important the current building is and how annoyed he is at this develoment. He said it cost a lot less to fix up the building then to build a new one so why wouldn't the developer just do that. Mrs Pacey then went on how the house next to the larger building was once home to a famous sea caption or soemthing and should not be touched because of it.

One resident of the building who is an artist from Eurpoe who loves his building and lived there for years defended the developer saying you have to live in reality and don't blame the developer in trying to better the community. He also challenged the Heritage trust that if they are serious about saving the building why don't they get a fundraising drive together and buy the building at market value and do something with it or get out of the way and let the developer do there thing.

[Dmajackson]

Wow i want to meet that artist it sounds like he goes for what he wants. I don't think anyone takes the HT seriously anymore. They've been rejected two times in a row now for high-rises (trillium, Alexander).

[spaustin]

I was there. Haliguy summed it up fairly well. The room was fairly evenly split between the developers and their family clan, heritage trust and their allies and the students/residents who live in the building. I was surprised that even people in the building spoke in favour of it... but then again its not a place that many of us envision staying in for long! Myself, I'm fine with the project but I'm really angry at how this process has been handled. This is my first time on the other side of the planning process and the amount of consideration given to notifying tenants is ridiculous.

1. The developer held a public meeting at the superstore and invited the whole neighbourhood except his tenants
2. No notice to anyone in the building from HRM because HRM only notifies property owners (aren't the days of needing to own property to pariticipate over?)
3. The sign that finally went up on the building says the building will be redeveloped. What is redeveloped? To the public that could mean refurbished or added onto, it doesn't indicate the reality the way demolish does.
4. The sign doesn't give the HRM website or indicate that there is going to be a public meeting followed by a hearing, it just says there is a proposal and gives the planners number.
5. The sign is located on the Morris Street side away from where people would easily notice it.

All and all the developer behaved as I would expect (tenants would be the natural source of resistence) and the city has dropped the ball. Really, if this is HRM's policy, what's the point of having a public process in a neighbourhood like mine when most people in it are renters? Funnily enough, an HRM newsletter was waiting for me when I got home today. That seems to find my mailbox alright but letting me know that my mailbox might get torn down is beyond their powers it would seem.

[JONOJOE]

Hello everybody, I'm new to this site, but very passionate about development and making this city grow, and grow right.... how many people locally here are active on this forum?

[worldlyhaligonian]

Pretty much everybody... I have lived around the world in my life, and I'm in Halifax right now. Might be working out in Dubai soon.

[Haliguy]

I was there. Haliguy summed it up fairly well. The room was fairly evenly split between the developers and their family clan, heritage trust and their allies and the students/residents who live in the building. I was surprised that even people in the building spoke in favour of it... but then again its not a place that many of us envision staying in for long! Myself, I'm fine with the project but I'm really angry at how this process has been handled. This is my first time on the other side of the planning process and the amount of consideration given to notifying tenants is ridiculous.

1. The developer held a public meeting at the superstore and invited the whole neighbourhood except his tenants
2. No notice to anyone in the building from HRM because HRM only notifies property owners (aren't the days of needing to own property to pariticipate over?)
3. The sign that finally went up on the building says the building will be redeveloped. What is redeveloped? To the public that could mean refurbished or added onto, it doesn't indicate the reality the way demolish does.
4. The sign doesn't give the HRM website or indicate that there is going to be a public meeting followed by a hearing, it just says there is a proposal and gives the planners number.
5. The sign is located on the Morris Street side away from where people would easily notice it.

All and all the developer behaved as I would expect (tenants would be the natural source of resistence) and the city has dropped the ball. Really, if this is HRM's policy, what's the point of having a public process in a neighbourhood like mine when most people in it are renters? Funnily enough, an HRM newsletter was waiting for me when I got home today. That seems to find my mailbox alright but letting me know that my mailbox might get torn down is beyond their powers it would seem.

I am all for this development, but I do understand yours and the other residents frustration.

[Keith P.]

Hello everybody, I'm new to this site, but very passionate about development and making this city grow, and grow right.... how many people locally here are active on this forum?

Welcome Joe, it's good to have soemone active in the development community here. I don't know how many people are active here but read some of the older threads and I'm sure you'll enjoy the comments. Just about everyone here is equally passionate about wanting development to take off in this city.

[JONOJOE]

thanks keith, who out there can tell me something about 'fusion' I know very little about them, but what I hear I think I like them.. I googled them but the site isn't working

[hfx_chris]

There was some discussion on Fusion in this thread:

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=150015

Welcome to the board :)

[Haliguy]

thanks keith, who out there can tell me something about 'fusion' I know very little about them, but what I hear I think I like them.. I googled them but the site isn't working

I am a member the of the Urban Development team with Fusion. We are there to encourage and support good development in the HRM. We have had developers come to us with info sessions on proposed developments. In fact the Fares Real Estate Inc the developers for the proposed Kings Wharf development are presenting to us today.

[JONOJOE]

I am a member the of the Urban Development team with Fusion. We are there to encourage and support good development in the HRM. We have had developers come to us with info sessions on proposed developments. In fact the Fares Real Estate Inc the developers for the proposed Kings Wharf development are presenting to us today.

i'd like to get more info on fusion, maybe even join if it is what i think it is.. can you direct me to a contact person i can call and speak to?

[sdm]

i'd like to get more info on fusion, maybe even join if it is what i think it is.. can you direct me to a contact person i can call and speak to?

Joe anyone can join, just goto their website.

[Haliguy]

I'm not sure why the web site isn't up right now but that is the best place to go. You can join fusion online there.

[Jonovision]

I joined fusion a few weeks ago. But I havnt been notified of anything yet. I would love to attend that session today for Kings Wharf. I live 10 mins away from it!

[Dmajackson]

Just to get this thread back on topic they've added a new rendering from the corner of Hollis and Morris at street level here. (http://www.halifax.ca/planning/images/Case01162RenderSidewalkView.jpg)

Maybe we should put "The Vic" as the name of this building instead of Hollis & Morris. It sounds more interesting...

[sdm]

Sad thing is Heritage trust will be fighting this one as well......

[Dmajackson]

If the HT does fight this they are going to have a tough job. This building is realitively short, preserves the facades and is about the same height as its neighbours. I even believe that HRM by Design allows it to be this tall...

[sdm]

If the HT does fight this they are going to have a tough job. This building is realitively short, preserves the facades and is about the same height as its neighbours. I even believe that HRM by Design allows it to be this tall...

No facade are retained, and under HRM by design its higher then allowed.

[Dmajackson]

I forgot was is currently there. From the renderings it looks like they are keeping the facades. But thats just because most designers wouldn't build a front like this from scratch. I guess to rephrase that the developer is being nice by providing historical looking facades instead of glass or concrete.

This project agreed with something in HRM by Design. Whatever it is that will be a boost to getting this approved.

Why are they limiting this area to 70'. That only allows maybe five storey buildings...that won't help densify downtown it'll only make it shorter...

[sdm]

I forgot was is currently there. From the renderings it looks like they are keeping the facades. But thats just because most designers wouldn't build a front like this from scratch. I guess to rephrase that the developer is being nice by providing historical looking facades instead of glass or concrete.

This project agreed with something in HRM by Design. Whatever it is that will be a boost to getting this approved.

Why are they limiting this area to 70'. That only allows maybe five storey buildings...that won't help densify downtown it'll only make it shorter...

the development is great for the area, and the facade approach is an attempt to keep the existing fabric of the area intact. I like it and think it would a wonderful fit. I am concerned with what may happen to the parking lot at the rear of the building if emera does proceed with the relocation to the former power station. I would hate to see this a parking structure.

That being said, it may meet the need for residential capacity and setbacks under HRM by design, however would never meet the height restrictions (silly mind you).

70 feet would equate to approximately 8 stories residential, 6-7 Commerical as source for education. Typical deck to deck construction of residential buildings is significantly less the commerical needs.

[Jonovision]

They might go for changing HRM by Design if it comes to that. The rest of the block is set with a 100' height while this part has the 70'. Doesn't make much sense if you ask me.
I've also learned that the smaller mass on Morris street is not the same brick as the piece on Hollis, but it will actually be wooden shingles to match with the rest of that block.

[sdm]

[QUOTE=Jonovision;3789929]They might go for changing HRM by Design if it comes to that. The rest of the block is set with a 100' height while this part has the 70'. QUOTE]

They won’t change that cause it would compromise HRM by design.

there are many sites throughout HRM by design where there is an existing building higher then developable sites.

[Jonovision]

Yes, I'm aware of this. But the rest of the block, which sits mostly empty is set with a 100' height limit. So I've talked to the developer and if need be he will request his parcel of the block to be elevated to conform with the entire block.

[Dmajackson]

since this hasn't been in the news lately I decided to email Mr. Bones about the Vic to see whats up. This is what I got back from him. I have emailed Mr. Harvey and I'm hoping for a responce soon.

My understanding is that the development agreement is being negotiated and it will eventually make it to Council for a decision. You should contact Richard Harvey at harveyri@halifax.ca for more information. Andrew Andrew BoneSenior Planner - Central RegionHRM Community Development Phone - (902) 869-4226 Fax - (902) 869-4230Email - bonea@halifax.ca

[Barrington south]

I live literary right at Hollis and Morris...so when this thing actually starts to happen I'll be the go to guy for updates and pics...I've got to say though I'm a bit disappointed with the renderings... I had talked to the developer, shortly before he completed the the W suites, and I was under the impression this would be a landmark development (for it's size) and in my opinion it's not...in fact I like the W suites better...I'm still enthusiastic for it to go ahead though...I guess it's ALWRIGHT

[someone123]

Funny how we have heard relatively little about either this development or the Roy Building. I wonder if the developers would move forward on those if approved or if they just wanted to get in before HRM by Design?

I agree that this one does not look like a landmark but as I've said before, do we really need midrise residential buildings to be landmarks? I think they should be as high quality as possible (proper scale and massing, nice materials, good design) but there are hundreds of buildings like this around the city and dozens are being built.

The best candidates for "landmarks" are major commercial or institutional projects.. the problem is that we haven't had any good ones lately.

[Dmajackson]

I never really like the renderings of the Roy Building so I won't miss it if its gone but this one I am excited for.

As for the landmark thing the most landmark thing about it might be the cool patios and the lighting on the roof.

[someone123]

I am not a fan of the Roy Building proposal either, as it is now, but some kind of restoration or redevelopment is needed.

Right now the Roy Building and Keith Building are mostly empty, the NFB building is still a burned out shell, there's a parking lot from 1991 a couple blocks down, etc. Barrington is pretty much a disaster.. the vacancies and derelict buildings look like something from a dying Midwestern town and it's all unnecessary.

[Dmajackson]

I received a responce from Mr. Harvey today. Naturally he linked me to a website I already knew (the info page for the development on HRM) and not much else. All he said was he expects a staff report and a development agreement to come foward in the next few months. :)

[miesh111]

This project was approved last night, according to the herald:

Four projects approved
HRM council gives go-ahead to developments at Morris Street, City Centre Atlantic, Roy Building and Discovery Centre
By JEFFREY SIMPSON and DAVENE JEFFREY Staff Reporters
Wed. Apr 1 - 5:36 AM
Four downtown Halifax developments have been given approval while council continues to ponder the HRM by Design strategy.

Councillors agreed Tuesday evening with a staff recommendation to grandfather four projects that follow the rules of the city’s existing Municipal Planning Strategy.

Louis Lawen of Dexel Developments Ltd. spoke during the afternoon sitting of committee of the whole about wanting to proceed with two downtown projects — an $18-million addition to City Centre Atlantic over Pete’s Frootique on Dresden Row, and a $16-million, 10-storey commercial-residential structure on the site of the old Victoria Suites apartment building at Morris and Hollis streets.

Reducing the height of his buildings would make them less economically viable, he said.

"None of these projects are affecting any view planes," he said.

Council agreed that all four projects must be completed within three years after they are started.

"Our intention is to go full speed ahead," Louis Resnick, who is working on the Roy Building on Barrington Street, told committee of the whole.

Frank Medjuck defended his $30-million development of the Discovery Centre on Barrington Street, pointing out that council was letting the downtown stagnate while the Bayers Lake shopping area on the outskirts of the city is sprawling out of control.

Councillors also agreed that HRM by Design should include the site of the proposed new World Trade and Convention Centre, a couple of city blocks including the former Halifax Herald Ltd. property and the Midtown Tavern site.

The first reading of HRM by Design will take place during next Tuesday’s regular council meeting.

Council also agreed in principle that two heritage conservation districts — Barrington Street South and Historic Properties and Granville Mall — become part of HRM by Design.

Council has scheduled three days, May 5-7, for public hearings on HRM by Design.

( jsimpson@herald.ca)

( djeffrey@herald.ca)

[sdm]

The herald is wrong, the project was approved to be grandfathered. It still needs to go through the current process to be approved.

[Dmajackson]

This proposal is on the move again :)

It went before the Peninsula Planning AC on Monday. I don't know what the final outcome was but heres the information document;

6.1 Case 01162 - Development Agreement, Hollis & Morris Streets {Richard Harvey} (5.25MB) (http://www.halifax.ca/boardscom/Dist12PAC/documents/092505ca61.pdf)

According to the elevation map this will be 45m tall.

[terrynorthend]

This proposal is on the move again :)

It went before the Peninsula Planning AC on Monday. I don't know what the final outcome was but heres the information document;

6.1 Case 01162 - Development Agreement, Hollis & Morris Streets {Richard Harvey} (5.25MB) (http://www.halifax.ca/boardscom/Dist12PAC/documents/092505ca61.pdf)

According to the elevation map this will be 45m tall.

45m? That's really tall for 10 floors (even if they were commercial, and i think this is residential)

[Dmajackson]

45m? That's really tall for 10 floors (even if they were commercial, and i think this is residential)

Opps you were correct its not 45m.

They measured from sea level so the ground level is at 45 feet elevation.

Its 32m. :)

[City_of_Lakes]

Wow, I really like this. And I do hope that the colours in the rendering were the intended colours for the actual development. Red brick would do alright too, but this is so much more interesting! Fits perfectly within the area. I'm around there quite a bit as a close friend of mine lives just up on Tobin, and IMO this is exactly what the area needs. And that roof feature seems to be one that's popular for renderings :haha: . I do like it though.. I definitely support this one!

[Doggard]

I've worked on this corner for two years now and I must say that I don't find anything terribly appealing about the building that's currently standing there. I'm sure if it was in good repair it would nice, but as it stands, meh. The odd thing is that I know some people that live in the building that are going to be sad to see it go, despite their constant complaints about the hot water not working, the power going out, it being a firetrap, the uneven floors, etc... In any case, if this new development gets off the ground it will fit in nicely with the new NSP headquarters.

[Barrington south]

I've worked on this corner for two years now and I must say that I don't find anything terribly appealing about the building that's currently standing there. I'm sure if it was in good repair it would nice, but as it stands, meh. The odd thing is that I know some people that live in the building that are going to be sad to see it go, despite their constant complaints about the hot water not working, the power going out, it being a firetrap, the uneven floors, etc... In any case, if this new development gets off the ground it will fit in nicely with the new NSP headquarters.

work at wired monk?....if so tell Corry, hey!!

[spaustin]

I've worked on this corner for two years now and I must say that I don't find anything terribly appealing about the building that's currently standing there. I'm sure if it was in good repair it would nice, but as it stands, meh. The odd thing is that I know some people that live in the building that are going to be sad to see it go, despite their constant complaints about the hot water not working, the power going out, it being a firetrap, the uneven floors, etc... In any case, if this new development gets off the ground it will fit in nicely with the new NSP headquarters.

I'm going to miss it a lot! I have a big apartment for just $775, a cast iron tub for my wife (she loves baths) and I can walk to work and come home at lunch. That's not easily replaceable, especially in this neighbourhood. Even though it's rough on the outside, my own apartment was redone in the more recent past and is quite nice. Not top end by any means, but surprisingly great given the exterior. The place has its quirks, but your source has greatly exaggerated them. My power has never ever gone out and the water is always hot except on Sunday when everyone runs the washers all day long. The building was even heated well in the winter, which is where I figured things would fail when I first moved in. I can't speak to it as a fire trap, but I will concede that my bathroom floor has a good slant to it :)

Anyway, it looks like my neighbours and I will be out soon. Paramount isn't continuing any leases beyond Sept 30 so I guess it's time to start the apartment hunt. A demolition permit was issued ages ago so I'll bet this one will be knocked down this Fall with new construction to start in 2010.

[Doggard]

Haha, please forgive me for trash-talking your home, I was merely repeating what I was told. I must say that 775 is a great deal in that area. Up until this month I was paying 1150 right around the corner! Also, I asked Paramount several times when they thought they might tear the old girl down, and never got a solid response. I had no idea that it could be happening so soon!

[Dmajackson]

So I checked the page for this on HRM's website and while there is no Council date set yet it was given the nod of approval by the District 12 Planning Advisory Committee and with an ammendment or two a nod of approval from the Heritage Committee.

[Barrington south]

personally I'd like to see a redesign on this one

I was expecting a lot more

ohhhh well

I guess it's OK

[Jonovision]

There's an update on the planning website regarding this proposal.

The supplementary report is complete and has been reviewed by both committees. The District 12 Planning Advisory Committee forwarded the report to Regional Council without recommendation, and the Heritage Advisory Committee has recommended its approval, with slight changes to the building. Revised plans will accompany the final submission to Regional Council.

So I'm hoping this will go to council by September.

[Barrington south]

Hopefully, this development's sex appeal is increased....athough I'm not really sure who would want to have sex with a building......whatever

[Nilan8888]

lol -- perhaps many. It's just that none of them would ADMIT to it...

[eastcoastal]

There's an update on the planning website regarding this proposal.

The supplementary report is complete and has been reviewed by both committees. The District 12 Planning Advisory Committee forwarded the report to Regional Council without recommendation, and the Heritage Advisory Committee has recommended its approval, with slight changes to the building. Revised plans will accompany the final submission to Regional Council.

So I'm hoping this will go to council by September.

... I've heard that the report is being prepared with the Heritage Advisory Committee requested amendments to go to council for August 11. Then the circus we call Public Hearings. LOL

[Dmajackson]

From the agenda for Tuesday's council meeting (sorry no links available 'til Monday morning);

10.6 HERITAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
10.6.1 Case 01162 - Development Agreement, Hollis & Morris Streets
(i) July 17, 2009 Supplementary Staff Report
(ii) Heritage Advisory Committee Report
(iii) District 12 Planning Advisory Committee Report
(iv) June 15, 2009 Supplementary Staff Report
(v) May 13, 2009 Staff Report

[Dmajackson]

See this link to get to the links for the DA (http://www.halifax.ca/council/agendasc/August112009RegionalCouncilAgenda-HalifaxRegionalMunicipality.html)

[Dmajackson]

From a Chronicle Herald article;

•A proposal for a 10-storey, mixed-use building in downtown Halifax is going to a public hearing. The planned structure is to be built on the corner of Hollis and Morris streets. A date for the hearing hasn’t been set.

[Dmajackson]

Sept. 15, 2009 Halifax Regional Council - 6:00 p.m.

Public Hearing:

Case 01162 - Development Agreement, Hollis & Morris Streets, Halifax. Detailed Information and Staff Report (http://www.halifax.ca/planning/Case01162Details.html)

[someone123]

Here's one rendering provided by the developer that is available at the link above, looking west along Morris Street:

http://www.halifax.ca/planning/images/Case01162RenderWestOnMorris.jpg

Is that green wall the blank wall they are complaining about in some of the reports? It seems strange to require fake windows on the bottom few floors of a building built right up to the lot line. For highrises I can see it. In this case, given the giant, ugly, empty lot next door I don't think the little wall matters. As long as the lot is empty it will be an ugly spot and if it is developed the wall will be covered.

It's also interesting to look at the bird's eye view of this part of the city. It has come a long way but it still needs a lot of work. Beyond this block there are lots of little holes like the parking lot and little vinyl-sided building at the corner of Barrington/Morris. So many parts of Halifax feel about 75% of the way to being great, but there's no attention to little details.

[Jonovision]

I don't know if it was that wall as it was planned to be a living wall. But I can't find any other wall that would qualify as a blank wall. so who knows.

[Doggard]

I like the pink balconies. I hope they stick with this colour scheme. Very Montreal.

[eastcoastal]

I don't know if it was that wall as it was planned to be a living wall. But I can't find any other wall that would qualify as a blank wall. so who knows.

That is the wall that is intended to be the living wall.

On the South elevation of the building there is another blank wall - that is the one that both the Planning and Heritage Advisory Committees complained about.

[Architype]

Nice development, but from the renderings it looks a bit bulky and the various components seem a bit awkward and disconnected. Not enough to complain about though.

[Dmajackson]

TOMORROW NIGHT! (http://www.halifax.ca/council/agendasc/090915rcAgenda.html) :) :) :)

[Jonovision]

I'm not going to be able to make it. Have to work. Hopefully all goes well though :)

[Dmajackson]

So anybody else watching the public hearing right now?

[kph06]

Yeah, looks like council can't stomach the red balconies. Delefes is going on quite the rant now. I love how they always bring never before heard stories about the area, and why the building would desecrate the area.

[Keith P.]

Yeah, looks like council can't stomach the red balconies. Delefes is going on quite the rant now. I love how they always bring never before heard stories about the area, and why the building would desecrate the area.

Yeah, as usual, along with the normal "It's too tall!!!!" nonsense. He also just proposed that the developer restore a few of the adjunct buildings on the site and that the HRM Planning Dept move in.

Interesting that Watts is gearing up to apply the HRM by Design rules to this despite council's decision not to require that. Not a surprise coming from her -- she has proven to be a very disappointing councillor.

God forbid that someone produce a building with some color on it.

[kph06]

urg... just when I though the Pacey's would be a no-show....

[Dmajackson]

Lol other than the HT the people seem to like it other than the guy who just came up said it was ugly and left.

At least the first HT guy was a bit nicer than Phil normally is but of course Elizabeth is now going on about Charles Morris ...