Monday, July 28, 2008
New Bell Tower Design
In response to the request of the Lower Downtown Design Review Board to make the proposed Bell Tower appear "thinner," the design for the signature tower planned for Block 242 & 044 in Lower Downtown has undergone a slight modification by Fentress Architects. To compare to the previous design, check out my blog posts from June, and for more information about the design changes, read John Rebchook's latest article on the project from the Rocky Mountain News. The design of the small office building at 14th and Market has also been tweaked.
Without further ado, here are the new renderings in all their high-res glory. Don't forget to zoom/expand to view them at full size. Image credits go to Fentress Architects and my thanks to John Rebchook for passing them along to me. A label on each image tells you the particular perspective shown.
Without further ado, here are the new renderings in all their high-res glory. Don't forget to zoom/expand to view them at full size. Image credits go to Fentress Architects and my thanks to John Rebchook for passing them along to me. A label on each image tells you the particular perspective shown.
1127 Sherman Starts Construction
An infill project at 1127 Sherman has started construction. I first mentioned this project in March 2007. The primary tenant of the three-story building will be the Colorado State Land Board.
The new building includes 18,600 SF of space and one level of underground parking. The project is also LEED certified. Here's a rendering of the project courtesy of Gensler Architects, which is being developed by Wells Spring Inc. Real Estate & Construction Management.
Here's a site photo from two weeks ago, courtesy of Vicki H.
The project is being built by Provident Construction. The project should be completed Spring 2009. The site was previously a surface parking lot, so even a small project like this helps restore the fabric of our urban core.
The new building includes 18,600 SF of space and one level of underground parking. The project is also LEED certified. Here's a rendering of the project courtesy of Gensler Architects, which is being developed by Wells Spring Inc. Real Estate & Construction Management.
Here's a site photo from two weeks ago, courtesy of Vicki H.
The project is being built by Provident Construction. The project should be completed Spring 2009. The site was previously a surface parking lot, so even a small project like this helps restore the fabric of our urban core.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
New River North Project: Beleza
A new urban mixed-use project named Beleza is coming to Brighton Boulevard in the River North district.
The first phase of the new infill development, located at the north corner of Brighton Boulevard and 31st Street, will consist of 66 residential condominium units and approximately 20,000 SF of retail space (restaurant/bar and a specialty grocery store) in a 14-story tower. Two underground and two above-ground parking levels will also be included. The project is being developed by Curt LeRossignol and Neil Boucher of River North Properties LLC. The project architect is Techné Architecture and the general contractor is Tom Martin Construction.
The entire development site owned by River North Properties totals approximately 8 acres and is located between Brighton Boulevard and Arkins Court north of 31st Street. Visible in the GoogleEarth aerial below, the assemblage consists of the property right at the corner of 31st and Brighton and the two large warehouse buildings immediately to the north. Several additional mixed-use buildings are envisioned for the site as future phases.
Here's a rendering of Beleza's first phase (images courtesy of Techné Architecture):
One of the interesting aspects of the project is its proximity to the South Platte River. The developers are currently working with the City of Denver's Parks & Recreation and Public Works departments on the possibility of vacating a portion of Arkins Court north of 31st Street. This would allow for the creation of a new park that would stretch for several blocks along the northwest side of Beleza to the banks of the river.
Currently there's a temporary sales office for Beleza at 1620 Market Street, with a permanent sales office in development at 1575 California scheduled to open in mid-September. The project website is http://www.live-beleza.com.
I'll post more about Beleza, the developer's efforts to create a new park along the river, and other unique aspects of the project in a future blog post.
The first phase of the new infill development, located at the north corner of Brighton Boulevard and 31st Street, will consist of 66 residential condominium units and approximately 20,000 SF of retail space (restaurant/bar and a specialty grocery store) in a 14-story tower. Two underground and two above-ground parking levels will also be included. The project is being developed by Curt LeRossignol and Neil Boucher of River North Properties LLC. The project architect is Techné Architecture and the general contractor is Tom Martin Construction.
The entire development site owned by River North Properties totals approximately 8 acres and is located between Brighton Boulevard and Arkins Court north of 31st Street. Visible in the GoogleEarth aerial below, the assemblage consists of the property right at the corner of 31st and Brighton and the two large warehouse buildings immediately to the north. Several additional mixed-use buildings are envisioned for the site as future phases.
Here's a rendering of Beleza's first phase (images courtesy of Techné Architecture):
One of the interesting aspects of the project is its proximity to the South Platte River. The developers are currently working with the City of Denver's Parks & Recreation and Public Works departments on the possibility of vacating a portion of Arkins Court north of 31st Street. This would allow for the creation of a new park that would stretch for several blocks along the northwest side of Beleza to the banks of the river.
Currently there's a temporary sales office for Beleza at 1620 Market Street, with a permanent sales office in development at 1575 California scheduled to open in mid-September. The project website is http://www.live-beleza.com.
I'll post more about Beleza, the developer's efforts to create a new park along the river, and other unique aspects of the project in a future blog post.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Steel Building Under Construction
A few weeks ago, Dave Dyer, who's researching the long-defunct L. R. Steel Company, sent me some scanned images of the company's newletter showing the building once located at 16th and Welton before the current structure was built, and the rendering of the proposed Steel Building.
Dave continues to work his way through several years of the company's newsletters, and when he comes across something about the Denver store, he sends me a copy. So, here are some of the latest images in the exciting saga of the development of the "new" Steel's Department Store in Downtown Denver:
First, from the March 11, 1922 newsletter, a series of images of the old store being demolished:
Next, from March 18, 1922, the groundbreaking ceremony, featuring President Steel himself:
From May 20, 1922, a two-page spread of photos of the excavation for the new structure (zoom to view at full size):
Dated June 24, 1922, the new building is starting to rise:
From July 22, 1922, the new structure is almost topped off:
Don't you wish our 21st Century infill projects would go from proposal to demolition to construction to completion as quickly as the Steel Building did?
Thanks again to Dave Dyer for his willingness to share his research! More to come.
Dave continues to work his way through several years of the company's newsletters, and when he comes across something about the Denver store, he sends me a copy. So, here are some of the latest images in the exciting saga of the development of the "new" Steel's Department Store in Downtown Denver:
First, from the March 11, 1922 newsletter, a series of images of the old store being demolished:
Next, from March 18, 1922, the groundbreaking ceremony, featuring President Steel himself:
From May 20, 1922, a two-page spread of photos of the excavation for the new structure (zoom to view at full size):
Dated June 24, 1922, the new building is starting to rise:
From July 22, 1922, the new structure is almost topped off:
Don't you wish our 21st Century infill projects would go from proposal to demolition to construction to completion as quickly as the Steel Building did?
Thanks again to Dave Dyer for his willingness to share his research! More to come.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Aerial Photos of Downtown Denver
I recently received an email from a local Denverite, Bruce Q., who had a chance in June to take some aerial photos of Downtown Denver and surrounding areas. Bruce thought DenverInfill readers would enjoy seeing them and suggested I share a link to his online photo gallery. Great shots--thanks, Bruce!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
15th and Champa?
Several of you have asked me over the past week or two, "What's going on at 15th & Champa?" For those of you who haven't been at that corner lately, here's what I'm talking about (many thanks to Scott E. for the photos!):
The building in question on Block 130 is the warehouse for the old Woolworth's that closed in the 1990s and was later converted into a data center. What I've been hearing is that the building is being remodeled to accommodate offices for the Social Security Administration. Now, don't get me wrong; punching windows into this building and adding some human activity into it is better than a windowless data center. But I'd rather see the SSA lease some office space in one of the new office buildings under construction Downtown, and instead have this dispensable building replaced with, say, a grocery store with a residential tower above, or a hotel or something.
The building in question on Block 130 is the warehouse for the old Woolworth's that closed in the 1990s and was later converted into a data center. What I've been hearing is that the building is being remodeled to accommodate offices for the Social Security Administration. Now, don't get me wrong; punching windows into this building and adding some human activity into it is better than a windowless data center. But I'd rather see the SSA lease some office space in one of the new office buildings under construction Downtown, and instead have this dispensable building replaced with, say, a grocery store with a residential tower above, or a hotel or something.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Park Avenue Lofts (Uptown Apartments) Update
The Uptown Apartments project, located on the block bounded by Washington, 19th, Clarkson, and Park Avenue, has changed its name to Park Avenue Lofts. Construction on the Uptown district project is coming along nicely. Check it out:
Photo credit to Vicki H.
Photo credit to Vicki H.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Going Green in LoDo
There are a lot of ways to go green. In LoDo, we're seeing new LEED-certified buildings under construction. But when it comes to recycling, LoDo has been behind the curve.
Part of the problem is that the City of Denver's curbside recycling program extends only to single-family homes and attached dwellings of seven units or less. It excludes apartment or condo buildings with more than seven units and all commercial businesses. We don't have a lot of single-family homes in LoDo or in Downtown for that matter so, ironically, the most densely-developed (and concentrated trash-producing) area of our city has been lacking in recycling programs. That's all changing now.
For the main Central Business District, the Downtown Denver Partnership recently launched a 16th Street Mall Recycling program. You've probably seen the yellow recycling bins--one on each block--along the Mall. What about in LoDo?
Lower Downtown Inc.'s Young Professionals Committee is spearheading a new LoDo recycling program for residents and businesses in the historic district. To kick things off and to provide information on recycling options in LoDo, the committee is sponsoring a Recycling Open House at the Alliance Center (1536 Wynkoop) on Thursday, July 17, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Here's a flyer on the Open House:
For more information about the Open House, please contact Jorgen Jensen, the YPC co-chair, by email at jorgenjens@gmail.com.
Please stop by the Open House after work on Thursday and learn more about recycling in LoDo. Now, "going green" in LoDo means more than just bar-hopping on St. Patrick's Day!
Part of the problem is that the City of Denver's curbside recycling program extends only to single-family homes and attached dwellings of seven units or less. It excludes apartment or condo buildings with more than seven units and all commercial businesses. We don't have a lot of single-family homes in LoDo or in Downtown for that matter so, ironically, the most densely-developed (and concentrated trash-producing) area of our city has been lacking in recycling programs. That's all changing now.
For the main Central Business District, the Downtown Denver Partnership recently launched a 16th Street Mall Recycling program. You've probably seen the yellow recycling bins--one on each block--along the Mall. What about in LoDo?
Lower Downtown Inc.'s Young Professionals Committee is spearheading a new LoDo recycling program for residents and businesses in the historic district. To kick things off and to provide information on recycling options in LoDo, the committee is sponsoring a Recycling Open House at the Alliance Center (1536 Wynkoop) on Thursday, July 17, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Here's a flyer on the Open House:
For more information about the Open House, please contact Jorgen Jensen, the YPC co-chair, by email at jorgenjens@gmail.com.
Please stop by the Open House after work on Thursday and learn more about recycling in LoDo. Now, "going green" in LoDo means more than just bar-hopping on St. Patrick's Day!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
New Uptown Project: Renaissance Uptown Lofts
A new project on Colfax is coming to the Uptown district.
Renaissance Uptown Lofts is a 5-story mixed-use project planned for the northwest corner of Colfax and Pearl featuring ground-floor retail and 98 residential units on four levels, broken down as follows: 92 one-bedroom, 3 two-bedroom, and 3 studio apartments. The project is being developed by the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless and will serve as new housing for lower-income persons and transitional housing for the formerly homeless. The project is modeled after CCH's successful Renaissance Off Broadway project in the Arapahoe Square district and the Renaissance Riverfront Lofts project under construction in the River North district.
For much more information on the project, including an interesting description of how the façade of the small historic structure currently at the site will be incorporated into the project, please read this article by Vanessa Martin in the current issue of Life on Capitol Hill.
This is the image shown in Vanessa's article. The project architect is Humphries Poli Architects.
Renaissance Uptown Lofts is located along a stretch of Colfax that has seen little investment in many decades. It's nice seeing that trend is starting to change.
Renaissance Uptown Lofts is a 5-story mixed-use project planned for the northwest corner of Colfax and Pearl featuring ground-floor retail and 98 residential units on four levels, broken down as follows: 92 one-bedroom, 3 two-bedroom, and 3 studio apartments. The project is being developed by the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless and will serve as new housing for lower-income persons and transitional housing for the formerly homeless. The project is modeled after CCH's successful Renaissance Off Broadway project in the Arapahoe Square district and the Renaissance Riverfront Lofts project under construction in the River North district.
For much more information on the project, including an interesting description of how the façade of the small historic structure currently at the site will be incorporated into the project, please read this article by Vanessa Martin in the current issue of Life on Capitol Hill.
This is the image shown in Vanessa's article. The project architect is Humphries Poli Architects.
Renaissance Uptown Lofts is located along a stretch of Colfax that has seen little investment in many decades. It's nice seeing that trend is starting to change.
Golden Triangle Update
Thanks to Vicki H., here are a few infill project photos for the Golden Triangle district:
Piranesi is now complete:
So is 1200 Delaware:
and 1200 Elati:
816 Acoma is nearing completion:
Piranesi is now complete:
So is 1200 Delaware:
and 1200 Elati:
816 Acoma is nearing completion:
Capitol Hill Update
Here's an update on a few Capitol Hill projects:
Strada Flats project is complete:
Walls are going up at the new Argonaut Liquor on Colfax:
Site prep is starting for 1127 Sherman (still don't have any idea what this project will look like):
All photos are courtesy of Vicki H.
Strada Flats project is complete:
Walls are going up at the new Argonaut Liquor on Colfax:
Site prep is starting for 1127 Sherman (still don't have any idea what this project will look like):
All photos are courtesy of Vicki H.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Denver Leads Colorado in Population Growth
Today the US Census Bureau released their July 1, 2007 population estimates for both Incorporated Places and Counties. The results are quite interesting...
In looking at Incorporated Places (i.e. cities and towns), here are the 18 municipalities in the state with a population increase from July 1, 2006 to July 1, 2007 of 1,000 persons or more:
Denver led the state with a gain of over 12,000 people for the year, topping our little buddy Aurora by just over 4,000. I'm a bit surprised at the relatively small increase for Colorado Springs. At this rate, it appears Denver's title as the state's largest city will not be in jeopardy for quite a long time.
At the county level, here's how things stacked up for the same 12-month period (15 counties in the state with a population increase from July 1, 2006 to July 1, 2007 of 1,000 persons or more):
Even at the county level, Denver was first in the state in numerical population growth, topping Douglas County, the growth machine to our south that consistently has been one of the nation's fastest-growing counties. What's also interesting is that, according to the Census Bureau's estimates, Denver County regained the claim of most-populous county in the state from El Paso County, which had passed Denver up the year before. However, Denver's lead likely won't last, as El Paso County covers 2,129 square miles and Denver County covers only 156 square miles, of which a third is Denver International Airport.
Anyway, I find it amazing that Denver could lead the state in both city and county categories for annual population gain. What a turn-around from just twenty years ago!
In looking at Incorporated Places (i.e. cities and towns), here are the 18 municipalities in the state with a population increase from July 1, 2006 to July 1, 2007 of 1,000 persons or more:
Denver led the state with a gain of over 12,000 people for the year, topping our little buddy Aurora by just over 4,000. I'm a bit surprised at the relatively small increase for Colorado Springs. At this rate, it appears Denver's title as the state's largest city will not be in jeopardy for quite a long time.
At the county level, here's how things stacked up for the same 12-month period (15 counties in the state with a population increase from July 1, 2006 to July 1, 2007 of 1,000 persons or more):
Even at the county level, Denver was first in the state in numerical population growth, topping Douglas County, the growth machine to our south that consistently has been one of the nation's fastest-growing counties. What's also interesting is that, according to the Census Bureau's estimates, Denver County regained the claim of most-populous county in the state from El Paso County, which had passed Denver up the year before. However, Denver's lead likely won't last, as El Paso County covers 2,129 square miles and Denver County covers only 156 square miles, of which a third is Denver International Airport.
Anyway, I find it amazing that Denver could lead the state in both city and county categories for annual population gain. What a turn-around from just twenty years ago!
Jefferson Park Update
Let's take a look at what's going on in the Jefferson Park district. First, some photo updates:
RiverClay is mostly complete and people are starting to move in:
Jefferson Park Townhomes construction at 22nd and Decatur continues:
Work has recently started on the 2600 Frontview Crescent project:
A few days ago I blogged about the proposed PURE Townhome project. Here's the site:
The Clay Street Residences are complete:
The Bryant Lofts project at 27th and Bryant is still under construction, but I missed taking a photo of it. Sorry.
More Jefferson Park infill news and rumors...
After about two years of controversy and debate over the A. G. Spanos Company's proposed Pinnacle Station project, I've heard that the developer has cancelled the project and that the site is up for sale or has been recently sold. So let's see, they come into an historic urban district with an out-of-scale monolithic suburbanesque apartment complex proposal, spend two years not cooperating with the neighborhood, get their rezoning approved anyway, tear down the Chili Pepper and Baby Does restaurant buildings, put a chain link fence around the site, let it sit unattended for months, then leave. Thanks, Spanos!
The proposed Flats on Upper 24th project appears dead. The sales trailer is gone, the project sign is gone, and all that remains is the empty lot and its chain link fence. Hopefully someone will plan something new for the site soon.
A new townhome project is supposedly coming to somewhere near 28th and Clay. Still researching that one...
The old office complex around Speer and Bryant reportedly has been sold and that plans are in the works for a large residential development with about 300 units and 10,000 SF of retail. Still researching that one too...
A group of dedicated Jefferson Park neighbors have assembled most of the properties around the corner of 25th and Eliot--a former stop for not one, but two intersecting streetcar lines--that features a couple of cool historic commercial buildings, some small homes, and some vacant lots. The corner has the potential to become the next "32nd & Zuni" with a nice mix of old, new, residential, and retail. The group has recently renovated one building, is working on another, and is looking for investors to help move their vision for the corner forward.
A possible Trolley Museum may be in the works for Jefferson Park...
The Safeway at 26th and Federal has recently been completely remodeled and has gone upscale. They did a nice job on it.
Did I miss a Jefferson Park infill project? Please let me know.
RiverClay is mostly complete and people are starting to move in:
Jefferson Park Townhomes construction at 22nd and Decatur continues:
Work has recently started on the 2600 Frontview Crescent project:
A few days ago I blogged about the proposed PURE Townhome project. Here's the site:
The Clay Street Residences are complete:
The Bryant Lofts project at 27th and Bryant is still under construction, but I missed taking a photo of it. Sorry.
More Jefferson Park infill news and rumors...
After about two years of controversy and debate over the A. G. Spanos Company's proposed Pinnacle Station project, I've heard that the developer has cancelled the project and that the site is up for sale or has been recently sold. So let's see, they come into an historic urban district with an out-of-scale monolithic suburbanesque apartment complex proposal, spend two years not cooperating with the neighborhood, get their rezoning approved anyway, tear down the Chili Pepper and Baby Does restaurant buildings, put a chain link fence around the site, let it sit unattended for months, then leave. Thanks, Spanos!
The proposed Flats on Upper 24th project appears dead. The sales trailer is gone, the project sign is gone, and all that remains is the empty lot and its chain link fence. Hopefully someone will plan something new for the site soon.
A new townhome project is supposedly coming to somewhere near 28th and Clay. Still researching that one...
The old office complex around Speer and Bryant reportedly has been sold and that plans are in the works for a large residential development with about 300 units and 10,000 SF of retail. Still researching that one too...
A group of dedicated Jefferson Park neighbors have assembled most of the properties around the corner of 25th and Eliot--a former stop for not one, but two intersecting streetcar lines--that features a couple of cool historic commercial buildings, some small homes, and some vacant lots. The corner has the potential to become the next "32nd & Zuni" with a nice mix of old, new, residential, and retail. The group has recently renovated one building, is working on another, and is looking for investors to help move their vision for the corner forward.
A possible Trolley Museum may be in the works for Jefferson Park...
The Safeway at 26th and Federal has recently been completely remodeled and has gone upscale. They did a nice job on it.
Did I miss a Jefferson Park infill project? Please let me know.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
New Golden Triangle Project: Golden Row V2
The second phase of the Golden Row project, once planned to be a copy of the first phase, is going vertical instead. Now, 16 condominium units are proposed for the small lot next to the project's first phase on the 1100 block of Cherokee in Downtown Denver's Golden Triangle District.
Here's a rendering of the project, with credit to ArchitectureDenver:
The project should be complete Summer 2009.
Here's a rendering of the project, with credit to ArchitectureDenver:
The project should be complete Summer 2009.
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Downtown Infill Rundown
It's time for a Summer 2008 Downtown construction photo update. Here we go:
Spire:
One Lincoln Park:
1515 Wynkoop:
Zi Lofts:
Denver Justice Center (Courthouse):
Denver Justice Center (Detention Facility):
SugarCube:
2101 Market:
Four Seasons:
1755 Blake:
1400 Wewatta:
1900 16th Street:
1800 Larimer:
More still to come!
Spire:
One Lincoln Park:
1515 Wynkoop:
Zi Lofts:
Denver Justice Center (Courthouse):
Denver Justice Center (Detention Facility):
SugarCube:
2101 Market:
Four Seasons:
1755 Blake:
1400 Wewatta:
1900 16th Street:
1800 Larimer:
More still to come!
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Keeping Cool in Lower Highland
Infill projects come in all shapes and sizes. Take, por ejemplo, the newest infill development in Lower Highland... Little Man Ice Cream. Joining the block that also includes Lola and Vita, Little Man Ice Cream is the brainchild of Paul Tamburello, who's done more than his share to help transform Highland into the sizzling-hot neighborhood that it has become.
Thursday night was the "topping off" of Little Man Ice Cream's new, um, "building" and its grand opening too. You see, Highland's newest infill project is a giant milk can. It's really pretty cool. Here's the scene Thursday night...
This:
needed to go on top of this:
It was a party-like atmosphere as a couple hundred neighbors gathered at the grid-transitioning intersection of Tejon, W. 30th Avenue, and 16th Street to watch the topping off and to enjoy free ice cream:
Finally, the 7,000-pound lid came to a gentle rest to complete the project:
Oh, in case you're wondering, a trap door in the roof of the can's base allowed the workers to escape after bolting the lid in place from the inside. Anyway, the whole process was somewhat reminiscent of this event from August 2006 that took place just a block away.
Paul named the shop in honor of his deceased father, whose nickname was "Little Man" due to his short stature. For more on Paul and his newest Highland venture, read this article from the Denver Post's Margaret Jackson from a few weeks ago. Welcome to the neighborhood, Little Man!
Thursday night was the "topping off" of Little Man Ice Cream's new, um, "building" and its grand opening too. You see, Highland's newest infill project is a giant milk can. It's really pretty cool. Here's the scene Thursday night...
This:
needed to go on top of this:
It was a party-like atmosphere as a couple hundred neighbors gathered at the grid-transitioning intersection of Tejon, W. 30th Avenue, and 16th Street to watch the topping off and to enjoy free ice cream:
Finally, the 7,000-pound lid came to a gentle rest to complete the project:
Oh, in case you're wondering, a trap door in the roof of the can's base allowed the workers to escape after bolting the lid in place from the inside. Anyway, the whole process was somewhat reminiscent of this event from August 2006 that took place just a block away.
Paul named the shop in honor of his deceased father, whose nickname was "Little Man" due to his short stature. For more on Paul and his newest Highland venture, read this article from the Denver Post's Margaret Jackson from a few weeks ago. Welcome to the neighborhood, Little Man!
Happy Independence Day!
I hope you're having a great holiday weekend. Here are a few photos from last night. Enjoy!
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Gart Buys Denver Pavilions
The Rocky Mountain News today reports that the Gart family and ING Clarion Partners have purchased the Denver Pavilions for $94.5 million. They plan about $25 million in upgrades including large video screens and escalators that extend to the edge of the 16th Street Mall. Here the full article by John Rebchook. Also, here's an artist's sketch of the new look (image courtesy of Communication Arts):
It's certainly good news that the Pavilions has been purchased by a local group and that they plan to invest quite a bit of money into the complex. But, if we really want to turn the Pavilions around into a thriving retail center, let's slap up a couple of 40-story towers with a ground-floor Macy's on those ugly parking lots behind the Pavilions. That'll do the trick. Seriously, with Makovsky working on something big for Block 162 and with Brookfield now in control of both of the lots behind the Pavilions, the long-term prospects for that area are exciting. Since one of the biggest barriers to development in Downtown is blocks with fractured ownership by dysfunctional families, having those three large development sites under the ownership of proven developers is a huge accomplishment.
It's certainly good news that the Pavilions has been purchased by a local group and that they plan to invest quite a bit of money into the complex. But, if we really want to turn the Pavilions around into a thriving retail center, let's slap up a couple of 40-story towers with a ground-floor Macy's on those ugly parking lots behind the Pavilions. That'll do the trick. Seriously, with Makovsky working on something big for Block 162 and with Brookfield now in control of both of the lots behind the Pavilions, the long-term prospects for that area are exciting. Since one of the biggest barriers to development in Downtown is blocks with fractured ownership by dysfunctional families, having those three large development sites under the ownership of proven developers is a huge accomplishment.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Original Steel Building Rendering
As a follow up to my blog of two days ago about the historic Steel/Fontius building, Dave Dyer sent me another image from the Steel Company's newsletter--this time of the September 3, 1921 issue, showing an artist's rendering of the "proposed" Steel Building. Thank you again, Dave. This is good stuff.
By the way, I have it on good authority that the correct pronunciation of "Fontius" is fon-shus, not fon-tee-us.
By the way, I have it on good authority that the correct pronunciation of "Fontius" is fon-shus, not fon-tee-us.
