LDA20-0216 Strathcona The Baron Rezoning
Consultation has concluded
***The discussion has concluded and a What We Heard Report is now available.***
Thank you for participating in engagement activities for this rezoning application.
The application is expected to go to City Council Public Hearing for a decision, with the exact date still to be determined.
***The discussion has concluded and a What We Heard Report is now available.***
Thank you for participating in engagement activities for this rezoning application.
The application is expected to go to City Council Public Hearing for a decision, with the exact date still to be determined.
Tell us what you think about the application
Please let us know what you like and what could be better about this application. What should Council know as they decide whether or not to approve the rezoning? Other people that visit this part of the site will be able to see your comments.
CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
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Provide your feedback on digital public engagement activities.
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Who's Listening
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Phone 780-496-2939 Email andrew.mclellan@edmonton.ca
ADVISE
ADVISE
This means the City asks the public to share feedback and perspectives that are considered for policies, programs, projects, or services.
ROLE OF THE PUBLIC
Historical Significance of the Archibald Block
The Archibald Block was one of several brick commercial buildings constructed on this part of Whyte Avenue after the Strathcona City Council banned further wood construction in 1907. It is the oldest building remaining from this grouping. It is also a rare example of a transitional architectural style where the scale is reminiscent of Strathcona’s early Boomtown architecture (one storey) but the masonry construction method was a precursor to the grander, multi-storey, brick, Edwardian commercial architecture of the early 1900s.
The Archibald Block is also significant due to its association with Alberta’s early Arabic-speaking business community. From 1912 through 1928, the building was home of Morie & Co. Confectioners, owned and operated by the Morie family, who immigrated to Canada from present-day Lebanon in 1901. The historical experience of Arabic-speaking immigrant businessmen is a significant part of Alberta’s history and the Archibald Block reflects the important contributions of this immigrant merchant community to Alberta’s growth and development.
FAQs
- Why is a historically important building allowed to be demolished?
- What options do the City or the Province have with regards to protecting the building from demolition if the landowner doesn’t want to designate it?
- What is a Provincial Historic Area and what does that mean for redevelopment?
- There were just recent amendments to the Strathcona Area Redevelopment Plan to incorporate recommendations from the planWhyte Land Use Study, including a height restriction of 4 storeys for the historic core. Why is that not being followed?
- Will vehicular parking be provided on site and if so, where will the parking be for this development?
Timelines
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July 28, 2020
LDA20-0216 Strathcona The Baron Rezoning has finished this stageComplete Application Accepted for Processing
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August 12, 2020
LDA20-0216 Strathcona The Baron Rezoning has finished this stageNotification postcard mailed out to surrounding property owners and the Community League providing information about the application and inviting feedback.
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December 7, 2020
LDA20-0216 Strathcona The Baron Rezoning is currently at this stageLaunched Engaged Edmonton page. Accepting feedback until December 21, 2020.
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Mid - 2021
this is an upcoming stage for LDA20-0216 Strathcona The Baron RezoningTarget for City Council Public Hearing
Information About Rezonings
Zoning regulates what types of buildings are allowed on a site (eg. residential or commercial) and the basic size and shape of those buildings. It does not control who can live or work in the buildings or whether the property is rented or owned.
The City's Development Services Branch reviews the rezoning application based on:
- Approved policies, plans and guidelines;
- Planning analysis (how the proposed zone fits into the neighbourhood);
- Technical information (traffic impacts, water and sewer capacity, etc.); and
- Public input (feedback from the public will be summarized in the final report to Council)
How Your Feedback Will Be Used
We appreciate your feedback and will use it to:
- inform the City’s planning analysis and ensure all factors are taken into consideration;
- help inform conversations with the applicant about making revisions to address concerns; and
- summarize feedback for City Council so that they know your perspective prior to making a decision.
A summary of what we hear from this engagement will be posted on this webpage and provided to City Council when the application advances to Public Hearing for a decision. When the applicant is ready to take the application to Council, notices of the Public Hearing date will be sent to surrounding property owners. You can register to speak at the City Council Public Hearing or listen online. Click here for more information about how to speak to Council. You can also submit written comments to City Council through the Office of the City Clerk (city.clerk@edmonton.ca).
I'm concerned that this will further erode the character of Whyte. There seem to be better locations stepped away from 82nd Ave, even a few blocks over, that would be superior? I wouldn't want to envision in 50 years that the entire avenue is filled with 10 floor buildings coldly facing the ave.
I oppose this because this is a historically significant building, it goes against Plan Whyte which is supposed to STRENGTHEN the heritage value of the neighbourhood and it is in the Provincial Heritage Area which the City of Edmonton requested. I don't think exceptions and changes should be made to the zoning in such an important area.
While a beautiful historic building, which normally I would be keen to keep around, the Baron offers the promise of an architecturally beautiful and sustainable building which we are in need of in Edmonton. I have fond memories of growing up in the area and walking on the creaking floors of When Pigs Fly, but I have no doubt that this development will also contribute to further warm memories in the future. This development fits the area and doesn't look out of place like most infill developments, and will keep this corner of Whyte warm and inviting. Alberta deserves to be a leader in sustainable development.
I support this proposal as it is a truly unique and innovative project. The revitalization of the DT Core is something that will be enjoyed by many for years to come. It will create economic stimulus for the local community with a future thinking design that we can all be proud of.
While appreciate the fact that these are old buildings and can be expensive, the owner did at one point buy this old building knowing that it was in a heritage area. I do not support any plan for changing the zone as this will just open the door for other owners to do the same. One of the reasons Whyte Avenue is so successful is because of the heritage nature of the street and the entire area. It is a mistake to bulldoze buildings because an owner wants a taller building. Right now we have many new tall buildings that are in process or have been approved already for the area. These are outside of the heritage zone, except I think for the Matrix (if it will be built). Nonetheless, changing zones lot by lot will destroy the heritage feel and the joy of the "old timey street" that Whyte Ave brings to people. It is one of the reason so many of us live in this area. Please accept this note as a very strong vote for not rezoning the heritage area of Whyte Avenue.
I support this tower because of it's design and location on the block. With another commercial building to the north the effects of the shadow will be limited and I think the pedestal design is more of a nod to the historical design than the current building on the site. The setback of the tower will also help to preserve the feel of the streetscape.
What a welcomed addition to Whyte Avenue - beautiful, innovative, bold but yet ties into the larger streetscape wonderfully. While I love and appreciate heritage buildings and architecture, I dont believe the current building has any semblance of its original construction or spirit from 1907. Let's focus more on preserving buildings with heritage registration and for buildings like the Archibald Block that have been significantly altered and deteriorated over the years, we should aim to encourage responsible, strategic and beautiful developments in its place. Much more than the existing building in its current state, the proposed new development adds to the streetscape of Whyte Avenue and communicates the spirit of the area.
I welcome the project. This building does not exhibit any architectural features worth saving. I like the bold construction plan and I LOVE that the developer is working to keep the two long standing Whyte Avenue retail businesses on the main floor. Let's be bold and support this great unique project. A new beautiful building is better than it remaining in its current state.
I strongly support this project. While it is important to recognize the Baron's historical relevance, the truth is the building is far past is best before date - including outdated base building systems and safety. Replacing it with a thoughtful building should be a priority. The combination of mixed use, beautiful design combined with the latest green building products and standards make this a project that will be enjoyed by the community for many years to come. What an opportunity for Edmonton to showcase how it is a leader in this space by supporting this project.
I have followed other projects by this developer and they all end up being beautiful landmarks. Our city should embrace higher density building projects like this moving forward.
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A variety of building types add value and interest to the area. I applaud the developer's idea to use structural wood. It is light and acts as a carbon sink. Innovation should be rewarded and supported.
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I live in Old Strathcona not far from the Archibald Block and I strongly support this development. Whyte Avenue needs more developers who understand the need for revitalization and importance of keeping Character. Mixed use is needed to attract more commercial retailers in the area.
Make Whyte Ave great again!
The height of the building should be no higher than surrounding building and parking should be required for its residential units otherwise they will take up space on adjoining roadways and the city has already restricted parking for shopping purposes /walking purposes on 83 avenue
This is a great development that is exactly what the city of edmonton needs right now. It's sustainable focus couple with unique architecture will add to the neighborhood. I applaud the developer and hope the City of Edm encourages this development.
We should be pushing for good sustainable developments. Projects like this that bring unique architecture add to the neighborhood appeal. The city of edmonton should encourage such developments.
This is an amazing project that is needed in Alberta. This province is being given an opportunity to regain and build some much needed credibility and innovation during a struggling economic period. This sustainable unimposing structure would provide housing for 65 individuals or families in a sought after area of Edmonton that will only drive more foot traffic and economic regrowth which will be crucial once we are on the other side of this pandemic. On top of that the sustainability and notability of this building being the first of its kind in Canada would give Edmonton, and Alberta a leading edge in the environmental protection sector. This is win for community, a win for economy, and a win for the environment.
This is an amazing project that is needed in Alberta. This province is being given an opportunity to regain and build some much needed credibility and innovation during a struggling economic period. This sustainable unimposing structure would provide housing for 65 individuals or families in a sought after area of Edmonton that will only drive more foot traffic and economic regrowth which will be crucial once we are on the other side of this pandemic. On top of that the sustainability and notability of this building being the first of its kind in Canada would give Edmonton, and Alberta a leading edge in the environmental protection sector. This is win for community, a win for economy, and a win for the environment.