Windemere | Announcement

[The Avatar 1,089]

First off, I apologize for missing so many entries... Since school started in August, I have been afflicted with RLS (Real Life Syndrome) and haven't been able to keep up with CJ's as much. (also ) But even though I am in school again, I will try to make a better effort to catch up on the CJ which has shown so much growth and development; so much so that it has a new region!

Which brings me to deux: Wow! Windemere (and now Taschereau) has grown and changed so much! I looked over all the updates I missed, and I loved what I saw. Amazing CJ, Sim_Link, and what a fantastic mosaic!

[rewright 804]

The downtown area looks very prosperous. I really enjoy the variety of buildings, diners, etc., because they create such an interesting city. Nice mosaic also.

[simlink 1,098]

Update Synopsis:

Back into Windemere for the first time since the relaunch, we are in the Town of Eastburg. Eastburg has been undergoing both redevelopment in its downtown district and in conjunction with nearby greenfield development, the town has grown dramatically. Today we are going to take a look at some completed projects and projects that have recently begun. Shall we?

44.1 | Phase 1 of a development which will occupy most of the remaining greenfield development space in the town has recently been completed. Progress was shown quite a few updates ago. Condominiums line a busy throughfare and the main street through downtown. A selection of 3 buildings sites were developed with a different model, all of which look over a park.

44.2 | This is a closer view of the 3 buildings looking over the park. They were some of the fastest selling units when they were offered for sale by the developer.

44.3 | Here we see the single-family homes side of the development. These houses sit on very small lots and are very close to one-another. Residents who live near the development don't approve, however it is a necessary evil. Housing prices continue to rise in Eastburg - with these small lot homes selling for $350,000.

44.4 | The elementary school that was built to serve the new development and surrounding area was recently completed, also featuring a large playing field.

44.5 | A large grocery store was recently completed as part of the development. The only grocery store in Eastburg a while back as the land was redeveloped into offices and proposed residential buildings. This supermarket fills a void that greatly needed to be filled. Even now the supermarket has an advantage in that it is the only supermarket in a town of nearly 40,000.

44.6 | Phase 2 of the large development is now beginning construction. Some streets have always been paved, while others have just begun construction. This phase will be single mostly single-family homes.

44.7 | This condo building was recently developed as part of the wave of downtown redevelopments. Although sitting on land of the development, it is not actually part of it. The developer sold the land to Windemere Land Corportation who built this tower.

44.8 | This is perhaps the project which will vastly shift the image of Downtown Eastburg. A whole block was purchased and demolished. A new large office tower will be constructed in its place.

44.9 | And to wrap up this update, a birds-eye view of the area we viewed today in this update.

Replies:

crazychickensc12

Thanks, I'm glad you like the sprawl and the mosaic!

emperordaniel

Thanks!

Eʟᴇᴍᴇɴᴛ

Thank you. This city is one of my personal favourites because of the transistion.

MamaLuigi945

Welcome back and no worries! RL gets the better of all of us. RL is one of the reason updates aren't as frequent in Windemere now. I'm glad to hear that you are going to try and keep up - development has really accelerated recently. I'm glad you are all caught up now - Windemere has really has changed and I'm glad you like the new region as well. Again, welcome back!

rewright

Thank you - many different times of buildings create a more realistic city. I'm glad you like the way the city has developed.

As always, I hope you've enjoyed this update and are looking forward to more! Comments and replies are always welcome.

[The Avatar 1,089]

I can't wait to see what the new office tower will be!

  Edited January 13, 2012 by MamaLuigi945  

[Toothless Stitch 2,901]

Love that suburb with all the trees!

[Schulmanator 5,787]

Nice new pix. the second one looks like a great neighborhood!

[emperordaniel 1,281]

Lovely suburb, and it's hard to believe that that condo is Maxis

[packersfan 666]

Nice condos and apartments. Great expansion!

[Benedict 3,119]

I like your new direction for your CJ - good stuff!

[simlink 1,098]

Update Synopsis:

A massive new infrastructure project has been announced for the Region of Windemere. Detailed in the following update, it is the evolution of the previously announced Windemere Highway Improvement Plan. A new expressway is being constructed through the northern half of the region. For the first time ever as well, region pictures are included. Let's go have a look.

TRANSIT MAP|Hold your breath, everyone! The first ever region shot of Windemere! It is not really spectacular, and I hope you aren't too dissapointed. The map outlines the highways (most park, black) while yellow is the new expressway, being dubbed the 'Baufeld Expressway.' Baufeld is the only habitated place the expressway will currently run through. The black dashed lines outline highways intended in the future.

Click for full resolution!

45.1 | Here we are in Baufeld now. This is the area the expressway will roll through. The train track will be ripped up and the hill will be 'moved' to allow for the highway to pass over it.

45.2 | An SPUI interchange will be constructed here, and it will be the only interchange in Baufeld. The railroad running underneath the aveneue will be tunneled to allow for overpass construction.

45.3 | This farmland, which was originally purchased by the town for housing development, will be home to part of the expressway. The land between the hgihway and rail viaduct will be home to condominiums. This development has moved slowly since planning hurdles have struck, namely a lack of funds for sewer, etc. The money for land sold to the expressway will pay for infrastructure.

45.4 | The expressway will pass through the farmland seen here, and ultimately change the face of Baufeld. Land here is not yet slated for development, but don't rule it out once the expressway is opened.

45.5 | The railroad has now been torn-up to allow for the hill re-grading.

45.6 | Construction of the bridge to pass over the rail-line has begun, with several cranes being brought in.

45.7 | Work is underway on the other side of the rail track from the town. Preparation for the road-decks has begun, and the field has been removed to house the main construction base.

45.8 | The avenue now goes through a detour. Cranes have been brought in to begin building the SPUI interchange. Road deck grating is now well underway here.

45.9 | After several weeks, the new SPUI is completed. The interchange is not yet open as the expressway is obviously not completed. The avenue is scheduled to re-open in 2 weeks.

45.10 | Here is the avaenue overpass beginning. Soon retaining walls will be installed in the rail viaduct and for the overpass. Note the new train tunnel.

45.11 | A new neighbourhood is beginning construction. A house was bought and ton down to allow access to the neighbourhood. The farmland was sold by the farmer to the town, who in turn sold it to a developer conditionally.

45.12 | Bridge construction is rapidly progressing, with one approach now completed. The number of cranes has greatly increased as work progresses rapidly to avoid too many train disruptions.

REGION MAP| And to finish off, an aerial view of the region. Included is an outline of the communities we have viewed in windemere thus far. As you can see, Windemere is very much a work in progress, with more room to expand. Hope you like the view.

Click for full resolution!

Replies:

MamaLuigi945

You'll have to wait a bit longer.

skyscraper241

Thanks, glad you do!

Schulmanator

Thanks, I thought the trees might be excessive but I'm glad you like it!

emperordaniel

I know, right? Turns out Maxis can look good.

packersfan

Thanks, there will certainly be more where that came from.

Benedict

It adds some variety to the CJ and allows me to experiment more with 2 very different regions, and there are more comments and views since it launched. Glad you like it!

As always, I hope you've enjoyed this update and are looking forward to more! Comments and replies are always welcome.

[Schulmanator 5,787]

That's some serious infrastructure they have there!

[nathanthemayor 1,261]

Wow!Your region is basiclly a sandbox, free of terrain! And as always, nice to see new highways under construction.

[emperordaniel 1,281]

Looks great, can't wait to see the completion of the project

I highly recommend, though, that you get this mod for the train tunnel, as it makes it far more realistic-looking: European Rail Tunnel

[vivapanda 422]

Great infrastructure, I'm looking forward to another update!

[packersfan 666]

Amazing how little your region is developed despite all the awesome content, haha! Love it

[Toothless Stitch 2,901]

Like the rural area

[simlink 1,098]

Update Synopsis:

Today we are going to see the completion of Phase 1 of the expressway, and some clues as to what phases 2 and 3 will have in store for us. Contruction is a long progress, so this is another longer-than-usual update. So sit back, relax and enjoy the construction. But may I advise you wear this? *hands hard-hats out.* - You gonna need it!

46.1Bridge work roars ahead, with 4 of the eight approaches now complete.

46.2 | The avenue has finally re-opened, much to the relief of residents. The road deck has been paved and painted in sections through Baufeld, but is now yet open.

46.3 | A small but monumental back at the train viaduct crossing, the first span has been completed. Now only 3 to go...

46.4 | The overpass that will lead to an eventual condo development has been completed, albeit there is now road yet attatched to it. You can also see the design for the SPUI interchange entrance/exit here, which features acceleration and deceleration lanes for safety.

46.5 | Further out in Baufeld road deck preparation and paving continues to march towards the east.

46.6 | All spans have now been completed over the rail viaduct, with the most difficult work for the expressway through Baufeld now complete. Paving, painting and other prepatory (and lastly finishing) work is all that remains.

46.7 | Here is another look at the entrance/exit from the SPUI interchange, this time on the other side of the viaduct.

46.8 | More prepatory work, with one bulldozer breaking through the treeline. Phase one of this project will see the expressway end at a temporary road here, where the trees currently are. An overpass may be built for a future road here, though not as part of phase 1.

46.9 | Work continues east of Baufeld in the Town of Fetanco, work on the expressway continues. Work progresses quickly here thanks in part to the barren landscape.

46.10 | We come across a small construction base, and then a turn in the road. This turn is a temporary routing for the expressway as it approaches another Windemere highway.

46.11 | This is the detour in full.

46.12 | Here we see where phase 1 of the Baufeld expressway ends, and meets another Windemere highway. (Highways are currently not officially numbered, but with the opening of the Baufeld expressway will shortly thereafter.) This intersection will be traffic-signal controlled. The low levels of traffic will warrant as it is only temporary. The full interchange will be constructed as phase 2 begins.

46.13 | Several weeks later, phase 1 of the Baufeld Expressway has been opened! Traffic is currently light, but will eventually increase as time wears on.

46.14 | The SPUI is already a new hub for freight traffic as it has faster routes to ship agricultural products to through the region and beyond.

46.15 | But by no means are we done, no siree. The temporary ending here is just that, temporary. Wrk has already begun on phase 2, and 3 for that matter. What you see here is phase 3, which will progress more slowly than phase 2 (which we will see in a second.) It will eventually extend the expressway west past Baufeld town limits, and westward past regional boundaries.

46.16 | Here is the temporary intersection of the new Baufeld expressway and the existing highway (which has been proposed to be called Highway 15.)

46.17 | Of course, what's phase 2 when there is no phase 2. (IT would be phase 2... ) Phase 2 involves extending the expressway through to Armosa, downgrading to a roadway in the process. A mess will soon live here as construction on the highway/highway interchange begins.

Replies:

Schulmanator

Yes it is, and there is only going to be more.

nathanthemayor

It certainly is. I may add a lake or two, but I haven't really decided. A sandbox allows a lot of room to play. Hope you enjoyed today's highway construction as well.

emperordaniel

Phase 1 as you saw is now mostly completed. And thanks for the link, those tunnels will be showing up soon in Windemere & Taschereau, they look good.

vivapanda

Thank you! Hope you enjoyed this one as well!

packersfan

Thanks! It certainly is developed very little... hopefully I can fill it up one day, haha!

skyscraper241

Thanks, glad you do. How long it stays rural is a big question right now...

As always, I hope you've enjoyed this update and are looking forward to more! Comments and replies are always welcome.

  Edited January 19, 2012 by sim_link  

[Schulmanator 5,787]

Looks like it is coming along well. Their DOT is to be commended.

[Toothless Stitch 2,901]

I know it's boring to repeat it again and again, but this is a great update.

[simlink 1,098]

CHOOSE THE TOPIC OF THE NEXT UPDATE!

You get to decide what the next update is!

After choosing the topic of all 46 updates, I thought it may be time to get you involved in choosing the topic of the next update. Below are some choices of topics for what the next update will be. It tells you which city/(cities) and region it is in, along with a brief description of the update. Then choose the option you like most and post! The option with the most 'votes' will be the subject of the next update.

OPTION A

Carleton - Taschereau.

As demand in the city of Carleton grows, the waterfront has become a target for development. With infrastructure inplace along the waterfront, development has begun. In this option, we would look at some of the completed, under construction and planned development on the river front in Carleton.

OPTION B

Armosa - Windemere.

The infrastructure improvements has caused skyrocketing demand in Armosa, with droves of new residential development. In this option, we would look at some of the previously mentioned developments current progress, and some new projects in Armoasa.

OPTION C

New Town ( Not actual name ) - Taschereau.

Taschereau is expanding, as has this yet-too-be-seen town in Taschereau. Nestled at the foots of the highway, and an interchange, this town is small but rapisly growing. It is home to a large concentration of big-box retail, and a small lake. In this option, we would tour the new town, and the name would also be revealed.

OPTION D

Baufeld - Windemere.

Baufeld now has an expressway running through it. With easier access to other parts of the region and lower housing prices, Baufeld is becoming a new target for sprawl. In this option, we would look at some expanded residential and potential commercial developments in Baufeld.

So there you have it, everyone - the four options! Please leave a comment with which option sounds most interesting to you, and what you want to see in the next update. As mentioned, the option with the most selections will be the topic of the next update. If no one makes a selection, I will randomly make a choice.

Replies will be done in the next update. 'Till then!

[jacksunny 741]

A!

[emperordaniel 1,281]

I choose Option A.

[Jack³ 291]

A

Waterfront development=$

[rewright 804]

"A" for sure. I love waterfront development. Your highway construction is really fun to follow.

[AdoxxBE 289]

Lets go A

[vivapanda 422]

A aswell! I'd like to see how you would do that.

[simlink 1,098]

Update Synopsis:

Was it ever a landslide! With 6 votes for option a on NONE for Options B, C or D - we are looking at the new and ongoing development along the waterfront in Carleton. The new waterfront development is only just beginning, with the land along the river becoming very popular for development. Let's just there is no landslide like there was in the voting...

47.1 | The waterfront has long been an area of interest in Carleton. When Carleton developed, instead of developing along the highway, it developed along the highway. For this reason, development never reached the waterfront. This picture taken some 10 years ago illustrates the beauty of the waterfront.

47.2 | Undeveloped until now, that is. Development has spread rapantly through the waterfront. This development saw a controversial reconstruction of the riverfront. Trenches were built inland to create a small island for the development. Other portions of the shoreline were staightened to allow easier development. The development has also spread inward. Infrastructure in the area is also getting overhauled.

47.3 | Here we are on the tip of the new island, home to some moderately expensive real-estate. Values are climbing as demand in this area skyrockets.

47.4 | Here we are at the 'peak' of the island. This is where the bridge from the mainland comes across the new river-inlet. Many young professionals occupy the 4 buildings perched at the top. They have some of the most spectacular views - and price tags.

47.5 | The distinction of most expensive area of the development (for now, anyways ) belongs to the these 5 condominium buildings. Pegged with an average selling price of $750 000, this is some of the most expensive real-estate in Taschereau.

47.6 | Guests at the new Embassy Suites hotel enjoy spectacular views of the river, and cranes too. A new residential tower is being constructed on the lower plateau. This hotel has provided a surge to local employment.

47.7 | Can't afford a $750 000 condo? Don't worry, these condominiums have equally impressive views of their own. They also cost a fraction of the cost, selling for around $450 000 - still no bargain but definitely less expensive.

47.8 | Of course, what is a large hotel without business travellers? This new office tower is home to the largest company in Taschereau, TFinance. Created from the merger of several smaller banks, this banking firm required a new headquarters and decided upon the upper floors of this office building. The lower floors house various other companies.

47.9 | Of course what is a waterfront development without a waterfront parkway? This new parkway will take the avenue (formerly a road, just recently widened) 45 degrees and cureve around the waterfront. The existing road to avenue transfer will be carried up to accomodate a wide-radius smooth turn.

47.10 | A look at the entire project gives a real impression on its shear size... so far.

47.11 | At last night falls, and our tour comes to a close. Residents, tired from working all day, get settle-in for the night in their condos. They look into the dark abyss of where the river resides during the day, and at the twinkling lights of other home dwellers, wondering if they are doing the exact same thing...

Replies:

Schulmanator

Thanks! They truly do work quickly and take on massive undertakings.

skyscraper241

Not a problem, all feedback and comments are welcome.

jacksunny

Looks like you caused a trend. Congrats also on being the 200th poster!

emperordaniel

Hope you enjoyed!

jack3oh3

It is a bit of a massive undertaking...

rewright

Hopefuly you liked it - this is the first time waterfront development has been shown in Windemere & Taschereau. Glad you like the highway construction as well, it is quite fun to play around with.

Adoxx

A was the clear favourite.

vivapanda

What do you think? Hope you enjoyed!

I would like to thank everyone. Windemere & Taschereau has reached another replies milestone, reaching 200 replies! This time the honour goes to Jacksunny. Congrats! Thank you to everyone who has commented and made Windemere reach another milestone!

As always, I hope you've enjoyed this update and are looking forward to more! Comments and replies are always welcome - and thanks to everyone who has and has made Windemere & Taschereau reach 200 replies.

  Edited January 26, 2012 by sim_link  

[emperordaniel 1,281]

Wonderful tour, and awesomely fantastic little island!

[vivapanda 422]

That was a really awesome transformation!

[Jack³ 291]

I made a great choice!!

It looks like you made a little typo, though.

When Carleton developed, instead of developing along the highway, it developed along the highway.