Statistics: Posted by cjane — Fri Oct 21, 2011 6:30 am
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buglugs image, www.skyscraperpage.com
Statistics: Posted by newsposter — Wed Aug 20, 2008 12:15 pm
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Public school board building new home
David Parker
Calgary Herald
Thursday, July 24, 2008
The safety fence is up around Dr. Carl Safran School, located at 930 13th Avenue S.W., signalling the start of construction on the new Calgary Board of Education building.
The CBE owns the entire site and is keeping the former school building, which is to be restored and upgraded for its own use. Bentall Real Estate Services purchased the parking lot that faces onto 8th Street and is building a 220,000-square-foot, 10-storey office tower on it.
About 180,000 square feet will be leased to the CBE, which is planning to consolidate a number of offices into the new location, including its current head office on Macleod Trail between 5th and 6th Avenues S.E.
Gibbs Gage Architects worked closely with the CBE and Connaught Community Association to ensure the tower will be a good connector with the community as well as being a showcase for education.
A large green area has been left along 13th Avenue and a courtyard separating the office tower from the school will be a spillout area for both buildings. They will be joined at the 12th Avenue side by a glass pavilion, a dramatic space designed for use as a high-tech display area with large-screen monitors.
A community request was to have the tower transparent enough that pedestrians along the busy 8th Street corridor could still view the sandstone school.
Randy Magnussen, Bentall's executive vice-president, offered a two-storey high-glass panelled frontage that has been designated for 5,500 square feet of retail use and the south exterior of the tower is set back from the school's alignment. The building's exterior facade above the see-through panels is of green glass with punched-out brick and glass panels pulled forward on each side.
Although the CBE is the major tenant, the top floor is available for lease. There is parking underground for 350 vehicles.
The main entrance to the former school will lead into the offices for the trustees and a 100-year-old classroom, which will allow students on field trips an understanding of what it was like to be taught in Calgary a century ago.
The old gymnasium on the north side of the property is to be demolished to make way for a 5,000-square-foot multi-purpose room that will be used as the CBE board room but also be available as a community meeting room.
More green space will be landscaped on the west side of the school building -- the entire development is designed to LEED Silver standards.
Bentall Real Estate Services has 17 million square feet of development in the Calgary area with two million square feet under construction...
Statistics: Posted by newsposter — Sat Aug 02, 2008 11:38 am
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CBE is moving ahead with plans to fix up the Connaught sandstone school. An unwelcome part of the plan is to build a new gym on the south side of the school, totally obsuring the south facade from 13th Avenue (a proposed "heritage greenway"). CHI has recommended that the new gym be build in the vicinity of the old gym, which does not hide the building. In anycase, below is the news release.
Link to CHI's comment on this (from 2006) and more information about the history of this proposal:
http://calgaryheritage.org/CHIForum/viewto ... ?p=553#553
For Immediate Release
May 29, 2008
Media Availability and Photo Op
GROUNDBREAKING MARKS THE RESTORATION OF HISTORIC CONNAUGHT SCHOOL
CALGARY - Parents, students and trustees will be turning the sod to mark the beginning of the major work revitalizing an historic inner-city landmark Connaught School.
The major focus of the work includes the demolition of the existing gymnasium on the east side of the school to allow for the development of a new gymnasium on the south side of the building. A new atrium will connect the new gymnasium with the existing school. The basement will be converted into classrooms, and existing office and classroom spaces on the other floors will be renovated to accommodate a new elevator. Much of the original woodwork and other features will be retained or restored to maintain the building’s character and heritage. The sandstone cladding on the exterior will remain, although doors and windows will be replaced. There will be numerous electrical and mechanical upgrades performed as well.
A guiding principle of the Connaught School modernization project is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) which among other considerations, will see the project use certified wood and regional materials, reduce light pollution and indoor water use.
Connaught School is a Kindergarten to Grade 6 school thriving in the heart of the inner city. The Calgary Board of Education is proud to support Connaught School as a Centre of Excellence for English as a Second Language. The school revels in its diversity where students speak more than 35 languages. Connaught School will also be the new home of the CBE’s Assessment Centre, which welcomes, accommodates and places foreign students. Since the beginning of the 2007 / 2008 school year, all of Connaught School’s 170 students have been accommodated at Kingsland School to allow for the first phase of the modernization to begin.
Media are welcome and encouraged to attend the sod turning for Connaught School Friday May 30th from 1:45 pm to 2:30 pm. Connaught School is located at 1121-12 Ave S.W. Please note: the site is an active construction site, so remember to wear appropriate footwear.
Carl Safran groundbreaking ceremony June 5 2008...
Note: CHI is happy with the preservation of the sandstone school but wanted the 1940s deco-style gym preserved as well... Here is a summary of our concerns regarding the two schools: http://www.calgaryheritage.org/CHIForum/vi ... ?p=742#742
For Immediate Release
June 5, 2008
Media Availability and Photo
OFFICIAL GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY CELEBRATES MAJOR STEP IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CBE’S NEW EDUCATION CENTRE
CALGARY – The Calgary Board of Education and its partners will mark the start of construction on its new Education Centre during a groundbreaking ceremony to happen this Friday.
This new centre will be a proud addition to the city and will be a hub of excellence in education in which all Calgarians can take pride. This ceremony will celebrate the P3 initiative that has brought this project to life without taking funds from our classrooms. This innovative project will preserve the original sandstone building, add a new 21st century administrative centre for the Calgary Board of Education and maintain green space in the community.
Media are invited to attend the groundbreaking ceremony Friday June 6, 2008 between 10:30 am and 11:30 am at the former site of the Carl Safran Centre, 930 13th Avenue S.W.
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Statistics: Posted by newsposter — Fri Jun 06, 2008 5:15 pm
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PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION: 2007 November 01
AMENDMENT: REFER the application back to the Administration with
the intent of incorporating the historic auditorium entry
into the entry sequence.
Moved by: J. Sturgess Lost: 4-5
Opposed: D. Watson, R. Zazelenchuk, G. Lowe,
B. Lester, J. Hubbell
AMENDMENT: REFER the application back to the Administration with
the intent to improve the pedestrian realm on 12 Avenue.
Moved by: J. Sturgess Lost: 4-5
Opposed: D. Watson, R. Zazelenchuk, G. Lowe,
B. Lester, J. Hubbell
AMENDMENT: REFER the application back to the Administration with
the intent of developing the architectural expression of
the tower to be more expressive of the unique civic and
iconic nature of the site and the user groups.
Moved by: J. Sturgess Lost: 3-6
Opposed: D. Watson, R. Zazelenchuk, G. Lowe,
S. Ripley, B. Lester, J. Hubbell
The Calgary Planning Commission APPROVED the
proposed new office building with retail and restaurant
uses at grade at 905 – 12 Avenue SW and 930 – 13
Avenue SW, in accordance with the Corporate Planning
Applications Group recommendation.
Moved by: G. Lowe Carried: 5-4
Opposed: D. Farrell, S. Ripley, B. Barrington*,
J. Sturgess
*REASON FOR OPPOSING: B. Barrington
1. 12 Avenue public realm not designed to
enhance pedestrian interaction;
2. Plaza is busy and too full and the raised planters
inhibit movement;
3. (Massing) of office does not enhance the
sandstone school presence, is too heavy feeling,
it is too busy and competes with the heritage
building with its complexity and treatment; and
4. Transition to the heritage garden on the south
side, 13 Avenue, from the new plaza is abrupt.
Full minutes: http://www.calgary.ca/docgallery/BU/dba ... mber01.pdf
Update Dec 2 2007
Here is the latest update from the CBE. Building permits may be issued as early as Jan 2008
http://www.cbe.ab.ca/New/ed_centre_Nov20_07.asp
Statistics: Posted by newsposter — Mon Nov 19, 2007 1:06 pm
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There was considerable discussion about retaining, re-using or replicating some portion of the 1940 gymnasium addition as a reference to its history on the site prior to demolition. When the DP drawings were submitted, a reference was made to the possibility of moving or replicating the original main gymnasium entrance piece on the northeast corner of the building. To be retained, it would have to be moved or replicated. Since it is poured-in-place concrete, moving the structure is not feasible. To replicate the entrance piece was not considered appropriate by the heritage planner. In lieu of this, administration and the applicant have agreed upon a permanent commemorative historic photo record at the entrance to the multi-purpose space. A prior to release condition has been added to provide further details.
http://www.calgary.ca/docgallery/BU/dba ... 7_2722.pdf
Leigh Dehaney photo
Statistics: Posted by newsposter — Fri Oct 26, 2007 3:56 pm
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http://www.cbe.ab.ca/New/ed_centre_bul3.asp
Statistics: Posted by newsposter — Sun Sep 16, 2007 11:41 am
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The Calgary Board of Education wants to build an education complex to house administration and trustee offices that will incorporate the 100-year-old sandstone building into the design.
http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/new ... 9e349eee55
Not a great angle to show the relationship to the school, but this is the best we have available right now. Looking west from 8th Street and 13th Avenue SW past the new building to old Central High in the background.
Statistics: Posted by newsposter — Fri Aug 31, 2007 1:18 pm
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August 29, 5:00 - 7:30
Connaught School Gymnasium (note: two blocks west of Safran)
12th Avenue and 10th Street SW
http://www.cbe.ab.ca/New/ed_centre_bul2.asp
Statistics: Posted by newsposter — Tue Aug 21, 2007 11:17 am
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http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/new ... 37c2f285be
...Groups such as the Calgary Heritage Initiative Society and Beltline Communities expressed concern with previous designs because they worried the almost century-old building would be blocked by new construction.
...It is important historic buildings maintain active uses to prevent demolition, but renovations must be made carefully, said Calgary Heritage Initiative Society's Bob van Wegen.
The plans state that "the intent is to complete the conservation work in general accordance with the standards and guidelines for conservation of historic structures."
The new buildings must also be respectful of this important piece of Calgary architecture without trying to outshine it, van Wegen said.
While he hasn't seen the latest plans, van Wegen and others are looking forward to examining them.
An open house is planned for Aug. 29 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Connaught Community School Gymnasium, 1121 12th Ave. S.W., to offer a first look at what may soon be built in the Beltline.
Statistics: Posted by newsposter — Tue Aug 14, 2007 11:15 pm
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Janet Woolgar, President of CHI, was among the members of the public who addressed Council at this Public Hearing. See above posts for a news story and CHI's comments.
That Bylaw 52Z2007, Being a Bylaw of The City of Calgary to Amend The City Of Calgary Land Use Bylaw 2P80. (Land Use Amendment LOC2006-0055) (Beltline) be read a third time, as amended, as follows:
2. Development Guidelines
(d)Building Design
(i)All uses located within new development must be located at or above grade, must include entrances at grade directly fronting the public street, and be street oriented;
(ii)Development on the site shall respect the site lines of the eastern façade of the sandstone building existing as of the date of passage of this Bylaw. This site triangle shall be measured from the property adjacent to the southwest corner of the intersection of 8 Street and 13 Avenue SW to the northeast corner of the sandstone building, then south in a line parallel to the eastern property line to 13 Avenue SW. No above grade building or structure shall be permitted within this site triangle.
(iii)A maximum of one primary office entrance/lobby at grade for new development on site shall be allowed with a maximum width of 7.5 metres;
(iv)The exterior finish of buildings shall be sufficiently durable so as not to require reapplication or extensive maintenance during the life of the building;
(v)All mechanical equipment and associated structures, including those on any roof structure, shall be architecturally integrated into the building design;
(vi)Any below grade structure within 6 metres of the 13 Avenue SW property line shall be constructed a minimum of 1.5 metres below the final grade of the site to facilitate tree planting;
(vii)Architectural detailing that provides for flexibility of window/door openings, allowing active uses to animate any abutting open space where the public has access shall be provided to the satisfaction of the Approving Authority;
(viii)Any new development on the site shall adhere to the “Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada” (as published by Parks Canada) which specifically references the need for new development to be “compatible, discernible and subordinate” to the existing heritage building; and
(ix)Any rehabilitation work on the sandstone school building shall adhere to the “Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada” (as published by Parks Canada).
Statistics: Posted by newsposter — Sun Jul 15, 2007 6:59 pm
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Construction OK'd near Safran Centre
Design must match site's significance
Kim Guttormson
Calgary Herald
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
A new education building and conference centre to be built alongside the historic Dr. Carl Safran Centre was approved by city council Monday, as the mayor cautioned that its design needs to match the site's significance.
"We tried to send a very strong message today that we're looking for a signature building that's in keeping with the heritage aspect of Dr. Carl Safran," Mayor Dave Bronconnier said, adding only one other high school in the province is as old. "In an ideal world, you'd like to see this historic building rest there on its own, but budgets are such as they are.
"But we don't want to see some boxy building put up next to such a significant, historical sandstone structure."
The Calgary Board of Education plans to move its headquarters into the former Beltline school and, working with a developer, lease back space from a new conference centre built on the eastern third of the lot.
Pat Cochrane, chairwoman of the CBE, said Monday's decision allows them to proceed with the next step -- design of the new building and restoration of the school, built in 1908 between 12th and 13th avenues and 8th and 9th streets S.W.
They hope to begin construction next spring, with everything finished for the fall of 2009.
What will happen to the CBE's existing building on 6th Avenue S.E. will be decided in the next few years, Cochrane said, adding they couldn't determine what should be done with the old building until they were sure they had a new one to move into.
The CBE will discuss that site's future with the city because it represents a scarce piece of green space in the downtown. The city purchased the west third of the Dr. Carl Safran Centre lot to make sure it remained an open space and wasn't developed.
The Beltline Planning Group and the Calgary Heritage Initiative both expressed concerns about the development at Monday's public hearing, arguing that the proposed location of the new building affected sightlines of the old school.
As well, Janet Woolgar, with the Calgary Heritage Initiative, said they wanted the CBE to apply for heritage designation for the building. (see above posting for CHI's letter on the land use ^)
Cochrane said they aren't opposed to doing that in the future, but needed to proceed with the development first.
"Our intent is to restore the lovely old sandstone," she said.
Ald. Madeleine King said she was confident the CBE and its architects would work closely with the community.
kguttormson@theherald.canwest.com
Statistics: Posted by newsposter — Tue Jun 12, 2007 7:36 am
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Re. June 11 Public Hearing,
Carl Safran School Site,
CPC2007-063, Proposed BYLAW 15P2007 and 52Z2007
To Calgary City Council:
Mayor David Bronconnier
Ald. Craig Burrows
Ald. Joe Ceci
Ald. Andre Chabot
Ald. Diane Colley-Urquhart
Ald. Barry Erskine
Ald. Druh Farrell
Ald. Linda Fox-Mellway
Ald. Bob Hawkesworth
Ald. Dale Hodges
Ald. Ray Jones
Ald. Madeleine King
Ald. Helene Laroque
Ald. Gord Lowe
Ald. Rick McIver
cc: City Clerk,
Darryl Cariou, Heritage Planner
Beltline Communities
Dear Council Members,
The Calgary Heritage Initiative is again pleased to have the opportunity to comment on the plan for Carl Safran School site.
We support some of the changes which have been made to the plan since its first incarnation, especially the creation of public open space west of the school. We thank Council for this. CHI is also pleased that the school board intends to preserve the historic building, and include interpretive elements such as the "turn of the century classroom".
We are disappointed that the CBE intends to demolish the 1940 gymnasium, which is listed on the City inventory (category C), and is a rare Calgary example of art-deco/'Egyptian Revival' architecture. The CBE proposes to build a conference centre on that site. In our view the gymnasium could be re-used for that purpose.
CHI does not feel that the sightlines to the sandstone school from 8th Street are adequately protected. The proposed southern boundary of the new development is in line with the south-facing primary façade of the school. This does not give sufficient prominence to the school nor does it adequately protect sight lines from 8th Avenue. Any new development on the east side of the school be north of the mid-block line, roughly where the
original 1908 school meets the 1911 addition, and be designed and massed appropriately to acknowledge the prominence of the school.
An issue of great importance to Calgarians is that the school's heritage be formally recognized and protected for posterity. To facilitate this, we ask that the City and the CBE work together to ensure Municipal Heritage Designation of the site.
Designation would ensure that the heritage value of this site is protected through the application of heritage standards and guidelines to the renovations, and is assured in the long term regardless of future changes to ownership or use of the site. Municipal Designation is flexible enough to ensure that historic buildings remain viable and vital into the future.
Designation for heritage protection would seem to be in concert with the CBE's plans for the building in any case.
Carl Safran is a category A heritage site, and all such sites are "worthy of consideration for designation under the Historical Resources Act" according to City policy (city website).
(Additional note: The province has deemed it worthy of provincial designation – see Denis Duscharme letter.).
We suspect that a potential obstacle to designation may be the matter of 'compensation' referred to in the Historical Resources Act. We have two points:
(a) The Historic Resources Act 28(1) says that if designation "decreases the economic value of a building, structure or land that is within the area designated by the bylaw, the council shall by bylaw provide the owner of that building, structure or land with compensation for the decrease in economic value." There should not be a decrease in value given that designation would be in concert with the CBE's plans and this land use redesignation, which purport to preserve the building.
(b) Regardless, we suggest that the compensation requirement need not apply between two public bodies (the CBE and the City) where publicly-owned heritage property is concerned.
We ask City Council and CBE to consider these points of view, and include municipal designation as a part of this land use redesignation process.
Regards,
Janet Woolgar, President,
Calgary Heritage Initiative Society
info@calgaryheritage.org
www.calgaryheritage.org
Statistics: Posted by newsposter — Mon Jun 11, 2007 9:16 am
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http://www.calgary.ca/docgallery/BU/pla ... 6_0055.pdf
This is a two-page thread. More information and history above and on page one.
Statistics: Posted by newsposter — Tue Jun 05, 2007 10:52 am
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http://www.cbe.ab.ca/New/ed_centre_bul1.asp
http://www.cbe.ab.ca/New/ed_centre.asp
Statistics: Posted by newsposter — Thu May 03, 2007 1:01 pm
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