[The Familia]

What does it matter in the long term what they look like? Empty buildings are now going to be full of new residents that will bring more life, retail and restaurants to the area. So much complaining on this site about what they look like. Not the celebration that we have new life in old structures

Sorry for wanting my downtown and city to look attractive. There have been many conversions that look really good including Cube, Tek Place, and others. You can convert old buildings and still make them look somewhat attractive, it doesn’t have to be an either or.

 

[Golfing guy]

Sorry for wanting my downtown and city to look attractive. There have been many conversions that look really good including Cube, Tek Place, and others. You can convert old buildings and still make them look somewhat attractive, it doesn’t have to be an either or.

Your argument might be the difference in a conversion going forward or not. The millions it would cost to change the exterior could be the difference between go or not go.
I’ve been to cities all over the world. Honestly the vibrancy the best ones offer isn’t because the buildings are all pretty. It’s because they are full of residents. Which in turn brings life the area. It also brings more value in the long run to the buildings. Which might encourage the building owners to upgrade them. In the meantime let’s start with them being occupied

 

[CalgaryTiger]

It is fair to criticize the look of a project though. Sure, it might not have been viable if it included an exterior renovation but that choice can still be critiqued. The popularity of these must mean there is an economic argument to them. Heads in beds matters, it is the biggest factor but this is a development forum and form matters too.

Having this development beside Eau Claire Place I and II means they will fade into the background so look doesn't really matter here, they are not prominent.

 

[Tothewest]

It is fair to criticize the look of a project though. Sure, it might not have been viable if it included an exterior renovation but that choice can still be critiqued. The popularity of these must mean there is an economic argument to them. Heads in beds matters, it is the biggest factor but this is a development forum and form matters too.

Having this development beside Eau Claire Place I and II means they will fade into the background so look doesn't really matter here, they are not prominent.

But it goes back to what the intent of these projects is...it's density and property values, not aesthetics. Downtown Toronto and Vancouver are full of ugly 70's/80's condo projects, nobody cares because they are full and serve a market. The more money they have to spend of construction, the higher the unit costs

 

[Calgcouver]

What does it matter in the long term what they look like? Empty buildings are now going to be full of new residents that will bring more life, retail and restaurants to the area. So much complaining on this site about what they look like. Not the celebration that we have new life in old structures

I agree with you. Just think better design choices could make these more attractive without adding cost

 

[Golfing guy]

I agree with you. Just think better design choices could make these more attractive without adding cost

To be honest most people (not associated with the site ) don’t care that much on what the outside of the building looks like. The quality of the units, location and surrounding amenities probably are the most important selling features

 

[Decidedly Dense]

But it goes back to what the intent of these projects is...it's density and property values, not aesthetics. Downtown Toronto and Vancouver are full of ugly 70's/80's condo projects, nobody cares because they are full and serve a market. The more money they have to spend of construction, the higher the unit costs

The funny thing is though, instead of just leaving the exterior the way it was, they chose to redesign it, and made it SO ugly. I agree that adding density is the top priority, but if you’re spending the money anyways to upgrade the exterior, then I think it’s fair for us to want it to look half decent.

 

[Garceyues]

What does it matter in the long term what they look like? Empty buildings are now going to be full of new residents that will bring more life, retail and restaurants to the area. So much complaining on this site about what they look like. Not the celebration that we have new life in old structures

Overall I agree with this sentiment. Each vacant building replaced with residents builds moment, it's not merely additive. The prospect of more restaurants, retail, and nightlife/bars will be a boon for locals and the city's coffers.