[mr.sandbag]

I spoke with the guys and they said the patio most likely wont happen, after the side walk got landscaped it pretty much removed any real usable space. there will be alot of flak if they went ahead with the patio, my sense is they will drop it.,

its going to be a real causal pub feel, with long benchs and large tables.

not sure about Goh, there still is a large section dedicated to art studios so who knows might happen

[Homeowner]

I spoke with the guys and they said the patio most likely wont happen, after the side walk got landscaped it pretty much removed any real usable space. there will be alot of flak if they went ahead with the patio, my sense is they will drop it.,

its going to be a real causal pub feel, with long benchs and large tables.

not sure about Goh, there still is a large section dedicated to art studios so who knows might happen

The restaurant will give 'the whip' some competition and an extra option for the residents around the area. win - win situation.:cheers:

[SFUVancouver]

Any word on how the April 5th Rezoning hearing went?

[quobobo]

The public hearing wrapped up, and council's final decision was postponed until April 17th. Fingers crossed.

[mr.sandbag]

i hate to admit this but everytime I saw one of the annoying RAMP posters in my building and around the area, I took them down....

fingers crossed for sure.

[jlousa]

Think it's a gimme that council will approve this. If they were going to vote it down they would've stopped the meetings after 250 people signed up to speak and not carried on. I imagine council will have a couple of adjustments thrown in to appease the masses.
I'm a tad disappointed about this as I just don't feel this is the right project for the area, could've been so much better thought out and it would've been received better.

[flight_from_kamakura]

height is perfectly in line with the area plan though
http://i.imgur.com/EpLDt.png

[Sir Conga]

Here is an article at scoutmagazine.ca with quite the active comment thread. (http://scoutmagazine.ca/2012/04/11/on-rize-or-forcing-a-luxury-highrise-on-a-neighbourhood-that-really-doesnt-want-it/)

[twism]

After all the wait it has finally been approved.

Council approves Rize rezoning application

Posted by Michael Aynsley on Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Vancouver city council has voted to approve the Rize rezoning application in Mount Pleasant. The Green Party’s Adriane Carr was the only dissenting vote against the controversial proposal and Vision councillor Tim Stevenson did not vote. The application was approved with a few revisions. Mayor Gregor Robertson and council have told staff to make the following changes to the development:

Reduce the size of the front of the building on Broadway;
Improve the pedestrian experience on Broadway in front of the building;
Create smaller scale and expression on all facades.

Since it was first announced in early 2011, the proposal has been plagued by controversy and community opposition. Concerns about the project from neighbourhood residents include: the size of the development, affordability, and whether it will drive up prices elsewhere in the neighbhourhood, density, how it might affect traffic, and the look of the building.

Those who work for Rize Alliance have maintained throughout the lengthy debate that their proposal adheres to the Mount Pleasant Community Plan and has already been modified a number of times following input from the public and the city.

http://vancouver.openfile.ca/blog/curator-blog/breaking/2012/council-approves-rize-rezoning-application

[hollywoodnorth]

AWESOME NEWS!

here are the twitters from CBC

1:16:03 PM
Rezoning for #rize development passed by #vancouver city hall #CBC
by stephmer via twitter on April-17-12 at 1:03:21 PM
Councilor Tang and Mayor Robertson in support #rize #CBC #vancouver
by stephmer via twitter on April-17-12 at 12:53:45 PM
Counc. Carr still opposed to #rize #CBC
#vancouver
by stephmer via twitter on April-17-12 at 12:50:09 PM
NPA Coun. Affleck also will support #rize #CBC #vancouver
by stephmer via twitter on April-17-12 at 12:47:44 PM
But Reimer says #rize is ugly and hopes the developer can improve look. #CBC #vancouver
by stephmer via twitter on April-17-12 at 12:45:39 PM
Reimer also in support. Stevenson won't be voting. #rize #vancouver #cbc
by stephmer via twitter on April-17-12 at 12:43:03 PM

[jlousa]

Sad to see this one approved, the density was roughly right but the massings are wrong for the area. The approval of this project is going to make approving other large projects outside the core that much more diffilcult now, it's a shame this one couldn't have set a positive example.

[Prometheus]

approval of this project is going to make approving other large projects outside the core that much more diffilcult now...

Why is that?

[WarrenC12]

Due to RAMP. The APC comes to hipster-ville. :haha:

[whatnext]

Disgusting decision. It was pretty much a foregone conclusion Vision would ram whatever they wanted down the neighbourhood's throat, that's their standard schtick. But the NPA has probably signed their death warrant with their voter base. Its a great gift for NSV in the next election.

[SFUVancouver]

After all the wait it has finally been approved.

Council approves Rize rezoning application

Posted by Michael Aynsley on Tuesday, April 17, 2012

...[snip]... Mayor Gregor Robertson and council have told staff to make the following changes to the development:

Reduce the size of the front of the building on Broadway;
Improve the pedestrian experience on Broadway in front of the building;
Create smaller scale and expression on all facades.

...[snip]...


All of these can be addressed at the development permit stage. Rezoning is about (1) Use (2) Form (3) Density

[wrenegade]

Sad to see this one approved, the density was roughly right but the massings are wrong for the area.

I agree completely.

The approval of this project is going to make approving other large projects outside the core that much more diffilcult now, it's a shame this one couldn't have set a positive example.

This is really unfortunate, but I feel it will be true as well. Personally I don't have much appetite for approaching sites similar to this in the next couple years. I also wonder how smoothly the rezonings at Oakridge and Little Mountain will go now with so many disappointed people still angry at this decision I'm sure they won't go away. They'll just turn their attention to something else.

Anyone know what the revisions were though?

[mr.sandbag]

not everyone is angry. I don't believe there was alot of people in the area against it but a very vocal group. I went to a couple of the RAMP meetings and I'd say maybe 150 people.

Lets hope the changes made will improve the massing and frontages and who knows maybe this will be an example that future projects like this can be modified throughout the process and the neighbourhoods feel they have no say.

I'm looking forward to this as it will hopefully kick start the Kingsgate Mall make over.

[phesto]

Disgusting decision. It was pretty much a foregone conclusion Vision would ram whatever they wanted down the neighbourhood's throat, that's their standard schtick. But the NPA has probably signed their death warrant with their voter base. Its a great gift for NSV in the next election.

How does the NPA's support really impact them here? I don't think they would've won any support from the locals had they taken a different tack than Vision.

[officedweller]

Hopefully they won't use "heavy" looking dark coloured brick.
Maybe yellow brick, like what was originally proposed for 1 Kingsway (then replaced with red brick).

[whatnext]

How does the NPA's support really impact them here? I don't think they would've won any support from the locals had they taken a different tack than Vision.

Easy. While the NPA wan't paying attention the interests of their voter base (largely SF homeowners) diverged from that of their developer backers. No matter how much of his money Rob Macdonald pours into the party, people aren't going to want highrises plunked down beside them looking into their backyard. Thus a huge opportunity develops for Neighbours for a Sustainable Vancouver to peel away even more of the old Non-Partisan vote next time.

Of course the real losers are Mt. Pleasant Vision Vancouver voters, who may have thought their staunch support of Gregor and his Gang bought them any consideration. Instead they were trampled all over, just as surely as the residents near Shannon Mews or Marine Gateway. I'm sure the Vision "braintrust" thinks those new residents will vote for them, but lets face it, renters don't vote in anywhere near the numbers homeowners do, and those who were sucked in by Vision last time are unlikely to fall for the Mayor's vapid charms next election.

[renthefinn]

Don't know what the kerfuffle is all about... close enough to downtown for a big building imo...

[invisibleairwaves]

Don't know what the kerfuffle is all about... close enough to downtown for a big building imo...

But it's also about two or three long-side blocks away from a handful of SFHs, so....highrises looking down into backyards!

[Jebby]

But it's also about two or three long-side blocks away from a handful of SFHs, so....highrises looking down into backyards!

I guess those SFH's will just have to be redeveloped.

[dreambrother808]

I have no issue with the development but I do feel that this is a case where they could have shortened the high-rise so as to appease community concerns. I guess the issue there is losing out on high-rise views and the prices they can charge for them.

[PaperTiger]

I have no issue with the development but I do feel that this is a case where they could have shortened the high-rise so as to appease community concerns. I guess the issue there is losing out on high-rise views and the prices they can charge for them.

They did, from 26 to 19.

What seems to be lost in all this was that the site is specifically identified for a taller building. The existing zoning allowed 13 stories, they are building 19, that seems reasonable to me.

[mezzanine]

But it's also about two or three long-side blocks away from a handful of SFHs, so....highrises looking down into backyards!


But that's also the case in places like metrotown or highgate in Bby. or even west-end style houses next to downtown high-rises. :shrug:

[WarrenC12]

They did, from 26 to 19.

What seems to be lost in all this was that the site is specifically identified for a taller building. The existing zoning allowed 13 stories, they are building 19, that seems reasonable to me.

Yes, exactly. The proposal is reasonable. We need to think 50+ years ahead when new projects of this size are undertaken. :tup:

[Prometheus]

But it's not like this site sits at the intersection of three busy, commercial, arterial roadways, a shopping mall, and a future subway station. Oh, wait, it does.

Forget 50 years, this development will be perceived as undersized and shortsighted within 20.

[SpongeG]

i wonder if these are the same residents who whined and got the billboards taken off the other tall building almost across the street from this one...

[jlousa]

The problem is the building decreased in floors only, even though it went from 26 to 19 floors it only decreased in height by 2.5 stories as they increased the heights of the floors. If the building were a true 19 floors it would've been easier to swallow. Again the problem isn't the increased density, the area was willing to allow significate density and the plan they for the area calls for intensification, the issue here is the massing.

[mezzanine]

Again the problem isn't the increased density, the area was willing to allow significate density and the plan they for the area calls for intensification, the issue here is the massing.

But I'm unsure what that means. Do you have links to the issues of the proposed massing?

Would be more accurate to say that the issue is the 'asthetic appeal of the planned' massing?

[flight_from_kamakura]

I guess those SFH's will just have to be redeveloped.

haha, yes!

[itinerant]

the area was willing to allow significate density and the plan they for the area calls for intensification, the issue here is the massing.

I would much rather have seen the developer bring down the height of the podium along Kingsway and Broadway so the street-wall wasn't so imposing (4 or 5 'real' storeys at most), and move a taller very slender tower (30 storeys or more) to the SW corner of the site at 10th and the laneway with a setback to allow for street-level townhomes. Perhaps create a wide at street-level opening to the interior of the block on the approach to the tower at centre-rear, and passthru to 10th to make the interior of these blocks more permeable to the public and foot/bicycle traffic.

These suggestions would be a shift in density for sure, by giving much more height with less mass near the ground. This IS skyscraper page after all.

I do not see any reason to make any part of this project emulate the character of a tallish-for-the-time building a block away. Like the Sun tower and Marine Building downtown, I'd prefer to be able to see the old buildings with defining character prominent in the skyline and vicinity, but this should be handled better than slapping on some complementary surface finishes and trying to match heights at the street.

My two cents.

[jlousa]

The massings are the the forms the buildings will take, an FSR of 5 could've been accomplished in 5 floors with total site coverage. Obviously that wouldn't work here nor would it be acceptable.
Rize could've gone with a 4 storey podium block along Watson with a break midblock near the current driveway. Along Broadway they could've gone with a 4 story thick podium rising to 6 storys as it moved east away from Watson and having a 10 storey slim tower pop up at the corner of Kingsway set back a bit from Broadway so not to cast shadows. At 10th and Kingway they could still have a 17 storey tower that fits within 150ft not the current 225ft proposed for 19floors. The above proposal would still housing an FSR of 5 provide conncetions thru the site from Kingsway,Watson and 10th, keep the Watson st character intact and have semi public space in the centre, the only loss would be of the big box retail, which isn't wanted by the residents nor is it in the community plan.

[s211]

i wonder if these are the same residents who whined and got the billboards taken off the other tall building almost across the street from this one...

Wasn't it the city that was all wound up about the signs? Don't remember it being a "community" issue.

[officedweller]

The billboard was City bylaw issue (enforcement zeal) - mind you, the original no billboards bylaw (and removal of neon years ago) was probably NIMBY inspired.

WRT big box, let the market decide what will work.
What if MEC or Whole Foods (big boxes in eco disguises) wanted to move to the location? Would they complain then?

The funny thing is that people talk about about maintaining the prominence of the Lee Building. I'll bet that the Lee Building was to be "typical" and not a tall landmark for the area (look at the big Post Office that was built for the area - the area was supposed to grow big). It would be cool to see the fork/triangle at Kingsway & Main developed with a true flatiron building of at least 10 storeys.

[logan5]

the only loss would be of the big box retail, which isn't wanted by the residents nor is it in the community plan.

Where is the big box located? There are supposed to be small retail along Broadway, according to the Rize open house boards, so I assume there is a large retail space along Kingsway?

[SFUVancouver]

Where is the big box located? There are supposed to be small retail along Broadway, according to the Rize open house boards, so I assume there is a large retail space along Kingsway?

With the grade change the small CRUs of retail would front onto Broadway while the large, full-floorplate CRU would enter from near the corner of Kingsway and 10th.

From what I recall, the developer has a MOU with a Capers/Choices-like co-operative which wishes to open a grocery store in the large retail space. Bear in mind that in the next 5 to 10 years Kingsgate Mall will likely be redeveloped and its pretty much inevitable that the redevelopment will include a grocery store, so in time there would be two across the street from one another. If the Cambie and Broadway area can support a Save on Foods on 7th, a Whole Foods on 8th, and a Safeway on 12th and Ash, and the No Frills on Broadway at Alberta, then I'm certain Mount Pleasant will be able to support two grocery stores across the street from one another and the Marketplace IGA further south on Main at 14th.

[logan5]

A grocery store along Kingsway doesn't seem so bad. Far better than a Canadian Tire or a Wal-Mart, which I associate more with "big box" retail.

Thanks for the info.

[jlousa]

It was rumoured to be East Van Food Co-op but it came out during the council meetings that there is no mou signed nor does the Co-op have funding in place.

[Vestry]

Is it still possible for the loading area to be re-configured away from 10th?

[SFUVancouver]

It was rumoured to be East Van Food Co-op but it came out during the council meetings that there is no mou signed nor does the Co-op have funding in place.

My mistake on the MOU. I hope that the Co-op can still make the project work. Perhaps now that the rezoning is approved they can focus their energies on securing financing. Regardless, I hope it is a grocery store that goes into the space.