43 replies to this topic

[bwithers1]

barakat, on 15 February 2012 - 03:28 PM, said:

In a way the hotel reminds me of an old-school U-shaped apartment building.  I'm most disappointed that only one retail space is part of the development; the site had at least 8-10 businesses before.

I think that the comparison to a U-shaped apartment building is very appropriate.  I agree:  it does resemble a courtyard apartment building in shape.  Plus, it does have a base, a middle (brick?) and a cap, which gives it a very traditional look that does harken back to the '20s, which is the era when this area was being developed anyway.

Homewood Suites hotels are toward the budget end of the Hilton portfolio, and in terms of their furnishings and interiors, they remind me of college dormitories.  Some even offer beer as part of their evening buffet offerings!  So the college dorm/apartment comparison kind of works on that level, too.

And compared to most of the hotels that face West End, this one is actually an improvement in terms of addressing the street.  At least there is no parking lot in front on West End, and for crying out loud, at least there is no Qdoba stuck out front.  It is a shame that there is not more actual retail, especially on the Elliston side, but the existing buildings did not address Ellison, either.

Other than losing the historic car dealership facade, I still think that this one is a step in the right direction for making West End more pedestrian friendly, even if only a baby step.

[PHofKS]

They have started demolition of all buildings on the lot. It looks like they are methodically dismantling the FYI building and not using a wrecking ball or large machinery. Perhaps to preserve some of the notable architectural features.

[bwithers1]

Great news!  Thank you for sharing.  Maybe the facade will make a reappearance somewhere in town!

[smeagolsfree]

I was wondering when this was going to start to happen. This is going to be a very busy area as far as construction goes with the Elliston 23, Park 25, 2400 and the dorms @ Vandy on the corner of 21st and West End (Kassam Hall) due to start in the next month or so. Not to mention West End Village.
Looks as if they were doing some utility work over there the other day.