[CplKlinger]

Wait, so which of the two renders is the more recent one?

I don't know about the front rendering, but the one in the document I mentioned before is dated November 20, 2024. I won't link it here because it has sensitive financial info and I don't want to break Skyrise terms of use (it's an investor document I don't think Procura meant to make public), but if you google site:_pocura.ca "2024" (but without the underscore, I just added that because Skyrise kept turning it into an emoji) you'll find a PDF titled "2024-11-20 Brown Building, Railtown 1, Sedona Feature Sheet Information", and another titled "2024-11-20 Time Square Summary Sheet Information".

 

[constance_chlore]

The choice of brick (veneer) is great. Replacing the balconies with the juliette balconies for airflow, while allowing for more livable floor space would be ideal.

Keeping the Jasper facing facade more uniform and flat would also be an improvement.

Borrowing from another Jasper Ave building, Starkman Bldg, the window trim could be black.

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Alternately, there are modern examples of integrating a juliette balcony into a building like this. A brick or stone lintel can go a long way in enhancing the appearance. Some tasteful glazing is also a good option.

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The bar is so low with mid-rise buildings, that I believe any of these options would be an improvement.

Agreed, and it's clear that many projects' designs would be much better with adjustments that, all things considered, are pretty minor. So why are Edmonton developers/architects like this?

 

[davcocom]

Agreed, and it's clear that many projects' designs would be much better with adjustments that, all things considered, are pretty minor. So why are Edmonton developers/architects like this?

It’s because Architecture is not taught in Edmonton. UofA desperately needs to add it cuz the city needs it.

 

[IanO]

^that's factually untrue and somewhat insulting to the many, many designers in this fair city, but could help longer term.

Just because we do not have a SofA, does not mean that we without well trained, skillful, design-forward architects. It's largely a product of what you can make work given our low rents/saleable $/sqft vis a vis other cities, as well as our climate.

That's not saying you cannot create something that's well designed for the reality we face here, but it takes a bit more effort than in somewhere like Vancouver or Toronto where you are working with $1000-2000 ft on the revenue side and construction prices that are similar (but exorbitant land prices).

 

[David A]

If I could sum up Edmonton design briefly it would be ugly or plain on the outside, very nice on the inside. It is price and economics, but also a cultural thing too.

Longer winter weather causes us to focus on inside space more, plus even many well off people here are not that showy unlike other more established business and financial centres, where being pretentious is de rigueur.

 

[archited]

^ there is some truth in what you say -- Edmonton interior design is superior to what you find in most cities in the U.S. (the exception might be Las Vegas)

 

[Platinum107]

Right! Usage rates of balconies are ridiculously low, but the market and feedback suggests that without them your leasing/sales will suffer.

I'd rather have a common rooftop commercial BBQ and social area than my own balcony or a nice sunroom or slightly larger unit.

95% of the time I'd rather head down to a park or establishment's patio than use my 100sqft patio.

This! I'd love having an enclosed space like that where I can relax in the sun year-round rather than just half the year.

The only things that I like about this proposal are the frontages and the use of brick. This design really needs some larger windows and more articulation on the façade or, dare I say, even some ornamentation for a building fronting our "main street". Also I honestly don't think the balconies facing Jasper Ave were the best choice either. For the back facing units sure, have them, but juliette balconies like @Barnaby suggested or even just larger ornamented windows would work so much better.

 

[northlands]

This! I'd love having an enclosed space like that where I can relax in the sun year-round rather than just half the year.

Agreed. Be a huge selling feature for me. Wonder if we'll see a resurgence of apartment sunroom patios in the face of climate change which is only causing more windy and volatile weather.

 

[Gronk!]

I think this is now up for sale

 

[bodsbods9090]

For sale or looking for a partner to get it off the ground?

 

[MacLac]

I’m thinking the latter…..a partner, just like Times Square and Sedona

 

[Agard]

Hopefully!