456 replies to this topic

[vicupstate]

distortedlogic, on Mar 27 2009, 11:59 PM, said:

I'm not ready to put this one in the "dead" catagory yet, but I agree that it sounds as if it would be at least a few years out. As I have said many times, I just don't think we are at a point where these highrises are realistic. If even one or two of the highrises proposed over the past 8 years had worked out then we would be looking at a totally different scenario, but the mere fact that none of them have materialized is overwhelming evidence that DT is just not at that point yet (as much as we would like it to be). Heck, the green monster has been through 12 years and 5 proposals with no fruit. I think that Riverplace I and II and McBee station have satisfied most of the current demand for new office space DT, and most of the proposals we have seen have been well intended, but just too large for where DT is right now. Maybe in another 10 years or so we will start to see some of these type projects get out of the ground.

Very well said.  While Gville has much to be proud of DT, we seem to be unable to reach the next level.  I don't know how, but there needs to be something to create more demand for office space DT and more residential too.  Building the new visitor center would help the restaurants and retail at least.  However, we have to find the 'carrot' that makes an office tenant locate DT rather than out on the 385 corridor.  We also have to crack the nut that enables more affordable housing DT.  The twentysomethings want to live DT, but just don't have the income to support that lifestyle.

[distortedlogic]

Agreed. And it seems many of our leaders and planners decisons have continued to make it easier for companies to locate on 385 as opposed to DT, even though DT has so many amenities that shuold be attractive to major companies. Again, south financial is an excellent example. It would have been a great opportunity for a signiture DT building. Heck, even the Charter building could have made an impact DT, especially with a smaller footprint. Somehow, we need to make it easier for the companies to locate DT instead of sprawling down 385. And I agree that there is a huge market for affordable appts and condos DT. But they have to reasonable for college grads and 20-30 somethings who don't earn 6 figures.

[citylife]

The companies want interstate frontage and it's cheaper to build out in the suburbs I believe. However, the CBD area of Greenville is a TIF district so...

[vicupstate]

citylife, on Mar 28 2009, 11:56 AM, said:

The companies want interstate frontage and it's cheaper to build out in the suburbs I believe. However, the CBD area of Greenville is a TIF district so...

I wonder if the reason the interstate land is cheaper is that the true cost of infrastructure (drainage, water, sewer, roads) is not paid by the owners/developers in those far-out locations.  

Maybe we should charge less to tap the water and sewer systems in areas that have been served for decades as more in the areas that were previously fields and forest.  

The TIF funds are largely spoken for and TIFs expire too.

[btoy]

vicupstate, on Mar 28 2009, 03:10 PM, said:

I wonder if the reason the interstate land is cheaper is that the true cost of infrastructure (drainage, water, sewer, roads) is not paid by the owners/developers in those far-out locations.  

Maybe we should charge less to tap the water and sewer systems in areas that have been served for decades as more in the areas that were previously fields and forest.  

The TIF funds are largely spoken for and TIFs expire too.

In some cases it is the city's business licensing fees that cause of businesses the need to remain outside the city limits.

[vicupstate]

btoy, on Mar 29 2009, 08:39 PM, said:

In some cases it is the city's business licensing fees that cause of businesses the need to remain outside the city limits.

Doesn't the county have those too?  Are they lower or would a city business pay both city and county business licenses fees?

[Skyliner]

I am rather firmly convinced that we need to scrap the idea of building highrises right now and really focus on developing more urbanity throughout the entire CBD, deep into the West End and North End.  By improved urbanity, I am intending to convey a desire for more high density development on the scale of RiverPlace, although much more extensive than just along the riverfront.  I would love to see varation in architectural design, including a dynamic array of rooftop heights and shapes.  The main goal, however, should always be to enhance the pedestrian experience and attract people of all ages who are interested in such a rich and rewarding lifestyle.  With such an overall goal in place, all new construction would obviously be forced to consider pedestrian activity on the sidewalks a top priority.  Currently, I see this as a much better way to attack the rampant growth in the suburbs instead of waiting years (even decades) for the next wave of large office space to arrive downtown.  Undoubtedly, the rise in population and structure density would eventually lead to the necessity for even greater density, ultimately resulting in taller buildings.

[krazeeboi]

When the figures line up right, highrises will come naturally. You can't force them to be built when the numbers don't look right or prevent them from being built when the numbers line up (unless there are height restrictions in place). It's really pretty simple. Just take them as they come.

[Spartan]

Skyliner, on Mar 30 2009, 09:49 AM, said:

The main goal, however, should always be to enhance the pedestrian experience and attract people of all ages who are interested in such a rich and rewarding lifestyle.  With such an overall goal in place, all new construction would obviously be forced to consider pedestrian activity on the sidewalks a top priority.

Well said Skyliner Greenville may not have an over abundance of skyscrapers, but it's living proof that having and expending a great pedestrian realm is the way to a successful urban environment.

[Greenville]

Has anyone heard anything about the Gateway site?  I am assuming that the developers are still planning to build their two highrises there, with a mix of hotel, condos, and apartments, but are just waiting on the right time to announce their plan to the public.  Anyone more involved with the project than I know anything?

[citylife]

Greenville, on Jun 28 2009, 07:38 PM, said:

Has anyone heard anything about the Gateway site? I am assuming that the developers are still planning to build their two highrises there, with a mix of hotel, condos, and apartments, but are just waiting on the right time to announce their plan to the public. Anyone more involved with the project than I know anything?

Like everybody else, they are waiting for the economy to improve before moving forward. The project is still in the works. There is no rendering yet because the developers are still contemplating what the project will consist of in terms of mixed use aspects.

[StrangeCock]

This thread is the albatross around the neck of the Greenville forum.

[Spartan]

Do y'all want it unpinned? It will fall in to the depths of the Greenville forum...

[Greenville]

Spartan, on Jul 12 2009, 04:22 PM, said:

Do y'all want it unpinned? It will fall in to the depths of the Greenville forum...

I would like to keep it pinned.  I think we're going to need this thread in the not-too-distant future.  

[distortedlogic]

I say keep it pinned as well. Spartan, what happened to the thread directory? I would like to have that back.

[Spartan]

Nobody used the indices . I had them up there for over a year and it had almost no views considering the length of time it was up there. I recommend using the search feature to find what you're interested in. If you go 'advanced' it works pretty well.

[Spartan]

Just to give y'all a heads up, Neo is going to be releaseing a new feature of UrbanPlanet today that will make this thread unnecessary. It will be a much better way to keep track of all projects, and members will be able to add and maintain this data. I did a couple of test entries for Spartanburg, but I intend to help with the Greenville, Columbia, and Charleston data too (as time allows of course )