http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/olympicvillage/images/conceptual_diagram.jpg

2010 Villages In General
To provide the best possible competitive conditions for the 2010 Winter Games athletes, VANOC will operate two state-of-the-art, fully functional Olympic Villages in spectacular settings: one on Vancouver's metropolitan inner harbour, offering extraordinary views of the city skyline and the North Shore mountains; and one surrounded by magnificent coastal forests adjacent to the majestic Cheakamus River Gorge at the south entrance to Whistler. The Whistler venue will also serve as the Paralympic Village, with 450 of the beds designed for wheelchair access.

Both villages will provide everything that athletes need to prepare, train, relax, contact home, make friends and soak up the experience of a lifetime.

As honoured guests, the athletes will be able to travel conveniently between the two villages, so they can fully enjoy all the charm of the Vancouver-Whistler region. The two villages will also be linked with the latest in communication technology.

After the Games, both Villages will become valuable legacies, both for the community and for sport. The Vancouver Village will be developed into a model sustainable community with market and affordable housing, parkland, and office and shopping complexes. The Whistler Village provides the opportunity to leave much-needed affordable resident housing in a new neighbourhood that will be a model of sustainable living, and will also accommodate an Athlete Centre. Part of the Village facilities will be used to provide a best-value legacy to the Squamish and Lil'wat First Nations communities, either as relocated housing, rental housing within the legacy neighbourhood, or as commercial space opportunities.

Vancouver 2010 Olympic Village - From Vancouver 2010 Website
Located in Vancouver’s Southeast False Creek area, the Vancouver Olympic Village features modern low and mid-rise accommodations for 2,800 athletes and officials and sits an average distance of 12 kilometres from Vancouver area competition venues. Athletes will be able to walk, bus or take a ferry to the city's shopping and entertainment districts, and enjoy nightly medal ceremonies and cultural celebrations just moments away at BC Place Stadium.

Construction Update
Development of the Village in southeast False Creek will be carried out by the City of Vancouver, in cooperation with VANOC and will conform to the City's plans to create a sustainable community in this area. The 55,700 square metre, 600-unit project represents the final stage in the complete renewal of the False Creek site, begun by the three levels of government in the 1970s. Planning work is underway and construction is expected to begin in late 2006 or early 2007, with completion in 2009.

Temporary structures designed solely for use during the Games will be set up starting September 2009. Removal of the temporary structures will commence March 2010 and the Village will assume its post-Games legacy design.

Media
Videos: http://vancouver.ca/Greaterdot_wa/index.cf...amp;storyid=531 (http://vancouver.ca/Greaterdot_wa/index.cfm?fuseaction=GVTV.storyDet&storyid=531)

Southeast False Creek and Olympic Village - From City of Vancouver
Southeast False Creek (SEFC) will be a model sustainable community built on the last remaining tract of undeveloped waterfront land near downtown Vancouver.

On July 2, 2003 Vancouver was awarded the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and the SEFC development site was chosen as the future site of the Vancouver Olympic Village.

The SEFC site comprises 32 hectares (80 acres) of which approximately 20 hectares (50 acres) is owned by the City. SEFC is bounded by Cambie Bridge on the west, Main Street on the east, and 2nd Avenue to the south. The Olympic Village will be located in Sub-area 2A of the SEFC site.

Historically, the Southeast False Creek site was used for industrial and commercial purposes. While maintaining heritage ties to the past, SEFC is being planned as a model sustainable development based on environmental, social and economic principles where people will live, work, play, and learn. SEFC will be a mixed-use community, with a focus on residential housing for families. This complete community will ensure goods and services within walking distance and housing that is linked by transit and in proximity to local jobs. SEFC will eventually be home to 12,000 to 16,000 people.

These web pages focus on the first phase of the project, and will provide updates on the development of City-owned lands in SEFC.

For details on other phases, for information on the Official Development Plan, or for background reports and descriptions of public consultations, visit the Community Services website.

About the Village
The Southeast False Creek Official Development Plan (ODP) is divided into seven sub-areas. Sub-area 2A will be the first phase of City-owned land to be developed and will become the Vancouver Olympic Village for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The Olympic Village will be home to approximately 2,800 athletes and officials during the 2010 Winter Games.

http://vancouver.ca/olympicvillage/images/subareas.jpg

The buildings in the Olympic Village will be turned over to VANOC on November 1, 2009 for the final preparations and use during the 2010 Winter Games. The buildings will be returned to the City of Vancouver on March 31, 2010.

After the 2010 Winter Games, those buildings used by the athletes will provide approximately 1,000 residential units, including 250 affordable housing units, a community centre, daycare, retail and service space for the new residents of Southeast False Creek.

Development of the remaining City Lands (Sub-area 1A and 3A) will continue to 2018. Development on some of the private sites (Sub-area 1B, 2B, 3B and 3C) may occur prior to the 2010 Winter Games and will likely continue beyond 2018.

This website focuses on the development of the Olympic Village. Updates on the development of the other City-owned lands (sub-area 1A and 3A) will be provided as information becomes available.

Olympic Village during the Games
This conceptual diagram illustrates how the Southeast False Creek site will likely be used during the 2010 Winter Games.

http://vancouver.ca/olympicvillage/images/conceptual_diagram.jpg

Timeline
July 2005
Official Development Plan bylaw enacted

July 2005 to February 2006
Complete construction drawings for streets and utilities from Ontario to Columbia Street, including the waterfront and stormwater wetland in the western park.

April 2005
Approval in Principle Soil Remediation Plan

December 2005
Department of Fisheries Approval

December 2005
Subdivision Application

January 2006
Site Preparation begins

March/April 2006
Complete public realm plan and construction drawings for the streets, western waterfront and village square.

March 2006 to January 2007
Olympic Village Rezoning

April 2006
Infrastructure Construction begins

Early 2007
Building construction begins

October 2009
Olympic Village Construction completed

November 1, 2009
VANOC takes over Olympic Village

March 31, 2010
VANOC returns the Olympic Village to the City of Vancouver

Green Building Strategy

A Green Building Strategy has been adopted for Southeast False Creek, which requires that all buildings on City Lands be constructed to a minimum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver standard, with an objective of LEED Gold standard.

One building on the City Lands -- likely the Community Centre -- must be constructed to a minimum LEED Gold standard, with an objective of LEED Platinum standard.

Other Pictures
http://vancouver.ca/olympicvillage/images/athletes_village200.jpg

Other Information
During the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games,
Southeast False Creek will be temporarily transformed into the Olympic Village.

During the Games

• the Village will house approximately 2,800 athletes and officials in 12 to 15 buildings

• there will be a minimum of 30,000 square feet of commercial and retail space

• all buildings will be delivered to VANOC during the Exclusive Use Period (November 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010) for the Games

• a new 30,000 square foot community centre will be used during the Games

After the Games

• there will be approximately 1,000 residential units and 82,000 square feet of commercial and retail uses for the new residents of Southeast False Creek

• 250 units will become affordable housing after the games

• buildings in the Village will be a showcase of sustainable development. All buildings will be designed to a minimum of LEED Silver with a goal of LEED Gold. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is the North American standard for measuring green building performance.

Key Transportation In the Area:
- Canada Line (Olympic Village Station)
- Expo-Millennium Line (Main Street - Science World Station)
- Vancouver Downtown StreetCar (Columbia St. Station & Quebec St. Station)

The following is a report released by the City of Vancouver regarding the olympic village - se false creek development:
Source: http://vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/cclerk/200607...cuments/pe7.pdf (http://vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/cclerk/20060720/documents/pe7.pdf)

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Ahhh, excellent. Vancouver will be sure to make itself look excellent to the Winter Olympics competitiors.

omg could they have found an older pic to use

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whatever happenned top the high rise that was suppossed to go up in the same area?

it was near quebec and something - near the shell gas station i think

hadn't it al;ready gone to the sales step?

Athletes to have royal stay

Kent Spencer, The Province
Published: Monday, February 05, 2007


Report: Nothing will be spared for competitors at seven-hectare competitors' village

Exactly three years from today the Vancouver Athletes Village will open and according to 300 pages of just-released information under the Freedom of Information Act, Olympic performers are in for the royal treatment.

Nothing will be spared at the seven-hectare site to make the athletes' playpen a splendid experience, according to the documents made available to The Province by the 2010 Games Watchdog Committee.

The village on the southeast corner of False Creek features clusters of eight-storey apartments and luxurious amenities, from five-star hotel service to a hall to dance away the midnight hours.

There are pool tables, X-Boxes and a massage centre. A stage for entertainment, a religious centre and a ticket office. A bank and postal and courier services.

An area as big as a big house, 300 square metres, has been set aside for gift-bag storage. The material will be donated by sponsors.

The village's 15-odd buildings have been designed according to the latest green standards.

Glass and non-glare finishes are featured. Decks are guaranteed at least three hours of sun a day and are protected by windshields.

Poisonous plants such as burning bush and deadly nightshade have been banned. They are on a list of 100 common types that are not permitted in the rooftop gardens.

There will be a library, an Internet cafe and phone lounge and a 500-square-metre fitness centre.

The latest headlines from Europe will be easy to keep track of at a news agent.

Athletes will be housed two to a room measuring 12 square metres. Men and women won't share living quarters.

The washers and dryers are free of charge, but do-it-yourself.

The level of hospitality is equivalent to a four- or five-star hotel. Meals for the 2,800 hungry competitors will feature Vancouver's famous multicultural cuisine.

Top-flight Canadian snowboarder Crispin Lipscomb said he hopes Vancouver's food is tastier than the meat and veg served up at last year's Italian Olympics.

"The pasta was repetitious," he said. "It was a pretty static menu."

If Turin was any indication, Lipscomb said the guys will leave the beauty salon and florist for the girls.

The idea behind the main athletes' village is to provide a secure base where international guests can relax under protective eyes.

"We were encouraged to spend our whole time in the Turin village," Lipscomb said. "It was quite a feeling of decompression after years of preparation. Canadians have a reputation of being good hosts. I hope everybody takes that seriously."

The site will be enclosed by a secure perimeter fence with overhang to prevent climbing.

Extensive security measures were introduced following the 1972 Munich Games, where 11 Israeli athletes were killed in a terrorist attack. Vancouver will pay $1.47 million in terrorism insurance for the publicly owned buildings.

Vancouver project manager Jody Andrews said standards of comfort are set by the International Olympic Committee.

kspencer@png.canwest.com




Games watchdog says village costs are being hidden

Kent Spencer, The Province
Published: Monday, February 05, 2007


Costs for the athletes village are being hidden in other budgets and may never be revealed to the public, the 2010 Games Watchdog Committee said yesterday.

"The city is laying out a bag of money," said watchdog Chris Shaw.

"[Former Mayor] Larry Campbell said the Olympics wouldn't cost Vancouver a penny. We're considerably past that."

Shaw said about 300 pages of Olympic documents -- which he said took five months to pry from the City of Vancouver -- show Vancouver taxpayers are getting "screwed" by the village deal.

Vancouver project manager Jody Andrews said among the costs the city faces are:

- Vancouver will pay $28 million to clean up soils at the longtime industrial area on False Creek, including hazardous waste. More than 13,000 truckloads have already been taken out.

- Vancouver will pay $32 million for shoreline restoration and fish protection. An island and intertidal channel will be erected.

- Vancouver will pay for all roads, water and sewer pipes, and electricity, gas and telecommunications lines.

Said Shaw: "This is the most brilliant deal the developer could imagine. They only have to put $29 million down and stand to reap millions."

The development company is Millennium Southeast False Creek Properties Ltd. Millennium, which is to build 1,000 condos for the village, is to pay Vancouver $193 million.

The city then pays Millennium $83 million to build 250 of the condos, as well as a $5-million child-care facility and a $14-million community centre, for the city.

Andrews said Vancouver will be ahead $64.5 million when its 20-hectare parcel is fully developed in 20 years.

The watchdog committee says taxpayers' expenditures for the village are being hidden in road- and sewer-building budgets.

It believes security costs will appear in military budgets and never be revealed.

© The Vancouver Province 2007

Here we go… with every possible expenditure now being considered an Olympic cost. The sewer, electrical, and road work is being paid for by the City because the City is building new streets and with the exception of the Concord Lands, these things are borne by the City. Of course security costs are going to be in the military budget when it will be soldiers that are deployed. It will also be in the RCMP budget and the VPD budget. As for the city paying for 250 units to be built, those are social housing units that the city will own and operate. If they city were building them stand-alone on another site they would be paying a great deal more. The SEFC site has severe height and massing limitations that renders density bonusing in exchange for amenities of limited utility compared to elsewhere.

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From BIV this week:

Developers hit grass ceiling
City’s green roof requirements threaten to derail Southeast False Creek community overhaul

Andrew Petrozzi

City of Vancouver requirements to incorporate green roof technology in Southeast False Creek buildings could seriously hamper the area’s redevelopment.

The provincial Homeowners Protection Office (HPO) informed local governments and municipalities in January that B.C.’s four home warranty insurance providers had serious concerns with the increasing pressure from municipalities to apply green roof technology to residential developments, including large, multi-family condominiums.

A January 16 HPO letter stated that some private insurers won’t provide coverage for buildings that incorporate a green roof design. It also said green roof designs need further study before they’re used in residential developments “to avoid another potential systemic building envelope failure.”

HPO spokesman Jan Calkins confirmed that two insurers have declined to provide coverage, while the remaining two indicated coverage would be provided only under specific conditions,.

“That becomes a concern because you don’t want municipalities mandating it or moving in that direction when you have got warranty providers saying they are not going to insure it,” she said.

Calkins pointed out that new homes in B.C. must have home warranty insurance. Building permits also require that insurance.

She said that the HPO has scheduled a May 29 conference to help find a resolution to the green roof issue.

Green roof systems incorporate a planting medium and vegetation that help control building temperature and manage storm water run-off.

In the policy statement for the area that Vancouver’s council approved in October 1999, 25% of the roof area of the Southeast False Creek (SEFC) community was to be designed to incorporate vegetation. The requirement was further clarified in the water and waste management plan for the community prepared for the city by Keen Engineering Co. Ltd. in September 2002. That plan included different green roof options, their associated impacts on storm water run-off and associated costs.

According to planning documents, incorporating green roofs would add approximately $2.45 million to area building costs.

But by January 2005, a Southeast False Creek Steering Committee report to city council on sustainability indicators, targets, stewardship and monitoring for SEFC indicated that the percentage of buildings with green roofs was yet to be determined.

Trish French, Vancouver’s assistant director of planning, central area, said the city has contacted the insurers to find out how serious the issue is for existing projects and identified alternative green building systems that may have warranty coverage. She noted that only “extensive” green roofs – those tied into the building envelope – were of concern, not rooftop gardens and planters.

The city plans to maintain its green roof requirements for SEFC, she said, but added that the percentage of green roof systems in the area varied with rezoning approvals.

Maintaining the 25% green roof objective could derail the construction schedule for Southeast False Creek developments, according to Neil Chrystal, president and CEO, of Polygon Homes Ltd.

However Bob Rennie of Rennie Marketing Systems, speaking on behalf of the Millennium Group, developers of the Olympic Village, said there would be no impact on that project’s construction schedule.

“The Olympic Village can’t be built without a building permit. So if the amount of green roofs has to be altered in order to get a warranty, cool heads will prevail and that will have to be done.”

The city wants building construction to start in early 2007, with completion by October 2009, according to the project timeline posted on the city’s SEFC website.

Polygon is set to build its 12-storey Foundry development on the historic site of the former Progressive Engineering Works. That project features a small green roof component, Chrystal confirmed.

“We don’t know whether we’re going to get warranty insurance. Without warranty insurance we can’t get a building permit. So the whole place could be in limbo,” said Chrystal, who added that he would like to see the green roof objective removed altogether.

“My big concern is that there may be evidence of green roofs working in other climates, but it really hasn’t been tested to the degree it probably should be in our wet West Coast climate,” he said. “Our concern has been that we are sort of pushing, or legislating, these green roofs in certain communities.

“We’ve been through the leaky condos, and we certainly don’t want to experiment and end up in the same spot.”
[/quote]

i wonder which skytrain station will get more use - the main street one or the cambie one - they both look fairly close to the site

i wonder which skytrain station will get more use - the main street one or the cambie one - they both look fairly close to the site

probably Main Street-Science World SkyTrain. There are major bus routes there. Olympic Village Station has a long way to go.

yeah but by the time the games are on they will be both be open and people may have already come in that way from the airport and feel more "used" to it

yeah but by the time the games are on they will be both be open and people may have already come in that way from the airport and feel more "used" to it

i doubt that Olympic Village Station would be even open during the Games for security reasons.

I thought I heard that the Olympic Village Station would be closed during the Games (which doesn't quite make sense, as Main Street Station is closer to the actual village site). That could have changed though since the village was moved east, away from the bridge, compared to the original plans.

What's the logic in closing down a station just because it's in the vicinity of the village? Could this mean they're going to also close down False Creek to boat traffic and all the roads in the area as well? Couldn't they just beef up security around there? Maybe it's cheaper on security costs to just shut everything down or something.

What's the logic in closing down a station just because it's in the vicinity of the village? Could this mean they're going to also close down False Creek to boat traffic and all the roads in the area as well? Couldn't they just beef up security around there? Maybe it's cheaper on security costs to just shut everything down or something.

That's what they do all the time.....the need "buffer zones". Boat traffic in False Creek will be shut down and a temporary underwater net would probably be built. Think about incidents like the bombing of the USS Cole in 2001, with a boat with explosives ramming straight into the destroyer.

This being the Olympic Village, every pre-caution must be made. Nobody wants another Munich.

That's true. I forgot about what happened in Munich. That'll take care of just one potential danger in a thousand though unfortunately. At least the perception will be that they are doing everything possible for security.

That's true. I forgot about what happened in Munich. That'll take care of just one potential danger in a thousand though unfortunately. At least the perception will be that they are doing everything possible for security.

Well, there's only so much you can do......

Expect to see 24/7 fighter air patrol, snipers, tons of CCTV cameras, machine gun armed security guards and soldiers, water patrols (cruise ships and Canada Place/convention centre will likely be defended by underwater nets like in Athens), helicopter patrols, and so much more.

Joint Task Force 2 will likely set up a camp somewhere in the city and will be on standby with helicopters.


You see so much complains about security costs in the media.....to be honest, i would rather see we spend on what is needed to make these Games safe rather than being sorry later on if something slips through the cracks. There's still 3 years and the political climate could change (e.g. another major terrorist attack in the world or at home?).

That's what they do all the time.....the need "buffer zones". Boat traffic in False Creek will be shut down and a temporary underwater net would probably be built. Think about incidents like the bombing of the USS Cole in 2001, with a boat with explosives ramming straight into the destroyer.

This being the Olympic Village, every pre-caution must be made. Nobody wants another Munich.

I know that the security around the events at the PNE will be air-tight. They have been talking about closing Renfrew street from Hastings to McGill, possibly fencing off half, or the entire PNE site, doing background checks on those living on Renfrew street between Hastings and McGill, screening people at Hastings street, (a full block until they even get close to the arena). Qiute the buffer zone. I can only imagine that the Olympic Village will have much the same.

http://www.globalairphotos.com/images/bc/vancouver/2007/vch2007_049.jpg

they would have to close down the burger king than and the mcdonalds, science world etc. and the main street staution - since its closer to the offical entrance

they would have to close down the burger king than and the mcdonalds, science world etc. and the main street staution - since its closer to the offical entrance

No problem....those sites are probably slated for demolition anyway since there are big plans for condos there.

Yeah, there's already a DP application for the Burger King site.

i remember seeing a rendering in the paper years ago for a project on quebec just east of the site - it was a tower - what ever happenned to that?

A portion of the Olympic Village condos post-2010 development is now up for sale at:

http://www.millenniumwater.com/

here's a rendering of the new community centre in southeast false creek (designed by erickson)
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t290/vancouver_2007/sefc1.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t290/vancouver_2007/sefc2.jpg

another one by erikson. a mini-twist condo
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t290/vancouver_2007/sefc4.jpg

some other interesting ones..
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t290/vancouver_2007/sefc5.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t290/vancouver_2007/sefc3.jpg

the foundry building
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t290/vancouver_2007/yvr/sefc6.jpg

the city posted a bunch of plans and elevations. there's more here:
http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/commsvcs/southeast/devapps/index.htm

Recent pics

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from Global Air Photos dated July 10th, 2007:

excavation for the Olympic Village:
http://www.globalairphotos.com/images/bc/vancouver/2007/vch2007_457.jpg

Oh, I had assumed that actual construction had started already (sorry haven't been in town for a while). But thanks for the pics Mr. X!

Those are some pretty apocalyptic looking photos, mr.x!

Sitting pretty on the shores of False Creek
Residents of Foundry will be able to be in their homes in time for the 2010 Olympics

Vancouver Sun
Published: Saturday, July 21, 2007

Southeast False Creek promises to become the next big thing in local real estate.

Not only is it on the waterfront, with views of the city and North Shore mountains beyond, but the area has been selected as the site for the 2010 Olympic Village.

There's no doubt this emerging neighbourhood on False Creek will become as vibrant as its counterpart on the north shore, with new shops, a community centre, school, parks and other neighbourhood amenities planned for the area. It's ideally located close to public transportation, and will be connected by pedestrian and cycling paths to the waterfront seawall.

Polygon, which has been building residential projects in the Lower Mainland since 1980, obviously knows a good real estate location when it sees it. Foundry, a 13-storey concrete tower with 16 multi-level townhomes and 90 condos, will be located on First Avenue near Crowe Street, just a short distance away from the Olympic Village.

The project got its name from the fact it is on the former site of one of the city's largest foundries.

"This is the first offering [of a multi-family residential project] in southeast False Creek," says Polygon representative Ralph Archibald. "The whole southeast False Creek area is going to be a very livable area when it's all done, with the Olympic Village and the parks. It is Vancouver's last [undeveloped] waterfront area."

Archibald also points out buyers will be able to be in their homes in time for the Olympics, with no occupancy restrictions, because it is located outside the Olympic Village security zone.

Archibald says many buyers have come from the Yaletown area because they want to be close to the action of downtown but away from the "hustle and bustle" of downtown. And like the first buyers into Yaletown, they recognize a good investment, he says.

"Historically, people who are the first to buy into an area do the best on an investment gain," he says.

Another reason buyers are moving from downtown is knowing they can get more for their money. Archibald points out that a one-bedroom unit in the Foundry, between 650 to 720 square feet, is larger than what is typically offered in downtown Vancouver condo projects.

The Foundry will be built to Leed Silver certification standards to promote eco-friendly urban living, with a car-share an option for homeowners, a community garden with specially select plant species to cultivate a butterfly garden and collected storm water to help irrigate the gardens.

Besides water conservation, energy efficiency is key to the homes, with Low-E window glazing, a central district heating system to reduce long-term energy consumption and energy star-rated appliances.

The residence will feature floor-to-ceiling windows to provide expansive views of the city and overheight ceilings will make the most of natural light.

Helping to keep that expansive feeling, the interiors will be done in muted colours with lots of light woods and natural fibres. Homes will either have a solarium, balcony or terraces so homeowners can enjoy outdoor living.

homes@png.canwest.com

FOUNDRY

Project: 90 condos, with 16 townhomes (only one townhome still available)

Residence size: 600 to 1,141 sq. ft. for condos

Price range: $479,900 to $749,900

Developer: Polygon

Interior: Inhouse

Architect: IBI/HB Architects

Presentation Centre: 261 West 2nd Street, Vancouver

Telephone: (604) 879-8277

website: www.polyhomes.com

Occupancy: Spring 2009


© The Vancouver Sun 2007

This is a panorama of the eastern end of False Creek in Vancouver and it shows the Olympic Village site now under construction with three cranes.

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/2532/sefcpano5000x400mediumwin9.jpg

Incidentally, this was my first panorama. I stitched the images together in Photoshop and the edges are a bit rough, but I'm pretty pleased with it.

*all photos by me (SFUVancouver/Vancouverite in SSC), taken on August 13th, 2007

Elevations of Millennium Water - Parcel 4 - the Erickson-designed buildings - from the April 23rd Development Permit Board report. These are on the water's edge to the west side of the SEFC site.

They are twisty towers with a "fish-scale" curtain wall cladding in certain areas of the facade. Tall (west) tower is 12 storeys and short (east) tower is 7 storeys. This design replaces the one posted by Mr. X above. The UDP or DPB did not like 8 storey and 9 storey towers (too much alike), so they were revised to 7 storey and 12 storey towers.

North-south elevations of both towers:
http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/2231/millenniumwaterparcel4nok1.jpg

East-west elevations of the shorter tower:
http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/3155/millenniumwaterparcel4eiz2.jpg

East-west elevations of the taller tower:
http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/8820/millenniumwaterparcel4eax2.jpg

So that makes 4. Twisting is his new concrete!

Pictures taken by VANCOUVERITE

Southeast False Creek Olympic Village


SEFC construction precinct (14 cranes are visible by my count, and there are lots more to come)
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/9106/sefcconstructionprecinczw9.jpg



SEFC Olympic Village construction progress
http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/6110/sefcolympicvillageconstyd9.jpg




SEFC Olympic Village “tidal island” landscaping progress
http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/8997/sefctidalislandconstrucha2.jpg

Does anyone know what the fate of the Opsal Steel building (the foundry) will be? It looks like it's going to be renovated, but into what or for what purpose?

I've always hoped something cool would be done with it as it's been sitting there decaying for so many years.

Rendering of the Olympic Village/Millennium Water, posted by Delirium:
http://cdn.travidia.com/rop-ad/5062189

updates from flickr

some pics i found on www.flickr.com

you can see that they've started planting trees on habitat island and along the new seawall
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y101/oct2gon/1769287053_ecd5a87020_o.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y101/oct2gon/1779705892_3021304e42_o.jpg

what are those three sticks pointing out of the island for? I don't think they are trees...

They're snags for the bald eagles to perch on. The eagles used to perch on the cranes on the south side of the creek before the construction.

They're snags for the bald eagles to perch on. The eagles used to perch on the cranes on the south side of the creek before the construction.

lol, as long as they don't stay there during 2010....they'd freak out when the fireworks go off, or worse fly off and get blown up.

LMFAO

LMFAO

it sort of happened before. It was previously an Olympic tradition and IOC requirement to release live doves during the opening ceremony, to symbolize peace. But during the Seoul 1988 ceremony, the doves that were released were barbecued instantly when the cauldron was lit.


In the below vid, it's a video of the doves being killed in Seoul. The torchbearers are lifted up to the cauldron by an elevator. When they reach the top, they are unable to see that there are as many as a dozen doves perched on it as the cauldron is a bowl "V" shape that is taller than them. So, they light the cauldron with the doves still on it....the rest is history.
dg_weauz1eI

It would've been hillarious if the dove that flew into the flame came out as a flying fireball.


Since, that IOC requirement has since been changed to the symbol of a dove....thus you had that acrobatic dove orgy in Torino, the dove on the tv screen in Athens, and the giant blue banner with a dove on it in Sydney.

omg the poor birds =( LOL

I wonder what creative ways Vancouver would symbolize the dove...

omg the poor birds =( LOL

I wonder what creative ways Vancouver would symbolize the dove...

anything but this...
http://www.olympic.org/upload/news/gallery/ARTP_2228_888_big.jpg

WTF LOL

I thought those climbers were pretty cool.

For Vancouver they'll probably have a rock face behind it.

http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/2254/olympicvillagenov102007wz8.jpg
Source: My Photo ( Vancouverite in SSC | SFUVancouver in SSP )

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/33/olympicvillagehabitatisvx1.jpg
Source: My Photo ( Vancouverite in SSC | SFUVancouver in SSP )

"Habitat Island" is now fully landscaped. This island will only be accessible at low tide. The three tall dead tress are perches for our local bald eagle population.

it's coming along, thanks for the update!

That has to be the biggest cluster of cranes in Vancouver's history - that is soo cool!

some updates were posted on the milleniumwater website (although already outdated) but still cool to see

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y102/Toronto416/ov.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y102/Toronto416/ov5.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y102/Toronto416/ov2.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y102/Toronto416/ov4.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y102/Toronto416/ov3.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y102/Toronto416/ov1.jpg

Thanks, Mr.x.

I've asked this question before, but no one answered: What is going to happen to the Foundry building in this development? I know it's going to be refurbished, but I could not find any information as to what purpose the structure will have in the completed village.

To the best of my knowledge there has not been a decision yet about the Salt Building's purpose. The building is being refurbished and retained for public use but so far nothing has come together.

ive been told by someone from the city of van planning department who is working on the project that the salt building is being restored (at least on the outside) and will be used as a restaurant/bar with a pretty unique flavor

ive been told by someone from the city of van planning department who is working on the project that the salt building is being restored (at least on the outside) and will be used as a restaurant/bar with a pretty unique flavor

Thanks worldwide, Vancouverite.

The plans I came across only mentioned that the building would be completely refurbished, including a new foundation, if I am not mistaken.

That's corrrect, no use has been determined yet, the COV just this week has approved an additional 470k on the foundation work.

The new seawall opens up about December 3rd:

http://vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/NewsReleases2007/NRfirstavereconstruction.htm

First Avenue reconstruction starts December 3

On December 3, 2007, the City will begin an extensive, 18-month project to rebuild First Avenue between Quebec Street and the Cambie Bridge.

City contractors will upgrade sanitary and storm sewers, water mains, electrical and communication utilities, and install a district heating system along First Avenue as part of the construction of the Southeast False Creek (SEFC) and Olympic Village site leading up to 2010.

Initial work on this project will involve a full closure at the intersection of First Avenue and Columbia Street for approximately three weeks starting December 3, 2007. During this time, and for the duration of the 18-month project, pedestrians and cyclists should use a paved path that will be opened up along the SEFC waterfront as an alternate route. Vehicle traffic will be routed around the closed intersection via Second Avenue (see map on website at www.vancouver.ca/olympicvillage).

The reconstruction of First Avenue between Quebec Street and the Cambie Bridge will be ongoing from December 2007 to May 2009. Every effort will be made to keep traffic flowing in both east and west directions along First Avenue. However, partial closures of First Avenue will be necessary over the next 18 months.

In addition to the reconstruction of First Avenue, traffic in the local area will be affected by other construction activities including the Canada Line project. Residents and commuters traveling in the area between Main and Oak streets, from Broadway to False Creek, are advised to expect delays, and may wish to consider alternate routes.

The City of Vancouver and its contractors appreciate the patience of the public during this project, and will make every effort to minimize traffic disruptions.

http://vancouver.ca/olympicvillage/FirstAvenue-map.JPG

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2132/2056857516_4c66caa76e_o.jpg
from www.flickr.com

I counted 10 tower cranes on the site today, plus one of those remote controlled Potain self-erecting cranes.

I have a hunch there will be several more tower cranes on the site. There are 16 distinct buildings in the Olympic Village precinct and if even three or four share cranes that still leaves a couple more tower cranes to go up at the very least.

The first building at the south west corner of the property is now a storey above ground. It is a market building of maybe 10 or 11 storeys. Beside it is a non-market building that should be at-grade in a couple weeks. Those were the first two buildings to make it through the City's development process. The rest are all following like cars on a train.

I was at the Urban Design Panel on Wednesday. The Wall Centre / Playhouse complex passed. It is a four-tower scheme with 399 units and a 43K foot space for the Playhouse Theatre company including admin space, a rehersal hall, a production shop, storage, and a 200 - 250 seat black box theatre space. The Playhouse occupies the entire podium on the western half of the block-long project. Each half of the block supports two towers ranging from 154ft to 125ft and a podium that ranges from 3 to 5 storeys. On the base of the eastern half of the project the podium will be surrounded on three sides, including the laneway, by live/work townhouses, many of which will feature over-height two-storey "work" areas fronting on the street while the "live" area can be locked off and also enter from the same sort of internal hallway as the apartments. On the Manitoba Street frontage there will be several retail storefronts, including a restaurant/large coffee shop that wraps around the corner of Manitoba and 1st. The streetcar will have a stop in the median at 1st and Manitoba.

The main entrance to the Playhouse space and the theatre is off of the mid-block pedestrian walkway, complete with its own intersection across 1st and adjoining walkway through the property fronting on 2nd ave. The glass entrance pavilion for the Playhouse is ~ 40ft tall and the top half of it will be a folded/crenelated glass curtainwall that will look like a theatre curtain that has been lifted to reveal the lower, slightly set back entrance and marquee of the Playhouse. Sounds neat.

Regarding landscaping, there is a three-part narrative. The ground plane is about the history of the site as a ship building and industrial area. There will be some industrial artefacts and the original shoreline will be marked at several places. The podiums are the second part and they are all about sustainability. Each one has an intensive green-roof and there will be a small apple orchard, urban agriculture plots, and local ornamental trees. The third layer is the roofs of the towers themselves and these are about restoring habitat. They will be green roofs that will be largely given over to nature so that they can be a home for birds and indigenous plants. There will be no public access to these uppermost roofs.

The towers themselves will have two elements to each. The north and eastern faces of most of them will be sleek modern curtain walls while the south and west sides will have bands of extended floorplate sun shades and smaller, punched windows to reduce the solar gain of the towers. As many balconies have been place on the west side as possible to maximize their utility and to have them act as solar shades for the primary living areas below. The overlook guidelines of SEFC require that no two primary living areas directly face one another across lanes to improve privacy in lieu of the conventional 80ft spacing that is in place for towers everywhere else. The towers and podiums in SEFC and especially in the Olympic Village will be much closer than anything we're used to in Vancouver over the last couple decades. This place will feel very different, that's for sure.

All in all the Wall Centre is shaping up to look like typical Vancouver tower-podium buildings that has been squashed, sewn together, and planted with trees and green. The key for me is how these buildings meet the street and how the first few floors are programmed and I am excited about this project because I think it addresses the public realm very well. The live/work townhouses have a fair shot at actually being used as an interesting form of retail since they have so much space and height compared to most "live/work" suites. I especially like that the townhouses wrap completely around the building, including the laneway, which will be quite different in SEFC than elsewhere in the city. They will have a cement runnel in the centre and two wide strips of asphalt beside this. On the outside edges will be poured concrete or cement paver "sidewalks".

That's all I've got for now.

The new seawall opens up about December 3rd:

http://vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/NewsReleases2007/NRfirstavereconstruction.htm

First Avenue reconstruction starts December 3

On December 3, 2007, the City will begin an extensive, 18-month project to rebuild First Avenue between Quebec Street and the Cambie Bridge.

City contractors will upgrade sanitary and storm sewers, water mains, electrical and communication utilities, and install a district heating system along First Avenue as part of the construction of the Southeast False Creek (SEFC) and Olympic Village site leading up to 2010.

Initial work on this project will involve a full closure at the intersection of First Avenue and Columbia Street for approximately three weeks starting December 3, 2007. During this time, and for the duration of the 18-month project, pedestrians and cyclists should use a paved path that will be opened up along the SEFC waterfront as an alternate route. Vehicle traffic will be routed around the closed intersection via Second Avenue (see map on website at www.vancouver.ca/olympicvillage).

The reconstruction of First Avenue between Quebec Street and the Cambie Bridge will be ongoing from December 2007 to May 2009. Every effort will be made to keep traffic flowing in both east and west directions along First Avenue. However, partial closures of First Avenue will be necessary over the next 18 months.

In addition to the reconstruction of First Avenue, traffic in the local area will be affected by other construction activities including the Canada Line project. Residents and commuters traveling in the area between Main and Oak streets, from Broadway to False Creek, are advised to expect delays, and may wish to consider alternate routes.

The City of Vancouver and its contractors appreciate the patience of the public during this project, and will make every effort to minimize traffic disruptions.

http://vancouver.ca/olympicvillage/FirstAvenue-map.JPG

so the blue dotted line is what opens on december 3rd? nice

Some pictures I took today from Science World:
http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/713/dscf1117sr1.jpg

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/3856/dscf1118hd0.jpg

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/8292/dscf1119gl7.jpg

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/5440/dscf1120zo5.jpg

artsy last one

Good pictures. :)

Seawall set to reopen after extensive facelift
Features include viewing decks, new island
Cheryl Rossi, Vancouver Courier
Published: Wednesday, November 28, 2007

While the partial closure of First Avenue to motorists Dec. 3 is bad news for drivers, it's great news for pedestrians and cyclists who will travel uninterrupted along the seawall for the first time in 18 months.

"We're not finished the seawall, but we've taken it far enough that we can reopen it to the public," said Jody Andrews, deputy city manager and project manager for Southeast False Creek and the Olympic Village. "We'd now like the public to be able to use that right up until the start of the Games in 2010 and they'll be able to not only watch us finish the seawall over the coming three months, but then actually over the coming 23 months be able to watch us finish the Olympic Village, as well, from the waterfront."

Pedestrians and cyclists will cruise along on separated paths that can carry them all the way around Stanley Park and over to Kits and Jericho beach to UBC and the Endowment Lands.

http://a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/12465/1d/media.canada.com/157ccc88-d038-4a4c-b40b-818d8519d682/seawallsettoreopen.jpg
The highlighted portion of the seawall along False Creek will reopen next week.

The city has completely rehabilitated the shoreline east of Cambie Bridge to Science World. "The old shoreline was in really rough shape. It was a lot of concrete and asphalt and rebar," Andrews said.

Heading west from Science World one-third of the shoreline has been replaced with sloped rip-rap--boulders and rocks that have been specially fit together at low tide. "Those spaces in between the rocks are really important in the intertidal marine habitat," Andrews said. "They create all sorts of very healthy spaces for plants and marine life to grow and flourish... It brings back a lot of vibrancy to the ecosystem."

Decks with viewing abutments have also been added to this area. The centre of the refurbished area is more urban with massive granite steps leading into the sea. A new pedestrian bridge will be brought in by water at high tide and set in place over an inlet roughly between Columbia and Manitoba before the end of the year.

"The bridge has only one pier support in the centre which means that kayaks, canoes, paddleboats can paddle into the inlet, dock the boats at the granite steps and then just walk right into the development," Andrews said. "So you can imagine if you're out for a kayak one day you can paddle into the Southeast False Creek inlet, beach your boat at the granite and walk up and get a coffee, have a little break and then go right back out on the water again."

Closer to Cambie Bridge, a new intertidal channel and island have been built to reintroduce a marine habitat. The island is shaped like an iceberg with a small top and a large base to provide ample intertidal space between low and high tide. "False Creek used to be almost all intertidal marsh. At low tide, it was all muck and sands and grasses that were exposed and at high tide, it looked like just another part of the ocean," Andrews said.

Sometime after Dec. 3, the public will be able to reach the island via a spit of cobblestones. "That small thin connection will flood at high tides... It was designed in a way that it doesn't flood very often, but it does once in a while so it is a bit of a sense of adventure and discovery to go out there," Andrews said. At low, low tide, the island will appear connected to the mainland.

The city is working on a weir bridge where the wetlands it's developing to harvest and treat rainwater will flow out, so pedestrians may not be able to access the island right away. The city may also wait until all of the native vegetation including evergreens, Oregon grape and salal shrubs have taken root to open the island to the public. Dead trees were also planted to provide perches for birds to nest.

"A lot of the [flora] we don't see at all in False Creek and so it is kind of interesting to go down that list and see what we are reintroducing here that used to be here naturally a hundred or plus years ago," Andrews said.

The section of the seawall between Science World and Cambie Bridge is about 90 per cent complete. Final finishing and landscaping will be done once the grading of the adjacent construction concludes in 2008.

Andrews expects a grand reopening of the seawall in February.

© Vancouver Courier 2007

^I was down checking out the seawall this evening. I was really pleased with how it is coming together. I was thinking to myself at the time that it would be the nicest part of the seawall yet. It still has lots of work to go but you can tell it is one high quality project. And if it reflects the quality of the overall neighbourhood then the whole area is going to be amazing. Now I'm looking forward even more to exploring the area when its done. Was a beautiful evening. While I was walking around there I was trying to look at the city as if I were an athlete/journalist/tourist during the Olympics. Anyways, I arrived at the conclusion that I would be impressed by the city. :)

Here are some pictures I got. They don't quite do it justice though. (may be a bit blurry/dark)

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g296/raggedy13/Dec%206%202007/101_0033.jpg

Habitat Island
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g296/raggedy13/Dec%206%202007/101_0055.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g296/raggedy13/Dec%206%202007/101_0051.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g296/raggedy13/Dec%206%202007/101_0052.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g296/raggedy13/Dec%206%202007/101_0054.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g296/raggedy13/Dec%206%202007/101_0057.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g296/raggedy13/Dec%206%202007/101_0068.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g296/raggedy13/Dec%206%202007/101_0069.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g296/raggedy13/Dec%206%202007/101_0070.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g296/raggedy13/Dec%206%202007/101_0071.jpg

Hard to see but this is where the west side of little pedestrian bridge over the water will connect
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g296/raggedy13/Dec%206%202007/101_0072.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g296/raggedy13/Dec%206%202007/101_0074.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g296/raggedy13/Dec%206%202007/101_0075.jpg

Central supports for the bridge
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g296/raggedy13/Dec%206%202007/101_0076.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g296/raggedy13/Dec%206%202007/101_0077.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g296/raggedy13/Dec%206%202007/101_0078.jpg

Xmas lights!
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g296/raggedy13/Dec%206%202007/101_0079.jpg

Where east side of bridge will connect
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g296/raggedy13/Dec%206%202007/101_0080.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g296/raggedy13/Dec%206%202007/101_0081.jpg

One of the building sites
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g296/raggedy13/Dec%206%202007/101_0083.jpg

That's it.

thanks for all these pics! it looks great! i definitely need to check this out soon....once exams are over. :p

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g296/raggedy13/Dec%206%202007/101_0081.jpg

Looks like cables will run through the holes - but what about the bottom? A kid may be able to slip between the deck and the lowest cable.

Maybe they will continue to install a ledge (if you look at the picture closely, you can see that the side towards BC Place is raised [by wood]).

Holy shit! Look at all those cranes!

Olympic Village construction site and surrounding areas, taken today by zivan56:


http://www.iwdstudio.com/pictures/SEFCandMISC/DSCF3430.jpg
http://www.iwdstudio.com/pictures/SEFCandMISC/DSCF3444.jpg
http://www.iwdstudio.com/pictures/SEFCandMISC/DSCF3460.jpg
http://www.iwdstudio.com/pictures/SEFCandMISC/DSCF3462.jpg
http://www.iwdstudio.com/pictures/SEFCandMISC/DSCF3466.jpg
http://www.iwdstudio.com/pictures/SEFCandMISC/DSCF3467.jpg
http://www.iwdstudio.com/pictures/SEFCandMISC/DSCF3472.jpg
http://www.iwdstudio.com/pictures/SEFCandMISC/DSCF3473.jpg
http://www.iwdstudio.com/pictures/SEFCandMISC/DSCF3480.jpg
http://www.iwdstudio.com/pictures/SEFCandMISC/DSCF3485.jpg
http://www.iwdstudio.com/pictures/SEFCandMISC/DSCF3489.jpg
http://www.iwdstudio.com/pictures/SEFCandMISC/DSCF3490.jpg
http://www.iwdstudio.com/pictures/SEFCandMISC/DSCF3492.jpg
http://www.iwdstudio.com/pictures/SEFCandMISC/DSCF3502.jpg
http://www.iwdstudio.com/pictures/SEFCandMISC/DSCF3505.jpg
http://www.iwdstudio.com/pictures/SEFCandMISC/DSCF3515.jpg
http://www.iwdstudio.com/pictures/SEFCandMISC/DSCF3516.jpg
http://www.iwdstudio.com/pictures/SEFCandMISC/DSCF3520.jpg
http://www.iwdstudio.com/pictures/SEFCandMISC/DSCF3521.jpg
http://www.iwdstudio.com/pictures/SEFCandMISC/DSCF3522.jpg
http://www.iwdstudio.com/pictures/SEFCandMISC/DSCF3526.jpg
http://www.iwdstudio.com/pictures/SEFCandMISC/DSCF3528.jpg
http://www.iwdstudio.com/pictures/SEFCandMISC/DSCF3531.jpg
http://www.iwdstudio.com/pictures/SEFCandMISC/DSCF3532.jpg
http://www.iwdstudio.com/pictures/SEFCandMISC/DSCF3540.jpg
http://www.iwdstudio.com/pictures/SEFCandMISC/DSCF3544.jpg
http://www.iwdstudio.com/pictures/SEFCandMISC/DSCF3552.jpg
http://www.iwdstudio.com/pictures/SEFCandMISC/DSCF3557.jpg
http://www.iwdstudio.com/pictures/SEFCandMISC/DSCF3561.jpg
http://www.iwdstudio.com/pictures/SEFCandMISC/DSCF3564.jpg
http://www.iwdstudio.com/pictures/SEFCandMISC/DSCF3566.jpg
http://www.iwdstudio.com/pictures/SEFCandMISC/DSCF3569.jpg
http://www.iwdstudio.com/pictures/SEFCandMISC/DSCF3574.jpg
http://www.iwdstudio.com/pictures/SEFCandMISC/DSCF3581.jpg

Thank you so much for the pics...they are so beautiful and the snow on the mountains accentuates that. I love the colour that the Spectrum buildings bring to the skyline

i like that new bridge that they are putting in...

Judging by the width of the entrance, the morbidly obese are not allowed on the bridge.

i don't see many morbidly obese people around vancouver anyways. i only say this jokingly of course as i seem to get bigger with each passing year.

i'm sure it's bigger than it seems, why would they make a bridge that requires one way movement?

I hope (well not I hope) they don't allow bikes on the bridge - it seems too small for that. But then again I wouldn't want them to design a huge bridge either...

my wife and i went for a walk along this path to Granville Island last weekend. i must admit, it looks pretty sweet, maybe a little manufactured, but still rather cool. there are new huge artsy looking white lawn chairs that i'm sure are going to be a hit with the kids during the day and the homeless at night. and that new island is going to be a hit with the tourists for sure.

however, i'm not sure what the point is of that bridge is. personally, i think it looks like something from expo 86 and there is a path around the water not 6 meters away....

^^I know. Totally pointless. Maybe it's one of those artsy things that is beyond me.

gvtv spotlighted the false creek development last night. apparently, that bridge cost $680,000 and supposed to look like a kayak

$680,000? What a waste of money...

http://photos-c.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v233/79/110/537325252/n537325252_2667258_1197.jpg
Olympic Village Construction (DAMN THEY HAVE THOSE FENCES) ~ Picture by Me

http://photos-d.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v233/79/110/537325252/n537325252_2667259_1474.jpg
Olympic Village Construction (DAMN THEY HAVE THOSE FENCES) ~ Picture by Me

http://photos-f.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v233/79/110/537325252/n537325252_2667261_2059.jpg
Olympic Village Path (LOADS OF PEOPLE TODAY) ~ Picture by Me

http://photos-g.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v233/79/110/537325252/n537325252_2667262_2361.jpg
Olympic Village Construction (DAMN THEY HAVE THOSE FENCES) ~ Picture by Me

http://photos-h.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v233/79/110/537325252/n537325252_2667263_2653.jpg
Olympic Village Construction (DAMN THEY HAVE THOSE FENCES) ~ Picture by Me

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Dragon Boating ~ Picture by Me

http://photos-b.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v233/79/110/537325252/n537325252_2667265_3248.jpg
Man Made Island @ Olympic Village ~ Picture by Me

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Man Made island @ Olympic Village ~ Picture by Me

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Olympic Village Construction & My Bike on the Bench [yes I know it's crappy, it's older than me X_X] ~ Picture by Me

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Bench Designs @ Olympic Village ~ Picture by Me

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Olympic Village Construction ~ Picture by Me

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Man Made Island @ Olympic Village ~ Picture by Me

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Future River @ Olympic Village [from the bridge] ~ Picture by Me

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Olympic Village ~ Picture by Me

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Olympic Village ~ Picture by Me

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Yaletown ~ Picture by Me

http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.5/ca/)
This work (above) is licensed under a Creative Commons Licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.5/ca/).

Nice shots Deasine!

Olympic Village, False Creek, and Downtown Vancouver panorama (my photos, composed in photoshop with the help of autostitch (http://www.cs.ubc.ca/~mbrown/autostitch/autostitch.html))
http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/2484/olympicvillageanddowntoez3.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) My photo, taken April 12th, 2008.

A panorama I made of the Olympic Village as seen from the north side of False Creek. (hand stitched in photoshop)
http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/6311/olympicvillagepanoramacmp1.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) My photo, taken April 12th, 2008.

The City of Vancouver's Olympic Village Community Centre is coming along. This is the single level of underground parking for the centre.
http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/142/olympicvillagecommunitysl1.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) My photo, taken April 12th, 2008.

One of two adjacent public piazzas awaits the attention of the stone masons.
http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/9785/olympicvillagepiazzaaprxa0.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) My photo, taken April 12th, 2008.

Arthur Erickson's pair of torquing low-rise ultra-luxury condos.
http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/9234/ericksonsolympicvillagema3.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) My photo, taken April 12th, 2008.

The mini harbour (we seriously need to start naming these places) and the corner of the Olympic Village that is furthest along.
http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/4418/olympicvilalgesteelsentpi0.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) My photo, taken April 12th, 2008.

Frenzied construction.
http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/2471/olympicvillageconstructfi1.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) My photo, taken April 12th, 2008.

More frenzied construction, this time looking between Arthur Erickson's two buildings towards the southwest corner of the Olympic Village and the mid-rise tower that is furthest along in its construction.
http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/5781/olympicvilalgeericksonbro9.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) My photo, taken April 12th, 2008.

This is a corner of one of Arthur Erickson's twisting condos. It is a little hard to discern but the column is angled and each floor plate is slightly askew of the one below it. It will become a lot more clear in a couple months.
http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/9196/olympicvillageericksonbxm7.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) My photo, taken April 12th, 2008.


A couple from the Cambie Street Bridge taken a couple days earlier on the 10th of April.

The Olympic Village as seen from the deck of the Cambie Street Bridge
http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/6428/olympicvillageapril1020nj7.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) My photo, taken April 10th, 2008.

Foundry, one block over from the Olympic Village and part of the larger Southeast False Creek precinct.
http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/8598/foundrysefcapril102008svu7.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) My photo, taken April 10th, 2008.

You were there too? Well of course it was sunny =)

Our beautiful village just got shattered and faced with reality. Sigh

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/7703/dsc01200gv2.jpg
Vandals at work ~ Picture by Me ~ Hosted by ImageShack ~ 04/18/2008

If there is one thing we can invest in a lot more, next to transportation, is POLICING. We should adopt singapore style punishments for crimes like these. People can get away with anything in this town.

i really don't understand why people vandalize. hate to make another hong kong comparison but it must be something to do with culture because there, flatscreens can be found everywhere and nobody worries about people wrecking them. here, even the placement of a bench needs re-thinking.

.....sad...

^ couldn't agree more, i was amazed at Hong Kong. They have respect for property.


is it just me or is that a penis on the chair?


Our laws are too lax with graffitti and vandalism, though it should be noted that all of our laws are too lax and the punishments amount to nothing threatening.

What I'd like to see is that if people get caught vandalizing, they have to pay a $1,000 fine on top of removing the grafitti themselves and paying the additional costs to do that.

but getting caught is the key...........

it's not just laws though. it's really something else. and it's not like kids in hong kong 'respect' public property- it just never crosses their mind perhaps? Or maybe because there's always people everywhere that it would be hard to get away with thing like vandalism. and, because there are people everywhere, anyone thinking about doing such a stupid act would stop for fear of being recognized (here, I bet you those punks wouldn't give 2 sh*ts about being seen).

I'm sorry, I'm using Picasa do upload my pictures so it's a little fuzzy and small.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/deasine/SEIgtO0AdSI/AAAAAAAACpo/sFsHqz-7Us0/Slide1.JPG?imgmax=512
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Just for fun, my phone in the olympic village surroundings *sorry i just couldn't' resist*
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http://lh6.ggpht.com/deasine/SEIgx-0AdcI/AAAAAAAACq4/8815CaIbMD4/Slide11.JPG?imgmax=512

very nice deasine!

its looks like false creek is coming along smoothly. its been a few months since dragged the family out for a walk down that stretch to GI. maybe this weekend....

i have to admit (other than that "bridge"), i love the furniture. all the benches are way cool and that solar powered garbage is interesting.

i just hope they put in a place to get a good cup of coffee....

Love the new seawall area. Great job deasine! Thanks for being the eyes to those of us very far away.

This hood may be nice enough for the developers to sell the units at $1,000/foot as they said was necessary to break even after the games.

BTW, what's the solar panel on the trash bin for?
Do they light up at night for people to see them or for something else?

BTW, what's the solar panel on the trash bin for?
Do they light up at night for people to see them or for something else?

They're trash compactors.

They're trash compactors.

Am I the only one anticipating a security problem during the olympics!
I don't think the RCMP's are going to enjoy these things very much!

Financial concerns dog Olympic athletes' village
In wake of credit crisis, concerns mount over developer's cost overruns and, if the time comes, whether Vancouver would fund bailout

GARY MASON
gmason@globeandmail.com
October 6, 2008

As the credit crisis south of the border begins to creep north, concerns are mounting over the impact it may already be having on construction of the athletes' village for the 2010 Winter Games.

Last week, members of Vancouver's city council held an emergency, in-camera meeting to get an update on the project. Much of the discussion revolved around the city's obligation in the event the developer, Millennium Development Corp., can't meet demands from the bank because of massive cost overruns, according to sources briefed on the meeting.

The situation has the potential to develop into a full-blown political crisis for the city's civic politicians, who appear to have put taxpayers on the hook to deliver the project in the event of financial problems.

That may be why the normally talkative had little to say about the matter yesterday

Peter Ladner, a city councillor and candidate for mayor in next month's civic election, would only confirm that a discussion took place that dealt with the state of "some developments" in the city, which are facing difficulties because of the credit crisis.

"I can't talk about this," councillor Tim Stevenson told me. "I just can't."

"This is just one situation I can't speak about," said councillor Raymond Louie.

The athletes' village is a massive, $1-billion, 1,100-unit development spread over seven city blocks that is destined to become private residences after the Games. The residences are about 60 per cent sold and have the highest green-building standards that exist in North America, something that also led to overruns.

Company officials could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Millennium Development bought the prime land on the southeast shore of False Creek in the spring of 2006 from the city for $198-million - a price that many in Vancouver's ultra-competitive development felt at the time was exorbitant. The city also agreed to loan the developer $30-million toward start-up costs.

The city signed a deal with the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games to deliver the keys to the athletes' village by November, 2009. The city then effectively sublet the responsibility for constructing the athletes' village to Millennium Development.

"But the city is on the hook for the completion of the village," said a source involved in the negotiations with VANOC. "And this has always been a concern among some people at city hall - what if this thing suddenly goes south? What happens then?"

The project is being financed by Fortress Investment Group, a hedge fund/private equity company based in New York. Fortress has been monitoring the project's cost overruns extremely closely, according to a source involved in the project, and asked for an accounting a month ago - which the developer apparently supplied. But there could be more overruns coming - which is what members of Vancouver's city council were apparently discussing in their meeting, according to the source.

"Even though Millennium is under the gun here," the source said, "the city is beholden to Millennium to make sure it's built because it has to be."

Will the city guarantee to the bank that it will be good for any money the developer can't come up with - should that be the case?

"Everything went wrong with this project," said the source. "The financial markets collapsed, construction costs are at an all-time high and the developer paid full retail for the land. And now with this credit crunch everybody is asking tougher questions right now.

"But look, there isn't a development in the city right now that isn't facing overruns - this project just happens to be extremely high-profile and the city has a stake in it."

Just what those overruns are nobody is saying, although the number bandied about most is $100-million - one that was dismissed by the same source. "That is a worst-case-scenario number if everything [continues to go] wrong. But right now it's not there, for sure."

Millennium Development is a member of the Armeco Group, a Canadian company. Millennium is a widely respected company that does real estate development that includes shopping malls, office buildings, residential towers and commercial and industrial centres, according to its website.

There are several issues that are likely to flow from this situation in the coming weeks and months. And there is every likelihood discussion of a bailout in any form - a guarantee, a cash injection, whatever - could emerge as a major municipal election issue in the coming weeks.

Would taxpayers support a bailout? Should it be a provincial responsibility? Should taxpayers have been consulted before politicians made them responsible for such a massive financial undertaking?

Perhaps the biggest question of them all: Is this just the beginning of problems developers across Canada will face as U.S. lenders begin tightening the flow of money?

The residences are about 60 per cent sold and have the highest green-building standards that exist in North America, something that also led to overruns.

Too much fluff.

The developer warned the city before construction that they would have to sell the units at upwards of $1,000/foot to get close to breaking even. With all the "showcase" environmental features and the price of land, this was bound not to make economic sense. Now with a real estate slowdown, selling all of these units may be very difficult. Less expensive units and higher density would have been smarter. The "show the world how environmentally sensitive we are" hubris will necessitate the taxpayer bailing this out.

Our olympic village does look a bit different from past ones.

Sydney:
http://www.jantomgroup.com.au/image/project_pic/newington.jpg

Salt Lake City:
http://slice.utah.edu/2007/images/dorms_001.jpg

Athens:
http://images.beijing2008.cn/20070505/Img214049789.jpg

Turin:
http://www.meroniserrature.it/imgbank/ZOOM/news/torinolimpica.jpg

Beijing:
http://images.beijing2008.cn/20080229/Img214259448.jpg http://images.beijing2008.cn/20080306/Img214262212.jpg
Commie block style planning and a little too much asphalt, but otherwise not that bad architecturally.

London:
http://www.london2012.com/blog/uploads/olympic-village-in-legacy.jpg

With the exception of Salt Lake city's (which look like houses for large multi-wived families), all the other ones seem to experiment in fun yet cost-effective design, to accomodate future affordable or student housing. Ours will be converted into $900,000 apartments...

^^
Great post dleung, neat to see the villages across time and locations.

With the exception of Salt Lake city's (which look like houses for large multi-wived families), all the other ones seem to experiment in fun yet cost-effective design, to accomodate future affordable or student housing. Ours will be converted into $900,000 apartments..

:lol:, Polygamist housing.

Good point, one which I have also made many times before, being, that "everything is going upscale" and new housing for people of moderate means, students, service workers, etc, is not being built by developers in the private market.
Every development in "ultra-luxurious", LOL, with prices to match.

Only 1/3 of condos sold. Financing issue looming.
From the Sun:



Olympic Village Shock
By Miro Cernetig, Derrick Penner, Vancouver SunJanuary 9, 2009

Olympic Village construction proceeded under cloudy skies Thursday. Builders will try next week to get their hands on promised financing, but they will find the rules have changed. The news from Vancouver's Olympic Village is becoming dire. And next Thursday is the day this billion-dollar financial minefield could blow up for the world to see.

That's when the companies that are building Vancouver's billion-dollar Olympic Village hope to access more of a $750-million construction loan from Wall Street, to keep constructing the crown jewel of Canada's 2010 Winter Olympics.

But suddenly, there's a problem in getting that money. The city might have to offer as much as half a billion dollars in loan guarantees as security, significantly more than the $100 million it has already put up to keep the Olympic Village construction going.

The project's main, U.S. financier, Wall Street's formidable Fortress Investment Group, has toughened conditions for accessing its loan. Fortress is asking the City of Vancouver to guarantee most of the $750-million loan it has offered to build the $1.2-billion Olympic Village.

That borrowed money is the primary source of funds for the work crews and developers, working on an increasingly tight -- and tenuous -- schedule to get the Olympic Athletes' Village built by this October.

But with its own share price in a slump, the global banking crisis still unwinding and a falling real estate market in Vancouver, Fortress essentially wants a guarantee from the City of Vancouver and its taxpayers that it will be paid. It wants the city to make good on the project's loan and interest costs if the Olympic Village fails as a real estate venture.

In short, the profitability of the Olympic Village, whose condos were supposed to be sold to the public at great profit after being used by Olympic athletes, is no longer viewed as such a sure thing. In fact, those close to the deal -- now watching condo prices drop dramatically -- wonder if the deal will ever make a profit.

So here's what Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson is facing. You'll be hearing it in the next few days, when he makes it public:

The Wall Street financial firm is saying it will continue to lend the money to build the Olympic Village -- on the condition Vancouverites absorb most of the future risk. The money will be loaned until 2010, as promised, under contract, if the city guarantees repayment of the loans to Fortress.

Here's the financial -- and political -- challenge to Mayor Robertson, and why he's got to find another way to get the village built.

First, the rates of Fortress' loans, negotiated long before he took office, are high by today's standards: about eight per cent (or more) per annum, roughly $50 million a year or more for the project, according to those I spoke to close to the deal. That is eroding the project's profitability.

It's also about double the rates that might be negotiated if a similar loan were renegotiated today, with the city's backing and solid credit rating.

Secondly, it no longer seems the Olympic Village condos can be quickly sold off by 2010, as was expected. That was what made this deal work.

The local real estate market has slowed dramatically. Only 250 of the 750 Olympic Village condos have been sold. The new plan -- a prudent one -- is to delay the sale of the others until the market rebounds and avoid fire-sale prices at taxpayers' expense.

But that prudence comes at a cost, too. It means loan financing costs on the Olympic Village won't end by 2010. Instead, they could drag on for years, until all the units are sold.

That means the loans to carry the project will need to be extended, perhaps for years. That will entail tens of millions of dollars in added carrying costs a year, too. But the Olympic Village's red ink might deepen even further. There is no guarantee -- if the real estate market sags longer than expected -- that the Olympic condos will ever be sold at prices high enough to recoup the original investment and carrying costs.

So what's the focus of the Gregor Robertson administration these days? It's the only one left: Refinance, as soon as possible.

Mayor Robertson and his advisers hope to find alternative sources of financing for the Olympic Village project, to reduce loan costs for the city and the developers building the project. That might enable them to renegotiate the Fortress loan, using the leverage of the Triple A ratings of the provincial and federal governments.

So far, those governments aren't saying much. The province, in fact, continues to say this is the city's problem, not theirs. But that's a mistake.

This is the moment when the West Coast's biggest city needs the help of the bigger boys at the negotiating table. The city's past administration messed up badly.

Here are a couple shots I took a few weeks ago:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3218/3130318538_5756c3613f_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3244/3129488347_b29e5d457a_b.jpg

Nice shots, raggedy. I still have a hard time with the design of these towers, which, to me, are uninspiring and the twisting towers seem as if they are going to collapse. Imo, they are just a bunch of low rises occupy a prime area, what a waste.

Nice shots, raggedy. I still have a hard time with the design of these towers, which, to me, are uninspiring and the twisting towers seem as if they are going to collapse. Imo, they are just a bunch of low rises occupy a prime area, what a waste.

I agree Yellow. These are very nondescript and certainly not memorable.

One or two tall towers would have more accurately conveyed to the world the ambiance and philosophy of the city of Vancouver.

I agree Yellow. These are very nondescript and certainly not memorable.

One or two tall towers would have more accurately conveyed to the world the ambiance and philosophy of the city of Vancouver.I dunno about that, because our philosophy seems to be to restrict most of the big towers close to the downtown core. The rest of Vancouver will see more mid-rises and two or three story buildings. Anyway, I think there are plans for some taller buildings in the surrounding areas, adjacent to the village. But I can't see us having anything over 20 floors.

City given go ahead to borrow to finish Olympic Village.
Excerpt from The Sun, January 18:

VANCOUVER - Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson said Sunday “everything is on the table” as the city negotiates a plan to complete the troubled Olympic village — including finding new lenders and removing the current developer from the project.

The city is armed with new borrowing powers freshly granted by the province to help it complete the task.

After a marathon 18 hours of debate in a rare weekend sitting, the B.C. legislature Sunday morning unanimously passed an amendment to the Vancouver Charter allowing the city to borrow unlimited funds to finance the Olympic village.

If Phase 1 of the Olympic Village is being constructed, then where are the other phases in this development?

I agree Yellow. These are very nondescript and certainly not memorable.

One or two tall towers would have more accurately conveyed to the world the ambiance and philosophy of the city of Vancouver.

The olympic village is all about human scale, which is truer to Vancouver than a big tower. It would be awesome if they eventually expanded that type of urban form to 16th street, from Burrard St all the way to, well SFU.

City now in control of development.
From the Sun (partial article):



Vancouver buys out $750-million Olympic Village loan

By Jeff Lee, Vancouver Sun
February 18, 2009

City of Vancouver is expected to buy out Fortress Investment Group's financing of the $1 billion Olympic Village. In a move it says will inject stability into the troubled Olympic Village development, the City of Vancouver on Wednesday bought out Fortress Investment Group’s high-interest loan to Millennium Developments.

The decision removes one major obstacle to getting the 1,100-unit village finished in time for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.

It gives the city access to substantially lower borrowing costs, which Mayor Gregor Robertson said has already saved taxpayers $90 million in interest.

But it also keeps taxpayers on the hook for about $700 million in loans Fortress and the city gave to Millennium, as well as money needed to finish the project.

http://photos-b.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2707/79/110/537325252/n537325252_6329833_2952147.jpg
Source: My Photo, Hosted on Facebook

http://photos-a.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2707/79/110/537325252/n537325252_6329840_4238788.jpg
Source: My Photo, Hosted on Facebook

http://photos-b.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2707/79/110/537325252/n537325252_6329841_3395904.jpg
Source: My Photo, Hosted on Facebook

http://photos-e.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2707/79/110/537325252/n537325252_6329844_6900482.jpg
Source: My Photo, Hosted on Facebook

http://photos-a.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2707/79/110/537325252/n537325252_6329848_4075726.jpg
Source: My Photo, Hosted on Facebook

http://photos-b.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2707/79/110/537325252/n537325252_6329849_7003196.jpg
Source: My Photo, Hosted on Facebook

http://photos-f.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2707/79/110/537325252/n537325252_6329853_3149537.jpg/
Source: My Photo, Hosted on Facebook

http://photos-g.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2707/79/110/537325252/n537325252_6329854_2311838.jpg
Source: My Photo, Hosted on Facebook

Went by there this afternoon and I have to say that the twisty Erickson buildings aren't nearly as impressive as I had hoped. It's hard to tell whether the staggered fish-scale glazing helped to accentuate the curve or not.

Wait are you talking about the one at Yaletown or the twisty glass building inside the Olympic Village...

Obviously the latter :) Funny how when referring to "Erickson's twisty building", I could potentially be referring to 4 different buildings in the city (including RC), lol.

As for the yaletown one... damnit I want to see some glass!!!

today April/26/2009

looking pretty good

http://i43.tinypic.com/ohsmxg.jpg

interesting bridge

http://i39.tinypic.com/2m4rin7.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/r0wd50.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/35k8ob4.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/2w6cdic.jpg

man made island front of the village

http://i40.tinypic.com/dbay0.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/jjl6j4.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/2eq7xb9.jpg

^^
Olympic Village is looking really good. The glass facades look perfectly clear (low iron glass?)

Habitat Island, although a small project, shows attention to detail and respect for nature that truly makes Vancouver special. The new convention center also spent alot of money building an artificial reef with stepped concrete to enhance habitat for sea life.

Thanks for finding and posting that small gem on False Creek for us vanboy. Much appreciated!

welcome,is my pleasure:)

Thanks! wonderful update!

Pictures of the Habitat Island and the views to Vancouver.

Last pic is of the channel leading under the bridge into False Creek. Taken Thurs Apr 30th.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/37989635@N04/3494025297

http://www.flickr.com/photos/37989635@N04/3494846660/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/37989635@N04/3494850430/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/37989635@N04/3494862840/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/37989635@N04/3494885862/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/37989635@N04/3494067225/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/37989635@N04/3494072775/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/37989635@N04/3494891300/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/37989635@N04/3494867192/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/37989635@N04/3494076963/

Edit: Why are they not showing up??? Are they showing for others?
You can see the album here--http://www.flickr.com/photos/37989635@N04/

josiebug welcome to the forum.

Nice pics on flickr, but not showing up here.

I'm not sure what the problem is, but most people upload the pic to a photosharing service, like photobucket that will give you a link to paste for forums.

I try to fix for josiebug,here they are

http://i43.tinypic.com/71nwio.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/a4sod4.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/2wr4029.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/qrbv9f.jpg

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http://i43.tinypic.com/a29gno.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/svhyfr.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/t9z51y.jpg

ok here we are.all pics from josiebug

Pictures of the Habitat Island and the views to Vancouver.

Last pic is of the channel leading under the bridge into False Creek. Taken Thurs Apr 30th.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/37989635@N04/3494025297

http://www.flickr.com/photos/37989635@N04/3494846660/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/37989635@N04/3494850430/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/37989635@N04/3494862840/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/37989635@N04/3494885862/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/37989635@N04/3494067225/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/37989635@N04/3494072775/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/37989635@N04/3494891300/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/37989635@N04/3494867192/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/37989635@N04/3494076963/

Edit: Why are they not showing up??? Are they showing for others?
You can see the album here--http://www.flickr.com/photos/37989635@N04/

Hello and welcome josiebug,

Thanks for posting those photos!

You pics are not showing up because the links do not end in an image format
(i.e.....jpg, bmp, gif, png..etc.)

You need to obtain those links from flickr in order to get it to work !!
Like this:

http://i43.tinypic.com/71nwio.jpg

Thanks, Vanboy.


Nice pics, josie and welcome to ssc.

A pic of the model by me...taken long ago

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3439/3224561212_ffbc0c0c9a_b.jpg

Nice model!



Allen, please check your pm.

^ I got it and replied. Thanks!

"The poor" get waterfront "affordable housing" costing us (the taxpayers) almost $900,000 each.

From the Sun:



The high cost of affordable housing at the Olympic Village
Vancouver SunJune 26, 2009

A news story came across the wires this week announcing that organizers of the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games completed a deal to sell half the housing units in the Olympic Village after the Games are over, making the equivalent of $442 million US available to build affordable housing.

How clever to have a realizable goal, a plan in place and deals done three years in advance of the event.

There may still be time for London's arrangement to degenerate into the kind of debacle successive city councils have foisted on the citizens of Vancouver, but it seems implausible that the Greater London Authority would be so lacking in common sense that it would mess up as badly as our local politicians at City Hall.

Last week, council approved another $22 million in cost overruns for the Olympic Village, of which $15.1 million will go to the affordable housing component of the project. That brings the total cost of the 252 units of affordable housing to $110 million, nearly double the $65 million budgeted in 2006. But wait, there's more. The imputed land value is roughly $40 million, based on the $200 million the city was supposed to receive in payment for the property from the developer, Millennium Group. And, in February, council was told it would have to subsidize the affordable housing units by as much as $76 million to keep them "affordable."

Forgiving any counting errors, the grand total comes to $226 million, or $896,825 per unit. With 25 per cent down, a buyer would need an annual income of at least $144,000 to qualify for a mortgage on a property in this price range. This represents affordable housing for the top five per cent of Canada's taxfiler population.

Even using the more charitable estimate in circulation of $600,000 per unit, these expensive waterfront homes are not and never should have been "affordable" housing.

A well-known developer of our acquaintance says the hard costs for social housing units should range from $160,000 to $230,000 depending on whether it's wood frame or concrete construction. Add in land at around $40,000 a unit and soft costs for fees, financing, permits and related red tape of about 20 per cent and you get total costs ranging from $240,000 to $330,000 per unit.

In other words, Vancouver could have, should have, built double the number of affordable housing units that the Olympic Village project will deliver on less expensive city-owned land.

High-cost affordable housing is an oxymoron. "It's not enough bang for our social-housing buck," says Coun. Suzanne Anton, apparently the only municipal politician talking sense on the issue.

It is clear that any proposal to maintain the original 80-20 split of high-low income residents in this complex is ludicrous. There are creative ideas that could preserve the concept of a mixed-income development, such as fettered ownership, which -- as explained on architect and developer Michael Geller's blog, www.gellersworldtravel.blogspot.com -- would allow middle income families unable to otherwise afford these units to buy them at below market prices with certain conditions, including the right of the city to buy them back and resell them over time.

But the best way out of this morass is to sell all of the units at the highest prices the market will bear and build affordable housing where it makes more economic sense.

City manager Penny Ballem acknowledged that the Olympic Village fiasco demonstrated that the city lacked adequate controls over financing. "In terms of capital projects, we need a lot more oversight, due diligence, and rigour in terms of our original estimates," she said.

Let's add one more to her list: common sense.

But the best way out of this morass is to sell all of the units at the highest prices the market will bear and build affordable housing where it makes more economic sense.

So that penthouse up there costs about 8-million...is that still the highest price for today's market?

Olympic Village and other, mainly Olympic venues, win architecture prize for "greeness".
From the Sun:

Architectural firms behind 2010 venues win green building awards
By Bruce Constantineau
Vancouver SunJ
uly 22, 2009 10:04 AM

Fifteen architectural firms involved in the construction of nine 2010 Olympic Games venues received awards today for excellence in green building practices from the GLOBE Foundation and the World Green Building Council.

GLOBE Foundation president John Wiebe said the bar for green building practices has reached new heights with the development of the Games facilities.

Venues cited for green building and innovations in non-residential wood design and construction include Trout Lake Ice Rink, Killarney Ice Rink, Richmond Olympic Oval, Vancouver Olympic Village, Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre, Vancouver Olympic Centre, Whistler Sliding Centre, Whistler Olympic Park and the Whistler Athletes' Centre at Whistler Olympic Village.

The 15 firms receiving the awards include Walter Francl Architecture, Acton Ostry, Hughes Condon Marler, Nick Milkovich Architects, Merrick Architecture, GBL Architects Group, IBI/HB Architects, DA Architects, MCM Partnership, LMN Architects, Cannon Design, CJP Architects, Stantec, Burrowes Huggins and Hottson Bakker Boniface Haden.

Nice photogallery of the inside of the Olympic Village units in today's Sun.

Follow the link

http://www.vancouversun.com/Gallery+Inside+Olympic+Athletes+Village/2087788/story.html

City of Vancouver hands over athletes' village
http://www.ctvolympics.ca/mm/photo/vancouver/vancouvervenues/01/89/10/18910_m15.jpg
Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press

VANCOUVER - Vancouver's financially troubled athlete's village, which has become a liability for the city and for public perception of the 2010 Winter Games, was officially handed over to Olympic organizers on Wednesday.
In 100 days, the $1-billion village will house the Games' athletes, but the waterfront development has been overshadowed by controversy as costs increased, post-Olympic condo sales stalled and the city had to step in with additional financing to save the project.
However, it was all smiles at the handover ceremony Wednesday morning at the waterfront development that featured aboriginal music, a youth choir and a giant gold novelty key.
"Of course there were challenges, and many of them from far off, but we've come through all that and now we're extremely proud of what we have here,'' Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, who used anger over the village's financial woes to fuel his election campaign last fall, said after the event.
"I've always been very gung-ho on the project. We've had a very difficult financial piece that we've had to come through, and it's on good, solid footing right now.''
Just how solid that footing remains won't be known until after the Games when the city tries to recoup its money through condo sales.
The original lender, Fortress Investment Inc., had stopped payment on the loan in the fall of 2008, prompting the city to initially lend the project $100 million.
News of the loan leaked out during the municipal election campaign, and Robertson used it to attack his rival and accuse the previous administration of mishandling the file and keeping the public in the dark.
Soon after, the city announced it would take over the project's financing, and earlier this year, secured $550 million worth of credit to fund its construction.
Vancouver hopes to make its money back after the village is converted to condos that will be sold after the Games.
Of the 1,100 units available, 737 will be available as condos, with the remaining used as affordable housing and rental properties.
Bob Rennie, a local realtor whose company is overseeing the sales, said 263 condos have so far been sold, and the rest will be put on the market after the Olympics, with prices expected to range from $450,000 to $10 million.
The sales are far fewer than officials had hoped would be sold by now, but Rennie said there are signs the market is recovering.
"The goal was we would keep releasing, and my advice last February was, let's just wait,'' he said in an interview.
"I think with the developers running to the sidelines and not a lot of product out there, our market has rapidly stabilized. So any of the erosion that took place was sure come back.''
More than 3,000 athletes will stay at the village during the Olympics and Paralympics next February and March.
The massive development will include stores, restaurants and retail space during the Games, and the finished condo development will also feature food, shopping and other services.
All of the buildings were designed with sustainability in mind, from energy-efficient construction to green roofs and stormwater collection for toilet flushing.
John Furlong, the CEO of the organizing committee, was full of praise for the village.
"The city has really put a flag down for the future here, and I think that's fantastic for the Games and more importantly, it's fantastic for the city,'' said Furlong.
The festive celebration to mark the village's handover came as the 100-day countdown began before the opening ceremonies on Feb. 12 in Vancouver.
That was marked in a very literal way in Washington, as Canada's new ambassador to the United States unveiled a large digital clock at the Canadian Embassy on Pennsylvania Avenue that will count the number of hours, minutes and seconds until the Winter Games begin.
"I want to say to our friends and neighbours around the embassy and to our American friends and to the world: We welcome you in 100 days to Vancouver-Whistler,'' Gary Doer said at an event that also featured a performance by Canadian rocker FeFe Dobson.
"We will do everything we can to show you a wonderful Canadian winter. We will do everything we can to show you the kind of warm hospitality you showed us at Salt Lake City just a few years ago, and I know that we will celebrate our great athletic skills across the world at these Olympics.''
INDEX: SPORTS
Source: CTV - [Vancouver] Olympics

It's close to completion, and because of the handover, I'm just going to say it's completed, with phase 2 being proposed.

http://i35.tinypic.com/14mezq9.jpg
The view north over False Creek from the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games Athlete's village Wednesday, November 4, 2009 in Vancouver B.C.
Photograph by: Ian Lindsay, Vancouver Sun.

Vancouver residents ready to flee Olympics

VANCOUVER — Vancouver is expecting a mass exodus in February as many residents flee the Olympic frenzy.

The city is expecting to host more than 250,000 Olympic athletes, officials and spectators for the 2010 Games, while many Vancouver residents are choosing to get away from the Olympic chaos.

Vancouver travel agents are reporting a 30 per cent jump in people booking trips for February compared to previous years.

“I just don’t want to cope with the traffic with trying to get here and trying to get there,” one Vancouver woman told Global News.

“The city’s congested enough as it is,” said another woman. “I just can’t envision what the city is going to be like in terms of getting around.”

Bruce Fougner with Lloyds Travel Group in Vancouver said he’s not surprised people are keen to escape the Olympic crowds.

“I think it’s just with news reports coming out about the traffic tie-ups and how chaotic it will be to drive from the North Shore to Richmond, people are deciding: ‘I don’t want to do it,’ ” he said.

Airlines are reporting an increase in sales, with Air Canada adding more flights out of Vancouver to Jamaica.

Meanwhile, Lloyds Travel Group has been swamped with calls from Vancouver residents still looking to rent their homes so they can skip town during the Games.

“Over the past three weeks, we have seen an increase where we are seeing upwards of 30 calls a day from people who want us to list their homes. Even if they are going to net out half or less than half of what we initially thought they would, they are still keen,” Fougner said.


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