New condo tower on Whyte Avenue? Yay or nay?

There are two camps to the current issue on Edmonton’s Whyte Avenue.  Yes – build it.  And no – don’t you dare.

The issue is a proposed 16-storey building called Mezzo, full of condo units just off Whyte Avenue, at 105 Street and 81 Avenue actually.  Edmonton city council will be voting on it this Monday and even councilors are divided on whether it’s a good development for the district.

Old Strathcona isn’t quite the right area, from an aesthetic point of view, for a shiny new condo tower built on a podium, full of classy retailers and sparkling store-front windows.  But the “yay” camp says that this venerable old neighbourhood will start losing its popularity if it doesn’t keep up.  Suburban malls and inner-city revitalization in other areas will draw patrons away from Whyte Avenue if left to its own devices.

Preservationists say that Mezzo is too high and doesn’t fit in with the charm of the old three and four-storey brick walkups currently gracing Whyte Avenue.  Folks don’t want the “feel” of the district altered.    Old Strathcona was rescued years ago when everyone was eager to rip down what was old.   The charm of the area was in the historical value of the buildings and Whyte Avenue has been successful in attracting niche retailers and cafes.  The lot where Mezzo is proposed is home to a vacant church with no architectural significance and some councilors say even if the building was just six-storeys, it might fit in.  But a 16-floor building is just too much, they say.  People want to keep that historic nature of the street.

However, there are people who love Whyte Avenue and love Old Strathcona and believe that adding in a new element, even when it doesn’t appear to be in context, will only do the area some good.

Firstly, the building isn’t right on Whyte – it’s set back on 81 Avenue.  When you’re walking at street level, you’re not going to notice how tall Mezzo is.  Really.  You’ll only notice the increased pedestrian traffic and residents come and go.

This tower will be built on a “podium” full of new stores and new restaurants which will only add to the shopping and dining experience.  They will add to the destination of Whyte Avenue and ultimately, to the charm. The architecture was designed by people who know where it’s going, they know what’s currently in the neighbourhood and it will be constructed to blend in with the Old Strathcona Post Office which is located next door.

A tower such as this will bring in new people, all of them prospective customers.  The more people on Whyte Avenue, the more “eyes” on the street and the safer the neighbourhood will be.

The proposed tower, which is what will be voted on Monday, was originally supposed to be 20 storeys. So it’s come down to 16 and will not cast a shadow on Whyte.

It’s also been suggested that when a new kid arrives on the block that owners of buildings that are beginning to look not just their age, but shabby, will add some spit and polish to their edifices as well.

This mixed-use building, which will also add to the affordable housing situation in Edmonton, is likely a good fit for this community.