The Metz (Schneiders site redevelopment)

[tomh009]

I think this is excellent news. Auburn is very much committed to Kitchener-Waterloo, with Arrow Lofts and Barrel Yards already (mostly) complete, and Alexandra and Arrow 2 still left. This development will keep them busy until probably 2025 ...

[panamaniac]

At least they are making the right noises:

""We are working on development concepts and have a vision for a range of housing forms and densities on the site along with some office, commercial space and parks."

One hopes for much more than a bigger Barrel Yards.

[urbd]

I think this is excellent news.  Auburn is very much committed to Kitchener-Waterloo, with Arrow Lofts and Barrel Yards already (mostly) complete, and Alexandra and Arrow 2 still left. This development will keep them busy until probably 2025 ...

Committed yes, but known for their bland, boring, and plain ugly architectural design choices (subjective, I know).

[tomh009]

I think this is excellent news.  Auburn is very much committed to Kitchener-Waterloo, with Arrow Lofts and Barrel Yards already (mostly) complete, and Alexandra and Arrow 2 still left. This development will keep them busy until probably 2025 ...

Committed yes, but known for their bland, boring, and plain ugly architectural design choices (subjective, I know).

Are you referring to Arrow Lofts or to Barrel Yards?  As far as I know there are only two local projects that they have built.

And apparently no non-bland, non-boring, non-plain-ugly design company was willing to purchase the Schneider's lands.

[panamaniac]

Maybe we should start an "all brick, no stucco" campaign.

[kps]

Maybe we should start an "all brick, no stucco" campaign.  

Actual stucco would be fine, but is no more likely to appear on a new building than actual brick.

Is there an formal name for pile-of-alternating-eifs-and-metal-clad-boxes vernacular?

[panamaniac]

Maybe we should start an "all brick, no stucco" campaign.  

Actual stucco would be fine, but is no more likely to appear on a new building than actual brick.

Is there an formal name for pile-of-alternating-eifs-and-metal-clad-boxes vernacular?

Ugly?  Garrish?  Tacky?  Likely to need recladding in 20 years? 

[urbd]

Committed yes, but known for their bland, boring, and plain ugly architectural design choices (subjective, I know).

Are you referring to Arrow Lofts or to Barrel Yards?  As far as I know there are only two local projects that they have built.

And apparently no non-bland, non-boring, non-plain-ugly design company was willing to purchase the Schneider's lands.

Yes referring to those 2 and their many other projects in other cities, especially London. Either way, this will be a good redevelopment project, and we're slowly seeing more interesting architecture in the region.

[Spokes]

I actually think this is brutal. Auburn owns a ton of different properties in town and is doing nothing with them. Look how long Arrow Lofts took to get started. Barrelyards too. I worry that this won't start for like 10 years.

[NotStan]

I actually think this is brutal.  Auburn owns a ton of different properties in town and is doing nothing with them.  Look how long Arrow Lofts took to get started.  Barrelyards too.  I worry that this won't start for like 10 years.

As opposed to the current owner doing nothing with it for 10 years?

[tomh009]

The Record story includes comments from the mayor:
https://www.therecord.com/news-story/759...developer/

[Watdot]

Auburn has "half" completed the Barrel Yards.  I'm not being critical of them but this Schneider's project will be a very long play for them.  Whether they develop it or not, it's a good investment.

[tomh009]

Realistically project this big will take 2-3 years to get off the ground (planning, zoning, design, approvals etc) so by that time they should be wrapping up Barrel Yards.

[panamaniac]

I actually think this is brutal.  Auburn owns a ton of different properties in town and is doing nothing with them.  Look how long Arrow Lofts took to get started.  Barrelyards too.  I worry that this won't start for like 10 years.

I could see a row of towns or stacked towns going up along Borden very quickly - the demand would be strong, I suspect.  But you are right, Auburn seems not to be in a hurry with their projects.

[Rainrider22]

I actually think this is brutal.  Auburn owns a ton of different properties in town and is doing nothing with them.  Look how long Arrow Lofts took to get started.  Barrelyards too.  I worry that this won't start for like 10 years.

I could see a row of towns or stacked towns going up along Borden very quickly - the demand would be strong, I suspect.  But you are right, Auburn seems not to be in a hurry with their projects.

I wonder if Auburn has the necessary Capitol to bring a project this size to fruition.  They made need a partner.