UP|Alabama

Birmingham Big-Dig: Burying I-20/59 through downtown

kayman — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:00:50 +0000

Shotty consstruction and lack of foresight when it came to the amount of growth of the Greater Birmingham area from the planners at ALDOT. They know they could redevelop that interchange back in the 1980's in the midst of the largest of the area's growth spurths until the recent one, but they chose to do nothing.

Birmingham Big-Dig: Burying I-20/59 through downtown

Jim856796 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:03:09 +0000

convulso, on 11 November 2008 - 10:20 PM, said:

but why do we need a tunnel?

tunnels are dark, and dark places scare me. what can happen?

Look, I said the word "tunnel" because it looked like the submerged freeway through downtown needed to be covered by a green space similar to the proposed Woodall Rogers Deck Park in Dallas. And the Malfunction Junction interchange should be rdeveloped into a more conventional interchange. Why was the existing interchange designed like that, anyway?

Birmingham Coffee House

Jim856796 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:04:58 +0000

On the former site of the Metropolitan Gardens housing project, a mixed-use development should have been built on that area. But I guess it is Birmingham's version of Atlanta's Centennial Place development.

Montgomery Developments

nowyano — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:57:54 +0000

brad0022, on 09 November 2009 - 07:41 PM, said:

WSFA 12 News has also learned that a private developer in Florida is investigating the possibility of building an aquarium off Bell Street near the Alabama River.

http://www.wsfa.com/global/story.asp?s=11472480

Thanks for that posting, I think it serves as a real reality check. Greenville is still working on their revitalization after 30 years, and Montgomery is just 7 years in. I don't want to wait 30 years, but until merchants fully buy in, like in Greenville, there will be a whole lot of slow work being done. For the record, I think what Montgomery has done so far has been amazing. Out of curiousity, does anyone know the approximate timeline of the Chatanooga revitalization?

Montgomery Developments

brad0022 — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:41:57 +0000

Montgomery Developments

nowyano — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:35:34 +0000

MATS has added an "Entertainment Route" which will be runnig from Maxwell through Downtown and Cloverdale.
http://www.montgomerytransit.com/Maps/EntertainmentRts18_19.pdf

I really do like what MATS as done in the last few years, they are slowly bringing back buses, and while there is no news on streetcars the buses are a good step. The city of Montgomery, has also been very good about trying to incorporate Maxwell into Downtown, whether this be the attempt to rename and renovate Bell Street or this I think these are positive signs.

Montgomery Developments

brad0022 — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:28:44 +0000

Fredrick Thomas proposes horse drawn carriage rides in downtown by mid November. The city will have to get a license first.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009910310324

Metro Huntsville Development News

Southron — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:59:43 +0000

What's new in Huntsville? Does anyone have any news or project updates?

Poarch Creek Indian Casino

nowyano — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:16:35 +0000

When I left Alabama in 2002 the Poarch Creek Indians in Wetumpka had just finished their bingo hall with a bit of fanfare. Last I heard they had planned for a 140,000 square foot casino, with the help of Harrah's. Did this happen? I imagine not as I could not find any information on it. I did however see they had a small hall in Montgomery now. If this didn't happen, I'm curious as to why it did not. I know that Victoryland in Shorter has switched to bingo machines, which Bob Riley is against.

Are there still plans for this casino to happen? And if so what effect could it have on Montgomery?

Court Square Plaza

nowyano — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:46:05 +0000

EXBubba, on Jul 24 2008, 02:15 PM, said:

Notice the throngs of people in and around the picturesque fountain. No place to sit, no place to eat no shade. What's wrong with this pretty picture?

Believe it or not there actually are places to sit and eat around the fountain. The shade is coming when all the trees that have been planted finish coming in. However, I do agree there are still no people in the downtown area, especially on the weekend.

The GrandView at Cottage Hill

nowyano — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:52:10 +0000

This is a problem that a lot of cities have had with condo developments in up-and-coming areas. Owners buy the building, sell a few units, and then abandon the property because no one else will buy the rest. I hope this project continues to go forward. I'm sure it will once Five Points' redevelopment really gets going.

Montgomery History

nowyano — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:04:56 +0000

Southron, on Sep 21 2009, 11:02 PM, said:

A new walking trail is under development downtown that would feature civil war and civil rights related sites. The proposed heritage trail is being modeled after the Freedom Trail in Boston. Great idea, and the wayfinding signage mentioned would be a great help for people unfamiliar with the area.

Walking route would link Montgomery's past, progress

This is a great idea, I found this same article on the Advertiser's website today. I wonder if there is any new information on this. It seems like a pretty easy project to get completed.

Montgomery Developments

nowyano — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 03:32:06 +0000

I actually just did a post about thriving downtowns in the South Forum. I can't think of too many Southern cities that do have big drawing downtowns other than ATL. I had a friend in Birmingham who went to school at Auburn, and after we graduated I came down to visit him. I remember asking him what there was to do, and him replying that it was just a bigger Auburn. You could go shopping at The Summit, or go to the movies and that was about it.

Montgomery has the potential right now, depending on what they put downtown to change that. I am a big believer in museums and walking tours. Montgomery's history could make for a great walking tour (Civil Rights, Pre Civil War times, Confederate History) and the warehouses could easily be converted into museums, or nightclubs. This could make for an interesting downtown.

West Fairview Avenue Development

nowyano — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 03:26:23 +0000

This could be very good. The west side of Montgomery has been left to tarnish for some time now. It's good to see someone getting involved to make something happen over there.

West Fairview Avenue Development

brad0022 — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 01:05:23 +0000

After the city has purchased land for a city park on West Fairview a local private company wants to invest in this area now.

Summit America will partner with Dover Kohl and Partners (company that developed the downtown plan), Goodwyn Mills and Cawood and McDonald and Associates.

Mayor Strange said they city will take care of a police presence with a substation, infrastructure, or a park if the company develops the shopping or entertainment facility.

Once the property values are increased the taxes collected will increase which those taxes will go right back to this area which is the same tax method that was used to fund downtown development.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/articl...ONTPAGECAROUSEL

Montgomery Developments

brad0022 — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:24:58 +0000

nowyano

That was a great writeup. I love to read about my city from a different perspective. I am hopeful that in a decade this city really will shape up.

I must say I was in Birmingham this past weekend for the Barber Vintage Festival and after I was through on Saturday by 2 pm. I and my two friends could not find a thing to do besides kill time at the Summit. We didnt have time to go downtown but even then I dont think there is anything downtown Bham on a Saturday afternoon. We stayed on 280 the whole day. Its the largest city in the state but its no ATL or even Nashville.

Montgomery Developments

brad0022 — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:19:12 +0000

nowyano, on Oct 11 2009, 04:46 PM, said:

I'm wondering if anyone knows any stores that are planning on locating to Downtown. I was mostly wondering about museums, entertainment complexes (Jillian's, Dave and Busters). And I was also curious if anyone knows if the Downtown businesses are ever planning on having better weekend hours. Also, ice cream. I was craving ice cream and there was no place to get ice cream downtown (closed, open, or otherwise).

I havent heard any serious decisions on other businesses locating downtown other than one more nice restaurant at the Alley and a country music venue that is in the plans for the Alley but the developer is waiting for more traffic. Thats the deal. It will take a good amount of time before more foot and auto traffic fills the streets again. Developers that are less risky are holding out for more people and consumers are waiting for more businesses. More lofts and apartments will definitely help.

I really wish they could build levees or whatever they need so that the river can be managed during flood seasons. So that the land across the river can be build up. It would be awesome to have riverside lofts right across from the stadium have a foot bridge to get across to downtown. Build a park.

But it can't since its flood plains.

nowyano

I have to say that that was a great writeup. I like reading about my city from a different perspective.

The Summit

ct36 — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:08:33 +0000

Nitek_Mobilian, on Oct 12 2009, 05:14 AM, said:

Well, I'm not really surprised the A&F store in Montgomery closed, they closed the smaller abercrombie store that was next to it years earlier. Hopefully, they won't pull out of Mobile and Huntsville.

Back on topic: this closure just frees up more space for higher end retail at The Summit.

I dont think they will. What will go in there? I dont think that there is an upscale store that needs ~8,000 square feet that is not already at the Summit.

The Summit

Nitek_Mobilian — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:14:20 +0000

ct36, on Sep 8 2009, 06:00 PM, said:

Really? Thats not good. Apparently they are not doing that good in AL. The one in Montgomery closed a few months ago.

Montgomery Developments

nowyano — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 22:46:17 +0000

Montgomery Developments

elb401 — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 18:02:58 +0000

Those are some great pictures! I haven't been to the downtown area of Montgomery since 2005. Great to see the city trying to bring back its downtown area!

Montgomery Developments

nowyano — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 13:27:33 +0000

Upon further investigation (surfing the internet) I found this.

http://doverkohl.com/files/pdf/Montgomery_low%20res.pdf

I'm sure lots of people have seen it, but figured I would post it anyway. I really like the idea for South Court Street and have seen it beginning to take place.

Montgomery Developments

nowyano — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 22:56:06 +0000

[continued]
Now, as excited as I was I have to bring up my first big negative. There was a lack of people, such a lack that I literally stood in the middle of what should have been two moderately busy streets (Dexter Ave and Lee Street I believe was the second one) to take these pictures.

Such a lack of people that a Subway sandwich shop right a college (Troy Montgomery), the capital building, and walking distance from other attractions did not even have Saturday or Sunday hours.

At this point, I had lost track of street signs, but heading up what I think was Court Street (according to the sign that I can barely make out in the photo) at a triangular intersection by the Federal Building I met some very nice people by New South Inc Publishers, and a Smoothie store. They were working on putting up an art gallery, which will be opening next month. I asked the owner if it would have weekend hours, and he said he didn’t know yet. I also saw a few newer (or at least newer to me restaurants, bars, and such). I also wanted to stop into the Civil Rights Museum, but guess what? They’re not open on Saturdays.

And then more empty streets that should be busy at about 1:00 on a Saturday.

From there, I headed down towards Lee and Montgomery Streets. Another newer restaurant and a lot of empty buildings by the Troy Montgomery Campus, but a huge amount of work going into the Federal Building.

Closer to Troy Montgomery was very cool. The Davis Theater had some really cool shows coming including some Broadway Shows (yes it’s the Wedding Singer, and yes I will go to see it possibly spending the night in the Renaissance or Embassy Suits). I would love to see the Shakespeare Festival or someone else put another theater in downtown. Also the Rosa Parks Museum, which surprisingly was open, has a nice urban feel to it.

I also saw the Montgomery Advertiser building. I wonder if there are any plans for this building (since newspapers are dying and all).

I finally walked back to Union Station and back to my car before leaving downtown.

First and foremost, I felt like I was watching stage hands rush to put the scenery together for opening night's first act of a play. People were getting into their places, and the things were coming together very nicely downtown. It truly was as if I was in the middle of something very exciting about to happen. I saw some other buildings that I was too tired to take pictures of, including a really cool building which i think was a Mosque, though it may have been a church. (anyone know what I'm talking about?) Even ASU's campus, which I took no pictures of, was having all kinds of street improvements. The city is really ready to make a big leap, maybe not to the New Orleans, Atlanta or even Birmingham type of status, but definitely to a Chatanooga or Savannah like status. My only downside was after being thrilled by the downtown I still saw the lack of life. I saw very few people eating at the restaurants, and next to no one walking on the streets, and it was a beautiful day. I think Montgomery is maybe two or three years away with its downtown.

However, the rest of the city I was less excited by. I still have not seen Old Cloverdale (could anyone give me an intersection to look for), Five Points (whose construction I don't believe has begun yet), the work going on near the RSA parking deck, or the construction that is happening to the Normandale Mall. I did not venture up to the Capital or the SPL Center because I have seen those enough times, and I'm sure I will be Downtown in a week or two.

Still, the circle (North-East-South) Boulevard is dead or dying. The outskirt malls are still taking a lot of shoppers away from Downtown and with the Museum of Fine Arts, the Shakespeare Festival, and the Zoo so far from the downtown it is going to hinder the growth a bit. I also hope that the downtown stores start to get better (or at least some) hours for Saturdays and Sundays. I walked around from about 11:30-2:00 and most stores were either not open at all, or not open until I left.

On the other hand, I like how the work is being done at a good pace, starting with the River Walk, and moving outwards. I really did feel excited, and almost electric, while walking through what is turning out to be quite an eclectic downtown.

Montgomery Developments

nowyano — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 22:50:01 +0000

About two months ago, I posted the question, “Is Montgomery Dying?” in this forum. At the time, I had only seen the outlying parts of East-South Boulevard, bits of Atlanta Highway, and the box stores on Taylor road. Now I am going to do something I rarely do, which is repudiate my claim.

I love downtowns, I love high (and mid) rise building. I love little caf�s and bars. I love cool architecture and crowds. The last time I went to Montgomery was in the beginning of September and I could see that the downtown, especially right around the River Walk (or River District as the signs told me) was having a huge renaissance.

Now, before I begin my not so brief debrief of what I saw it is important to know that even though I now live, and currently go to college, in Alabama I am still a Bostonian at heart. I am used to large cities, and am a bit of an a-hole, so it takes a bit to impress me. But walking through the streets of downtown Montgomery for the better part of three hours I have to admit I was electrified.

Starting on a positive note I parked off of Commerce Street and walked right down to the River Walk. The steamboat was pretty cool to see, as was the River Stadium (whose name I am sure I have just butchered). The architecture around it was neat, the road was still a bit unpaved, and the restaurants have still not been put in. What I left this part of my adventure wondering was; is this complete? How much further is the river walk going to go? It only lasted about 100 or so yards, and even in 80 degree heat I didn’t break a sweat walking from the steamship to the stadium. It was a cool bit, and I think it might be a great attraction were it bigger. I think Daughtry played in the amphitheater a few weeks back, which is a big draw for the area, and I would love to see arts fairs, or 4th of July Fireworks over the river.

From the River Walk I left, and began walking up to be greeted by a very cool skyline along Commerce Street. I had originally planned on walking down to the front of the stadium, and seeing the Alley, which is still under construction, but after viewing this decent sized skyline I decided after I saw the Alley I would keep exploring

The next stop was the Alley, which I know is still mostly under construction. But it was close to noon, and I was hungry so I thought I would get some food. Unfortunately Dreamland was not opened yet, and neither was the Alley Bar. So I just walked through snapping pictures on my cell phone like a crazed tourist. I do have to admit it was disappointing to be in a city where everything is closed at around noon, on a Saturday.

I walked a bit further down and saw the Montgomery Brewing Company. I don't know if it had always been there and I never noticed it, but if that were the case then this just proves that the Alley is good for the surrounding businesses, especially if they are not going to be opened before noon (can you tell I was perturbed by that). However, The Brewing Company was not open until 4:00 pm so still no food.

Walking back up I was impressed by the renaissance surrounding the river walk, and among the renaissance was The Renaissance hotel (I know bad pun). I walked over to the fountains took a few snaps and continued down Commerce Street.

On down Congress Street, I saw a bunch of new bars, restaurants and caf�s. But more exciting than that to me was that in the Alley they are putting a Children’s Museum. With this, and the Rosa Parks Children’s Museum, the Biscuits, and the River Walk I could easily bring my wife and two sons to Montgomery for the day. This is the kind of thing needed to thrive in a downtown area. I was disappointed that the Hank Williams' Museum's outside looked beat up and run down. Someone needs to help out poor ol' Hank's place it would make the area look that much better.

One of the new bars, the bell was a nice touch.

The site of the Alabama Children's Museum

Wintzell's Oyster Bar, which was closed at the time, but on my way back the outdoor porch was filled with people enjoying the weather and their lunches.

Another bistro

On another note, directly across Bibb Street (I think it was Bibb) sat a really cool building that at the bottom had a sign that read “Part of Montgomery Pub Crawl”. Does anyone know what that is? I liked the building but it really needs to be fixed up, the architecture is great, but it seemed to be falling apart. In addition to this building, there were several other buildings in a row with very cool architecture which were for sale or rent. Most of them looked cleaned up recently. I can’t wait to see what ends up in them.

Up closer towards the capital building, I saw this cool building which was for lease right off of Court Square. The building had a cute little green space near it which added to the feel. I even looked up at the corner and there was a hot spot (which I saw all over downtown). I could see myself, or perhaps a younger student from ASU or Troy Montgomery getting coffee at Bama Bistro, walking over to the greenspace and using the wireless internet to work on a paper, especially on a day like today which was 80 with a good breeze off the water. All I could think was that I should have brought my lap top. Also I love this architecture, it is very similar to the one on the corner of Bibb and Commerce but unlike that one this one was better taken care of. The fountain and traffic circle were also a nice touch to make the area much better looking.

As I peered further up the street, I noticed a crowd gathered around. A band, Southern Tales/ Taylors (I couldn't understand the woman who told me) was shooting a video.

As I was listening to the band, which by the way was pretty good, I also noticed the murals that were painted over the abandoned store fronts. I think this was a good move by someone to keep the area looking nice while it was being renovated. I hope that when the renovations are completed, and the tenants are moved in, these murals find a home somewhere. Maybe they can go over this building which is less than a block away and brought down my vibe for a second.

Mobile Annexation

elb401 — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:25:33 +0000

It seems that the annexation rumors are rumbling again. There may be another vote in some of the old areas again and some new ones. But sadly they wont happen for another few months. I'm estimating sometime just after Mardi Gras. I'm curious about which neighborhoods and how many people are going to be included. I know the city is trying to count and gain as many people during the 2010 census.

Montgomery Developments

nowyano — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 03:28:07 +0000

Southron, on Sep 22 2009, 11:29 PM, said:

Other than new signage, what would the costs be? Just curious. A major streetscaping project is already underway there.

The Wright Brothers established a flying school in Montgomery, and the site later became Maxwell Air Force Base. Click here for a photo.

I don't know the logistics of it, but when Boston wanted to change a section of Washington Street (not even the whole street) into Plaza De Americanos (or something like that) it eventually got scrapped because of costs. I believe a lot has to do with changing street addresses, which I would think would simply be changing 12 Bell Street into 12 Maxwell Blvd. After that, I think the cost would mostly be on businesses and residents to change their addresses on /cards and preprinted envelopes, so I don't really know what the cost would be. I guess the term exorbinant may not be the right word.

Montgomery Developments

Southron — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 04:29:42 +0000

nowyano, on Sep 22 2009, 07:44 AM, said:

Two questions: Doesn't renaming a street usually cost an exorbinant amount of money? and Why would a Wright Brothers Museum be put in Montgomery?

Montgomery Developments

nowyano — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:44:43 +0000

Southron, on Sep 21 2009, 11:21 PM, said:

Mayor Strange wants to rename Bell Street to Maxwell Boulevard or Wright Brothers Parkway.

Two questions: Doesn't renaming a street usually cost an exorbinant amount of money? and Why would a Wright Brothers Museum be put in Montgomery?

The reason I ask about the museum is that typically museums, especially those dedicated to people are in places where the person has major connections. I always associate The Wright Brothers with North Carolina, not Alabama, and definately not Montgomery. Wouldn't something like a Tuskegee Airmens Museum (yeah I know they are building on in Tuskegee) make more sense?

Montgomery Developments

Southron — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 04:29:22 +0000

The city is trying to get downtown workers to use parking decks rather than putting coins in meters, so that shoppers and persons doing temporary business downtown can find more on-street parking. The hourly meter rate is rising from 25 cents to 50 cents, and the parking fine is now $10, up from $4. Parking in the decks all day is cheaper than parking on the street and getting a fine.

Downtown workers encouraged to use parking decks, not meters

Montgomery Developments

Southron — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 04:21:28 +0000

Mayor Strange wants to rename Bell Street to Maxwell Boulevard or Wright Brothers Parkway. He is leaning toward Maxwell Boulevard, and has not decided whether to push for renaming the whole street or just the section west of I-65 near the AFB.

Any thoughts? I like Maxwell Boulevard, but with the part east of I-65 remaining Bell St.

Strange pushes to rename Bell Street