[David A]

Honestly, I sometimes wonder if Edmonton drivers are dumber than the average. It's the only explanation for people getting all bent out of shape with one-way streets. Cities all over the world use them (damn, Calgary has a bunch... are they really smarter than us?) with minimal to no issues.

Perhaps, but in our defense, we don't have very many one way streets in prominent locations. I would like to see how Calgarians manage traffic circles.

Also, I know the area I am in gets a lot of out of town drivers, so even if Alberta plates it doesn't necessarily mean they are Edmontonians.

 

[Gronk!]

Moving the giant baseball bat to the area near RE/MAX Field is a no-brainer

Game over for big bat? Business association considers removal of iconic northside statue

The association representing businesses along a stretch of Edmonton’s 118 Avenue is mulling its branding and is considering moving away from a moniker it’s been sporting for more than 20 years. That includes a large baseball bat statue that’s been a fixture on the city’s north side.

www.ctvnews.ca

 

[IanO]

Never should have been placed there to begin with.

Re/Max is a no brainer.

 

[IanO]

Paul Kersh of Marketing & Communications @ Mercury GSE |
Follow
What was once a decommissioned power plant in Philadelphia is now Ballers — a social sports and wellness venue reimagined by Good City Studio.

This adaptive reuse project didn’t erase the past — it built on it. The industrial bones remain intact: exposed steel, soaring ceilings, and a raw authenticity that speaks to the building’s former life. But now? It’s buzzing with energy again — just a different kind.

Think:
- Padel, pickleball, squash, and turf training zones
- Golf simulators, wellness lounges, and recovery areas
- A curated social experience — not just a gym

This is more than a design story — it’s a blueprint for how cities can rethink aging infrastructure as community anchors. It’s about transforming underutilized industrial space into something bold, human-centered, and future-facing.

Read the full feature on Dezeen here:
https://lnkd.in/dUMbeW-X

 

[thommyjo]

Paul Kersh of Marketing & Communications @ Mercury GSE |
Follow
What was once a decommissioned power plant in Philadelphia is now Ballers — a social sports and wellness venue reimagined by Good City Studio.

This adaptive reuse project didn’t erase the past — it built on it. The industrial bones remain intact: exposed steel, soaring ceilings, and a raw authenticity that speaks to the building’s former life. But now? It’s buzzing with energy again — just a different kind.

Think:
- Padel, pickleball, squash, and turf training zones
- Golf simulators, wellness lounges, and recovery areas
- A curated social experience — not just a gym

This is more than a design story — it’s a blueprint for how cities can rethink aging infrastructure as community anchors. It’s about transforming underutilized industrial space into something bold, human-centered, and future-facing.

Read the full feature on Dezeen here:
https://lnkd.in/dUMbeW-X

Only challenge for us is that between the Royal Glenora and Kinsmen, the market for a more rec centre style facility or wellness club is likely covered.

Especially as you add in the DT options like the Y as well.

 

[TAS]

Only challenge for us is that between the Royal Glenora and Kinsmen, the market for a more rec centre style facility or wellness club is likely covered.

Especially as you add in the DT options like the Y as well.

And parking?

 

[David A]

I don't see anything in the pictures from Philadelphia that suggests it is that similar to the Glenora or the Kinsman. When it comes to redeveloping the old power plant which actually looks fairly similar to the Philadelphia building (which also does not seem to have parking), we seem like a deer permanently frozen in the headlights afraid to to take a risk (maybe that is the most Edmonton thing to do now).

We can't seem to figure out and even when presented with a number of good examples from elsewhere just want to shoot them down. No wonder our city is in the mess it is.

 

[thommyjo]

I don't see anything in the pictures from Philadelphia that suggests it is that similar to the Glenora or the Kinsman. When it comes to redeveloping the old power plant which actually looks fairly similar to the Philadelphia building (which also does not seem to have parking), we seem like a deer permanently frozen in the headlights afraid to to take a risk (maybe that is the most Edmonton thing to do now).

We can't seem to figure out and even when presented with a number of good examples from elsewhere just want to shoot them down. No wonder our city is in the mess it is.

It’s a high end wellness club. Just a millennial version of the glenora club. Lifetime/equinox etc are just a rebrand of traditional country clubs that catered to boomers.

I’m saying that with 2 nearby facilities targeting wealthy fitness club clientele and more general sports/recreation, I don’t think the power plant can also enter that niche.

The Nordic spa idea is still the best imo. Get an Alt and some other development going (like the substation, gondola) and you’ve got a tourism hotspot.

 

[IanO]

Yup and agreed that it cannot be just another sports club, but it does provide ideas and reinforces the need to explore multiple uses and ideas.

It needs a boutique hotel, gondola connection, indigenous cultural centre, nordic spa, events spa, pickleball club, river front patios and a couple of restaurants, likely some market and non-market housing next to it, along with the kitchen sink.

 

[Gronk!]

Yup and agreed that it cannot be just another sports club, but it does provide ideas and reinforces the need to explore multiple uses and ideas.

It needs a boutique hotel, gondola connection, indigenous cultural centre, nordic spa, events spa, pickleball club, river front patios and a couple of restaurants, likely some market and non-market housing next to it, along with the kitchen sink.

Just need to replace the gondola connection with the giant baseball bat from 118 Ave and I'm game!

 

[thommyjo]

Every time I think about the gondola, the more frustrated I am that it didn’t happen. Sure hope it can be revived soon.

 

[Barnaby]

Every time I think about the gondola, the more frustrated I am that it didn’t happen. Sure hope it can be revived soon.

Such a miss by city council. There isn't a better place where $150 million could be spent on transit expansion than a gondola connection from DT Edmonton to Strathcona. The bussing situation is frustrating, driving is terrible (even if you own a car), walking takes forever, and biking isn't fast either.

 

[Glenco]

Such a miss by city council. There isn't a better place where $150 million could be spent on transit expansion than a gondola connection from DT Edmonton to Strathcona. The bussing situation is frustrating, driving is terrible (even if you own a car), walking takes forever, and biking isn't fast either.

If I remember correctly it was to built with private money only no city involvement

 

[thommyjo]

Such a miss by city council. There isn't a better place where $150 million could be spent on transit expansion than a gondola connection from DT Edmonton to Strathcona. The bussing situation is frustrating, driving is terrible (even if you own a car), walking takes forever, and biking isn't fast either.

And immediately becomes a must try for visitors. Pricing was the real question, but a more affordable rate integrated with ARC ($8-10) and then a visitor rate of $10-15 would be awesome.

 

[Gronk!]

I'm guessing there's some work being done in the the interior of the Rossdale Brewery

Are they done yet? It's been over a year since they started.

So much for that idea

Still not done yet

Remember when this was a road?