Saskatoon Construction III

[danylo66]

Exciting to see that something may finally start here, although I haven't seen the city actually put the property up for sale in a transparent, public way. Who is behind CBB Ltd.?

[Crisis]

The Caswell Bus Barns is an interesting concept. I'd certainly like to see it come to fruition, however, I'd be somewhat surprised. Even if there is a new arena built in the proposed downtown location, I feel this CBB development is just a bit too far off the beaten path to succeed. Hope I'm wrong.

[Echoes]

Originally Posted by danylo66

Exciting to see that something may finally start here, although I haven't seen the city actually put the property up for sale in a transparent, public way. Who is behind CBB Ltd.?

The address listed under contact info is the office of Bldg Studio, so that's one of the players.

[prairieguy]

Originally Posted by Crisis

The Caswell Bus Barns is an interesting concept. I'd certainly like to see it come to fruition, however, I'd be somewhat surprised. Even if there is a new arena built in the proposed downtown location, I feel this CBB development is just a bit too far off the beaten path to succeed. Hope I'm wrong.

I would agree...I am hopeful and wish it all the success, but I just feel it's location may prevent it from reaching its potential.

[asdfgh]

Originally Posted by danylo66

Exciting to see that something may finally start here, although I haven't seen the city actually put the property up for sale in a transparent, public way. Who is behind CBB Ltd.?

Here's a bunch of details on it.
https://www.saskatoon.ca/business-de...-redevelopment

I thought I'd heard that there was someone ready to go through the initial rfp/tender process right before covid hit, who then pulled out due to uncertainty regarding the pandemic, then it appears the process was restarted, leading this group.

[Saskabusher]

sooo funny! people be like from any corner of town and always go to the big boxes, Preston crossing from 11street, whatever, but here? to Caswell, near downtown? Make it happen! build it, give it something people want and they will come...as long as they can park for free! haha

[EpicPonyTime]

The Caswell proposal reminds me of Ritchie Market in Edmonton. That part of Edmonton has become one of the most exciting and energetic parts of the city, in large part due to the Market and the businesses located there/in the vicinity. I'd love to see the Barns redeveloped into something similar, even if the area is not ideal (right now ). I'd rather see them repurposed into a unique-if-flawed development than sit empty or be torn down.

[FarmerHaight]

Originally Posted by Saskabusher

sooo funny! people be like from any corner of town and always go to the big boxes, Preston crossing from 11street, whatever, but here? to Caswell, near downtown? Make it happen! build it, give it something people want and they will come...as long as they can park for free! haha

Yeah, people in Saskatoon are willing to drive to out-of-the-way locations if the product or service offerings are good enough. Victoria is a few blocks off Broadway but Homestead and Las Palapas are very busy. Stumbletown and Lucky Bastard are very out of the way in the North Industrial area but they don't seem to struggle for business. Fable, October, and D'Lish are all in the middle of random neighbourhoods but they are very popular too.

And even for people that don't drive, the bus barns are two blocks off of a future BRT stop and 23rd is a main east-west bike route from DT all the way to Circle Drive.

[Echoes]

There is a small cluster of positive investment in South Caswell already that does signal that this area can be a node of activity/interest that the Bus Barns can build upon. The Eatons Lofts, AODBT offices, Bldg Studio building renovation, Night Owl Bakery moving over from City Park....

[reddo]

Originally Posted by CanadianDriverYXE

Construction update in Evergreen, not sure if this is the Baydo building though but this was the tallest building in the area.

Yes those are baydo buildings I believe 4 buildings total on that site for them.

[Coldrsx]

A+B=C for Saskatoon?

https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-o-...5EMBJqbg%3D%3D

[Roquentin]

Originally Posted by Coldrsx

A+B=C for Saskatoon?

https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-o-...5EMBJqbg%3D%3D

Very cool! Thanks for the heads up! I'll attend if I can, but I'm in Edmonton right now and might not make it back in time.

Sidenote for Coldrsx, Edmonton is looking great these days --- it's really grown up and filled in nicely in the 10+ years since I lived there. Even a short visit makes me want to move back. Anyway, thanks again for mentioning the event on Tuesday.

[4LSaskatoon]

[asdfgh]

Originally Posted by Coldrsx

A+B=C for Saskatoon?

https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-o-...5EMBJqbg%3D%3D

Did anyone attend this?

Any interesting insight?

[prairieguy]

Originally Posted by asdfgh

Did anyone attend this?

Any interesting insight?

Article in today's Star Phoenix on event. Nothing very news worthy.

https://thestarphoenix.com/news/loca...-centre-trends

[4LSaskatoon]

We attended the Stantec presentation. (note... the Roxy is a great little theater... )
They wanted to make it clear that city property taxes are not funding this project.
They talked about investment in the downtown entertainment district creates investment in commerce, housing, retail, etc. Successful downtowns are a small percentage of the total city... but over 30% of the tax base.
Currently, they estimate approx. 3,500 people live downtown... and their future Saskatoon downtown exceeds 10,000. They added that Saskatoon has tremendous potential... in investment from BHP, U. of Sask., Rare earth minerals head office here, Agriculture, Nutrien HQ., etc.
The creation of of a downtown entertainment district should be an every day space, filled with restaurants, retail, greenspace, winter space... a place for community to gather. They've learned that these public spaces are important for the future of downtown living.. adding that we all want to be proud of their public spaces.
Also mentioned is the future BRT transportation system being built this year.
Another mention is finding what was unique to Saskatoon.. and highlighting that to attract tourism. Their take on it was embracing our Indigenous Culture throughout this project.

[4LSaskatoon]

https://globalnews.ca/news/9529434/s...-arena-update/

[FarmerHaight]

Originally Posted by 4LSaskatoon

Also mentioned is the future BRT transportation system being built this year.

Just curious, have full plans for the BRT been released? I think I've seen rough routing, station locations, etc., but I'm not sure I've seen a complete set of plans.

[EpicPonyTime]

Originally Posted by 4LSaskatoon

Another mention is finding what was unique to Saskatoon.. and highlighting that to attract tourism. Their take on it was embracing our Indigenous Culture throughout this project.

Used to be Fuddruckers, but now Regina's in on the fun.

Would love to see them take this to heart and develop the arena/public spaces with indigenous elements. The renders of the arena thus far are awfully bland and uninteresting.

[4LSaskatoon]

Originally Posted by FarmerHaight

Just curious, have full plans for the BRT been released? I think I've seen rough routing, station locations, etc., but I'm not sure I've seen a complete set of plans.

https://images.app.goo.gl/yajCd6EjLgg6cxvV6

I've been to the information sessions since it began in 2018.. very thought out. Key features for me was the transit villages at the outside.. to 'park and ride' .. the informative bus shelters.. and using an app for fares.
I applied and attended the BRT naming and branding meeting last fall. Initially, the announcement for the name of our rapid transit system and the beginning of construction was to be late fall 2022...with full operation June 1, 2025.

Haven't heard anything since...
IMO... there's delays associated with planning around the possible Arena and Entertainent district.