Hill West Architects’ Post

Mazyar Mortazavi loves to quote urban theorist Jane Jacobs, who in her landmark book The Death and Life of Great American Cities remarked: “You need old buildings to create new ideas.” As chief executive officer of Toronto-based real estate developer TAS, these eight words, penned more than 60 years ago, guide Mr. Mortazavi whenever he considers a new project or investment, reported The Globe and Mail. "Repositioning and retrofitting commercial properties for adaptive mixed reuse is TAS’s raison d’être and what led Mr. Mortazavi to invest in the historic Coppley building in Hamilton. The neglected 167-year-old pair of attached buildings, on the corner of York Boulevard and MacNab Street in the downtown core, had sat empty since the former textile factory, which produced made-to-measure men’s wear, moved its operations three years ago four blocks away to 107 MacNab St. N." "Constructed by Scottish stonemasons, the building is one of the few surviving pre-Confederation commercial structures in the city. Thanks to TAS, which purchased the building in November, 2021 – along with minority owner the Hamilton Community Foundation (HCF) – the site is being reimagined into a sustainable social and economic hub." "A second-generation development company, TAS uses real estate not just for profit, but also for a social purpose. This is TAS’s first Steeltown project. What attracted them was the site’s potential to bring new ideas to an old building and protect one of Hamilton’s oldest structures from the wrecking ball." https://lnkd.in/gCne8-WE #hamilton #redevelopment #heritage

This holistic urban planning approach reflects a genuine dedication to creating #resilient spaces that prioritise community well-being while addressing the challenges posed by climate change. The plans go beyond aesthetics; they promise to enhance local spaces and provide invaluable support to #localbusinesses and #marketstall holders, shaping Shipley into a thriving and vibrant town center for everyone. The square's transformation marks a dynamic shift, ensuring spaces adapt to the community's needs. The integration of versatile features, rain gardens, and pedestrian-friendly elements isn't just a redesign; it's the shaping of a focal point that enhances the well-being and connectivity of Shipley. This endeavour is more than making a square visually appealing; it's about creating a more inviting and sustainable town centre. #ShipleyRedevelopment #UrbanPlanning #CommunityWellBeing #landscapearchitecture

Tactical urbanism is great. It allows for quick fix, trial of an idea and reminds every citizen that public space belongs to them and they have some power to influence outcomes. However, tactical urbanism can only get you so far. For full shakeup of status quo, we need bold strategy, political will and decisive action. And perhaps to substitute LoS as measure of success with socio-economic uplift in the local community. #mainstreet #tacticalurbanism #placemaking #localcommunity #redevelopment

Ever considered buying on paper ? Buying a home "on paper" is more than just securing a property; it’s about investing in a carefully planned community and your future. Pre-construction projects like Carmel Heights in Zichron Ya'akov represent the pinnacle of modern living, offering diverse housing options tailored to meet a variety of lifestyles and preferences. Carmel Heights, a luxury development, is set in one of Zichron Ya'akov's most sought-after neighborhoods. Nestled near the serene Langa Forest and within walking distance to the vibrant midrachov, this exclusive project offers residents easy access to boutique shops, charming cafes, health facilities, and synagogues—all the essentials for a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. For those looking to invest in a community that promises both comfort and long-term value, Carmel Heights is a rare opportunity. What are your thoughts on projects? #RealEstate #ZichronYaakov #CarmelHeights #LuxuryLiving #InvestmentOpportunities #CommunityLiving

It feels like the future of the city is up. I personally feel we should have less regulations around density and character and more focus on quality and availability. We need character but primarily homes are for housing people. #design #property #architecturaldesign

It would be great to see the combined potential of this on affordability with the removal of parking minimums and building electrification. The potential to allow for more housing on smaller sites and family sized units is also compelling.

The project is part of Parkside of Old Town Phase III - Urbanize Chicago

Newburyport Massachusetts ++ Traditional Neighborhood; ways to develop communities >> "Newburyport’s downtown revival of the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s left an indelible mark. It made the city a national model for preservation. It restored a dying downtown -- several storefronts reopen with unique artisan shops, and the streets and sidewalks had been attractively redone in a Colonial style. -- Architects and planners made pilgrimages to Newburyport to study its success. Officials from other cities came to learn the nuts and bolts of restoring a downtown." Newburyport, MA https://lnkd.in/e-K8Xr87 (3) Key Urban Design Characteristics: 1. Compact/ Human Scale 2. 5-Minute Walk from Edge to Center/ Walkable 3. Mix of Uses/ Diverse Visit Newburyport https://lnkd.in/euvgkbGH

🌟 Exciting developments are underway for the future of Darling Harbour, as the NSW Government advances its Darling Harbour 2050 Vision and Mirvac's $764.5 million State Significant Development (SSD) of Harbourside gains approval. The Harbourside project involves the demolition of the original building to make way for a 50-storey mixed-use development with residential and commercial spaces. Mirvac's commitment to contribute $5.2 million towards affordable housing in the Pyrmont area is a significant step towards addressing housing needs in the region. In addition to this project, several nearby initiatives, including the restoration of the Pyrmont Bridge, the expansion of the Chinese Garden, and the IMAX redevelopment, are set to rejuvenate the area. The Darling Harbour 2050 Vision, developed in collaboration with the community, aims to shape the precinct into a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable waterfront destination, preserving its unique character for future generations. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting transformation! Paul Scully | #DarlingHarbour #UrbanDevelopment #FutureVision #SydneyPrecinct #Mirvac #NSWGovernment Author: Joel Robinson ------------ 📣 Was this update of interest to you?🔥 Join 13,000+ of your residential property development colleagues who follow Urban on LinkedIn. We regularly post free insights about: 💡  New project launches and updates 💡  What buyers are searching for on AU’s largest off the plan buyer platform 💡  Weekly interviews with industry leaders Follow Urban.com.au or connect with our CEO Mike Bird to keep your finger on the pulse of the apartment and townhouse market. 

The 5-Minute Neighborhood, 15-Minute City, and 20-Minute Suburb ++ "That measurement of time in which someone is more likely to walk or bike rather than drive a car to an errand has been the subject of much discussion among urbanists. Thirty years ago the New Urbanism first proposed a neighborhood of a quarter-mile radius. The five-minute walk “pedestrian shed” became the basis for an alternative to suburban sprawl by proposing a walkable scale (120-160 acres) for building or rebuilding community and a sense of place." read more at https://lnkd.in/e2r2E-f7.