Edmonton - Current Projects, Proposed Projects, Rumours, etc

[Medwards]

Edmonton Construction Thread

Hi all, Thought it would be a good idea to bring this over from SSP. This is a project of mine that I update frequently. Right now, this is in trial in C2E to see response and over all opinions of this thread. I welcome you all to view, and advise me of any missing information, as there are many blanks. If you know of some other projects that should be added, or ways to make this better, please, by all means, send me what you have.

Relevant links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonton,_Alberta
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=119448 <--- Edmonton Construction Thread on Skyscraperpage.com forum

This is a current work in progress...if you know details to fill in the blanks, send me a PM. If you have new news, post it in the thread, and I will update it ASAP.




Under Construction


Century Park - partial under construction - full build out over many years
Developer: Westbank and Procura
Architect: James KM Cheng
Location: Former Hertiage Mall Site, East side of 111th Street, North of 23rd Avenue
Number of floors:
proposed Century Park - Tower 1 - 20 Floors
proposed Century Park - Tower 2 - 18 Floors
proposed Century Park - Tower 3 - 18 Floors
proposed Century Park - Tower 4 - 20 Floors
proposed Century Park - Tower 5 - 24 Floors
proposed Century Park - Tower 6 - 24 Floors
proposed Century Park - Tower 7 - 24 Floors
proposed Century Park - Tower 8 - 24 Floors
proposed Century Park - Tower 9 - 12 Floors
proposed Century Park - Tower 10 - 20 Floors
proposed Century Park - Tower 11 - 16 Floors
proposed Century Park - Tower 12 - 12 Floors
URL: http://www.centurypark.ca/












Total Floor Count Century Park: 232

The Icon Tower 1 and podium - under construction
The Icon Tower 2 - proposed/planning
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: 104th Street between 102 Avenue and Jasper Avenue
Number of floors: 2 x 30
URL: www.theicon.ca





The Parliament - completed
Developer: ?
Architect: C.W TSE Architects LTD.
Location: 9939 109th Street
Number of floors: 18
URL: http://theparliament.ca/

Windermere - Under Construction
Developer: Commercial Lands Ltd.
Architect:
Location: South of Anthony Henday, on Tewillegar
Number of floors: Various
URL: http://www.windermereedmonton.com





Rivervista - Under Construction ?
Developer: Christenson Developments
Architect: ?
Location: 9707-106th STREET
Number of floors: 13
URL: http://www.cdlhomes.com/rivervista/index.htm


The Illuminada - Completed
Illuminada 2 - under construction
Developer: WAM Development Group
Architect: ?
Location: Jasper Avenue between 119th and 120th Street
Number of floors: 2 x 12
URL: http://www.theilluminada.com/



The Venetian - under construction
Developer: Abbey Lane homes
Architect: CSG
Location: Old site of Sidetrack Cafe on 104th Avenue
Number of floors: 6
URL: ?



The Imperial - under construction
Developer: BCM Development
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors: 6
URL: ?





SoHo in Cloverdale
Developer: Time Developments
Architect: ?
Location: Cloverdale
Number of floors: 4
URL: http://www.sohocloverdale.com/



Cecil site - Sobeys - under construction
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: NW Corner of 104th St. and Jasper Ave
Number of floors: 4 or more?
URL: ?





Center in the Park - under construction
Developer: Christensen Developments
Architect: ?
Location: Sherwood Park - Sherwood Drive near County Hall
Number of floors: 4?
URL: http://www.cdlhomes.com/centreinthepark/






The River Cree Resort and Marriott Hotel - Completed / Open
Part of a $170 million, 362,600 square foot, full-service, state-of-the-art hotel and entertainment establishment, located on 49 acres on the outskirts of Edmonton
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors: ?
URL: http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/YEGMC



YMCA Don Wheatons - Downtown - under construction
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: 102 Ave between 102nd and 103rd Street.
Number of floors: 3
URL: ?








Proposed


StationLands - 3 or 4 Mixed Use buildings
Developer: Qualico Lands http://www.qualicoedmonton.com/comme...ion/stat2.html
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors: ?
Tower A 3 149 m 34
Tower B 2 149 m 37
Tower C 1 69 m 15
Tower D 2 69 m 21
URL: http://www.stationlands.com/






Downtown East Re-vitalization
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: Jasper East Area
Number of floors:
URL: ?




Bellamy Tower
Developer: Trans America Group http://www.transamericagroup.com
Architect: ?
Location: Bellamy Hill
Number of floors: 32
URL: http://www.transamericagroup.com


Serenity
Developer: Urban Landmarks http://www.urbanlandmarks.ca
Architect: CSG www.csg.ca
Location: ?
Number of floors:
URL: http://www.liveserenity.com/
Picture:



Aurora
Developer:
Architect: BZA
Location: ?
Number of floors:
Aurora 1( 18-28 )
Aurora 2( 18-28 )
Aurora 3( 18-28 )
Aurora 4( 18-28 )
Aurora 5( 18-28 )
Aurora 6( 18-28 )
URL:


Fort Road Redevolpment
Developer: City of Edmonton
Architect: ?
Location: Fort Road south of Belevdere LRT station
Number of floors:
URL: ?
http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/1870/fortroadoz6.jpg



Uptown Now approved by EDC
Developer: True North Properties http://www.truenorthproperties.com/home.html
Architect: Sylvie Perrault
Location: Between Jasper Ave and Victoria Park Rd on 117 Street NW
Number of floors: 15 Floors, 54 Suites
URL: http://www.uptownedmonton.com/



The New North
Developer: Alldritt Homes LTD
Architect: ?
Location: Clairview
Number of Floors 4 Tower, 12 Stories each
URL: www.thenewnorth.ca

Vivacity - unknown
Developer: True North Properties
Architect: ?
Location: 104th Street, North of 98 Avenue
Number of floors: 18
URL: http://www.whatisvivacity.com/



GreyHound / VIA Rail Hub
Developer: ?
Architect: O'Neill O'Neill Procinsky Architects http://www.onpa.ca/swf/flash.html
Location: 121 Street and Yellowhead Trail at current Via Rail Station
Number of floors:
URL:




105st 104ave tower
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors: ?
URL: ?
Picture: ?

West Edmonton Mall Expansion
This will include additional retail space, a facility for sports, trade shows and conventions, a 12-story office building, and a 600-unit apartment building, along with more parking.

WEM Office Building
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors: 12
URL: ?
Picture: ?

WEM Apartment Building
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors: 12
URL: ?
Picture: ?

WEM convention centre
WEM Hockey Arena


Mystery loft (wig boutique)
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: Northside of 102 Avenue between 106 and 107 Street
Number of floors: 4
URL: ?



Element lofts
Website contains no valuable information...HA!
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors: 4
URL: http://www.elementlofts.com/


Fancy WAM building
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors: ?
URL: ?
Picture: ?

Founder's Ridge
Developer: BMC Developments Ltd
Architect: Hartwig Architecture Inc
Location: ?
Number of floors:
URL: http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=217765
Picture: ?

The Zen
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors: ?
URL: ?


Alta vista 2
Developer: Christenson Developments
Architect:
Location: Railtown (South of 104th avenue on 111th Street)
Number of floors: 12
URL:http://www.altavistarailtown.com/
http://www.cdlhomes.com/altavista/index.htm


Celebrations Casino
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors: ?
URL: www.centurycasinos.com


Strathern Heights
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors: ?
URL: www.strathearnrejuvination.ca



China Town Condo
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: 105ave/98 Street
Number of floors: 13
URL: ?


Westcorp redevelopment of the old UofA tennis
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: 51 Ave
Number of floors: 16
URL: ?



Greystone
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors: ?
URL: ?


Meridian
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors: ?
URL: ?
Picture: ?

Rossdale Green
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors: ?
URL: ?
Picture: ?

Corner 1 Towers
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors: ?
URL: ?
Picture: ?

Roundhouse
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors: ?
URL: ?
Picture: ?

The Neo
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors: ?
URL: ?
Picture: ?

Gates on 17th (rumour has it rejected by design panel?)
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors: ?
URL: ?
Picture: ?

103ave/105st tower
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors
URL: ?
Picture: ?

Edmontons Institutions and Health Care Facilities

University of Alberta

University of Alberta Downtown - Former Bay Building - Under Construction
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: Jasper Avenue between 103rd and 104th Street
Number of floors: 4
URL: http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/udt/





University of Alberta Phys Ed Addition
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors: ?
URL: ?


University of Alberta Health Research Innovation Facility - Under Construction - Nearly Completed
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: 89 Avenue between 112 Street and 114 Street (North End of University Hospital)
Number of floors: 7-8
URL: http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/pi/na...47&nav01=22192




University Hospital - Mazankowski Heart Institute - under construction
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: University Hospital, SE Corner, on 112th Street and 87th Avenue
Number of floors: ?
URL: http://www.albertaheartinstitute.ca/default.htm
http://www.albertaheartinstitute.ca/...ion_Update.htm






Edmonton Clinic
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: West of 114street West of UofA Hospital
Number of floors: ?
URL: ?




Grant MacEwan College

GMCC Robbins Health Center - Under Construction
The 27,000-square-metre facility will provide classroom and laboratory space for MacEwan’s health sciences programs, allowing the college to accommodate up to 2,000 additional students at the City Centre Campus.MacEwan is committed to sustainable design,construction, and operational principles that will allow the building to meet high environmental standards in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: Corner of 109th Street, 104th Avenue
Number of floors: 5 - 6
URL: http://www.gmcc.ab.ca/web/services/i...20Feb%2006.pdf




Grant MacEwan Arts Centre
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors: ?
URL: ?
Picture: ?

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

NAIT Petro-Canada Centre for Millwright Technology
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors: ?
URL: ?

NAIT Center for Buisness
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors: ?
URL: ?
http://img274.imageshack.us/img274/3...uisnessva4.jpg
http://stream2.nait.ca/media/buildin...v?MSWMExt=.asf

Norquest College - 3 buildings
Developer: ?
Architect: Cohos-evamy http://www.cohos-evamy.com
Location: ?
Number of floors: ?
URL: ?



Concordia University College of Alberta- Lois Hole Academic Centre- under construction
Developer: ?
Architect: Janusz Najfeldt
Location: Highlands Campus, at 7128 Ada Blvd
Number of floors: 4
URL:http://concordia.ab.ca/hac/




Royal Alex Hospital - Lois Hole Expansion (Center for Women)
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: Royal Alexander Hospital
Number of floors: 9
URL: ?


Art Gallery of Alberta
Developer: ?
Architect: Randall Stout www.stoutarc.com
Location: ?
Number of floors
URL: www.artgalleryalberta.ca/



Ukrainian Canadian Archives & Museum of Alberta (UCAMA)
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors: ?
URL: http://www.ucama.ca/


Royal Alberta Museum Renovations
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors
URL
Picture: ?

Rumours

New NHL Arena
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors: ?



Arlington + Tower
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors: ?
URL: http://www.vueweekly.com/articles/default.aspx?i=1964


Canada Place Addition/ 3rd Phase
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors: ?


12 Story Office Tower on Jasper and 110Street Southside
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors: ?
URL
Picture: ?

Office tower on Jasper/102st
Developer: ??
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors: ?
URL: ?
Picture: ?

Bell Tower 2?
Developer: ??
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors: ?
URL: ?
Picture: ?

BMO Tower Replacement
Developer: ??
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors: 20
URL: ?
Picture: ?

Crown Plaza Condo Tower
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors:
URL: ?
Picture: ?

WEM condo
WEM office
WEM convention centre
WEM Hockey Arena
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors
URL
Picture: ?

*Kevin's 80 storey AAA office rumour:>
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors
URL
Picture: ?

Trinity Pointe
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors: ?
URL: http://www.elementlofts.com/


97street "arts lofts"
Developer: ?
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors: ?
URL: ?
Picture: ?


Misc


Devonian retrofit - under construction
Developer: Canterra
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors: 14?
URL: ?




Professional Building addition/remodel
Developer:
Architect: ?
Location: ?
Number of floors:
URL: ?

Edmonton LRT Construction




Under Construction

South LRT
The extension will occur over three phases.
Phase 1: University Station to Health Sciences Station opens in January 2006
Phase 2: Health Sciences Station to South Campus Station opens by the end of 2008
Phase 3: South Campus Station to Century Park opens by the end of 2009

www.edmontonslrt.com

Southgate Station

[COLOR="Red"][SIZE="3"]Planned and Proposed[/SIZE][/COLOR]
West LRT
Lots of Information on the whole project here
http://www.edmnton.ca/portal/server....ning+Study.htm


3 Different possible routes exist
1. Lewis Estate to Health Sciences
http://www.edmonton.ca/RoadsTraffic/...thsciences.pdf
2. Lewis Estate to South Campus
http://www.edmonton.ca/RoadsTraffic/...outhcampus.pdf
3. Lewis Estate to Downtown
http://www.edmonton.ca/RoadsTraffic/...20downtown.pdf


North LRT Still in the earlier planning stages
http://www.edmonton.ca/RoadsTraffic/...20Council1.pdf


South East BRT
http://www.edmonton.ca/RoadsTraffic/...%20options.pdf
http://www.edmonton.ca/RoadsTraffic/...%20options.pdf



Edmonton Roadway Construction


Under Construction
Anthony Henday Drive


Anthony Henday SW
The southwest component of Anthony Henday Drive will be opening fall 2006. For the latest update, please click here.
http://www.infratrans.gov.ab.ca/INFT...2006update.pdf
Photos: http://www.infratrans.gov.ab.ca/INFT...2006Photos.htm
http://www.infratrans.gov.ab.ca/INFT...tusNov2005.pdf

Anthony Henday Drive SE
Scheduled to open in Fall 2007
http://www.accessroadsedmonton.ca/

Other
156 Street / Yellowhead - nearly completed - overpass


Planned and Proposed
23 Ave and gateway

http://www.23ave-interchange.com/

Anthony Henday NE

Anthony Henday NW

[ThomasH]

Excellent list Feepa!

I want to mention that Altavista II is under construction because I saw the basement level being excavated today.

[ThomasH]

Here are some images of the proposed condo development for 142 St. & Stony Plain Rd.

Keep in mind that the towers won't be taller then the existing highrise Crescent Place at 18 storey.

[RichardS]

...and Glenora is fighting that???

It needs more street level retail, but...

[ThomasH]

That project would be good for the area.

[DanC]

Its fine, very different from the norm for Edmonton. Round is cool, I can definitly handle this.

[IanO]

appropriate size for the area - check
good scaling - check
townhouses - check
urban design - check
good mix of buildings - check

tower design - ...need more pictures, but im gonna say meh.

[amanzano]

I think it's time for Edmonton to do something different. I like the round design. Not like we need another pyramid in the city.

[IanO]

Originally Posted by amanzano

I think it's time for Edmonton to do something different. I like the round design. Not like we need another pyramid in the city.

circles can look like ugly sticks as much as squares.

[DanC]

These really aren't that bad though. The bases of the towers don't look very good, but its impossible to see any detail on the masonry work and I don't like the elevator shaft sticking past the top level of the building and I would change the color of glass to transparent or light blue, though that might look awful with this color masonry.

[amanzano]

Originally Posted by DanC

These really aren't that bad though. The bases of the towers don't look very good, but its impossible to see any detail on the masonry work and I don't like the elevator shaft sticking past the top level of the building and I would change the color of glass to transparent or light blue, though that might look awful with this color masonry.

I'll admit, the colors are something that can be improved. In fact, they sort of remind me of the prelim designs for railtown. though impressive in the prelim renderings, now that they're built, they're nothing to write home about.

I've looked at it more, and I reallyl ike the round. I think what I like the most though is the amount of glass that's going in.

[Edmcowboy11]

I like that devellopment plan. It would bring more character to that area of the city.

Here is some pics of a new devellopment starting in south edmonton at Gateway business park. There is a couple more pics and floor plans on the website. The link to the site is below the picture.


http://www.thesteppes.ca/

[mick]

While it's refreshing to see a new approach in the Glenora design, I think they miss the mark. Those slanted bases scream 1980's hotel on the Mayan riveria or some other spot. Street level looks good, but, quite frankly, I don't get how the picture they show comes from the same buildings. I think the towers are fine. I have nothing against round. Overall, it just seems out of time and context.

Interested how you would compare this project to the strathern and Aurora proposals. I know which I feel do a better job of fitting into their time and surroundings.

[IanO]

^amen, stathern and aurora is far far beyond this project.

[ridgeman]

FEEPA - you posted this article in November and I really enjoyed reading it, BUT it needs to be updated. ( in the short period since you first posted it, several new projects have been confirmed and a few others rumored). For any first time readers, this article makes you step back and gasp at the amount of redevelopment/construction that is going on in the Edmonton area.

Thanks for doing this, when you have a few free moments.

[IanO]

Originally Posted by ridgeman

FEEPA - you posted this article in November and I really enjoyed reading it, BUT it needs to be updated. ( in the short period since you first posted it, several new projects have been confirmed and a few others rumored). For any first time readers, this article makes you step back and gasp at the amount of redevelopment/construction that is going on in the Edmonton area.

Thanks for doing this, when you have a few free moments.

gasp at the lack of IMO......we should have double the amount of condos going up honestly given the immigration, economy, pricing.

[ridgeman]

The DT is not the only place that condos are being built. If you look at the Metro Edm area, you'll see them coming up everywhere. I get a sense that because Edmonton trailed most of the major cities in Canada for some many years, some people here are very impatient and expect everything to be rebuilt over night. I was transferred to Edmonton16 years ago and have seen alot of changes. The rail yards were still downtown where Grant McKweon now sits. Railtown was a disgusting abandoned yard. The "Rat Hole" graced 109th St. There was no development along 104th Ave. Our Downtown was really bad and no doubt contributed to companies moving to Calgary.

That was then and this is now. I think we have turned the corner and are going in the right direction. The attitude in Edmonton at all levels is becoming more positive BUT, let's be patient. I predict it will take another 10 years before all of this redevelopment and new construction radically changes the face of our DT. Take a deep breath, relax and have a beer!!!!!

[IanO]

Originally Posted by ridgeman

The DT is not the only place that condos are being built. If you look at the Metro Edm area, you'll see them coming up everywhere. I get a sense that because Edmonton trailed most of the major cities in Canada for some many years, some people here are very impatient and expect everything to be rebuilt over night. I was transferred to Edmonton16 years ago and have seen alot of changes. The rail yards were still downtown where Grant McKweon now sits. Railtown was a disgusting abandoned yard. The "Rat Hole" graced 109th St. There was no development along 104th Ave. Our Downtown was really bad and no doubt contributed to companies moving to Calgary.

That was then and this is now. I think we have turned the corner and are going in the right direction. The attitude in Edmonton at all levels is becoming more positive BUT, let's be patient. I predict it will take another 10 years before all of this redevelopment and new construction radically changes the face of our DT. Take a deep breath, relax and have a beer!!!!!

have a beer i will....but honestly....the past 5 yrs have been mediocre at best given our state here in Edmonton and wood frame 4 storey ellerslie road condos dont convince me we are in a boom........20-40 storey condos in the heart of the city do.

10 yrs calgary, vancouver, et al will be 20 ahead of us....thats 20 more and top of the 200.

[Edmcowboy11]

I think Edmonton is actually develloping at a decent pace, especially considering the pace we've been at in past years. With that said, I would like to see more things happen and sooner. Other LRT projects, further road devellopments, new subdivisions will definitely help the pace Edmonton is at. Downtown is transforming right now before our eyes and hopefully soon there will be more announcements of other big projects. You have to crawl before you walk and walk before you run. I think we've finally progressed to the walking stage which is ok for now.

I can't remember the thread here on c2e for the Professional Building but here is the link to procura's website. This is a good example of something really good coming to downtown Edmonton. http://www.procura.ca/2006/commercia...albuilding.htm

[IanO]

A good pace is ok in good times.....but we are experiencing HUGE net migration, a renewed urban living demand, and big capital $ in the area.....

Look at calgary, a city of about the same size and yes demographics are different to some degree, they have prob 2-3 times the number of condo proposals in the core and beltline or significantly better design, material, and size.

There should be cranes a plenty in the core, not a handful.

[mick]

Cowboy - the procura re-development is an example of a decent re-development (great street front improvement, sorry about the dark glass and removal of nice facade). As others have said, a project of this sort would barely register in other major cities across Canada. In fact, I can't imagine most major cities in Canada today approving an office building in their core that is only 10-12 stories yet takes up virtually an entire city block. Good on them for the LEED cert. though.

They are 'very good' or good projects underway in the core (the icon, sobeys, new museum, the ymca, and the bay building minus awful corragated tin) but these were all announced in 2005. I can't think of any 'very good' projects from 2006 and share Ian's dismay with the lack of Condo's inparticular. These things are selling out within days of going on sale and for the most part (aurora excluded) we are still seeing 5-6 story pretty jobs in areas surrounding the core. It reeks of small thinking and fear. How outside developers haven't taken note and moved to get in on this is beyond me. Maybe with our recent real estate 'correction' things will change. Murman, you seem to have a finger on the pulse of outside developers, hearing any indications of that?

[murman]

Originally Posted by mick

How outside developers haven't taken note and moved to get in on this is beyond me. Maybe with our recent real estate 'correction' things will change. Murman, you seem to have a finger on the pulse of outside developers, hearing any indications of that?

Unfortunately, Edmonton's latest breed of local developers have very humble beginnings with big aspiriations and no concept on what going big means. As a result, you have project concepts that look ill-planned and/or have little knowledge of major international development trends over the past 10-15 years.

This may be hard for some to swallow, but for the vast majority of major big name developers, Edmonton doesn't show up on their maps or in their dictionaries.

The really big outside developers are already far too busy working on a wealth of opportunities elsewhere. Those opportunities are viewed as having much lower risk and greater opportunity, especially beyond the short term.

For those that ARE aware of Edmonton, they are unfortunately too aware of how much they got burned in the last big crash (early 80s), and would never touch Edmonton again. Until those old boys are retired, don't count on their companies looking at Edmonton ever again.

Edmonton is still viewed as being at the upper end of the risk spectrum. It's economic cycle is particularly volatile vis-a-vis other major centres.

As a final comment, even though Edmonton has the appearances of an economic boom going on, for most outsiders it's a "so what" kind of boom. In other words, the boom is not tangibly manifesting itself, unless you consider acre upon acre of outdoor pipe storage (and mile after mile of cookie-cutter suburbia) your best evidence of a boom.

Sorry... just telling you what I'm hearing. Aside from Westbank being brought in to participate with Procura on the redevelopment of Heritage Mall, I'm hearing a lot of "don't bother me with Edmonton, I'm doing well enough elsewhere, thank you".

[mick]

Thanks Murman - although not nice to hear, its good to know what the outside thinking is. Couple of questions for you: did Calgary suffer from the same risk apprehension until a couple of years ago or is it a different game altogether with Edmonton? I didn't live in Edmonton during the last crash but were any of the major big name developers in town at that time?

[murman]

Originally Posted by mick

Thanks Murman - although not nice to hear, its good to know what the outside thinking is. Couple of questions for you: did Calgary suffer from the same risk apprehension until a couple of years ago or is it a different game altogether with Edmonton? I didn't live in Edmonton during the last crash but were any of the major big name developers in town at that time?

Calgary: the Edmonton-to-Calgary power shift was already underway back in the late 70s. It was really back in the 80s, though, when Calgary seized the opportunity to quantum leap ahead of Edmonton. By the late 80s, the shift was effectively complete.

If anything, Calgary's been very good at covering up past troubles (like, say, back in the latter 90s when oil dropped to $12 a barrel). If anything, these days, Calgary's very good at acting bulletproof, and that's really attracted attention. Nothing like the power of Calgary's creative marketing (as others here will attest to with some vigour) to make it seem like Edmonton doesn't even exist.

Big name developers in Edmonton during the last crash? Oh, lord, yes many. Trizec, Oxford, Manulife (who really's been burned in Edmonton), SunLife, O&Y, just to name a few.

[ridgeman]

Mick: I would add a number of other "very good - good" recent condo developments in the downtown area to the list. (ie. Omega, Jasper Landing, One River Park on Sask Drive, the Parliament, Illuminada 1,& 2, River Vista and Alta Vista). The recent condo guide lists 26 condos that are under construction or recently completed in the DT. However only half are high rises and yes we do need more of those.

A knowledgeable realator however recently told me that the only concern developors have about the Edmonton downtown market is that majority of it right now is speculators and if they overbuild will there still be a market in 2-3 years when many of these buildings are completed and ready for occupancy. Icon 1 for example will not be completed until the summer 2008. The Calgary market is different. Their downtown has atleast 4 times as many offices as ours does, so they have more people there who want to live downtown. Edmonton will improve as we get a few more office complexes built and get more working folks into the DT area

[IanO]

^that is a bunch of BS.......there is a HUGE demand for downtown condos....as much as Calgary IMO, but people are blind to see it. You dont have to have your work downtown to live downtown and urban living is beginning to be big here. I know many people who live downtown and reverse commute.

[ridgeman]

Well Ian, If there was infact such a HUGH demand for condos downtown I think more people would be building them. Those companies who have to put their 30 - 50 Million on the line to build a high rise condo seem to have other opinions on this matter and are obviously being cautious. But the good news is that a good number are being built and others will follow, just not as quickly as you would like to see that happen.

[mick]

Ridgeman - I was talking specifically about the core. Many of the projects you listed are outside of the core - one river park, illuminada? Omega was completed almost two years ago now. I was speaking specifically of the last two years during the hottest period economically.

In addition, I believe Murman has just listed a bunch of reasons why we aren't seeing more development in the core. Given how we have seen condo's been snapped up around the core, demand does not seem to be a problem. Risk is inherent in any development is it not? Century park is a risk but they are still going ahead. I was simply interested in what factors may be keeping the large traditional developers out of Edmonton. From what Murman says, it appears to be only minimally based on current market conditions.

[RichardS]

/\ market conditions + past perceptions + ineffective marketing = where's Edmonton again?

[m0nkyman]

Originally Posted by RichardS

/\ market conditions + past perceptions + ineffective marketing = where's Edmonton again?

Nope. Just the dire consequences of being in the city with the lowest property values of the boom cities. The sad fact is that during the boom, you build where you will make the most money. In Victoria, a bachelor suite less than 350sq ft is 165,000$ with a view of a wall. Ditto for Kelowna, Calgary, and Vancouver. In Edmonton that gets you a south facing one bedroom suite with river valley view....

Opportunity Cost. That is what is stalling downtown development. Any developer is making less money in Edmonton than they would for the same effort in the other cities. With a crunch in labour and machinery for that scale of construction, what sane developer would come here.

Development is starting to take off now that housing prices have jumped about 35% in a year. Another sizeable jump and you'll start to see the cranes get erected.

[Medwards]

Originally Posted by ridgeman

FEEPA - you posted this article in November and I really enjoyed reading it, BUT it needs to be updated. ( in the short period since you first posted it, several new projects have been confirmed and a few others rumored). For any first time readers, this article makes you step back and gasp at the amount of redevelopment/construction that is going on in the Edmonton area.

Thanks for doing this, when you have a few free moments.

ridgeman,
you should just visit the thread over here which is updated very regularly by me
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=123054

I update that very regularly. I do not like doing this thread here, as per the way it displays pictures and the general layout of the forum is unfavorable to me. (RichardS, I still like the idea and content of the forum though)

[ridgeman]

Thanks FEEPA, I'll do that.

Richard is it possible to make this site as a tab on the C2E main page????. I think it is awesome way to tell the world what is happening in Edmonton. ( I have been telling all of my contacts to check this out)

Again thanks for doing this FEEPA.

[grish]

"Nope. Just the dire consequences of being in the city with the lowest property values of the boom cities. The sad fact is that during the boom, you build where you will make the most money. In Victoria, a bachelor suite less than 350sq ft is 165,000$ with a view of a wall. Ditto for Kelowna, Calgary, and Vancouver. In Edmonton that gets you a south facing one bedroom suite with river valley view.... "

you are waaaaaaaaaaaaaay off base on that one. in edmonton, a decent 750 sqft condo with a view downtown goes for $250 and up. you cannot compare an existing old building with a new development. look for something built in the last few years and try making an offer with your $165,000. your ears will be ringing with loughter until 2010.

[IanO]

Originally Posted by grish

"Nope. Just the dire consequences of being in the city with the lowest property values of the boom cities. The sad fact is that during the boom, you build where you will make the most money. In Victoria, a bachelor suite less than 350sq ft is 165,000$ with a view of a wall. Ditto for Kelowna, Calgary, and Vancouver. In Edmonton that gets you a south facing one bedroom suite with river valley view.... "

you are waaaaaaaaaaaaaay off base on that one. in edmonton, a decent 750 sqft condo with a view downtown goes for $250 and up. you cannot compare an existing old building with a new development. look for something built in the last few years and try making an offer with your $165,000. your ears will be ringing with loughter until 2010.

true........my condo is 770sqft and i heard it went for around 255,000

[m0nkyman]

Are you folks trying to seriously tell me that real estate prices in Edmonton aren't cheaper than Victoria, Calgary or Vancouver?

[Medwards]

Originally Posted by m0nkyman

Are you folks trying to seriously tell me that real estate prices in Edmonton aren't cheaper than Victoria, Calgary or Vancouver?

I think they are trying to say that your prices are off, I dont see them saying that we are cheaper then Vic/Cal/Van... Prices around here have gone up alot, certainly in the last 2 years.

[grish]

i am saying that in edmonton something decent in a newish building will go for $250 thousand and up. properties in edmonton (apartments) go for about $300-$350 a sq ft, extra for view, height, location.

and IanO--you know it...

[m0nkyman]

Originally Posted by feepa

I think they are trying to say that your prices are off, I dont see them saying that we are cheaper then Vic/Cal/Van... Prices around here have gone up alot, certainly in the last 2 years.

Slightly exaggerated for effect, but I did back them up with current MLS links.

[grish]

Originally Posted by m0nkyman

Slightly exaggerated for effect, but I did back them up with current MLS links.

i speak from experience. your example shows an old building, while the rest of the thread deals with new construction. Apples=apples my friend... try to find something new in the core for less.

IanO, I did some calculations and yours might go for $256,000. sure you have some water damage, but once you cash in all those beer bottles on your balcony...that for sure will put you over the top :P

[DecoDoug]

The yellow construction box on 100 Avenue at 117 Street is atop established highrises. Should it perhaps be on 100 Ave. between 119 St and 121 St? Is it meant to be Lessard House?

Douglas Oakley

[IanO]

that was for uptown estates, but yes it should not have gone that far south.

[Medwards]

That map provided by google maps, and modified by myself, only is a close proximity of where I believe the developments are actually occurring. I take no responsibility for not getting the exact location correct. Use of this map should be only as a rough guide/approximation to where new developments are and might occur. Perhaps over a cooler fall/winter, I may devote more time into this pet project of mine. I will be honest, I have not really kept it up to date. Luckily, Xelebes has on another forum, and I will look to see if we can some how collaborate on this together in the future..

[IanO]

^no need...there is a professional one in the works and should be done shortly:>

no, not by me

[Medwards]

Originally Posted by IanO

^no need...there is a professional one in the works and should be done shortly:>

no, not by me

I know who its by anyways... buzz marketing...