U/C 18 James Street | 28m | 9fl

[UrbanWaterloo]

Demolition Control Application
DC2012-012 | Eric Klimstra | Council: June 25, 2012 | PDF

Recommendation

That Waterloo City Council receive Development Services report DS2012-034 and approve Demolition Control Application DC2012-12, Eric Klimstra, for the lands known municipally as 14, 18, 20 James Street, in accordance with Section 8 of DS2012-034.

Executive Summary

Eric Klimstra has submitted an application to demolish the existing buildings on the properties known municipally as 14, 18, 20 James Street (see Location Map). The subject lands contain three single detached dwellings with a total of 5 units and 22 bedrooms. The demolition has been requested to facilitate the construction of a 30-unit 9-storey apartment building containing 150 bedrooms.

The subject property is located within the Area of Demolition Control as outlined in By-law No. 86-122 and therefore the dwellings may only be demolished with Council's approval.

Staff support the issuance of a demolition permit based on the following:

• the proposed redevelopment is in keeping with the Official Plan;
• the proposed redevelopment is in keeping with the Demolition Control By-law 86-122;
• the proposed redevelopment provides an intensification opportunity in an area planned for medium-high density redevelopment; and
• the proposed building may provide an opportunity for affordable and/or rental housing in close proximity to existing transit services.

Location Map


Existing Conditions 14 James Street


Existing Conditions 18 James Street


Existing Conditions 20 James Street


Perspective Drawing 1


Perspective Drawing 2

[The Comeback Kid]

We seem to be stuck in 5 beroom hell. I can't believe there's still a market for these!

... I need to read up on UW's attendance predictions.

[bcwessel]

Does anybody know why the architects/engineers would choose to have the front door raise those 5 or 6 steps, a decisions which necessitates the construction of mobility ramps as well? Is this a result of site conditions or something? Or is it merely an ingrained unwillingness to bring buildings right out to the street. It seems like a costly, ugly, unfriendly way to build, and I'm just wondering if, despite what's going on between storeys 2 and 9, this building couldn't be a bit functional on the ground.

[Lugnut]

We seem to be stuck in 5 beroom hell. I can't believe there's still a market for these!

... I need to read up on UW's attendance predictions.

Ahhh you block development in Northdale but allow it everywhere else. Makes sense to me.

The issue isn't Northdale, it's THESE buildings!!! Build regular high density buildings in northdale and it's less of an issue. What do you think will happen to these neighbourhoods? Same thing!

[metropolis]

Does anybody know why the architects/engineers would choose to have the front door raise those 5 or 6 steps, a decisions which necessitates the construction of mobility ramps as well? Is this a result of site conditions or something? Or is it merely an ingrained unwillingness to bring buildings right out to the street. It seems like a costly, ugly, unfriendly way to build, and I'm just wondering if, despite what's going on between storeys 2 and 9, this building couldn't be a bit functional on the ground.

Based on the building height I would guess its to provide "underground" parking. By raising the building there is less need to dig deep, which equals significant cost savings. Just a guess though.

[metropolis]

Ahhh you block development in Northdale but allow it everywhere else. Makes sense to me.

The issue isn't Northdale, it's THESE buildings!!! Build regular high density buildings in northdale and it's less of an issue. What do you think will happen to these neighbourhoods? Same thing!

You are correct. I wonder how long before we have one of these proposed Uptown? I wonder if city staff will react differently. If not, will the council be within legal right to do anything about it?

[markster]

One thing I'm starting to like about the newer student buildings is how the first floor generally has a generic "amenity" area, instead of street level bedrooms. I see over time these turning from sparse rooms with a couple of tables and/or pool table, into revenue generating shops/eateries.

Also, I had no idea that James St was handed over to high density development. I am surprised, but also, I believe that if there is anywhere to put single use density, it is on side streets.

[BuildingScout]

Also, I had no idea that James St was handed over to high density development. I am surprised, but also, I believe that if there is anywhere to put single use density, it is on side streets.

It became monster-housingville in the early 90s, and already back then it had an apartment building at the end, so I'm not surprised to see it converted into high(er) density area.

[bcwessel]

Based on the building height I would guess its to provide "underground" parking. By raising the building there is less need to dig deep, which equals significant cost savings. Just a guess though.

Another win for parking minimums, I guess.

[thmollison]

We seem to be stuck in 5 beroom hell. I can't believe there's still a market for these!

If people keep moving into 5 bedroom hell, the market will keep building it.

[BuildingScout]

I think he means in sheer student numbers alone. There is such a fast pace of construction that, to the best of my knowledge, supply must be outpacing demand.

I've noticed that certain buildings near the universities that used to rent themselves now have prominent FOR RENT banners with their phone numbers on them, so clearly things are not moving as fast as they used to, but as far as I know they are still filling up come the beginning of term.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Special Servicing Agreement - 18 James Street
Waterloo Council Meeting: September 24, 2012 | DS2012-055

[UrbanWaterloo]

Excavation - October 12, 2012

[UrbanWaterloo]

The crane is rising this morning...

November 2, 2012 10:53AM

[UrbanWaterloo]

The counterjib is in place...

November 2, 2012 2:30PM

[UrbanWaterloo]

We're finally back to blue skies.

November 7, 2012



Looking North on Regina Street: King James Commons | 18 James Street | 260 Regina Street North


Regina Street North & Noecker Street

[UrbanWaterloo]

November 22, 2012

[UrbanWaterloo]

December 18, 2012

[UrbanWaterloo]

3rd Floor - February 26, 2013