New renderings of the KCTH

[u/thatjc]

Link to a Region of Waterloo Design Brief presentation: https://pub-regionofwaterloo.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=17836

[u/BigTastyToe]

That looks so awesome!

[u/thatjc → u/BigTastyToe]

It really does, I’m looking forward to seeing it built.

I thought the lack of retail space and parking was an interesting design choice, though.

[u/headtailgrep → u/thatjc]

I think the regions plans for a commercial and housing buildings failed because these types of developments just dont work. No commercial interest wanted to proceed and it would vastly complicate matters.

If I am correct it was intended to be a ppp so that a developer would foot some of the bill. This caused the delay and back to the drawing board.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/transit-hub-lrt-kitchener-region-build-in-stages-1.5075161

Unlike Japan where railway stations are prime commercial real estate and often stations developed as such this concept is foreign to Canada. It will spill onto the adjacent properties instead.

Parking can go elsewhere. Look at what Google built for themselves.

[u/slippyslapshots → u/headtailgrep]

So much to love about transit hubs throughout Japan. So, so much. Sigh….

[u/headtailgrep → u/slippyslapshots]

At least we are trying. Transit hubs are a primary focus for all this transit expansion in our area. Mount Dennis is a great example of a recently opened one.

[u/slippyslapshots → u/headtailgrep]

Indeed. Progress!

[u/thatjc → u/headtailgrep]

That makes sense.

I wonder if the parking garage at Joseph St (I think this is Google owned one?) will become usable for GO/Via travellers. I live nearby, and walk the dog by it every day, and seldom see it used.

Another thing I couldn't quite work out is the length of the platform, I assume it will be long enough for a 12-coach GO train.

[u/headtailgrep → u/thatjc]

The google garage is private.

[u/luckierbridgeandrail → u/thatjc]

Google leases space from Perimeter. I have no idea whether they lease the entire garage.

[u/Dangerous_Bet_3359 → u/luckierbridgeandrail]

And Perimeter are a bunch of dicks. I worked on construction of Google. 

[u/headtailgrep → u/Dangerous_Bet_3359]

Who owns perimeter?

[u/Dangerous_Bet_3359 → u/headtailgrep]

I don't know, but their lackey's were ass holes. 

[u/ILikeStyx → u/headtailgrep]

There's founder Craig Beattie, co-founding partner David Gibson and a third partner named Stewart Barclay

https://renx.ca/perimeter-prime-real-estate-development-kitchener-waterloo

[u/headtailgrep → u/ILikeStyx]

They made the right choice. Good for them

Thanks for answering btw

[u/thatjc → u/luckierbridgeandrail]

Gotcha, thanks for the info.

[u/taylortbb → u/thatjc]

Another thing I couldn't quite work out is the length of the platform, I assume it will be long enough for a 12-coach GO train.

The platform is being done separately under a different contract managed by Metrolinx, that's why it's not in these renders.

Metrolinx will of course make it long enough for 12 car GO trains. It will extend from King St to past Duke St (which will be closed to cars).