General Updates and News

[Jonovision]

The hole for the new daylighting of Sawmill River is very impressive!

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4420/36623503464_43b2192c87_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/XNi2CU)20170925_125543 (https://flic.kr/p/XNi2CU) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4509/36623499194_9dd47f9326_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/XNi1nh)20170925_125554 (https://flic.kr/p/XNi1nh) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4356/36663359373_d3bbb2c103_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/XRPipK)20170925_130651 (https://flic.kr/p/XRPipK) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

[Dmajackson]

The current Kent Building Supplies store at Mic Mac Mall will be converted into office space for Irving. The plan is to expand it to include a second floor covering half of or the full amount of the existing footprint. The greenhouse will remain as an employee atrium.

Case 21247 - 35 Mic Mac Blvd (https://www.halifax.ca/business/planning-development/applications/case-21247-development-agreement-amendment-35-mic-mac)

[essaysmith]

Once Kent moves to Dartmouth Crossing it will be the end of me shopping there. My main reason now is so I can carry stuff sticking out of my car and not have to go on the highway, plus it is close and convenient. Dartmouth Crossing is anything but convenient, and I will probably go to Home Depot if I'm being forced up there and save some money.

[alps]

The hole for the new daylighting of Sawmill River is very impressive!


Cool!

Good post about the project on Sam Austin's blog (http://www.samaustin.ca/news-sawmill-river-daylighting-phase-1/)

[Jonovision]

The current Kent Building Supplies store at Mic Mac Mall will be converted into office space for Irving. The plan is to expand it to include a second floor covering half of or the full amount of the existing footprint. The greenhouse will remain as an employee atrium.

Case 21247 - 35 Mic Mac Blvd (https://www.halifax.ca/business/planning-development/applications/case-21247-development-agreement-amendment-35-mic-mac)

While still very suburban in nature, it is a good reuse and could help to push the area into a more mixed use community and hopefully in the future something more urban with an actual street grid instead of a sea of parking.

[Jonovision]

Plans are up on the cities website for the redevelopment of the Lion's Head Pub on Young St and Demone St. The plan is for a 10 storey building with setback, townhome units along Demone and retail space along Young.

https://www.halifax.ca/business/planning-development/applications/case-20360-young-demone-streets-halifax

[Dmajackson]

^Made a thread (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=230010) for the project. :)

[OldDartmouthMark]

While still very suburban in nature, it is a good reuse and could help to push the area into a more mixed use community and hopefully in the future something more urban with an actual street grid instead of a sea of parking.

I'm confused about your point. Isn't this located next to Mic Mac Mall? It's already kind of suburban - are you suggesting that the mall should be removed and it be built into a downtown-like area with street grids and a mix of office/retail/residential?

FWIW, I think downtown Dartmouth should get this type of development before the Mic Mac Mall area.

[Jonovision]

I'm confused about your point. Isn't this located next to Mic Mac Mall? It's already kind of suburban - are you suggesting that the mall should be removed and it be built into a downtown-like area with street grids and a mix of office/retail/residential?

FWIW, I think downtown Dartmouth should get this type of development before the Mic Mac Mall area.

Yes, I think the old model of the traditional suburban shopping mall housed in one large building surrounded by a sea of parking is not long for this world. And they are all in prime redevelopment areas, not just MicMac but also the old Penhorn area and the Halifax Shopping Centre. They are all hubs for transportation with good connections. I think it is a natural and necessary progression to see these areas developed into town centre type neighbourhoods with street grids reintroduced.

[teddifax]

I don't believe either there should be all these huge surface parking lots. The use of any area should be maximized and that means any development should have surface parking at a bare minimum and utilize the space properly.

[Keith P.]

I don't believe either there should be all these huge surface parking lots. The use of any area should be maximized and that means any development should have surface parking at a bare minimum and utilize the space properly.

So how would customers get to the store and how would they take away their purchases?

[Jonovision]

So how would customers get to the store and how would they take away their purchases?

It was was meant to remain a true retail destination, essentially turning the mall inside out. You could hide a parking structure or two in the centre of a block and have retail at grade around the whole thing.

[teddifax]

That was my intention, always have parking in parkades of course, but NOT large tracts of paved parking.

[Aya_Akai]

Once Kent moves to Dartmouth Crossing it will be the end of me shopping there. My main reason now is so I can carry stuff sticking out of my car and not have to go on the highway, plus it is close and convenient. Dartmouth Crossing is anything but convenient, and I will probably go to Home Depot if I'm being forced up there and save some money.

There's always the other Kent on Baker Drive. So if you're in Dartmouth.. no highway required.. :shrug:

[essaysmith]

That's true, and it will probably be my new store, but it will actually be farther from my house than the Dartmouth Crossing store and it is smaller and doesn't have the selection. It was a quick trip down 2 back streets to get to Mic Mac, soon I'll have to go down some major streets to get to Baker. Not sure if I hate the Baker Drive area or Dartmouth Crossing more for hassle too. At least it gives me something to complain about.

[OldDartmouthMark]

Yes, I think the old model of the traditional suburban shopping mall housed in one large building surrounded by a sea of parking is not long for this world. And they are all in prime redevelopment areas, not just MicMac but also the old Penhorn area and the Halifax Shopping Centre. They are all hubs for transportation with good connections. I think it is a natural and necessary progression to see these areas developed into town centre type neighbourhoods with street grids reintroduced.

I see your point.

So, who would pay for this, and what would happen to the stores currently located in the mall?

Also, have Mic Mac Mall or the Halifax Shopping Centre proven to be failures on a financial level? What would be the driving force for change?

[Jonovision]

I see your point.

So, who would pay for this, and what would happen to the stores currently located in the mall?

Also, have Mic Mac Mall or the Halifax Shopping Centre proven to be failures on a financial level? What would be the driving force for change?

The owner of the mall/property would be the one doing this. It is just a matter of the market changing and I do believe we are starting to see this slowly happen. It's all about reurbanizing our cities and making them places for people first instead of cars first.

You are seeing a lot of this type of development in Toronto these days. There is certainly incentive financially as you diversify the uses on the land. You could house just as many stores, but you could also have apartments and offices.

It is certainly long term thinking but there are opportunities that present themselves every so often to rethink these types of land uses. The redevelopment of the Mumford Terminal being a prime example.

[OldDartmouthMark]

The owner of the mall/property would be the one doing this. It is just a matter of the market changing and I do believe we are starting to see this slowly happen. It's all about reurbanizing our cities and making them places for people first instead of cars first.

You are seeing a lot of this type of development in Toronto these days. There is certainly incentive financially as you diversify the uses on the land. You could house just as many stores, but you could also have apartments and offices.

It is certainly long term thinking but there are opportunities that present themselves every so often to rethink these types of land uses. The redevelopment of the Mumford Terminal being a prime example.

It'll be interesting to see when that happens. I imagine once the business case becomes such that it will be profitable to do, then it'll happen.

I can see it happening more at less-successful malls, like Bayers Road (which is not really a mall anymore), West End, or Penhorn, before HSC or Mic Mac.

HSC has just invested millions in improvements, and Mic Mac Mall is still in a somewhat suburban setting IMHO - mostly single-family homes bound by a lake and a highway.

I still think that DT Dartmouth should be utilized first, though...

[Colin May]

The Quebec Pension Plan owns Mic Mac Mall through the subsidiary Ivanhoe Cambridge.
Deep pockets and a long investment horizon.

[Jonovision]

It'll be interesting to see when that happens. I imagine once the business case becomes such that it will be profitable to do, then it'll happen.

I can see it happening more at less-successful malls, like Bayers Road (which is not really a mall anymore), West End, or Penhorn, before HSC or Mic Mac.

HSC has just invested millions in improvements, and Mic Mac Mall is still in a somewhat suburban setting IMHO - mostly single-family homes bound by a lake and a highway.

I still think that DT Dartmouth should be utilized first, though...

It is definitely a long term outlook on the property. I don't think we will see it happen until the downtowns on both side are more built up and available land for larger scale urban development becomes a bit more scarce.

I believe these sites have a special designation in the Centre Plan as future intensification sites. They also include the lades along Dutch Village Rd and Shannon Park.

[someone123]

Google Earth recently got new satellite imagery for Halifax. Here's the Spring Garden Road area in August:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/a/img923/2410/D9R1rr.jpg

There isn't much surface parking left, with the exception of the former infirmary lands behind the library.

[alps]

Thanks for the heads up. Good to see progress on the second Sister Site, and interesting to see the footprint of the developments at Sexton Campus. Anyone know what they're doing in front of the D Building?

[teddifax]

Appearing on Facebook this evening...
Downtown Halifax
Page Liked · Yesterday ·

When the dust has cleared and the machines have stopped – we will be ready to officially open the new and revamped Argyle and Grafton Streets! Downtown Halifax Business Commission is planning a streetscape celebration for Saturday, November 4, 2017.

Get ready for a day filled with fun and entertainment for all ages – and in the evening, it will be time to showcase the nightlife Argyle and Grafton streets have to offer!

#ArgyleGraftonParty

[Jonovision]

A lot of progress at Sawmill River. They have cranes on sight now to help lower in the concrete walls and boxes for the new channel.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4474/23886590128_f1aedf2c4a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CoM23Q)20171015_105250 (https://flic.kr/p/CoM23Q) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4479/37690866226_0f4c3c575a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ZqBxp9)20171015_105302 (https://flic.kr/p/ZqBxp9) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

[KnoxfordGuy]

I don't have the updated satellite image 😔

[someone123]

I don't have the updated satellite image 😔

You have to use the Google Earth client then go to "historical imagery". There are more imagery options in there than you would otherwise see, but many of them are poorer quality (including this one posted above).

[yal]

I would like to share this with you guys:

https://www.facebook.com/events/124013574982283/

I really thought it was a joke when I first saw the name Louie Lawen, Property Developer at Dexel.

Isn't this the guy who applied for demolition permits for 1333,1343,1351 Barrington Street?

Isn't this the same developer who will be demolishing the one of a kind apartment building Coburg Apartments for the Spring Garden West?

Isn't this the same developer who demolished a couple of Italianate style(correct me if I am wrong) buildings for Flynn Flats?

Can someone pinch me? Is this a *ing joke?

Sorry but this really made my blood boil. Maybe someone from this forum can show up and give him lots of shit?

[Drybrain]

I would like to share this with you guys:

https://www.facebook.com/events/124013574982283/

I really thought it was a joke when I first saw the name Louie Lawen, Property Developer at Dexel.

Isn't this the guy who applied for demolition permits for 1333,1343,1351 Barrington Street?

Isn't this the same developer who will be demolishing the one of a kind apartment building Coburg Apartments for the Spring Garden West?

Isn't this the same developer who demolished a couple of Italianate style(correct me if I am wrong) buildings for Flynn Flats?

Can someone pinch me? Is this a *ing joke?

Sorry but this really made my blood boil. Maybe someone from this forum can show up and give him lots of shit?

It's a really, ah, curious choice. Not as outrageous as Chedrawe, but pretty interesting. I'm almost curious to go just to see what he has to say. I kind of confronted him last year during a heritage committee meeting about the Barrington buildings, and he said his preference at the time was to preserve those buildings, but it depended on what the city could give him for height.

I'm still optimistic on those, but just the fact that he'd apply to demolish, and use as a bargaining chip, buildings that have clearly been designated by the greater community as worthy of preservation...well, you know.

[ns_kid]

I would like to share this with you guys:

https://www.facebook.com/events/124013574982283/

I really thought it was a joke when I first saw the name Louie Lawen, Property Developer at Dexel.

Isn't this the guy who applied for demolition permits for 1333,1343,1351 Barrington Street?

Isn't this the same developer who will be demolishing the one of a kind apartment building Coburg Apartments for the Spring Garden West?

Isn't this the same developer who demolished a couple of Italianate style(correct me if I am wrong) buildings for Flynn Flats?

Can someone pinch me? Is this a *ing joke?

Sorry but this really made my blood boil. Maybe someone from this forum can show up and give him lots of shit?

I'm not sure I understand your outrage. If this is truly meant to be productive discussion, not just an echo chamber, would you not want a pro-development perspective to be heard?

[yal]

I'm not sure I understand your outrage. If this is truly meant to be productive discussion, not just an echo chamber, would you not want a pro-development perspective to be heard?

If this guy wasn't being greasy like this and using heritage properties as bargaining chips, I would be willing to be more open. If there is any developer in this city that should be there, it is the Starfish guy (don't remember the name)

EDIT: I am very very pro-development.

[Drybrain]

I'm not sure I understand your outrage. If this is truly meant to be productive discussion, not just an echo chamber, would you not want a pro-development perspective to be heard?

This sentence is indicative of the whole problem. There's no reason to believe that anyone else on the panel is not pro-development. Pro-development and pro-heritage are mutually compatible categories.

There's also no reason that Lawen, to be a developer, has to be hostile to heritage--except that developing empty lots is somewhat easier for him than working with the existing urban context. And because it's easier, and because our developers are mostly extremely mediocre, that's what happens, and it's to the city's detriment.

That's not an anti-development perspective. It's pro-good development, anti-crap.

[OldDartmouthMark]

This sentence is indicative of the whole problem. There's no reason to believe that anyone else on the panel is not pro-development. Pro-development and pro-heritage are mutually compatible categories.

There's also no reason that Lawen, to be a developer, has to be hostile to heritage--except that developing empty lots is somewhat easier for him than working with the existing urban context. And because it's easier, and because our developers are mostly extremely mediocre, that's what happens, and it's to the city's detriment.

That's not an anti-development perspective. It's pro-good development, anti-crap.

:iagree: Well said.

[Jonovision]

A few more pictures from the Sawmill Creek project.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4506/37764798266_0c2bc347b5_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Zx9sPu)20171018_135703 (https://flic.kr/p/Zx9sPu) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4509/37781593012_1b1412275e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ZyCxj5)20171018_134455 (https://flic.kr/p/ZyCxj5) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4481/37555082840_27f9045f1f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ZdBBJh)20171018_133910 (https://flic.kr/p/ZdBBJh) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4479/37143093913_327fe7745d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YAd4LV)20171018_132753_HDR (https://flic.kr/p/YAd4LV) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4443/37781619302_0a3832db9f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ZyCF8m)20171018_132631_HDR (https://flic.kr/p/ZyCF8m) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

[IanWatson]

Anyone know if:
a) The open-top concrete structure is a fish ladder? and
b) If it will be left visible? I assume it will be, or else why put the textured print on it?

[Keith P.]

A rare picture of your tax dollars quite literally being flushed down the drain.

[someone123]

A view from the Alexander:

https://scontent-sea1-1.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/e35/22580329_1989180954661264_8186669521189208064_n.jpg
Source (https://www.instagram.com/osbornecody/)

[Jonovision]

Anyone know if:
a) The open-top concrete structure is a fish ladder? and
b) If it will be left visible? I assume it will be, or else why put the textured print on it?

A)Yes, it is part of the fish ladder that will be helping the fish get up to Sullivans Pond. I believe the size of the baffles will shrink as it gets up closer to the pond, but I might be right.
B) This part will be visible kind of. There will be a single span concrete bridge that will cover this to reconnect Octherloney Street. The texture is also found in the bottom sections of the concrete tunnel segments that are being laid under what will be the rebuilt Lock 4 parking lot. The texture is a requirement from DFO which helps to break up the flow of the water allowing the fish to have rest areas as they make their way up stream.

[Jonovision]

Bell lofts is coming along in downtown Dartmouth. The top floor or two should be visible on the skyline as you come in on the ferry.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4493/24122622448_0324f10205_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CKCKeA)20171027_100040 (https://flic.kr/p/CKCKeA) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4456/24122617918_f555c22b34_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CKCHTu)20171027_100130_HDR (https://flic.kr/p/CKCHTu) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

[Jonovision]

Progress on the Sawmill Creek daylighting.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4513/37263952464_2b9286af29_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YLTuP3)20171027_100613 (https://flic.kr/p/YLTuP3) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4463/37943286852_afe78599d0_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ZNVgfU)20171027_100934 (https://flic.kr/p/ZNVgfU) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4507/37973504671_3d3505cf20_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ZRA8XM)20171027_100944 (https://flic.kr/p/ZRA8XM) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

[IanWatson]

Bell lofts is coming along in downtown Dartmouth. The top floor or two should be visible on the skyline as you come in on the ferry.

Anyone seen info on leasing? This building is mighty interesting to me.

[miesh111]

Has anyone ever noticed that fake building on the inside of the Maritime Centre / 4 points quad area? Is it accessible to the public?

A view from the Alexander:

https://scontent-sea1-1.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/e35/22580329_1989180954661264_8186669521189208064_n.jpg
Source (https://www.instagram.com/osbornecody/)

[TheNovaScotian]

I was there and it's primarily used as a smoking area. It's a whole faux city block that is open to the hotel guests but I'm not sure if the public can access it.

[terrynorthend]

I was there and it's primarily used as a smoking area. It's a whole faux city block that is open to the hotel guests but I'm not sure if the public can access it.

I've never been inside. Is there internal access to Maritime Centre?

[miesh111]

I've never been inside. Is there internal access to Maritime Centre?

I did some googling and on the trip advisor site for the hotel there are photos. It's pretty well done, except not well maintained. Would be a very interesting space for a cafe or restaurant.

[teddifax]

I was thinking how special that space would have been with a glass dome or ceiling, therefore making it a year round venue.

[Jonovision]

Anyone seen info on leasing? This building is mighty interesting to me.

I've not seen anything yet. But if you find something please let me know. I am also very interested.

[terrynorthend]

I was thinking how special that space would have been with a glass dome or ceiling, therefore making it a year round venue.

I can see that, like the quad area at Dal's Killam Library. It was open air and super dreary when I went in the 80's. Later they glassed over the roof, put doors at the top of the ramp, and even added a little coffee bar in there. Made a very pleasant spot to relax, yet still felt outdoors.

[HalifaxRetales]

I came across this
http://breakhouse.ca/wdcl-urban-suite-proposal-local

Another proposal that was for the Queens Marque site

https://pro2-bar-s3-cdn-cf6.myportfolio.com/08396aa9de2856ead632df87f1332f39/a44921b161155ced5d520c1a_rw_1920.jpg?h=0b2c88f77fb6205acf66cdad97f07db6

[mleblanc]

Breakhouse does some really interesting stuff. Not sure if I like this better than what we're getting, but this is a great concept.

[IanMacDonald]

Breakhouse does some really interesting stuff. Not sure if I like this better than what we're getting, but this is a great concept.

I agree. I really appreciate the detailing of each step of their decision making in the design.

[Jonovision]

That was actually part of a design contest that was put out by Waterfront Development a few years back to redevelop the NS Crystal site. Nothing ever came of it other than a few cool renderings from a variety of firms.

[Keith P.]

That was actually part of a design contest that was put out by Waterfront Development a few years back to redevelop the NS Crystal site. Nothing ever came of it other than a few cool renderings from a variety of firms.

As is the outcome of most of what WDC does - inaction.

[RoshanMcG]

Some pics of Argyle Street:

http://i.imgur.com/NpN9VrC.jpg?1 (https://imgur.com/NpN9VrC)

http://i.imgur.com/YWfeaGG.jpg?1 (https://imgur.com/YWfeaGG)

What I don't understand is why the canopy of lights only covers less than half of the block.

[Jonovision]

What I don't understand is why the canopy of lights only covers less than half of the block.

My understanding is that it was done as a trial and the intention is to bring it down along the whole street at some point.

[ns_kid]

Apologies if this is old news -- couldn't find it in my search -- but work has begun on redevelopment of the former Target (ex-Zellers; ex-Eatons) space at the south end of Mic Mac Mall. Part of the exterior wall near the south doors has already been removed. According to Marco Group's website, they'll be revamping all of the mall's interior "to give it a fresh look" and renovating the department store space for new tenants. The tenants aren't named but Halifax Retales reported in the summer that Indigo books will open there along with a Sport Chek. They propose that Mic Mac's stand-alone Chapters will close, to be replaced by a restaurant (maybe Milestones though there's also a rumour the Keg is returning to Dartmouth next year). Oddly I could find no mention of construction or renovations on the MMM's social media and the "What's New" page on their website hasn't been updated since August.

There hasn't been a bookstore in the mall proper since Coles closed a couple of decades ago. (I have a soft spot: my first real job was opening that Coles when Mic Mac launched in October 1973.)

Here is the teaser on Marco's website (http://www.marcogroup.ca/projects/mic-mac-mall-redevelopment/).

[pblaauw]

In 2014, I went to MMM for the first time in about 20 years, so to me, it's already press fresh. :haha:

[OldDartmouthMark]

Apologies if this is old news -- couldn't find it in my search -- but work has begun on redevelopment of the former Target (ex-Zellers; ex-Eatons) space at the south end of Mic Mac Mall. Part of the exterior wall near the south doors has already been removed. According to Marco Group's website, they'll be revamping all of the mall's interior "to give it a fresh look" and renovating the department store space for new tenants. The tenants aren't named but Halifax Retales reported in the summer that Indigo books will open there along with a Sport Chek. They propose that Mic Mac's stand-alone Chapters will close, to be replaced by a restaurant (maybe Milestones though there's also a rumour the Keg is returning to Dartmouth next year). Oddly I could find no mention of construction or renovations on the MMM's social media and the "What's New" page on their website hasn't been updated since August.

There hasn't been a bookstore in the mall proper since Coles closed a couple of decades ago. (I have a soft spot: my first real job was opening that Coles when Mic Mac launched in October 1973.)

Here is the teaser on Marco's website (http://www.marcogroup.ca/projects/mic-mac-mall-redevelopment/).

Not old news to me. I was wondering what they were going to do with the old Eatons/Zellers/Target space.

Thanks for the update! :tup:

[ns_kid]

I actually had a crazy notion that Ivanhoé Cambridge might have convinced HBC to make the move to the more visible south end of the mall and redevelop the north end instead. The Bay space is largely unchanged since Simpsons opened it in 1973. But it appears HBC has focused most of its investment in new European locations, with 15 Hudsons Bay stores to open in the Netherlands before the end of next year. I'm not sure where or when HBC last opened a new Canadian location.

[JET]

rumour that "Keg is returning to Dartmouth next year"
Keg in Dartmouth before? Where?
Keg in Dartmouth would be good.

[OldDartmouthMark]

rumour that "Keg is returning to Dartmouth next year"
Keg in Dartmouth before? Where?
Keg in Dartmouth would be good.

It was here (https://www.google.ca/maps/@44.6700782,-63.5321139,3a,15y,108.31h,88.28t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sIOPbCBzvBcKoPD1nw_LanA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656).

[Jonovision]

A few smaller updates.

The renovations on the corner of Clyde and Birmingham are complete and the building is a vast improvement over what was there before.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4539/38423448721_1699cb1b24_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/21xmdDP)20171114_145954 (https://flic.kr/p/21xmdDP) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

And the Geoff Keddy project is coming along nicely further up Dresden Rowe. I didn't realise it had a penthouse level.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4568/26647232119_290a59788d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GAJ2Jx)20171114_145238 (https://flic.kr/p/GAJ2Jx) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

[OldDartmouthMark]

Those projects are looking good!

[Jonovision]

Bell Lofts is starting to have a bit of a presence in downtown Dartmouth. You can see the steel columns poking up from Portland St and on the Ferry.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4557/38569363641_fcbe916b3a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/21Lf55i)20171120_130433 (https://flic.kr/p/21Lf55i) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

[eastcoastal]

Bell Lofts is starting to have a bit of a presence in downtown Dartmouth. You can see the steel columns poking up from Portland St and on the Ferry.

This is shaping up to be an interesting little project.

[OldDartmouthMark]

This is shaping up to be an interesting little project.

I agree. I'm thinking this project should have its own topic.

I can't recall seeing renderings for this one. Have they been posted here before?

Anecdotally, a friend once told me that when he was a teenager, he and his buddies actually climbed up to the roof using the protruding bricks as climbing points. Not sure if it's a true story or not, but it sure isn't something that I'd want to try.

Google streetside from 2009 with a view of the protruding bricks (https://www.google.ca/maps/@44.6669929,-63.5672502,3a,75y,84.96h,90.64t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1syBBAYuDheHo92tqyHVIuGg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)

[pblaauw]

I agree. I'm thinking this project should have its own topic.

I can't recall seeing renderings for this one. Have they been posted here before?



Here (https://www.instagram.com/p/BSghR0BAUsQ/) is a rendering. I can't find a website.

[OldDartmouthMark]

Thanks!

It's strange that there isn't more info available online. Even that rendering doesn't give much of an impression of what the entire building will look like - it's just a slice.

Searched the address (34 and 36 Wentworth St.) on Halifax's planning and development site and nothing came up. Shouldn't there be some kind of info online for its development application or something similar?

[IanWatson]

Searched the address (34 and 36 Wentworth St.) on Halifax's planning and development site and nothing came up. Shouldn't there be some kind of info online for its development application or something similar?

I believe it was as-of-right, so it would not be online.

[OldDartmouthMark]

I believe it was as-of-right, so it would not be online.

OK... got it. Thanks!

[IanWatson]

Apparently the feds are moving ahead with fixing up the North Park Armoury, with the whole rehabilitation to cost someone in the realm of $130M. Sooooo presumably it will continue to be an armoury for the foreseeable future.

[Colin May]

Here (https://www.instagram.com/p/BSghR0BAUsQ/) is a rendering. I can't find a website.
http://brunobuilders.ca/ use the links to see other projects.
Bruno has bought property adjacent to St James United Church on Nov 17 2017
And 2 months ago Brad Hoyt & spouse bought 195 & 197 Portland for $1.025 million.
This now presents an opportunity for HRM to seek/insist upon one development on that part of the busiest thoroughfare in the downtown core.It can be done by bringing the 3 owners together. A denturist owns 189, 191 and 193 Portland.

[musicman]

Apparently the feds are moving ahead with fixing up the North Park Armoury, with the whole rehabilitation to cost someone in the realm of $130M. Sooooo presumably it will continue to be an armoury for the foreseeable future.

Yes it will continue to be an armoury. The front door will be enlarged to allow modern millitary vehicles to enter the building. The rest of the outside will remain the same.

[OldDartmouthMark]

http://brunobuilders.ca/ use the links to see other projects.
Bruno has bought property adjacent to St James United Church on Nov 17 2017
And 2 months ago Brad Hoyt & spouse bought 195 & 197 Portland for $1.025 million.
This now presents an opportunity for HRM to seek/insist upon one development on that part of the busiest thoroughfare in the downtown core.It can be done by bringing the 3 owners together. A denturist owns 189, 191 and 193 Portland.

Looks like they are in the process of building a proper website. Their instagram site (https://www.instagram.com/brunobuilders/) has some cool in-progress shots, but still not a good rendering to give an idea on how the finished product will look.

Thanks for the link, Colin.

[IanWatson]

Looks like they are in the process of building a proper website. Their instagram site (https://www.instagram.com/brunobuilders/) has some cool in-progress shots, but still not a good rendering to give an idea on how the finished product will look.

Thanks for the link, Colin.

I was walking past the NS Association of Architects building on Barrington last night, and in the right window there are some building models. I am almost certain one of them is the Bell Lofts. It looked good.

[OldDartmouthMark]

I was walking past the NS Association of Architects building on Barrington last night, and in the right window there are some building models. I am almost certain one of them is the Bell Lofts. It looked good.

That sounds positive!

[Colin May]

The 2 projects Bruno has completed in downtown Dartmouth are excellent additions and he is obviously a person who has an eye for attractive design. Downtown Dartmouth is becoming more attractive because the improvements are all private sector and no government push for bigger 'statement' projects. So here we are almost 40 years since the feds put money into expropriating a large piece of waterfront and all that changed was Admiralty Place, which quickly went into foreclosure. The large lot at King has yet to attract a proposal- perhaps they could give it to Bruno for $1 and ask him to develop townhouses for families. And over those 40 years all the boosters who were gaga about booming Dartmouth and the offshore, most of them are 6 feet under, have been proven wrong. I never bought into the hype, and comments re me being 'too negative' are in the dustbin as DT Dartmouth evolves into a livable and attractive place for families and small business. Local entrepreneurs are at the forefront and that is great.
Finally, we should all thank the single mother who set up the Interlude when others were departing DT Dartmouth - she had the guts to buy a building, start a salon and expand as money permitted. You can still see her in the office, not on a daily basis but she goes in to see the progress. She is never mentioned in the hipster media.

[Keith P.]

Still some way to go though Colin - the many highly sketchy businesses on the lower end of Portland still need to be cleaned out before it can truly make a comeback. The Canteen is a hipster's delight but is badly overrated and the food has disappointed me. It's a shame the street levels of Queens Square and Alderney Gate have no real retail component that would attract pedestrian traffic.

[Colin May]

Still some way to go though Colin - the many highly sketchy businesses on the lower end of Portland still need to be cleaned out before it can truly make a comeback. The Canteen is a hipster's delight but is badly overrated and the food has disappointed me. It's a shame the street levels of Queens Square and Alderney Gate have no real retail component that would attract pedestrian traffic.
Agree re the bars at the lower end of Portland Street. Whiskey's does not have a washroom, patrons go to Revanna. Two seperate properties and I don't understand how the Liquor Licence Board allows a tavern to operate without washrooms.

[Halifax]

Agree re the bars at the lower end of Portland Street. Whiskey's does not have a washroom, patrons go to Revanna. Two seperate properties and I don't understand how the Liquor Licence Board allows a tavern to operate without washrooms.

They are connected from the inside and basically run as one - The same people own both. being connected from the inside, its not like you have to go outside to a whole new building. Still, a freakish set-up.

[Colin May]

They are connected from the inside and basically run as one - The same people own both. being connected from the inside, its not like you have to go outside to a whole new building. Still, a freakish set-up.
Two seperate registered businesses. at seperate addresses. Toulany seems to have an annual problem paying his registration fees and the registration is revoked and reinstated on an almost annual basis. The registration of Whiskey's was revoked on March 6 2017 and has not been renewed.

[eastcoastal]

Looks like they are in the process of building a proper website. Their instagram site (https://www.instagram.com/brunobuilders/) has some cool in-progress shots, but still not a good rendering to give an idea on how the finished product will look.

Thanks for the link, Colin.

I read today, in AllNS, that the Bell Lofts are being stalled. Apparently, Bell Canada claims that the extension on top of the old Maritime Tel & Tel office building will result in unacceptable snow loads to their adjacent "data transportation hub," and has filed an application with NS Supreme Court to stop the work.

[Jonovision]

I read today, in AllNS, that the Bell Lofts are being stalled. Apparently, Bell Canada claims that the extension on top of the old Maritime Tel & Tel office building will result in unacceptable snow loads to their adjacent "data transportation hub," and has filed an application with NS Supreme Court to stop the work.

Progress from the weekend. Hopefully the stop work does not last long.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4693/38972404822_e5e3dc9b3f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/22nRLbb)20171210_132959_HDR (https://flic.kr/p/22nRLbb) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

[Jonovision]

Lots of progress on the on the daylighting.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4591/38292312964_90910a2dcc_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/21kL7yu)20171210_133456 (https://flic.kr/p/21kL7yu) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4594/39007924441_fd8173bd0a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/22qZNVp)20171210_133614 (https://flic.kr/p/22qZNVp) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4549/39007908111_18202fc12d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/22qZJ4R)20171210_133631 (https://flic.kr/p/22qZJ4R) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4532/27230705989_c986a2c912_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HuhubR)20171210_133638 (https://flic.kr/p/HuhubR) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4559/39007928291_5b6ef36328_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/22qZQ4M)20171210_133930 (https://flic.kr/p/22qZQ4M) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4589/24144341587_00e654bcde_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CMy4zv)20171210_134036 (https://flic.kr/p/CMy4zv) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4549/27230657839_0f12882eb7_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HuheSF)20171210_134030 (https://flic.kr/p/HuheSF) by Jonovision23 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36229421@N02/), on Flickr

[Keith P.]

Damn shame to have that Highfield Park Special right in the middle of all this.

[OldDartmouthMark]

Damn shame to have that Highfield Park Special right in the middle of all this.

:iagree:

[ILoveHalifax]

:iagree:

But those lucky people move into a tacky looking building and now they have waterfront - WOW!!

[Jstaleness]

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/halifax-construction-noise-bylaw-possible-changes-1.4448451

I get it we've all been there or are there now. Maybe it's the media spin but is anyone in the South End ever happy?

[ILoveHalifax]

So the choice would be less hours for many more days, weeks and months or more hours for a much shorter time - kind of a silly question if you ask me

[Keith P.]

Likely this is Mason trying to get back at the developer who got approval for this project despite his opposition.

[alps]

Construction noise is also banned on Sundays/holidays in Hong Kong unless you hold a special permit. I am 100 per cent in favour of this. People should be able to enjoy some peace and quiet at least one day a week.

[kph06]

The construction season is longer in Vancouver than here so that is not an apples to apples comparison. I am in the business, most contractors I work with run 7-7, Monday to Friday. Weekends and evenings up to the nosie cut off are used only when the schedule at risk of getting snowed in. Contractors are people two and try to have some time to enjoy the summer.

[eastcoastal]

Likely this is Mason trying to get back at the developer who got approval for this project despite his opposition.

I don't know... I don't think it's the sort of thing that could be applied to projects that would already be approved - it would be a huge impact to a budget that depended on "12-hour-per-day" pile-driving (which I suspect is a bit of an exaggeration), and the city would open itself up to some serious lawsuits if this was the sort of thing that was applied retroactively.

I also seriously doubt changes to the bylaws would happen before whatever project it was that a particular counselor may have a grudge against is complete. Though... I guess in this city, the race to the bottom between construction speed and bureaucracy has no clear "leader."

[teddifax]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hy4QjmKzF1c#action=share

This is interesting.

[eastcoastal]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hy4QjmKzF1c#action=share

This is interesting.

It's not the pipe we hate, it's the ugliness!

[Keith P.]

The narrator's accent is cloying and annoying. Plus I am in disagreement with the principles he espouses. Suggesting a half-dozen hard and fast rules might get you a city that some deem great but for others it may be seen as an impractical and undesirable place to live.

[Colin May]

Yeah, we should live in a city like Barcelona (population 1.6 million) instead of peninsula Halifax (population less than 70,000).
I see so many of the same stupid expositions, particularly on Twitter where local hipsters post pictures of large foreign cities with cyclists,trees, medians with shrubs and bike lanes and then ask why we cannot be like the very clever foreigners all the while forgetting to mention that peninsula Halifax has steep hills, has winter weather and is almost devoid of wide sidewalks and downtown has 35 foot wide roads. Too bad universities don't have a Masters programme in Common Sense & Critical Thinking.

[Keith P.]

Yeah, we should live in a city like Barcelona (population 1.6 million) instead of peninsula Halifax (population less than 70,000).
I see so many of the same stupid expositions, particularly on Twitter where local hipsters post pictures of large foreign cities with cyclists,trees, medians with shrubs and bike lanes and then ask why we cannot be like the very clever foreigners all the while forgetting to mention that peninsula Halifax has steep hills, has winter weather and is almost devoid of wide sidewalks and downtown has 35 foot wide roads. Too bad universities don't have a Masters programme in Common Sense & Critical Thinking.

A post I wish I had made! I must be slipping. Well done sir!! :tup:

[terrynorthend]

A post I wish I had made! I must be slipping. Well done sir!! :tup:

High praise from Keith! Colin, mark this day! :lmao:

[Colin May]

High praise from Keith! Colin, mark this day! :lmao:
Is this akin to winning an Olympic medal ?
Oh, and Merry Christmas to you and may 2018 be better than 2017 ( mine was a bit s--t after falling and breaking my hip when dismounting from a bike !!!)
Amazing what people post on Twitter (I refuse to join & I don't have a cellphone)
A few gems I noticed included a cyclist going the wrong way on a one way street and complaining about the ice on the road. First post on Dec 15.
And then a photo of a woman, possibly his wife, cycling on a snowy road; first 2 posts on Dec 16 see - https://twitter.com/kyleplans
And then scroll down to the first post on Dec 12
Would you insure such people ?
Would you want to be in the same insurance pool ?
Is that safer than the safety rules for small children in a car ?
I'd view this as reckless and endangering a small child to make a political statement.
I must admit that as a child and an adult I did some stupid stuff when riding a bike but I never endangered the lives of my kids.

[Keith P.]

He is the most zealous of cycling zealots. I believe he works for HRM which may explain a lot of the nonsense that we are seeing from them of late when it comes to cycling and "complete streets". Like most cycling zealots, he seems to enjoy ignoring the rules with impunity even when it comes to helmets and other safety items, and shows a shocking lack of understanding of how others see some of this stuff.