Regina Construction IV

[djforsberg]

Originally Posted by BrannyMuffin

https://leaderpost.com/news/local-ne...5eebeaeac/amp/
It sounds like Harvard is finally ready to move forward with their plans to redevelop Lakeshore Mall. It will be done in phases. They haven’t released their plans yet, so no idea what it will look like. They did release renderings way back when (2014 I believe), but they haven’t said if they will follow the original plans or do something different altogether.

Finally! Interesting that the Lakeshore Steakhouse might not be part of it.

[one_brick_at_a_time]

Originally Posted by djforsberg

Finally! Interesting that the Lakeshore Steakhouse might not be part of it.

Guessing back in 2013, Harvard Developments thought the Steakhouse would be a part of the new build. Maybe they offered to buy and the Steakhouse refused to sell?

[djforsberg]

With real estate prices the way they are, that might have been a smart decision. Or not cuz I honestly don't know how much higher they can go. Also interesting that the Sobeys still exists in the original rendering but it sounds like they are going to tear the entire building down.

[bourbonandbranch]

Originally Posted by djforsberg

With real estate prices the way they are, that might have been a smart decision. Or not cuz I honestly don't know how much higher they can go. Also interesting that the Sobeys still exists in the original rendering but it sounds like they are going to tear the entire building down.

I think the original plan called for replacing the old grocery store with a new structure. Looking at the rendering, the front of the store is on the opposite side to where it used to be. Also, it looks to be angled with the narrower end facing the intersection instead of the wide side.

[one_brick_at_a_time]

Originally Posted by bourbonandbranch

I think the original plan called for replacing the old grocery store with a new structure. Looking at the rendering, the front of the store is on the opposite side to where it used to be. Also, it looks to be angled with the narrower end facing the intersection instead of the wide side.

And then there was this rendering…

[Festivus]

I think it's safe to assume that they have a new plan that we will see at some point. Likely 1-2 condo structures with retail on the ground level (I hope). I'm guessing only 5-6 floors, though, not 10-12.

[McBean]

Originally Posted by Festivus

I think it's safe to assume that they have a new plan that we will see at some point. Likely 1-2 condo structures with retail on the ground level (I hope). I'm guessing only 5-6 floors, though, not 10-12.

Anything will be welcome and better than that falling apart corner right now.

[blacktrojan3921]

Originally Posted by Festivus

I think it's safe to assume that they have a new plan that we will see at some point. Likely 1-2 condo structures with retail on the ground level (I hope). I'm guessing only 5-6 floors, though, not 10-12.

Would be excellent for them to go for the 10-12 though, we need more condo units. Plus, it'll help balance out the skyline to a degree as right now Roberts Plaza sticks out like a sore thumb in the area.

[StealthGirl]

Why do we need more condo units?

[jigglysquishy]

Originally Posted by StealthGirl

Why do we need more condo units?

Because it's really density or die.

And for the huge surplus of condos in the Greens or Harbour Landing, there is a very limited supply of new quality ones in the inner city.

On MLS there are zero new condos downtown over $300,000. 6 in Transition. Zero in Cathedral. Zero in General Hospital area. One in the Wascana Lake area.

So if you have money and want modern in inner city Regina your options are pretty limited.

[CCF]

Originally Posted by Festivus

I think it's safe to assume that they have a new plan that we will see at some point. Likely 1-2 condo structures with retail on the ground level (I hope). I'm guessing only 5-6 floors, though, not 10-12.

It's not typical that a developer would under-build/not maximize the allowable density. If the current zoning of the site allows multiple buildings at 10-12 stories, they'll pursue that. They may wait on that phase (as the article alludes to) until market conditions support that density and focus on the development (retail) where they can start generating revenue. In situations where the developer doesn't feel the market commands that level of density/development, they'll offload the site to someone else who does - and the price of the land will reflect the maximium amount of the buildable density and the new purchaser would again, need to maximize that development to recoup the costs of the land sale.

TL;DR: Developers aren't going to under-build from what's allowed.

[BrannyMuffin]

Originally Posted by CCF

It's not typical that a developer would under-build/not maximize the allowable density. If the current zoning of the site allows multiple buildings at 10-12 stories, they'll pursue that. They may wait on that phase (as the article alludes to) until market conditions support that density and focus on the development (retail) where they can start generating revenue. In situations where the developer doesn't feel the marker commands that level of density/development, they'll offload the site to someone else who does - and the price of the land will reflect the maximium amount of the buildable density and the new purchaser would again, need to maximize that development to recoup the costs of the land sale.

TL;DR: Developers aren't going to under-build from what's allowed.

Completely agree. That’s a valuable piece of land. I don’t see Harvard missing out on the opportunity to maximize their profits especially when you consider what those views would be worth to buyers. A 10th floor condo with a view of the lake or downtown is worth a lot more than a 3rd floor condo with a view of the tree tops.

[blacktrojan3921]

It makes me wonder if they'll try to go big and get over 15 floors.

[Festivus]

Originally Posted by blacktrojan3921

It makes me wonder if they'll try to go big and get over 15 floors.

I know that there was apparently outrage from local residents when Roberts Plaza was built (and the other 2-3 planned towers were scrapped), but I don't understand why. I lived a few blocks from there in Hillsdale in the late 2000s and honestly the tower looks fine. They keep it in good shape, the bar lights up the sides look nice, and it's not super imposing.

[djforsberg]

Originally Posted by Festivus

I know that there was apparently outrage from local residents when Roberts Plaza was built (and the other 2-3 planned towers were scrapped), but I don't understand why. I lived a few blocks from there in Hillsdale in the late 2000s and honestly the tower looks fine. They keep it in good shape, the bar lights up the sides look nice, and it's not super imposing.

Typical NIMBYs who don't like density (aka people) and think that they are living on a farm/small town instead of a city.

[The mayor]

https://regina.ctvnews.ca/limited-su...tion-1.5849369

Limited supply caused Regina housing prices to rise in March: realtors association
Good news Hopefully for the proposed condo

[djforsberg]

Originally Posted by The mayor

https://regina.ctvnews.ca/limited-su...tion-1.5849369

Limited supply caused Regina housing prices to rise in March: realtors association
Good news Hopefully for the proposed condo

It’s insane that we still can’t figure out how to get more housing built downtown but I guess Sask is second last in the country for population growth so it’s not like people are lining up to come here. Saskatoon has figured it out though.

[thebasketballgeek]

Originally Posted by The mayor

https://regina.ctvnews.ca/limited-su...tion-1.5849369

Limited supply caused Regina housing prices to rise in March: realtors association
Good news Hopefully for the proposed condo

It seems like every city in Canada has a housing crunch. Although Regina needs to massively step up its game in terms of increasing supply instantly.



Here's Saskatoon for comparison



I understand that Saskatoon is growing faster and has about 70k more people in its CMA, but Saskatoon should not be building triple what Regina currently is. Especially when Regina only has 40k less people then Saskatoon within municipal boundaries and had a modest population growth from 2016-21. The housing starts between both municipalities is even more startling.

However, the real problem is that 40% of houses being constructed are single-family detached house which I can only assume is being built at the edge of the city exacerbating the sprawl problem. Saskatoon in comparison has that share down to 24% (still not good enough imo).

I really hope y'all can figure out your NIMBY problem because it would be great if Regina can get a construction boom like the rest of Canada (with much less single-family construction please). Especially since its near the half way mark of Calgary and Winnipeg who are also experiencing construction boom hopefully that can be some sort of catalyst for increased activity in the city.

[djforsberg]

We are getting our butts kicked . Where's this amazing mayor I keep hearing we have and what is she doing about this?

[Dougler306]

Originally Posted by djforsberg

We are getting our butts kicked . Where's this amazing mayor I keep hearing we have and what is she doing about this?

She is more concerned with Regina's net zero 2050 plan and whatever the cost is to get there... the entire city council is so indulged with there own ideas as compared to actual city issues like housing and retail.