Quote:
Originally Posted by HomeInMyShoes
Is it on the SouthWestish corner of Water and Prescott?
It would either be just left of the white building here or a bit further to the right across the street.
photo by me (doubleaphotoalbum on flickr)
If it's on the SouthWest corner there's almost zero heritage view issues for the structure as it would be about the exact same height as the other two existing midrises. At that point it's all about the form of the building. Either modern or heritage could work well or not. There's both good and bad design examples from many cities in those two streams. I would lean towards heritage, but only slightly and tomorrow I'd probably change my mind.
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It's the empty lot actually on the southeast corner, east of the Fortis building (geographically that's actually East on the map). In that view it would be just to the right of, and partly in front of the TD (red brick) building. The site borders Prescott to the west, Water St to the North, and the waterfront area on the south.
In the newspaper article (link below) there is a picture of Shannie Duff (councillor and heritage advocate) standing in front of the lot. The comments in the Telegram were interesting, with many people supporting the proposal.
http://www.thetelegram.com/index.cfm?sid=153665&sc=82
A lot depends on the design. I like modern, but because St. John's is a special case, I think a building that reflects historical design from the turn of the century would be appropriate
if it is done well. I can see a building with brick and something like a two or three storey mansard at the top, a bit like the Steele proposal. In terms of site context, it should compliment the TD and Fortis buildings, and the historical buildings, as well as blend in with the streetscape on the lower levels. At any rate, it should be a landmark because of its visibility. That's a tall order for any architect.
The only reason St. John's does not already have large buildings from that era (turn of the century) is because no one could afford to build them. If they had put up an 11 storey building in 1900, what would it have looked like? That would be my approach.
Are there any good examples of new construction in Halifax that might fit in here?
Here's a map showing the site; I think there is a right of way where Harbour Drive could be extended: