Link to letter on the Times Colonist website
Build something special in historic James Bay
Re: “A call for quality in architecture,” letter, Aug. 4.
While I agree that the proposed tower is out of all proportion to the James Bay neighbourhood, I am also concerned that Victoria council, the advisory design panel and the developer are all missing an important opportunity.
The location, currently zoned for family housing, is a bridge between the condos of the Inner Harbour and the heritage houses of James Bay, which is the oldest residential neighbourhood on the Pacific Coast north of San Francisco.
Thousands of visitors pass by it every day.
This calls for truly innovative design, something which provides the “missing middle” housing the area needs so badly, with a density and height consistent with the surroundings, as well as a reasonable profit to the developers.
This site is an opportunity to create something exceptional: harmonious, environmentally sustainable living space that is also unique and beautiful—something which will be a must-see Victoria feature.
We have the talent and the far-sightedness. Victoria council should ensure that we get a development that makes the most of this site!
—Diana Clift, Victoria