Also, the Safeway site across the street would be perfect for 2-3 towers in a mixed use scheme.
Agreed. This would probably be a good discussion for its own thread, but I do know there was a proposal for that Safeway about six years ago. I don't remember any public renders for it, but the design committees thoughts sounded
pretty unfavourable. Trudging through Connect2Edmonton I was able to find this;
C.4. Whyte Avenue Food Store
Dialog - Darrell Halliwell
10930 - 82 Avenue NW
The Committee finds that the present design does not achieve the key objective of a pedestrian-oriented character of this commercial area.
• CRU #4 requires a different character than the main building such that it creates interest along 83rd Avenue and 109th Street.
• Utilize articulation or other elements to further break down the monolithic façade of the main building.
• Meet the landscape requirement for the setback along the entire length of the west property line such that this development does not negatively impact the adjacent properties.
• Redesign the blank wall that encloses the loading area such that it provides a level of visual interest for the adjacent residents and pedestrians moving along 82nd Avenue.
• The lack of canopies and weather protection at-grade along 82nd Avenue and 109th Street does not create a pedestrian friendly environment on the shopping streets as per the Pedestrian Shopping Street Overlay.
• The lack of roof line variation along 82nd Avenue and 109 Street does not provide adequate articulation or visual interest for this scale of development.
• The proposed lighting plan does not include pedestrian oriented lighting on the shopping streets as well as within the parking lot. Consideration of Darksky principle should be followed.
• “Lifestyle” imagery and temporary window signage that block views into the buildings do not promote a pedestrian shopping street. The development’s detail signage package must include strict limitations on temporary window signage.
• Rooftop mechanical screening details are required, as this building will be viewed from adjacent multi-family residential projects.
• Vehicular accesses off of 82nd Avenue and 109th Street need to promote a pedestrian first environment. The Committee would support a single access off of 109th Street provided that it is detailed such that the pedestrian movement is uninterrupted. The Committee does not support a mid-block vehicular access off of 82nd Avenue as it interrupts the continuous pedestrian experience along this development.
