I am in total agreement with what you said, both about apartment buildings and a well-lit skyline. I, as well, cannot understand the obsession with condos. I know that The Tucker (formerly known as 712 Tucker) went from a condo-apartment hybrid to 100% apartment building, with 179 units. Of course, they could have proposed a high-rise building for the Eastern half of that parcel, leaving the rest for some future transitional projects, but the developer doesn’t seem to have the guts, or the financial backing, to deliver something like that. Sure, I like The Tucker, but it is a waste of space. Of course, the price of going up, as opposed to building a low-rise, is vast, but your suggestion should be considered more seriously in the future.

As for the skyline, it certainly isn’t as impressive as it could be, partly because of its “dark” appearance during the evening hours. I can see how the owners wish to save a few bucks here and there, but this is only a drop in the ocean, I think. yes, conserve energy, but don’t place expensive buildings in the downtown area, only to make them nearly invisible during the night. I assume this will change - thanks to RBC Plaza - but not until after the latter opens its doors officially.

As some of you might have heard, an alternative design for Lafayette is also being considered. Not the architecture and size, but rather the uses. The developer wants to have the flexibility to add more hotel space and bring the minimum number of condos to half the current one. He said that he still anticipate what is proposed, but he wants to be flexible, in case the lender feels reluctant about the residential part. There will be a 5 month delay, which is also associated with the environmental clean-up of the site - sounds like the city officials are dragging their feet. So, by 2010 we should have Charter Square (former City Site One) and Lafayette finished, with The Edison following in 2012… Assuming everything goes well.