[James Bay] 200 Douglas condo | 6-storeys | U/C

[Rob Randall]

Yes, extra residences over and above what the zoning allows. But as was pointed out at the meeting, the zoning was written in an era where giant lobbies surrounded by reflecting pools were considered good design. One Councillor said (looking at the Mayor), "You mean architects have fads?!" and the reply (looking at Councillor Young) was, "And economists have fads too?!".

[gumgum]

Proposal to raze apartments worsens rental crunch: council
City's record-low vacancy rate sparks calls to increase affordable housing
Carolyn Heiman, Times Colonist
Published: Saturday, June 21, 2008

[VicHockeyFan]

Developer Dennis Nyren said the building is in poor shape and has a "terrible carbon footprint," with its inefficient oil-burning furnace and single-paned windows.

I like the use of the "environmental footprint" card played this time on the "other foot(print)".

[Rob Randall]

This is still working its way through City Hall.

[Mike K.]

Renderings of the 12-storey design can be viewed here.

[Dylan Leblanc]

wow Mike great work digging that up! too bad it will never see the light of day. this city could have all kinds of modern architectural marvels but council and planning always shoot them down (plus the whole economy thing these days). gotta feel sorry for some of the architects in town who's best designs never get built. this city holds on to it's 19th century architectural heritage but restricts it's self from having any 21st century architectural heritage.

Victorian, adjective: characterized by prudery or hypocrisy

[Dylan Leblanc]

Here's what the building would have looked like, since the above link doesn't work anymore. Designed by D’Ambrosio Architecture + Urbanism - http://www.fdarc.ca/projects/archite...id=album-13359

[G-Man]

That is a nice looking building!

[sebberry]

That's more than 7 floors...

[aastra]

This one will surely be built now. Victoria has shaken off its old ways. Progressive people are in charge. It's all about the future and going boldly forward.*

*not really, but some incredibly foolish people actually seem to believe that this is the case

[Baro]

This is the perfect size and scale for the area. The whole road is full of buildings bigger and smaller than this. Real nice massing, I love this building!

[Mike K.]

This is the old proposal. FDarc is no longer the architecture firm involved and the project has been downscaled to 7-storeys.

[cluseau]

Looks like it's back on track again.

Saw a sign going up out front of the apartment building about 5 pm this evening. Counted 6 floors in the picture as I drove by, but might have been 7. Design is much more "normal" (glass) than the previous; my glimpse wasn't that long though. Guess they're going for quick with no zoning change?

[Sparky]

Thanks cluseau. That's two buildings we have heard about today that have a chance of going ahead.

By jove, this town may be growing again.

[gumgum]

Happened to be running by this sign today:

[Sparky]

Thanks gumgum.

[Mike K.]

Thanks for the updates, everyone!

[panamajack]

Nice looking project, too bad it comes at the expense of rental housing.

When was the last market rental housing project in this town anyways?

[Dylan Leblanc]

The Churchill on Yates St. was completed last year.

[Mike K.]

There's also that one project beside the Phillips brewery on Government. That must be nearing construction.

[2F2R]

I think this building is way too tall for this area … two floors would fit nice … I walked up Douglas toward the ocean, past where this building is proposed and I think it will block everybody’s view of the Beacon Drive Inn as we pass the park. Also, when ducks are flying out of Beacon Hill Park towards the duck pond, this monstousity will be right in their way ... send it back and shave it down ... ...

[Mike K.]

You sure you've got the correct property in mind? You can't even see the Beacon Drive-in from this property. It's blocked by two 8-storey buildings. And the duck pond is quite a ways north from this property.

[gumgum]

Pretty sure he had his tongue in his cheek.

[Mike K.]

Ok, I was wondering if that was the case Nevertheless, if anyone believes this project is out of character, it'll largely go unnoticed.

[MarkoJ]

This will most likely be wood-framed at six stories?