They really need to do a better job activating that space in front of M2. It's like night and day when you compare to Simmons Block next door.
from www.facebook.com/TomAJenson/
from www.facebook.com/TomAJenson/
M2 Block | ?m | 4s | XYC | Riddell Kurczaba
- Thread starter UrbanWarrior
- Start date
gsunnyg
Senior Member
Agreed and from the looks of it, at least it's salvageable. All they have to do is convert the middle section into retail/restaurant space.
Mountain Man
Senior Member
The fact that they put offices in there still blows my mind.
ActiveTruth
Active Member
City looks beauty in this shot!
choco.taco
New Member
As someone with a bit of inside knowledge on the project, hopefully I can clear a few things up.
Everyone involved wants a restaurant in the ground floor space, but the continuing pandemic has the restaurant industry understandably hesitant to build out and open a new space right now. There is still a restaurant tenant lined up, but they needed more time. That's why there is currently a TEMPORARY change of use to office space, which has a self-imposed expiration date when the use will be restricted to restaurant again.
As far as the plaza in front of the building, the City controls everything beyond the M2 property line, which sits about 10cm away from the building itself. The tenants can request a separate lease with the City to gain use of parts of the plaza, which is how Bow Cycle now has an outdoor space. The restaurant plans to do the same when they move in, creating a dining area along the outside of the building.
It's disappointing the restaurant is delayed, but hopefully the wait won't be too long before things stabilize and the plan is back on track.
Calgcouver
Active Member
Why is there no planting or trees in the plaza space similar to the Simmons Building? Planting standards should continue through these lands so that mature trees can provide shade when they mature. The building is so bland and there is no planting or warmth to any of the materials, this is the definition of a highly sterilized building and public realm.
It looks like we need to pound on the city to do more with the plaza.
Calgcouver
Active Member
I mean we could, but this is the kind of thing that the File Planner should've been pushing for the builder to do in the DTRs and something UDRP should've been harping on to get right the first time so we don't have to go in and change/improve it later. The plaza is so bland and underwhelming I can't believe it is final condition.
JTron
Active Member
It's also possible the city has had their own plans for it. I think an e-mail to the Councillor for that ward (Farrell) might shed some light.
CBBarnett
Senior Member
Wasn't the thought that this section of the plaza would be for seasonal events and concerts etc.? I thought that was the idea of keeping it sparse so you could fit a sizable crowd or set of tents on occasion.
Calgcouver
Active Member
Could be. I just think it looks cheap, sparse and sterile as-is, just my opinion.
Mountain Man
Senior Member
A nicely done patio would do wonders for that space! Here's hoping with things somewhat normal, that someone will look at that space for next summer!
CBBarnett
Senior Member
I agree. Something to soften the boring and metallic look. If it's an eventual patio, something with wood and a load of planters would be ideal. We have a strange affinity for metal and ugly patios in this city.
Mountain Man
Senior Member
A patio with some planting and a wood pergola would contrast the metal and concrete and give that area exactly what it's missing.
A patio with a wood pergola would be great. Oh and some patio lanterns 