Didn't really feel like starting another thread, but this post instead relates to pending upgrades in the vicinity of the MTS Centre; the government is finally enacting and announcing the SHED (Sports. Hospitality. Entertainment. District) tax incentives to developers.
Aside from the new hotel, office and retail space, and parking structure going up directly across the street from the arena, this seems likely to spur the redevelopment of several other properties, some of the old movie theaters, etc. We should expect to see a Shark Club pop up in the old Eaton's Center mall space (can't recall what they call it now), and assorted other nightclubs and restaurants as well.
Excellent stuff; this should spur the beginning of a new look to the area surrounding the arena, ASAP.
thanks Gump good find on that article.......someone was trying to describe the streetscape upgrades from the TIF and the photos now helps me "get it"
when I get a chance I am going to do a breakdown of Stantec, (Alt Hotel), and parking garage development that is on the North side of Portage avenue. Not only will that give us nice new optics visually it’s a nice new project man hours wise and the increase in property taxes are significant. (more on that at a later date)
The Shark club-regional Casino blended project that is on the 2nd floor of City Place is now in Demolition phase and is projected to be open by approximately December 2012. I think it is going to be about 17,000 square feet. you will be able to exit that business and walk directly across the skywalk and into the MTS centre up around section 316 (all indoors without needing a coat in winter)......if anyone can help me on this one it’s the skywalk across to MTS from City place and there is an access point into the MTS centre (not sure what section).
Also there is a strong rumor that the parking lot across from Tavern will be converted into two separate significant tower developments........on the pad closest to Tavern a mixed use office and retail tower complex (possible new head office of Manitoba Lottery)....then back by the area that you pay for your parking when exiting that lot would be a large hotel.......these two developments could be connected by a skywalk which would skywalk into City Place........also there would be 750 new proposed parking stalls sub-grade and above ground blended between the two developments. (I have heard this bid is in the lead amongst multiple suitors for the property.
then we have the proposed Convention centre expansion which should be activated any day (helping drive occupancy rates for new hotels in the area)... and of course the old Met is under construction and will be a big sports bar (plus) from the Canad Inns people.
all this new development with the streetscape upgrades will have a dramatic impact in the area visually, from a tax revenue base, and in human traffic counts ......many more travelers to the area and as many as 250 new nightly occupied hotel rooms filled with people that will need places to eat and be entertained at.
I know this component of the story has cooled off but we will see significant continued development in the area over the next 36 months and lots of cranes in the sky and new tax dollars to fund further improvements to the area. it takes time to finish plans, get permits, and activate projects. don’t mistake a lack of current visual development activity for the lack of activity…….lots going on behind the scenes that will translate into action
As far as physical changes to the MTS centre I think they will slowly steadily upgrade the facility but nothing too drastic quickly. The one area I have heard about is that they would have room to capture space behind sections 325 to 328 where the current high vestibule is along Portage ave. there is a chance they could cantilever over that existing space and use the new space to expand washrooms and amenities
I'm at an angle and love the glass...the black grates were brutal to look through at my angle...it may be a bit blurry but atleast I can see what is going on now
IMO they really need a better long-term solution to this problem. Yes, I think it is definitely a problem. Depending on where you are seated, up to 2/3 of the ice surface must be viewed by looking through the glass. This is a tremendous distraction, especially with the thick black frame surrounding it blocking part of the view.
They need to think outside the box on this one. Perhaps replacing the thick black frame with a much smaller clear frame (or no frame at all). Perhaps having the glass structure movable, so it gets moved in toward the tunnel during the period (and therefore is not in anybody's sight lines), then back out to the edge of the concrete at intermission to maximize space. There just has to be a better way. I don't think anybody sitting in the low rows of the upper deck near centre ice should have anything but a clear view to the ice surface.
IMO they really need a better long-term solution to this problem. Yes, I think it is definitely a problem. Depending on where you are seated, up to 2/3 of the ice surface must be viewed by looking through the glass. This is a tremendous distraction, especially with the thick black frame surrounding it blocking part of the view.
They need to think outside the box on this one. Perhaps replacing the thick black frame with a much smaller clear frame (or no frame at all). Perhaps having the glass structure movable, so it gets moved in toward the tunnel during the period (and therefore is not in anybody's sight lines), then back out to the edge of the concrete at intermission to maximize space. There just has to be a better way. I don't think anybody sitting in the low rows of the upper deck near centre ice should have anything but a clear view to the ice surface.
That black frame is horrendous. I sit in one of the wheelchair sections and, for obvious reasons, I cannot move a great deal to look around the frame, so it ends up blocking a significant portion of the ice for me. Our usher assured us that the "glass" was only the first stage of the ultimate "fix". Eventually, the framing is supposed to get removed or replaced with something better. I hope so.
thanks Gump good find on that article.......someone was trying to describe the streetscape upgrades from the TIF and the photos now helps me "get it"
when I get a chance I am going to do a breakdown of Stantec, (Alt Hotel), and parking garage development that is on the North side of Portage avenue. Not only will that give us nice new optics visually it’s a nice new project man hours wise and the increase in property taxes are significant. (more on that at a later date)
The Shark club-regional Casino blended project that is on the 2nd floor of City Place is now in Demolition phase and is projected to be open by approximately December 2012. I think it is going to be about 17,000 square feet. you will be able to exit that business and walk directly across the skywalk and into the MTS centre up around section 316 (all indoors without needing a coat in winter)......if anyone can help me on this one it’s the skywalk across to MTS from City place and there is an access point into the MTS centre (not sure what section).
Also there is a strong rumor that the parking lot across from Tavern will be converted into two separate significant tower developments........on the pad closest to Tavern a mixed use office and retail tower complex (possible new head office of Manitoba Lottery)....then back by the area that you pay for your parking when exiting that lot would be a large hotel.......these two developments could be connected by a skywalk which would skywalk into City Place........also there would be 750 new proposed parking stalls sub-grade and above ground blended between the two developments. (I have heard this bid is in the lead amongst multiple suitors for the property.
then we have the proposed Convention centre expansion which should be activated any day (helping drive occupancy rates for new hotels in the area)... and of course the old Met is under construction and will be a big sports bar (plus) from the Canad Inns people.
all this new development with the streetscape upgrades will have a dramatic impact in the area visually, from a tax revenue base, and in human traffic counts ......many more travelers to the area and as many as 250 new nightly occupied hotel rooms filled with people that will need places to eat and be entertained at.
I know this component of the story has cooled off but we will see significant continued development in the area over the next 36 months and lots of cranes in the sky and new tax dollars to fund further improvements to the area. it takes time to finish plans, get permits, and activate projects. don’t mistake a lack of current visual development activity for the lack of activity…….lots going on behind the scenes that will translate into action
As far as physical changes to the MTS centre I think they will slowly steadily upgrade the facility but nothing too drastic quickly. The one area I have heard about is that they would have room to capture space behind sections 325 to 328 where the current high vestibule is along Portage ave. there is a chance they could cantilever over that existing space and use the new space to expand washrooms and amenities
While reading your post, I kept thinking of all the naysayers, years ago, to locating the arena downtown. Amazing what downtown Winnipeg may become.
That stuff is sound attenuation material, you can't just paint it without affecting the acoustics. Probably could be done, but not as easy as it sounds off the bat.
While reading your post, I kept thinking of all the naysayers, years ago, to locating the arena downtown. Amazing what downtown Winnipeg may become.
easy to be a naysayer..........so much tougher to be a visionary and take action! This is a pretty good example of a public private initiative where it is a blended approach.
The ripple effect of building the arena downtown leads to a partnership between Mark and David which leads to the NHL coming back which leads to a SHED district and TIF strategy that just might work.
They should connect the upper deck to the lower deck so that fans are not segregated.
I like the class system at MTSC
They are separated due to fire regulations and it will not change. It is really easy to meet friends in the outer concourse, outside or in citi place between periods.
They are separated due to fire regulations and it will not change. It is really easy to meet friends in the outer concourse, outside or in citi place between periods.
I find this especially frustrating though. I have two former NHL hockey players in my family; both of whom are inducted into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame (which is in the lower bowl).
I can't see their plaques, pictures, and write-ups because I'm a season ticket holder in the 300 section... Pretty lame.
I find this especially frustrating though. I have two former NHL hockey players in my family; both of whom are inducted into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame (which is in the lower bowl).
I can't see their plaques, pictures, and write-ups because I'm a season ticket holder in the 300 section... Pretty lame.
You could always go to any non-nhl event at the MTSC to see it...
all this new development with the streetscape upgrades will have a dramatic impact in the area visually, from a tax revenue base, and in human traffic counts ......many more travelers to the area and as many as 250 new nightly occupied hotel rooms filled with people that will need places to eat and be entertained at.
Investing in street cultureCentreVenture to spend $8.3M on facelift around MTS Centre
This isnt so much of an upgrade, but I would really like it if there were more Cadets/Police/Downtown Biz security chasing off all the "locals" who converge on game days to beg for change.
I brought a friend of mine from Calgary to catch a game and was embarassed by them. To be honest I didnt realy think of them before. They were just there as usual I simply got used to them.
However it truely does make us look prettty bad to outsiders. The area around MTSC might be the only section of the city that a visitor sees. Lets clean it up!
This isnt so much of an upgrade, but I would really like it if there were more Cadets/Police/Downtown Biz security chasing off all the "locals" who converge on game days to beg for change.
I brought a friend of mine from Calgary to catch a game and was embarassed by them. To be honest I didnt realy think of them before. They were just there as usual I simply got used to them.
However it truely does make us look prettty bad to outsiders. The area around MTSC might be the only section of the city that a visitor sees. Lets clean it up!
Don't sweat it too much. Calgary's got a ton of bums and hobos too. I used to live out there, and would be harrassed for cigarettes and spare change on a daily basis.
As for Cadets - they've made downtown a lot better, and that's in part to them using the Canada Post building. Once they complete the conversion of that building into the new Public Safety headquarters, expect an even greater police presence in the downtown area.
This isnt so much of an upgrade, but I would really like it if there were more Cadets/Police/Downtown Biz security chasing off all the "locals" who converge on game days to beg for change.
I brought a friend of mine from Calgary to catch a game and was embarassed by them. To be honest I didnt realy think of them before. They were just there as usual I simply got used to them.
However it truely does make us look prettty bad to outsiders. The area around MTSC might be the only section of the city that a visitor sees. Lets clean it up!
just bring a hockey stick with you to the games, that will scare them off!
I honestly think that people who are afraid of downtown and/ or complain about safety etc. either don't really come downtown or live sheltered lives.
I have lived down here for a year now and I absolutely love it. I walk all over day or night and have never felt threatened. I actually had more trouble growing up in St. James than I have ever had downtown. The development is very exciting, and is just more of the stuff that has been happening down here for a few years now.
If you are expecting to go to a downtown where there is no public drunkenness, panhandling or crime, then don't go to ANY downtown in ANY city because it is as much a part of a city's core as the sun is a part of the sky.
I honestly think that people who are afraid of downtown and/ or complain about safety etc. either don't really come downtown or live sheltered lives.
I have lived down here for a year now and I absolutely love it. I walk all over day or night and have never felt threatened. I actually had more trouble growing up in St. James than I have ever had downtown. The development is very exciting, and is just more of the stuff that has been happening down here for a few years now.
If you are expecting to go to a downtown where there is no public drunkenness, panhandling or crime, then don't go to ANY downtown in ANY city because it is as much a part of a city's core as the sun is a part of the sky.
I couldn't agree with you more!
I grew up in the North End and currently live in West Kildonan. I"ve always loved the exchange, and have been wishing for developments like this to occur for a long time. I'm always flabbergasted by the opinions people from "the burbs" tend to have as to the downtown sector and their complaints. Boggles my mind. It's like they've got an unfounded opinion, and if they see ONE thing that is remotely close to that opinion it's confirmed and downtown truly is the horrible frightening place where your likely to get ***** on portage after 6 pm.
Truly infuriating to see people write off what is easily the area of town with the most potential to be a "destination". When you travel to a city, you don't go to the residential developments or check out the big boxstore stations they have, you go to where the culture is, and that is ALWAYS downtown, warts and all.
I honestly think that people who are afraid of downtown and/ or complain about safety etc. either don't really come downtown or live sheltered lives.
I have lived down here for a year now and I absolutely love it. I walk all over day or night and have never felt threatened. I actually had more trouble growing up in St. James than I have ever had downtown. The development is very exciting, and is just more of the stuff that has been happening down here for a few years now.
If you are expecting to go to a downtown where there is no public drunkenness, panhandling or crime, then don't go to ANY downtown in ANY city because it is as much a part of a city's core as the sun is a part of the sky.
for sure its not nearly as bad as other locations. Portage Place is a huge eye sore tho that place is a dump
However it truely does make us look prettty bad to outsiders. The area around MTSC might be the only section of the city that a visitor sees. Lets clean it up!
Eh, only if they come from a smaller town. I agree with Jet. Panhandlers in Winnipeg pale in comparison to what I've witnessed in several even "nicer" parts of downtown Vancouver, in Toronto, in most major West Coast cities, etc. Remember that panhandlers go where people are, and it's worse in cities with better climates where it's easier for people with severe problems to live outside year-round.
A lot of Winnipeggers seem to think it's an unusual or especially bad problem here, it really isn't. I think the only reason it might look worse is because there's less pedestrian traffic and pedestrian-friendly development downtown, so you see less vibrancy to offset it. Hopefully the new development around MTSC will balance it out.
Anyway, if anyone comments on it, just remind them to have some empathy and move along. Winnipeggers treat panhandlers with so much disgust, but panhandlers are suffering more than most of us from addiction, mental illness, or who knows what went wrong in their lives. I find looking at them as survivors of something awful that happened changed how I felt about seeing them around.
I honestly think that people who are afraid of downtown and/ or complain about safety etc. either don't really come downtown or live sheltered lives.
I have lived down here for a year now and I absolutely love it. I walk all over day or night and have never felt threatened. I actually had more trouble growing up in St. James than I have ever had downtown. The development is very exciting, and is just more of the stuff that has been happening down here for a few years now.
If you are expecting to go to a downtown where there is no public drunkenness, panhandling or crime, then don't go to ANY downtown in ANY city because it is as much a part of a city's core as the sun is a part of the sky.
For me there's a difference in knowing that we are not the only city with panhandlers and drunks, and ACCEPTING that there is nothing we can do about it.
I can accept that it's not solely a Winnipeg issue. But I cannot accept the "well, it's everywhere else too so there's nothing we can do about it" mentality either.
This isnt so much of an upgrade, but I would really like it if there were more Cadets/Police/Downtown Biz security chasing off all the "locals" who converge on game days to beg for change.
I brought a friend of mine from Calgary to catch a game and was embarassed by them. To be honest I didnt realy think of them before. They were just there as usual I simply got used to them.
However it truely does make us look prettty bad to outsiders. The area around MTSC might be the only section of the city that a visitor sees. Lets clean it up!
TNSE could start a Bum Fights revival and sell tickets.
Friendly ManiBROba
