02-04-2017, 01:01 PM
(02-04-2017, 07:39 AM)jamincan Wrote: I actually think KW would be better served by more mid-rise development in the midtown area so that the density spreads over more of it rather than being concentrated in smaller nodes.
The challenge is that since the city isn't actually doing the development, pretty much all it can do is set the zoning parameters to guide the development. Individual developers then choose whether to buy land and/or build within those parameters.
So if we were to limit King Street to 14 stories (10 +/- 4, as you suggested), would we still get a SIXO? Would we get a 1 Victoria and 100 Victoria? Would the region find a developer for the transit hub at max 14 stories? The city's current intensification strategy (which allows taller towers, though still limits FAR) does appear to be working. Would a mid-rise intensification strategy result in more properties being developed at lower heights? There are many questions, but we really don't have the answers.
At a personal level, I like the current strategy which allows tall buildings (although I would like to ease the FAR limits and the parking minimums); I believe the heights will naturally taper off W of SIXO and Google. The King/Victoria area is already fairly high (pharmacy, 1 Victoria) with more on the way (transit centre, 100 Victoria) so I think that the SIXO height will work well with that.