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  #1  
Old Posted Mar 2, 2013, 6:36 PM
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The Great Canadian "If you were a developer (Just for fun)" Thread

Inspired by the "If you were a developer (Just for Fun)" thread on the SSP: Local Hamilton page, this thread will be all about what you would do to develop your city if you could. Be realistic though. Sketches done in Paint, Google SketchUp, drawn by hand then scanned and uploaded, or anything else are encouraged.



Example: I made Hamilton's Commerce Place double the height to have a bigger impact on the skyline, add more office space, and also add more people to the downtown core.

Quote:
Originally Posted by MeIsThomas View Post

My Edit:


Actual Commerce Place:





Image Source: Google Street View, & My Edit


For more examples, go to the original "If you were a developer (Just for Fun)" thread on the SSP: Local Hamilton page

Last edited by thomax; Nov 28, 2014 at 7:01 PM.
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  #2  
Old Posted Apr 7, 2013, 8:27 AM
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...I'd hire this architect to build:



At 305 King Street West Toronto.
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  #3  
Old Posted Apr 7, 2013, 9:08 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by urbandreamer View Post
...I'd hire this architect to build:



At 305 King Street West Toronto.
Oh. Imagine that, but instead of red paneling, they use polished corten. With blue glass for contrast. That'd look really nice.
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  #4  
Old Posted Apr 7, 2013, 12:10 PM
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I'd read "The Death and Life of Great American Cities".
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  #5  
Old Posted Apr 8, 2013, 8:52 AM
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I had considered corten...but the local context is Victorian red brick warehouses and lowrise commercial districts:

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Old Posted Apr 8, 2013, 9:55 AM
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In that context, I get and approve of your choice
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  #7  
Old Posted Apr 9, 2013, 6:26 AM
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Question:

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  #8  
Old Posted Apr 9, 2013, 3:51 PM
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I would buy an older subdivision and find creative ways to turn single family homes into side-by-sides / condos/ duplexes without demolishing the original home.
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Last edited by kw5150; Apr 9, 2013 at 8:11 PM.
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Old Posted Apr 9, 2013, 6:44 PM
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I like that idea! I've had similar thoughts--keep the curving crescents and cul de sacs but join them via woonerfs instead of those useless narrow greenways, keep the majority of the tree canopy but where the large front driveway/garage is and the space between each home add a 4s walkup apartment/condo addition with perhaps retail or biz use in some of the garages.

When I find the time I plan on doing up a SketchUp to illustrate the concept.
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  #10  
Old Posted Apr 9, 2013, 7:14 PM
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I would but an older subdivision and find creative ways to turn single family homes into side-by-sides / condos/ duplexes without demolishing the original home.
Problem with that is the road capacity / utility infrastructure wouldn't be able to serve the extra homes and people. Would likely result in enough extra costs to justify knocking down and starting over.

Cool idea though.
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Old Posted Apr 9, 2013, 8:10 PM
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I wouldnt write the idea off just yet. Efficient utilities (Solar and LED, effiecient furnaces) have come a long way and some utilities would have to dug up anyway. Besides, complete knockdowns of old neighborhoods will become a thing of the past as oil becomes scarce.

As well, I am proposing that 2 different living arrangements would live well within the shell of the existing home with some minor modifications. Homes these days are simply too large and unaffordable for many. We are being pushed into oversized homes, cars, mortgages and credit lines. Toss in a couple brick cards and visas and our country could liquidate in the next recession.

Quote:
Originally Posted by LeftCoaster View Post
Problem with that is the road capacity / utility infrastructure wouldn't be able to serve the extra homes and people. Would likely result in enough extra costs to justify knocking down and starting over.

Cool idea though.
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Last edited by kw5150; Apr 9, 2013 at 8:20 PM.
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  #12  
Old Posted Apr 10, 2013, 9:47 AM
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Aura to get a hideous new neighbour at Yonge and Gerrard?



It's got a name: beastlyBRUT.





Am I the only person in Canada that thinks Brutalism ought to make a comeback? I'm calling it the Retro Brut movement.

Last edited by urbandreamer; Apr 10, 2013 at 12:29 PM.
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  #13  
Old Posted Apr 10, 2013, 1:43 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kw5150 View Post
I would buy an older subdivision and find creative ways to turn single family homes into side-by-sides / condos/ duplexes without demolishing the original home.
I think the older neighbourhoods that were built during the late 60's to 80's are prime for redevelopement. Most of those are built with some sort of strip mall at the center and these strip malls have become underused as a result of power centers. Rip those down, redevelop them as more of a mixed use with mid rises. You could probably win some community support for the increase in density by saying it is the only way to bring back quality commercial tenants.
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  #14  
Old Posted Apr 22, 2013, 12:42 PM
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I'd propose a 40s tower at 625 Yonge Street Toronto that might look something like


Which I hope isn't


Or else I'll be the next
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  #15  
Old Posted Apr 23, 2013, 12:17 PM
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I modified the CRU (retail level) facade a bit to unify the concept with the tower--origami inspired?



The context: red brick Victorians across the street.
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  #16  
Old Posted Apr 24, 2013, 4:01 AM
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One more before I move on:



Build it or Brick it?
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  #17  
Old Posted Apr 26, 2013, 5:33 PM
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New concept I'm working on: "This is not the Gardiner Plaza"



I am trying to bring sexy curves to the Southcore area of Toronto. I am inspired by both Lake Ontario and the Gardiner Expressway.



The idea is to raise the podium roof level with the expressway with a large expansive green roof, hedge and green wall wrapping around the edge and include a large big box format store beneath the podium. The support columns relate to both the Gardiner's pillars and neighbouring developments. A beautiful red brick-paved plaza right next to the highway!



Watch for further improvements--more curves, more "sex" appeal
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  #18  
Old Posted May 26, 2013, 8:30 AM
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My crappy Humbertown Shopping Centre proposal--no building shall exceed 8s (7s + MechPH) I've sketched 5 phases for the project--4 are about completed the 5th to come + a public park including my outdoor public art proposals.

This is phase 3 & 4 facing Royal York Road (Etobicoke.)


Royal York Rd facade:



The Kingsway entrance:


Detail:
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  #19  
Old Posted Jun 2, 2013, 12:24 PM
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Proposed redesign for a Queen Street East Toronto new development (it's about done sadly):




With 5th floor + terraces added:


vs reality http://www.buzzbuzzhome.com/leslieville-town-manors

Which do you prefer?
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  #20  
Old Posted Jun 3, 2013, 12:05 AM
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Here's another quick sketch I'm working on--my version of an upcoming controversial Toronto condo tower in a lowrise neighbourhood.

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