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Originally Posted by Bunk
I'd say the Eau Claire Market and GWL mega projects will do a very good job with permeability, public uses and strong ground level interaction.
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I think while the Market portion definitely looks like it will be awesome, the rest of the waterfront doesn't really have a lot going for it apart from the bike paths. All the buildings facing the river are fenced-off condos or colder buildings...nothing really inviting you to hang around. The GWL project isn't along the river, and will be blocked off by these condos.
How nice would it be if that whole strip from the Louise Bridge to the new Eau Claire Market, was (eventually) lined with cafes and restaurants with outdoor patios facing the park and river? We only have one downtown riverfront, and I think we're wasting the opportunity a bit in letting these resort style condos to go in there without them giving more consideration to how they affect the public realm. With the Peace Bridge right in front of the Platforms Shoes, what a fantastic opportunity to create a bit of more of a hub for the area....say with a park-side restaurant with a great outdoor patio.
East Village seems like it will have some of that more inclusive vibe at least.