[Daveography]

Glad to have you on board @Buildthemhigh!

 

[Das Ponto]

@Buildthemhigh Welcome!! Glad to have you here, I find its a much more positive place and better all around that what C2E has become sadly.

A tower of any substantial height on this site will be a very welcomed one if you ask me!

 

[Edward Skira]

Great to hear @Buildthemhigh

 

[archited]

The "missing middle" examples of New York, Paris, parts of Toronto… and I might add all older European cities -- grew from a previous era when high-rise buildings were a rarer form (exception -- cathedrals). Edmonton's "missing middle" -- and not so missing at that -- consists of a plethora of "walk-up" apartments that are typically poorly designed, and aesthetically sub-par, typically built within the last half-century, dancing to the demand of a rapidly expanding city and bound to become the new "slums". At least the tall buildings typically exude a more substantial and well-thought-out meme. With a few less ill-considered Planning Dept. mandates, a better range of "brownstones" could exist in Edmonton, particularly as components of larger mixed use projects (and we do see some of that from time to time). This project, however, is ill-suited to that kind of infill -- protected river valley views, urban parks (two of them on site; two more adjacent and accessible from the site), and poor soil substructure. Riverdale is not impacted by this development at all -- it doesn't fall in the shadow sweep and from most lots it probably won't even be visible at all. This project will become part of an expanding downtown; it is living up to the mandate set out by the City for "densification" of development on the "corners" section of the Quarters. And as far as Mac's blog on the preference of more lesser-height towers vs one super-tall… a totally nonsensical argument. On this site, with the pre-conditions set in place, why on earth would one want to see three 25-30 storey towers (say) instead of one super-tall -- it certainly wouldn't improve the livability of suites therein; it would undoubtedly eliminate the street parks along Jasper; and it would obscure the river valley views. And that's not to mention the more prevalent economic equation that dictates success vs failure for projects. Edmonton is growing up, figuratively and literally, and this project is one of the best examples of that that I have seen in a very long time. Pooh-pooh to the boo-boo birds.

 

[chrisvazquez7]

And let's not forget that Blatchford is going to be almost 100% mid-rises.

 

[Daveography]

Rezoning application submitted on Nov. 3:

Description: To rezone from CCA, A, AP, DC1 to DC2
Type: REZONING
Status: In Progress
Application ID: 185999949-003
Decision Date:
Application Date: 3-NOV-2016
Public Hearing Date:
Current Document: Current Document

 

[archited]

I found this interesting article on the evolution of high-rise building in City Metric magazine (a U.K. based publication). In rather brief form it covers the evolution of the high-rise building and what to expect more of in the future -- enjoy! http://www.citymetric.com/fabric/modern-cities-are-forcing-skyscrapers-evolve-2639

 

[AnthonyB]

is there any word on this project? i thought the alldritt group was hoping to get the zoning done in December

 

[Daveography]

@AnthonyB Since they submitted the rezoning on November 3, I believe they are now required to have at least one (possibly two) rounds of public consultations, and then they have to get the council hearing set. I haven't seen either yet. I doubt we'll see the hearing until at least late spring or early summer (June).

 

[Daveography]

@AnthonyB Looks like I spoke too soon, they do have their hearing date set for Feb. 1:

Description: To rezone from CCA, A, AP, DC1 to DC2
Bylaw: 17844
Type: REZONING
Status: Scheduled for Public Hearing
Application ID: 185999949-003
Decision Date:
Application Date: 4-DEC-2016
Public Hearing Date: 1-FEB-2017
Current Document: Current Document

 

[Daveography]

Edmonton planners back new plan to sell marginal parkland for 80-storey tower
Edmonton city planners came out Thursday in support of a new 80-storey tower on the edge of the river bank, arguing it’s a unique opportunity to create a beautiful public space on a marginal site.

The 280-metre tall tower by Alldritt Group would require Edmonton to sell parkland — a piece of steep almost inaccessible bank — but in return Alldritt would create a series of new public spaces in terraces leading down into the river valley. The base of the tower would be mostly glass, with just a solid core, to let passersby see the valley as much as possible.

“You’ve got land that’s very steep. It has limited environmental value, limited programming value,” said Peter Ohm, head of city planning. “It truly enhances what’s there now.

“We’re hoping it will have a catalytic effect,” added Ohm, speaking to his decision to back the developer on this one. It goes to council for debate Feb. 6. “It’s going to be iconic … to be a bookend to the Pearl. It’s going to be a landmark.”

http://edmontonjournal.com/business...to-sell-marginal-parkland-for-80-storey-tower

 

[Daveography]

From the DC2 - http://sirepub.edmonton.ca/sirepub/mtgviewer.aspx?meetid=1824&doctype=AGENDA

 

[Daveography]

Still skeptical of the viability of this tower, but I can't help but love the terraces and the fact that views of the valley from Jasper Avenue would be retained for the vast majority.

 

[quit]

Wonder if they have a hotel partner in mind already? You would think something on this scale that they would have to. Don't know what they would do though - Hyatt Regency (Calgary has one) probably wouldn't be an option given Hyatt Place next door. Four Seasons, Shangri-La, etc?

 

[MetroEd]

Glad to have you on board @Buildthemhigh!

x2. another poster who wandered over from Connect2Edmonton i take it?