HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2006-03-02
KPL/CENTRE BLOCK PROJECT COMMITTEE MINUTES
March 2, 2006 City of Kitchener
KPL/Centre Block Project Committee met this date, commencing at 8:30 a.m., Chaired by Carla
Ladd with the following members present: Hans Pottkamper, Ray Robinson, Hans Gross, Rod
Regier, Larry Gordon, Marty Schreiter, Sonia Lewis, Michael May, Silvia Wright, Jana Miller and
Sandy Curzon
Approval of Minutes
1.
On motion by Ray Robinson, it was resolved that the minutes of February 23, 2006 be accepted
and posted on the city’s website www.city.kitchener.on.ca
2.Centre Block Contingency Planning
2.1Demographics - Emerging Urban Trends
?
C. Bluhm provided a powerpoint presentation on The Changing Face of Downtown,
which covered:
?Downtown Market Demographics
?Urban Housing Demographics
?Urban Retail Demographics
?Implications of Streetscape and Urban Design
?
Discussion points:
?Who is the customer?
?Do the products currently sold by downtown retailers suit today’s market?
?How do we manage transition process – Service first? Market first?
2.2Talent Attraction - Building the Knowledge Economy
?
S. Wright provided a powerpoint presentation on Building the Knowledge Economy
which covered:
?Market Insight – Who are we building for?
?
Demographic shift – Knowledge Workers (20-35 age group) and Empty
Nesters (45-65 age group)
?
Residential Trends – there has been a substantial increase in loft sales
?Why is it important to be a magnet for young talent?
?
Innovation Economy – business will go where the talent is
?
Competing for young workers – for every 2 people retiring, there will be less
than 1 person to take their place
?
Live then Work – 3 out of 4 Gen X’ers pick a place to live first then find a job
?Build on Magnetic Assets
?
Support Economic and Educational opportunities
?
Provide after hours vitality
KPL/Centre Block Project Committee Page 1 of 2
Minutes March 2, 2006
2.3Urban Design Guidelines
?
R. Mounsey provided a powerpoint presentation on Urban Design Guidelines which
covered:
?
Recent Development Trends
?
Public Realm and Streetscape Design Guidelines
?
Heritage Compatibility and Integration
?
Discussion points:
?Public space is being redeveloped to become inviting main streets
?Compatibility and massing impacts the quality of development
?In the context of Centre Block, we need to identify what is significant on the
block; address it in a policy; and add it to the development of the site
?Any new development is not intended to mimic current/heritage design, but to
compliment it - Kaufman and Arrow projects are excellent examples
?Achieve distinction between what’s old and what’s new
?What are critical features that we want to compliment/integrate on site ?
?What does the consumer want?
?Strolling through open air environment is preferred
?Duke Street has an opportunity for wider streets and greenery
Action:
?
Next Steps:
?Synthesize today’s information into the RFP Design Guidelines
?How do we package it up?
?How do we understand the market?
Meeting was adjourned at 10:00 am
nd
Next Scheduled Meeting: Thursday, March 9, 2006
8:30am – 10:00am
Conestoga Room, Main Floor, City Hall
KPL/Centre Block Project Committee Page 2 of 2
Minutes March 2, 2006