LDA20-0216 Strathcona The Baron Rezoning

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Definitely will improve the neighborhood.

I oppose this rezoning as presented. Given the availability of other lots within a few blocks of Whyte and other existing towers over 4 stories in those neighbourhoods, why is it necessary to put one in the historic area? I do not oppose redevelopment of this building in general, but I don't understand why nine to eleven stories is required on this specific site instead of on other locations not in the historic designation. Further to this, by looking at Wexford's company philosophy (founded and continuing to operate in the US while having an office in Calgary), they state that they "buy high quality assets at dislocated prices" (https://www.wexford.com/philosophy). This means they think the property is undervalued and that the market in Edmonton is under stress so it will sell it at less than it's worth. They are taking advantage of economic instability in the region to try to override our community plan and make a profit. I welcome Wexford to redevelop this site within the established community guidelines or find somewhere else to build.

I oppose this rezoning as presented. Given the availability of other lots within a few blocks of Whyte and other existing towers over 4 stories in those neighbourhoods, why is it necessary to put one in the historic area? I do not oppose redevelopment of this building in general, but I don't understand why nine to eleven stories is required on this specific site instead of on other locations not in the historic designation. Further to this, by looking at Wexford's company philosophy (founded and continuing to operate in the US while having an office in Calgary), they state that they "buy high quality assets at dislocated prices" (https://www.wexford.com/philosophy). This means they think the property is undervalued and that the market in Edmonton is under stress so it will sell it at less than it's worth. They are taking advantage of economic instability in the region to try to override our community plan and make a profit. I welcome Wexford to redevelop this site within the established community guidelines or find somewhere else to build. I doubt they will be interested in this however, as properties outside of the historic area are less likely to be underpriced.

I support the application to rezone the site to a Site Specific Development Control Provision (DC2) and the construction of a multistory building. It's important to move Edmonton forward in terms of modern development in popular areas of the city, such as Whyte Ave. The attraction of new tenants, both residential and commercial is ESSENTIAL for economic growth (especially at this time), community building and city attraction as making Edmonton a fun, easily accessible, vibrant, modern, urban living centre; the effects of which support the province as a whole. Recognizing the building site as a place of significance in the form of a plaque, or possible architectural style, or tenant who will use the history as part of their business plan and bring far more awareness to the history of the area through their business marketing and products. I certainly had no knowledge of this place as an area of historical significance until reading this and I've lived in and around this area for 17+ years. It is clear Whyte Ave is undergoing a major change and I know 109th street is also being redeveloped to keep up with this shift, so it makes sense to keep the area cohesive in terms of newer buildings that offer a hybrid of commercial and residential use. Time to redevelop/ rezone.

• Edmonton, Alberta, and Whyte Ave all need economic stability and recovery and a project like this is a positive for the street, city and province. With the impacts from COVID 19 - this kind of stimulus is required and will provide tremendous benefit.

I really like this project and think it would be a wonderful addition to our city.

Let see it get built!

While I am usually in favour of increasing density in older parts of the city, i do not support this proposed rezoning. The Whyte strategy was created with public engagement and to change the zoning so quickly feels like any involvement was a waste of time. Additionally, the character of avenue is one of its draws and this would diminish it.
What is the reason for not sticking to the current height limitations?

I am in support of the rezoning application. Whyte Ave, Edmonton and Alberta all need economic stability and recovery and a project like this is a positive for the street, city and province.

The historical look of the building is long gone. The new building would preserve the historical architecture with its low podium and setback residential section and the buildings across the street and right next to this one are both much taller and newer while still preserving the historical aspect of the street. We can do our best to preserve the story and the architecture of the building but the structure itself is falling apart and needs to be replaced.

I am opposed to this development, Archibald Block has significance to Edmonton's city history and is designated in the Inventory of Historic Resources. Tearing down more of Edmonton's historic buildings to build new, larger residential spaces is not the way to decrease urban sprawl. What little history and culture is left in this city is being destroyed at an alarming rate, and we need to preserve what we can, when we can. If this building is still structurally sound there is no reason for it to be torn down. There are many buildings in the Whyte avenue neighborhood that would be suited for this type of development, such as most of the buildings east of Gateway Boulevard. Please preserve some portions of our history, especially iconic ones such as this.

Whyte Ave has many retail vacancies and needs new 'life' in the area to support growth and to preserve architecture. New residential projects will help improve the growth by allowing businesses to be supported by the new residents.

The biggest concern would be surrounding the heritage of Whyte Ave., which has taken into account with the 6m setback from the street and the heritage style podium.

The team has taken the time to understand the areas heritage and tastefully addressed the concerns as a result I would support this project.

Demolishing this building decreases the historical value of the neighborhood and permanently erases a facet of Edmonton’s cultural story. Please do not demolish or gut to the point that interior historical elements are absent. Please maintain the building as close to it’s historical roots as possible. A loss of one building will only continue the perpetual loss of others. Please draw a line in the sand and prevent the erosion of Edmonton’s historical legacy! Keep the ‘Old’ in Old Strathcona!

Whyte Ave suffers with retail vacancies and new residential buildings will help rejuvenate this area by providing more retail traffic from new residents. The residential portion of the proposed building on the north side of Whyte Ave is set back from the street to mitigate any shadow effect on the main corridor. With this crucial design element in place, the retailers and service providers in the area will benefit from the increased traffic without feeling overpowered or 'closed in' by new developments.

I think it would be a great showcase of sustainable green construction.

This building will provide Whyte Ave with a unique opportunity to have a beautiful, mass timber building, that will continue to show Whyte Ave's growth in the community, and provide safe, sustainable housing.

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.

Whyte Ave is riddled with retail vacancies and new residential projects will help improve the urban realm by allowing new businesses to open, supported by residents.
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.

Whyte Ave needs more residential units for safety, vibrancy, and to support the local businesses
Whyte Ave is riddled with retail vacancies and new residential projects will help improve the urban realm by allowing new businesses to open, supported by residents
Edmonton, Alberta, and Whyte Ave all need economic stability and recovery and a project like this is a positive for the street, city and province.

At such a hard time for the province of Alberta and the city of Edmonton I think a project such as this should come with open arms. It will not only generate wealth for the city but also put more residential units on the market. Please think of the community and the benefit this project will bring everyone when making the decision.