Quote:
Originally Posted by Bunk
Zoning is not a barrier to conversion. City will accommodate easily from a regulatory standpoint. I can also expedite its approval through priority designation. The issue is primarily is the economics of it - probably need some incentives from various levels of government to see it happen at a larger scale. The other issue is suitability of a floor plate - anything over 12,000 sq ft floor plate becomes difficult for residential use.
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An issue with converting high-rise office space, as has been suggested by some on here, is the fact that some of these office spaces are located in some pretty crappy areas for residential use.
The commercial core was purpose-built for commercial. Tall buildings, little green space, large thoroughfares to ship a 100,000 commuters in and out each day. As someone who prefers living close to downtown, the thought of living in Bow Valley Square doesn't overly appeal to me.
I think councillors like Woolley and Farrell did a great job of reminding Calgarian's that people actually live downtown and the surrounding area, and tried to create areas that catered to this, but given the backlash the bike lanes got for taking away some car lanes and parking spots, it's still a long way to go.
It's NIMBYist to preach about the benefits of large, affordable suburban lots with ample parking, #### on condo's and infills for encroaching on their unsustainable lifestyle and tell everyone to go live in Bankers Hall.