Real Estate Newsletter
Architect
Moshe Safdie
Another prolific architect. Dare I say another one of my favourites: Moshe Safdie.
We must start with Habit 67 which essentially put Safdie on the international map. These condos made of prefabricated concrete forms have aged to perfection acquiring iconic status. I’ve not done a lot of research but according to how many cubes the condo occupies you’re looking at $500,000 to $600,000 and beyond of course.
Next his expansion of the original City Hall on Green Island. The main building constructed in 1958 in the International Style was at one point not very respected and could have easily fallen victim of the wrecking ball. Safdie found a way in the early 90s to integrate it marvelously into his expansion; with similar materials and similar size openings he created a delightful dialogue between the original structure and the additions.
The National Art Gallery of Canada. What a building! And what a location! Louise Bourgeois’ Maman is proud to call it home. Who cannot be in awe walking up the collonade while looking at a garden reproducing A.Y. Jackson’s painting Terre Sauvage and then to arrive in the Great Hall. The great hall which echoes in glass the Library of Parliament across the way in stone in metal.
Finally in 2011 Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. These buildings appear to be so surreal they seem like a concept design and yet there they stand. How would you like to swim in the illusion pool at the top? Of course Molly said she’d swim to the edge in a nano second. I’m thinking I might follow her but I’d like to be moored to a nearby pillar.
Previous posts on other architects: Antoni Gaudi, Frank Gehry, Le Corbusier, Richard Meier, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Frank Lloyd Wright.
FinTRAC – Money Laundering Form Change
The controversial ethinicity quetsion has been removed. Either it was not on the forms we have been using or I have been ignoring that question. Well either way it is now gone.
Fabric Conservationist to the Queen
Responsible for cushions and curtains – doesn’t like such a big task until you realize there are 1000 rooms in three palaces. Would certainly be an interesting job. At $27,582 a year it doesn’t pay very well, but it is very prestigious and surely looks great on a resume. Perhaps it has room and board: room and board at Buckingham could be ok.
Applications close April 6 so don’t delay! Just to help you out here is the Job Application
Reigniting Sparks Street
It may not be an impartial writeup but the owners the Riviera Restaurant on Sparks street feel that the reResidences condos and other condo developments along Sparks and close-by will help bring Sparks Street back to like. It would be nice. I quite like that street, always have. But it’s always been under some sort of threat. Admittedly intensification does seem to be working on the downtown core. I’d love to see studies. I’m only in the very centre sporadically but I feel like I see a difference. Bank Street in the evening used to become so quiet now there is life. I love it!
Roomba Poopocalypse
Beware of the dangers of the Roomba! What happens if your dog gives you a little gift and your Roomba finds it first… Enjoy the read!
Ottawa House for Sale
Civic Hospital
50 Lynwood Avenue
$1,300,000
Originally a custom build in 1958 by Bill Teron reminiscent of the “Prairie Style” by Frank Lloyd Wright set in creative perennial gardens. Completely reimagined by Urban Keios Design in 2004 combining open concept for today’s casual lifestyle with the tradition of mid-century. The amazing location high on the bluffs overlooking Fairmont Park guarantees sunset views and views of the Gatineau Hills to the northwest. Bungalow-style living on the main with 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and a clever den. Lower level has a generous walkout family room, 2 bedrooms and full bath. If there is ceramic or porcelain on the floor….then they’re heated. Hardwood elsewhere. Lots of interesting architectural details throughout…take time to enjoy them. You’ll love the “treetops” experience. Two car tandem garage.
Westgate Shopping Centre
Someday soon we’ll have a lot of neighbours. That’s us beyond the proposed tower to the left, we’re in between the ramp and the 417.
The city has approved the redevelopment of Westgate Shopping Centre from a strip mall which has evolved since its creation in 1955 to a 5 tower complex which will include 8230 square meters of commercial space and 1146 of residential units above.
This will happen in 3 phases. The first two phases, taking the next 10 years, the demolition of the actual and the construction of the 2 first towers and subsequent to that the construction of the other 3 towers bringing the total to 5. I read 24 storeys for the first 2 but approval for 22 and the remaining 3 are one 24 and two 36.
Now here’s something I don’t understand as we pursue the intensification plan. Every here and there 2 lanes are narrowed to 1 near intersections via the creation of an extension to the sidewalk. Hum…
Architect / Artist
Richard Meier and Mondrian
Today I am featuring Richard Meier. An American artist and architect born in Newark, New Jersey.
I must admit that until earlier this week I was only familiar with one of his buildings The Getty Centre. One of Los Angeles’ most stunning buildings. Traveling the freeway it can be seen a distance away perched on a cliff. The building was so amazing to me it took me some time to remember that – Oh yes this is a museum and I’m here to see it’s collection.
But Meier came to light this week due to a modification to another of his buildings the City Hall of The Hague in the Netherlands. The modification was to install, on several sides, coloured plastic coatings creating sky high Mondrians in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Dutch art movement De Stijl. The City Hall itself was designed by Meier in 1986 and completed in 1995.
I hope Meier, himself an artist, appreciates the homage. I could not find any comments; but I’m sure he has commented…
Richard Meier is one the New York Five. They were the subject of CASE (Committee of Architects for the Study of the Environment) meeting at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). Looks like I’ll have 4 others to explore.
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