Halifax LEAP

2006-03-14T09:38:00.000-08:00

AN INVITATION

Make time to attend the public presentation regarding the Spring Garden - Queen Street Lands Study. It is next week, Thursday night, March 23, at 7PM.
Come early expected to be standing room only by 6:45PM.

Click to Enlarge

2006-02-08T07:54:00.000-08:00

QUEEN STREET CLYDE STREET
CONDOS CIVIC USE TOWNHOMES LIVE/WORK

Maple Street, Vancouver, Robert Ciccozzi Architect

i-plan E

Over the coming months, the guidelines for potential uses of the Queen Street lands are being put together. After the first public meeting, I have heard a lot of concern about how the land that borders the residential community will be used. Many have wondered about developing housing that could bring a diverse mixture of residents and families into the area. What are your thoughts on townhomes or a well-designed condo that is seven stories and set back from the street?

Reflections, Vancouver, Adera Development Corp.

Toronto Townhomes

2006-02-08T07:26:00.000-08:00

MIDTOWN EXCHANGE CONDOS
On the corner of Queen & Morris? What do you think?

Click to Enlarge - Midtown Exchange Condos on the Greenway, Minneapolis, Urban Works Architecture

These condos are very interesting, as they wrap around a multi-level parkade. By doing this the neighbourhood scale and feel are enforced rather than compromised by a big old parkade. During the Queen Street Lands Charrette this idea was put forth by M.P. as a possible way to address the parking needs without hurting the historic Schmitteville neighbourhood.

Midtown Exchange is the result of a ten year urban-community, public process.

From the Midtown Exchange web site, midtowncommunityworks.org/exchange/ :

"As the result of more than 10 years of efforts by neighborhood groups, local government and private-sector leaders, the vacant mega-site in the heart of south Minneapolis will be reborn as a vibrant, mixed-use urban hub.

The Midtown Exchange will contain 360 apartments, condos and townhomes; the headquarters of Allina Hospitals and Clinics; a Hennepin County service center; a new Sheraton hotel; and the Midtown Global Market, which will be the city's largest public market. The development will also include a new transit facility."

2006-02-08T06:52:00.000-08:00

AWARD WINNING LIVE/WORK
Portland, OR. Orenco Station, sets a high standard for urban infill

Johnson Street Townhomes, Orenco Station, Portland, Oregon
Sue Hoyt Street Properties, Mithun Architects
The flex/work space is on the lower level, living room is on the main and bedrooms on the top floor.

"Johnson Street Townhomes, an inviting new urban infill community located in the historic Pearl District of Portland, OR. The project was designed to complement the scale of the [surrounding] neighbourhood. A "sense of place" was maintained while adding to the vibrancy and pedestrian activity of this [important] neighbourhood." Mithun Architects

Click to Enlarge
What do you think of the Orenco Station's design? Do you want this neo-traditional approach for the peninsula of Halifax?

2006-02-07T17:07:00.000-08:00

VICTORIA TOWNHOMES
"Imagine a strip of these Seattle townhomes on Clyde Street"

"With a mix of classic forms and materials, as well as modern details, Victoria Townhomes represents an innovative solution to the demand for more housing density within Seattle. The new buildings situated above two levels of underground parking match the existing character of the neighbourhood. The street presence is designed with a balance between resident privacy and an urban feel." - Mithun Architects

2006-02-05T06:42:00.000-08:00

IMAGINE IF...

pixelhead.com

Once every three years, The City of Halifax could grant occupancy of two artist live/work studios to Halifax-based, low-income professional artists for a non-renewable lease. The program would support professional artists by providing an extended term for them to concentrate on their creative process. It could be a combination of one year term studios at no-cost & additional studios at low cost.

Does our city have an invested interest in supporting local artist to live and work in central Halifax? I know of two Halifax artists who have had to relocate to rural studios for primarily financial reasons. How can we realize a studio program, is it in our best interest to promote artists living and working in our city?

I found the following satement from Jennifer Armstrong on Ricard Florida's web site www.creativeclass.org/ (Art has strong impact on community).

"What artists all have in common is an ability to make our community more vibrant an economically robust," Armstrong said. When artists get paid for work, many of those dollars will be cycled right back into the community, Armstrong said. If artists can make a living in our community, they are more likely to stay and live here, she said.

...Artists also help separate a community from others through innovation."Innovation comes from creativity," Armstrong said. "Communities without a high level of creative activity remain stagnant. Growth comes from creative activity. High levels of arts and entertainment draw residents, tourists, businesses and students. More people, more money, more development."

Check out Vancouver's Artist Studio Program as a possible model.
www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/commsvcs/oca/Awards/artiststudio/

2006-02-03T06:50:00.000-08:00

300,000 Square Feet

What does a 300,000 square foot law court look like? I looked on line and discovered the brand new Seattle Justice Center is exactly that square footage. Take a look at the pictures. Where would a similar building to this, work well in central Halifax?

G R E E N B U I L D I N G

One of the interesting thing that the City of Seattle now mandates is it's civic buildings be green and sustainable. Duncan Thieme from NBBJ explains, "Much of the effort that goes into the greening of a building is devoted to a series of thoughtful but small decisions. Characteristically, this means specifying equipment that is more energy-efficient than typical or looking for recycled alternatives to new building materials. Sometimes bigger steps are taken that have a more noticeable effect. For the Justice Center, a number of larger design decisions dramatically influenced the sustainability of the building".

Some considerations for the new Seattle Justice Center were.

1. Glazed thermal buffer
2. Planted roof
3. Water harvesting

Location: 600 Fifth Ave., Seattle
Size: 300,000 square feet

2006-02-02T14:23:00.000-08:00

Captain...We're breaking up !

Jane Jacobs from her classic work, The Death and Life of Great American Cities:

"When a city heart stagnates or disintegrates, a city as a social neighborhood of the whole begins to suffer: People who ought to get together, by means of central activities that are failing, fail to get together. Ideas and money that ought to meet, and do so often only by happenstance in a place of central vitality, fail to meet. The networks of city public life develop gaps they cannot afford. Without a strong and inclusive central heart, a city tends to become a collection of interests isolated from one another. It falters at producing something greater, socially, culturally and economically, than the sum of its separated parts."

Q: Are we turning the corner and starting to invest in the peninsula's infrastructure? In the recent past we would invest millions to widen the entrance to B.L.I.P, not once but four times and then discover, on the other hand the city would charge the Spring Garden Road Association $13,000 to close the street for two days & hold a festival for the city (a policy presently under review).

Don't get me wrong, I like the B.L.I.P.. I shop there and as a citizen I like the job opportunities it offers many. What I am wondering about is the investment in our cities heart. If Jane Jacob's is right, a strong vibrant city center is in the interest of all HRM's citizens including the businesses in the retail parks.

What do you think about the cities central area development?

How can we better invest in Halifax's peninsula ?

What would Jane Jacobs say? More importantly, what do you say?

Jane Jacobs on wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Jacobs

2006-02-02T14:04:00.000-08:00

Lululemon on Spring Garden?

C.C. recently commented on wanting a better mix of quality retailers on Spring Garden Road. I loved her suggestion for Lululemon. They are a real Canadian success story. Check out their website:lululemon.com/ . I know it's very westcoast, but the clothes are so comfortable.

Does anybody have suggestions for other retailers on Spring Garden?

2006-02-02T13:47:00.000-08:00

LAW COURT CONSIDERATIONS

The recently built Port Hawksbury Law Courts

1. Since Oklahoma City and 9/11 in the U.S., Canadian law courts are considered a potential target. They are therefore not allowed to have public underground parking because of a potential threat.

2. Also, law courts now have to have a set-back from the street, a certain distance, with passive barriers to prevent cars from getting to close to the building.

3. Law Courts are operational from 8AM - 5PM and closed on weekends. Holding cells are emptied at 5PM. The accused are transported in and out for the trials.

4. It has been the experience in other cities with law courts near residential communities, that many of the houses in close proximity to a new court get purchased by law firms and converted to offices (that are also empty past 5PM and weekends).

2006-02-02T13:39:00.000-08:00

Halifax vs. Vancouver?

Here's a fun link my friend Catherine sent me. Which city is better to live in?

www.canada.com/topics/travel/story.html?id=720a864a-d703-46c6-8896-69675c4bcba2&k=75999

Halifax's Clock Tower and Vancouver's historic Gastown District

2006-02-02T13:02:00.000-08:00

WHAT THE ...ORANGE?

What does everyone think about the new renovation of Lawton's on Spring Garden Road?

I feel the exterior is extremely inappropriate for our cities historic main street. Could their designers not have shown some sensitivity to the area. I am disappointed at the lack of consideration a retail neighbour has shown for an urban area. When a person compares that loud screaming orange that Lawton's used to what Boots Pharmacy has done in the UK (see below), it makes you think that better options do exist.

Maybe the merchant's of Spring Garden Road and the City of Halifax should get together on specific exterior guidelines that local companies can use. When it comes to signage, I think that the new Pete's Frootique did it "more right" than Lawton's has.

Here are links for Lawton's, if you feel like calling and giving them your opinion:

www.lawtons.ca/EN/site/Content/CorporateInformation/contact.asp

or 902.468.1000

Boots Signage is designed by Wood & Wood Designs - follow the link:
http://www.wwdesign.com/clients/boots.html

2006-01-23T16:48:00.000-08:00

LAW COURTS

I was wondering what other cities are doing with law courts? Any body have examples of law courts, that are also good civic spaces? Please hit the comment button and let us all know.

In particular I am trying to find pictures of the law courts in Port Coquitlam, BC. Having visited this building, I can honestly say it is well done. If I get any pictures or plans I will post them.

In my wondering around I came upon the following examples. The first one, from Missisipi is similar to the square footage of the law courts that the Province of Nova Scotia is wanting to build somewhere in the HRM.

Dan M Russell Jr. Law Courts in Gulfport, Miss.
Kliment & Halsband Architects www.kliment-halsband.com/

Commonwealth Law Courts in Melbourne, Aus
Hassell Pty. Ltd. Architects www.abc.net.au/arts/architecture/interact/tours/court.htm

Calgary Courts Centre (will be the largest law courts in the world)
Charles Ott Architect www.carlosott.com/calgaryCourtHouse.htm

2006-01-22T19:22:00.000-08:00

Inspiring Civic Project being made with public involvement taking shape in NYC!

The peninsula of Halifax has the Queen/Spring Lands Study (QSLS), Manhattan has The Highline. It is an innovative public park being planned for central Manhattan. It will be built on the 1.5 mile long stretch of abandoned elevated-railways running through the Meat Packing District of Manhattan. It is a project involving public, civic and business input (similar to the the QSLS). They have been working on the project since 2004.

Link www.thehighline.org/design/prelim_design/index.htm

Also check out the Meat Packing Business District website. Less than seven years ago the Meat Packing District was a a place nobody wanted to go to. Then Pastis (the world's greatest French cafe outsided Quebec and France) opened up and everyone followed. Could the same thing (granted, a smaller Halifax version) happen on Agricola or...?
www.meatpacking-district.com/

2006-01-21T08:45:00.000-08:00

Do you know about the following meeting? It is the first public presentation in a six month process. Give your thoughts on the projects background and ideas. All feedback will help inform the next phase of the process.

Public Presentation from the Consulting Team
Dalhousie University
School of Architecture and Planning - Auditorium
5410 Spring Garden Road
Thursday, January 26, 2006 7 to 9 PM

Spring Garden & Queen Street
Joint Public Lands Study
PUBLIC CONSULTATION

Halifax Regional Municipality in partnership with the Province of Nova Scotia is developing a land use plan for publicly owned lands including the Halifax Memorial Library, the Provincial Law Court, the former Halifax Infirmary and municipal parking lots on Clyde Street. The land use plan will promote and guide future development in this area toward the creation of…

“a vibrant urban precinct that creatively integrates civic, retail, service, corporate, professional and residential uses, and coordinates the objectives of HRM, the Province, and other stakeholders.”

The Public is invited to view background information daily at
City Centre Atlantic (Mezzanine above Pete’s Frootique)
1515 Dresden Row
Agenda - > Monday, January 23, 2006 through Friday, January 27, 2006

The Vancouver Public Library
Moshe Safdie http://www.msafdie.com/
Look at his Salt Lake City Library

2006-01-21T08:35:00.000-08:00

Check out this link to a great map of the Halifax peninsula from 1894

Halifax, Canada 1894 (438K)
From The Dominion of Canada, with Newfoundland and an Excursion to Alaska. Handbook for Travellers, by Karl Baedeker, 1894. (From the University of Texas)

2006-01-21T04:39:00.000-08:00

Looking for input: I am one of three people representing the Southend Community on the "Spring Garden Road/Queen Street Area Joint Public Lands Committee" or as I call it the Queen/Spring Lands Study (QSLS). Some people want to know what is going to get built on the vacant lots? At this stage a better question might be what do you want to see on the Queen Street Lands? (Just click on the comment box and type away). Jeff H.

The Queen/Spring Lands Study (QSLS), is in its early stages. Many ideas have been discussed for what might be the best possible use of the provincial and civic lands available. Please let me know what are your thoughts and reactions to the following options ?(just click on the comment box and type away) Jeff H.

1. PARKING: It is necassary that the existing levels of parking be maintained. However, there is a question if extra or additional parking is required for the area.

2. CONDOS: There is some speculation that developers may want to help develop the area, possibly with a condo component.

3. FLAGSHIP LIQOUR STORE: The NSLC is considering the amalgamation of the Clyde Street and Port of Wine locations into a large 15,000-sq. ft. flagship store.

4. NEW CENTRAL LIBRARY: The people planning the new library are hoping to make it a showcase on the Queen Street lands. What do you think?

5. NEW LAW COURTS: The interest of the Department of Justice in the Infirmary site has a similar foundation to that of HPL. The new law courts would be almost 10X the size of the existing property on Spring Garden.

6. PARKS & RECREATION CENTRE: A facility that would focus on meeting the needs of the peninsula neighborhoods, replacing the Bloomfield Centre and Centennial Pool. Maybe the YMCA might be interested in a partnership?

7. DAL - SEXTON CAMPUS EXTENSION:

8. NOVA CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS: A new arts facility with a 2,500-person auditorium.

9. CIVIC MUSEUM: Halifax and its history

10. AFFORDABLE HOUSING: