Mayor welcomes new look at Portage and Main
New approach blends consensus, creativity
WINNIPEG - JUNE 27, 2005 - There is new hope for a re-design of Portage and Main as Mayor Sam Katz today announced that the City of Winnipeg, in partnership with area property owners, will be studying the feasibility of re-designing the City’s most famous intersection.
“We can work together to find a new look for one of Western Canada’s historic intersections,” said Katz. “Creative projects do not rule out a practical approach. I am excited to see this project move forward with the support of the property owners in the area, and I thank them for giving us a chance to explore the potential lying right at the heart of the city.”
The feasibility study is the second phase of the City Crossing International Design Competition that was launched in 2004. The winning entry, by Janet Rosenberg and Associates of Toronto, calls for the creation of glass concourse entry silos punctuating an urban forest of light and trees, prairie grasses and a field of wind turbines. It also explored the idea of crosswalks and a reconfiguration of the street and underground concourse to make them more pedestrian friendly.
This phase two Portage and Main Design Feasibility Study will determine how the elements of Rosenberg’s design can be brought through to fruition. Specifically, Rosenberg and Associates will:
- conduct an analysis of existing conditions
- identify the opportunities and priorities for further development of the project
- update the Competition Design
- provide cost estimates
“Through this study, we can take a look at Janet Rosenberg’s compelling design and see if we can find a way to apply it within the scope of our existing legal and financial commitments,” said Katz. “You can have a creative new look for the intersection without putting shop owners out of business. Let’s get going.”
The City Crossing International Design Competition explored urban design alternatives for the four-block area defined by the intersection of Portage Avenue and Main Street. The design competition had an international jury, and received over 70 entries from around the world.
Last update: 28.06.2005
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