The Uptown | U/C | 48 st | 158 m | Downtown

[KGB]

Yea...this is the cropped 50 storey building...still not bad. Have to see the finished project...could be awful depending on how they treat the facade...it's Pemberton, so it's iffy.

Otherwise, a nice ode to the 1920's setback design. And another tally for Yonge-Bloor.

I think the name is weird though...I know it's harking to the Uptown Theatre that used to be there...which they tore down (dirty bastards)....but why bring attention to two very bad aspects of this project...the demolishing of a treasured old theatre and the fact someone died when the damn thing collapsed while being demolished???

The other obvious strangeness to the name...is that it's downtown...not uptown.



http://img174.exs.cx/img174/3343/pict11241yz.jpg






KGB

[salvius]

It looks nice, but as you've said, it's Pemberton so I'm holding out until I see the final result.

[Roch5220]

I likeit.

[Filip]

Very nice, Toronto imo needs something art-decoish.

[tod24]

so yonge and bloor is uptown, yonge eglinton is midtown, and i suppose richmond hill is downtown.

[officedweller]

Looks nice - but I agree - beware of uncoloured renderings - you could end up with a big biege block.

[Are Be]

OK, if I thought it would be built out of limestone and not precast, I'd be stoned... which might be not so bad....

[valantino]

Some sort of premium quality finshes are to be expected for the podium and here's hoping it is a natural looking stone over a polished stone

[G_DOG]

i like the look,another 500 ftr gotta love it

[Homer J. Simpson]

I like where it is in the skyline too. Its actually in a place where it will be really noticable.

[salvius]

Remember though, Pemberton and renderings are a combination usually leading to a rather mediocre final result. With such a mixed track record, I feel like we should judge it once it is actually done.

The rendering itself though? I love it, actually. We need more art-deco inspired condos. There's a certain 'stately' presence to them.

[SD]

so yonge and bloor is uptown, yonge eglinton is midtown, and i suppose richmond hill is downtown.

Well, they're naming it after the theatre...not the location.

Oddly enough, a lot of people in Richmond Hill call it "uptown"!

[Byron]

Yup, great design, but the materials will definitely do the talking in the end.

I hope they choose a natural stone, and quality precast (let's face it we're not going to get a stone facade all the way up).

[tod24]

Well, they're naming it after the theatre...not the location.

Oddly enough, a lot of people in Richmond Hill call it "uptown"!

depends, to italians woodbridge is uptown, to wasp eglinton and to chinese markham!

[KGB]

Look folks...when's the last time you saw a limestone covered building...let alone a condo? Forget it. The saving grace about pre cast on this building is the fact the large square windows do not leave much room for large areas of precast...just as a framing effect. Where things could look like crap is the way they handle the parts of the building that will have balconies. This kind of design does not favour balconies.

There isn't a bad material...just bad ways to apply them.

I have a feeling this will be a taller, but inferior version of One St Thomas a couple of blocks away.






KGB

[salvius]

^ I don't remember the rendering of 1 St Thomas. Anyone have one?

[KGB]

http://www.ramsa.com/images/zooms/A01028.jpg






KGB

[Peter The Great]

"The Uptown" ...clever name. The design does not appeal to me...but I guess it fits in.

[Travis007]

The really think that this should of been called the "Midtown". The names fits in better than Uptown. This could end up like a nice tower if they use the right facade. But if its cheap concrete pre-cast, it'll end up looking like a ugly art-deco wannabe Manulife twin.

[salvius]

^ oh, there's no doubt it'll be concrete precast. But that doesn't doesn't automatically make it a catastrophe.

[Mike in TO]

I'm not certain but I do recall that some of the negotiations with the planning dept called for stone to be used at the base - so I'm assuming that's the first 5 or 6 floors before the first set back.

[doady]

There is a better rendering here:
http://www.condolifemag.com/showcases/previews.pdf

I think it looks very good. It got my attention when I was flipping through the latest Condo Guide.

[CrazyCanuck]

Thats the same rendering as the one in the star and theres also one a huge banner on bloor street on the side of a building, not sure which one, but if your near old varsity stadium look east and on the left side of the road.

[Travis007]

I just hope that Pemberton doesn't screw up the facade. I was walking on Bloor street today and I saw how ugly the 85 Bloor condo tower turned out to be. Maybe its because today is a rainy day but it was damn ugly along with the hotel building next to it. They looked like pure concrete bunkers.
This is what happens when you have crappy precast:
http://www.torontocondonetwork.com/pics/46af543f08ecee5a/40775_1_sm.jpeg

[valantino]

^Precast is fine. The marroon coloured spandrels, grey mullions and tint (rose?brown?yellow?) that are ugly.

[Etheren]

I like it. This could end up looking beautiful like Commerce Court North but with a much cheaper facade.
http://www.billwrigley.com/toronto/08.jpg

[salvius]

^ it'll be no CCW, that's for sure.

[calico]

Can anyone give an example of where Pemberton hasn't made a condo look like total crap? So far, I have seen what they have done at Yonge and Finch and it isn't pretty.

[Etheren]

^Actually, Pemberton hasn't had that many condo developments at all. I don't get why all of you guys bash'em that much.
All the have right now are the beach condos, Pulse, Port Royal Place, and a couple in Mississauga.

[valantino]

Let's see ... over 8 storeys

Princess Place - 4
Pemberton Avenue - 5
Bayview Glen - 3 (+2 u/c)
Port Royal Place - 3 (+2 u/c)
Peninsula Place - 1
Parkway Place - 3
Papillon Place 1 (+1 u/c)

I consider that a lot

[Etheren]

^And they all look like crap? :(

[doady]

Pemberton seems to have an obsession with the word "place"

[Mike in TO]

I read somewhere that they would be using "black granite" for the base - I'll try to post more when I get confirmation.

[416]

Pemberton seems to have an obsession with the word "place"

It's more that they try to use the letter P in all their projects. P for Pemberton. How clever :|

And yes, all those projects listed suck. I would place Pemberton as the worst condo builder in Toronto. They obviously use in-house architects but I like The Uptown. Hope it turns out nice.

[LordMandeep]

I heard sales were slow, will it be built.

Also i looked at the prices and they are rather much but its yorkville.

[Jackhammer]

I heard sales were slow, will it be built.

Also i looked at the prices and they are rather much but its yorkville.
I heard sales were slow as well but they are supposed to have a new marketing plan.

Personally, I would like to see this get built.

[Dino Domingo]

Me too. The Uptown doesn't look like most condos going up right now. It's more elegant, more glamourous, and very New York.

Our city needs it. It would be my favorite addition to the northern skyline.

[valantino]

"It's more elegant, more glamourous, and very New York. "

dude, remember it's only a rendering

[Pozerifik]

If the precast and detailing is done nicely we could have quite an elegant building here. But remember it's by Pemberton so the results might be iffy.

And sales have been slow due to the high prices and most people choosing the Yorkville area for a condo would prefer something shorter like Regency, Hazelton, 100 Yorkville/Bellair,etc.

[thryve]

IF it's anything like the renderings, I'll be happy... I think it will be similar enough, and even if the quality isn't perfect, it will look stereotypically 'New York City' enough for me to love it...

I am quite excited. When should we expect construction?

-thryve

[Pozerifik]

IF it's anything like the renderings, I'll be happy... I think it will be similar enough, and even if the quality isn't perfect, it will look stereotypically 'New York City' enough for me to love it...

I am quite excited. When should we expect construction?

-thryve

Faux-deco doesn't really feel very "New York" IMHO. I think the final product might be similar to a taller version of the 1 St.Thomas condo designed by RM Stern in the same area. The pre-cast detailing is too perfect (white) to truly resemble the century old stone skyscrapers of NYC.

Either way, I just hope that it does get built. Hopefully sales do pick up but I don't expect it to start until late this year or next year. Casa should begin construction before Uptown though.

[thryve]

Well I never said it will be NYC in that it will resemble old NYC towers closely... of course it won't.

It's new art deco therefore not genuine art deco, it's precast, it's being build in a mass-production age, etc. etc. etc.

But generally, it reminds me of their newer residential towers, and their older art deco towers to some extent... and... in general it strikes me as NYC-ish.

Regardless of what my opinion on this means to the rest of you, I guess I could sum it up by saying that I am really excited about this tower, and I think it's great.

-thryve

[phunky]

i can't wait to see this built. i think it's a really nice looking building. very different from stuff currently being built!

[WinnipegPatriot]

I like the design! Faux art-deco at its best, although I wish TO had at least 50 original art-deco towers.

One of my favorite towers is the Fargo Wells Tower in Minneapolis, which of course, I would love to see anywhere in Canada....

http://www.cgstock.com/pics/1104.jpg

[Mauricio Canada]

I can't wait for this tower to go up! And hopefully it will be done right...

http://static.flickr.com/56/154428516_45b6a6f2c8_o.jpg

[rise_against]

i hope they light it up at night

[Skybean]

It looks like Rockefeller Center's GE Building. Except probably closer to half the height.

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/530/rock4sh.jpg

[thryve]

You've pinpointed one of the buildings it reminds me of!!!

[rise_against]

From that side of the building it does...but the GE building is really fat from the other side.

[Taller, Better]

It all depends on the level of finish. Like Pozer says, white precast doesn't quite look like stone. Oh well, bless 'em , for they are at least trying. Better than 1 Bedford which
looks like a katrillion others. Lazy bums.

[metroboi_nay]

Yea it does remind me of the GE building in NY as well, and Uptown will be 310ft or so shorter than it. But atleast Uptown isn't under 300ft :)

[Toronto06]

very nice!

[drummer]

Any news on sales figures and possible construction date?

[LordMandeep]

they put a full page ad on the star last Saturday

[Dino Domingo]

I really want this one to be built. It's one of the best designs in current development and in the ever-growing upper-downtown area.

T.O. needs this one!!

[thryve]

^^ I fully agree... it's too beautiful to die.

Watching this thing grow would be an utmost pleasure for me... and that says alot in a time when all sorts of towers are rising all around us.

-thryve

[Tallinn to Toronto 4]

they've been pushing a lot of ads in the star.

[valantino]

"It's one of the best designs in current development and in the ever-growing upper-downtown area."



when you take into account the developer (pemberton group) and architect (burka varacalli) this project is far more likely to become the newest eyesore at Y&B then an architectural landmark


related but off

The faux-historical Stern building is looking great

[Jackhammer]

Any news on sales figures and possible construction date?
I heard sales were slow but a new marketing program has been implemented

[Taller, Better]

"It's one of the best designs in current development and in the ever-growing upper-downtown area."



when you take into account the developer (pemberton group) and architect (burka varacalli) this project is far more likely to become the newest eyesore at Y&B then an architectural landmark


related but off

The faux-historical Stern building is looking great

My wish for faux-historicals is they would use off-white faux stone. The brilliant white they use just looks wrong, somehow. One of the things I like about the rendering of the Uptown is that it is sandstone coloured. I am sure in real life it will be a sparkling, blinding white.

[thryve]

So... I am dying here- can we expect this to go up? Or is it just a fantasy of mine? ;)

Anybody know if it's too early to judge, or if it's going to happen?

-thryve

[valantino]

"My wish for faux-historicals is they would use off-white faux stone. The brilliant white they use just looks wrong, somehow. One of the things I like about the rendering of the Uptown is that it is sandstone "

good point


I wouldn't be surpirsed to see Pemberton standard yellow brick make up the facade eventhough pre-cast is suggested

[CrazyCanuck]

Aren't they using off-white faux stone for the One St. Thomas?

[LordMandeep]

whats with the use of the word faux pas???

[thryve]

Because it's not real stone; it's faux.

-thryve

[Dino Domingo]

:shocked:

Say it ain't so! Would they actually turn that pristine design into white faux-whatever or a reddish brick brown monster?

Oh the tragedy...

:(

[Taller, Better]

Aren't they using off-white faux stone for the One St. Thomas?

It is mostly white with some yellowish parts.

As for Uptown, I think I would rather see yellow brick than the dreaded fake white precast stone look.

[thryve]

I want precast for it... I think it'd work out fine for the Uptown. For most other buildings I'd have to agree with you, though. :)

-thryve

[valantino]

"As for Uptown, I think I would rather see yellow brick than the dreaded fake white precast stone look."

Won't stay white for too long - also pre-cast concrete panels as probably 5 times more durable than the cheap pre-cast bricks used

[Taller, Better]

"As for Uptown, I think I would rather see yellow brick than the dreaded fake white precast stone look."

Won't stay white for too long - also pre-cast concrete panels as probably 5 times more durable than the cheap pre-cast bricks used

True... but everytime I see a faux-historical done with precast I get a little letdown feeling... like the material used to build it is cheap. Not as bad as in the 80's when everyone was using that dreadful fibreglass to give a "historical" feel to their PoMo designs. I wonder how the concrete will change colour... sometimes it goes all streaky looking from rain and dust.

[Toronto06]

ok i have somewhat of an update
if it hasnt already been posted

http://www.pembertongroup.com/content/uptown_sales.htm
^^sales center has opened at the site on yonge/bloor

http://www.pembertongroup.com/content/uptown_suitelist.htm
^^7 suites have already been sold out.....thats a good thing rite?

[salvius]

I'm more and more convinced that this will be a slab.

[Ed007Toronto]

sales center has opened at the site on yonge/bloor

Great news except that the sales centre has been open since last fall if not longer.

[metroboi_nay]

^^ yup thats true :( but the ads for this condo have been somewhat new in the past few months

[neilio]

maybe they are stepping up there ad campaign because they know that they are doomed to utter failure if they dont!! :(

Im an optimist cant you tell.

[Waterloo_Guy]

I thought I'd dust off this thread. Does anyone know the sales figures for this project? I don't understand why this building is having trouble with such a strong market.

[Martinsizon]

Toronto Star reported about 50% sold in mid August

[Waterloo_Guy]

So maybe they are close to a construction start. I just don't get why this building didn't sell out fast like so many others.

[KGB]

I just don't get why this building didn't sell out fast like so many others.


This building has languished because of a combination of things....

Location. This is not prime Yorkville, and they can try and market it as such but buyers are not stupid. This alone isn't responsible, as even it's neighbour (Crystal Blue) will sell.


Price. Price points are all fairly high, drastically limiting potential buyers to that $300k-500k range. Again, this ties in with location....people in that price range and above will purchase units all day in prime Bloor/Yorkville...just not here. A couple of blocks makes all the difference around here. One St Thomas is only two blocks away, but a world away, as the area is totally better, and the prices are much higher, responding to a niche market.

Design. It might seem like a nice slim deco design, but details are missing...it just looks boring...or even worse....might turn out very tacky, ala New York Towers. Layouts might also not have turned on potential buyers. One St Thomas goes the same route, but hired an A++ architect and created a product with tons more appeal.

Competition. It's just not as good as its competition, and as long as more competition keeps coming along, they will leave this one languishing. And the longer it languishes, the more its image as a dud increases.

Marketing. Just wasn't savy enough. Didn't have that sizzle. Didn't create a buzz with any momentum. Now it's old news and much more exciting things have come and gone. They should have re-launched with some new ideas, but they just roll out that same lame marketing no-ne is paying attention to.

Developer. Pemberton Group sucks. At first, this project seemed completely out of place from their usual bland crap. But now it's clear it's just a failed attempt at breaking their mold. Your image as a developer comes with you, and I think it has scared away many potential buyers. I mean com'on...this is Yorkville...people want a name with some cache....and upscale condo purchasers won't be impressed with this developers track record...it would be better to be an unknown.

Bad karma. They destroyed a well-loved landmark...and in the process killed people with a tragic accident due to faulty demolition. What jackasses. They deserve everything they got.


In the end, this is Toronto, and condos do get built eventually....if Stinson can get his 1 King built, then anything can get built. They will continue to sell units until they have reached minimum sales for construction financing to kick in. Once it's under construction, it will attract more buyers who will see a quick move-in date. Crystal Blue isn't moving fast either, but I imagine it will be u/c before Uptown, and the momentum will help push Uptown.







KGB

[Waterloo_Guy]

Thanks for the explaination, KGB. It's starting to make sense to me now.

[Dino Domingo]

50% is still pretty good. Isn't the 65% range the amount most condos need before breaking ground?

[Waterloo_Guy]

I think so. This one is probably close to breaking ground.

[Mike in TO]

I wouldn't believe that Toronto Star figure. Most reports I've heard are that sales have really stalled. For those buyers looking in that location Crystal Blu has taken all the little wind that Pemberton still had in their sales.

Expect to see Crystal Blu well into construction when (if) Uptown ever breaks ground.

Pemberton miscalculated the downtown market. The in suite finishes are not up to par with other product on the market and the price points are not very good.

[Taller, Better]

" Most reports I've heard are that sales have really stalled"
what reports have you been hearing?

[DavidN]

I was at both the crystal blue and uptown sales offices about a month and a half ago. The Uptown sales office was empty. Many suites were still available. The chart with the red dots had few of them on there, lol. I also spoke with someone who is familiar with the project and they said sales were very slow.

Crystal Blue OTOH seemed to be doing well. Very few 1B units were left.

[zerokarma]

Looks alright.

[Mike in TO]

what reports have you been hearing?

I work in the development industry, so mostly conversations with others in the industry as well as other reports & publications on sales activity.

[thryve]

Say it ain't so... I want this Uptown... I WANT IT... NOW!

[valantino]

^buy a (large) block of units then

[Taller, Better]

^^LOL! Doesn't work. I've bought twelve units in the Trump Tower, and it still hasn't broken ground.

[thryve]

:O Are you RICH? ;)

Honestly, covered in cheapo precast or not... I don't care... I think it'd make an amazing addition to the city. It's just so sleek!!

[KGB]

I think it'd make an amazing addition to the city.


Yea...I gotta agree. The north end of downtown needs some skyline eyecandy. The most visable skyline contributors in this area happen to be some of the most hated buildings in the city (although I do have a soft spot for Manulife).

With Uptown, I Bloor East, 18 Yorkville, Crystal Blue, One St Thomas, Four Seasons and X all built (and hopefully some other future unknowns), they will produce a much more pleasant skyline to look at.






KGB

[Martinsizon]

Dont forget Casa and BSN

[valantino]

"It's just so sleek!!"

One St Thomas is sleek - not sure about this one

[thryve]

^^ Okay... clean-lined then. ;)

[rise_against]

I only want this beacuse of the height lol...i kind of wish there was a re-design on it...but i wont complain if it is built...which it probley will.

[Taller, Better]

^^ Hey Rise, good to have you back!

[Mike in TO]

The developer behind Bloor Walk phase 2 has plans to apply for a significant hieght increase, so that will add to the Y/B area skyline. Plus there are a number of great little infill projects throughout the area.

[neilio]

^^ Hey Rise, good to have you back!

Agreed!! where the hell did you go?!

[InTheBeach]

100th post in this thread!! Ha ha, I beat the rest of you to it!!

:banana: Go Beach! :banana: Go Beach! :banana:

But really, why is this subject getting so much talk lately?

Me thinks we need a new announcement to get excited about.

[rise_against]

Agreed!! where the hell did you go?!

Thanks! Im just super super busy and Im not able to comment as muc h as i would like any more :( I miss you guys though!!!

[Dino Domingo]

There is construction now at the Uptown - looks like excavation! Even beating Blu to it!

[Waterloo_Guy]

Great. Good to see this actually going up.

[CrazyCanuck]

and people thought this would fail, this is great news. Imagine the density in this area in 5 years, it's gonna be nuts.

[phunky]

YAY :D I love this building. I always had faith in it.

[Marco Polo]

Wonderful!!

[neggbird]

I really doubt this building is going to look good at all. I have seen a ton of these brown cladded buildings go up in Mississauga and they all look horrible. From a distance, the buildings look lined with cardboard. The only way buildings like this can be decent is if they use actual limestone to clad it, but since this is just a condo, there is a zero percent chance of that happening, we'll just get that prefab garbage.

[valantino]

I'm hopeful yet equally concerned however

first mistake ... comparing Mississauga real estate to Yorkville real estate
second mistake ... assuming all precast is of the same quality

[Taller, Better]

I'm hopeful yet equally concerned however

first mistake ... comparing Mississauga real estate to Yorkville real estate
second mistake ... assuming all precast is of the same quality


Yes, I'm a bit nervous about the precast, as well. But I try to remain
"cautiously optimistic".

[VikkyD]

Being a hopeless Optimist, I'm going to go ahead and say that this building will look fantastic! (we can hope right?) either way... the height at that location will be superb... very excited about this one. Does this area count as yorkville? I know they're selling it as if it were in yorkville.... but, really?

[monkeyronin]

If the cladding looks anything like One Saint Thomas, I'll be happy.

[valantino]

Does this area count as yorkville? I know they're selling it as if it were in yorkville.... but, really?

not in the traditional sense you nitpicker however it is a part of Bay/Yorkville BIA

[Mike in TO]

The base of the tower facing Bulmato is planned to have black granite (first 6 floors). The rest of the tower will be precast.

[VikkyD]

BLACK granite? I think that'll turn out very nicely! there are no real good renders of the street level of this building.... very few renders of it in general.... i guess we'll just have to see it built!, and i can't wait!

[look@round]

Pictures from today.
No much to see, just a small excavation...
Does anyone have a "nice" rendering of the building (most of the links in the thread don't work anymore). Thanks!

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/410/img6787dz9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/2927/img6789sv6.jpg (http://imageshack.us) http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/5103/img6790bh4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[monkeyronin]

This is the offical one.

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/8403/uptowncondorenderingbu0.jpg

[look@round]

Thanks for the rendering :)

[phunky]

Why is that the only rendering around? I think it's the only one I've ever seen of it.

[VikkyD]

that rendering and the one that Anthony Sun drew on Skysraperpage.com (Which is tiny)

why so few renderings? hmm... well this way we'll get to be completely surprised! woohoo! (lets hope for good)

[current]

I think I remember seeing a different rendering located on the hoarding at the construction site. As I recall it showed the black granite at street level.

[Holland]

Your wish is my command:

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/2200/theuptown1mv1.jpg

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/6302/theuptownyorkvillemh4.jpg

[Filip]

If the material is good - and if attention is paid to detail, this could end up being quite a looker.. If done badly though, ooooh boy!

[rise_against]

I like it beacause it already looks dated so we wont have to wait. :P

[Taller, Better]

Thanks Holland.. well, it looks potentially handsome, but like has been pointed out, it depends entirely on the finishes used. Look at the monstrosity created downtown with that odious fake French style condo. Looked much better in the "artist's conception".

[tkip]

Odds are this is going to look bad. Already preparing myself for it....

[Taller, Better]

My fear is that the "stone" coloured material will be brilliantly...nay, blindingly white pre-cast. Surely it cannot be that hard to use pre cast that has a bit of colour in it.

[Filip]

My fear is that the "stone" coloured material will be brilliantly...nay, blindingly white pre-cast. Surely it cannot be that hard to use pre cast that has a bit of colour in it.

Yea.. That's what has been irking me too! I hope it's a yellowish/brown precast. Something along the lines of the Hyatt tower in Chicago.

[look@round]

Thanks Holland.. well, it looks potentially handsome, but like has been pointed out, it depends entirely on the finishes used. Look at the monstrosity created downtown with that odious fake French style condo. Looked much better in the "artist's conception".

Which building are you refering to?
I'm curious to know what you call "odious fake French style condo" ;)

[Filip]

Which building are you refering to?
I'm curious to know what you call "odious fake French style condo" ;)

Not that it's a bad thing.. but the execution! It's called French Quarter and it's on Jarvis and Richmond I think (or Adelaide?) Anyway, it's so faux it's tasteless..

[look@round]

OK, thanks Filip :)
By chance, does anyone have a photo of the building? (pls, without any nude people in front :tongue2: ). If not, I will go and see by myself!

[Taller, Better]

OK, thanks Filip :)
By chance, does anyone have a photo of the building? (pls, without any nude people in front :tongue2: ). If not, I will go and see by myself!

I might have some photos of it somewhere in my files.. but it is so appallingly bad that I have difficulty actually photographing it. It is horrid, and crass beyond belief. It takes low-budget pretension to new levels... :nuts:

Not that it's a bad thing.. but the execution! It's called French Quarter and it's on Jarvis and Richmond I think (or Adelaide?) Anyway, it's so faux it's tasteless..

It is the worst French execution since Marie Antoinette..

[phunky]

http://www.urbandb.com/canada/ontario/toronto/french_quarter_east/

http://www.urbandb.com/canada/ontario/toronto/french_quarter_west/

[Jackhammer]

I might have some photos of it somewhere in my files.. but it is so appallingly bad that I have difficulty actually photographing it. It is horrid, and crass beyond belief. It takes low-budget pretension to new levels... :nuts:



It is the worst French execution since Marie Antoinette..

I think you are being a little harsh. Lose the green aluminum roof and it's not that bad. There are some decent elements to it.

[Taller, Better]

I might be a little harsh, but it just rubs me the wrong way. I find it all so pretentious and poorly thought out. The fake "copper" green Mansard roofline just pushed me over the edge into the Twilight Zone....
plus, let's be frank. There is no "French Quarter" in Toronto, and that area is about as French as my
Siberian Huskies.

[look@round]

Thanks for the links phunky :)
Well, it could be French style, that's right. But I guess it's a bit tall (no much 10 storey's building of this style in France, maximum 6 to 8 storey's).
I probably wouldn't have thought it's "French style" if I had seen this building by myself...
So I don't really like it... except maybe the "The fake copper green Mansard roofline" which just pushed Taller, Better "over the edge into the Twilight Zone...." :lol:

[Taller, Better]

Thanks for the links phunky :)
Well, it could be French style, that's right. But I guess it's a bit tall (no much 10 storey's building of this style in France, maximum 6 to 8 storey's).
I probably wouldn't have thought it's "French style" if I had seen this building by myself...
So I don't really like it... except maybe the "The fake copper green Mansard roofline" which just pushed Taller, Better "over the edge into the Twilight Zone...." :lol:


True French architecture is amongst my favourite... I just think that this particular attempt was not a smashing success! :lol:
ps... I pray to architects, if you want a copper roofline, build it with copper. Not steel painted green...

[yin_yang]

It is the worst French execution since Marie Antoinette..

LOL, you're jokes buddy :lol:

[KGB]

I don't quite know why French Quarter stirs everyone up so much. It isn't great, but hardly a poster child for the pastiche, faux or the most stupid name....that would go to far worse offenders...like New York Towers or many like it.

The green roof element is the worse part, but the precast facade isn't all that bad at all...not too plain...not too ornamental. It's 2 mid-rise structures hug the curve of the street and meet it well. Lombard is an interesting mish-mash of styles, and is actually a nice little urban street wall in spite of itself. It's a case of the whole being better than the parts.


True French architecture is amongst my favourite


Yea well...you know, there's elements of Haussmann Paris I find a bit cliche as well. Just because they ARE the french, doesn't mean they can't be guilty of it as well. People may love it now, but it really was just a huge master-planned theme park for the bourgeois. Haussmann made Robert Moses look like Jane Jacobs.




KGB

[Holland]

A city is always made up of good architecture, and the not-so-good. I've come to appreciate this.

I realize most people wouldn't say the French Quarter is in good taste, but I think it's actually really cute.

Anyways, if they use a more light tan colour (as opposed to white) for the Uptown, it should be great!

[duff+eglin]

I have never understood this talk of white. Is there any good reason to think it might actually be white. The renders I have seen don't suggest that at all but there must be some reason I'm not aware of people think thta is a real possibility.

Thanks for your answer.

[phunky]

Because a lot of these buildings that are supposed to look "aged" end up with a lot lighter precast, and it's really disappointing. So people are very cautious when they see buildings like this being built.

[The 'Sauga]

Never was a fan of these so-called faux-deco buildings, but I think they have potential, eventually they'll gain that authentic aged, gritty look like the apartment buildings in New York City and Paris.

[vancouverite/to'er]

I liked that B&W condo that was recently built in Yorkville, I hope this one turns out to be similar:)

[isaidso]

Thanks Holland.. well, it looks potentially handsome, but like has been pointed out, it depends entirely on the finishes used. Look at the monstrosity created downtown with that odious fake French style condo. Looked much better in the "artist's conception".

Quality materials, proportion, and detail are all crucial when reproducing a style of architecture. The Uptown should be a great addition to Toronto, that condo called 'the French Quarter' never had the potential to be. Toronto not only has a history with art deco, but this type of architecture suits Toronto. The same can not be said for 'the French Quarter'. The French Quarter belongs in an amusement part, and that's putting it kindly.

[Taller, Better]

^^ I agree, but I have been surprised how many people on the boards like it. Part of it, is as you say the historical disconnect. There is no "French Quarter" in Toronto, so it seems wholly ersatz, and almost Las Vegas-like. And that green painted steel faux-copper-Mansard roofline is odious.

[isaidso]

I imagine alot of people who like French Quarter, like it because it evokes images of France, rather than judging it on it's architectural merits. The condo may trigger pleasant images or thoughts of France, but our architecture must hold up to a much higher standard than that. Besides the shoddy workmanship, wrong proportions, and poor quality, it just looks plain silly. I would imagine that even people from France would find this condo an abomination.

[Taller, Better]

^^ You have got a point- it is a kind of "projection". I think that is very true with North Americans conjuring up all sorts of romantic memories of old movies about Paris when they see French written or hear it spoken or in this case a rough approximation of a French style. I have old friends that go into "Paris Mode" every time they talk about Montreal!! LOL! I guess fantasy is harmless, and we all engage in it to a certain extent. However I do wish they had constructed this French Quarter better, and used a name that was a little more subtle. More attention to detail, better materials... they could have carried it off well had they tried a bit harder. Also there is something about it being perched right on the edge street that bugs me...no landscaping around it, just plopped right up to the road.

[casaguy]

I like this one a lot.

A few shots of the model, for reference.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/upmodel1.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/upmodel2.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/upmodel3.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/upmodel4.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/upmodel5.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/upmodel6.jpg

[thryve]

OMG.... that model is AMAZING. I've always loved this development and to see a 3d model (a mini Uptown in a sense) is pretty much orgasmic. Thanks soo much! :cheers:

[ladyscraper]

those models look great... if they don't cheap out on the siding materials then this could look very good. here is to hoping.

[rick1016]

Any updates on construction?

[Northern Lotus]

Equipments are on site, no digging yet.
Unfortunately, this project will have no view to speak of. east, it will be blocked by 1 Bloor, south by Crystal Blue, West by Manulife Centre, North by 2 Bloor west.

[valantino]

not impressed by the model ... the pre-cast detailing is certainly sub-par for this particular style

[Dino Domingo]

Love this building.

[Taller, Better]

not impressed by the model ... the pre-cast detailing is certainly sub-par for this particular style

And call it whatever a person wants, but it is in no way Art Deco inspired; especially with all
that stuff happening at the top.
I think it is a disapp, too.

[caltrane74]

Nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm lovin' it!

[Marco Polo]

doable

[WinnipegPatriot]

Throw a few of these in Cityplace for variety...

[ToRoNto, g-town]

i wish this building was in the 200+m range... would look so good in the skyline as a main building

[bigcityboy]

From today's Star (below). This tragedy will forever throw a shadow over this development for me. This, and the loss of the city's best theatre (although it pales in comparison obviously).

Uptown Theatre inquest begins

Sep 17, 2007 11:58 AM
Tracy Huffman
Staff Reporter

An inquest began today into the death of a foreign student who died almost four years ago when the Uptown Theatre on Yonge St. collapsed.

Augusto Mejia Solis, a 27-year-old Costa Rican learning English at Yorkville English Academy, next door to the Balmuto St. movie theatre, was killed by falling debris on the morning of Dec. 8, 2003. The theatre was being demolished.

Kate Wagner, a teacher at the academy, is the first witness to testify. She was trapped in the building that day.

The inquest is examining Solis' death and regulations around demolition at that time. Although demolition companies were required to hire an engineer to obtain a permit for demolition, that engineer was not required to visit the site.

The jury has been told that the hired engineer didn't visit the site until after the demolition. The inquest is expected to last two weeks.

[vancouverite/to'er]

i wish this building was in the 200+m range... would look so good in the skyline as a main building

I agree

[ale26]

Love the building and location!!! I can't wait until this, Four Seasons, 1 Bloor and CASA is built...This will be another CBD Cluster for Toronto!

[isaidso]

It will be the beginnings of a nice cluster, but a CBD? I think central business district entails business. These are residential. There are very few office towers in this area.

[vancouverite/to'er]

So 309 is a go, no?

[vancouverite/to'er]

^^ For 1 Bloor I mean (srry shouldn't be posting 1 Bloor stuff in this thread but its so active I thought I'd do it this once

[Istrian]

Pitty that 764 Yonge, er Uptown, couldn't have been taller at least a few storiess than Horrific Manulife buliding... :ohno: :ohno: :ohno:

[Filip]

Pitty that 764 Yonge, er Uptown, couldn't have been taller at least a few storiess than Horrific Manulife buliding... :ohno: :ohno: :ohno:

I love the Manulife.. it's SHEER ELEGANCE!

The top has this wonderful concrete awning.. actually, that building has aged tremendously well all over!!

[Canadian Chocho]

I'm not afraid to say it. I think that the Manulife Building is ugly too.

[WinnipegPatriot]

Love the building and location!!! I can't wait until this, Four Seasons, 1 Bloor and CASA is built...This will be another CBD Cluster for Toronto!


yes...this new cluster will be quite spectacular!!!

[CrazyCanuck]

I'm not afraid to say it. I think that the Manulife Building is ugly too.

You'll be quite happy because all of the new projects will block some of the views of Manulife.

[outinleftfield]

Was by there last nite.... mind you a tad drunk.... and I could have sworn I saw the first excavation!! Is it so? Or was it the :cheers: ?

[vancouverite/to'er]

I've heard rumours about that building on the northwest corner of Y&B getting re-cladded as well as HBC flagship

[current]

The excavation has uncovered the old foundations and basement walls from the previous buildings, and they are in the process of being removed.

[Jackhammer]

I'm not afraid to say it. I think that the Manulife Building is ugly too.
Ah but it is such a wonderful example of Brutilist architechture. One must stand directly beneath it to appreciate the structure.

I think it is important to have a variety of buildings from every era, regardless as to whether some styles have fallen out of favour. They help to tell the cities story.

[Canadian Chocho]

Ah but it is such a wonderful example of Brutilist architechture. One must stand directly beneath it to appreciate the structure.

I think it is important to have a variety of buildings from every era, regardless as to whether some styles have fallen out of favour. They help to tell the cities story.

I don't like brutalist architecture, that's why I don't like it. Unfortunately, this makes me dislike many buildings in Toronto...

[Dino Domingo]

I've heard rumours about that building on the northwest corner of Y&B getting re-cladded as well as HBC flagship

Really?! State your source.

[Taller, Better]

I heard about 1 East, but not about the HBC centre.

[ale26]

sorry whats this news!?

[WinnipegPatriot]

Not sure if anyone noticed already...but Uptown has a bigger cousin in Chicago...

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/3875/theelysian3qf.jpg

[vancouverite/to'er]

^^ I think Uptown, being more understated will look more sophisticated than this Chicago proposal if its cladding turns out to be stone/partially stone.

[rise_against]

Not sure if anyone noticed already...but Uptown has a bigger cousin in Chicago...



Its nice. But i dont see the point of that being posted. There are lots of buildings that look the same.

[cassius]

I think Uptown, being more understated will look more sophisticated than this Chicago proposal if its cladding turns out to be stone/partially stone.I'd say that'll be very unlikely. Expect it to be all precast.

[isaidso]

Not sure if anyone noticed already...but Uptown has a bigger cousin in Chicago...


I see the point. This style of building interests me. What's the name of the one in Chicago? I'd love to get some info on it and a better look at it in detail. If you know of any other similar ones currently proposed or under construction, let me know.

[WinnipegPatriot]

http://www.elysianhotels.com/elysian_press.asp

In any event, Uptown will be an awesome building!!

[isaidso]

Thanks for the info. Uptown looks promising, but unfortunately, won't have the rich finishes of St. Thomas.

[outinleftfield]

An update, the digging is now about 2 stories down, and Blu is just behind. It's actually all one hole, just a little deeper at one end.

Here's to deep holes.hehehehe:banana:

[CrazyCanuck]

Thanks for the info. Uptown looks promising, but unfortunately, won't have the rich finishes of St. Thomas.

I'm just worried that if it turns out really bad that it will make One. St Thomas look amazing and this look like crap.

[Skybean]

Snagged from their sales brochure
http://img454.imageshack.us/img454/6038/82526628vt1.jpg

[current]

Uptown and Crystal Blu combined construction site

View from the south with Crystal Blu in the foreground:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2333/1833611860_13b7f5d525_b.jpg


View from the north with Uptown in the foreground (it was very windy and the picture came out blurry)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2364/1833611894_b26285401d_b.jpg

[WinnipegPatriot]

Snagged from their sales brochure
http://img454.imageshack.us/img454/6038/82526628vt1.jpg

Damn she is hot!

[ToRoNto, g-town]

i really like the way the topped this building off... it's def one of my most fav buildings u/c right now in toronto.

[Jason Pitt]

This building is a joke. If there is any city in Canada to go uber futuristic it should be Toronto. Copying 1930's New York is a waste of skyline. I don't see them rebuilding the Chrysler building...

[Jason Pitt]

Plus did anyone else notice the shitty ass podium?

[isaidso]

i really like the way the topped this building off... it's def one of my most fav buildings u/c right now in toronto.

I like the top also, but the later renders show that the top has been greatly compromised. The detailing in the original was great, but it now seems that they have bludgeoned it. It's now simply ok.

Jaon Pitt:

Toronto isn't copying anyone. If you studied the development of architecture and skyscrapers, you'd know that this style of skyscraper was characteristic of an era, not a city like you contend. New York built the Chrysler building and all of a sudden this is a New York style of skyscraper? Ridiculous. Educate yourself before you make such silly assertions. A simple stroll in the CBD might open your eyes to this.

[WinnipegPatriot]

The tower offers a nod to the past, but the developer is hardly trying to "copy" anything. Being influenced by an era is acceptable....

[yin_yang]

Plus did anyone else notice the shitty ass podium?

nope. podium looks good, a nice two-storey lobby with a pretty imposing glass curtain, right? the other sides fit in pretty well with the...alleys they are fronting.

p.s. old render, somebody, por favor? want to see the old crown.

[noob(but not really)]

This building is a joke.

You're a joke.

[DrT]

Jason Pitt This building is a joke.

You're a joke.

Yeah, a bad joke.
Looks like we have a smarty pants newbie on board.
Deco style is much beloved by many people, including myself, and is a style that is being alluded to in the area, like RoCP, after the original Eaton's in College Park.
While you may have your personal preferences in architectural style, it is in poor taste to call everything else "shitty ass".

[DrT]

Plus did anyone else notice the shitty ass podium?

I noticed your avatar says BANNED.
I hope that you are not Nutshell reincarnated.

[noob(but not really)]

Yeah, a bad joke.

It was there for the taking. :cheers: I am sure most everyone here feels the same way. :lol:


Also, you messed up the quotes. The stuff you said in the first one should go in that second quote.

[DrT]

Has anyone seen a rendering with both Uptown and Crystal Blu together?
Looks like they will be very closely juxtapositioned.
Hope they don't "clash", like alot of my shirts and pants, LOL.

[Ziggy]

Has anyone seen a rendering with both Uptown and Crystal Blu together?
Looks like they will be very closely juxtapositioned.
Hope they don't "clash", like alot of my shirts and pants, LOL.

From Andrew3D at UT:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1038/748174868_603fec9925_o.jpg

[Taller, Better]

Thanks Ziggy! Well done..

[Ziggy]

Thanks Ziggy! Well done..

You're Welcome!

[DrT]

From Andrew3D at UT:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1038/748174868_603fec9925_o.jpg

Very cool find Ziggy. You're a pro.
I like the combo. They differ enough in height so that they don't compete with each other. Nice.

[WinnipegPatriot]

Are they being built that close together? Great work BTW!!!!

[ben_pitt]

Nice 6-storey wind corridors. I still think the podium could have had better treatment, alley frontage or not. It's just a matter of good design to soften a building's integration with surrounding area.

[ONE HUMAN]

Love The Uptown. Hope it lives up to the renderings. Also hope there will be some good vantage points from which to admire it when it's completed.

[Regan4000]

I didn't even realize Crystal Blu was still a reality. I see the sales office all the time, but I've heard next to nothing about it in the last year.

[LordMandeep]

The people behind 1 bloor, entered the Toronto market with this project and where quite impressed.

[Marco Polo]

This part of town is getting a real boost: Uptown, Cristal Blue, Casa, X plus St Thomas & Four Seasons not too far away.
In two years, it will be great!!

[WinnipegPatriot]

^^YUP!!! This new cluster will be quite a sight....

[vancouverite/to'er]

I've got faith in this project

[current]

Photos taken today of the Uptown/Crystal Blu site looking southeast, Crystal Blu is on the other side of the excavator. I think the crane in the background is Casa.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2324/2114399768_5468ae7b87_b.jpg



Uptown/Crystal Blu site looking northeast, with Crystal Blu in the foreground.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2135/2114399780_ff1676c306_b.jpg

[Regan4000]

Are these projects being built by the same developer?

Uptown is going to be fucking awesome.

[Wrk_InProgress]

Are these projects being built by the same developer?

Uptown is going to be fucking awesome.

No. Pemberton is responsible for Uptown. Bazis (of 1BE fame/infamy) is building Crystal Blu.

Uptown has the potential to be very good or garishly bad. I hope it is the former.

[Mahratta]

No. Pemberton is responsible for Uptown. Bazis (of 1BE fame/infamy) is building Crystal Blu.

Uptown has the potential to be very good or garishly bad. I hope it is the former.

We all hope its the former rather than the latter as well. ;)

[Istrian]

We all hope its the former rather than the latter as well. ;)

You are what your deep, driving desire is.
As your desire is, so is your will.
As your will is, so is your deed.
As your deed is, so is your destiny. [Brihadaranakya, IV.4.5]


TAT TVAM ASI ^^
PS: Ahimsa Paramo Dharma...

[current]

Photos taken February 19 of the Uptown/Crystal Blu site looking south. The ramp has been removed. Crystal Blu is on the far side of the pit.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2067/2282013893_f848cf71a1_b.jpg

Looking north, Uptown is at the far side of the pit.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2354/2282013885_d1e242a68b_b.jpg

Looking northeast.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2066/2282013887_ed1239c7c7_b.jpg


Crystal Blu
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2049/2282013891_fd874c115e_b.jpg

[Waterloo_Guy]

Stupid question: Are they sharing a pit/foundation?

[mckarisma]

Stupid question: Are they sharing a pit/foundation?

yes

[ale26]

wow this one is taking forever..

[current]

March 18

Looking south at the Uptown/Crystal Blu site.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3234/2350958926_64dd549c9d_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2352/2350958930_d85b377d0d_b.jpg

Looking north.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3143/2350958936_11d2332a40_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3238/2351034566_c66a3a552a_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2039/2351034576_1a305a8fa6_b.jpg

[Dino Domingo]

wow this one is taking forever..

I was thinking the same thing until I saw how deep that pit was. That's the reason it's moving so slowly. It's takin' way too long to dig that shit up.

[CrazyCanuck]

This one won't be ground level until at least the end of summer.

[thryve]

They're sharing the same pit, but they'll have separate foundations, no? Or atleast foundations that can be separated from eachother? :S lol

[Woodstock88]

Did some thing changed from March 18?? Will be cool to see some new photos...!

[neggbird]

Is it me or is this hole deeper than most other condo projects?

[valantino]

^^yep ... 6 floors underground when most others are 3 to 4

[current]

May 1

Looking south at the Uptown/Crystal Blu site.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2385/2459643741_d4e9c12cba_b.jpg

Looking southwest.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3156/2459643745_03fbafc6be_b.jpg

Looking north.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2105/2459643755_793f207ec3_b.jpg

Looking down into the pit with a ladder in the bottom right hand corner for scale.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3235/2459643761_18173b6004_b.jpg

[outinleftfield]

Must be almost 6 floors down now... don't you think?

[Toronto2008]

thats one deep pit....must be for parking?

[vancouverite/to'er]

It's too bad many T.O developers are addicted to precast. If this were done in brick I think it would be lovely!
Here's one of Montreal's modest nods to the past. It's called the Quartier Parisien.
The shape is gorgeous although I hope they add more detailing!

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj138/Gilbert_mtl/quartier-parisien2.jpg

Gaze your eye's upon this more modernised alternative! Brilliant

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj138/Gilbert_mtl/canada1b.jpg

[Taller, Better]

^^^hmm.. no offence, but not my cup of tea. I'm not keen on these Faux-Paris things at the best of times. The inset "thing" on the top irks me, and it looks like nothing Parisien that I have ever seen.

[Waterloo_Guy]

It's ugly.

[Tallinn to Toronto 4]

total barf city. it looks like a shitty condo ad for something in mississauaga.

[outinleftfield]

Back to Uptown... hole looks like it's nearly ready for a crane, don't you think?

[vancouverite/to'er]

total barf city. it looks like a shitty condo ad for something in mississauaga.

Really? There's no telling how it could turn out from the renderings. I'd take it over Bloor Street Neighbourhood anyday. I don't understand why this is refered to as faux parisien. The shape is very Buenos Aires.

[Canadian Chocho]

Really? There's no telling how it could turn out from the renderings. I'd take it over Bloor Street Neighbourhood anyday. I don't understand why this is refered to as faux parisien. The shape is very Buenos Aires.

The Paris of the south! :lol:

[InTheBeach]

It's too bad many T.O developers are addicted to precast. If this were done in brick I think it would be lovely!
Here's one of Montreal's modest nods to the past. It's called the Quartier Parisien.
The shape is gorgeous although I hope they add more detailing!

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj138/Gilbert_mtl/quartier-parisien2.jpg

Gaze your eye's upon this more modernised alternative! Brilliant

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj138/Gilbert_mtl/canada1b.jpg

A fantastic picture of a hole, and then you had to post this crap.

Thanks for spoiling the moment.

[vancouverite/to'er]

^^Thank you for quoting the entire picture again since no one would obviously know what "crap" you are refering too. You're quite the contributive one!

[valantino]

dare I say it?

I prefer quality pre-cast to brick on historist crapitecture ... has a stone look from about 20 feet away. nothing is worse than an EIF system though

[DrT]

dare I say it?

I prefer quality pre-cast to brick on historist crapitecture ... has a stone look from about 20 feet away. nothing is worse than an EIF system though

valantino, for my education (I am not in the construction industry),
aside that EIFS are "faux" whatever texture is being imitated, which for some is already a heresy, what is your main objection to it? Aesthetics, performance, or other issues?

[Taller, Better]

In my opinion, historical reference works best on small scale buildings, and can work on larger ones if it is very carefully and very expensively done. The worst, to me , is when they give it a cheesy historical "nod" by glueing a few doo-dahs on what is basically an ordinary modern building, to give it a faux-historical, or even worse "European" feel.
What is an EIF system?

[DrT]

What is an EIF system?





1.0 External Insulation and Finish Systems - E.I.F.S
1.1 What is E.I.F.S?

E.I.F.S ("Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems") is an exterior building wall product and is a system of materials. E.I.F.S provides insulation, weatherproofing and a finished surface in a single integrated product. There are various types of E.I.F.S and several ways of installing it, but E.I.F.S is usually applied to the outside of an external frame to create a durable and weatherproof barrier that will enhance the energy efficiency of the building, and is typically made up of:

1. Insulation: Medium Grade Expanded Polystyrene with Flame Retardant

2. A coating of a flexible cementitious material and alkaline resistant fiberglass mesh reinforcing for added strength and longevity.

3. A durable, crack-resistant topcoat or finish coat — typically an acrylic co-polymer product.

4. Other components typically used in EIF Systems include weatherproofing materials such as; sealants for openings and panel joints, flashing tapes and, breathable builder’s paper.


History
In 1952, the first patent was granted for expanded polystyrene insulation board and the first synthetic plaster, using water based binders was developed. The use of these two materials together commenced in the late 1950’s and was marketed throughout Europe. E.I.F.S answered a need in the European construction market for a material that could insulate older masonry structures and enhance their appearance.

The technology for E.I.F.S was transferred to the U.S by Dryvit. E.I.F.S quickly became popular with energy-conscious builders and buyers, particularly as it occurred during the oil crisis. .E.I.F.S began to be used almost exclusively for commercial buildings and was only gradually adopted for use in homes. By 1995 nearly 200million square feet of E.I.F.S were being installed annually. Today E.I.F.S contributes to 30% of the commercial market.

In 1995, the industry suffered a setback when a number of E.I.F.S clad homes were discovered with moisture damage behind the cladding. Similar scenarios have occurred in other countries where E.I.F.S has been adopted, including New Zealand. The damage incurred in these scenarios was typically caused by poor construction detailing and practices.

[Taller, Better]

oh.. ok, thanks for the info.

[InTheBeach]

^^Thank you for quoting the entire picture again since no one would obviously know what "crap" you are refering too. You're quite the contributive one!

You don't like the picture either now?

[valantino]

Aesthetics, performance, or other issues?

Mainly aesthetics. It looks like fake pre-cast panels. Discolours very quickly. Airborne pollution clings to the acrylic stucco like a fat person holding a twinkie while balancing on a four foot wide ledge 40 storeys in the air

[outinleftfield]

I was by the site yesterday. Most of the digging equipment is topside again, making the view into some parts of 'the hole' rather difficult... BUT I could almost swear I saw a small pile of rebar down there!

Foundation prep for the crane perhaps?

[vancouverite/to'er]

You don't like the picture either now?

Oh brother.