Small Urban Kitchener Construction

[UrbanWaterloo]

Small Urban Kitchener Construction
Downtown Kitchener, Midtown Kitchener, Belmont Village, King East
For general news and/or rumors that are small enough they don't require their own threads.

Project List | Last Update
89 Joseph Street | May 17, 2011
(http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/showthread.php?t=18&p=29882#post29882)33 Queen Street South | May 26, 2011 (http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/showthread.php?t=18&p=30062#post30062)
Queen Margaret Apartments | December 1, 2011 (http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/showthread.php?t=18&p=34983#post34983)
New City Supermarket (http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/showthread.php?t=18&p=24803#post24803) | December 1, 2011 (http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/showthread.php?t=18&p=34983#post34983)

[UrbanWaterloo]

29 King Street East, Kitchener
Developer: Zehr Group
http://zehrgroup.ca/zehrmanagementinc/29king.html

Previous State:
http://zehrgroup.ca/zehrmanagementinc/29king-1.jpg

Previous First Floor Layout
http://zehrgroup.ca/zehrmanagementinc/29one.jpg

Previous Second Floor Layout
http://zehrgroup.ca/zehrmanagementinc/29two.jpg

Previous Basement Layout
http://zehrgroup.ca/zehrmanagementinc/29b.jpg

Map
http://zehrgroup.ca/zehrmanagementinc/29kingmap.jpg

Building Permits
Permit No 09104067
Site Address 29 KING ST E
Work Description PERMIT IS TO REMOVE ALL THE INTERIOR NON LOADBEARING WALLS AND MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL - 2ND FLOOR
Status Issued
Permit Category Non-Residential Alteration
Permit Type Commercial
Application Date February 22, 2009
Issued By DIANNEC
Issue Date February 25, 2009
Roll Number 301204000100500
Legal Description PLAN 364 PT LOT 1 PLAN 394 PT LOT 1 RP58R5294 PART 1
Parcelid 50023556
Ward 6
Planning Community 1
Work Proposed Interior Finish
Construction Value 5000
Special Conditions All work shall comply with the 2006 Building Code See notes on drawings and Building Code Review.
LAND_USE_SUBCATEGORY COMMERCIAL-RES
OBJECTID 5270027
AREA 1295.7708315
LEN 149.363521692251
BUILT_BOUNDARY 1

Permit No 08118020
Site Address 29 KING ST E
Work Description PERMIT IS FOR INTERIOR ALTERATIONS TO THE SECOND FLOOR CONVERTING OFFICE SPACE INTO RESIDENTIAL UNITS.
Status Issued
Permit Category Residential Building (Multi)
Permit Type Apartment
Application Date September 17, 2008
Issued By VICKYG
Issue Date May 27, 2009
Roll Number 301204000100500
Legal Description PLAN 364 PT LOT 1 PLAN 394 PT LOT 1 RP58R5294 PART 1
Parcelid 50023556
Ward 6
Planning Community 1
Work Proposed Addition - Res
Construction Value 200000
Residential Units on Property 7
Special Conditions All work shall comply with the 2006 Building Code Occupancy not permitted until Final Building Inspection or Occupancy only Inspection is completed. Plumbing work to be carried out by a Plumbing Contractor Licensed by The City of Kitchener. See notes on drawings.
Contractor ZKL INC
Contractor Contact Info 607 KING ST W KITCHENER ON N2G 1C7 phone 519-576-2233 phone2 519-576-0072
LAND_USE_SUBCATEGORY COMMERCIAL-RES
OBJECTID 5309204
AREA 1295.7708315
LEN 149.363521692251
BUILT_BOUNDARY 1

Permit No 09123096
Site Address 29 KING ST E Unit 1
Work Description PERMIT IS FOR RENOVATION TO AN EXISTING RESTAURANT - MINOR MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL WORK PROPOSED.
Status Ready for Issuance
Permit Category Non-Residential Alteration
Permit Type Commercial
Application Date November 29, 2009
Roll Number 301204000100500XXXX
Legal Description
Parcelid 50023556
Ward 6
Planning Community 1
Work Proposed Interior Finish
Construction Value 30000
Residential Units on Property
Reqrd Rear Yard (m)
Reqrd Left Side Yard (m)
Reqrd Right Side Yard (m)
Special Conditions All work shall comply with the 2006 Building Code Plumbing work to be carried out by a Plumbing Contractor Licensed by The City of Kitchener. See notes on drawings and Building Code Review.
LAND_USE_SUBCATEGORY COMMERCIAL-RES
OBJECTID 5316083
AREA 1295.7708315
LEN 149.363521692251
BUILT_BOUNDARY 1

[UrbanWaterloo]

29 King Street East, Kitchener
Construction Photos - January 4, 2010

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Small%20Urban%20Construction/29KingStreetEast-January42010-1.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Small%20Urban%20Construction/29KingStreetEast-January42010-2.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Small%20Urban%20Construction/29KingStreetEast-January42010-3.jpg

[Spokes]

It's not exactly what I expected. Not a bad facade improvement though. Still trying to figure out how/where the apparent grocery store is going to go. (as rumors have stated) And the lofts too for that matter. I can only assume one or more of the tenants is leaving, but who knows. There's 5 doors, and Im not sure where each goes. The middle one seems to go downstairs to Millsy's, far right door goes to the restaurant, far left, I guess to the beauty salon? Although it seems all closed up so I don't know if they're staying.

[Spokes]

I emailed the city's Urban Investment Advisor, Cory Bluhm asking about the facade of 29 King East and the project as a whole. Here's his response:


Thanks for your questions and comments. Yes 29 King Street East was renovated under the City's grant program. The City's guidelines offer building and business owners direction on how best to enhance their facades, but doesn't require buildings to be developed exactly as shown. However, the City does work aggressively with owners to ensure the projects meet the guidelines as best as possible. Maximizing windows and minimizing the amount of stucco are major objectives that we discuss with every grant applicant. Often for practical reasons, not all guidelines can be met exactly as shown.

For the project you've mentioned, the property owners made significant changes to the facade that were directly in line with our guidelines. The dark recessed alcove was removed, the storefront entryways and display windows were reconfigured and dramatically improved. The ground floor windows were maximized to the highest height possible, just below the roofline. Enhanced signage and lighting will also be added. On the whole, it is a significant enhancement from the previous facade.

Unfortunately, the 2nd floor of the building is set back considerably from the road, and did not lend itself to any upper storey windows. The upper facade is essentially a false facade blocking rooftop hvac equipment. As for the stucco, we were able to convince the owner to introduce brick along the ground floor and at the bookends of the building. Once the signage and lighting is installed, the remaining stucco will be much less prominent.

[RangersFan]

certainly looks like an improvement. I hope that they do include a grocery store element in this project.

[Spokes]

So here's a guess. Not based on anything but the thoughts in my head. If there's going to be a grocery store, it's going to be fairly prominent, so they'd want to use the big middle entrance. The middle left and middle right doors are fairly small. The one to the right leads down a hall (I'm thinking upstairs to the lofts maybe?). So what I'm thinking is, maybe they'll make a different entrance to the pool hall downstairs from the other doorway, the middle left one. Then they could close up the middle one and you'll have the whole big main floor as a grocery store.

I feel like that was confusing. Sorry. In my head it's clear.

[UrbanWaterloo]

29 King Street East, Kitchener - January 15, 2010

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Small%20Urban%20Construction/29KingStreetEast-January152010-1.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Small%20Urban%20Construction/29KingStreetEast-January152010-2.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Small%20Urban%20Construction/29KingStreetEast-January152010-3.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Small%20Urban%20Construction/29KingStreetEast-January152010-4.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Small%20Urban%20Construction/29KingStreetEast-January152010-5.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Small%20Urban%20Construction/29KingStreetEast-January152010-6.jpg

[UrbanWaterloo]

29 King Street East, Kitchener
Rendering: http://www.loopnet.com/xNet/Looplink/Profile/Profile.aspx?stid=ColliersMN_Kitchener&LID=14008225&LL=true&UOMListing=&UOMMoneyCurrency=&RentPer=PM&SRID=737078832
22,000 SF

http://images.loopnet.com/xnet/mainsite/attachments/viewImage.aspx?FileGuid=1D28D518-337A-4E3B-AA99-A97CF24F5B37&Extension=jpg&Width=631&Height=421

[Spokes]

29 King Street East, Kitchener
Rendering: http://www.loopnet.com/xNet/Looplink/Profile/Profile.aspx?stid=ColliersMN_Kitchener&LID=14008225&LL=true&UOMListing=&UOMMoneyCurrency=&RentPer=PM&SRID=737078832
22,000 SF

http://images.loopnet.com/xnet/mainsite/attachments/viewImage.aspx?FileGuid=1D28D518-337A-4E3B-AA99-A97CF24F5B37&Extension=jpg&Width=631&Height=421

So the retail space to the left will indeed be changed, and Millsy's will be moved over to the left. Hopefully this makes the centre entrance one for a grocery store since the centre-right is for the apartments and far right is the restaurant (Rainbow is it?)

[RangersFan]

Has anyone heard anything about that proposed apartment building for Weber and Scott st in Kitchener? I remember driving by it a while ago and seeing the site was cleared. Is this still happening? Who is developing it?

[Spokes]

Has anyone heard anything about that proposed apartment building for Weber and Scott st in Kitchener? I remember driving by it a while ago and seeing the site was cleared. Is this still happening? Who is developing it?

http://impulsedevelopmentgroup.com/html/scott___weber.html

Now that both houses are down I don't see much in the way. Maybe waiting for spring? This would be a perfect location for courthouse employees.

[RangersFan]

Thanks for the info, I was unable to find anything on it earlier. The architect's website Robert J. Dyck is not working so well, has anyone seen a render of this project? The Impulse Development group's website has a project section but no pictures of work they have done, has anyone seen their work before?

[Spokes]

Polocorp (the owners of Barra Castle (http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/showthread.php/193-Barra-Castle)) are asking council to reject the motion to put 25 mill street on the city's heritage property register. They own the properties from 37-19 Mill st and would like to redevelop them, building a 6 floor, 60+ unit apartment/condo building that will have 1, 2, 2+ and 3 bedroom units.

Details are here: http://www.kitchener.ca/Files/Item/item18112_c_ag-letter_to_council_-_25_mill_street_-_2010-02-01.pdf

I personally don't have a problem with this request.

[RangersFan]

Grand River Hospital - Mental Health Expansion - Pictures Taken By Me - February 3, 2010

http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/Hospital/GR1.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/Hospital/GR2.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/Hospital/GR3.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/Hospital/GR4.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/Hospital/GR5.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/Hospital/GR6.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/Hospital/GR7.jpg

[UrbanWaterloo]

TriOS College moving to Market Square
Record staff - August 21, 2009
http://news.therecord.com/article/588097

KITCHENER – TriOS College is moving its Kitchener campus into the Market Square building in downtown Kitchener.

The private career college expects to move into 16,000 square feet of vacant retail space on the ground level of the building next spring. Renovations will begin in the fall and classes in the new premises are scheduled to begin May 1, said Realex Properties, owner of the Market Square.

The college’s Kitchener campus currently is housed in a plaza at King and Victoria streets.

“A major reason for choosing this location was a quality building, well located at the corner of King and Frederick streets, right near the heart of the downtown of Kitchener,” TriOS chief executive officer Frank Gerencser, said in an announcement to staff on Friday.

He added that the new location “provides easy transit access” for the college’s students. TriOS also will have access to 125 parking spots in and near the building, he said.

The new location will contain 15 classrooms, including larger rooms for the college’s pharmacy assistant, personal support worker and physiotherapist programs.

The arrival of TriOS will bring 350 to 400 people to Market Square on a daily basis, said Realex.

“It is tremendous for the food court and gives the retailers on the ground floor a chance to be more successful so it should be a great fit all the way around,” said John Vickery, manager of marketing and leasing for Realex.

Market Square is a former shopping centre that largely has been converted into an office complex. Its major tenants include the Waterloo Region Record, engineering firm Stantec Inc., a Nordia call centre and Goodlife Fitness.

A golf training centre was hoping to move into the space TriOS will occupy. Parmasters Golf Training Center unveiled plans to move into the building in 2007, but those plans have been held up because it has taken longer than expected to line up investors.

“We are almost there,” said Stephen Southern, owner of the Parmasters franchise rights for southern Ontario.

Vickery and Southern said they still hope to work out a deal to move Parmasters into other vacant space in the 300,000-square-foot building.

“We are still absolutely committed to the square and downtown Kitchener,” said Southern.

Mississauga-based TriOS was founded in 1992. In addition to its campus in Kitchener, it has schools in Mississauga, Toronto, Brampton, Hamilton, Oshawa, London and Windsor.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Market Square - February 5, 2010

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-February52010-1.jpg

TriOS College has one classroom up and running where the Parmasters sales centre used to be.
http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-February52010-2.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-February52010-3.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-February52010-4.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-February52010-5.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-February52010-6.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-February52010-7.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-February52010-8.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-February52010-9.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-February52010-10.jpg

Athletic Direct's New Location
http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-February52010-11a.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-February52010-12.jpg

[Spokes]

Market Square - February 5, 2010

TriOS College has one classroom up and running where the Parmasters sales centre used to be.

Where was the sales centre? So when you walk into marketsquare is everything to the right TriOS college? All the way back?

Glad to see Athletic Direct sticking around in there, but I can definitely see Market Square becoming all office and no retail

[RangersFan]

This is a small project currently under construction near the corner of Weber and Victoria st. Pictures taken by me today
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/small%20developments/weberandvictoria2.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/small%20developments/weberandvictoria1.jpg

[Spokes]

Update on 29 King St. East:

So the grocery store does look more promising. Millsy's entrance has been moved one door to the left. Looking in the main doors in the centre you can see a huge opening which would house a grocery store perfectly.

[RangersFan]

Noticed a house on Queen St, near the Arrow Lofts getting ready for demolition
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/small%20developments/HouseDemolitionQueenSt1.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/small%20developments/HouseDemolitionQueenSt2.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/small%20developments/HouseDemolitionQueenSt3.jpg

[Spokes]

Looks like they've already started.

More info on that one here - http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/showthread.php/35-Victoria-Park-Heritage-Conservation-District

[Urban_Enthusiast86]

^ So am I to believe that this is what will be replacing it?

http://i996.photobucket.com/albums/af81/jcollins1311/sandhillsfuture.jpg?t=1264535470

[Spokes]

Yes, but no time soon. For now it's going to be just green space.

The long term plans are the highrise expansion, and the townhomes lining Queen st.

[UrbanWaterloo]

29 King Street East, Kitchener - March 26, 2010

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Small%20Urban%20Construction/29KingStreetEast-March262010-1b.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Small%20Urban%20Construction/29KingStreetEast-March262010-2.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Small%20Urban%20Construction/29KingStreetEast-March262010-3.jpg

[Spokes]

29 King Street East, Kitchener - March 26, 2010


The new sinage definitely helps the new facade. Doesn't make it great, but makes it better. I wonder what it's like at night, if its back lit or if there will be additional lighting installed.

[UrbanWaterloo]

TriOS College Market Square - March 28, 2010

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-March282010-1.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-March282010-2.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-March282010-3.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-March282010-4.jpg

[Urban_Enthusiast86]

^ Well, they might as well do that. That mall has clearly shown itself as hopeless from a retail point of view. At least the space will used for something that will bring life into the middle of the downtown core. Fortunately, that will leave the old Trios college building ripe for development in an area that is obviously doing quite well and full of opportunity.

[garthdanlor]

Yeah, that is great news for Market Square and even better news for King & Victoria. Would love to see the Trios college building & U-haul go together...that's a nice size lot.

[DHLawrence]

Plenty of potential there, at the lot across from Charles Street (next to the School of Pharmacy), at the bus station, and anywhere south of the farmer's market. All we need is someone with the vision and money to make it happen!

[Spokes]

Market Square would be best served going completely to offices (and Goodlife). Get rid of the retail thats left, get rid of the food court, then you have a solution.

[Spokes]

Plenty of potential there, at the lot across from Charles Street (next to the School of Pharmacy), at the bus station, and anywhere south of the farmer's market. All we need is someone with the vision and money to make it happen!

Absolutely! The money is the big one, it won't be cheap to buy up existing businesses and tear down. Not sure how readilly the city will sell up surface lots either. And the University owns the lot next to the School of Pharm, hopefully for an expansion.

[Urbanomicon]

The best thing about Market Square was the McDonald's right across the hall from Good Life Fitness. Talk about a mutually beneficial business relationship.

[Spokes]

The best thing about Market Square was the McDonald's right across the hall from Good Life Fitness. Talk about a mutually beneficial business relationship.

I couldn't agree more, I think it's hillarious. I always thought that if the food court were to stay, a Booster Juice would KILL there.

[UrbanWaterloo]

29 King Street East, Kitchener - April 3, 2010

There's a sign saying La-Belle Beauty Salon is closed for renovations, will reopen April 26. Here's what the interior of the middle portion looks like at the moment.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/29KingStreetEast-April12010-3.jpg

[UrbanWaterloo]

TriOS College Market Square - April 6, 2010

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-April62010-1.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-April62010-2a.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-April62010-2b.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-April62010-3a.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-April62010-3b.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-April62010-3c.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-April62010-4a.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-April62010-4b.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-April62010-5.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-April62010-6.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-April62010-7.jpg

Hair Salon previously at King Street Entrance is now beside Athletic Direct
http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-April62010-8.jpg

[Brenden]

TriOS movings is great news, I expect there might be more going on behind the scenes. Has anyone seen a for lease sign on the old TriOS location, that should be a stronger indication if the land will be redeveloped.

[Spokes]

Ya its being leased. There's been a sign up for a number of months now. Doesn't look like it'll be sold for development.

Urban, did you get the impression that the TriOS renovations are making Market Square bland once you walk in?

[UrbanWaterloo]

Not anymore than that space already was, that said this isn't as aesthetically interesting as The Record or Stantec's development. It would be nice if once the first floor is mostly full again they did a reno of the shared space: tiles (reminds me of the old Conestoga Mall), and lighting.

[Spokes]

29 King Street East, Kitchener - April 3, 2010

From the Your Kitchener Newsletter (March/April Edition page 3) (http://www.kitchener.ca/pdf/yourkitnews_2010_mar_apr.pdf)


The remaining 7,000-square-foot space on the main level will be leased to an office user, Zehr hopes

And hopes for a grocery store go down the tubes.

[UrbanWaterloo]

TriOS College Market Square - April 22, 2010
Classes have now started, which is awesome for bringing more people into the building and this part of downtown. The interior of the classrooms look alright, and the glass entrance looks great. A massive mistake though is the drywall finish between the classrooms and the public hallways. It looks way too bland and the "windows" they did put in are far too narrow. The only rational I can think for this is to give their students some privacy, however it's still not a good enough reason IMO.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-TriOSCollege-April2-7.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-TriOSCollege-April2-6.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-TriOSCollege-April2-5.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-TriOSCollege-April2-4.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-TriOSCollege-April2-3.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-TriOSCollege-April2-2.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-TriOSCollege-April2-1.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-TriOSCollege-April2220.jpg

[Spokes]

I could see not wanting to distract the students at people passing by. They should take the opportunity to use those blank walls as a blank canvas. Maybe have it be some kind of art gallery and show off some art work?

Either way I think this is going to be a huge factor for downtown. Not that it wasn't a factor at the other end, but I think there's more impact where they are now. We could look back and see this being far more significant than we are seeing it as being now.

[UrbanWaterloo]

First, here's the project's announcement back from 2008...

Mental health patients to benefit from expanded units at GRH; part of continuum of care
K-W Hospital,Freeport Hospital - 11/14/2008
http://www.grandriverhospital.on.ca/new/new-press-view.cfm?pressid=295

November 14, 2008 - Adults and children receiving mental health care at Grand River Hospital will benefit from the expansion of in-patient psychiatric units at the facility's K-W Site. Health leaders and community partners gathered today to celebrate the start of construction on the mental health expansion, which is part of the hospital's $64 million Patient Care Development project.

"We're helping to build a foundation for better mental health in our communities," said Kris Bailey, chair of the GRH Board. "Through the work of our dedicated mental health team along with the network of care provided by our community partners, we will have a supportive environment with a focus on recovery to help people with a mental illness. We will also work to reduce the stigma linked to mental illness by providing compassionate care."

The new mental health units will provide many benefits when they open in 2010. These include:

A dedicated entrance with its own reception, resource and waiting area;
A total of 52 beds for adults and 12 beds for children and adolescents;
A better division of beds in the new adult unit, creating two smaller units rather than one large one for improved patient care;
The development of a new day hospital to provide on-going care for mental health patients who live in the community;
The development of new space next to the emergency room for GRH's crisis stabilization service, which includes three observation rooms, two interview rooms and a safe room;
More welcoming décor throughout the units;
A new courtyard with separate sections for youth and adults, providing an outdoor therapeutic space; and
Better educational facilities for youth patients to help them transition back to school.

"Raising funds towards the redevelopment of the hospital's mental health facilities is an incredibly important component of the Foundation's Architects of Care fundraising program.We are very grateful for the ongoing support of our donors," commented Scot Dalton, chair of the Grand River Hospital Foundation.

The mental health construction will involve several steps, including:

Building a new G wing near King Street at Mount Hope Street. This will house the child and adolescent inpatient psychiatric (CAIP) unit on the first floor, and provide space for future expansions of hospital services on the second floor. Construction of the new G wing and further renovations for the new CAIP service are scheduled for completion in the spring of 2010;
A complete renovation of the first floor F wing, the current home of the adult inpatient psychiatric unit. This construction project is scheduled for completion in the late fall of 2009. Patients will receive care in a temporary unit on the eighth floor of the hospital while the renovations in the permanent unit take place;
Construction of the new outdoor courtyard; and
Construction of the crisis stabilization service adjacent to the emergency room, with a targeted completion of the fall of 2010.

"Our Government is committed to ensuring that our community has access to the mental health services they need, when and where they need them," said John Milloy, MPP Kitchener Centre. "The expansion of Grand River Hospital's Mental Health Program will increase access to these essential services and provide them in a greater and more welcoming space."

Partners in the $64 million Patient Care Development project at Grand River Hospital's K-W Site include the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, the Waterloo Region and the Grand River Hospital Foundation through the support of generous community donors. The mental health expansion represents about 10 per cent of the overall project.

"The expansion of mental health services at Grand River Hospital will mean improved access and a better continuum of care for people in our community," said Ken Seiling, Regional Chair. "With services and programs designed to help people through all of the stages of mental illness and with ongoing community support, more people will be able to move toward a lasting recovery."

"This project isn't about the bricks and mortar. It's about providing hope to so many people who may be touched by a mental illness. Patients and families have been pleased to be involved in this project, and we look forward to its completion in the near future," said Tana Nash on behalf of Families for Awareness, Change and Education, an advisory council representing the families of mental health patients at GRH.

Work continues to add a new specialized mental health unit at the Freeport Site. The new unit and its 50 beds will help patients with severe and persistent mental illnesses as well as geriatric mental health inpatients. Along with the new beds, there will also be programs to help some patients with persistent mental illnesses gradually return to the community. The renovations at Freeport will also include a new day hospital for elderly mental health patients.

"We're very excited about the enhancements that the new mental health facilities will provide," said Dr. John Heintzman, Grand River Hospital's chief of psychiatry. “We want to provide a respectful and supportive environment to assist staff, patients and their families to collaborate together to provide excellent mental health care. These renovations will help our dedicated team to meet that goal."

For more information, please contact: Mark Karjaluoto, Director of Communications: (519) 749-4300 extension 2788.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Grand River Hospital - Mental Health Expansion - April 28, 2010

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/GrandRiverHospital-MentalHealthE-4.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/GrandRiverHospital-MentalHealthE-3.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/GrandRiverHospital-MentalHealthE-2.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/GrandRiverHospital-MentalHealthE-1.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/GrandRiverHospital-MentalHealthExpa.jpg

[UrbanWaterloo]

Trios drywall is covered, looks a lot better.

[UrbanWaterloo]

TriOS College Market Square - May 11, 2010
Would be nice if this was real hardwood, but that's just living in a fantasy world, still this is a good improvement. Let's hope they renovate the rest of the interior as well, replacing the brass light fixtures with silver, and using a better paint colour than yellow.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/SAM_7500.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/SAM_7502.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/SAM_7504.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/SAM_7508.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/SAM_7512.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/SAM_7517.jpg

[UrbanWaterloo]

29 King Street East, Kitchener - May 11, 2010
More signage has gone up.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/SAM_7492.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/SAM_7495.jpg

[Spokes]

TriOS College Market Square - May 11, 2010
Would be nice if this was real hardwood, but that's just living in a fantasy world, still this is a good improvement. Let's hope they renovate the rest of the interior as well, replacing the brass light fixtures with silver, and using a better paint colour than yellow.

Looks great!! I hope they update it too, but Im not expecting it. I'd also like to see some more furnishings of some sort out in the main entrance, just seems empty.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Market Square - TriOS College - May 21, 2010
Signs are up.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-TriOSCollege-May212010.jpg

Display Boards
http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-TriOSCollege-May212-1.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-TriOSCollege-May212-2.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-TriOSCollege-May212-3.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-TriOSCollege-May212-4.jpg

[van Hemessen]

Is the "haus" spelling really necessary?

[IEFBR14]

Well they should at least be consistent: either Waschhaus or Wash House.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Grand River Hospital - Mental Health Expansion - May 31, 2010

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/GrandRiverHospital-MentalHealthE-5.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/GrandRiverHospital-MentalHealthE-6.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/GrandRiverHospital-MentalHealthE-7.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/GrandRiverHospital-MentalHealthE-8.jpg

[UrbanWaterloo]

136 King Street North, Waterloo - June 7, 2010
Should there not be a fence along King at this property? It seems like someone (in particular a drunk student walking home from an Uptown bar) could injury themselves walking past here.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Waterloo/136KingStreetNorthWaterloo-June7201.jpg

[UrbanWaterloo]

TriOS College @ Market Square - June 22, 2010
This appears to be complete. Now let's hope the common areas of the building also get a reno.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-TriOSCollege-June22201.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-TriOSCollege-June22-1.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-TriOSCollege-June22-2.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-TriOSCollege-June22-3.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/MarketSquare-TriOSCollege-June22-4.jpg

[Spokes]

Looks good. Im hoping they still put a sign outside on the Franklin st side of the building just like they did the King st side.

[SP!RE]

That burnt yellow colour is horrific. But hey, small steps forward for downtown Kitchener are a good thing.

[jeffsangers]

I have been looking at this picture - and looking at the size of the lot it's planning on being built on. My questions is how is it going to fit? unless they plan on removing the building to the north

http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&q=queen+st.+kitchener&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=QUEEN+ST,+Kitchener,+Waterloo+Regional+Munic ipality,+Ontario+N2H+2X4&gl=ca&ei=_pUjTIaVK4O8lQfG9rCkAQ&ved=0CBkQ8gEwAA&ll=43.448037,-80.491157&spn=0,0.021973&z=16&layer=c&cbll=43.448101,-80.491262&panoid=8JAvxMt9Xur_-jskeOEz1Q&cbp=12,137.95,,0,-2.62
^ So am I to believe that this is what will be replacing it?

http://i996.photobucket.com/albums/af81/jcollins1311/sandhillsfuture.jpg?t=1264535470

[Spokes]

I've wondered that too jeff. My guess would be just making it thin, and maybe including the townhomes in the base of the tower?

[UrbanWaterloo]

212 King Street East, Kitchener - July 9, 2010

Does anyone know what's going in here? They were still working on this around 10 PM last night, but I don't see any building permits having been issued.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/UrbanWaterloo/Kitchener/212KingStreetEastKitchener-July9201.jpg

[Spokes]

Polocorp (the owners of Barra Castle (http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/showthread.php/193-Barra-Castle)) are asking council to reject the motion to put 25 mill street on the city's heritage property register. They own the properties from 37-19 Mill st and would like to redevelop them, building a 6 floor, 60+ unit apartment/condo building that will have 1, 2, 2+ and 3 bedroom units.

Details are here: http://www.kitchener.ca/Files/Item/item18112_c_ag-letter_to_council_-_25_mill_street_-_2010-02-01.pdf

I personally don't have a problem with this request.

Was interested as to what happened with this project so I went and found the council minutes (http://weblink.kitchener.ca/weblink7/PDF/tyhmtm55zqyib2m2pm42an45/26/Council%20-%202010-02-01.pdf). Despite some councillors agreeing that 25 Mill should not be listed on the herritage register, it was listed anyways. Not sure what that does to this project as I don't know a ton about it. My guess would be it kills it, which is too bad as it would have been a good fit. And it sucks for Polocorp since they bought up all the property and had ONE of them designated.

[Spokes]

212 King Street East, Kitchener - July 9, 2010

Does anyone know what's going in here? They were still working on this around 10 PM last night, but I don't see any building permits having been issued.


Didn't even realize they were doing anything. That's the old Fergie's Deli I believe. It'd be great to see that used well. Maybe turned into a restaurant or pub? Offices upstairs? Not sure what other uses it could have. Either way, it needs definite facade and interior improvements. Ie. Sandblast the paint, and fix the entrance. (Bring the doorway right out to King st, and get rid of those metal railings.)

[panamaniac]

Was interested as to what happened with this project so I went and found the council minutes (http://weblink.kitchener.ca/weblink7/PDF/tyhmtm55zqyib2m2pm42an45/26/Council%20-%202010-02-01.pdf). Despite some councillors agreeing that 25 Mill should not be listed on the herritage register, it was listed anyways. Not sure what that does to this project as I don't know a ton about it. My guess would be it kills it, which is too bad as it would have been a good fit. And it sucks for Polocorp since they bought up all the property and had ONE of them designated.

That end of Mill Street has seen better days, but a couple of the houses on that end (especially, I assume, number 25 - anybody got a pic?) were fairly distinguished in their day. It would seem unfortunate if the designation killed a proposal for more housing downtown, but pehaps Polocorp will be creative enough to find a way to incorporate the heritage structure into a larger development, as they are doing with Barra Castle.

[Spokes]

That end of Mill Street has seen better days, but a couple of the houses on that end (especially, I assume, number 25 - anybody got a pic?) were fairly distinguished in their day. It would seem unfortunate if the designation killed a proposal for more housing downtown, but pehaps Polocorp will be creative enough to find a way to incorporate the heritage structure into a larger development, as they are doing with Barra Castle.

That's something I hadnt thought of. But to be honest, I was surprised it was designated. I wouldn't have if it were me. But thats just me.

[UrbanWaterloo]

There's some construction activity proposed over at The Galleria for Industry Canada. The combined total of the building permits is $515,600.

PERMIT IS FOR INTERIOR ALTERATIONS FOR THE GROUND FLOOR FOR INDUSTRY CANADA, MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL WORK IS PROPOSED.
Permit No 10112822
Site Address 40 WEBER ST E
Status Ready for Issuance
Permit Category Non-Residential Alteration
Permit Type Commercial
Application Date May 05, 2010
Issued By
Issue Date
Final Date
Work Proposed Interior Finish
Construction Value 216000

PERMIT IS FOR INTERIOR ALTERATIONS FOR THE NINTH FLOOR COMBINING UNITS 901, 902, 904 FOR INDUSTRY CANADA, MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL WORK IS PROPOSED.
Permit No 10112829
Site Address 101 FREDERICK ST
Status Ready for Issuance
Permit Category Non-Residential Alteration
Permit Type Commercial
Application Date May 05, 2010
Issued By
Issue Date
Final Date
Work Proposed Interior Finish
Construction Value 70000

PERMIT IS FOR INTERIOR ALTERATIONS FOR THE ELEVENTH FLOOR FOR INDUSTRY CANADA, MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL WORK IS PROPOSED.
Permit No 10112830
Site Address 101 FREDERICK ST
Status Ready for Issuance
Permit Category Non-Residential Alteration
Permit Type Commercial
Application Date May 05, 2010
Issued By
Issue Date
Final Date
Work Proposed Interior Finish
Construction Value 69600

PERMIT IS FOR INTERIOR ALTERATIONS FOR THE SEVENTH FLOOR FOR INDUSTRY CANADA. MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL WORK IS PROPOSED.
Permit No 10114191
Site Address 101 FREDERICK ST
Status Ready for Issuance
Permit Category Non-Residential Alteration
Permit Type Commercial
Application Date May 24, 2010
Issued By
Issue Date
Final Date
Work Proposed Interior Finish
Construction Value 160000

[Spokes]

I wonder if we'll see them taking a larger place in the Galeria? Or just improving what they have?

[UrbanWaterloo]

Grand River Hospital Mental Health Expansion - August 6, 2010

Exterior construction is for the most part complete.

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa262/AndrewEH/Kitchener/GrandRiverHospital-MentalHealthExpansion-August62010-2.jpg

[smably]

The Al's Motors property at King and Wellington is up for sale (http://www.icx.ca/propertyDetails.aspx?propertyId=10078029&PidKey=1717032216). As the real estate listing says, it's "a prime property for redevelopment". The lot is zoned MU-2.

[fin2limb]

The Al's Motors property at King and Wellington is up for sale (http://www.icx.ca/propertyDetails.aspx?propertyId=10078029&PidKey=1717032216). As the real estate listing says, it's "a prime property for redevelopment". The lot is zoned MU-2.

It will be nice to get one used car lot out of the core. Such an eyesore.

[bcwessel]

That's one of those amazing triangular lots. Fingers crossed something that takes advantage of the uniqueness of that space is proposed.

[Trogdor]

The Al's Motors property at King and Wellington is up for sale (http://www.icx.ca/propertyDetails.aspx?propertyId=10078029&PidKey=1717032216). As the real estate listing says, it's "a prime property for redevelopment". The lot is zoned MU-2.

Here's to hoping someone like Momentum grabs this property! This is just one more piece in connecting Uptown and Downtown...

[Urban_Enthusiast86]

Do the mixed-use corridor guidelines have any legislative teeth to them, or are they still just guidelines?

[smably]

Here's to hoping someone like Momentum grabs this property! This is just one more piece in connecting Uptown and Downtown...
I agree. I actually emailed Momentum about another midtown property very close to this one. Here is part of their response:

For now, we are continuing to focus on Uptown Waterloo, but I agree with your analysis of Midtown potential, and the rezoning of this strip should help to promote infill projects. With the positive steps, in terms of new development, that we’ve seen in north Kitchener and Uptown Waterloo, surely the gap between is next. We are also watching closely.
So I wouldn't expect Momentum to grab this property, but hopefully another developer will.


Do the mixed-use corridor guidelines have any legislative teeth to them, or are they still just guidelines?
The mixed-use zoning that has been applied to these corridors is very specific about certain things such as uses (ground-floor retail, no used car dealerships), built form (no surface parking in front, minimal setbacks), and minimum height and density (two-storey minimum, IIRC). So yes, assuming the city doesn't grant developers exceptions willy-nilly, the mixed-use zoning does have teeth.

[benjaminbach]

smably, which property in midtown were you looking at? I'd love to pass it on to our developer clients

[smably]

I was referring to the former Canadian Home Healthcare/Thompson Travel building at King and Louisa. It has been sold since I contacted Momentum, hopefully to someone looking to redevelop. :)

[benjaminbach]

yes, thats a good lot, and has attractive MU-2 zoning. Not sure what the new owners are planning to do with it

[jay]

Momentum just wanting to focus on Uptown does not surprise me. It is a safer route as they build their portfolio.

As for the King/Wellington lot.. thank god they are getting rid of a dealership..and hopefully it will be redeveloped into (condo/office). Probably better to design it into office space as mid town is not to desirable to live in at the moment. Least in terms of selling/renting units for a high value.

[Spokes]

The Al's Motors property at King and Wellington is up for sale (http://www.icx.ca/propertyDetails.aspx?propertyId=10078029&PidKey=1717032216). As the real estate listing says, it's "a prime property for redevelopment". The lot is zoned MU-2.

Excellent, one of the first candidates for the new mixed use designation.

Does anyone know, the property is currently "legally non-conforming" if it changes ownership, does the new owner have to change it to conform to the zoning?


That's one of those amazing triangular lots. Fingers crossed something that takes advantage of the uniqueness of that space is proposed.

I believe there's another triangular lot just a block or so up the road that's for sale.

And a non triangular lot (or 2) across the street for sale too

Lots of potential here

[Spokes]

So I wouldn't expect Momentum to grab this property, but hopefully another developer will.


Doesn't surprise me they're focusing on uptown for now as that's where they've had the most success, but it's just a matter of time before they expand to mid town and downtown.


Momentum just wanting to focus on Uptown does not surprise me. It is a safer route as they build their portfolio.

As for the King/Wellington lot.. thank god they are getting rid of a dealership..and hopefully it will be redeveloped into (condo/office). Probably better to design it into office space as mid town is not to desirable to live in at the moment. Least in terms of selling/renting units for a high value.

It's true, its not, but another office space, plus The Breithaupt Block, soon it will be.

[benjaminbach]

I believe there's another triangular lot just a block or so up the road that's for sale.

And a non triangular lot (or 2) across the street for sale too



Spokes, I know what you're talking about across the street - whats the other corner property you have in mind ?

[Urban_Enthusiast86]

Probably better to design it into office space as mid town is not to desirable to live in at the moment. Least in terms of selling/renting units for a high value.

The site is close to downtown, located right on route 7. Is it a rough area? Am I missing something here? I can't understand why higher density housing wouldn't be more desirable here.

[mpd618]

The site is close to downtown, located right on route 7. Is it a rough area? Am I missing something here? I can't understand why higher density housing wouldn't be more desirable here.

If the units aren't high-end, I think it's a fine area, even if it isn't quite pedestrian friendly (http://www.tritag.ca/blog/2010/04/19/king-street-west-an-incomplete-street/) yet. There's good access to downtown, uptown, a grocery store (!), the hospital, the 7 and iXpress / LRT....

[smably]

King Street itself is a bit grungy in midtown, and yes, there is an unsavoury business or two. But as mpd618 pointed out, there are lots of amenities. Within a few minutes' walk, there are also two schools (King Edward and KCI), churches, a very nice office development, an LCBO, the school of pharmacy...

Once the street is reconstructed with light rail, it will be much more visually attractive and pedestrian friendly. Even now, there are some impressive residences (http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=43.454539,-80.502689&spn=0.005249,0.004737&t=h&z=18&layer=c&cbll=43.454607,-80.502463&panoid=e3ur8eTVnVx3rbZjcLjo-w&cbp=12,333.37,,0,-2.24) just off King Street.

[Spokes]

Spokes, I know what you're talking about across the street - whats the other corner property you have in mind ?

It was the one smably mentioned (http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/showthread.php/18-Small-Urban-Kitchener-Construction?p=17606#post17606)on the corner of King and Louisa.

[Spokes]

King Street itself is a bit grungy in midtown, and yes, there is an unsavoury business or two. But as mpd618 pointed out, there are lots of amenities. Within a few minutes' walk, there are also two schools (King Edward and KCI), churches, a very nice office development, an LCBO, the school of pharmacy...

Once the street is reconstructed with light rail, it will be much more visually attractive and pedestrian friendly. Even now, there are some impressive residences (http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=43.454539,-80.502689&spn=0.005249,0.004737&t=h&z=18&layer=c&cbll=43.454607,-80.502463&panoid=e3ur8eTVnVx3rbZjcLjo-w&cbp=12,333.37,,0,-2.24) just off King Street.

Ya that part of mid town has a ton of potential, but as it stands now is just a little rough around the edges.

[benjaminbach]

The site is close to downtown, located right on route 7. Is it a rough area? Am I missing something here? I can't understand why higher density housing wouldn't be more desirable here.

I looked at the site today with a developer... its a bit small to put up a nice high density development.
Would be very nice for a bank to builf & lease, like HSBC is doing at King & Williams

[Spokes]

I looked at the site today with a developer... its a bit small to put up a nice high density development.
Would be very nice for a bank to builf & lease, like HSBC is doing at King & Williams

Ya Im not sure how much height you can get on that car lot.

I do think though that you can go higher than the HSBC project.

[benjaminbach]

Ya Im not sure how much height you can get on that car lot.

I do think though that you can go higher than the HSBC project.

I agree, the car lot is almost twice the size of the HSBC lot

[Spokes]

I looked at the site today with a developer... its a bit small to put up a nice high density development.
Would be very nice for a bank to builf & lease, like HSBC is doing at King & Williams

Are a lot of these sites (the car lot, the one on King and Louisa, the property(s) across the street) typically seen by people looking to develop them?

[benjaminbach]

I can only talk for myself, but I'm looking at them with developers.

[RangersFan]

I am not sure if this has been mentioned beforebut at 33 Queen st (http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&safe=off&q=33+queen+st+kitchener&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=33+Queen+St+S,+Kitchener,+Waterloo+Regional+ Municipality,+Ontario&gl=ca&ei=kLLaTI2dF97snQehm_36Ag&ved=0CBgQ8gEwAA&ll=43.448152,-80.487707&spn=0,0.019205&z=16&layer=c&cbll=43.449407,-80.489496&panoid=fSFlShbLs94bIORm58lP9A&cbp=12,154.08,,0,-17.43) the old "A second Look" location has signs saying Misty Mountain Coffee opening soon. It also has signs advertsing a loft renovation, with many green initiatives completion early 2011.

[Urban_Enthusiast86]

I am not sure if this has been mentioned beforebut at 33 Queen st (http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&safe=off&q=33+queen+st+kitchener&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=33+Queen+St+S,+Kitchener,+Waterloo+Regional+ Municipality,+Ontario&gl=ca&ei=kLLaTI2dF97snQehm_36Ag&ved=0CBgQ8gEwAA&ll=43.448152,-80.487707&spn=0,0.019205&z=16&layer=c&cbll=43.449407,-80.489496&panoid=fSFlShbLs94bIORm58lP9A&cbp=12,154.08,,0,-17.43) the old "A second Look" location has signs saying Misty Mountain Coffee opening soon. It also has signs advertsing a loft renovation, with many green initiatives completion early 2011.

I don't think it has been mentioned before, but it's good to hear. What is meant by "green initiatives" in this case?

[markster]

the old "A second Look" location has signs saying Misty Mountain Coffee opening soon. It also has signs advertsing a loft renovation, with many green initiatives completion early 2011.
Wow, this is becoming quite the coffee corner. That's virtually right across the street from Coffee Culture, and right next to the (decidedly less trendy) Queen St Commons.

[benjaminbach]

Wow, this is becoming quite the coffee corner. That's virtually right across the street from Coffee Culture, and right next to the (decidedly less trendy) Queen St Commons.

It's directly across from the Coffee Culture side door. They're advertising "luxury apartments" to be occupied by 2011 above the ground floor retail. "Accepting applications now" for rentals.

Building looks like it needs the planned top to bottom restoration. Will be interesting to see how it turns out

[RangersFan]

I don't think it has been mentioned before, but it's good to hear. What is meant by "green initiatives" in this case?

They have the green elements listed in the add, I wish I had my camera to take a picture of the signs.

[Spokes]

It's directly across from the Coffee Culture side door. They're advertising "luxury apartments" to be occupied by 2011 above the ground floor retail. "Accepting applications now" for rentals.

Building looks like it needs the planned top to bottom restoration. Will be interesting to see how it turns out

Ya you're right, the entire facade needs redone. Badly.

[RangersFan]

I just hope they preserve the look of the building with whatever restorations take place, I am almost certain they will as I assume this property is on the heritage register. But small redevelopments like this could really make a big change for Downtown.

When I was walking downtown today I was wishing that the Kitchener Market and the Market Square were located even closer to one another. I would really like to see the market grow and expand it's operational hours. But there needs to be a large population in the surrounding area for this to happen. I also noted that around the Eby st intersection lies an opportunistic area that could really use some greater residential density. Build some new condo/apartment towers along there with ground floor retail and it would look great espically so close to the Market.

I wonder why the office space that surrounds "The Kitchener Market" is still vacant, is it not complete? You would think this is a very prime location.

[panamaniac]

Wow, this is becoming quite the coffee corner. That's virtually right across the street from Coffee Culture, and right next to the (decidedly less trendy) Queen St Commons.

As much as I enjoy my coffee, I think there are getting to be a few too many coffee spots Downtown - unless we're all planning a major caffeine jag, I think there may have to be a shakeout at some point.

[bcwessel]

As much as I enjoy my coffee, I think there are getting to be a few too many coffee spots Downtown - unless we're all planning a major caffeine jag, I think there may have to be a shakeout at some point.

From what I gather (from mostly cursory observations of other similarly renewed areas further along the process than Kitchener) coffee shops have become a big indicator that a substantial turn-around is imminent. Generally, they are seen as an entrepreneurial reaction to increased pedestrian traffic and a greater willingness to linger in a particular neighbourhood or district. Opening a coffee shop requires a relatively low investment of initial capital, and it is seen an incredibly safe bet -- it's one of the few kinds of businesses that will do well anywhere, so long as people are around (I guess that's drugs for you). I'm living in a small-to-medium sized city in New Zealand right now which boast an incredibly vibrant main street with very few storefront gaps along its retail strip. There is literally a coffee shop every 10 shops, and you simply don't notice because the rest of the street is lined with other kinds of activity. When King fills in over the coming months and years, the initial explosion of coffee shops will simply fade into the background of the dense weave of street life. We should see this present state of coffee shop overload as a harbinger of Downtown's future success, than as a general lack of diversity of retail options choosing to locate in the core.

[Trogdor]

I'm living in a small-to-medium sized city in New Zealand right now

Which city? I lived near Napier for a year so I know NZ pretty well.

[BuildingScout]

I'm living in a small-to-medium sized city in New Zealand right now which boast an incredibly vibrant main street with very few storefront gaps along its retail strip. There is literally a coffee shop every 10 shops, and you simply don't notice because the rest of the street is lined with other kinds of activity.

In Europe there are cities where the main streets are a non-stop procession of restaurants and coffee shops. People linger on them to the point that the local coffee shop becomes part of your living space. When you want to relax or read a book you have now an extra choice: the living room, the bedroom or the coffee shop near by.

With the current suburban configuration we are a long way away from this but it works remarkably well.

[bcwessel]

In Europe there are cities where the main streets are a non-stop procession of restaurants and coffee shops. People linger on them to the point that the local coffee shop becomes part of your living space. When you want to relax or read a book you have now an extra choice: the living room, the bedroom or the coffee shop near by.

With the current suburban configuration we are a long way away from this but it works remarkably well.

This (http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?q=porto,+portugal&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=Oporto,+Portugal&gl=nz&ei=R0PbTLCBL4-gvQO8zIjdCQ&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CB4Q8gEwAA) is far and away the best "third space" I have ever had the privilege of enjoying in person. I know that Kitchener (downtown, anyway) doesn't have a spectacular river bank upon which to create something so unquestionably enjoyable, but I think it's important to take the time to study the very best when we start talking about what we want for our future. You could own the most incredible flat in all of Porto-Oporto, and the cafes and bistros that line the river would still present an inescapable draw, bursting with virtue and potential satisfaction. Once City Centre is built, I think we'll have a better idea of whether or not downtown possesses any places that can serve this function.

I think BuildingScout might have it right, that King Street as a whole could very well present the outdoor living room that downtown really needs in order to be a great place to live, work and play. (I've been down on spending money on fancy sidewalks and lighting and the like in the past, and I'm still not convinced that the shiny bits are the best investment, but the extra-wide patio-ready infrastructure along King could well prove to be the core's single greatest asset moving forward.) With a little vision and a clear understanding that we, too, deserve to have places that command our attention and respect, I think Kitchener is entering a window of real opportunity to provide us with the commons that some of us have lost over our lifetimes, and that many others never really had in the first place.

Trogdor, I'm in Dunedin (bottom of the right coast of the South Island) right now, so a couple hundred kilometres and a bit of water away from Napier.

[KevinL]

Noted this afternoon that A Second Look got their new sign up today. Very smart-looking, fits in well.

[BuildingScout]

You could own the most incredible flat in all of Porto-Oporto, and the cafes and bistros that line the river would still present an inescapable draw, bursting with virtue and potential satisfaction. Once City Centre is built, I think we'll have a better idea of whether or not downtown possesses any places that can serve this function.


The availability of "third spaces" in Europe has also a huge positive impact on your housing budget. It makes the tiny one-and-a-half bedroom we stayed in during the summer seem larger than the three bedroom apartment we pay for in Canada. Why? When there are so many parks to take the kids to and cafe's to spend time in, the bedroom can easily be a tiny place you only go to when you are about to go to sleep.

[bcwessel]

The availability of "third spaces" in Europe has also a huge positive impact on your housing budget. It makes the tiny one-and-a-half bedroom we stayed in during the summer seem larger than the three bedroom apartment we pay for in Canada. Why? When there are so many parks to take the kids to and cafe's to spend time in, the bedroom can easily be a tiny place you only go to when you are about to go to sleep.

It might even lead to chance interactions with those things called "neighbours," which might possibly engender that thing called "community." It all sounds a little too radical to me. Probably best to impose deeper setback and higher fence codes. (The best place I've ever lived was actually smaller than my parents' garage.)

[Spokes]

I just hope they preserve the look of the building with whatever restorations take place, I am almost certain they will as I assume this property is on the heritage register. But small redevelopments like this could really make a big change for Downtown.

When I was walking downtown today I was wishing that the Kitchener Market and the Market Square were located even closer to one another. I would really like to see the market grow and expand it's operational hours. But there needs to be a large population in the surrounding area for this to happen. I also noted that around the Eby st intersection lies an opportunistic area that could really use some greater residential density. Build some new condo/apartment towers along there with ground floor retail and it would look great espically so close to the Market.

I wonder why the office space that surrounds "The Kitchener Market" is still vacant, is it not complete? You would think this is a very prime location.

I don't believe it is on the Register, although I could be wrong. If it were, they probably wouldn't have used the windows that they did.

We won't see major changes to this, the brick will stay the same on the upper floors and it'll just be an improvement to the main floor in line with the city's facade guidelines.

As for the Market, pretty much the only thing that will make it thrive is residential very close, and expanded hours.

And the vacant space has a lot to do with the restrictions the city has put on what can be there, and the price that is being asked I believe. The city just created an exception to allow a dentist to set up shop there. Details are still being worked out.


From what I gather (from mostly cursory observations of other similarly renewed areas further along the process than Kitchener) coffee shops have become a big indicator that a substantial turn-around is imminent. Generally, they are seen as an entrepreneurial reaction to increased pedestrian traffic and a greater willingness to linger in a particular neighbourhood or district. Opening a coffee shop requires a relatively low investment of initial capital, and it is seen an incredibly safe bet -- it's one of the few kinds of businesses that will do well anywhere, so long as people are around (I guess that's drugs for you). I'm living in a small-to-medium sized city in New Zealand right now which boast an incredibly vibrant main street with very few storefront gaps along its retail strip. There is literally a coffee shop every 10 shops, and you simply don't notice because the rest of the street is lined with other kinds of activity. When King fills in over the coming months and years, the initial explosion of coffee shops will simply fade into the background of the dense weave of street life. We should see this present state of coffee shop overload as a harbinger of Downtown's future success, than as a general lack of diversity of retail options choosing to locate in the core.

I too think it's an indicator of future growth and downtown success.

Im not sure from the business side though how much a coffee shop needs to break even. I could see them being able to survive on a fairly small amount of business, or so it seems.

[markster]

They have the green elements listed in the add, I wish I had my camera to take a picture of the signs.
I just walked past it. They included such things as:
Solar water heating, solar electricity, all LED illumination

That's all I can remember off the top of my head.


What does that say about Canada where it seems every other shop or kiosk in a mall sells cellphones? ;)
Nothing much, because that's pretty much how it is all around the world.

[Shawn]

:offtopic:

I'm really enjoying this discussion about the culture of cafes, but perhaps it should be moved to a more appropriate thread, afterall this is the Small Urban Kitchener Construction thread.

I've moved all the posts related to the discussion about the culture and politics of Cafe's to this new thread in the Food and Dining forum, called The Culture of Cafe's (http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/showthread.php/828-The-Culture-of-Cafes)

[UrbanWaterloo]

33 Queen Street South - November 12, 2010

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/33%20Queen%20Street%20South/33%20Queen%20Street%20South,%20Kitchener%20-%20November%2012,%202010%20-%202%20Resized.jpg

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/33%20Queen%20Street%20South/33%20Queen%20Street%20South,%20Kitchener%20-%20November%2012,%202010%20-%201%20Resized.jpg

[Spokes]

Wow, they're definitely going to be more upscale. Can't wait to see how much interest they get.

[mpd618]

But how are they possibly going to have any interest if they're not providing tenant parking!

[BuildingScout]

Wow, they're definitely going to be more upscale. Can't wait to see how much interest they get.

This will likely be fully rented by Google engineeers who can, incidentally, walk to work.

[PMoney]

But how are they possibly going to have any interest if they're not providing tenant parking!

They will most likely use the Charles and Benton parking garage which is right behind the building.

[KevinL]

But how are they possibly going to have any interest if they're not providing tenant parking!

This will appeal heavily to the walk/transit/Car Share crowd. Plus, as noted, there's a nice big parking garage adjacent.

[mpd618]

This will appeal heavily to the walk/transit/Car Share crowd. Plus, as noted, there's a nice big parking garage adjacent.

My earlier comment was sarcastic. For what it's worth, I think they will have no trouble finding tenants, whether or not they reserve any spots in that garage.

[Spokes]

Ya Im not too worried about them finding people to lease these. They only need 8 people who want one and are willing to do so without a parking spot (or are cool with the parking garage)

There will be lots of people walking to work, plus the GRT station is a block away.

[markster]

Ya Im not too worried about them finding people to lease these. They only need 8 people who want one and are willing to do so without a parking spot (or are cool with the parking garage)

Monthly parking at Kitchener lots nearby seems to run about $100/month, so if you compare that to paying $17,500 (the going rate at City Centre Condos), the first ~13 years are pretty much covered, give or take a little inflation.

[Spokes]

Monthly parking at Kitchener lots nearby seems to run about $100/month, so if you compare that to paying $17,500 (the going rate at City Centre Condos), the first ~13 years are pretty much covered, give or take a little inflation.

Ya that`s if monthly parking stays at 100 a month, which it likely will not.

Im curious to see what "Misty Mountain" is like as a coffee shop. I hope they do significant work to the exterior (and interior) of the building. I'd like to see them get rid of the entrance way that is sunk in, although I guess it's kind of necessary since you have to walk up stairs to get to the level of the store inside.

[markster]

Yes, the math worked out to 14.5 years at $100, so I cut that down to "13 give or take some inflation".
Since you're going to be picky, I may as well work it out anyway.

At %5 inflation for a parking space, $17,500 will cover you for 11 years, almost on the dot.
At %10 inflation for a parking space, it will cover you for 9 years.

[taylortbb]

Kitchener's policy is to raise downtown parking at double the rate of inflation, capped to 6% annually. So your 5% approximation is probably accurate.

[markster]

To continue with the increasingly needless thought exercise:
If, instead of keeping that 17,500 under your mattress, you invest it at a rate of %3 (compounded monthly for win), it would now last you just about 13 years.

On the flip side, if you consider the 17,500 to be a part of your mortgage, a mortgage calculator program says that you'll pay about $30,000 total over a 25 year mortgage at %5.

In conclusion, paying monthly for a spot isn't the end of the world. If you have the cash on hand, it's probably worthwhile to you to buy one outright, but if not, you're not going to get exceptionally punished.

Alright, I'll stop now.

[Spokes]

Yes, the math worked out to 14.5 years at $100, so I cut that down to "13 give or take some inflation".
Since you're going to be picky, I may as well work it out anyway.

At %5 inflation for a parking space, $17,500 will cover you for 11 years, almost on the dot.
At %10 inflation for a parking space, it will cover you for 9 years.

No no, you're right, and I understand what you're saying, I just meant the city will/should raise prices more than the rate of inflation to provide less incentive for people to drive.

[Spokes]

137-147 King Street East, Kitchener - September 1, 2010

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Urban%20Design/Development%20Ideas/137-147%20King%20Street%20East%2C%20Kitchener%20-%20September%201%2C%202010%20-%201a%20Resized.JPG


So the new owners have done some work on the ground floor painting all the bare concrete a shade of grey. It looks pretty good. I wonder if they'll clean up the upper parts too, and if there are plans to renovate the units, both upper and lower floors.

I'll try to take a picture later on if I get a chance.

[KevinL]

So the new owners have done some work on the ground floor painting all the bare concrete a shade of grey. It looks pretty good. I wonder if they'll clean up the upper parts too, and if there are plans to renovate the units, both upper and lower floors.

I'll try to take a picture later on if I get a chance.

A coat of Tremclad on the lintel would do wonders, definitely.

[UrbanWaterloo]

It's too bad this property wasn't merged with the tourism office's lot so a 4-storey brownstone could have been built as an entrance feature to the park. Tourism could have stayed on the main floor.

89 Joseph Street

PERMIT IS FOR A NEW DUPLEX DWELLING WITH FRONT AND REAR YARD TWO LEVEL DECKS AND REAR YARD DETACHED GARAGE.
Permit No 09120307
Status Issued
Permit Category Residential Building (1 or 2 units)
Permit Type Duplex Dwelling
Application Date October 15, 2009
Issued By DIANNEC
Issue Date December 17, 2009
Work Proposed New Construction
Construction Value $205,000
Contractor SUNLIGHT HERITAGE HOMES INC
Contractor Contact Info 50 FLEMING DR CAMBRIDGE ON N1T 2B1 phone 519-740-6556 phone2 519-624-2109

November 18, 2010

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/89%20Joseph%20Street,%20Kitchener%20-%20November%2018,%202010%20-%201%20Resized.jpg

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/89%20Joseph%20Street,%20Kitchener%20-%20November%2018,%202010%20-%202%20Resized.jpg

[UrbanWaterloo]

137-147 King Street East, Kitchener - November 23, 2010

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/137-147%20King%20Street%20East,%20Kitchener%20-%20November%2023,%202010%20Resized.JPG

[RangersFan]

Thanks urban, Looks like this new ownership group is making some positive changes to this block, lets hope their effort continues. Like someone mentioned earlier, I hope they do a similar operation to the upper part of the building.

[KevinL]

Gorgeous work on the ground floor! The lintel must come next (as I said above), and some work on the windows wouldn't hurt either.

But great to see such a strong start.

[cht13er]

89 Joseph St (from Victoria Park):
237

[Spokes]

Anyone know what's going on at the old Fergi's Deli on King st East? It's all covered up with scaffolding. My guess...Facade Improvement grant project.

[UrbanWaterloo]

210 King Street East, Kitchener - December 16, 2010

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/210%20King%20Street%20East,%20Kitchener%20-%20December%2016,%202010%20Resized.JPG

[KevinL]

89 Joseph St

I do like how it's blending in with its neighbours, architecturally.

[Urban_Enthusiast86]

210 King Street East, Kitchener - December 16, 2010

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/210%20King%20Street%20East,%20Kitchener%20-%20December%2016,%202010%20Resized.JPG

Any leads?

[UrbanWaterloo]

Misty Mountain Coffee (33 Queen Street South) - December 20, 2010

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/33%20Queen%20Street%20South/33%20Queen%20Street%20South,%20Kitchener%20-%20December%2020,%202010%20Resized.jpg

[UrbanWaterloo]

Any leads?

Does this mean New City Supermarket is expanding again?

PERMIT IS TO RE-CLAD THE EXTERIOR OF A GROCERY STORE - NEW CITY SUPERMARKET
Permit No 10127053
Site Address 210 KING ST E
Work Description
Status Issued
Permit Category Non-Residential Alteration
Permit Type Commercial
Application Date October 13, 2010
Issued By JULIET
Issue Date November 15, 2010
Work Proposed Exterior Alteration
Construction Value $35,000
Contractor MULTI-FACET CONTRACTORS AND CONSULTANTS
Contractor Contact Info 931 SHADRACH DR NEW MARKET ON L3X 2H4 phone 416-834-3411

[Dagmar]

I am not sure if this has been mentioned beforebut at 33 Queen st (http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&safe=off&q=33+queen+st+kitchener&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=33+Queen+St+S,+Kitchener,+Waterloo+Regional+ Municipality,+Ontario&gl=ca&ei=kLLaTI2dF97snQehm_36Ag&ved=0CBgQ8gEwAA&ll=43.448152,-80.487707&spn=0,0.019205&z=16&layer=c&cbll=43.449407,-80.489496&panoid=fSFlShbLs94bIORm58lP9A&cbp=12,154.08,,0,-17.43) the old "A second Look" location has signs saying Misty Mountain Coffee opening soon. It also has signs advertsing a loft renovation, with many green initiatives completion early 2011.

Here's what the PM had to say about the lofts:

3x 1bedroom apartments between 800-900 sq ft
5x 2 bedroom apartments between 900-1600 sq ft - some 2 storey w/overlook living room, high ceilings

$1400/mo for 1 bedroom
-granite, stainless steel, luxury bathrooms
-appliances include washer/dryer, dishwasher, wine cooler, microwave, etc. (stainless steel)
-designer themed/furnished available
-hydro not included but with eco features expected to be lowest costs in country
-rain water/solar energy heated, heat included
-security system, maybe wifi on-site
-taking names for indication of interest: call to look at as further completed, first refusal rights for rental

*Occupancy maybe end of March
-Walper has committed to some units already for long-term high-end residents (RIM, etc).


Will definitely be interesting to see how these turn out.

[Spokes]

Misty Mountain Coffee (33 Queen Street South) - December 20, 2010

Any word on a timeline?

[RangersFan]

Does this mean New City Supermarket is expanding again?


That would be cool to see, hopefully they begin to offer a wider variety of goods.

[Spokes]

Here's what the PM had to say about the lofts:

3x 1bedroom apartments between 800-900 sq ft
5x 2 bedroom apartments between 900-1600 sq ft - some 2 storey w/overlook living room, high ceilings

$1400/mo for 1 bedroom
-granite, stainless steel, luxury bathrooms
-appliances include washer/dryer, dishwasher, wine cooler, microwave, etc. (stainless steel)
-designer themed/furnished available
-hydro not included but with eco features expected to be lowest costs in country
-rain water/solar energy heated, heat included
-security system, maybe wifi on-site
-taking names for indication of interest: call to look at as further completed, first refusal rights for rental

*Occupancy maybe end of March
-Walper has committed to some units already for long-term high-end residents (RIM, etc).


Will definitely be interesting to see how these turn out.

Hmm very interesting that Walper wants some for long term (by hotel standards) leases. Clearly there's a demand for that.

As for the units, they sound great, and if the one bedrooms are 1400/month, then 2 is likely ~1800/month. Pretty pricey, but if they rent then that's a new step for downtown Kitchener.

[Spokes]

Does this mean New City Supermarket is expanding again?

PERMIT IS TO RE-CLAD THE EXTERIOR OF A GROCERY STORE - NEW CITY SUPERMARKET


The only issue I have with this is that if you look at their two existing facades they don't really work with each other, they look much more like two different stores (except for the name) rather than one. I hope they do a good job of creating a good facade that works well with the others. One store should have one facade, not three.

[KevinL]

Labour hall sells for less than assessed value (http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/306380--labour-hall-sells-for-less-than-assessed-value)


KITCHENER — A historic downtown building on King Street East that played a central role in Kitchener’s trade-union movement was sold for significantly less than its assessed value and its future is not known.

The K-W Labour Association building at 137-147 King St. E. was sold for $650,000 to 1784773 Ontario Inc., which is based out of 29 Krug St. and controlled by Trajan Fisca. When asked about plans for the building, Fisca said, “We’re not sure.”

The building was valued at $1.01 million for tax purposes by the Municipal Property Assessment Corp.

Properties traditionally sell for at least 10 per cent more than the assessed value, but there are two main reasons why this building sold for much less than that, said Stephen Kramer, the vice-president of the K-W Labour Association’s board.

The group of trade unions that came together in 1955 to buy the building has dwindled to about 3,000 members, down from more than 23,000 in the 1970s, and the association is wrapping up its affairs, Kramer said.

Secondly, the value of a commercial building is bound to its leases, and only two units at 137-147 King St. E. were leased out.

“Our real estate agent told us if we had leases for all four businesses he could probably have got us a million dollars for the property,” Kramer said.

“It had to do with the fact we were motivated to sell it as quickly as possible and also the fact that half the business space was not leased out.”

The K-W Labour Association included locals from the Canadian Union of Public Employees, the United Food and Commercial Workers union and the United Steelworkers of America.

For decades, union members met in the building to hear details about contract settlements and hold votes. The second-floor bar, complete with a kitchen and stage, has seen countless gatherings for weddings, stags and New Year’s Eve bashes. There are about 18 parking spaces behind the building.

Strike committees met in that building during labour disputes, transition teams helped laid-off worker searching for new jobs and organizers for the New Democratic Party stored files, signs and election paraphernalia there.

“And it’s haunted,” Kramer said.

“I have heard this from a couple of people — up on the third floor there is an office up there and they said some days you see somebody moving around inside of there and there is nobody there.”

That office housed the United Rubber Workers, Local 80.

“When we started cleaning it out we found a bunch of old records going back to 1938 of all their union meetings,” Kramer said. “It was really cool.”

The building was constructed in 1922 — the same year the old City Hall was built nearby. That neo-classical City Hall was demolished to make way for an Eaton’s store and downtown mall in the early ’70s.

The labour hall is one of the oldest remaining buildings in that section of the downtown. The basement is a warren of dark halls, small rooms, abandoned fuse boxes, old wiring and stairways to nowhere.

“We used to make jokes that Jimmy Hoffa was in the basement,” Kramer said. “It’s a labyrinth in there.”

In June, the building was added to the City of Kitchener’s register of non-designated properties with cultural heritage value or interest. If the owner applies for a demolition permit the listing gives the city time to designate the building under the Ontario Heritage Act and conserve it.

A report prepared by Michelle Wade, a heritage planner with the City of Kitchener, said the building includes Renaissance revival and art deco architectural styles and remains in good condition with many original elements intact.

Many years before the unions bought the building, the Kitchener Conservatory of Music was located there.

You can still see the faded paint for a conservatory sign painted on the west side of the building. George Henry Ziegler founded the conservatory, which offered lessons in piano, voice, guitar, orchestra and band instruments and music theory. It closed in 1974.

Ziegler played the flute in the 29th Regiment Band of the Scots Fusiliers of Canada, the Toronto Philharmonic Orchestra and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Ziegler was also the organist and choir master at St. Peter’s Church, St. Andrew’s Church and Trinity United Church from 1917 to 1950.

[Spokes]

Misty Mountain Coffee (33 Queen Street South) - December 20, 2010

Did you get a chance to talk to anyone about this? Did they say anything about the facade?

[.FLH.]

This is one of my favourite buildings:

http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/306380--labour-hall-sells-for-less-than-assessed-value


Labour hall sells for less than assessed value
Record file photo
img406
The K-W Labour Association building (top left) is shown in 1954, including a Conservatory Sales Room sign painted on its wall.

KITCHENER — A historic downtown building on King Street East that played a central role in Kitchener’s trade-union movement was sold for significantly less than its assessed value and its future is not known.

The K-W Labour Association building at 137-147 King St. E. was sold for $650,000 to 1784773 Ontario Inc., which is based out of 29 Krug St. and controlled by Trajan Fisca. When asked about plans for the building, Fisca said, “We’re not sure.”

The building was valued at $1.01 million for tax purposes by the Municipal Property Assessment Corp.

Properties traditionally sell for at least 10 per cent more than the assessed value, but there are two main reasons why this building sold for much less than that, said Stephen Kramer, the vice-president of the K-W Labour Association’s board.

The group of trade unions that came together in 1955 to buy the building has dwindled to about 3,000 members, down from more than 23,000 in the 1970s, and the association is wrapping up its affairs, Kramer said.

Secondly, the value of a commercial building is bound to its leases, and only two units at 137-147 King St. E. were leased out.

“Our real estate agent told us if we had leases for all four businesses he could probably have got us a million dollars for the property,” Kramer said.

“It had to do with the fact we were motivated to sell it as quickly as possible and also the fact that half the business space was not leased out.”

The K-W Labour Association included locals from the Canadian Union of Public Employees, the United Food and Commercial Workers union and the United Steelworkers of America.

For decades, union members met in the building to hear details about contract settlements and hold votes. The second-floor bar, complete with a kitchen and stage, has seen countless gatherings for weddings, stags and New Year’s Eve bashes. There are about 18 parking spaces behind the building.

Strike committees met in that building during labour disputes, transition teams helped laid-off worker searching for new jobs and organizers for the New Democratic Party stored files, signs and election paraphernalia there.

“And it’s haunted,” Kramer said.

“I have heard this from a couple of people — up on the third floor there is an office up there and they said some days you see somebody moving around inside of there and there is nobody there.”

That office housed the United Rubber Workers, Local 80.

“When we started cleaning it out we found a bunch of old records going back to 1938 of all their union meetings,” Kramer said. “It was really cool.”

The building was constructed in 1922 — the same year the old City Hall was built nearby. That neo-classical City Hall was demolished to make way for an Eaton’s store and downtown mall in the early ’70s.

The labour hall is one of the oldest remaining buildings in that section of the downtown. The basement is a warren of dark halls, small rooms, abandoned fuse boxes, old wiring and stairways to nowhere.

“We used to make jokes that Jimmy Hoffa was in the basement,” Kramer said. “It’s a labyrinth in there.”

In June, the building was added to the City of Kitchener’s register of non-designated properties with cultural heritage value or interest. If the owner applies for a demolition permit the listing gives the city time to designate the building under the Ontario Heritage Act and conserve it.

A report prepared by Michelle Wade, a heritage planner with the City of Kitchener, said the building includes Renaissance revival and art deco architectural styles and remains in good condition with many original elements intact.

Many years before the unions bought the building, the Kitchener Conservatory of Music was located there.

You can still see the faded paint for a conservatory sign painted on the west side of the building. George Henry Ziegler founded the conservatory, which offered lessons in piano, voice, guitar, orchestra and band instruments and music theory. It closed in 1974.

Ziegler played the flute in the 29th Regiment Band of the Scots Fusiliers of Canada, the Toronto Philharmonic Orchestra and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Ziegler was also the organist and choir master at St. Peter’s Church, St. Andrew’s Church and Trinity United Church from 1917 to 1950.

[Spokes]

Definitely a great building with a lot of potential.

Already posted over here though...http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/showthread.php/18-Small-Urban-Kitchener-Construction?p=21826#post21826

Until this becomes something bigger (if it does) lets keep the discussion about it over there.


Labour hall sells for less than assessed value (http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/306380--labour-hall-sells-for-less-than-assessed-value)

Would people rather see this torn down and redeveloped or just fixed up?

[KevinL]

Would people rather see this torn down and redeveloped or just fixed up?

Fixed up, absolutely. Even if only the facade is kept; that's the true asset (though I haven't seen the interiors).

[RangersFan]

I would much rather see it kept, and re-stored. But if a significant high value development was planned for the site I deffinetly would not oppose it.

[markster]

Fixed up, absolutely. Even if only the facade is kept; that's the true asset (though I haven't seen the interiors).
I would agree with this. Restoration of the whole building would be ideal, but it's a harsh fact that sometimes the conditions are very poor and its easier to start fresh. The facade is very important to the character of King St. It fits into that "small town feel" idea.

If one were to keep the facade, and develop a tower on that property, I would hope that it would be stepped back, not unlike the TD building.

[Spokes]

I would agree with this. Restoration of the while building would be ideal, but it's a harsh fact that sometimes the conditions are very poor and its easier to start fresh. The facade is very important to the character of King St. It fits into that "small town feel" idea.

Which white building?


If one were to keep the facade, and develop a tower on that property, I would hope that it would be stepped back, not unlike the TD building.

That's actually a really interesting idea I hadnt thought of. Keep the facade, use that as the podium and build a tower on top of it.

They're doing that with the Central condo project (http://www.centralcondominiums.com/flash.php) in Ottawa (phase 1). They're integrating the facade of a church into the middle of it. It's interesting to say the least.

[markster]

Which white building?
I wrote "while", but I meant "whole".

[Spokes]

I wrote "while", but I meant "whole".

Thanks! Not sure why I saw "white" hah.

[Pheidippides]

Noticed this sign the other day:
http://i51.tinypic.com/2i8ypoi.jpg
http://i52.tinypic.com/m8jin6.jpg

TWFP Announces Location of New Corporate Office
September 17, 2010 - TFP - Link

We are pleased to announce that The Walter Fedy Partnership has reached an agreement to take over existing warehouse space at 675 Queen Street South, Kitchener, a building currently occupied by Weber Supply. TWFP will renovate approximately 30,000 sq.ft. of space to serve as a new home for our entire staff.

Looks like Weber Supply has moved some operations down to the Huron Business Park.
http://www.webersupply.com/news-kitchener-06-18.html

[Spokes]

It's too bad that Weber Supply is moving, but not surprising given what they've built out on Huron and Strasbourg.

That being said, The Walter Fedy Partnership is a great addition, and all of those windows will look much better than the garage doors currently there. In addition, should they ever want to expand, they've got a decent sized lot to do so upon.


210 King Street East, Kitchener - December 16, 2010

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/210%20King%20Street%20East,%20Kitchener%20-%20December%2016,%202010%20Resized.JPG

This turned out quite nice as far as a facade project goes. And it's not an expansion of the New City Supermarket by the looks of it. It seems to be two separate units, which is a good thing, hopefully ready to lease!

[markster]

On Queen St S, in the CIBC's parking lot, there's a small shack that's gone up, that's closed one of the lanes of Queen St.

Does anyone know what this is for?

[Spokes]

On Queen St S, in the CIBC's parking lot, there's a small shack that's gone up, that's closed one of the lanes of Queen St.

Does anyone know what this is for?

They're doing hydro work, that lane of Queen South is closed for 10ish weeks. I'll try to find the info.

[Spokes]

Does anyone know if there's anything going on with the old Sign Depot building at Borden and Charles (http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&client=firefox-a&q=charles+and+borden,+kitchener,+on&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Charles+St+E+%26+Borden+Ave+S,+Kitchener,+Wa terloo+Regional+Municipality,+Ontario&gl=ca&ll=43.442241,-80.474672&spn=0.001698,0.005284&t=h&z=18&layer=c&cbll=43.442241,-80.474672&panoid=VJQbxl1BPqB025K7v_JZjA&cbp=12,211.92,,0,0.89)? There's a big Ellis Don contractor sign on the one side of the fencing.

[KevinL]

They're doing hydro work, that lane of Queen South is closed for 10ish weeks. I'll try to find the info.

My guess was they're upgrading hydro for the redevelopment of the old Second Look building. Just a guess though.

[UrbanWaterloo]

King Street East, Kitchener - February 2, 2011

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/SAM_4886%20Resized.jpg

Original New City Supermarket
http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/SAM_4888%20Resized.jpg

210 King Street East
http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/SAM_4890%20Resized.jpg

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/SAM_4892%20Resized.jpg

210 King Street East - Smaller Unit on Right
http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/SAM_4894%20Resized.jpg

210 King Street East - Large Unit on Left
http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/SAM_4902%20Resized.jpg

[Spokes]

Thanks for the pics Urban! I kept meaning to mention this or take a picture. Nice to see two more available units though. Hopefully both these and the ones at Kitchener Market (http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/showthread.php/241-Kitchener-Market) can fill soon.

I wonder if they're doing a similar facade to what they've already completed? Hopefully they'll at least have New City have the same facade all the way across rather than two different ones.

[Urban_Enthusiast86]

How come every facade "improvement" has to result in a stucco exterior? I'm not a fan of this.

[Spokes]

How come every facade "improvement" has to result in a stucco exterior? I'm not a fan of this.

Because we live in Waterloo Region, where stucco is an acceptable building material. At least it's combined with some stone. Shouldn't be any stucco allowed in the facade guidelines.

[Spokes]

Because we live in Waterloo Region, where stucco is an acceptable building material. At least it's combined with some stone. Shouldn't be any stucco allowed in the facade guidelines.

Sorry I shouldn't say that, here's a great example of a what I think is a new facade on an existing building - http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=5+Melville+Street+South,+Cambridge,+Ontario&aq=0&sll=43.3584,-80.316938&sspn=0.000858,0.002642&g=Grand+Ave+S,+Cambridge,+Waterloo+Regional+Munici pality,+Ontario&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=5+Melville+St+S,+Cambridge,+Waterloo+Regiona l+Municipality,+Ontario+N1S+2H4&ll=43.3584,-80.316938&spn=0.000425,0.001321&t=h&z=20&layer=c&cbll=43.358402,-80.316942&panoid=T2Pxc2SH3Sxqr43XkoaxtQ&cbp=12,231.64,,0,-2.11

[UrbanWaterloo]

33 Queen Street South

Took awhile to get this permit (almost a year and a half). I wonder what the hold-up was?

PERMIT IS FOR INTERIOR ALTERATIONS TO CREATE 8 RESIDENTIAL UNITS
Permit No 09117530
Site Address 33 QUEEN ST S
Status Issued
Permit Category Residential Alteration
Permit Type Apartment
Application Date September 02, 2009
Issued By DIANNEC
Issue Date January 09, 2011
Final Date
Work Proposed Interior Finish
Construction Value $260,000
Residential Units on Property 8
Contractor 1411347 ONTARIO LIMITED
Contractor Contact Info 33 QUEEN ST S KITCHENER ON N2G 1V8

PERMIT IS TO CONVERT EXISTING TENANT SPACE TO A COFFEE SHOP. INCLUDES MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL.
Permit No 11102451
Site Address 33 QUEEN ST S
Status Status Letter Sent
Permit Category Non-Residential Alteration
Permit Type Commercial
Application Date December 30, 2010
Issued By
Issue Date
Final Date
Work Proposed Interior Finish
Construction Value 0



February 2, 2011

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/33%20Queen%20Street%20South%20-%20February%202,%202011%20Resized.JPG

[UrbanWaterloo]

89 Joseph Street - February 15, 2011

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/89%20Joseph%20Street,%20Kitchener%20-%20February%2015,%202011%20Resized.JPG

[panamaniac]

89 Joseph Street - February 15, 2011

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/89%20Joseph%20Street,%20Kitchener%20-%20February%2015,%202011%20Resized.JPG

It won't win any awards, but depending on the exterior cladding, that house (duplex?) could end up looking like it has always been there.

[KevinL]

It won't win any awards, but depending on the exterior cladding, that house (duplex?) could end up looking like it has always been there.

Indeed, structurally so far it's nearly a twin of its neighbours. Well planned.

[mpd618]

Does anyone know what's happening with this building on Ontario Street, just north of King? It might be 44 or 46 Ontario St N. Looks like it could use some attention.

http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/2803/imag0222ql.jpg (http://img534.imageshack.us/i/imag0222ql.jpg/)

[KevinL]

Does anyone know what's happening with this building on Ontario Street, just north of King? It might be 44 or 46 Ontario St N. Looks like it could use some attention.

I can point out that it's the former Legion hall (since moved to Belmont and Gage). I would imagine its previous use makes it trickier to redevelop than some other places.

[UrbanWaterloo]

It's 48 Ontario Street North, which unfortunately hasn't had a building permit issued since 1991. I agree it could use some attention, and suspect it will once the 600-800 resident City Centre Condominiums (http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/showthread.php/9-City-Centre-Condominiums-63-52-m-17-14-fl-Sales-(Model-Opens-Feb-26th)) start construction, spiking interest in the entire block.

[Interest KW]

I noticed the Ellis Don sign as well at Borden and Charles. Has anyone heard if there will be a new development there?

[plam]

I noticed the Ellis Don sign as well at Borden and Charles. Has anyone heard if there will be a new development there?

There is allegedly an indoor rock climbing gym opening at 50 Borden, Grand River Rocks. They have a Facebook page. This area is too big to not have a climbing gym, and the previous one closed a few years ago. I plan to go there all the time.

[Interest KW]

Oh Ok. I was more curious about the area being bought out. It is strange to see an ElisDon sign put just anywhere. From what I know the building is also for sale. Will this gym be reconstructing?

[plam]

Oh Ok. I was more curious about the area being bought out. It is strange to see an ElisDon sign put just anywhere. From what I know the building is also for sale. Will this gym be reconstructing?

I don't think they'll tear down the existing building. I'm not sure if it's exactly the same building we're talking about, or just in the same block. The gym is supposed to have interior height from 30' to 45', if I recall correctly.

[Interest KW]

It is the old sign depot building. Wow that will be very high, the building doesn't quite look like it has the height and the listing says that is is 26 ft. Is there something I am missing? Nevertheless, great news for those interested in climbing.

[0sprey]

The building has an arched roof line. So it's 26' at the walls and a centre height of approx. 35'. I also believe the floor is lower than Borden/Charles if you look at the lower level of the parking lot on the west end.

[RangersFan]

I am not sure if this falls under the Urban category but I noticed that this building (http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=530+belmont+ave+kitchener&hl=en&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=530+Belmont+Ave+W,+Kitchener,+Waterloo+Regio nal+Municipality,+Ontario+N2M+2C8&ll=43.449102,-80.513434&spn=0,0.013711&z=16&iwloc=A&layer=c&cbll=43.448731,-80.514909&panoid=n3vTaJYylFIbhVg6YzUjXQ&cbp=12,52.83,,0,5.71)at 530 Belmont Ave seems to be undergoing an expansion.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Ugly is all I can say of this addition at 329 Frederick Street, Kitchener.


Google Streetview - 2009 (http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=329+FREDERICK+ST,+kitchener&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=329+Frederick+St,+Kitchener,+Ontario+N2H+2N6&gl=ca&ll=43.456501,-80.476506&spn=0.012352,0.027874&z=16&layer=c&cbll=43.456652,-80.476198&panoid=e0Y4obsvuOfto_Z4cSvCKg&cbp=12,193.89,,0,1.07)
http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/Small%20Downtown%20Kitchener/329%20Frederick%20Street,%20Kitchener%20-%20Google%20Streetview%202009.jpg

<div style="width:400px; text-align:left;">PERMIT IS TO CONVERT AN ATTIC SPACE INTO A FULL THIRD STOREY ADDITION
Permit No 10115784
Status Issued
Permit Category Residential Building (1 or 2 units)
Permit Type Single Detached Dwelling
Application Date June 09, 2010
Issued By ANGELAD
Issue Date August 11, 2010
Final Date
Roll Number 301203000206900
Construction Value 10900 </div>

April 1, 2011

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/Small%20Downtown%20Kitchener/329%20Frederick%20Street,%20Kitchener%20-%20Addition%20-%20April%201,%202011%20Resized.JPG

[mpd618]

Ugly is all I can say of this addition at 329 Frederick Street, Kitchener.

Wow, that's disgusting.

[RangersFan]

I am not sure if this falls under the Urban category but I noticed that this building (http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=530+belmont+ave+kitchener&hl=en&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=530+Belmont+Ave+W,+Kitchener,+Waterloo+Regio nal+Municipality,+Ontario+N2M+2C8&ll=43.449102,-80.513434&spn=0,0.013711&z=16&iwloc=A&layer=c&cbll=43.448731,-80.514909&panoid=n3vTaJYylFIbhVg6YzUjXQ&cbp=12,52.83,,0,5.71)at 530 Belmont Ave seems to be undergoing an expansion.
April 7, 2011

http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/small%20developments/530Belmontave.jpg

[RangersFan]

Harry Class Pool, it's hard to see much of the pool I needed a spot of higher elavation.

April 9, 2011
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/small%20developments/HarryGlassPool090420111.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/small%20developments/HarryGlassPool090420112.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/small%20developments/HarryGlassPool090420113.jpg

[RangersFan]

The Walter Fedy Partnership

April 9, 2011
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/Downtown%20Kitchener/TWFP090420111.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/Downtown%20Kitchener/TWFP090420112.jpg

[RangersFan]

Today workers were working on the facade and stair case of Misty Mountain Coffee, from what I could see it looked like it would fit into the area pretty well.

[Brando_T]

There is/was a school on Strange street opposite Cherry park. Much of the rear of the school has been demolished, but the original brick building seems to be left intact. Does anyone have info on this?

[mpd618]

There is/was a school on Strange street opposite Cherry park. Much of the rear of the school has been demolished, but the original brick building seems to be left intact. Does anyone have info on this?

It's apparently a redevelopment by the Waterloo Catholic District School Board, though I'm not sure to what end. There's some details in this bid outline (http://www.biddingo.com/orc/*.main?toPage=StPrivateBidDetailPrint.jsp&bidOrgId=41026728&tndrId=1000001):


The project consists of abatement removal & selective demolition of the existing additions to an historic building. The remaining building will then be renovated including all new finishes, mechanical and electrical systems. There will be a large new addition added to the existing building. As well, the site will be extensively redeveloped including new parking and landscaping. The demolition has already started and the entire project is scheduled to be completed for December 2011.

Edit: According to this (http://www.kitchener.ca/en/newslist/index.aspx?newsId=3ij5lA5HpdBpoUBLBIqIHrotVAeQuAle QuAl), "the property will continues [sic] to be used as an elementary school."

[metropolis]

There is/was a school on Strange street opposite Cherry park. Much of the rear of the school has been demolished, but the original brick building seems to be left intact. Does anyone have info on this?

To expand on the answer above:
The Waterloo Catholic Schoolboard plans to shut the doors to Monsignor William Gleason and expand St. John's (the school you are referring to) to accomodate the student population.

Though the timeline has shifted dramatically as construction of an addition has not started yet.

[Brando_T]

Thanks for the response. The site has seen low activity for a few weeks now.

[bzmwillemsen]

The project consists of abatement removal & selective demolition of the existing additions to an historic building. The remaining building will then be renovated including all new finishes, mechanical and electrical systems. There will be a large new addition added to the existing building. As well, the site will be extensively redeveloped including new parking and landscaping. The demolition has already started and the entire project is scheduled to be completed for December 2011.

Is this building actually designated a historic building? Or was it just called this in the bid details?

[mpd618]

Is this building actually designated a historic building? Or was it just called this in the bid details?

It's on Kitchener's list of non-designated heritage buildings, which means it has some protections.

[Dagmar]

342

The new Misty Mountain Coffee is getting a facelift.

[kitcheners katy]

three adjoining properties that sit next to the schreiter sandrock funeral home property (benton and church) are for sale with the same realtor... could be a good location for development!

[UrbanWaterloo]

33 Queen Street South - May 3, 2011

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/33%20Queen%20Street%20South/33%20Queen%20Street%20South,%20Kitchener%20-%20May%203,%202011%20-%201%20Resized.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/33%20Queen%20Street%20South/33%20Queen%20Street%20South,%20Kitchener%20-%20May%203,%202011%20-%202%20Resized.jpg

[UrbanWaterloo]

I wonder how much of the Queen Margaret Apartments (http://www.homestead.ca/property/?id=184) will be reclad...

PERMIT IS TO COVER AN EXISTING BRICK WALL WITH EIFS FOR PART OF AN APARTMENT BUILDING.
Permit No 11112707
Site Address 100 QUEEN ST N
Status Under Review
Permit Category Residential Alteration
Permit Type Apartment
Application Date April 17, 2011
Work Proposed Reclad Wall
Construction Value $300,000
Contractor BROOK RESTORATION
Contractor Contact Info 1167 PETROLIA RD TORONTO ON M3J 2X7 phone 416-663-7976 phone2 416-663-3650

http://www.homestead.ca/images/properties/0184_2_small.jpg (http://www.homestead.ca/property/?id=184)

[markster]

EIFS (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exterior_Insulation_Finishing_System)

Or as people more commonly refer to it:

Stucco




(even though they are not technically the same thing)

[Dagmar]

http://thedearlove.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/mmc.jpg

Looks like the 'open' signs are on - though they don't yet have a store sign, it looks like Misty Mountain Coffee is open.

[markster]

More pictures of Misty Mountain HERE (http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/showthread.php?t=828&p=29651#post29651).

[UrbanWaterloo]

If this development was located in most other places (ie. on a sidestreet) it likely wouldn't have gotten much attention at all, it's just that it's right at the entrance to Victoria Park making it highly visible, in particular from the Charles Street Terminal. How's the brick coming along, is it blending in with the historic homes? Although I still wish this had been a brownstone townhouse development, I'm glad there appears to be a 2nd storey porch, and with the garage in the rear, you can't confuse this with being a suburban single family home (which unfortunately does happen in our cores, an example of which will be posted in another update).


89 Joseph Street - May 17, 2011

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/Small%20Downtown%20Kitchener/89%20Joseph%20Street,%20Kitchener%20-%20May%2017,%202011%20-%201a%20Resized.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/Small%20Downtown%20Kitchener/89%20Joseph%20Street,%20Kitchener%20-%20May%2017,%202011%20-%202b%20Resized.jpg

[panamaniac]

Those front windows are way too small, especially the one on the main floor.

[mpd618]

There's something being done at the empty lot at Union & Belmont. Maybe soil testing?

[bzmwillemsen]

There's something being done at the empty lot at Union & Belmont. Maybe soil testing?

Finally.
Also, the old vincenzo's building has been bought by someone.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Harry Class Community Pool - May 20, 2011

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/Small%20Downtown%20Kitchener/Harry%20Class%20Community%20Pool/Harry%20Class%20Community%20Pool%20-%20May%2020,%202011%20-%201%20Resized.jpg

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/Small%20Downtown%20Kitchener/Harry%20Class%20Community%20Pool/Harry%20Class%20Community%20Pool%20-%20May%2020,%202011%20-%202%20Resized.jpg

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/Small%20Downtown%20Kitchener/Harry%20Class%20Community%20Pool/Harry%20Class%20Community%20Pool%20-%20May%2020,%202011%20-%203%20Resized.jpg

[UrbanWaterloo]

Solar panels at 33 Queen Street South...


May 26, 2011

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/33 Queen Street South/33 Queen Street South - May 26, 2011 - 1 Resized.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/33 Queen Street South/33 Queen Street South - May 26, 2011 - 2 Resized.jpg

[van Hemessen]

Those look like solar water heaters to me. Good to see.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_water_heating

[.FLH.]

Those look like solar water heaters to me. Good to see.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_water_heating

When I lived in China, all the apartments I had were equip with solar water heaters. They are awesome. I lived in Rural Inner Mongolia with sketchy electricity..but always had a hot shower in not so clean water :P

[RangersFan]

three adjoining properties that sit next to the schreiter sandrock funeral home property (benton and church) are for sale with the same realtor... could be a good location for development!

These properties have all been sold. I wonder if there is a development in the works here, as you say it would be an excellent location for one.

[RangersFan]

The other day at Rally for Rails I noticed that they were doing some work outside the Delta Hotel, does anyone know whats going on there?

[KevinL]

The other day at Rally for Rails I noticed that they were doing some work outside the Delta Hotel, does anyone know whats going on there?

In Hall's Lane? It's an ongoing project to upgrade the underground services. I believe those guys are from Hydro, rebuilding the transformer housing located there.

[Dagmar]

The last couple of days there has been activity in the large empty commercial space at 29 King E. Anyone know what's going on there? It would be great to see it being used.

[tomthip]

In Hall's Lane? It's an ongoing project to upgrade the underground services. I believe those guys are from Hydro, rebuilding the transformer housing located there.

The job was completed this week.

[DowntownRetail]

This is going to be the new home of the Downtown Kitchener BIA, Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation, and Junior Achievement http://www.exchangemagazine.com/morningpost/2011/week28/Wednesday/071307.htm

[benjaminbach]

This is going to be the new home of the Downtown Kitchener BIA, Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation, and Junior Achievement http://www.exchangemagazine.com/morningpost/2011/week28/Wednesday/071307.htm

Great space for 3 great organizations!

[RangersFan]

This is not exactly Downtown but it is not the burbs either.

A zoning by-law amendment has been raised for 315, 319 Highland Rd. More information is located here (http://www.kitchener.ca/en/newslist/index.aspx?deptId=PXQd1P73tEd5lA5HTgJ5Y3cHjgeQuAle QuAl).

[markster]

This is not exactly Downtown but it is not the burbs either.

A zoning by-law amendment has been raised for 315, 319 Highland Rd. More information is located here (http://www.kitchener.ca/en/newslist/index.aspx?deptId=PXQd1P73tEd5lA5HTgJ5Y3cHjgeQuAle QuAl).
Copy paste:

The purpose of this application is to change the zoning from Residential Five (R-5) to Residential Five (R-5) with Special Use Provision 415U to allow Personal Services, Health Office, and Health Clinic as permitted uses.

[plam]

There is allegedly an indoor rock climbing gym opening at 50 Borden, Grand River Rocks. They have a Facebook page. This area is too big to not have a climbing gym, and the previous one closed a few years ago. I plan to go there all the time.

Grand River Rocks (http://grandriverrocks.com/Pages/Home.aspx) is now open. Go climb a wall!

The space is a big old industrial space with high ceilings. It's been around for quite a while and they repurposed it quite well for climbing. I like the space a lot.

[RangersFan]

Walking by Wellington Place Apartments (http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&ll=43.44646,-80.486904&spn=0.000002,0.002411&z=19&vpsrc=6&layer=c&cbll=43.44646,-80.486904&panoid=MH9CT910RkCiz9BQLAjJxQ&cbp=12,259.66,,0,-22.45) today it looks like there is some major reconstruction going on there.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Recladding at the Queen Margaret Apartments...

August 30, 2011

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/Queen%20Margaret%20Apartments%20-%20August%2030,%202011%20Resized.jpg

[tomthip]

Interesting article about the reconstructed section of King St. in downtown Kitchener.

http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/591515--toronto-planner-sees-kitchener-s-king-street-as-a-model-for-yonge-street

[KevinL]

I have to say, Queen South between King and Charles is looking mighty fine just now. 33 Queen has finished its exterior treatments, and the Walper has refreshed its main entrance (all-black verandah, and branded flags with their new slogan, 'as unique as you are').

All we need is the construction finished on Hall's Lane (and perhaps an update to the blank space out back of CIBC), and a tenant next to Misty Mountain. Good stuff!

[ruud]

There seems to be some demolition going on at the former RMS (I think) building on Glasgow St. at the end of York St in between Park St. and Belmont Ave. They have recently resurfaced the parking lot in front for Sun Life and hospital employees and it looks like the are renovating the smaller single story building along Glasgow.

Does anyone know the full extent of this project?

[garthdanlor]

There seems to be some demolition going on at the former RMS (I think) building on Glasgow St. at the end of York St in between Park St. and Belmont Ave. They have recently resurfaced the parking lot in front for Sun Life and hospital employees and it looks like the are renovating the smaller single story building along Glasgow.

Does anyone know the full extent of this project?

I've been wondering this too. They have been slowly pulling down RMS over the past couple of months, but only started working on the older brick building on Glasgow in recent weeks. It looks like they intend to renovate this building but I suppose it could be coming down too. Don't have a clue what they will do with the RMS property. Another parking lot for Sun Life or the hospital for the mid-term until the whole block is eventually cleaned up for redevelopment?

[mpd618]

Don't have a clue what they will do with the RMS property. Another parking lot for Sun Life or the hospital for the mid-term until the whole block is eventually cleaned up for redevelopment?

I'm not sure there's any long-term thinking at play here. I've heard the property is being developed as a parking lot for Sun Life, end of story.

[RangersFan]

I'm not sure there's any long-term thinking at play here. I've heard the property is being developed as a parking lot for Sun Life, end of story.

...I hope not.

[mpd618]

Two things, both only marginally "downtown".

There's a several storey building being put up at the southeast corner of Ottawa & Bedford. No idea of the purpose.

There is demolition and much ground-moving being done at the northwest corner of Louisa and St. Leger. I believe this site had previously housed Breithaupt Tannery and Pannill Veneer.

[panamaniac]

Two things, both only marginally "downtown". There's a several storey building being put up at the southeast corner of Ottawa & Bedford. No idea of the purpose. ........... That project looks like it will be a row of townhouses - the upper floors are being added to an existing industrial buliding that has been completely boarded up for a number of years, which is interesting. I think someone mentioned a while back that this property was owned by the same developer as the Silver Thread Condo in Waterloo.

[Section ThirtyOne]

Anyone know what is going on with the old Transylvania Club? Lots of earth being moved around behind Central Fresh Market and they have now blocked off the parking lot.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Here's the recent building permits for the old Transylvania Club:

PERMIT IS FOR THE DEMOLITION OF INTERIOR PARTITIONS FOR CONRAD MEDICAL. INCLUDES MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL DEMOLITION.
Permit No 11114065
Site Address 16 ANDREW ST
Status Issued
Permit Category Non-Residential Alteration
Permit Type Commercial
Application Date May 04, 2011
Issued By DIANNEC
Issue Date May 10, 2011
Work Proposed Interior Finish
Contractor SITTLER EXCAVATING LIMITED
Contractor Contact Info 2660 ARTHUR ST N ELMIRA ON N3B 2Z5

PERMIT IS FOR NEW DEMISING WALLS, ELEVATOR, MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT IN PREPARATIO FOR TENANT FIT-UPS
Permit No 11120690
Site Address 16 ANDREW ST
Status Issued
Permit Category Commercial Building
Permit Type Commercial
Application Date July 10, 2011
Issued By DIANNEC
Issue Date September 12, 2011
Work Proposed Addition - Non-Res
Construction Value $900,000
Contractor JOHN DEANS :S.G. CUNNINGHAM LTD
Contractor Contact Info 745 BRIDGE ST E WATERLOO ON phone 519-886-2730 phone2 519-581-8243

PERMIT IS FOR AN INTERIOR FINISH FOR MEDICAL OFFICES, ASPIRE. INCLUDES MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL.
Permit No 11123085
Site Address 16 ANDREW ST
Status Issued
Permit Category Non-Residential Alteration
Permit Type Commercial
Application Date August 07, 2011
Issued By DIANNEC
Issue Date October 18, 2011
Final Date
Work Proposed Interior Finish
Construction Value $300,000
Special Conditions See notes on drawings and Building Code Review. Separate building permits required to interior finish of additional suites including suite expansion. Separate mechanical & electrical P.Eng. drawings are required for interior finishes not included with this permit.
Contractor S.G. CUNNINGHAM KITCHENER LIMITED
Contractor Contact Info 745 BRIDGE ST WATERLOO ON N2V 2G6

[benjaminbach]

Anyone know what is going on with the old Transylvania Club? Lots of earth being moved around behind Central Fresh Market and they have now blocked off the parking lot.

It was purchased by the Conrad family that built much of the office space in downtown Kitchener (that Realex (now Dundee) purchased).

There are two tenants going in, medical related. One is a not for profit.

[panamaniac]

I'm still curious about the project on Bedford at Ottawa. The second floor and roof went on amazingly quickly. The part at the back retains an industrial type garage door. Anybody have details or photos?

[mpd618]

I'm still curious about the project on Bedford at Ottawa. The second floor and roof went on amazingly quickly. The part at the back retains an industrial type garage door. Anybody have details or photos?

I noticed this on the Madison Group's website (http://themadisongroup.ca/development-corporation/current-projects/) (same people as the Silver Thread Lofts):


Ottawa St South, Kitchener - Brownfield redevelopment: Conversion of existing commercial space into condominium space on future light rail transit corridor.

[panamaniac]

Yeah, I thought it was a Madison Group project, but things have been very quiet so far. I will be interested to see what it looks like when completed - the addition of space above an existing industrial building makes this one kind of interesting.

[RangersFan]

I'm still curious about the project on Bedford at Ottawa. The second floor and roof went on amazingly quickly. The part at the back retains an industrial type garage door. Anybody have details or photos?

http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/Ottawa and Bedford/OttawaandBedfordNov720111.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/Ottawa and Bedford/OttawaandBedfordNov720112.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/Ottawa and Bedford/OttawaandBedfordNov720113.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/Ottawa and Bedford/OttawaandBedfordNov720114.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/Ottawa and Bedford/OttawaandBedfordNov720115.jpg

It's is really starting to take shape, it's certainly an improvement over what was there (http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&ll=43.437589,-80.476268&spn=0.000004,0.002411&t=m&z=19&vpsrc=6&layer=c&cbll=43.437589,-80.476268&panoid=WR1kT_qHQGr6mu_nbDQ-xQ&cbp=12,111.47,,0,0).

[UrbanWaterloo]

This 1895 heritage building is being renovated by the same developer as The Breithaupt Block (http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/showthread.php?t=29).

PERMIT IS FOR AN INTERIOR PARTITION DEMOLITION FOR AN OFFICE BUILDING. SEPARATE PERMIT REQUIRED FOR INTERIOR FINISHING INCLUDING P.ENG. STAMPED MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL DRAWINGS.
Permit No 11127405
Site Address 117 KING ST W
Status Issued
Permit Category Non-Residential Alteration
Permit Type Commercial
Application Date September 22, 2011
Issued By DIANNEC
Issue Date September 25, 2011
Work Proposed Interior Finish
Construction Value $20,000
Contractor CRAIG BEATTIE :2290466 ONTARIO LTD
Contractor Contact Info 171 EAST LIBERTY ST TORONTO ON M6K 3P6 phone 416-599-3800 phone2 647-982-9123

PERMIT IS FOR EXTERIOR FACADE UPGRADES
Permit No 11129389
Site Address 117 KING ST W
Status Under Review
Permit Category Non-Residential Alteration
Permit Type Commercial
Application Date October 16, 2011
Issued By
Issue Date
Work Proposed Exterior Alteration
Construction Value $15,000



November 18, 2011

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/117%20King%20Street%20West/117%20King%20Street%20West,%20Kitchener%20-%20November%2018,%202011%20-%201%20R.jpg

Former City Pawnbrokers
http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/117%20King%20Street%20West/117%20King%20Street%20West,%20Kitchener%20-%20November%2018,%202011%20-%202%20R.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/117%20King%20Street%20West/117%20King%20Street%20West,%20Kitchener%20-%20November%2018,%202011%20-%204%20R.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/117%20King%20Street%20West/117%20King%20Street%20West,%20Kitchener%20-%20November%2018,%202011%20-%205%20R.jpg

[SP!RE]

Expect a very sleek new storefront on this building.

[benjaminbach]

Expect a very sleek new storefront on this building.

Inside A Matter of Taste (great coffee!) they have the exterior renderings on display. They look terrific - lots of glass. I will take a picture next time I'm in.

[bzmwillemsen]

Here's a picture taken a couple weeks ago of 66 Glasgow.
The building that you can see on Google Maps that was against glasgow has been demolished now and is a parking lot. (Sunlife)
And now building behind it is seen being demolished.
This picture was taken a couple weeks ago and the entire background building is now gone.
697

[KevinL]

This picture was taken a couple weeks ago and the entire background building is now gone.

The entire red-brick building? All the way to the rail line and Strange Street?

Or did I misunderstand you?

[garthdanlor]

The entire red-brick building? All the way to the rail line and Strange Street?

Or did I misunderstand you?
It's just the old RMS building that came down. The other buildings are staying. They did remove part (an old addition) of the smaller red brick building that faces Glasgow, but that was to allow for a second entrance into the plant from Glasgow. I have a feeling it will be 10-20 years before we see some serious redevelopment happening on this huge site.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Thanks for the tip benjaminbach


117 King Street West Rendering

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/117%20King%20Street%20West/117%20King%20Street%20West,%20Kitchener%20-%20Rendering%20-%20%20November%2019,%202011%20-%202%20R.jpg

[benjaminbach]

Thanks for the tip @benjaminbach (http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/member.php?u=591)

You're welcome. Looking forward to seeing the building restored!

[panamaniac]

And who moves into it. It is supposed to be office space, no?

[Greg Moore]

The downtown riff-raff in jean shorts and an unbuttoned shirt is a nice touch to that render.

[fin2limb]

The rendering looks great. But given the building's surroundings, its going to look a wee bit out of place. It would be nice to see similar redevelopment happen to the adjacent buildings as well.

[KevinL]

The downtown riff-raff in jean shorts and an unbuttoned shirt is a nice touch to that render.

Plus Shakedown Street in all its glory! Remember your roots, everyone...

[panamaniac]

The rendering looks great. But given the building's surroundings, its going to look a wee bit out of place. It would be nice to see similar redevelopment happen to the adjacent buildings as well.

At the pace things are happening Downtown, it won't be long before adjacent buildings are redeveloped. In fact, with the number of facade improvements, I'd say it is already happening.

[RangersFan]

Today walking by the Canada Border Services Agency building on Duke St, it looked like some cement work was being done to the Duke st entrance to the building.

http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac273/leaffan431/Downtown Kitchener/CanadaBorderServicesAgencyjpg.jpg

[RangersFan]

The house at 97 Frederick St. looks like it is under going some construction. There was also a sign on the building saying that Ludwig, Lichenheldt & Eby had moved to the Sorbara Law Office.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Queen Margaret Apartments - December 1, 2011

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/Queen%20Margaret%20Apartments%20-%20December%201,%202011%20R.jpg

New City Supermarket - December 1, 2011

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Kitchener/Downtown/New%20City%20Supermarket,%20236%20King%20Street%20 East,%20Kitchener%20-%20December%201,%202011%20R.jpg

[panamaniac]

Has anyone been to a new sports bar/billiard parlour that has apparently opened in the basement of the old Zellers building at 29 King East? I'm wondering whether it is respectable or seedy? Also has anyone heard anything about a new tenant moving into the former David's Gourmet spot next to Budd's?

[tomthip]

This is a great article about the Madison Group, what they're all about and how they're helping to revitalize downtown Kitchener.

http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/654442--smaller-developers-see-downtown-s-potential

[mpd618]

This a great article about the Madison Group, what they're all about and how they're helping to revitalize downtown Kitchener.

There's an evocative word for what the article describes Madison Group doing in Cedar Hill, and that's gentrification. Not to say that it's a bad thing, certainly not at this stage and not at this scale. I really like what these guys are doing, as it's part of making downtown a more diverse place in which more people can live and not just work. It's also small-scale, which is a welcome change.

[.FLH.]

This a great article about the Madison Group, what they're all about and how they're helping to revitalize downtown Kitchener.

http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/654442--smaller-developers-see-downtown-s-potential

So the working poor who live in this area are going to live where? Don't get me wrong, I can see what they are doing and they are going to make a lot of money at it. But the fact that these rental units they are turning into Condo are not likely to be replaced by other lower rent level units is troubling.

[BuildingScout]

So the working poor who live in this area are going to live where?

I think Kitchener still has plenty of low cost housing right now. Plus it is highly dubious that the crime ridden conditions of Cedar Hill is the type of low cost housing one should defend.

[mpd618]

To add to my previous comment that this is gentrification... It is, but it also is different in that this kind of development significantly increases the density. So while it may be displacing a number of people, this kind of increase of downtown housing density ultimately makes it possible for more people to live there. When the zoning allows for high density, and especially if it allows for construction without much parking, market pressures should prevent downtown becoming a place only for the more wealthy. That generally happens when there is high demand but also a cap on the housing stock.