North Yard Development | 21m | 6s | Leston Holdings | KP Architecture Ltd.

[northlands]

^ KP Architecture is a division of Krahn Group. But they definitely took a page outta Westrich's playbook on this one.

 

[mcr]

An engineering firm? Maybe they prepared the building designs but the overall architecture screams Westrich. Also, there are rumors that ATCO is selling them the site, so there's also that.

You're not wrong, but Ian works for Westrich, if he's refuting it I would say it's unlikely to be them.

 

[CplKlinger]

Also, there are rumors that ATCO is selling them the site, so there's also that.

@SMayo said that they got a notice in the mail that Westrich applied to subdivide the land.

 

[archited]

It is completely awful -- and if it is not Westrich then it is a copycat to Westrich's most recent efforts. The question is now that Westrich is at the bottom are they going to rebound to former significance or spend their evenings counting how much cream they can get from the developer milk they are extracting from the City.

I wonder if Westrich is seeing something with car-free/car-lite development demand that others would follow with in the core.

I think they are seeing how much dough they can pull out before the City gets wise to sub-par development.

 

[archited]

It is standard practice for engineering, architecture, and planning firms to apply for permits -- there is no indication that they are doing it as developer -- O' might be trying the ole "look over here" tactic as a distraction.

 

[Gronk!]

It is standard practice for engineering, architecture, and planning firms to apply for permits -- there is no indication that they are doing it as developer -- O' might be trying the ole "look over here" tactic as a distraction.

I can't help but wonder if slamming Westrich is biased due to your hatred of @IanO?

 

[Didama]

What a wasted opportunity. Seems like Westrich is heading in the wrong direction. At this rate they'll be competing with Regency soon....

Can't even pay for a decent rendering? Very regency-esque. How disappointing.

 

[itom987]

Quite frankly I am absolutely thrilled to see this project happen. You all need to be reminded that this project takes over an ENTIRE CITY BLOCK. This block has been vacant for longer than most of us have been alive. This will bring at least 1000 new residents to the area supporting a bunch of interesting businesses that have set up shop in the area. This area used to be a wasteland and is becoming very desirable. If any of you disagree with me, go and check out the area for yourself! Having said that, the design of the building is par the course for 6 storey apartments in Edmonton. It's not the worst, nor the best but I will let it pass given how much good it will do for the area.

 

[Didama]

Quite frankly I am absolutely thrilled to see this project happen. You all need to be reminded that this project takes over an ENTIRE CITY BLOCK. This block has been vacant for longer than most of us have been alive. This will bring at least 1000 new residents to the area supporting a bunch of interesting businesses that have set up shop in the area. This area used to be a wasteland and is becoming very desirable. If any of you disagree with me, go and check out the area for yourself! Having said that, the design of the building is par the course for 6 storey apartments in Edmonton. It's not the worst, nor the best but I will let it pass given how much good it will do for the area.

I hear you, but I also challenge you to go there and look at what could be with a little bit of imagination rather than just a copy/paste development. This part of the city could be such a cool neighbourhood. But it won't be if developers like Westrich just build something as simple and unimaginative as possible to make a maximum return. For shame.

 

[Didama]

If you're gonna defend this you might as well defend Regency's project up by Bonnie Doon Mall. What a dog

 

[thommyjo]

Quite frankly I am absolutely thrilled to see this project happen. You all need to be reminded that this project takes over an ENTIRE CITY BLOCK. This block has been vacant for longer than most of us have been alive. This will bring at least 1000 new residents to the area supporting a bunch of interesting businesses that have set up shop in the area. This area used to be a wasteland and is becoming very desirable. If any of you disagree with me, go and check out the area for yourself! Having said that, the design of the building is par the course for 6 storey apartments in Edmonton. It's not the worst, nor the best but I will let it pass given how much good it will do for the area.

Thankfully they don’t have to be mutually exclusive. We can be grateful for all the things you mentioned, and hope for better design.

We aren’t calling for this to be a $900/sqft concrete build highrise . Just for it to at least reach the quality of other projects like Stadium yards.

 

[Didama]

if we're going to use the 'it is going to bring more people to the area' line then we should also be applauding Regency. Let's set our bar higher folks.

 

[itom987]

A '50s bungalow is still one of the most common style of house in Edmonton. A typical '60s 4 storey walk up apartment was copied everywhere, we have hundreds of them and they are all identical. None of you have ever complained about them.

 

[Didama]

Really? I hear complaints about those on here all the time :-D

Yes, this development will bring lots of new people to the area. Yes, it will be good to see something built here..... but the point remains that this 'design' is hot garbage. Westrich could have done something that would make this area something special, and could have done it without spending a ton of money. Just look at Stadium Yards. I thought Westrich was better than this. So disappointing

 

[archited]

I can't help but wonder if slamming Westrich is biased due to your hatred of @IanO?

I do not hate Ian at all! -- I think he may be misguided in some of his opinions (but that is just my opinion) and I can understand (sort of) his apologist nature for what Westrich is producing (although I am almost certain that none of their product is berthed from his mind). Ian is a bit of an egotist (but so am I) -- I enjoy some of his viewpoints on various subjects -- I admit, we do spar from time to time -- but it is not with hatred -- not even close! Now the turn in developmental directions that Westrich has taken -- that is another subject altogether. They had a beautiful start on 103rd street with good Architectural product -- they seem to be progressing steadily downhill ever since.