HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Advisory 2013-02-28
DOWNTOWN ACTION & ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
February 28, 2013 City of Kitchener
The Downtown Action & Advisory Committee met this date, Chaired by Shannon Weber with
the following members in attendance: Councillor Frank Etherington, Craig Beattie, Tania
Benninger, Melissa Bowman, Andrea Cassidy, Dawit Debssou, Amina Gilani, Eric Johnson,
David Kuhn, Lawrence McNaught, D. Morton, Stephanie Noble, Brad Watson, and Don Zehr
City staff in attendance:
Hilary Abel, Cory Bluhm, Sandy Curzon, Tracey Murray, Chris
Farrell and Monika Grau
1. New Business
1.1 Introductions
Shannon Weber welcomed D. Morton who has been appointed by the Arts & Culture
Advisory Committee as a representative on DAAC.
1.2
One Victoria
Chris Pidgeon, GSP Group and Messrs. Mike Maxwell & Brian Prudham, Momentum
Developments appeared before committee as a delegation to provide an overview of
One Victoria, located at the corner of King & Victoria.
Momentum Developments are known for other projects in Waterloo Region - the42,
BPR Lofts and RED Condominium. Some of the highlights of One Victoria include:
19 storeys – 5 storey podium fronting King Street and 14 storey tower backing
onto Halls Lane
195 residential – 450 to 2,000 sq.ft. studio units
3 commercial units – covering 7,500 sq.ft. at street level
188 parking spaces for cars and 220 designated bicycle spaces
Rooftop terrace
This project is currently in the planning application process and has completed the
necessary supporting studies which include the Transportation Impact Study, Urban
Design Report and Heritage Impact Assessment.
Questions & Answers:
Q: Are there any tenants at this time for the 7500 sq.ft. commercial space?
A: Restaurant, retail and office units are available for purchase, however
marketing for these units has not taken place at this time.
Q: Are there any current buildings in the downtown comparable in height?
A: The Alexandria on Water Street (14 storey) and School of Pharmacy (10
storey). One Victoria will be the tallest building in this area of the downtown
until The Transit Hub is constructed, which is considering a possible tower(s)
as well.
Downtown Action & Advisory Committee February 28, 2013
Q: Does Momentum have a sense of how the community feels about the project?
A: Support in principle has been received by City Council and staff. Public
sessions have been held, however the results have not yet been documented.
Q: What is the timeline for this project?
A: Once the City, Region, MOE and pre-sale requirements are met, we anticipate
demolition to start by July 2013.
Q: Will there be an opportunity for public art to be displayed?
A: Public art could become part of the site plan process. The preference would
be from local artists.
Q: What materials will be used to clad the building?
A: The colours have not yet been determined. Primarily a mix of brick and
window glazing. Metalic framing may be used to clad the parking structure.
Q: Of the 188 parking spaces, will there be any for public parking?
A: Parking is for the residents and commercial tenants at this time.
Motion to support Momentum’s One Victoria development:
Motion by:
Eric Johnson
Seconded by
: D. Morton
Carried
Action:
Sandy Curzon to advise Planning staff to ensure that this motion will be
identified in an upcoming staff report to City Council.
2. Minutes & Committee Updates
2.1 Approval of Minutes
The Downtown Action & Advisory committee minutes of January 24, 2013:
Approved by:
Brad Watson
Seconded by:
Andrea Cassidy
Carried
2.2 Economic Development Updates
Cory Bluhm provided a summary of current developments in the downtown which
include the Waterloo Regional Courthouse, Main Library expansion; Mayfair Hotel;
Bramm Street Yards; The Market; Special Events and; Duke Street Food block.
Action:
Sandy Curzon will provide the monthly report electronically to Committee
3. Information Items / Unfinished Business
3.1 Downtown Action Plan – Focus Groups
Meeting adjourned @ 4:50 pm to break into focus groups
Downtown Action & Advisory Committee February 28, 2013