The Carl Safran project barely passed Calgary Planning Commission (5-4). There were several failed amendments, including an amendment to preserve the deco gym entryway (see above), which lost 4-5. Thanks to those CPC members who tried to improve this project: Jeremy Sturgess, Druh Farrell, Shawn Ripley and Ben Barrington.
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