Regina Construction II - Page 285

Devon · #**5681** Posted **Jan 19, 2013, 1:04 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rabbit Fighter '77

In regards to the possibility of the second fcc tower kicking out greenspot and the other business in that building, I begin to have a problem with this so called "development". I have just recently went to Saskatoon for a concert at the Odeon, and I was very impressed. Not only with the terrific venue, but the prime location downtown. Restaurants, pubs, and a movie theatre were all within close walking distance. Even their broadway area, with a nice old theatre and unique stores lining both sides of the street was really nice. I did not feel in any danger walking around both downtown and the broadway area, as they were both well lit, had people around, and had clean looking stores lining the streets. I'm from Regina, so this is hard to admit, but their downtown simply puts ours to shame. Our city seems to have been designed wrong. We have virtually no nice shopping areas, albert street is quite dumpy looking, and the civic pride is relatively non existent. We don't have as many nice locally owned shops, and as a city we are bullied around by whoever does us the favor of setting up shop here. The hills have done great things for this city, and responsible for much of the citys image. However, they don't seem to care about a vibrant city, as much as they do to add to their collection of downtown buildings. A handful of people seem to own downtown, and this is why we have such lifeless streets with no street level retail. Saskatoon seems to have recognized the importance of keeping old facades, and turning them into a vibrant downtown. All of our shiny glass towers do not add to a nice downtown. I was also very excited about hill tower 3. That has since turned into disappointment, as the previously lively corner, which was to destroyed to make room for another tower, is now lifeless. The Hills paying a fine to avoid making the ground retail, and instead put up a "public gallery" is a joke. Once again, the city doesn't seem to care. why are there fines for not following the downtown plan? it should be mandatory. If there is in fact a subway going into tower 3, that will be the last straw for me supporting this city. Canterbury commons, has a subway, regina centre crossing has a subway, and if tower 3 gets a subway, that would be ridiculous. Where is the love for the city? the pride to put a local store into these locations? I don't see it. The most exciting development in the city IMO is at the corner of albert and 11th. Those are the buildings we need, our city will never be able to compete with saskatoon for retail, without more developments like that. Our last hope is the cp rail yards. That HAS to be developed into a live music venue, a movie theatre, and shopping. It is our last opportunity to improve this city. I think honestly in a way maybe regina would have been better without the hills. I hate to say that as they have done so much, but have they not destroyed a movie theatre, and possibly two strips of retail for towers?...Believe me this was hard to write. I really hate people who come on here to rant and only point out negativity. I have been following this forum since elementary school (I'm now in University) and respect all of your opinions. I don't want to be all negative, and I do believe the city is making strides. However development does not equal improvement, and I hope we don't find that out the hard way.

A few comments on this. One, I like your T.Rex image. Secondly, the same shows that the Odeon brings in are pretty similar to the shows that the Exchange, the Drink (if that's still there), and the now defunct Distrikt/State do. They are all within a few blocks from the CP yards, so I don't see what another venue could bring to be honest, but I would gladly welcome more. As for Saskatoon keeping more heritage downtown than Regina, I don't know the exact numbers, but I\m pretty certain it's pretty equal, as is the case in all western Canadian cities. That being said, we have lost a crapload of ground floor retail due to the office construction within the city. You are right there. Sad, but true. If done right (here's hoping), this can be diverted to the either side of the downtown core to the fresh space we have adjacent to the warehouse district, and to the transition neighbourhood. There is hope.

Devon · #**5682** Posted **Jan 19, 2013, 1:07 AM**

2 more things. Albert street is really only comparable to Saskatoon's 8th Street, and they are both terrible auto-hells. I also agree that retail on the ground floor showuld be mandatory. Did they really take a fine over having retail on the ground floor? How could that possibly be a benefit to them, or the building?

Rabbit Fighter '77 · #**5683** Posted **Jan 19, 2013, 2:18 AM**

First of all, despite my previous post being really critical of the hills, i'm extremely grateful for the hill family and all that they have done for this city. Their contributions cannot be measured

They are also probably single handidly responsible for my interest in skyscrapers and urban design. Our downtown architecture is incredible, and envious. I was just trying to note that although Saskatoon doesn't have such shiny towers, they have a more lively downtown. We need more retail, more continuous retail if you will. Something that is walkable with plenty of options. For that reason iam envious of Saskatoon. I just wish that retail options weren't torn down to make room for towers. That old theatre could have been renovated perhaps, and more planning could have happened to make a more "distinct" shopping street. I really do like this city, and I'm proud of the buildings we have. I just wish it was mixed up more, with low rise buildings such as the one on albert and 11th. This would add lots of texture to downtown, and provide more options. A new mid sized venue is required I believe. The Odeon was a great place to catch a show. The artist I went to see came to regina and Saskatoon last year, and only came back to Saskatoon this year. Apparently there was trouble with sound, and the venue was just not as top notch in regina (The Distrikt). We are losing big concerts to Saskatoon, and mid sized ones as well. I don't no maybe im just comparing the best of Saskatoon with the worst of Regina, but there are examples we can learn from them. Im really hoping for the cp rail yards to become an entertainment district. Movie theatre, restaurants, new and local stores, and a music venue, would all add a much needed boost to the city. I think this development is more or less make or break for reginas reputation as a city without many entertainment options. Nonetheless thanks for the input and comments, I do appreciate it. I love starting conversations like this. I don't intend on bashing my town, but rather stir up lively conversation and debate. And thanks for the T rex comment, its my fave album

Nathan · #**5684** Posted **Jan 19, 2013, 3:09 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rabbit Fighter '77

First of all, despite my previous post being really critical of the hills, i'm extremely grateful for the hill family and all that they have done for this city. Their contributions cannot be measured

They are also probably single handidly responsible for my interest in skyscrapers and urban design. Our downtown architecture is incredible, and envious. I was just trying to note that although Saskatoon doesn't have such shiny towers, they have a more lively downtown. We need more retail, more continuous retail if you will. Something that is walkable with plenty of options. For that reason iam envious of Saskatoon. I just wish that retail options weren't torn down to make room for towers. That old theatre could have been renovated perhaps, and more planning could have happened to make a more "distinct" shopping street. I really do like this city, and I'm proud of the buildings we have. I just wish it was mixed up more, with low rise buildings such as the one on albert and 11th. This would add lots of texture to downtown, and provide more options. A new mid sized venue is required I believe. The Odeon was a great place to catch a show. The artist I went to see came to regina and Saskatoon last year, and only came back to Saskatoon this year. Apparently there was trouble with sound, and the venue was just not as top notch in regina (The Distrikt). We are losing big concerts to Saskatoon, and mid sized ones as well. I don't no maybe im just comparing the best of Saskatoon with the worst of Regina, but there are examples we can learn from them. Im really hoping for the cp rail yards to become an entertainment district. Movie theatre, restaurants, new and local stores, and a music venue, would all add a much needed boost to the city. I think this development is more or less make or break for reginas reputation as a city without many entertainment options. Nonetheless thanks for the input and comments, I do appreciate it. I love starting conversations like this. I don't intend on bashing my town, but rather stir up lively conversation and debate. And thanks for the T rex comment, its my fave album

The reason Saskatoon takes all the large concerts is because they have the large arena. We built the Brandt centre, but it maxes out at 8k or so. It half fills its purpose (host Pats games), but now is too small for major concerts, the Brier, World Juniors (Canada games), etc.

I have the same concerns about our new stadium. It works for now... but 20 years down the line, is the 42k max going to be large enough to compete with other stadiums across the country (especially for Grey Cups). I think it's terribly short sighted to go with something that can't be expanded to the 48-50k range. At that level, it's basically on par with BC and Toronto, although slightly lower than Edmonton and Montreal. Still in the same competitive area though. 42k is a major step below.

skthunder77 · #**5685** Posted **Jan 19, 2013, 3:29 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Devon

2 more things. Albert street is really only comparable to Saskatoon's 8th Street, and they are both terrible auto-hells. I also agree that retail on the ground floor showuld be mandatory. Did they really take a fine over having retail on the ground floor? How could that possibly be a benefit to them, or the building?

They didn't pay a fine over ground floor retail. The Canadian Western Bank is on the main floor of T3 regardless...What they paid the fine for was for the insufficient parking and the fact that the pedestal is not in the correct proportion. That is how I remember it anyhow.

GregCB · #**5686** Posted **Jan 19, 2013, 5:33 PM**

Here's a link to a Dog Blog post on proposed changes to transit service in Regina. At present, I believe the city is forecasting that the downtown workforce could grow by 5000 people in the next few years. If commuters don't modify their transportation strategy (ie. stop relying exclusively on private automobiles and switch to transit, cycling, walking, etc) it's difficult to see how the city will be able to cope with the increased traffic and relentless demand for parking in the downtown and surrounding neighbourhoods. But given the car culture that exists here it's not going to be an easy sell.

On the subject of ground floor retail in the downtown, if you've visited the Facebook page Vintage Regina, it's astounding how much street level activity Regina once had. Such vibrancy makes being in the downtown fun, interesting and safe. High rise towers have their place, but if you want to make the downtown inviting to Reginans there has to be street level engagement and activity that extends beyond the 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday to Friday work week.

SkydivePilot · #**5687** Posted **Jan 19, 2013, 7:16 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nathan

The reason Saskatoon takes all the large concerts is because they have the large arena. We built the Brandt centre, but it maxes out at 8k or so. It half fills its purpose (host Pats games), but now is too small for major concerts, the Brier, World Juniors (Canada games), etc.

I have the same concerns about our new stadium. It works for now... but 20 years down the line, is the 42k max going to be large enough to compete with other stadiums across the country (especially for Grey Cups). I think it's terribly short sighted to go with something that can't be expanded to the 48-50k range. At that level, it's basically on par with BC and Toronto, although slightly lower than Edmonton and Montreal. Still in the same competitive area though. 42k is a major step below.

For Grey Cup games, they'll design it insothat it'll be able to accomodate 50,000+ people.

Nathan · #**5688** Posted **Jan 19, 2013, 8:30 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkydivePilot

For Grey Cup games, they'll design it insothat it'll be able to accomodate 50,000+ people.

Not unless the plans change (which I desperately hope they do).

jw6969 · #**5689** Posted **Jan 19, 2013, 11:26 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nathan

Not unless the plans change (which I desperately hope they do).

Also, make it look like a stadium. Scrap the toilet bowl design quickly before it becomes permanent joke.

thefourthtower · #**5690** Posted **Jan 20, 2013, 12:08 AM**

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Nathan · #**5691** Posted **Jan 20, 2013, 1:43 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by jw6969

Also, make it look like a stadium. Scrap the toilet bowl design quickly before it becomes permanent joke.

It looks no more like a toilet bowl as does Shakhtar Donetsk's or Allianz Arena, two of my favourite stadiums around. We're just not used to this shape in North America.

dexen · #**5692** Posted **Jan 20, 2013, 2:31 AM**

Donbass arena is amazing. Not only the stadium itself, but also the area around it. Wonderfully landscaped. I doubt something like that will happen in Regina, but I wish it would.

SkydivePilot · #**5693** Posted **Jan 20, 2013, 4:10 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by jw6969

Also, make it look like a stadium. Scrap the toilet bowl design quickly before it becomes permanent joke.

The proposed look is pretty well the new style these days - even if it "appears" to be ugly: in that case, we'll get used to it. (Just like we had to get used to of having to look at the late '80s Ford Mustang and the 2000-2001 Hyundai Tiburon. Lol! The absolute final design hasn't been unveiled as-of-yet. It is; however at present, appeares to be a very updated version of Montreal's Olympic Stadium. (And it won't have a crumbling infrastructure!) THAT is/was a joke!

jigglysquishy · #**5694** Posted **Jan 20, 2013, 5:41 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregCB

Here's a link to a Dog Blog post on proposed changes to transit service in Regina. At present, I believe the city is forecasting that the downtown workforce could grow by 5000 people in the next few years. If commuters don't modify their transportation strategy (ie. stop relying exclusively on private automobiles and switch to transit, cycling, walking, etc) it's difficult to see how the city will be able to cope with the increased traffic and relentless demand for parking in the downtown and surrounding neighbourhoods. But given the car culture that exists here it's not going to be an easy sell.

On the subject of ground floor retail in the downtown, if you've visited the Facebook page Vintage Regina, it's astounding how much street level activity Regina once had. Such vibrancy makes being in the downtown fun, interesting and safe. High rise towers have their place, but if you want to make the downtown inviting to Reginans there has to be street level engagement and activity that extends beyond the 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday to Friday work week.

Absolutely engaging Facebook page. Just incredible pictures to see.

I'm so thrilled Regina is expanding its transit service. I'm in Saskatoon for school and its a night and day difference comparing getting around on the bus.

thefourthtower · #**5695** Posted **Jan 20, 2013, 10:49 PM**

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Nathan · #**5696** Posted **Jan 20, 2013, 11:27 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by thefourthtower

Are you kidding this stadium is totally awesome once built it will a show piece for the province

Showpiece or not, it will be undersized in the same way the the Brandt Centre is undersized.

SkydivePilot · #**5697** Posted **Jan 20, 2013, 11:30 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by thefourthtower

Are you kidding this stadium is totally awesome once built it will a show piece for the province

I should have added that our new staduim will be an awesome design!!! It'll then be a hell of a showpiece for the three prairie provinces - nevermind just Sask.