northlands
Senior Member
^ KP Architecture is a division of Krahn Group. But they definitely took a page outta Westrich's playbook on this one.
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- Thread starter Avenuer
- Start date
mcr
Active Member
You're not wrong, but Ian works for Westrich, if he's refuting it I would say it's unlikely to be them.
CplKlinger
Senior Member
archited
Senior Member
It is completely awful -- and if it is not Westrich then it is a copycat to Westrich's most recent efforts. The question is now that Westrich is at the bottom are they going to rebound to former significance or spend their evenings counting how much cream they can get from the developer milk they are extracting from the City.
I think they are seeing how much dough they can pull out before the City gets wise to sub-par development.
archited
Senior Member
It is standard practice for engineering, architecture, and planning firms to apply for permits -- there is no indication that they are doing it as developer -- O' might be trying the ole "look over here" tactic as a distraction.
Gronk!
Senior Member
Didama
Active Member
What a wasted opportunity. Seems like Westrich is heading in the wrong direction. At this rate they'll be competing with Regency soon....
Can't even pay for a decent rendering? Very regency-esque. How disappointing.
Can't even pay for a decent rendering? Very regency-esque. How disappointing.
itom987
Senior Member
Quite frankly I am absolutely thrilled to see this project happen. You all need to be reminded that this project takes over an ENTIRE CITY BLOCK. This block has been vacant for longer than most of us have been alive. This will bring at least 1000 new residents to the area supporting a bunch of interesting businesses that have set up shop in the area. This area used to be a wasteland and is becoming very desirable. If any of you disagree with me, go and check out the area for yourself! Having said that, the design of the building is par the course for 6 storey apartments in Edmonton. It's not the worst, nor the best but I will let it pass given how much good it will do for the area.
Didama
Active Member
I hear you, but I also challenge you to go there and look at what could be with a little bit of imagination rather than just a copy/paste development. This part of the city could be such a cool neighbourhood. But it won't be if developers like Westrich just build something as simple and unimaginative as possible to make a maximum return. For shame.
Didama
Active Member
If you're gonna defend this you might as well defend Regency's project up by Bonnie Doon Mall. What a dog
thommyjo
Senior Member
Thankfully they don’t have to be mutually exclusive. We can be grateful for all the things you mentioned, and hope for better design.
We aren’t calling for this to be a $900/sqft concrete build highrise . Just for it to at least reach the quality of other projects like Stadium yards.
Didama
Active Member
if we're going to use the 'it is going to bring more people to the area' line then we should also be applauding Regency. Let's set our bar higher folks.
itom987
Senior Member
A '50s bungalow is still one of the most common style of house in Edmonton. A typical '60s 4 storey walk up apartment was copied everywhere, we have hundreds of them and they are all identical. None of you have ever complained about them.
Didama
Active Member
Really? I hear complaints about those on here all the time :-D
Yes, this development will bring lots of new people to the area. Yes, it will be good to see something built here..... but the point remains that this 'design' is hot garbage. Westrich could have done something that would make this area something special, and could have done it without spending a ton of money. Just look at Stadium Yards. I thought Westrich was better than this. So disappointing
Yes, this development will bring lots of new people to the area. Yes, it will be good to see something built here..... but the point remains that this 'design' is hot garbage. Westrich could have done something that would make this area something special, and could have done it without spending a ton of money. Just look at Stadium Yards. I thought Westrich was better than this. So disappointing
archited
Senior Member
I do not hate Ian at all! -- I think he may be misguided in some of his opinions (but that is just my opinion) and I can understand (sort of) his apologist nature for what Westrich is producing (although I am almost certain that none of their product is berthed from his mind). Ian is a bit of an egotist (but so am I) -- I enjoy some of his viewpoints on various subjects -- I admit, we do spar from time to time -- but it is not with hatred -- not even close! Now the turn in developmental directions that Westrich has taken -- that is another subject altogether. They had a beautiful start on 103rd street with good Architectural product -- they seem to be progressing steadily downhill ever since.