12-23-2015, 12:16 AM
(12-22-2015, 11:32 PM)timc Wrote:(12-22-2015, 11:05 PM)Rainrider22 Wrote: When I look at this picture, All I can think is that I am so happy I don't live in Waterloo and have to look at this mess on a day to day basis. I know many people on this site think it is progress because Waterloo has grown up, however, these buildings are ugly. There is no way to sugar coat it. If you want to see successful and attractive growth, go to Mississauga and look at their City Centre. And on that note, I know Kitchener isn't developing buildings as fast, however, everything I see going on in the downtown is much more pleasing and exciting. Just MHO.
You are not alone. I can't find much appeal in most of the developments in Northdale. The only good thing I can say is that for now most of them look better than run-down rental houses. Until they become run-down rental apartment buildings that is.
Keep in mind that what's going up in Northdale right now is generally rather different from what's in that picture. Those buildings were put up very quickly to take advantage of student demand and a looming reduction in permitted bedroom density. They're full of 5-bedroom student apartments, have wall-like facades, and are single-use.
The more recent buildings, like 222 Albert or Sage III, are IMHO pretty reasonable urban development. Albeit with much less parking and with quicker start-to-finish time than elsewhere in the region.