133 Park | 13 m | 3.5 fl

[UrbanWaterloo]

133 Park
133 Park St and 36, 38 and 40 Allen St W
Developer: Rom Dam Developments
Site Plan (http://www.city.waterloo.on.ca/Portals/57ad7180-c5e7-49f5-b282-c6475cdb7ee7/DS_DEVAPPROV_documents/CptSPZ-0906.pdf) | Building Elevations (http://www.city.waterloo.on.ca/Portals/57ad7180-c5e7-49f5-b282-c6475cdb7ee7/DS_DEVAPPROV_documents/CceptBdElevZ-0906.pdf)
www.133park.ca

<img src="http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/133%20Park%20Street/133%20Park%20Street,%20Waterloo%20-%20April%207,%202011%20-%202b%20Resized.JPG" width="790px" />

[Spokes]

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Uptown/133%20Park%20Street/133%20Park%20Street.jpg

Townhouse development slated for Park and Allen
By Greg MacDonald, Chronicle Staff | Jul 29, 2009

As construction begins on a 19- storey condo tower at the corner of Park and Allen streets, the intersection is getting a new addition.

A 3.5-storey, 18-unit townhouse development is slated for the northwest corner of Park and Allen.

The site is currently a vacant industrial lot.

The design of the building is new to Waterloo.

It will be a “stacked townhouse,” essentially a hybrid of apartments and townhouses.

The style, which is also known as terrace dwelling, is essentially rows of townhouses stacked on top of each other.

This development will feature three rows of townhouses, including basement, main floor and upper floor.

“This will complement the development of 144 Park,” said Scott Patterson a consultant with Labreche-Patterson and Associates, at a public meeting earlier this month.

“The terrace dwelling will provide a suitable transition from existing townhouses to the south and higher density to the north.”

The development is still seeking approval from the city.

City councillors expressed a few concerns during the public meeting, including handicapped access and a sidewalk’s proximity to the road.

There were also some questions about how this development would fit with the 144 Park tower and the nearby Bauer Lofts — paticularly in terms of the number of cars it will bring to the surrounding neighbourhood.

“One area of concern I have is traffic,” said Coun. Ian McLean.

In the spring, nearby residents came out to oppose 144 Park because of the traffic impact the increased density was perceived to have had on side streets.

The development will go to another public meeting before a decision is made.

http://www.waterloochronicle.ca/news/article/183415 (http://www.waterloochronicle.ca/news/article/183415)


Another development approved for Park and Allen streets
September 15, 2009 | Liz Monteiro, Record staff | http://news.therecord.com/article/596899 (http://news.therecord.com/article/596899)

WATERLOO – Waterloo councillors last night gave the go-ahead for another residential development at Park and Allen streets.

A 3 ½ storey building with 18 units of stacked townhouses will be built at Park and Allen. It will include 23 parking spaces.

Construction could begin by December and the development could be completed by fall of 2010, said Scott Patterson of Labreche Patterson and Associates who represented the builder, Rom Dam Developments of Waterloo.

Councillors approved a zone change which allows for residential development and approved demolition of three existing buildings that are now on the property.

All councillors except Coun. Karen Scian supported the move. Scian was against the project because the building will not have an elevator.

“It’s absolutely absurd a development excludes complete sectors of society – seniors and the disabled,’’ she said.

Coun. Diane Freeman said she, too, was concerned with the lack of accessibility to those who are not able-bodied but supported the development.

Freeman said concerns raised by a resident in the area about traffic concerns were valid.

Jim Hosepian, who lives on Allen Street at the Chippendale Common townhouses, said he’s worried with the increased traffic in the area. He’s also concerned with the plan to have vehicles move in and out of the property off Allen and not Park Street.

City planner Trevor Hawkins said the city wants to continue with its plans to make Park Street pedestrian friendly. Across the street, the Catalina townhomes have the front of the houses facing Park and not driveways.

Hawkins said the other development at Park and Allen, 144 Park, a 19-storey condo development with 143 units and eight three-storey brick townhouses will have the townhouses facing Park.

To concerns from residents that the development could have students living there, Patterson said the owner plans to turn the building into condos with high-end units.


Accessibility a growing concern with new condo developers
Sep 16, 2009 | By Greg MacDonald, Chronicle Staff |
http://www.waterloochronicle.ca/news/article/188347 (http://www.waterloochronicle.ca/news/article/188347)

http://media.halton2.topscms.com/images/9d/8f/0326a6394310a5d5d8ba0d507aa3.jpeg

A new low-rise condo development will be built at the intersection of Park and Allen streets, despite concerns expressed by neighbours and councillors over accessibility and traffic.

The project, dubbed 133 Park, will be erected at the northwest corner of the two uptown streets, just metres away from two high-rise condominium buildings currently under construction — 144 Park and the Bauer Lofts.

The new building will be a “terrace dwelling” — essentially three rows of townhouses stacked on top of each other.

“I think this is exactly the kind of building we need in the city,” said Coun. Mark Whaley at Monday night’s council meeting.

“It will fit into the neighbourhood.”

Terrace dwelling is a new style of housing for Waterloo and one that caused some concern for Coun. Karen Scian.

The plans for the building provide for two handicapped parking spots, but no accessibility to the units in the form of ramps or an elevator.

That might be okay under provincial law, but it’s not logical, Scian said.

“I think that in this day in age, it’s absolutely absurd to bring forward a planning proposal that excludes large sectors of our population including seniors and the disabled,” she said.

Jim Hosepian, a member of the condo board at the nearby Chippendale Commons, also had qualms with the building.

While the board was supportive of the overall look and design of the development, they worried about traffic flow.

“Within a block of this development are nine driveways,” Hosepian said. “It’s already difficult if not dangerous to drive out from one’s own driveway.”

He said he’d like to see the development scaled down or have a second driveway added to reduce traffic on Allen Street.

Councillors approved the project 7-1, with Scian opposed.

Some concerns, such as traffic and design, will be dealt with during the site plan approval process, said Trevor Hawkins, a development planner with the city.

And though the project is a go, the debate brought out a bigger issue, said Coun. Diane Freeman.

“I think that sometimes we forget that we are all only temporarily able-bodied and that there will be a time when all of us will need improved access and accessibility,” she said.

[jay]

Any news on this on when a sales office is opening or anything?

[Spokes]

Any news on this on when a sales office is opening or anything?

I haven't heard anything. I wouldn't be surprised if we saw one in the early parts of 2010 to take advantage of sales in the late winter/early spring.

Have you heard any discussion/reaction from people in the Bauer neighborhood?

[jay]

I live in the bauer building and I like this project. Maybe some of the people living near by might not like the traffic but this is uptown, if you don't want high density move to the suburbs. This got approved so it doesn't matter.

[Spokes]

I like the project a lot too. I think this is something that uptown/downtown need more of. And I think they'll sell quite well. There seems to be a lack of 3 bedroom units on the market, so I think there'll be a market for them. It'll be interesting to see what the prices are like.

It seems to be that the traffic issue is not only the traffic in general, but on Allen St. But I share your sentiments!

[Oliver.Ashton@Remax.net]

Any news on this on when a sales office is opening or anything?

This is a rental complex. That could change in the future.

[jay]

Really? They were worded as high end condos before in the article above when the public was worried about students living there.

The townhomes on King st East by the market were sold as condos and then most of them were rented out, so I guess it doesn't matter much.

I hope they start this in the spring.

[Spokes]

Ya I assumed they weren't rentals because of


To concerns from residents that the development could have students living there, Patterson said the owner plans to turn the building into condos with high-end units.

Rentals would bypass the pre-sales phase. Hopefully they're priced high enough to keep it from being student dominated. Some students are ok, especially the ones paying higher rent. They typically take care of the properties better, and want to get away from the student ghettos

[IEFBR14]

It seems to be that the traffic issue is not only the traffic in general, but on Allen St. But I share your sentiments!
Just found this thread. You are correct. The main concern that I have is with traffic coming from Allen W that wants to turn, especially left/north onto Park St. or to proceed east on Allen. There's no traffic light there. Even now, even without 144 Park, it's difficult to do that, especially during busy periods. It's only going to get worse with 144 Park, never mind 133 Park. We need a traffic light there. (Presumably there's not enough space for a roundabout.)

Another concern is with driveways coming out onto Park. That would be a traffic hazard, not only to cars but to cyclists. It's not clear, however, if instead there will be a lane behind the townhouses that enters/exits onto Allen. That would be more practical and far more aesthetically pleasing, but would exacerbate the problem at the Park/Allen intersection.

As much as I hate traffic lights on successive blocks (Allen, John, Union) I don't see any other solution.

[panamaniac]

Just found this thread. You are correct. The main concern that I have is with traffic coming from Allen W that wants to turn, especially left/north onto Park St. or to proceed east on Allen. There's no traffic light there. Even now, even without 144 Park, it's difficult to do that, especially during busy periods. It's only going to get worse with 144 Park, never mind 133 Park. We need a traffic light there. (Presumably there's not enough space for a roundabout.)

Another concern is with driveways coming out onto Park. That would be a traffic hazard, not only to cars but to cyclists. It's not clear, however, if instead there will be a lane behind the townhouses that enters/exits onto Allen. That would be more practical and far more aesthetically pleasing, but would exacerbate the problem at the Park/Allen intersection.

As much as I hate traffic lights on successive blocks (Allen, John, Union) I don't see any other solution.

The site plan shows that the driveway is onto Allen from the parking lot behind the development.

[Spokes]

The site plan shows that the driveway is onto Allen from the parking lot behind the development.

Yes. Parking is behind the building.

[IEFBR14]

Yes. Parking is behind the building.Then all the more reason to install, ugh, traffic lights at Park & Allen.

[mpd618]

As much as I hate traffic lights on successive blocks (Allen, John, Union) I don't see any other solution.

Four-way stop? (It wouldn't be a bad idea at John Street, either.)

[Spokes]

Four-way stop? (It wouldn't be a bad idea at John Street, either.)

Ya I think that's a better idea than a set of traffic lights. And I woudlnt be surprised to see it at either intersection.

[IEFBR14]

Ya I think that's a better idea than a set of traffic lights. And I woudlnt be surprised to see it at either intersection.
That might work for cars(*) but not for pedestrians. When you've got a 4-way stop and lots of traffic, especially at rush hour, cars get through and pedestrians get ignored (or run over.) When you've got two 4-way stops in a row it's even worse at the second one.

(*) But even then I'm not sure. My experience is that >50% of drivers have no idea about the concept of right-of-way at stop signs.

[mpd618]

That might work for cars(*) but not for pedestrians. When you've got a 4-way stop and lots of traffic, especially at rush hour, cars get through and pedestrians get ignored (or run over.) When you've got two 4-way stops in a row it's even worse at the second one.

In that case how about four-way stop with raised and well-marked crosswalks? And curb extensions while we're at it!

[Spokes]

That might work for cars(*) but not for pedestrians. When you've got a 4-way stop and lots of traffic, especially at rush hour, cars get through and pedestrians get ignored (or run over.) When you've got two 4-way stops in a row it's even worse at the second one.

That's a good point. Definitely something I've noticed at the 4 way near my place.


(*) But even then I'm not sure. My experience is that >50% of drivers have no idea about the concept of right-of-way at stop signs.

You're right, the majority of people have no clue how to navagate one. Isn't that one of the things you need to know for your very first drivers test? Guess not.

[Spokes]

In that case how about four-way stop with raised and well-marked crosswalks? And curb extensions while we're at it!

Ya I was thinking something along those lines. That could definitely help solve the issues.

[IEFBR14]

Isn't that one of the things you need to know for your very first drivers test?
It is -- or at least it was the last time I took a driving test back in 1967 :eek:

And that's the problem. But I digress...

[Spokes]

It is -- or at least it was the last time I took a driving test back in 1967 :eek:

And that's the problem. But I digress...

Ya me too, for the G1 written test

[garthdanlor]

It is -- or at least it was the last time I took a driving test back in 1967 :eek:

And that's the problem. But I digress...

Absolutely agreed. Regular re-testing should be part of the licensing process and not just a cursory eye test. I'd opt for a test for each license renewal (every 5 years), alternating between a written and driving test. Sounds like a lot of testing but it really only means that you'd have a driving and written test once every 10 years, obviously increasing frequency once you reach an advanced age. Inconvenient, sure, but regular testing would at least force people to study the rules of the road periodically so that can't be a bad thing. The end result might be that we have more people that understand how to handle a bloody 4 way stop.

[IEFBR14]

I'd opt for a test for each license renewal (every 5 years... regular testing would at least force people to study the rules of the road periodically so that can't be a bad thing.
I didn't want to digress but that's never stopped me. You've been warned ;)

If you think 4-way stops are a problem, consider that lots of drivers got their licenses before there were things like controlled access highways, advanced green lights, green waves, heavy traffic, a resurgence of cyclists, never mind the latest innovation: roundabouts. About the only way most "experienced" drivers learn how to deal with those changes is by watching what other drivers do. And as we can all see, that's been working out really, really well.

Harris contracted out testing to the private sector. Without getting into the pros and cons of that decision I think retesting could be handled along similar lines, possibly without any direct action by the province. For example the auto insurance industry could offer substantial discounts to drivers who take and pass a driving refresher course every 5 years. The course would review the rules of the road with special emphasis on new developments and legislation from the previous 5 years. Then they'd have to take and pass a practical driving course.

The province might also create a special "elite" class of driver's license that recognizes those who have passed the above test(s) and who've been accident and demerit point free for 5, 10, 25, etc. years.

We need the public and private sectors to use a bit of marketing thinking to "encourage" drivers to keep up with their skills and their knowledge. If done properly this would instill pride in driving competently and safely as well as helping to control insurance rates.

Perhaps we could get Canada's own CAE to develop car driving simulators. These would be simplified versions of their airplane simulators. They'd allow drivers to practice and also to demonstrate their competence without having to do a real road test, thus minimizing the cost of administering the retest program.

Such simulators would also be great for teaching people how to drive in the winter. (How many people do their driving test during a winter storm? How many people have to drive in a winter storm after they've got their license? Anyone see anything crazy about this situation? But I'm digressing my digression.)

In the long run these sorts of initiatives might pay for themselves in reducing the number and severity of "accidents" and their associated insurance and, probably most important, health care costs.

[Urbanomicon]

In that case how about four-way stop with raised and well-marked crosswalks? And curb extensions while we're at it!

I was at McMaster University in Hamilton a little while ago and they have speed bumps with crosswalks painted on top of them at all of the on-campus stop signs that I drove through. It works quite well.

[Urbanomicon]

How many people do their driving test during a winter storm?

*Raises hand*

It was actually the easiest driving test I'd ever taken. They shortened the test substantially to the point where I drove around the block and parked; it took less than 10 minutes.

[IEFBR14]

I was at McMaster University in Hamilton a little while ago and they have speed bumps with crosswalks painted on top of them at all of the on-campus stop signs that I drove through. It works quite well.That's great in parking lots or other areas with heavy pedestrian traffic. I wonder how that would go over at an intersection like Park & Allen even after 144 and 133 get built? But still it's an intriguing suggestion.

[IEFBR14]

It was actually the easiest driving test I'd ever taken. They shortened the test substantially to the point where I drove around the block and parked; it took less than 10 minutes.Which only underscores my point, i.e. that few people ever get tested on their winter driving skills -- even when they take their test in the winter -- despite the fact that winter driving skills are essential in the vast majority of Canada.

[Spokes]

I was at McMaster University in Hamilton a little while ago and they have speed bumps with crosswalks painted on top of them at all of the on-campus stop signs that I drove through. It works quite well.

Yup I know the ones you're talking about, they would work perfectly here

[Duke-of-Waterloo]

One thing that doesn't make sense to me in this area is why John and Park has a light, whereas Allen and Park does not...but Allen and King has a light whereas John and King does not...my only guess for the reasoning behind this is that John and Park can get very busy for a short period during the morning and afternoon rush for Sunlife.

[Spokes]

Ya John and Park maybe because of the Sunlife parking garage. And King and Allen serves King and John too? My best guess.

[jay]

Back to the topic of the building. Is there any news when they are starting this?

[mpd618]

There's two dumpsters on the site, and fencing around the site for demolition.

[jay]

Finally been waiting forever for this to start.

[Spokes]

Great news indeed! I think this will add a lot to Park St. Now if only they'd get started at 144 Park!

[IEFBR14]

Great news indeed!Depends on where you live ;)


I think this will add a lot to Park St. Yup. It will add a lot of construction disruption and traffic delays and such, especially if both 133 and 144 are under construction in parallel.

Those of us in the Park/Allen area have suffered almost continuous disruptions in the past few years with the construction of Bauer Lofts, then the refurbishing of Park St in stages.

But yeah, once all the dust clears -- and I sure hope that doesn't take as long as Bauer did -- then it will be great news indeed!

[Spokes]

I can't see it disrupting traffic TOO much. And I doubt this thing takes much longer than a year start to finish. Assuming there are no delays. I know, a big assumption.

[IEFBR14]

There's two dumpsters on the site, and fencing around the site for demolition.
And today Kieswetters is busy "extracting value (http://www.timelessmaterials.com/about/company)" out of the three existing houses. They were pulling out hardwood flooring when I passed by a few minutes ago.

Perhaps this means that 133 will get built before 144.

[BusyBerliner]

.
Perhaps this means that 133 will get built before 144.

I think that's a safe bet. I'm not sure 144 Park even has site plan approval yet. Probaly 2012 openening at the earliest I suspect. 133 should be up next summer.

[jay]

Ya 144 Park won't start for awhile... 2013 is my guess for occupancy.

133 Park, like BusyBerliner said, will be done by next summer. I bet they have the houses demo'd next week.

[Urban_Enthusiast86]

Why exactly won't 144 Park start for a while? Last I checked it was 70% sold out and the houses on-site were fenced off. It seems kind of dumb to make it this far and not proceed with the project.

[jay]

They will proceed, but in due time... Which I don't think will be soon (soon being 3 months or less). I'm guessing they start in earnest in the Spring.

I think they put up the fencing to help sell the remaining units, because it gives the impression something is happening.

[urbangeographer]

Two houses down one to go....

[UrbanWaterloo]

November 1, 2010

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Uptown/133%20Park%20Street%20-%20November%201,%202010%20-%202%20Resized.JPG

[IEFBR14]

November 1, 2010
The photo needs updating this morning. All you have to do is PhotoShop the 'dozer out. No signs of life or any other activity.

[jay]

I'm going to assume that this probably wont start until the spring.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Looks like you were right jay. There's been no activity on the site in the last month and a half so they'll probably wait until spring.


December 20, 2010

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Uptown/133%20Park%20Street/133%20Park%20Street,%20Waterloo%20-%20December%2020,%202010%20Resized.JPG

[IEFBR14]

There's been no activity on the site in the last month and a half
Actually there was. About a week after it snowed they finally got around to plowing the sidewalks. They didn't do a very good job because the remaining hard packed snow and ice is too uneven for someone with mobility issues to negotiate safely. And they use more salt in one application than I use all winter. But hey, it's a start. (I wonder if someone reported them to the bylaw enforcement bureaucracy :evil: )

By contrast the folks across the street at 144 Park have done an excellent job in keeoing their sidewalks clear.

[IEFBR14]

Fencing went up this morning around the property. Anyone know if they plan to begin construction as soon as the ground thaws?

[UrbanWaterloo]

April 7, 2011

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/133%20Park%20Street/133%20Park%20Street,%20Waterloo%20-%20April%207,%202011%20-%202b%20Resized.JPG

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/133%20Park%20Street/133%20Park%20Street,%20Waterloo%20-%20April%207,%202011%20-%201b%20Resized.JPG

[jay]

Is this still going be rentals?

[IEFBR14]

There's a surveying crew on site as we speak. Also a big hole on Park St just south of Allen as road reconstruction begins.

[Rowe]

Wonderful example of Waterloo architecture.

[IEFBR14]

They've started excavating.

[UrbanWaterloo]

May 4, 2011

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/133%20Park%20Street/133%20Park%20Street,%20Waterloo%20-%20May%204,%202011%20Resized.JPG

[UrbanWaterloo]

May 9, 2011

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Uptown/133%20Park%20Street/133%20Park%20Street,%20Waterloo%20-%20May%209,%202011%20-%201b%20Resized.JPG

[UrbanWaterloo]

The roof of the basement floor is on...

June 7, 2011

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/133%20Park%20Street/133%20Park%20Street,%20Waterloo%20-%20June%207,%202011%20Resized.JPG

[Pheidippides]

The first floor looks nearly complete:
http://i56.tinypic.com/29ut53q.jpg

[UrbanWaterloo]

Going up fast...

June 26, 2011

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/133%20Park%20Street/133%20Park%20Street,%20Waterloo%20-%20June%2026,%202011%20Resized.JPG

[van Hemessen]

Great shot!

[IEFBR14]

A bit off topic...

I live nearby. Ever since construction began there have been numerous power "blips", usually early in the morning around 06:00. (I can tell when this happens because I have to beetle around the house resetting clocks in most devices that have them.) It happened again this morning. It happened 2 or 3 times last week.

What's going on?

[ViewFromThe42]

I also experienced a power failure around 5:30 a.m. last week, at Bridgeport and Peppler, so it's a bit widespread. That said, as my building is still under construction, it could be separate instances.

[plam]

I also experienced a power failure around 5:30 a.m. last week, at Bridgeport and Peppler, so it's a bit widespread. That said, as my building is still under construction, it could be separate instances.

It's not limited to buildings under construction; happens at Noecker and Brighton at well. I had two of them last week.

[WaterlooNative]

Nothing is static. Between high winds, errant squirrels and vehicles that end up where they shouldn't be, anything can happen. I recently lost my phone line to an errant truck. The Boy Scout motto of Be Prepared is the best defense.

On a related note, 133 Park looks like a great fit with the existing neighbourhood.

[Section ThirtyOne]

A bit off topic...

I live nearby. Ever since construction began there have been numerous power "blips", usually early in the morning around 06:00. (I can tell when this happens because I have to beetle around the house resetting clocks in most devices that have them.) It happened again this morning. It happened 2 or 3 times last week.

What's going on?
I've been experiencing the same thing at Seagrams. It's been frequent enough and annoying enough (setting clocks, rebooting PCs) that i've considered filing a complaint with Waterloo North Hydro.

[van Hemessen]

Wow I've been experiencing the exact same thing on Erb Street right across from the Barrel Yards. I frequently wake up and find my clock blinking 12:00.

[DHLawrence]

We get little blips in Cambridge all the time. Not enough to turn the lights off but enough to reset the clocks and force the cable box to reboot.

[KevinL]

Could it have something to do with timed billing being turned on with the new meters? Just a guess...

[IEFBR14]

Could it have something to do with timed billing being turned on with the new meters? Just a guess...
I don't think so. They sent us a notice about a year ago to inform us that our power would be shut off for a few minutes as they swapped meters. These latest "blips" seem to be about something else altogether.

Maybe Waterloo North Hydro should get out of power delivery and into mail delivery. They seem to be more efficient at that. We got our hydro bill hand delivered to the door this morning. We're still waiting for action from Canada Post at our Super Mail Box <sarcasm>

[Section ThirtyOne]

Two further outages this weekend, suspiciously around the same time. Friday morning at 6:10AM and Saturday morning at 6:20AM the power came back on. Not sure how long it was off for, but all of my stuff coming back to life after the outage woke me up both times.

I plan on calling WNH on Monday, i'll let everyone know what they tell me.

[Trogdor]

Two further outages this weekend, suspiciously around the same time. Friday morning at 6:10AM and Saturday morning at 6:20AM the power came back on. Not sure how long it was off for, but all of my stuff coming back to life after the outage woke me up both times.

I plan on calling WNH on Monday, i'll let everyone know what they tell me.

Please let us know because it happened again today. It's getting to the point where I don't even reset my alarm clock; I've just switched to only using my BlackBerry's alarm!

[MidTowner]

We have been getting this near Shanley and King... I have not documented when exactly, but always about the same time of the morning as others have mentioned. Same thing as Trogdor experienced today- my alarm went off at 5:50, the power failed less than five minutes later.

[van Hemessen]

Yes I feel like I'm resetting my clock about every other day now. I left my laptop on the night before last and it had run out of batteries by morning (though it was plugged in). Super annoying.

[Section ThirtyOne]

I talked to the WNH control room today, who are responsible for day-to-day operations of the grid in their service area. The guy I talked to advised that they are definitely aware of the problems and are working to correct it.

What we're seeing is called an 'auto-reclose':



Auto-reclose
In some cases, a circuit breaker at a supply substation will open momentarily to allow a temporary fault or problem on the distribution system (e.g. tree branch) to clear. The circuit breaker then "auto-recloses" to restore power thus avoiding a prolonged power outage or the dispatch of field personnel to restore power.

In the case of a permanent fault (e.g. wires down or equipment failure), the circuit may "auto-reclose" before "locking out" the circuit in which case our System Control Centre immediately dispatches field personnel to assess and restore power.



He said they're trying to locate the source of the problem. Usually it is tree branches or squirrels, but he also found it odd that it occurs in the early AM just after sunrise. Maybe that is when the squirrels are getting out of bed? At any rate, they have accelerated some tree-pruning activities in various locations to try and squelch these problems.

[IEFBR14]

I talked to the WNH control room today...
Thanks for calling them. We just got back from a weekend trip and sure enough we had to reset all the clocks again.

[WaterlooNative]

In response to the quality of the power grid, the developer of 133 has arranged for each unit to have it's own gas lighting. The local factory whistle will blow at noon while the City Hall clock will ring the Westminster clock cycle. In lieu of using the the local omnibus, a hansom cab may be hailed from the street corner with a whistle and wave of the top hat.

[UrbanWaterloo]

The final shape. Now we wait for the details...

July 12, 2011

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/133%20Park%20Street/133%20Park,%20Waterloo%20-%20July%2012,%202011%20-%201%20Resized.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/133%20Park%20Street/133%20Park,%20Waterloo%20-%20July%2012,%202011%20-%204%20Resized.jpg

[UrbanWaterloo]

Park Street windows are in...

August 4, 2011

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/133 Park Street/133 Park - August 4, 2011 - 2 Resized.JPG

[BuildingScout]

This is the speed at which a development is supposed to proceed. 144 Park, the Westmount Grand, the Arrow lofts, the 42, the Delta hotel would stand out for their slow pace of construction in other cities. Not so in Waterloo where a race to be last seems to be the norm.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Bricking from today...

August 29, 2011

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/133%20Park%20Street/133%20Park%20Street,%20Waterloo%20-%20August%2029,%202011%20-%201a%20Resized.jpg

[UrbanWaterloo]

September 25, 2011

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/133%20Park%20Street/133%20Park%20-%20September%2025,%202011%20-%202%20R.jpg

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/133%20Park%20Street/133%20Park%20-%20September%2025,%202011%20-%203%20R.jpg

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/133%20Park%20Street/133%20Park%20-%20September%2025,%202011%20-%204%20R.jpg

[BuildingScout]

So far my reaction is "meh"...

[markster]

Render:
http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/133 Park Street/133 Park Street, Waterloo - April 7, 2011 - 2b Resized.JPG

Current:


september 25, 2011
http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/133%20Park%20Street/133%20Park%20-%20September%2025,%202011%20-%202%20R.jpg



Currently lacking the trim at the top, the french window railings.
The inset circles at the top aren't nearly inset enough to produce much effect.

[Section ThirtyOne]

So far my reaction is "meh"...

The colour scheme is quite monotone I would agree... but it is certainly much better than a lot of the stucco/siding townhouse developments we've seen around the city!

[SP!RE]

Worlds ahead and much better urban form than other townhouses (or even most apartment buildings/condos) going up in this city so it gets a good grade from me!

[mpd618]

On the street level it seems very strange, but I can't put my finger on exactly why.

I can't say anything good about the fact that more of the lot is covered by parking than by the building. Allen Street is worse off for this development.

Edit: On second thought, maybe I know why it's strange. With very little setback, it imposes itself upon the street. However there is no interaction with the street, no edge, no transition, nothing. Just a wall with some windows and doorways, which don't feel relevant to the street. This might change with the addition of the entranceways and trees, though.

[UrbanWaterloo]

October 10, 2011

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Uptown/133%20Park%20Street/133%20Park%20Street,%20Waterloo%20-%20October%2010,%202011%20-%202a%20R.JPG

[ruud]

I'm sorry, how is this development appealing? It's absolutley horrible with little or no thought to the existing neighbourhood. Thanks for yet another POS development City of Wat and developers.

[SP!RE]

I like it... that's one kind of residential density that's appropriate for the area I think :). And I usually don't like housing that isn't modernist.

[DHLawrence]

The building itself is all right to me, but the grey brick still doesn't sit well. Yellow or brown/red would have been an improvement.

[Trogdor]

The building itself is all right to me, but the grey brick still doesn't sit well. Yellow or brown/red would have been an improvement.

+1. Those are my thoughts exactly.

[Good neighbour]

Condo or rental?

Found this link on a student housing website:

http://www.133park.ca/133ParkStreetCondo/Index.aspx

[benjaminbach]

Condo or rental?

Found this link on a student housing website:

http://www.133park.ca/133ParkStreetCondo/Index.aspx

They are rentals. That doesn't preclude a condo corporation being formed, but as far as I know, the developer has no plans to sell the units.

[UrbanWaterloo]

November 11, 2011

http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Developments/Waterloo/Uptown/133%20Park%20Street/133%20Park%20Street,%20Waterloo%20-%20November%2011,%202011%20R.JPG

[SP!RE]

I think it's really cute and provides good gradual densification for the area as it approaches 144 Park and the Bauer buildings.

The brick looks nice too!

[garthdanlor]

I like it too. Really glad they went with the yellowish brown bricks rather than the ghostly grey shown in the original renderings.

[BigCityBoy]

I like it too. Really glad they went with the yellowish brown bricks rather than the ghostly grey shown in the original renderings.

I like this too, now that we're talking about it. It harks back to the old London Georgian townhouse developments that look better and better as they age. They also have street front doors and well basements that add to the feel that your actually in a city rather than in a subdivision-styled townhouse with the cars out front. Also love the faux stone first lift at the front. Overall, i think this will be good over the years. it is a shame these days that we can't use real stone that ages so much better after one hundred years and is what truly gives an old city its "je ne c'est quoi'.685

[Anderson3133]

I like it. It kind of reminds me of a lot of the buildings you can find in the Etobicoke area along Finch, although those tend to be red in colour.

[Section ThirtyOne]

Amazing how things turn out when a builder actually uses high-quality materials. Too many developments in our region seem to gravitate towards the cheapest thing available, and that is a shame.

[DHLawrence]

Much better!

[panamaniac]

I am struck by how much better this building looks now that the cornices have been added. I wouldn't have thought that kind of detail would make so much difference, but it this case it does, IMO.

[markster]

The pillars are finally on.
They're a bit... slender. And awkwardly placed. Not quite as rendered.

[Pheidippides]

I just had a good look at the rear side of this complex, facing the Chippendales, and it is really too bad that the street facing side isn't nearly as interesting. I'll try to grab a photo next time I am by.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Converting from apartments to condos...

Condominium Development Agreement
2218553 Ontario Inc.
Prepared By: Danielle Ingram
Council Meeting: February 27, 2012 | Report No: DS2012-012 (Page 95) (http://www.waterloo.ca/Portals/57ad7180-c5e7-49f5-b282-c6475cdb7ee7/CS_CLERKS_Minutes_2012/20120227_Packet_Council_Meeting.pdf)

Recommendation

“That Waterloo City Council approve Development Services report DS2012-012 and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Condominium Development Agreement and any related documents for the lands known municipally as 133 Park Street.”

Executive Summary

2218553 Ontario Inc. has submitted a Condominium application to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, for a development which includes 18 residential units, terrace dwelling style. The City of Waterloo is an important commenting agency on Condominium applications and provides recommendations for approval. These recommendations are signed by the General Manager of Development Services who has delegated responsibility for commenting from Council (approved by Council on December 3, 1990).

The Region has draft approved the application subject to the development entering into an agreement with the City of Waterloo implementing the recommendations of the noise study submitted in support of the application. A copy of the proposed agreement is attached to this report. Once the agreement is executed by the Mayor and City Clerk, and registered on title, the applicant will have cleared this condition of draft approval and be working towards full registration.

...

Section 3 - Legal

Should Council authorize the execution of the attached agreement, the owners will be able to proceed with their request for Regional approval of the Draft Plan of Condominium and subsequently sell the individual units within the building...