MisterF
Senior Member
I was at a conference in Waterloo recently which included a history and tour of the Waterloo Town Square development by city planner Rob Trotter. I got a lot of pictures.
We'll start at Willis Way. About half the mall was demolished, making room for this new street connecting Caroline to King. These storefronts are part of the mall, but their only access is to the street.
Seagram Lofts in the background
Parking lot behind the new buildings on King St. The city wanted to see residential development above stores but lack of parking was one reason that hasn't happened. I'm not sure why underground parking wasn't an option in the new buildings. This lot could become a parking garage in the future. The part of the lot facing Willis Way is temporary parking, and planned for future development.
Walkway between the parking lot and King Street.
Nicely done street level of the new buildings, although the sidewalk could use more trees.
The public square, which officially opened the day before I was there. It's at the corner of King Street and Willis Way, and it used to be parking for the mall. The city didn't have the money for the planned reflecting pool/skating rink, so the services were roughed in for future installation. So for now the square is definitely missing something.
The renderings show tables and chairs in the square, which aren't there yet. Overall the square is well designed and located and can only get better in the future.
All in all it's a very positive development for Waterloo, and a big improvement from what was there a few years ago.
We'll start at Willis Way. About half the mall was demolished, making room for this new street connecting Caroline to King. These storefronts are part of the mall, but their only access is to the street.
Seagram Lofts in the background
Parking lot behind the new buildings on King St. The city wanted to see residential development above stores but lack of parking was one reason that hasn't happened. I'm not sure why underground parking wasn't an option in the new buildings. This lot could become a parking garage in the future. The part of the lot facing Willis Way is temporary parking, and planned for future development.
Walkway between the parking lot and King Street.
Nicely done street level of the new buildings, although the sidewalk could use more trees.
The public square, which officially opened the day before I was there. It's at the corner of King Street and Willis Way, and it used to be parking for the mall. The city didn't have the money for the planned reflecting pool/skating rink, so the services were roughed in for future installation. So for now the square is definitely missing something.
The renderings show tables and chairs in the square, which aren't there yet. Overall the square is well designed and located and can only get better in the future.
All in all it's a very positive development for Waterloo, and a big improvement from what was there a few years ago.