[supaflyryguy]

If the building is salvageable there is no need to demolish it. Potentially affordable large open indoor spaces like this are rare, I would like to see it repurposed into something like a climbing gym, pickleball centre, indoor mountain bike course, etc. There is plenty of already empty land very nearby that can be developed into something new like student housing (Petroleum Club, Hanger 11, East end of Blatchford, etc....). Worse case scenario is its another thing demolished and turned into parking in that area.

I love the idea but none of those will generate MAXIMUM PROFIT so let's just come back to reality.

 

[archited]

^ and how do you define reality, Young Turk!

 

[SarcasticMarmot]

I love the idea but none of those will generate MAXIMUM PROFIT so let's just come back to reality.

I mean, you're not wrong. And I guess I just don't understand the Edmonton developer method of maximum profit via buying an old still useful building, demolishing it, and then having the lot sit vacant for decades. I guess I just don't have the business imagination

 

[archited]

^ I know that you are not the one lacking imagination (I got that your comment was tongue-in-cheek).

 

[supaflyryguy]

I mean, you're not wrong. And I guess I just don't understand the Edmonton developer method of maximum profit via buying an old still useful building, demolishing it, and then having the lot sit vacant for decades. I guess I just don't have the business imagination

I don't understand it either. I fear we'll end up with one of the crappiest possible outcomes here, but I hope I'm wrong. It's an interesting location with interesting potential.

 

[David A]

Good points, if the space isn't immediately needed for something else but more for something potentially in the future, there could be good opportunities to use it for something for the next several years, generate income and provide something useful in the meantime.

 

[roe_]

Just to be clear, I am not advocating for this position, but developers may only have limited opportunities to acquire property, so they buy it when it is available and then demo any structures to reduce maintenance and liability until they are ready to re-develop. It isn't a mystery why developers behave the way they do. The real issue is how to create incentives that get outcomes which are more beneficial to the community at large.

 

[MacLac]

“……Athletes Hanger….”

 

[cmd uw]

Beljan is behind this project and the tenant is a fitness studio. So it will be done well, but don't expect too much change to the exterior other than a refresh/modernization.

 

[Edmcowboy11]

I wonder what will happen to the mural?

 

[Markyeg]

Beljan does great work, but such a missed opportunity here. Being near Nait and the LRT it would’ve been a great spot for some mid-rises.

 

[SarcasticMarmot]

Beljan does great work, but such a missed opportunity here. Being near Nait and the LRT it would’ve been a great spot for some mid-rises.

If only there were a glut of empty parking lots and vacant lots nearby that would be perfect for mid-rises....

 

[Gronk!]

 

[thommyjo]

 

[Gronk!]