04-10-2021, 01:32 AM
In anyone aware of a developer who has come in to ask to build something other than what is already there? Residential developers are beginning to improve their residential stock from what was being proposed and built 15 years ago. I am sure that if a commercial developer had the gumption to create something great, and they knew that they could make a profit at it, they would.
Also remember that Waterloo Region is very much a suburb of Toronto when it comes to development styles. We get the copycats and the leftovers. With the exception of the big insurance companies (Mutual Life/SunLife, Manulife, Economical etc) I can't think of any other commercial development in the last 100 years in the Region that might be considered as spectacular in terms of lasting architectural value that started from whole cloth or bare dirt. The Google building might be one example, but even that project started with an existing piece of architecture.
On a personal note, I think that UW missed a big opportunity in not convincing Mike Laziridis to plant the Quantum-Nano Centre on the north campus as a new starting point for the Engineering, Science and Math faculties. It would have given those faculties space to grow while allowing the other faculties to expand into the former Engineering faculties. But alas, I am neither a billionaire nor someone who pulls the levers of power at the University.
PS I also worked on the North campus for two co-op terms. It was a desolate, wind-swept space.
Also remember that Waterloo Region is very much a suburb of Toronto when it comes to development styles. We get the copycats and the leftovers. With the exception of the big insurance companies (Mutual Life/SunLife, Manulife, Economical etc) I can't think of any other commercial development in the last 100 years in the Region that might be considered as spectacular in terms of lasting architectural value that started from whole cloth or bare dirt. The Google building might be one example, but even that project started with an existing piece of architecture.
On a personal note, I think that UW missed a big opportunity in not convincing Mike Laziridis to plant the Quantum-Nano Centre on the north campus as a new starting point for the Engineering, Science and Math faculties. It would have given those faculties space to grow while allowing the other faculties to expand into the former Engineering faculties. But alas, I am neither a billionaire nor someone who pulls the levers of power at the University.
PS I also worked on the North campus for two co-op terms. It was a desolate, wind-swept space.