33 replies to this topic

[archiham04]

orulz, on Jul 23 2007, 08:09 AM, said:

I can't imagine that the downtown commission would approve such a design without at least some vague statement from the developer that they could build over the deck in the future and put something in that activates the street.

I totally agree, but I think that they should go further than asking for a statement. The way it is currently designed, future development on that portion of the site would be impossible without completely ripping out the deck below. They should require that they: A, build on the property now, or B configure their deck in a way that can be built over in the future. This configuration totally destroys the corner of Haywood and Montford. That corner is VERY important to the Montford residents, and they are some of the cities most important boosters. The developer and designers are certainly going to have to treat that corner with a bit more respect if they don't what to open the gates of Montford activism.

[hauntedheadnc]

http://www.citizen-t...ID=200771007035

More news about the Hotel Indigo.  Good God, but this thing is boring.  I wish they'd keep this kind of crap down in Charlotte or Raleigh where it belongs.  Asheville really deserves better.

[tombarnes]

I can't say that I would be surprised to find this building anywhere from Newark to Nairobi.  As you say, it is boring.  Not hideous, but simply lacking in any hint of local character or flavor.  It would be nice if something could be done to convince the developers to alter their plans.  I suppose that's impossible at this point.

[orulz]

The Indigo Hotel is under construction. They are driving piles in which will serve as a retaining wall while they dig out the dirt for the parking deck.
The Citizen-Times has the scoop.

[orulz]

Construction photos here. Last updated about 1 month ago. Seems they post updates about once a month, so therefore we're about due for an update.

[rooster8]

I had forgotten that the developer has a link with photos, but here are a few that I took yesterday:

[orulz]

What's this going to be clad in? Will it be brick, "hardcoat" stucco, or EIFS?

[rooster8]

Getting closer.

[jr7777]

Hmm, interesting. Thanks for the update, Rooster!

[thecowgoesmoo]

Drove by there yesterday, the parking deck is coming along nicely. Whoever is building that isn't screwing off, I wish some other projects here had the same commitment to getting finished.

[orulz]

I agree, this one is moving quickly. I'm particularly surprised because of the pricey condos on the top floors. Wish they could have done without the parking deck entirely, or integrated it into the building somehow, but I guess it's not that bad given how the site is hemmed in by the interstate ramp.

I bet the Aloft will be the next project to move forward. That one is pretty complicated, given the fact that it will include a public parking deck.

I wish some other projects around town (cough Zona cough) would hurry up. From what I've read on here, it sounds to me like AR needs to fix the Chrysler building, too.

[thecowgoesmoo]

orulz, on Sep 28 2009, 10:06 AM, said:

I agree, this one is moving quickly. I'm particularly surprised because of the pricey condos on the top floors. Wish they could have done without the parking deck entirely, or integrated it into the building somehow, but I guess it's not that bad given how the site is hemmed in by the interstate ramp.

I bet the Aloft will be the next project to move forward. That one is pretty complicated, given the fact that it will include a public parking deck.

I wish some other projects around town (cough Zona cough) would hurry up. From what I've read on here, it sounds to me like AR needs to fix the Chrysler building, too.

I think the deck is out of place. Nice looking although plain) building with a gray goiter hanging off of it. Be nice if they could have gone underground or put some retail space in the corner. Who knows, maybe they'll fancy it up some.

Zona is going now where. Indigo started later (I think) and they're nearing completion. I do wonder if AR is having financial problems, lots of the staff are gone. The maintenance guys in Chrysler were cut a while back and they've lost more staff. Their fake "green building" stuff could come back to haunt them.

[orulz]

Public Interest Projects should buy the Chrysler building from Alexander Reagan. PIP might fix up the (apparently shoddy) renovation that AR did, actually maintain the building, and even fill it with top-notch businesses (see Malaprops and the Orange Peel.) Plus, maybe the sale of the Chrysler building would give AR enough capital to get Zona underway.

I suspect, however, that PIP has its hands full with Aloft at the moment.

[thecowgoesmoo]

orulz, on Sep 29 2009, 10:58 AM, said:

Public Interest Projects should buy the Chrysler building from Alexander Reagan. PIP might fix up the (apparently shoddy) renovation that AR did, actually maintain the building, and even fill it with top-notch businesses (see Malaprops and the Orange Peel.) Plus, maybe the sale of the Chrysler building would give AR enough capital to get Zona underway.

I suspect, however, that PIP has its hands full with Aloft at the moment.

When I'm there next I'll take pictures of the renovation. Maybe on Friday. Floors that are peeling, lots of piping in the overhead is unpainted/peeling, etc. They had city council through here once the building was finished (the CO wasn't signed for 6+ months after people moved in) and they weren't impressed.