Vertikal (471-481 King St E) | 23 & 19 fl | U/C

[Vojnik_Vahaj]

I don't understand the hate. Sure, its a little messy cohesion-wise but its it infinitely better than brutalist, disgustingly boring grey/beige slop that is being/is built elsewhere.

[Ellensparky]

Any pictures and updates?

[tomh009]

This is from two weeks ago. I believe the tower is now topped out and only the HVAC level not completed. The first tower and much of the podium are looking almost ready for occupancy.

   

   

[Rainrider22]

As slow as they are at building, the podium facing king street now has two business signs. One is for nails, the other is a small grocery market.

[Gubs]

As slow as they are at building, the podium facing king street now has two business signs.  One is for nails, the other is a small grocery market.

Just walked by and saw the signs. Are they real, or is the developer using “proof of concept” to try and attract attention?

[ZEBuilder]

As slow as they are at building, the podium facing king street now has two business signs.  One is for nails, the other is a small grocery market.

Just walked by and saw the signs. Are they real, or is the developer using “proof of concept” to try and attract attention?

Drewlo has 3 permits currently issued for the retail. One permit is for 23 fascia signs. One permit for the nail salon, and one for the grocery market. Then there is another permit pending for a convenience store.

[Rainrider22]

that's great, good for them

[tomh009]

I am told Starbucks will also open (a second DTK location) in the building.

[dtkvictim]

I am told Starbucks will also open (a second DTK location) in the building.

That would be very surprising. I thought Starbucks pulled back to focus on suburban locations quite heavily, even closing urban locations that are much more desirable than East DTK. They even closed the DTK proper location, and the only reason it still exists is because the property owner forced their hand to franchise the location in exchange for getting out of the lease.

[tomh009]

I am told Starbucks will also open (a second DTK location) in the building.

That would be very surprising. I thought Starbucks pulled back to focus on suburban locations quite heavily, even closing urban locations that are much more desirable than East DTK. They even closed the DTK proper location, and the only reason it still exists is because the property owner forced their hand to franchise the location in exchange for getting out of the lease.

It could well be that I'm wrong, but it's what I heard from other business owners in the area. On the other hand, Kitchener has half the number of Starbucks in spite of double the population of Waterloo. We shall see ...

[Acitta]

Drewlo has announced (by email)  a VIP OPEN HOUSE AUGUST 9 & 10

We’re excited to officially announce the opening of our long-awaited apartment building in Kitchener — Vertikal. This brand-new community has been thoughtfully designed to offer modern finishes, elevated amenities, and the lifestyle you’ve been waiting for.

To celebrate, we’re hosting a VIP Open House on August 9 & 10, giving you the first opportunity to tour the suites, explore the amenities, and discover everything Vertikal has to offer.

Stay tuned — we’ll be releasing more details in the coming weeks, including suite layouts, pricing, and how to reserve your spot.
This is your chance to be among the first to live at Vertikal. You won’t want to miss it.

Vertikal

RSVP

[westwardloo]

Drewlo has announced (by email)  a VIP OPEN HOUSE AUGUST 9 & 10

We’re excited to officially announce the opening of our long-awaited apartment building in Kitchener — Vertikal. This brand-new community has been thoughtfully designed to offer modern finishes, elevated amenities, and the lifestyle you’ve been waiting for.

To celebrate, we’re hosting a VIP Open House on August 9 & 10, giving you the first opportunity to tour the suites, explore the amenities, and discover everything Vertikal has to offer.

Stay tuned — we’ll be releasing more details in the coming weeks, including suite layouts, pricing, and how to reserve your spot.
This is your chance to be among the first to live at Vertikal. You won’t want to miss it.

Vertikal

RSVP

hahahaha "Thoughtfully designed"  Hahaha that one got me. What a joke.

[creative]

So constantly complaining about this project achieves what? Hundreds of people and families will now be able to live downtown with easily accessible public transit as well as other conveniences.

[westwardloo]

So constantly complaining about this project achieves what? Hundreds of people and families will now be able to live downtown with easily accessible public transit as well as other convenience

Is this a forum about development and architecture in our Region? or is every project to be loved because it provides housing? Those are 2 separate discussions in my opinion. This project is providing more housing options downtown and close to transit, that is obviously a win. But it is also hands down the ugliest building I have seen built in DTK, to say they thoughtfully designed this building has to be a joke, it is a complete mess of massing and materials. Two of the most important foundations for architectural beauty. Just because it is purpose built rentals doesn't mean it needs to look crap.   

The reason this building gets picked on is mainly because it is so incredible ugly it makes me (and others) mad, but also for some reason this is one of the only buildings that gets constant updates, very few developments are talked about on a regular bases, but for some reason this forum is constantly talked about.

[KingandWeber]

FWIW, I did a full 360 walk around these buildings this weekend and I've decided this development is actually better looking than I thought. It's certainly not good-looking, but I'd rank it above DTK condo. But then yes, its main merit is going to be its contribution to available housing and revitalizing that end of downtown. Things already look dramatically different (better) down that way even without any occupancy yet.