Apparently a plan is afoot to erect a giant viewing deck in Queen Elizabeth Park, as a means of reinstating the long-lost view of the city.
Stupid trees, nature.
If the Parks Board approves the project, the owners of the 150-foot tower plan to market it as the highest spot in Vancouver, charging somewhere around $10 a head for tourists to go up and gawk at the city.
Predictably, the NIMBYs don't like this thing one bit.
As for the rest of us, from the early feedback we've heard, the new platform looks a little too George Jetson for some, and not Calatrava enough.
Judging by the renderings, we'd have to agree - frankly, it's reminiscent of Troy McClure's house. ("It's so modern, it's ultra-modern").
While we applaud the creativity, it's probably better to take a pass on this one.
The Sun has more details on the proposal here.
I think it would be a great addition. That park has been dying for years and it needs a draw to bring interest back.
I do however agree that a better design should be looked at - perhaps 100% Calatrava!
Posted by: Junius | Monday, May 28, 2007 at 07:11 AM
Why not, heaven forbid, cut some of the trees down that are blocking the view??!! Surely cheaper and less intrusive than a $10 million dollar tower? After all there used to be a view so why not simply restore it? We don't exactly live in a tree-starved part of the world (that should start some squawking)! Then we can start on the Upper Levels Highway where there used to be fantastic views of Vancouver 25 years ago before the trees blocked most of it.
Posted by: Brian Bailey | Monday, May 28, 2007 at 03:56 PM
that tower looks like it belongs to some gawdy world's fair kinda thing. i agree, calatrava all the way.
Posted by: Toby | Monday, May 28, 2007 at 05:52 PM
wait, we're talking about santiago calatrava right?
Posted by: Toby | Monday, May 28, 2007 at 05:55 PM
i think the structure looks like its only purpose is a look out tower. why not build something with a purpose instead of a galactic diving board.
i'm not saying a CN or Eiffel tower, but maybe a huge totem pole or inuksuk with a restaurant on top ; )
and regarding the Sun's article about the park losing visitors, prehaps its because we have to pay for parking.
Posted by: djmk | Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 12:13 PM
i think the structure looks like its only purpose is a look out tower. why not build something with a purpose instead of a galactic diving board.
i'm not saying a CN or Eiffel tower, but maybe a huge totem pole or inuksuk with a restaurant on top ; )
and regarding the Sun's article about the park losing visitors, prehaps its because we have to pay for parking.
Posted by: djmk | Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 12:14 PM