Jump to content

Inner Loop - CBD, Downtown, East Bank, Germantown, Gulch, Rutledge


smeagolsfree

Recommended Posts


I also noticed that ICON had red and green underlighting in its "hood-ornament". Seems like the trend is catching on...

 

This kind of thing reminds me of Downtown Knoxville over the holidays. I'm not sure if they still do this, but for many years buildings all over downtown would put up cones of light strands that mimic the appearance of Christmas trees. It was always neat to see so many up all at once.

 

...and the lights along the bridge at the top and base of the sloped glass roof will never be turned on again.

 

I forgot to mention that these were on last night as well! I noticed them as I was leaving work for the evening. It looked like someone had just run a strip of "rope-lights" along each ridge, but still neat to see some extra lighting.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That's interesting. I didn't know the Pinnacle had the capability to change the color of its lighting.

 

I apologize, they do not.  (Just confirmed with an old property manager there)  They shut the lights of the crown off once to support something but "it would be too difficult to change colors".  It would be amazing if the entire crow (as filthy as it looks sometimes) could change colors.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

id say based on the angle of the railroad and the orientation of the houses to the street grid of the time, plus the hill in the background, it was probably taken at this angle

15862902318_965b543a40_o.jpgcwpic by willfry, on Flickr

 

Would be interesting to compare the hills in the background of the photo to a modern one from this angle.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I wish the L&C would do it again.  with LEDs they could do any combination at an time.

 

L&C looks so fat and squatty now (w/r/t others looming nearby), that a good view of it would be blocked from some vantage points.  It is a well-built, handsome structure, with primary facing of limestone panels and curved granite plinths and fascias with gilded-gold lettering.  Even though the L&C no longer remains a focal point, IMO it remains one of the better constructed structures of its type in CBD, and to build anything like it today, while utilizing the same cladding materials, would make it too costly for any decent R.o.I.

 

As Hey_Hey astutely worded it, in an excerpt from a recent post in "Forums and Mini Meets", in reference to Tony G's visit,

 

 

"... It was intriguing to hear how certain design features, materials, etc., can make a building uneconomical here.  NYC can do some things that most (all?) other cities in the US can only dream of...."

 

A couple of other structures with a similar choice of cladding materials and built earlier during that same decade are the Sullivan towet (Lifeway), the Estes Kefauver Courthouse, and to a lesser extent the NES building.

 

-==-

Edited by rookzie
  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

This kind of thing reminds me of Downtown Knoxville over the holidays. I'm not sure if they still do this, but for many years buildings all over downtown would put up cones of light strands that mimic the appearance of Christmas trees. It was always neat to see so many up all at once.

 

 

I always thought that was the most trashy red neck thing ever.  and I lived there for over 10 years.   it is not just downtown, it is basically every building over 3 stories.  many of the office buildings out west as well as UT buildings have them.  

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Chattanooga downtown buildings have white christmas lights going down the sides and roofs of the buildings. It's a collective effort for many of the buildings downtown that looks really cool at night. Chattanooga also decorates it's pedestrian bridge over the river with moving snowflake lights

 

HolidayLights.jpg

 

I actually liked the little lighted christmas trees on the rooftops in Knoxville. They call it "Up on the rooftop"

 

http://www.wbir.com/story/news/local/downtown-ut/2013/09/24/city-of-knoxville-already-in-the-christmas-spirit/2861205/

 

1380039461000-up-on-the-rooftops.jpg

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm going to be the grammar police here and recommend people call it the Capitol District rather than Capital District.  Nashville is the capital, but I assume the moniker for the district refers to its proximity to the capitol building.

 

...and the name of the sub-topic would have been more fitting as such also;  I always scratched my own head on that, one since it obviously was not intended refer to the entire "north capital", whole would be half of Metro.

 

"N/Capital/G....."

Link to comment
Share on other sites

First let me say that my comments are mine and mine alone as I don't hold any official position or office at FBC.  I'm only a member with an opinion, well...okay...and a little inside knowledge. :shades:

 

I think it is important to step back a minute and look at the bigger picture.  I don't want to get into a deep discussion at this time about churches' roles in a downtown community but I do think it is important to mention this: When many churches fled to the suburbs for cheaper land, "privacy" and convenience, FBC made the commitment to remain downtown even though the majority of its members live in surrounding counties.  The church believes its future is at 7th and Broadway and its mission is to minister to and love those in need (and I'm not just talking about the homeless), specifically in downtown Nashville.

 

Which leads me to the topic at hand.  Many of you know that the Next Door ministry, which until recently, occupied the old rescue mission building currently standing on the property in question.  They have since moved into a beautiful, brand new facility on Charlotte.  :yahoo: If anyone isn't familiar with Next Door, they do amazing work helping women who have been in prison transition into a more normal, successful, safe and fulfilling life.  Working with the city and other organizations, these women are able to get back on their feet by having a safe place to live, free from drugs and prostitution, etc., while training for a real career and the next chapter of their lives.  It's truly amazing to listen to the testimonies of these women after going through the program!   This program started at FBC and the church has not only given its time and support but millions of dollars as well, both to the old and new facilities. 

 

It's for this reason that I guess I get a little frustrated when I read comments like, the church is being "greedy" or "unrealistic" about the sale of this property.  :dontknow: With that said, yes, the church would like to make as much as possible on the sale to help facilitate the construction of new phases of the campus as well as fund programs that help the community like the Next Door.  The church didn't ask for the $18 million from Novo, it was offered to "get the church's attention" and "knock the church out of its seat".  FBC was totally happy with the original deal with Tony but for whatever reason he didn't proceed and it wasn't because of the church looking for a "better deal".  Likewise, the two $15 million offers considered were not solicited and in fact rejected because the church is looking for a reliable partner and neighbor in the deal and not just the highest price.  In other words, the church isn't just going to sell it to anyone with a fat wallet.  I personally hope Tony gets involved again but I don't have any info on that. 

 

Now, when it comes to the big lot next to Bridgestone Arena, forget about it.  Unless something totally crazy happens like the church moves (see above), the church will never sell this lot.  Yes, the church brings in a lot of money from parking but actually needs it for parking for services.  The city has in the past offered to purchase it at a ridiculously low amount and even hinted at eminent domain (under a different mayor).  You talk about political suicide?

 

I personally wish the church would work with someone like Tony to build an underground garage with usable green-space on top, increasing the number of parking spaces thus generating more revenue for the new construction.  I can see it now, Church: "Hello Mr. Banker, we would like to borrow $30 million."  Mr. Banker: "Oh really? How are your financials?"  Church: "Well, we have zero debt...and did we mention we have a money making machine in our back yard?" Seriously though, I do think parking revenue for the church will likely go down as more and less expensive parking becomes available in the immediate area.  The church will have to be more competitive.

 

Anyway, please forgive me for the length or if this seems like a rant or if it comes across as harsh in any way.  Just trying to give some perspective a church members point of view.  Besides, Ron, you asked. :hi:

Thanks, I knew you could shed some light on the issue. That is why I wanted you to comment to let everyone know a little of the back story.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  Church: "Well, we have zero debt...and did we mention we have a money making machine in our back yard?" Seriously though, I do think parking revenue for the church will likely go down as more and less expensive parking becomes available in the immediate area.  The church will have to be more competitive.

 

 

So, does the church pay tax on their "money making machine"?

I haven't seen any discussion on the James Robertson apartment sale. Any info floating around on that. Understand all the tenants have to be out by April 1st. 

Edited by nvestnbna
Link to comment
Share on other sites

First let me say that my comments are mine and mine alone as I don't hold any official position or office at FBC.  I'm only a member with an opinion, well...okay...and a little inside knowledge. :shades:

 

I think it is important to step back a minute and look at the bigger picture.  I don't want to get into a deep discussion at this time about churches' roles in a downtown community but I do think it is important to mention this: When many churches fled to the suburbs for cheaper land, "privacy" and convenience, FBC made the commitment to remain downtown even though the majority of its members live in surrounding counties.  The church believes its future is at 7th and Broadway and its mission is to minister to and love those in need (and I'm not just talking about the homeless), specifically in downtown Nashville.

 

...

...

...

...

 

Anyway, please forgive me for the length or if this seems like a rant or if it comes across as harsh in any way.  Just trying to give some perspective a church members point of view.  Besides, Ron, you asked. :hi:

 

IMO, your taking the apparent time expended in drafting the above posting, let alone in getting it finalized for "publishing", translates into some seriously deliberated thought on that, when it might have been sensed that a threshold had been crossed.   All too often, it can become easy for the "sheep" to stray (me one? probably) and to be led in digression with rationale sometimes cursory and superficial to a cause and effect, rather than to “rewind and play the entire tape,” so to speak.  Then with all the crescendo from watching the “action figures”, subjects sometimes tend to become vilified, when things don’t pan out as expected.

Vantage points do make a difference.  In the past I myself have experienced the emotion of driving my car to take a couple of individuals to the FBC-sponsored facility, and I vicariously can identify with having those needs fulfilled, when it comes to substance abuse.  Thanks for shedding light.

-==-

Edited by rookzie
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sitting in my office (in the AT&T building)  looking at the new Amphitheater going up on the old Thermal Plant site. That stage is huge. Will there be enough room for people to sit?

Yeah...we've all kinda wondered why they didn't move it back a bit (towards the north) to allow more people in.  Supposed to hold less than 7,000.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yeah...we've all kinda wondered why they didn't move it back a bit (towards the north) to allow more people in. Supposed to hold less than 7,000.

And it feels like it's sitting awfully close to KVB. Maybe it will sit more comfortably once the work is completed, and I know they were trying to fit other elements into the space, but seems to me its placement may be a bit of a mistake in retrospect.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The amphitheater is not just an amphitheater, there's going to be a park with all kinds of other elements behind it also. That's why the seating area is limited. There's no reason to use the entire site for an amphitheater when in the winter months it's probably going to be sitting dormant most of the time anyways. IMO, they shouldn't have put an amphitheater there at all and made the entire themal plant site one big park that can be used throughout the entire year. We already have plenty of music venues, including the riverfront. The only mistake about the amphitheater, is the amphitheater itself if you ask me. But again, that's just my opinion. 

Edited by mirydi
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.