[Halifax] The Vuze at South Village (Fenwick) | 106 m | 36/10/8 fl | U/C

[CorbeauNoir]

Originally Posted by RyeJay

I've been thinking the same thing, in particular how fortunate we all are to witness what will be a unique economic fruition. It's not often one gets to see a smaller, yet historical, downtown area virtually double in size --because this is potentially what we are looking at here.

I'm being optimistic, but as these current in-progress and future developments show, not overly so. This enthusiasm is realistic.

It's definately an interesting time to be studying architecture in this city. It's still incredibly fustrating to see such a pervasive cant-do attitude with regards to urban development (I've lived in/visited cities throughout Canada and Europe and have never encountered anything quite like it), but great projects like this, King's Wharf, the Seaport area/farmer's market, etc seem to suggest that Halifax is finally starting to turn a corner; even if it seems like most Haligonians are being dragged around it kicking and screaming.

[someone123]

Originally Posted by CorbeauNoir

It's definately an interesting time to be studying architecture in this city. It's still incredibly fustrating to see such a pervasive cant-do attitude with regards to urban development (I've lived in/visited cities throughout Canada and Europe and have never encountered anything quite like it), but great projects like this, King's Wharf, the Seaport area/farmer's market, etc seem to suggest that Halifax is finally starting to turn a corner; even if it seems like most Haligonians are being dragged around it kicking and screaming.

The situation today is actually considerably better than it was ten years ago. These days I think it really is a vocal minority mostly from an older generation.

The negativism is odd. A lot of people will blame it on a bad local economy, but frequently in poorer areas people are eager for new development and economic growth. This is something different. I'm sure one aspect that plays into it is that Halifax is somewhat old and tradition-bound, at least compared to the rest of North America. In some ways that is a nice part of the local culture but it can go too far, just as the free market worship in the US frequently goes overboard.

In cities like Vancouver or Toronto new development is a lot smoother but there's very little sense of local identity and culture. The vast majority of the city is new and generic. Nobody cares when you tear down a plain concrete office building from 1964. In Halifax the equivalent building was Charles Morris' house in 1784, somehow ended up in a Dickens novel, Trotsky was imprisoned in the basement, etc. etc.

[RyeJay]

Originally Posted by someone123

I'm sure one aspect that plays into it is that Halifax is somewhat old and tradition-bound, at least compared to the rest of North America. In some ways that is a nice part of the local culture but it can go too far, just as the free market worship in the US frequently goes overboard.

I believe you are correct in your suspicions of anti-development opinions coming from older generations. Every student I've spoken with is hungry for a more developed downtown, and not just for their own entertainment means but because they have an understanding of how important these projects are.

Some people believe these new developments will ruin the downtown. Misinformation is a big player here, which is big commonality in American distortions of what is capitalism: and what is socialism.

[JHikka]

Originally Posted by someone123

In cities like Vancouver or Toronto new development is a lot smoother but there's very little sense of local identity and culture. The vast majority of the city is new and generic.

I think you're quite right in your analysis. In larger cities, a large portion of the population is new to the city (Either national or international migration) whereas Halifax's population is much more generational and local. You're more likely to find someone who has lived in Halifax their whole life than someone who has lived in Toronto/Vancouver for their whole life. And that's where the NIMBYism and anti-development comes in.

The more that Halifax grows, and the more that people move in from other areas of the country (or the world), the less anti-development fervor there will be.

[fenwick16]

I think immigration is an important aspect to a city's vitality. Immigrants tend to bring an attitude of hard work and big dreams, and big dreams is something that Halifax could use more of. Back in the 1800's when Halifax was building majestic structures, a large portion of the population would have been made up of new immigrants. I hope to see higher immigrant numbers in Halifax over the coming years for the sake of the city.

When I was younger, in my teens and early twenties, I would have happily seen almost all old structures torn down and new towers gone up in their place. Now, 30 years later, I am glad that Halifax kept a significant part of its heritage. A good balance is necessary, in my opinion.

[Jonovision]

I was speaking with the developer behind the redevelopment of Fenwick Tower yesterday and he has just hired a new architect for the project which should begin construction next summer. The overall design will remain the same but they are questioning the roof design and are considering making changes. He noted that there had been a lot of discussion on here with regard to the roof so now is your chance to put your design skills to work fellow forumers! The only stipulation is that he wants to reclaim as much roof space as possible, meaning any design would have to cover the mechanical penthouse along with the remainder of the existing roof. He has two weeks before he has to submit his drawings for a construction permit so if anyone has ideas for a new design of the roof of the new building please contact either me or him and you might just get a chance to redesign the top of the tallest building east of Montreal!!!

[NBNYer]

Originally Posted by Jonovision

the tallest building east of Montreal!!!

Quebec City?

[Jstaleness]

I think it's just the tallest residential building east of Montreal. Quebec City has taller office towers. Édifice Marie-Guyart is the tallest I believe.

[kwajo]

I think you're right. Fenwick is 98 m, while Édifice Marie-Guyart is 132 m. Interestingly, it's just as brutalist as Fenwick, but I think the design has endured much better, probably due to the fact that as an office building they didn't try to incorporate balconies. I actually like this one, it contrasts well with Old Quebec next door.


Untitled by darkharbour, on Flickr
Photo by me.

[Jstaleness]

That's the one. Maybe Templeton can purchase that one when Fenwick is done. It could use a trip out of the '70's.

[kph06]

Originally Posted by Jonovision

The overall design will remain the same but they are questioning the roof design and are considering making changes. He noted that there had been a lot of discussion on here with regard to the roof so now is your chance to put your design skills to work fellow forumers!

I always thought it should be rotated 180 degrees, I thought that having the tall glass section facing the Citadel was odd, I thought it should "look out" the harbour. To me it looked like the building had its back to the ocean.

[RyeJay]

Originally Posted by kph06

I always thought it should be rotated 180 degrees, I thought that having the tall glass section facing the Citadel was odd, I thought it should "look out" the harbour. To me it looked like the building had its back to the ocean.

Could you explain the glass section...I'm unsure of what you mean.

The angled roof, as is, creates a dome effect with the rest of the skyline.

[kph06]

Originally Posted by Takeo

This drawing shows the sloped roof, the high side which appears to be all glass is on the Citadel Hill side. It probably just comes down to personal preference, but my first impression when I saw this was it looked backwards. The architecture school has a similar roofline, and it points out to sea. This building will stand out on the skyline, so I think it is awkward if it looks like it has its back to the ocean, the Iconic tower at King's Wharf will look out the harbour entrance.

The flip side of this however is the restaurant, that was originally the plan for the top floor would have a nice view of the city. So again, probably just personal preference.

[RyeJay]

Do you also feel that the VIC's roof is backwards?

[kph06]

Originally Posted by RyeJay

Do you also feel that the VIC's roof is backwards?

No, I get that design, I like it. I just would have done Fenwick the opposite as it is, but I'm not the architect or the developer.

[RyeJay]

Originally Posted by kph06

No, I get that design, I like it. I just would have done Fenwick the opposite as it is, but I'm not the architect or the developer.

Of course, you are only expressing your opinion. I was just curious as to how you felt about the VIC as its roof is angled in the way Fenwick's shall be.

I am hopeful that Fenwick's roof design will remain the same. When the renovations are done, pictures aren't going to come even close to being enough for me: I must see this penthouse view of downtown Halifax for myself.

[kph06]

Originally Posted by RyeJay

Of course, you are only expressing your opinion. I was just curious as to how you felt about the VIC as its roof is angled in the way Fenwick's shall be.

I am hopeful that Fenwick's roof design will remain the same. When the renovations are done, pictures aren't going to come even close to being enough for me: I must see this penthouse view of downtown Halifax for myself.

The Vic is more subtle, in the sense it isn't the tallest building on the skyline. We haven't really seen a rendering directly from the side yet, but when you look at the picture in the Vic thread from the harbour with Fenwick in the back you see how big this building is - I am very excited to watch this progress.

I wonder why the break from Michael Napier Architecture? He seemed to be doing some of the best stuff in Halifax, and at Vivacity Joe Metlege certainly seemed to be singing his praises in regards to the Fenwick project.

[someone123]

I very nice photo from flickr showing how prominent Fenwick is from some angles:


Source

Nice to see the Vic, NSP, and seaport market lit up. This part of town used to be dead.

[resetcbu1]

From todays Chronicle Herald....

Work ethic was a family affair

December 29, 2011 - 5:05pm By JOHN DEMONT Business Reporter

Joe Metlege’s introduction to the business world came early.

At age 13, when most Halifax junior high students were still in bed on summer vacation, he was on his mountain bike by 7 a.m., pedaling through the rotary on the way to the Hollis Street offices of his father Andrew’s real estate management and development business.

Staying in the sack wasn’t an option. Andrew Metlege was away on a rare vacation, leaving his son to fill up the family’s new apartment building.

Joe Metlege, now 29 and the Halifax Regional Municipality’s wunderkind real estate developer, can still recall the pitch he made to every potential — and surprised — tenant who came through the door.

“One block from the waterfront,” he said. “One minute from TUNS and three minutes from Spring Garden Road.”

It’s a good memory for Metlege for a couple of reasons.

He got paid $75 for each new tenant who signed on the bottom line. He was also receiving his first real-life lesson about the importance of responsibility and the rewards for hard work and sacrifice.

Those early lessons have paid off for Metlege, who graduated from high school at 16 and bought his first income property three years later while studying at Dalhousie.

Today, as vice-president of Templeton Properties, which was started by his father, Metlege is the lead behind the $150-million redo of the Fenwick Place building, which will alter the skyline of the city’s south end.

The development’s first step is a new 34-storey residential tower. Next comes gutting and re-cladding the existing iconic structure.

When the dust settles, Fenwick Place will have 520 units — versus 340 today — along with 100,000 square feet of commercial and retail space.
“We’re hoping that it will be the Hydrostone (Market) of the south end,” Metlege said in an interview.

It’s slated for completion in 2016. By then, Metlege, a married father of one, will most certainly be well into his next high-profile development.

Jono Developments Ltd., which Metlege controls with partner Norman Nahas, owns the site of a former Anglican church on the corner of Brunswick and Cogswell streets, acquired as part of a land swap with the church.

Once destined to be a 20-storey development, the project is on hold until the Fenwick redevelopment is complete.

Then there’s the 1.5-hectare old St. Patrick’s-Alexandra School site on Maitland Street, which Halifax regional council recently awarded to Jono.

Ultimately, Metlege envisions a mix of housing, commercial and community space there. But, he said, the final makeup of the property will be determined by the same sort of extensive meetings with community members that were a prelude to the Fenwick redevelopment.

That may be a prudent philosophy, given the angry local response to council’s decision to award the land to a developer rather than a community group.

“We want a development that is as good for the community as for the developer,” Metlege said.

Mature words, even for someone who has been in business for more than half his young life.

[Empire]

Originally Posted by resetcbu1

From todays Chronicle Herald....

Work ethic was a family affair

December 29, 2011 - 5:05pm By JOHN DEMONT Business Reporter

Joe Metlege’s introduction to the business world came early.


The development’s first step is a new 34-storey residential tower. Next comes gutting and re-cladding the existing iconic structure.

When the dust settles, Fenwick Place will have 520 units — versus 340 today — along with 100,000 square feet of commercial and retail space.
“We’re hoping that it will be the Hydrostone (Market) of the south end,” Metlege said in an interview.

It’s slated for completion in 2016. By then, Metlege, a married father of one, will most certainly be well into his next high-profile development.

Is this new 34 storey tower a mistake that keeps getting repeated or is there a new building to replace the 12-15 storey buildings?