LDA20-0216 Strathcona The Baron Rezoning

I support the proposed Baron Development, on Whtyte Avenue (Edmonton, Alberta) by Wexford Developments. As noted: The proposed building has beautiful heritage podium architecture that fits in with the architectural vernacular of Whyte Ave, with sustainable, mass timber construction. This will improve the neighbourhood and the height and density will not have a negative impact on the street or neighbourhood

I am not in support of this application. The guild lines were put that way for a reason. Do not allow a building of that height.

Whyte Avenue has been aggressively gentrified over the last several year. Increases in rent hsve forced out a lot of small business owners, and the COVID pandemic has exacerbated the situation. The character of the avenue is in decline, but further to that: these "mixed use" buildings change the look and feel. They dont encourage small business tenants and a possible 11 story building is way off in terms of the look of Whyte. The shorter buildings allowed the avea specific feel. The sun shone brightly in summer and wasnt blocked off by buildings while you window shopped and bought coffee, or stopped for a patio beer. The mere suggestion that a building be allowed to be 9 - 11 stories right ON the ave is almost funny. Whyte is a designated historical area, but the city seems very interested in having a historical designation attached to an entirely modernized street. Do what was done with the Strathcona Hotel, and work with the existing structure to bring an updated spin to an historic building. But for the love of God DO NOT PUT A TOWER ON WHYTE AVE.

The Strathcona Area Redevelopment Plan was enacted for a reason - and to counter such requests is a main part of that reason. The Plan was not done lightly or without forethought, but to keep the integrity of the area intact for current and future generations of Edmontonians.
Edmontonians and their Council need to act to preserve the Archibald Block, a rare example of Strathcona's early architecture in both scale and then masonry construction, the continuous reminder of Edmonton's beginnings and growth.
Maintain not only the SARPlan but also the Archibald Block with whatever civic resources are at our disposal.

I hope they do NOT allow re-zoning or make any alterations to this structure. Whyte Ave is almost the last place in Edmonton where all the "historic " structures are somewhat intact.I do not think more condo's are necessary on this street. JUST LEAVE IT ALONE

We need to stop destroying our rich heritage of this city. The historical buildings help tell a story of how the city came to be. If possible they need to be saved and embraced rather than torn down and some cookie cutter storefront goes up.

As a life resident of Edmonton I have watched Strathcona grow from what was a fairly low class area through it's regeneration in the '80's to a period now where it's becoming a parody of what it was. It is a waste of time declaring a historic district unless the buildings are preserved. There is nothing wrong with the Archibald block structurally that I've seen in the last 40 years and to destroy more heritage for a quick buck is a stupid idea especially in a time where after destruction we might wind up with another unbuilt parking lot on Whyte.

DO NOT demolish!

I am very upset that the history and richness of Old Strathcona is being threatened. The elegance, charm, character & history MUST BE PRESERVED AT ALL COSTS!! The thought of replacing a historical landmark with a condo tower horrifies me. Are we so utterly desperate, that the history of this amazing part of our legacy needs to be outright murdered before our eyes. This is what it means to rape & pillage the land, why don't you abolish Christmas while you're at it. Shame on you all!!!
You don't realize how much power you have, if you abuse it, karma will come a knocking. You can't undo it once it's been done. Don't do anything you will live to regret.

I don't think it is worth it to remove our historical buildings. They give the area character and make it more iconic. When you demolish these sites, yoh are erasing Edmonton's history and identity.

We need to stop knocking down our heritage buildings, we need to keep our history. It is important, its a valuable way to engage others in the City and how it was formed. It is so sad when we take the old and toss it away. There are ways we can preserve the beautiful architecture that we don't find today, todays buildings are so cookie cutter types, it makes it look like some lego village.....lets keep the beauty to be proud of and share with the world.

This is a no-brainer project. As a former resident of the area I felt first hand the area becoming lost in history because of its attachment to history. Old Strathcona heritage will not disappear because of a new project, let alone one so sympathetic to the aesthetics of the area. Indeed the ambiance will be enhanced. The economic boost this project will provide - both during and after construction - is also sorely needed. Let's reintroduce Old Strathcona to the next generation!

I support more density height and the affordability and cool form factor that brings

Edmonton has been doing this sort of thing for decades. Small wonder why it has continued to lose its cultural heritage. I am against this. How's about getting rid of West Edmonton Mall? That alone was the death knell of the downtown. If the building is still structurally sound, then it NEEDS to be kept and treasured. But we cannot afford to destroy our past while trying to cherish what little we have left of it.
I am, therefore, against the proposal to tear down The Archibald Block... wish this level of consultation was around when the idea of tearing down the Court House and even the Tegler Building were being considered. Oh, and especially the building of WEM.
A Glenora property owner

Removed by moderator.

Please do not allow the destruction of this heritage building.

Our city, let alone Whyte Avenue of all places, needs another copy paste tower that bulldozes a unique part of our city under the guise of "densification". Developers, do better. City of Edmonton, stop enabling this garbage.

DO NOT destroy any more of Edmonton’s historic buildings. ESPECIALLY on Whyte Ave. How dare you consider this!

I believe that the proposed rezoning plan for this property should be accepted. I appreciate the desire to maintain original sites out of respect for Edmonton’s history, being a born and bred resident, but designation of this site as a heritage building has not been made, largely due to the fact that this particular building is far from original. The current owner has opted out of voluntarily designation. The owner’s options should not be compromised. The planned development will create employment, encourage density and help revitalize and diversify the area with its multi-use intent. The developer has gone to great lengths to ensure that the design compliments the existing area. Edmonton needs to be opened for business and our council must be approachable, flexible and pro-active to encourage investment and positive growth.

The use of mass timber in Edmonton is an exciting proposition. By embracing modern construction methods and sustainability measures in the built form, Edmonton can really lead from an environmental perspective in a way that is often thought impossible in Alberta. I'm excited to see the quality and innovative design being crafted in Alberta.