Twenty-One (21 Columbia Street West) | 24 m | 6 fl

[WatDot]

Twenty-One
21 Columbia Street WestFormerly 21, 23, 25, 27, 29 Columbia Street West
6 storey | 41 unit | 205 bedroom student housing

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=707&d=1322834759 (http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/380995_10150523805970278_122210870277_11338863_132 6979898_n.jpg)

http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/3949/columbiastreet.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/856/columbiastreet.jpg/)

[WatDot]

Fences are up and it looks like they've started demolition. Pretty sketchy though, for a couple weeks doors have been left wide open, trash all over... very ghetto'istic. Probably hoping for someone to torch the place in order to save a few bucks...:RpS_rolleyes:

[WatDot]

http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/9181/img2011060200145.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/846/img2011060200145.jpg/)

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/9885/img2011060200146.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/69/img2011060200146.jpg/)

[usemywaterloo]

Demolition has started, if it's slab on grade then I'm assuming it will be ready for May rental like the last building from this developer.

[UrbanWaterloo]

July 4, 2011

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/University%20Zone/25%20Columbia%20Street%20West/25%20Columbia%20Street%20West,%20Waterloo%20-%20July%204,%202011%20-%201%20Resized.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/University%20Zone/25%20Columbia%20Street%20West/25%20Columbia%20Street%20West,%20Waterloo%20-%20July%204,%202011%20-%202%20Resized.jpg

[WatDot]

They've torn into one of WCI's baseball diamonds. I'm kind of surprised. Looks like they are putting in tons of sewage infrastructure.


July 14, 2011


http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/4929/img2011071400020.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/819/img2011071400020.jpg/)

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/8599/img2011071400021.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/219/img2011071400021.jpg/)

[usemywaterloo]

They've torn into one of WCI's baseball diamonds. I'm kind of surprised. Looks like they are putting in tons of sewage infrastructure.

They have to connect the storm/sanitary to Spruce street, the city upgrades that were just done to Columbia did not properly account for increased volume and the Columbia street section can not handle the volume the new building would add on so they are going through an easement to Spruce

[WatDot]

They have to connect the storm/sanitary to Spruce street, the city upgrades that were just done to Columbia did not properly account for increased volume and the Columbia street section can not handle the volume the new building would add on so they are going through an easement to Spruce

Wow, great planning! I guess WCI gets a new ball diamond though?
Any idea who eats the cost on this... developer or city?

[UrbanWaterloo]

July 20, 2011

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/University%20Zone/25%20Columbia%20Street%20West/25%20Columbia%20Street%20West,%20Waterloo%20-%20July%2020,%202011%20Resized.jpg

[usemywaterloo]

Wow, great planning! I guess WCI gets a new ball diamond though?
Any idea who eats the cost on this... developer or city?

Developer has to pay for it.

[UrbanWaterloo]

October 5, 2011

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/University%20Zone/25%20Columbia%20Street%20West/25%20Columbia%20Street%20West,%20Waterloo%20-%20October%205,%202011%20-%201a%20R.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/University%20Zone/25%20Columbia%20Street%20West/25%20Columbia%20Street%20West,%20Waterloo%20-%20October%205,%202011%20-%202%20R.jpg

[HankRearden]

I may be able to add some insight on this project. The name is "Twenty-One" and the municipal address is 21 Columbia St. W. The developer did in deed have to upgrade the sanitary sewer from Columbia St. W to Spruce St. through the school yard. The developer put in a new baseball diamond the their expense at a gift to the school. The project is slated for completion in August of 2012 and is well ahead of schedule.

[insider]

I may be able to add some insight on this project. The name is "Twenty-One" and the municipal address is 21 Columbia St. W. The developer did in deed have to upgrade the sanitary sewer from Columbia St. W to Spruce St. through the school yard. The developer put in a new baseball diamond the their expense at a gift to the school. The project is slated for completion in August of 2012 and is well ahead of schedule.

Considering your request for names for another condo project, is the developer the same for both projects? if so, are you part of this company?

[HankRearden]

Yes. I am involved with both projects.

[insider]

Yes. I am involved with both projects.

Thanks. I have a question, was mixed use ever considered for this project at Columbia? Is it clear to developers that there is a very big demand of services/amenities on Columbia? Maybe it was considered, but due to current zoning was it just too much of a hassle? It would be great to hear a developer's perspective on this important issue.

[HankRearden]

I agree that there would be a huge demand for commercial on Columbia. We would have absolutely loved to include ground floor retail in this project. Regretfully current (and likely future) zoning bylaws would not allow it. The city won't budge on this and we didn't have the time or money to fight for a low probability of success.

[dscassel]

Have they applied for a variance? Or are they just making excuses?

City staff has heard loud and clear that people want retail services and amenities in that neighbourhood. Yes, the master plan posters for that area have that strip as residential, but the Northdale land use study is underway and it would take a very little push, I think, to get that strip zoned mixed use residential like University. Many of the forces arrayed to push for that land use study would, I believe, happily take up the cause and pressure council to make this happen. The developers just need to take the first step and file the paperwork.

You can shrug your shoulders and say "Government. What are you gonna do?" or you can help change things. In this case, I don't think it would be particularly hard.

[insider]

Have they applied for a variance? Or are they just making excuses?

City staff has heard loud and clear that people want retail services and amenities in that neighbourhood. Yes, the master plan posters for that area have that strip as residential, but the Northdale land use study is underway and it would take a very little push, I think, to get that strip zoned mixed use residential like University. Many of the forces arrayed to push for that land use study would, I believe, happily take up the cause and pressure council to make this happen. The developers just need to take the first step and file the paperwork.

You can shrug your shoulders and say "Government. What are you gonna do?" or you can help change things. In this case, I don't think it would be particularly hard.

I am pretty sure that Waterloo is changing their zoning designation through their new official plan. Everything that is medium and high density, so anything more than 3 floors, will allow for mixed use. This means that all of Waterloo's 'MR' zones will allow for mixed use once the new official plan is approved.

[dscassel]

It's the land use study that's going to determine zoning in Northdale. When you ask city staff why Columbia still says low density residential for that section of Columbia, they'll say that it's up to the Northdale study.

For more information on the land use study, see http://waterloo.ca/northdale

ETA: I'm referring, of course, to the Waterloo Official Plan, currently up for review: http://www.waterloo.ca/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=1685

[mpd618]

I agree that there would be a huge demand for commercial on Columbia. We would have absolutely loved to include ground floor retail in this project. Regretfully current (and likely future) zoning bylaws would not allow it. The city won't budge on this and we didn't have the time or money to fight for a low probability of success.

I, personally, would be willing to advocate publicly for mixed-use along major corridors such as Columbia, University, and King Street North. Waterloo city planners do not understand the concept of planning around streets - they don't seem to be able to get very far from Euclidean zoning, even in the new official plan.

Council and the public, on the other hand, seem to understand that major streets in all neighbourhoods should be allowed to have commercial uses. Developers would be able to find members of council willing to champion the cause, I suspect.

[BuildingScout]

I, personally, would be willing to advocate publicly for mixed-use along major corridors such as Columbia, University, and King Street North. Waterloo city planners do not understand the concept of planning around streets - they don't seem to be able to get very far from Euclidean zoning, even in the new official plan.

Council and the public, on the other hand, seem to understand that major streets in all neighbourhoods should be allowed to have commercial uses. Developers would be able to find members of council willing to champion the cause, I suspect.

Maybe some WW denizens should put together a presentation for the planning exercise/city council?

[HankRearden]

Mixed use will be possible under the new OP in MR25 designated areas. This does not pertain to MR6 on Columbia. I agree, it makes no sense. Let me free market rule. If we build retail and can't tenant it.... we won't build more. With this project we had to move fast before our potential density was reduced in the new OP. No time to go through a zoning change.

[uwaterloo2011]

its one of those buildings that have private washrooms in EVERY bedroom

"Property Overview
Property Overview: Brand new purpose built 6 storey I.C.F. 41 unit 205 bedroom investment property. Property features private ensuite bathrooms for all bedrooms, fully rented upon completion, oversized bedrooms, elevator, manager's office. Close proximity to both WLU and UW. MLS"

[panamaniac]

205 bathrooms?! That seems crazy.

[uwaterloo2011]

yeah i know, but its seems private washrooms are now the new standard for new building. Luxe waterloo, 49 columbia and 75 columbia have them.

[usemywaterloo]

I am pretty sure that Waterloo is changing their zoning designation through their new official plan. Everything that is medium and high density, so anything more than 3 floors, will allow for mixed use. This means that all of Waterloo's 'MR' zones will allow for mixed use once the new official plan is approved.

In 2018

[uwaterloo2011]

Just trolling around and found their facebook page with floor plans and pricing.
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150518078595278.464503.122210870277&type=3

707

[UrbanWaterloo]

4th Floor - December 1, 2011

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/University%20Zone/21%20Columbia%20Street%20West/21%20Columbia%20Street%20West,%20Waterloo%20-%20December%201,%202011%20-%201b%20R.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/University%20Zone/21%20Columbia%20Street%20West/21%20Columbia%20Street%20West,%20Waterloo%20-%20December%201,%202011%20-%202b%20R.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/University%20Zone/21%20Columbia%20Street%20West/21%20Columbia%20Street%20West,%20Waterloo%20-%20December%201,%202011%20-%203a%20R.jpg

[UrbanWaterloo]

January 31, 2012

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/University%20Zone/21%20Columbia%20Street%20West/21%20Columbia%20Street%20West,%20Waterloo%20-%20January%2031,%202012%20-%202%20R.jpg

[UrbanWaterloo]

Exterior cladding going up...

March 5, 2012

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/University%20Zone/21%20Columbia%20Street%20West/21%20Columbia%20Street%20West,%20Waterloo%20-%20March%205,%202012%20-%202b%20R.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/University%20Zone/21%20Columbia%20Street%20West/21%20Columbia%20Street%20West,%20Waterloo%20-%20March%205,%202012%20-%203a%20R.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/University%20Zone/21%20Columbia%20Street%20West/21%20Columbia%20Street%20West,%20Waterloo%20-%20March%205,%202012%20-%204%20R.jpg

[UrbanWaterloo]

April 18, 2012

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/University%20Zone/21%20Columbia%20Street%20West/21%20Columbia%20Street%20West%20-%20April%2018,%202012%20-%201%20R.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/University%20Zone/21%20Columbia%20Street%20West/21%20Columbia%20Street%20West%20-%20April%2018,%202012%20-%202a%20R.jpg

[mpd618]

The vans parked on what's left of the sidewalk are a nice touch.

[UrbanWaterloo]

May 15, 2012

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/University%20Zone/21%20Columbia%20Street%20West/21%20Columbia%20Street%20West,%20Waterloo%20-%20May%2015,%202012%20-%201%20R.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/University%20Zone/21%20Columbia%20Street%20West/21%20Columbia%20Street%20West,%20Waterloo%20-%20May%2015,%202012%20-%202%20R.jpg

[mpd618]

Do trees exist on Columbia? Will they ever?

[SP!RE]

Compared to most of the ghastly student housing going up in the city, I have a soft spot for this one, and for the one a block over at University that has the retail on the corner of it and the interesting brick facade. It's a shame this one doesn't have a retail space at its base but otherwise its design isn't so bad. :)

[UrbanWaterloo]

July 2, 2012

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/University%20Zone/21%20Columbia%20Street%20West/21%20Columbia%20Street%20West,%20Waterloo%20-%20July%202,%202012%20-%201%20R.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/University%20Zone/21%20Columbia%20Street%20West/21%20Columbia%20Street%20West,%20Waterloo%20-%20July%202,%202012%20-%203%20R.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/University%20Zone/21%20Columbia%20Street%20West/21%20Columbia%20Street%20West,%20Waterloo%20-%20July%202,%202012%20-%204b%20R.jpg

[Greg Moore]

I like the look of this place for what it is. Lots of character.

[metropolis]

I like the look of this place for what it is. Lots of character.

If only it wasn't contributing to the death of the Columbia Street pedestrian realm, I could agree.

[markster]

This is another one that shows promise for future upgrading to service/retail.

Note that the ground level units are at ground level (not a half-flight up or down) and feature their own entrances from the street.