The Quest | Residential | 22 stories | Completed

[Doug]

Great photos. Skyline looks good.

[oscar]

Looks like the SUBWAY in Quest opened today.

[IanO]

^how can you tell... the windows block nuclear fallout.

[oscar]

LOL.... agree with you there, the big Now Open banner and open sign gave it away!!!!!!

[IanO]

Truly disgraceful how the podium retail/activity is hidden... let alone the 'welcome to 1984' triangular canopy.

[GreenSPACE]

You would NEVER know that Subway is now open if they didn't put a gigantic, ugly, temporary sign saying "NOW OPEN". You shouldn't have to do that! Has anyone taken this up with Brinsmead/Kennedy?

[NielCole]

Originally Posted by IanO

Truly disgraceful how the podium retail/activity is hidden... let alone the 'welcome to 1984' triangular canopy.

Like totally, tubular, forsure! Maybe the architects still think it is 1984. Sadly in this town it's seems to be a common occurance.

[ChrisD]

The only thing I like about that triangular canopy is the paintings within each triangle.

It's obvious that the banner is temporary. Sometimes the backlit signage is delayed. And if the store is ready to serve customers, it's time to generate revenue.

[Chmilz]

So far the only thing the podium is generating is disgust from anyone with normal vision.

[bicycles]

anyone have any pics of the podium?

[moahunter]

The entire building is a dogs breakfast in terms of appearence (thank you EDC, not), but even so, it brings people downtown and will help this location.

[Edmcowboy11]

I walk past this building fairly often and it is very unfortunately that their windows had to be like that. Even from the sidewalk right next to the building it's hard to tell that anything is open there. But like it or not, I have a feeling regardless of the windows that corner is going to get a whole lot busier soon with Starbucks opening on that corner unit. I've had a look inside and lots of the main construction is now done, even some of the furniture is already there.

[PJC]

The Starbucks in the Quest is now open and it really IS a shame the glazing is so dark. The space in this location is amazing. It's really too bad you can't see it from outside.

I would go as far to say this is the best looking Starbucks I've ever been in. It's a welcome addition to the neighbourhood - um, even though they are taking over the world and all.

[GreenSPACE]

^too bad we'll NEVER know if it's open or not lol.

[norwoodguy]

Originally Posted by Mercucio

I would go as far to say this is the best looking Starbucks I've ever been in. It's a welcome addition to the neighbourhood - um, even though they are taking over the world and all.

Is there much deviation from the generic SBUX earth tones and furnishings? In as much as SBUX offers a generally inoffensive environment it's difficult to picture much improvement. Guess I'll have to drop in sometime to see for myself.

[PJC]

^ Lots of wood throughout. A big common table in the middle which seems to be a new dining trend. And the ceiling's gotta be at least 20 feet. The space is also huge.

It would've made a great restaurant space.

[Edmcowboy11]

I'm not a Starbucks fan but I may end up stopping there now and again coming or going from MacEwan.

Off topic, but from the general area, has anyone heard what is happening with the other cafe accross the road from the main entrance of MacEwan. There was a sign on the door saying closed for renos but I've seen very little activity there and the place has for the most part been gutted.

[Chmilz]

I drive by all the time and can't understand why the glazing is so dark. Also, is it just me or do all the doors seem uninviting, as if they were maintenance doors or something?

It's a lot better than some of the other stuff we've done, but still falls short of what it should have been. Seriously, there's a world of examples to work with, and this is the best they could come up with?

[barhonda]

I checked it out over the weekend, it looks fantastic inside. Lots of open space and i love the wood planks on the walls.

I agree with the previous comments on about the tinted windows though. Also the starbucks logos are very small too on the outside.

[IanO]

Rule #1 of retail, EXPOSURE...

amateur

[GreenSPACE]

[GreenSPACE]

they were missing a few bits and pieces here and there, notably to the display counters, but overall different look for starbucks in Edmonton. Much darker in tone, and cooler, streamlines appearance. All lighting in now fluorescent, so we'll see what that's like at night. Large space, minus the ridiculous overhead beams of the Omega. Large booth-like seating area on 104 Avenue side (behind me in the photo)

[IanO]

^that is really nice...very unbucks.

Those overhead 'transfer' beams are kinda important to my condo not collapsing

[GreenSPACE]

Originally Posted by IanO

Those overhead 'transfer' beams are kinda important to my condo not collapsing

NOT the way to design a tower/podium.

[IanO]

Concur in full.

[Edmcowboy11]

I've been meaning to go in, maybe tomorrow I'll check it out.
So that now leaves 1 more space left to be filled in the podium (not including the sales center for the Quest)

[IanO]

New Quest marketing... perhaps a new angle...

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Quest-...7521820?v=wall

[Medwards]

What's the current pricing for condos in Q? Anyone have any idea? Especially for units on 3-15...

[Drumbones]

http://www.condosforsaleinedmonton.c...8-105-street-2

[Drumbones]

I have a cottage on 1.2 acres with another small shack in back and 2 storage sheds, lots of trees, parklike setting at Little Beaver Lake on hwy 21 one hour from downtown edmonton you can have for half that. Lots of garden space. LOL

[IanO]

I'd take the condo, thanks.

[Medwards]

I'll take the condo too, thanks.

[Marcel Petrin]

The one he linked to does seem way over priced though.

[GreenSPACE]

It's new construction, but there's two units for sale in 7th Street Lofts for similar price that are larger that I'd take first.

[moahunter]

Originally Posted by IanO

New Quest marketing... perhaps a new angle...

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Quest-...7521820?v=wall

I'm not surprised they are still using the mock up images of the Arena and very few shots of the outside itsef. No doubt they had better sales before people saw how fugly the actual tower turned out.

[moahunter]

Originally Posted by Drumbones

http://www.condosforsaleinedmonton.c...8-105-street-2

Compare to this one in Calgary, which is slightly larger / slightly cheaper / a more attractive building (almost full glass curtain wall), and will have a much better rental yield:

http://www.realtor.ca/propertyDetail...Key=-897875150

[barhonda]

Originally Posted by moahunter

I'm not surprised they are still using the mock up images of the Arena and very few shots of the outside itsef. No doubt they had better sales before people saw how fugly the actual tower turned out.

Yeah cause looks are everything right?

[Drumbones]

If they took 100,000 off it would be about right
[COLOR=#666666]http://www.condosforsaleinedmonton.c...8-105-street-2[/COLOR]

[edmonton daily photo]

^ Really 400,000 for THAT.

[IanO]

interesting article in this months AWARD

[AAAAE]

Originally Posted by IanO

interesting article in this months AWARD

http://www.myvirtualpaper.com/doc/Aw...2011020301/#75

this?

Good lord. Interesting would be one way to describe it.

[moahunter]

Would it have looked better if they hadn't switched the concrete blocks for stucco?

I hope Brinsmead Kennedy Architecture aren't doing the Quest as well. If they are proud of this tower, it shows they don't have a lot of taste.

[IanO]

Originally Posted by AAAAE

http://www.myvirtualpaper.com/doc/Aw...2011020301/#75

this?

Good lord. Interesting would be one way to describe it.

That's the one

[e5realestate]

I spend a few hours a week at the Starbucks in that building - really great space indeed. Having the Subway right there is nice as well. Finished the building certainly is an improvement on the skyscape for that area - something different. And it will be across the street fom the new LRT line going North soon enough as well.

[ChrisD]

Originally Posted by moahunter

Would it have looked better if they hadn't switched the concrete blocks for stucco?

I hope Brinsmead Kennedy Architecture aren't doing the Quest as well. If they are proud of this tower, it shows they don't have a lot of taste.

No, not really.

You mean Pearl? BK did design Quest.

All in all this tower isn't fugly, it's meh and is a 'generous' 6/10.

From an ivestment perspective this building has excellent longterm potential given that it is 2 blocks away from the proposed arena district, is next door to a growing university, is a block away from a future LRT station and a block away from 104 Street which is only starting to become a 'destination'.

[DanC]

The number one issue with Quest is the retail design.

It's fairly obvious that there was a decent amount of money spent on the finishes on the retail podium, but some of the choices make no sense.

Having gone there for the first time the other day my first impressions of some substantially poor choices by the architect/owner:
Location of retail entrances; single doors recessed into what feel like tiny alcoves with support columns. Feels cramped, hides the entrance, does not align with the signage, cost more money to recess those entrances and the articulation doesn't help the appearnce...it's almost like the architect just HAD to showcase the round columns?

Width of sidewalk; Lots of work & money spent on making the sidewalk by the north retail more than just brush finished concrete...but so narrow. I enjoy the tree planters between the COE sidewalk and the retail sidewalk, but it feels like you are going to fall into the planting bed if you have to pass anyone.

Glazing colour of lower retail windows; I know Subway and Starbucks were both full, but could you ever tell until you go inside...can you even tell that either place is open?! The glazing is so dark it's ridiculous. I have no idea why any architect would spec this, makes no sense when I'd imagine clear glazing is actually cheaper...are you saving the tenants money on blinds??? Considering the retail is East and North facing, ummm not a big deal.

Signage; There is no way that box sign for one of the retail tenants on the east side should have been permitted. Looks totally amateur and not in keeping with all the all the retail signage which is letter cutouts. Why spend the money to have signage backing installed if you are just going to let tenants hide it.

The retail component with just a little better understanding, care and attention could have set a new standard...but much like Illuminada II (which has faired far worse in attracting tenants) there just doesn't seem to be smart choices being made.

[ChrisD]

4 key issues with the design of the retail podium are (as already mentioned by Dan):

1) the reflective 'blue tint' glazing does not allow one to see into the premises thereby reducing the objective of promoting an animated streetscape. Streetfront retail should NEVER EVER EVER use reflective glazing.

2) Column placement creates a difficult interior space to design and navigate. The architect should have thought of how to place the columns in order to maximize the amount of 'useable' space.

3) Ceiling heights are high and at the end of the day are no benefit to any tenant. They could have dropped the height by 3-4 feet and it still would have been a nice lofty space. This would have saved materials and money for the developer.

4) In a year those landscaped islands are going to be wrecked. They are too small for grass and will be trampled by people accessing the retail bays. They should have just hardscaped it and if trees were required use metal grates to protect the base.

[moahunter]

Originally Posted by ChrisD

From an ivestment perspective this building has excellent longterm potential given that it is 2 blocks away from the proposed arena district, is next door to a growing university, is a block away from a future LRT station and a block away from 104 Street which is only starting to become a 'destination'.

Oh, I meant Pearl. I don't have an issue with location, I think its a pretty safe bet, but in all honesty, aside from the retail at the bottom, I don't see anything better about Quest from the otuside than the Legacy across the road which has the same location benefits. Both are stucco, but I prefer the coloring on Legacy with the mix of red (I hate Quest beige). At least the Legacy is boxy / functional, I find Quests form just bizarre with no real style it builds from.

[ChrisD]

^The Legacy, are you kidding? Quest has more glazing and larger windows, better articulation and visual interest. The Legacy is a generic 'slab' design with small windows and 'tacked on' balconies. Legacy is lucky to get a 3/10 from me.

[AAAAE]

What I find a bit incredulous really, is the self-congratulating tone of the architect and developer in the article that Ian linked. Do they have no idea that this is not really considered to be either "high end" or "amazing architecture?"

There are so many amateur mistakes that people have pointed out, I just really find it unbelievable the tone.

[IanO]

Originally Posted by AAAAE

What I find a bit incredulous really, is the self-congratulating tone of the architect and developer in the article that Ian linked. Do they have no idea that this is not really considered to be either "high end" or "amazing architecture?"

There are so many amateur mistakes that people have pointed out, I just really find it unbelievable the tone.

Yup, unfortunate hey

[Marcel Petrin]

What did you expect, though? Articles like that are generally puff pieces and the only reason they're written is because sub-contractors and suppliers are pressed to buy advertising within the article.

[J.J]

Are there any issues anyone may know of that someone looking into the Quest should be aware of?

[IanO]

^A buddy of mine lives there, he is sometimes on here... 'barhonda'... nothing that I have heard other than typical new building/deficiency stuff.

[YEGDTFTW]

A quick question to anyone living in the quest. Do you know if the building actually has a condo board? I have asked for condo minutes and keep getting the run around.

I have heard of some buildings where the developer acted as the condo board and "pretended" to have a condo board in place. Any chance something similar is going on at the Quest?

[Marcel Petrin]

Originally Posted by YEGDTFTW

A quick question to anyone living in the quest. Do you know if the building actually has a condo board? I have asked for condo minutes and keep getting the run around.

I have heard of some buildings where the developer acted as the condo board and "pretended" to have a condo board in place. Any chance something similar is going on at the Quest?

That's how basically every condo association/board starts out the first year or two after construction is completed when the majority of the units are not sold or have not been handed over to buyers.

[YEGDTFTW]

I agree. Except in this case a majority of the units are sold and handed over. I have been told that a condo board exists, but they have yet to produce the minutes.

[GreenSPACE]

I think some C2E members here have friends that live in the Quest. Can anyone help YEGDTFTW out?

[DavidM]

The turnover from the Developer and election of the board took place in September at the first AGM.

[brett-]

Heard in passing while talking to someone there has been action in the last vacant retail space in the Quest. Anyone else hear anything more detailed??

[IanO]

yup

Job No 122338157-001: To change the use from General Retail to a Specialty Food Services (684 sqft of Public Space in CRU #6 (Suite 10382))
10382 - 105 STREET NW
Condo Common Area (Plan 1025042)
LAN'S ASIAN GRILL LTD
DOWNTOWN

[brett-]

Super!!! More life to that corner and in the area in general

[edm_guy]

^ That will be a great addition to the Quest. Lan's and the owner Tommy are great!

[Sonic Death Monkey]

Are they opening a 2nd location, or moving out of current location?
Never heard of Lan's, but the address places them in that Value Village strip mall across from NAIT.

[Hilman]

^ it mainly services NAIT staff and students, tasty food and the owner is super nice.

[Edmcowboy11]

Well that will be good to see for that corner. Hopefully that will just bring more people accross the dreaded 104 ave to grab a bite to eat. Only disappointing thing for me is that I wont be visiting that area much anymore as I will be transferring out of MacEwan for this next year.

[bolo]

Wow, Lan's has some great food. A million times better than Wok Box or Oodle Noodle. Very excited.

[moahunter]

^I don't know Lans, but resturants are always a good thing in urban settings.

With respect to the condo though, this is a side question that could perhaps be in its own thread, but how comfortable are people with a restaurant in their building? I know my condo had an Indian restaurant start up, and it was pretty horrible, because of the constant smell that ended up in the main reception (it upset the coneirge's in particular). The restaurant ended up going out of business which "solved" the problem. I guess a Chinese restaurant would be better, but any thoughts? It might also depend on the systems built into the building to move air away from it I guess.

[bolo]

They already have a Starbucks (strong smell) and Subway (not so strong), so they probably have worked the ventilation to accommodate restaurants. Lan's actually serves Thai & Vietnamese food which can generate some strong smells. Hopefully it doesn't pose a problem to the residents.

[moahunter]

^oh I love Thai (but would rather smell coffee )

[nekonc]

I recently went to a showing of this building. Can the owners comment on what they think in the past year that they've been here? Condo fees? The new flooring? Engineered vs. real hardwood...?

Thanks

[IanO]

Pm barhonda.

[OilTastic/BigCityDude]

Originally Posted by IanO

A few views from

Originally Posted by Doug

Great photos. Skyline looks good.

Ian always takes the best downtown shots! and Bulliver takes the best city shots!

[nekonc]

Originally Posted by IanO

Pm barhonda.

Thanks. Hopefully i will hear from him soon!

[IanO]

^I will let him know

^^bully kills it. A bunch of us have various opportunities, I am just fortunate at times.

[marty]

Originally Posted by nekonc

I recently went to a showing of this building. Can the owners comment on what they think in the past year that they've been here? Condo fees? The new flooring? Engineered vs. real hardwood...?

Thanks

Condo fees have been stable at the amount that was given to me when I purchased, no issue there. We went from a lower maintenance fee to condo fees once occupancy reached the level for doing so.

The switch from real hardwood to engineered was disappointing. Not because there is anything wrong with quality engineered flooring, but because the stuff they used is junk. I rent my unit out so we'll see how they gold up after a year or two. Pay special attention to the paint job done in the suite. Most were not done well and need repainting so make sure you ask for that to be done or have it reflected in the price.

The building doesn't have much for amenities besides one party room. This is fine as it generally keeps fees lower and there are plenty of recreation facilities nearby with much more to offer than a condo could or should.

Overall it is a good building in an excellent and continually improving location. The fixtures, appliances and finishes are all generally excellent.

[YEGDTFTW]

Agree with everything marty said.

Also, if you do end up buying, be VERY thorough in your walk through. Pay special attention to quality of paint jobs and caulking/silicone in bathrooms. Also, make sure all the appliances are working. (something I had an issue with)

Overall, happy with my purchase here. Great location that is only going to get better with the addition of the Grant McEwan station and future growth in the area.

Not too much for amenities as Marty said, but you are a 5 minute walk from the Grant McEwan Fitness center.

[YEGDTFTW]

Anyone know what new store is going into the retail space next to the Quest sales center?

I thought it was supposed to be Lan's Asian grill.. but it doesn't seem that way.

[ChrisD]

^I though Lan's was going in the old SBUX space.

[Montrosian]

Originally Posted by ChrisD

^I though Lan's was going in the old SBUX space.

Does this mean Lan's will be vacating their location at NAIT? I go to NAIT and I go to Lan's for lunch from time to time and would hate to see it go.

[ChrisD]

^Not sure...but I would assume so.

[edm_guy]

After speaking with the owner at Lan's a few weeks back I was told they are keeping the 118th location AND opening a new concept restaurant different from Lans in the old SBUX location

[ChrisD]

Great to hear.

[YEGDTFTW]

Not sure if the Old SBUX location information is correct. There is a place opened up in the area next to the sales center called "This Place". They are selling yogurt, shaved ice, popsicles and smoothies. From talking to the staff, one of Lan's owners is a co-owner there.

I hope they have more planned than just the current product line....

[barhonda]

I too am a little disappointed. Hopefully they expand their lineup to include some pho and vermacelli.

[Edmcowboy11]

So anyone check out the new business in the Quest yet?

[GreenSPACE]

Originally Posted by YEGDTFTW

Not sure if the Old SBUX location information is correct. There is a place opened up in the area next to the sales center called "This Place". They are selling yogurt, shaved ice, popsicles and smoothies. From talking to the staff, one of Lan's owners is a co-owner there.

I hope they have more planned than just the current product line....

Old SBux location was a rumour. This Place Fruit Cafe is their new venture. No plans for the SBux location, not sure what SBux plans to do with it. I'm assuming SBux still have a lease on that space.

[Nko]

I'm interested if anyone on here has purchased a unit recently. Quest is claiming they still have 15% of units left. Any ideas of current pricing?

[IanO]

^not sure, but they had an add recently wanting to clear them out at significant discounts.

[Nko]

Originally Posted by IanO

^not sure, but they had an add recently wanting to clear them out at significant discounts.

I've heard that - in the Journal, right? I need to see if I can track it down.

[barhonda]

To add to IanO's pictures. This one was taken in late september, you can see the NLRT construction on the left hand side.

[IanO]

I really need to get up there and see that view again...

[Nko]

Has anyone heard of a special assessment coming up in the Quest?

[bolo]

^Just call them and ask. They can't withhold that sort of information.

[Nko]

^ I am doing that as well. You may, or may not, be surprised at how unhelpful Regency are being.

[bolo]

^Well if you can figure out what management company they are using, you can call them and request the meeting minutes (for a fee usually) or you can ask them upfront and they might just give you an answer for free.