General Updates and News

[teddifax]

This new building has applied and I believe was recently approved for the top level to be residential, with the rest being commercial.

[Keith P.]

Originally Posted by Drybrain

That Dulux paint store and its big parking lot at Isleville and Young is crying out to be infilled next.

As a former gas station, that property would undoubtedly be very expensive to redevelop due to remediation costs unless a very large hole was dug for a building of some size that likely would be fiercely opposed by the area residents.

[Dmajackson]

Originally Posted by Drybrain

With this and the St. Joseph's project rising at the same time, the commercial area around the Hydrostone is starting to feel less town-ish and a bit more city-ish.

That Dulux paint store and its big parking lot at Isleville and Young is crying out to be infilled next.

I agree with redeveloping the Dulux property. My main hope for the next five years though is to get some impressive density along Gottingen Street between Hydrostone and the MacDonald Bridge.

More people = More transit ridership = higher frequencies = justification for transit improvements in the North-End that will help the local and suburban express routes that funnel down this corridor.

[kph06]

Originally Posted by teddifax

This new building has applied and I believe was recently approved for the top level to be residential, with the rest being commercial.

If I remember correctly that changed hands a number of years ago, I think the developer who did the building that houses Starbucks across the street owns it. It was slated for future development, but it was a number of years off (which we are probably approaching now). Dulux may have had a long lease they were waiting out along with balancing other priorities.

[Drybrain]

Originally Posted by Keith P.

As a former gas station, that property would undoubtedly be very expensive to redevelop due to remediation costs unless a very large hole was dug for a building of some size that likely would be fiercely opposed by the area residents.

Hmm, didn't know it had been a gas station. That does make it tougher, though I'm sure not impossible...

In any case, this is zoned as a corridor under the Centre Plan, so it tops out at six storeys. Which I think is about right for the area; this isn't a good site for a tall building. It'd dwarf the Young Street market strip and the park. The zoning does permit up to six storeys to the south, west, and east of the market strip, however, and I'd like to see that scale of development take place, enveloping the market area. Except maybe here, since there's not much Victorian-era stuff this far north.)

Taller buildings are suitable for the "Centre"-zoned area a block over, though, west of Agricola.

[someone123]

I could be mixing things up but a while ago I remember reading (in the source that shall not be named) that a developer in the area had purchased a few different sites and planned a series of new buildings. I thought the Dulux Paints site was on that list.

The Lion's Head tavern is another large potential development site. I wouldn't really miss the two little buildings on Robie either now, particularly now that one of them is a Money Mart.

[teddifax]

I was referring to the slim building not the Dulux property.

[kph06]

Originally Posted by teddifax

I was referring to the slim building not the Dulux property.

Looks like I quoted the wrong post.

[Dmajackson]

Does anybody know if this is related to South Park Lofts or the Brenton & Brenton projects?

Brenton Street - Sidewalk Closure
Posted to Media Room 6 hours ago

Wednesday, May 24, 2017 (Halifax, NS) – The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents and motorists that on Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28 a building demolition on Brenton Street will require that sidewalks between Spring Garden Road and Clyde Street be closed.

Crews will be on-site from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Traffic safety personnel will direct motorists, pedestrians and cyclists around the worksite as needed. Motorists should expect delays in the area and are asked to take alternative routes if possible.

Access to all local businesses will be maintained at all times.

The municipality appreciates your patience while this work is underway.

[fenwick16]

Originally Posted by Dmajackson

Does anybody know if this is related to South Park Lofts or the Brenton & Brenton projects?

According to allnovascotia.com, it is South Park Lofts.

[Dmajackson]

Update for Compass Distillery on Agricola Street;


Halifax Developments Blog (Photo by David Jackson)

[Jonovision]

Nice choice of material!

[someone123]

The pattern on the concrete is a nice touch too. I wish there were more of that in new construction.

Agricola in general has an attractive mix of small, eclectic buildings. When the holes fill in a bit more it'll be really great; much better than the result of a small number of large developments would be.

[pblaauw]

Originally Posted by Dmajackson

Update for Compass Distillery on Agricola Street;


Halifax Developments Blog (Photo by David Jackson)

I love that the automatic door stickers are installed before that door is actually accessible.

[Dmajackson]

Tumblr has uploaded this photo a bit oddly (the sign is much more clear in person).


Halifax Developments Blog (Photo by David Jackson)

[Dmajackson]

Argyle Street streetscaping project has begun.


Halifax Developments Blog (Photo by David Jackson)

[someone123]

This is also visible (though a bit fuzzy) on the Argyle Street webcam:


novascotiawebcams.com

[OldDartmouthMark]

Originally Posted by Dmajackson

Tumblr has uploaded this photo a bit oddly (the sign is much more clear in person).


Halifax Developments Blog (Photo by David Jackson)

Looking good, though I still say a pressure wash would make a big difference...

[IanWatson]

Originally Posted by OldDartmouthMark

Looking good, though I still say a pressure wash would make a big difference...

I've always felt this was the case for many buildings in Halifax. I often wonder if Fenwick would have been just as well served by a pressure wash as it will be by the re-cladding.

[eastcoastal]

Originally Posted by OldDartmouthMark

Looking good, though I still say a pressure wash would make a big difference...

Have you seen the wood planks that have started multiplying across the facade? I can't tell if they're intended to be backing for something else, or are going to be the final finish.