[someone123]

This is for the former CNIB site: http://halifax.ca/planning/Case16248Details.html

Elevation: http://halifax.ca/planning/documents/16248Elevations.pdf
Site plan: http://halifax.ca/planning/documents/16248SitePlan.pdf

The development includes:

* 92 apartments
* 21,000 square feet of ground floor commercial space
* 108 underground parking spaces on 2 levels.

---

I don't think there is a thread yet for this project specifically.

It is somewhat nicer than I thought since it includes ground floor retail and fills out the corner of Almon Street. This is a decent-sized building for that area that will have a reasonable amount of density. I never liked the suburban-style L-shaped apartment building behind (constructed ~2000) since it does not come up to the street. This will be more appropriate for the area. I would like to see a lot of buildings like this in the North End.

It's also unlikely that there will be too much fighting over this (or that it would be successful) since there is the precedent of the 12 storey towers.

[halifaxboyns]

This is for the former CNIB site: http://halifax.ca/planning/Case16248Details.html

Elevation: http://halifax.ca/planning/documents/16248Elevations.pdf
Site plan: http://halifax.ca/planning/documents/16248SitePlan.pdf

The development includes:

* 92 apartments
* 21,000 square feet of ground floor commercial space
* 108 underground parking spaces on 2 levels.

---

I don't think there is a thread yet for this project specifically.

It is somewhat nicer than I thought since it includes ground floor retail and fills out the corner of Almon Street. This is a decent-sized building for that area that will have a reasonable amount of density. I never liked the suburban-style L-shaped apartment building behind (constructed ~2000) since it does not come up to the street. This will be more appropriate for the area. I would like to see a lot of buildings like this in the North End.

It's also unlikely that there will be too much fighting over this (or that it would be successful) since there is the precedent of the 12 storey towers.

I'm surprised they didn't go higher. Usually (in my experience) when you get approval for a project at a certain height; the next application proposes to go higher not shorter. So I'm surprised that we didn't go to 15 stories; that would be where I thought the application would go.

Not that 7 isn't bad; but I'm surprised they didn't go higher.

[someone123]

It is a smaller, more exposed site. The towers are behind houses built by the developer.

[alps]

Wow, much better than I expected! I love that it fills out the lot so completely. I wish Gladstore Ridge didn't have all the sporadic little surface parking areas like to the south of this lot- it gives the houses a weird standalone island quality. The L-shaped Clayton Park-style building on the lot behind is pretty awful but this should block the view of it from the street a little.

[terrynorthend]

Looks promising. I'm really interested in the material choices for this. It reminds me a bit of Bishop's Landing, with its architectural jumble. Gives it a nice streetscape flair.

[Northend Guy]

Just a passive observer on this site for awhile, but thought I'd start throwing in a comment here and there when I can.:) The developer has recently decided to add a floor to this project, basically the 6th floor will be duplicated on the 7th, making the penthouse level the 8th floor. Adds 16 units to the unit count.

[sdm]

Looks promising. I'm really interested in the material choices for this. It reminds me a bit of Bishop's Landing, with its architectural jumble. Gives it a nice streetscape flair.

From what i can see, probably precast and glazing. Maybe option for brick instead of precast.

[Northend Guy]

The fence has gone up! Looks like things will get rolling here now.

[Dmajackson]

The fence has gone up! Looks like things will get rolling here now.

I don't think this is even approved yet ... is the fence maybe just for keeping people from walking through private property?

[fenwick16]

The fence has gone up! Looks like things will get rolling here now.

Thanks for the update. That will significantly change that area. It's on Almon and Gladstone, the block south of the Halifax Forum.

[Northend Guy]

I don't think this is even approved yet ... is the fence maybe just for keeping people from walking through private property?

The fence blocks the sidewalk, so I think this is THE fence. Pretty sure the paper work for this was or very soon will be finalized for construction to begin.

[Northend Guy]

So they are moving some dirt around now. I was just driving by and noticed at least one excavator and a few fresh mounds of dirt.

[Northend Guy]

http://www.westwoodgroup.ca/property/gladstone-north


Check out the renderings on the Westwood website!

[someone123]

Looks pretty good. It reminds me of infill buildings in Vancouver near major streets like Broadway.

As I've said before, I'd love to see many of these go up on the peninsula. This is how the city will get enough density to solve a lot of current problems.

[phrenic]

Looks good.

There must be at least a dozen other places around the peninsula where they could plop decent pieces of infill like this. And when/if they're kept as moderately priced rentals there is often little effort required to fill them.

[macgregor]

Posting of Renderings

Westwood Developments Limited will erect a mixed use, six storey Luxury Residential Living space, with 22,000 square feet of retail commercial area, from what is formally known as the CNIB and Corkum Properties.

Located on the Peninsula of Halifax, and only steps away from your neighbourhood grocery store and medical centre, Gladstone North is central to entertainment, sporting events, the waterfront and the Downtown Halifax experience; leading the way to new quality residential apartment living.
Gladstone North Suite Types:

A combination of one and two bedroom suites including four executive penthouse suite.

Estimated Construction Date: September 1, 2010

Estimated Completion Date: September 2011

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af65/macgregor10/Screenshot2010-09-24at61329PM.png

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af65/macgregor10/Screenshot2010-09-24at61304PM.png

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af65/macgregor10/Screenshot2010-09-24at61249PM.png

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af65/macgregor10/Screenshot2010-09-24at61222PM.png

Source: westwoodgroup.ca

[fenwick16]

This is becoming a nice part of the city. Great location for a stadium to the north.

[halifaxboyns]

Nice dig there fenwick - you beat me too it. :)

Someone123 - are you reading my mind? I totally agree with you on this; great little infill projects that stay under 10 stories, but add some much needed density. These could pop up all along Windsor street or Almond (closer to Gottingen). These would fit in well around the Hydrostone too.

I just got back from a nice walk along the bow river; I decided since this is my day off and I'm taking an extra long weekend for my birthday (going to Edm tomorrow) I'd grab a coffee and walk down and pay my shaw bill at their HQ in Eau Claire. There is a building that is right across the street from it; which I particularly like that could be a great infill project for more density in the peninsula. A few of these (http://maps.google.ca/?ie=UTF8&ll=51.050655,-114.076012&spn=0,0.012317&t=h&z=17&layer=c&cbll=51.050649,-114.075804&panoid=pOB4cjRI6iEzuOovA3PC0Q&cbp=12,249.03,,0,-21.46) I'd be quite happy with.

[ScovaNotian]

This is way better than the first phase. No above ground parking. :)

[Jstaleness]

Crane prediction anyone?

[worldlyhaligonian]

Nice dig there fenwick - you beat me too it. :)

Someone123 - are you reading my mind? I totally agree with you on this; great little infill projects that stay under 10 stories, but add some much needed density. These could pop up all along Windsor street or Almond (closer to Gottingen). These would fit in well around the Hydrostone too.

I just got back from a nice walk along the bow river; I decided since this is my day off and I'm taking an extra long weekend for my birthday (going to Edm tomorrow) I'd grab a coffee and walk down and pay my shaw bill at their HQ in Eau Claire. There is a building that is right across the street from it; which I particularly like that could be a great infill project for more density in the peninsula. A few of these (http://maps.google.ca/?ie=UTF8&ll=51.050655,-114.076012&spn=0,0.012317&t=h&z=17&layer=c&cbll=51.050649,-114.075804&panoid=pOB4cjRI6iEzuOovA3PC0Q&cbp=12,249.03,,0,-21.46) I'd be quite happy with.

Almond, lol...

[Dmajackson]

Just in case anybody is still confused about this project here's a quick read from the Space Race blog.

Gladstone North Work Underway
OCTOBER 5, 2010

Work is underway on the former CNIB and Corkum land at Gladstone and Almon Street for Gladstone North, a mixed use building being developed by Danny Chedrawe's development company, Westwood Group.

The new project will have 92 apartments in six storeys, consisting of one and two bedroom suites and four executive penthouse suites.

......
Read more here (http://halifax.infomonkey.net/blog.details.php?post_id=16630)

[DigitalNinja]

Nice! Maybe we will have another crane up, and it will be a record number of cranes?

[Dmajackson]

Nice! Maybe we will have another crane up, and it will be a record number of cranes?

Possibly we're sitting at 12 cranes right now in Urban HRM. I think I heard not that long ago Calgary only had 14 up (for taller projects obiously but still impressive).

[halifaxboyns]

Possibly we're sitting at 12 cranes right now in Urban HRM. I think I heard not that long ago Calgary only had 14 up (for taller projects obiously but still impressive).

My quick count at lunch gave me 16; I'd have to check.

[Dmajackson]

No photos because of the timing however excavation is well under and most of the site appears to be at the point where foundation can be poured.

[Dmajackson]

^Time to eat my words (again).

Halifax Regional Municipality Press Release (http://www.halifax.ca/mediaroom/pressrelease/pr2010/101022BlastingatAlmonandGladstoneStreets.html)

Notice of Blasting Operations at Almon St & Gladstone St

(Friday, October 22, 2010) - This is to inform residents, business owners and property owners that blasting operations are required to complete rock excavation for new residential development at the corner of Almon Street and Gladstone Street in Halifax.. ACL Construction Ltd has obtained a permit to carry out the blasting. Blasting will start on or about Oct 25/10 for approximately 4 weeks. Operations can take place Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm. No blasting will take place on weekends or statutory holidays.

...

HRM really needs to update their website. The info page for this project still states it is proposed and not approved.

- DJ

[macgregor]

One excavator continuing digging. Blasting ongoing.

[Jstaleness]

Still digging but looking a lot cleaner as far as shape and forms of holes. Should be ready for concrete soon hopefully.

[kph06]

They said on the radio today that tomorrow will be the last day of blasting.

[Dmajackson]

The development agreement for this is going before PCC for first reading next Monday (the 13th); Case 16248 (http://www.halifax.ca/Commcoun/pcc/documents/Gladstonereport.pdf)

Apparently the construction going on right now is for the underground parking and commercial space on the ground floor.

[Dmajackson]

Photo from today. The final public hearing for this project is on January 10th (2011);

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5249/5273115534_59011838f2_z.jpg

[Navig8ur]

Crane Base installed on site.

[fenwick16]

Crane Base installed on site.

Thanks for the update. It would be great if you could start posting images of the construction progress.

[Navig8ur]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5283/5324288861_da7368d82a_m.jpg
Photo by me today

[alps]

Public hearing tonight (http://www.halifax.ca/planning/Case16248Details.html)

7:00 pm in the Council Chamber, City Hall

[halifaxboyns]

Public hearing tonight (http://www.halifax.ca/planning/Case16248Details.html)

7:00 pm in the Council Chamber, City Hall

Any word on this?

[kph06]

Allnovascotia says it was unanimously approved. I guess Westwood tknoew it would get passed considering the amount of excavation already done.

[halifaxboyns]

Well that's good - now if only they approve Fenwick :)

[alps]

Only one private citizen spoke. He had some reservations over whether people would park on his property/business (the cab depot and legion across the street), but thought it was overall a "great project".

[fenwick16]

Well that's good - now if only they approve Fenwick :)

When will the council be voting on the Fenwick Tower renovations?

[someone123]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5283/5324288861_da7368d82a_m.jpg
Photo by me today

I remember reading about angry nearby residents when the 5 storey apartment building shown on the right in this picture was proposed about a decade ago. It's telling how little opposition there is to a much larger development today. The design of the newer building is also significantly better.

[Jonovision]

When will the council be voting on the Fenwick Tower renovations?

I'm told sometime around Feb 1st. I believe they already had their first reading at the beginning of the month.

[halifaxboyns]

I'm told sometime around Feb 1st. I believe they already had their first reading at the beginning of the month.

First reading for the MPS amendments is tonight.
It's on the regional council schedule here. (http://www.halifax.ca/council/agendasc/documents/110111ca1121.pdf)

[halifaxboyns]

I remember reading about angry nearby residents when the 5 storey apartment building shown on the right in this picture was proposed about a decade ago. It's telling how little opposition there is to a much larger development today. The design of the newer building is also significantly better.

It's been my experience that when a neighbourhood has been a particular way for so long (prodominately single detached dwellings) - when big changes like adding a multi come along, it really can cause concern. But usually once it's built, the community attitude changes. The case you mention is a classic example and we're seeing it with Spirit Place and saw it with the proposal for the Church site in Fairview.

[someone123]

It's been my experience that when a neighbourhood has been a particular way for so long (prodominately single detached dwellings) - when big changes like adding a multi come along, it really can cause concern. But usually once it's built, the community attitude changes. The case you mention is a classic example and we're seeing it with Spirit Place and saw it with the proposal for the Church site in Fairview.

It's not surprising given how overblown the reactions tend to be to the first new buildings. Effects on traffic are subtle and often with lowrise buildings you can't even see them if you're a block away. They have far less impact than people think.

[halifaxboyns]

It's not surprising given how overblown the reactions tend to be to the first new buildings. Effects on traffic are subtle and often with lowrise buildings you can't even see them if you're a block away. They have far less impact than people think.

One of our soon to retire staff members and I had an interesting discussion about this very point, because I brought up the problems in Halifax. He agrees with me that it's not confined to Halifax - it's here in Calgary, but for different reasons.

My guess (for the Halifax context) is that with rash of public housing projects in the late 60's/70's (which were mainly highrise); there has been a perception from that (which has continued for years) that anything high rise would be essentially the same thing. Of course, we know it isn't - but those who don't deal with planning everyday would see it based on the assumptions they learned or were taught. So I think part of it is from that basis.

The other reasons I think is this perception that the 'Canadian' dream is to own a house with a backyard, get married, have a couple kids, a dog (or cat) and a car and live in the burbs. Thus building high density residential goes against that programming.

I think the older generation and the boomers are the generation moving quickest to embrace high density living (mainly because they are retiring and selling their homes and moving to condos or assisted living complexes) while most of my generation (30 to 45) still have the 'Canadian dream' programmed in them. Also, I think youth are more easily accepting of high density because they are very much on the green movement and they know that building higher density is a better use of land.

[someone123]

I have definitely noticed that most of the NIMBYs sound like they are arguing against a Fenwick tower or Maritime Centre in their backyard when the reality is totally different. They know that they don't like the 60s/70s bare concrete towers but they don't think about it enough to figure out what the real problems are with those buildings or whether or not the new developments will have the same issues. A lot of the specific complaints about traffic I think are just made up to justify the hatred of the infill building (a few years ago in the South End the "undesirables" comments were also not unheard of -- somebody once complained that if they build bachelor apartments on South Street nurses will move in to be close to the hospitals... oh, the horror!).

Lately we've seen "Nova Centre = Scotia Square" despite the fact that the two developments have very little in common except for highrises.

[kph06]

Some more of the crane is on site today.

[Navig8ur]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5209/5357285120_9d810a2074_b.jpg

Photo by me today

[Jstaleness]

I tried to get a night shot using the other towers as a lit backdrop. Stupid blackberry doesn't let enough light into it to make it worthwhile.

[-Harlington-]

Zoomed from mount royale :

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5245/5373598226_95e73c5546.jpg

And from Almon :

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5206/5373604056_5f5412307d.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5167/5373604564_d0d9736748.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5281/5373004533_77031a67bc.jpg

[Dmajackson]

View from Boland Street today;

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5257/5416777549_8464610fa5_z.jpg

And these are from last Sunday;

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5292/5417411060_96946e71b3_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5098/5417407192_9dbdc23884_z.jpg

[Dmajackson]

From yesterday;

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5300/5449668255_dfbdd36752_z.jpg

[DigitalNinja]

Crane should be up soon!

[Jonovision]

Crane should be up soon!

The crane went up a few weeks ago.......there are pictures of it just a few posts back.

[DigitalNinja]

Oh lol that was stupid of me.

[Jstaleness]

I was near today. It looked like all the columns were in for the ground level.

[Dmajackson]

^Look something like this?

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5106/5549278408_74b79c80c0_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5068/5548725109_11c79e20f7_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5268/5548716223_1c219397d0_z.jpg

[Jstaleness]

The columns on the Almon side are at grade now. I assume the rest would be also at grade by next weeks end.

[Dmajackson]

^Again something like this :P

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5308/5580652679_ff056d347e_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5172/5580651305_751eb0048f_z.jpg

[fenwick16]

^Again something like this :P

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5308/5580652679_ff056d347e_z.jpg

This photo creates a bit of an optical illusion - the foundation seems to be sinking into the ground.

[Dmajackson]

From sometime recently;

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2794/5708297811_60fcf56476_z.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3398/5708300695_2959891c0e_z.jpg

Good ol' DJ photos :)

[Dmajackson]

Almost there .... just one more thread to go:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5187/5724571383_39aa6e67cf_z.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2734/5724574839_bc6e3717a3_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5027/5725135394_06c58554f5_z.jpg

[Dmajackson]

Uhh ... my camera's zoom was not cooperating today;

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5272/5896300870_a92d36021d_z.jpg

[Dmajackson]

Just another shot from my baby;

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6017/5976319704_29cec0fb67_z.jpg

[someone123]

I like this project because it is the sort of thing that could be repeated pretty much wherever on the peninsula. It's a basic "background" building. A conservative estimate is that it will have 150 residents when completed. Build 100 of these, one every few blocks (in practice mostly along the more major streets), and the population of the peninsula will go up by 15,000.

[Dmajackson]

From yesterday;

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6195/6060140489_b21649db40_z.jpg

[Dmajackson]

This will have some skyline impact;

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6062/6113727779_41d6027669_z.jpg

[kph06]

Here are some photos I snapped today, this ones slipping under the radar in a way, so I grabbed a few angles of it.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6192/6115867001_bc32ac00f4_b.jpg
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6181/6116416322_8b0f002584_b.jpg
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6184/6115877365_3a7b4330e3_b.jpg
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6197/6116423690_3622a26446_b.jpg
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6089/6115874933_421f2062e7_b.jpg

[worldlyhaligonian]

I'll say it again... I love that it covers the butt ugly vinyl siding section on the building behind.

The legion is pretty rough looking.

[Keith P.]

The legion is pretty rough looking.

Matches their clentele... :jester:

Their building used to be a Shell gas station back in the '70s. The result of conversion is what you see.

[halifaxboyns]

For me, I agree with someone123 but there is something better about this project. It's taking a section of the Peninsula that had been mostly heavy commercial/industrial in nature and turning it into an area where people want to live. It's creating good density and building up the neighbourhood quite nicely.

[worldlyhaligonian]

For me, I agree with someone123 but there is something better about this project. It's taking a section of the Peninsula that had been mostly heavy commercial/industrial in nature and turning it into an area where people want to live. It's creating good density and building up the neighbourhood quite nicely.

I agree 100%... now if only other areas can be developed like this.

[Empire]

For me, I agree with someone123 but there is something better about this project. It's taking a section of the Peninsula that had been mostly heavy commercial/industrial in nature and turning it into an area where people want to live. It's creating good density and building up the neighbourhood quite nicely.

This area has the most potential on the Peninsula. It flies under the radar and you won't see Alan Ruffman opposing a 20 storey building on Kempt Rd. The used car mindset has to go.......this is area is shrouded in potential and it is being wasted.

Prime on Kempt Rd.
http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=halifax&hl=en&ll=44.660686,-63.607321&spn=0.000031,0.046649&sll=49.891235,-97.15369&sspn=51.016706,95.537109&vpsrc=6&t=h&z=15&layer=c&cbll=44.660643,-63.607186&panoid=6kb0T09Imh0Zvt3LV28gGg&cbp=12,297.37,,0,0

Prime on Kempt Rd.
http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=halifax&hl=en&ll=44.660809,-63.607707&spn=0.000031,0.046649&sll=49.891235,-97.15369&sspn=51.016706,95.537109&vpsrc=6&t=h&z=15&layer=c&cbll=44.660852,-63.607821&panoid=V8DPDVz0Ry9uqzCY6JdqHQ&cbp=12,341.57,,0,0

[WestEndHali]

:previous:

I don't think that particular lot is going to waste. I'm doing quite well owning and operating a business on that property :)

[halifaxboyns]

:previous:

I don't think that particular lot is going to waste. I'm doing quite well owning and operating a business on that property :)

There you go!
I dunno this area I just can't see changing from an auto oriented form. I hate to be difficult, but I just can't see this area being someplace that even if you had a whole bunch of mixed use buildings pop up, people would really want to live?

It might work more if the strip mall lot (next to the superstore) and the superstore redeveloped, but I just can't see it...I don't know why I have such a block in this one area lol!

[someone123]

There are a lot of areas that can be built up before Kempt Road, which is obviously kind of out of the way. Young Street is a good candidate, for example.

There's also a need for a certain amount of car-oriented stuff even on the peninsula, like car rental places.

[halifaxboyns]

There are a lot of areas that can be built up before Kempt Road, which is obviously kind of out of the way. Young Street is a good candidate, for example.

There's also a need for a certain amount of car-oriented stuff even on the peninsula, like car rental places.

I think you hit the nail on the head for my block. For me, I'm seeing a progression of areas of 'interest' on the peninsula. Obviously SGR and downtown are the prime, but now we're also seeing what I will broadly call the 'south end' (mainly around Fenwick, but would also include the VIC area).

Then you've had the area around this site and the Hydrostone. I think this area will develop quicker with this project and a few more, along with the Hydrostone.

The next areas I think suspect will see big interest will be Quinpool; Gottingen/Agricola and then probably what I would call the 'forum lands' - which includes the Superstore area of Young. My dream would be to see the Canada Post facility move off the peninsula - that alone would free up a huge chunk of the area, which if you put in towers in the 20 to 30 storey range could easily bulk up the population in the range of 7,000 to 15,000 range (depending on the unit mix).

Leaving Kempt Road as an 'auto' oriented area (plus that small area of Robie that also includes some car dealerships) isn't a bad thing considering the level of opportunities on the Peninsula.

[RyeJay]

The next areas I think suspect will see big interest will be Quinpool; Gottingen/Agricola and then probably what I would call the 'forum lands' - which includes the Superstore area of Young.

Seeing an 'uptown' Quinpool would be a dream come true, but I seriously doubt any larger development will proceed due to Quinpool's horrible infrastructure. Driving on that road, and the on-street parking, is a nightmare. The unlikelihood is compounded further by Quinpool's location of being SQUISHED between two large low-density residential areas--containing people who don't want to see anything change.

Without some municipal attention to things such as parking and especially traffic flow (i.e.: protecting residential areas from what would be Quinpool's increased traffic; making these residential side-streets 'entry only' onto Quinpool), high-rise projects are not an option.

If, however, attention was given to Quinpool, then the sky's the limit for what we could develop. Haha, who knows...perhaps one day some developers will be offering luxurious Quinpool apartment units and condos that are so high up they are able to offer amazing views of the historical downtown.

[Keith P.]

Seeing an 'uptown' Quinpool would be a dream come true, but I seriously doubt any larger development will proceed due to Quinpool's horrible infrastructure. Driving on that road, and the on-street parking, is a nightmare. The unlikelihood is compounded further by Quinpool's location of being SQUISHED between two large low-density residential areas--containing people who don't want to see anything change.

Without some municipal attention to things such as parking and especially traffic flow (i.e.: protecting residential areas from what would be Quinpool's increased traffic; making these residential side-streets 'entry only' onto Quinpool), high-rise projects are not an option.

If, however, attention was given to Quinpool, then the sky's the limit for what we could develop. Haha, who knows...perhaps one day some developers will be offering luxurious Quinpool apartment units and condos that are so high up they are able to offer amazing views of the historical downtown.

Both Quinpool and Kempt are good examples of the time warp that Halifax is locked into. In terms of Quinpool the concept of on-street parking being allowed on one of the few major arteries into the downtown core is a relic of the 1950s. Any attempt to change that has run into huge opposition. Kempt is even more of a relic. When you look at the images posted above, you can see a street whose basic structure has not changed since the 1940s, despite the addition of car dealerships and other newer buildings. It has always been an underperforming street.

[WestEndHali]

Unfortunately you won't see the structure of Kempt change anytime soon. IMO for any significant development to occur on Kempt it will come as a spill over effect from development on Young.

Gladstone ridge and the Hydrostone have helped kick start a small interest in the redevelopment of this end of the peninsula, but its not enough. That's why I was pulling for Willow Park as the possible sight for the new stadium. Although Shannon Park could help also, if only indirectly.

A serious development of this kind would do wonders in drawing both people and businesses back to this area in a major way. Hotels and high density residences would be quite viable and the land for these is readily available, i.e. the Bloomfield area as well as those awful strip malls along Young to name a few.

You won't see Gladstone ridge style or mixed use developments along Kempt road until the adjacent areas develop fully. In particular the lot I rent wouldn't be viable as it borders the Ocean concrete facility, which is not only noisy, but fills the air with tons of dust. I know I wouldn't live beside it.

[Empire]

Unfortunately you won't see the structure of Kempt change anytime soon. IMO for any significant development to occur on Kempt it will come as a spill over effect from development on Young.

Gladstone ridge and the Hydrostone have helped kick start a small interest in the redevelopment of this end of the peninsula, but its not enough. That's why I was pulling for Willow Park as the possible sight for the new stadium. Although Shannon Park could help also, if only indirectly.

A serious development of this kind would do wonders in drawing both people and businesses back to this area in a major way. Hotels and high density residences would be quite viable and the land for these is readily available, i.e. the Bloomfield area as well as those awful strip malls along Young to name a few.

You won't see Gladstone ridge style or mixed use developments along Kempt road until the adjacent areas develop fully. In particular the lot I rent wouldn't be viable as it borders the Ocean concrete facility, which is not only noisy, but fills the air with tons of dust. I know I wouldn't live beside it.

Small power centres with shopping like the shops at Dartmouth Crossing may get Kempt Rd. moving in a higher density direction. Buildings such as Young tower or perhaps hotels could make inroads in the Kempt Rd. district and better utilize the prime location.

[RyeJay]

Unfortunately you won't see the structure of Kempt change anytime soon. IMO for any significant development to occur on Kempt it will come as a spill over effect from development on Young.

I agree.

Gladstone ridge and the Hydrostone have helped kick start a small interest in the redevelopment of this end of the peninsula, but its not enough. That's why I was pulling for Willow Park as the possible sight for the new stadium. Although Shannon Park could help also, if only indirectly.

A serious development of this kind would do wonders in drawing both people and businesses back to this area in a major way. Hotels and high density residences would be quite viable and the land for these is readily available, i.e. the Bloomfield area as well as those awful strip malls along Young to name a few.

Shannon Park has been mentioned an aweful lot. It would help that dead area of Dartmouth, and therefore HRM as a whole, but I also see your view of how the area around Willow Park is perfectly ripe. Having a moderate level of development already, a stadium would jolt this area; and this area has the required road system to support this; AND this would mean a stadium on the peninsula!

In all honesty, I'm fine with Shannon Park--because we stadium beggars can't be choosers. But I agree that having a stadium on the peninsula--more directly stimulating the downtown with capital--is the preferable decision.

[pblaauw]

I can see the Kempt Rd. car lots being used for a mass transit depot of some sort- it's close to the rails, and at the head of the Bedford Highway.

Of course, I think that kind of mass transit is highly unlike to ever happen here.

[kph06]

Photos by me:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6156/6226876005_5d24756054_b.jpg
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6110/6226877977_bac8d2e99e_b.jpg
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6231/6227397984_fbc0294eec_b.jpg
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6169/6226881291_95918d2b80_b.jpg
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6038/6227401624_23654801f1_b.jpg

[Dmajackson]

This is coming along nicely. :)

I don't have photos since my camera got buried in the move but I live a couple of blocks over so when I find it I'll snap a few.

[-Harlington-]

As mentioned this is coming along nicely, been awhile since an update :



http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz269/6sean/104_1315.jpg

[resetcbu1]

As mentioned this is coming along nicely, been awhile since an update :



http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz269/6sean/104_1315.jpg

I don't get home often , how does the street-scape of that area look now with all these developments?
Must have it's own little skyline by now huh?:)

[alps]

Bad quality phone photo from the Quinpool Tower:

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l217/halps00/15d18ebb.jpg

[kph06]

Not the greatest photos by me:

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6106/6406882839_bab744c214_b.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6406883855_5454c5f845_b.jpg

[Dmajackson]

I walk by this quite often now and it does look good but what hasn't been mentioned is the odd slope along this building on Almon Street. They don't appear to be installing any steps which means all of the street level activity will be limited to Gladstone Street (which is good and bad).

Once this building and the associated duplexes are complete Gladstone Street will look awesome! The lack of driveways and high quaity buildings really make this block nice to walk down. I just hope the Legion and adjacent taxi dispatch centre can be redeveloped in the next couple of years.

BTW have I mentioned that I LOVE living in the shadow of Gladstone Ridge yet? :D

[-Harlington-]

I walk by this quite often now and it does look good but what hasn't been mentioned is the odd slope along this building on Almon Street. They don't appear to be installing any steps :D


I noticed this as well, its some sort of concrete wall looking thing sloping on almon, i didnt think much of it because i was under the impression that there will be storefronts on Almon but apparently not

Unless they somehow put some in but it does not appear that way

As long as we get some storefronts i guess its all good .

[Jstaleness]

Looking at the past few picture posts it's clear that Gladstone St's power lines should be buried. It would make this building so much more appealing.

[kph06]

I drove by today on the way to work, and I thought I saw a cutout for steps, mind you I was tunring left onto Almon from Gladstone, so from that angle I could have been looking at something else.

[Dmajackson]

I dug out my camera today. Its does look like a staircase could be installed along Almon Street about mid-way down the building. Hopefully they make the retaining wall a bit more attractive then most dead walls in the neighbourhood;

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6468852689_686dfb04fc_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6468855039_2b22cf0ae8_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6468857887_941f0ac8b1_z.jpg

[Empire]

I dug out my camera today. Its does look like a staircase could be installed along Almon Street about mid-way down the building. Hopefully they make the retaining wall a bit more attractive then most dead walls in the neighbourhood;

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6468852689_686dfb04fc_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6468855039_2b22cf0ae8_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6468857887_941f0ac8b1_z.jpg

This building is going up almost as slow as Spice did..........

[Dmajackson]

PHOTO TIME! :D (all pics by me yesterday)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6764102273_9f305926e3_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6764103405_7d7770928d_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6764104307_32f2bf4990_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6764105157_40253f03cd_z.jpg

[Northend Nerd]

View from Shoppers on Robie & Almon. Photo by me.

http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/4756/gladstone1.jpg

[kph06]

Crane came down today, photos by me:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7067/6824262492_9140ab0395_b.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7201/6824262758_bbb4a1bca2_b.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7198/6824262950_fee81de7e0_b.jpg