LDA20-0216 Strathcona The Baron Rezoning

I believe the proposed building is what’s needed to enhance the area. This accounts for the strategic thinking of the direction of what a modern city should be to encourage growth and prospect for people and businesses. I do respect historical value and would recommend a commemoration to the history of the building in another form on site. But to hold back on what would almost be irremediable at this point versus creating the trend on investable property, people and businesses would be a missed opportunity.

As a resident of Queen Alex living just a few blocks from this building, I do not support the proposal for rezoning. I do not believe it respects the current development overlay or maintains the historic feel of Whyte ave. Nor do I think it thoughtfully increases density in the area. Whyte ave is a destination point within the city and the heart of a number of walkable surrounding neighborhoods. It is important to preserve the human scale of the street and the historic feel of the neighborhood.

This is not necessary at this location. It is too high, not within the current guidelines, should not be given approval, and an exception should not be made, as it would set a precedent for other applications in the area. There is already a lot of new development happening in the area - on the corner of 105 St & Whyte Ave, and the Southpark lot at 106 St & Whyte Ave, as well as the lot across from the former Keg at 105 St & 80 Ave. There is no need for another tall building. Queen Alexandra already has some of the highest rental property percentages in all of Edmonton. I am not sure if this one will be rental as well, but there are better places for it where it is already allowable under the zoning.
Further, due to the pandemic, there are LOTS of vacant commercial buildings on Whyte Avenue currently, and I'd rather see those become occupied first, so Whyte Avenue doesn't develop a derelict feel to it. That is going to take a while!

I think the proposed building would be a huge improvement to what is currently there. I appreciate the heritage aspect of the building but the existing structure has clearly undergone extensive renovations since 1909 and it no longer represents the character of the original building. I would rather see a building this City can be proud of sitting on this corner. Given the height of the buildings right next to it, I don’t see any issues with the proposed changes.

Many countries around the world create an atmosphere Edmontonians love to see. We need to demonstrate a similar approach to urban development by restoring older buildings. Or, are council and planning staff all set to establish a rule and then NOT FOLLOW THROUGH? If the city, in it’s wisdom chooses to provide an exception to permit development I suggest we do away with many laws/bylaws and let people do whatever. If you’re gonna make a rule, either be ready to uphold it or get out of trying to ride herd on all the outriders and exceptions.

I do not think we should be destroying any more historical/old buildings in Edmonton (even if they are not formally deemed a historical landmark, they are still full of history!). It seems like the city keeps making exceptions and caving to the developers in the name of "strategic planning" (future growth, etc.). The reality is that there are so many empty places right now, we don’t need this development. The charm of age is what attracts businesses and consumers to these areas, not newer, fancier developments that we can see elsewhere. While new proposals like these may attract new people, they do not retain interest of consumers - history and eclectic areas do.

I believe strongly in the values of heritage and retaining what makes our city unique.

I think this application is a great example of the thoughtful consideration of the design quality, architecture and a nod to the the originality and heritage of the site.

This is exactly what Edmonton needs more of.

Please for the Love of our History, don't year down another historic block on Whyte for a cookie cutter building! This area remains one of our last glimpses into our history. Don't waste it!

Do not rezone, rebuild or otherwise change this Scona historic building.

This is a historical building and I think it should be left alone.

NO. The charm, character and history of these buildings is what makes Whyte Avenue an experience, culture, daily life. Europe maintains its buildings for hundreds of years, imagine if they demolished and rebuilt every decade. There are plenty of poorly developed properties that need redeveloping across the city. Leave the heritage properties alone!

I do not agree with the proposed rezoning. Edmonton already has so few historic buildings left and Whyte Ave itself has already lost several in recent years. There are plenty of places a building like this could go, even in Old Strathcona, that does not necessitate knocking down another historic building. By building another highrise along Whyte Ave, we risk wrecking what people love about it and destroying that character that makes the area great.

We don't need to loose anymore historic properties in Edmonton. We have lost enough of our heritage !!! This place needs to be preserved and restored to its original Beauty

It's a nice proposal, but there are other potential lots near Whyte for buildings like this. The Baron is an important and beautiful part of our history. Also we should be avoiding putting tall structures right on the strip. Please don't allow this building to be destroyed, it's not worth it.

Please don't redevelop and leave the building alone. We need to protect and preserve our older buildings.

Edmonton has a bad habit of demoliting historical buildings for the sake of new buildings, there are many other empty lots to build this building. Protecting our historical buildings help keep a little history and creates more vibrant city.

Keep it! It’s historical and beautiful! We need to preserve buildings like this.

Keep to the strathcona redevelopment plan. Do not allow amendments. It is such a small area that you are aiming to keep intact, let the developers build boring apartment blocks in nearby areas with older 60’s walkuos that could be redeveloped. This does nothing to preserve or enhance the protected area.

Sounds like a wonderful project to enhance Whyte Ave!

Please please don't tear down this beautiful part of Edmonton's history. One of the things that makes Edmonton unique (and better than Calgary), is it's historical buildings and protection of them. Calgary has ripped out almost all of it's history due to the "bigger, better, newer" approach. Please preserve Edmonton's history and uniqueness.