UP|Alabama

Riverchase Galleria

DigitalSky — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 15:06:37 +0000

Obviously good news for the mall and Birmingham, but I'll hate to see Von Maur renovate that cool Macy*s facade.

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Riverchase Galleria

dusty87 — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 22:42:26 +0000

Nordstrom isn't coming, but we've gotten news that Von Maur, who recently opened up in Atlanta at NorthPoint are!

http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2011/10/von_maur_department_store_prop.html

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Montgomery Developments

Southron — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 03:10:35 +0000

The city put up a new sign recently to mark the entrance to the tunnel that goes under the railroad tracks to the riverfront. Helpful to visitors and looks nice.

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Barons to Downtown

Southron — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:19:08 +0000

Mayor Bell will present a plan next week to build a new minor league baseball park on 1st Avenue South between 14th and 16th streets, near the Railroad Park. The city will swap land with UAB to put the site together.

Plan calls for new Birmingham Barons park on First Avenue South

Edit: The Barons expect to move into the new ballpark by April 2013, but assembling the land may not be as easy as suggested in the article above. I guess we'll find out more next week.

Site set for downtown Birmingham ball park

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Montgomery Developments

Southron — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 22:54:13 +0000

nowyano, on 14 July 2011 - 07:52 AM, said:

I don't have a new picture of this, but I was driving past it on Wednesday, after not being downtown for awhile. Located on the corners of Bibb and Commerce directly across from the Hank Williams Museum, the smallest building with the greenish awnings which extends to the one with the concaved entrance door, which contains a Chinese Restaurant and Sous le Terre has completely redone its siding and painting. These are the projects --one's with preexisting owners fixing up old buildings to keep up with the Joneses-- that really revitalize a city.

The new paint looks great. Exterior work is still underway, with a few of the new windows in place this afternoon.

Making some progress at 78 Dexter as well.

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RSA Judicial Building

Southron — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 22:38:58 +0000

It's been almost two years since the last photo update for this project, and construction is now almost complete. The photos below were taken in July 2011.

Not digging the concrete wall facing Monroe St.

Plaza dedicated to former state supreme court justices.

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Montgomery Developments

nowyano — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 03:49:10 +0000

Southron, on 18 July 2011 - 12:38 PM, said:

The Kress Building downtown --heck pretty much all Kress Buildings everywhere in America-- is one of my favorite buildings, I'm glad to see their are plans for it.

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Montgomery Developments

Southron — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 18:38:38 +0000

Local architect Mike Watson of 2WR plans to renovate the Kress Building, creating 30 new residential units, a 200-person performance venue, a bar, a small eatery, a rooftop terrace and a small fitness center. The Dexter Ave and Monroe St facades will be returned to their original 1929 appearance. Watson plans to incorporate a neighboring property, 35 Dexter, into the project and awaits city council approval at an August 2nd meeting.

Awesome! Renovation of the Kress Building will be a huge step forward for lower Dexter.

Proposed plan would give new life, purpose to Kress building

Plan Details

Dexter Ave facade rendering

Older pics of the Dexter Ave and Monroe St facades

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Railroad Park

Southron — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 16:28:02 +0000

The new Railroad Park has been open since last September and has become a great success. There were dozens of people there on a recent Sunday afternoon - people from all walks of life. I snapped a couple of quick pictures, but to really to see the size and features of the park check out the gallery link below.

Visitor photos link: Flickr gallery

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BJCC Expansion plans

Southron — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 16:11:45 +0000

Work is underway at the site of the Westin Hotel and Marketplace entertainment district. The projects are set for completion by October 2012.

Hotel, entertainment district on target for October 2012 construction completion

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CityVille/Block 121 mixed-use project

Southron — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 16:03:15 +0000

Cityville is complete and tenants have moved in. Nice infill just a couple of blocks from the railroad park. Looks like there is some commercial space left to rent, but otherwise it's done.

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Montgomery Developments

Southron — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 03:03:51 +0000

nowyano, on 14 July 2011 - 07:52 AM, said:

It really does looks much, much better. The bricks and formerly rusty ironwork have been painted, the stonework and plaster cleaned and the windows are being replaced now.

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Idea Factory

Southron — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 02:43:43 +0000

Brad, do you know if the next idea factory is in August? What happened at the one in June?

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Montgomery Developments

nowyano — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 13:52:45 +0000

Montgomery Developments

Southron — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 21:28:17 +0000

krazeeboi, on 16 May 2011 - 04:26 PM, said:

I hope the original facades are exposed on the buildings where they've been covered up.

Same here, and the renovation now underway at 78 Dexter Ave will do a great job of that. The rendering looks awesome.

78 Dexter

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Idea Factory

brad0022 — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 16:43:15 +0000

Here is a new topic thread just for any Idea Factory meetings upcoming or for those that have attended to recap what was discussed so the these post are not scattered into other threads.

The next upcoming Idea Factory is Thursday June 23, 2011 from 5-7pm at the Development Department at 1 Dexter Plaza (old Court Square building across from the fountain).

What will be discussed is extending the Riverwalk. Also they would like your ideas for this particular projects.

Refreshments provided by Back Forty Beer Co. I assume Dreamland BBQ will provide food as they have in the past but its not listed.

If you are not able make it to an Idea Factory and have a suggestion or idea, you can contact Tyler Caldwell via email with a proposal or idea. Also you can drop by the Development Department at anytime between 8-5 M-F.

From email:

"You are invited to the next Idea Factory on Thursday, June 23^rd, from 5-7 at the Development Department. We will be discussing the extension of the Riverwalk and would like to solicit your ideas for how the Riverwalk can capitalize on the views of the river and the parks that will bookend it. The event will be sponsored by Back Forty Beer Co. Please join us for good company, good ideas, and good conversation.

Tyler Caldwell, CNU-a

Design Studio Coordinator

Department of Development

PO Box 1111

Montgomery, AL 36101

tcaldwell@montgomeryal.gov

334-241-2728

Stay updated on facebook"

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New downtown park

brad0022 — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 16:26:51 +0000

krazeeboi, on 03 June 2011 - 09:26 AM, said:

Yeah, Center City Park is a pretty active space. I also hope the planned park in Montgomery won't be extremely passive in nature but encourage some active uses.

I hope not either but by the way Chad Emerson, Development Coordinator, that was more or less what he was hinting at. He mentioned Bryant Park in NYC. I have not been to Bryant Park but that's more or less what he wanted to compare it to.

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Downtown Parking

Southron — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 12:31:31 +0000

nowyano, on 04 June 2011 - 06:58 PM, said:

What is the deal with the parking in the middle of the road? It makes an otherwise great project look low budget. Why are they allowing people to line the main streets in the middle, as opposed to parking in (a) the several parking garages immediately around or (b) in the plentiful amount of spaces in the surrounding blocks. It would make the area look better and would increase foot traffic which would make for a more urban feel, even if everyone were heading to the Alley.

Are there plans for the medians? I have heard everything from light rail running from the Capital to the Riverfront, to bus rapid transit late doing the same thing, to planting trees in the middle (a la Savannah). Either way the parking looks horrendous.

Parking in the median is only allowed on Commerce Street and part of Montgomery Street I believe. It's been that way on Commerce for decades. Streetcars running from the capitol to the riverfront were part of the downtown master plan, but that may not happen. We should have a better idea about intended use of the medians once the Dexter Ave Streetscape Improvement Plan is released.

You're right, people should use the parking garages, but many don't know they are there and aren't accustomed to using them. That will likely change as more and more surface lots disappear over the next few years.

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Garrett Coliseum Renovation & Expansion

Southron — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 11:54:00 +0000

The legislature passed a bill creating the Garrett Coliseum Redevelopment Corp., which would allow a public-private partnership to sell bonds to support redevelopment of the coliseum. The Corp. must have a plan in place by the end of fiscal year 2012 or all state funding may be cut off.

Legislature passes bill that would allow partnership to work to redevelop Garrett Coliseum

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Downtown Parking

nowyano — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 00:58:02 +0000

<>

Parking in and around the Alley

What is the deal with the parking in the middle of the road? It makes an otherwise great project look low budget. Why are they allowing people to line the main streets in the middle, as opposed to parking in (a) the several parking garages immediately around or (b) in the plentiful amount of spaces in the surrounding blocks. It would make the area look better and would increase foot traffic which would make for a more urban feel, even if everyone were heading to the Alley.

Are there plans for the medians? I have heard everything from light rail running from the Capital to the Riverfront, to bus rapid transit late doing the same thing, to planting trees in the middle (a la Savannah). Either way the parking looks horrendous.

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Free The Hops prevails

Southron — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 23:42:07 +0000

Another victory for Free the Hops in the 2011 legislative session - the legislature passed a bill that

Quote

removes a provision that required brew pubs to operate in designated historic buildings; removes restrictions on brewing; allows brew pub owners to sell their product to wholesalers for distribution and allows breweries to sell samples of their product on site. (Montgomery Advertiser)

Brew pubs can now sell their beer off site through distributors, which gives them a much better chance of survival in a tough market.

Approved bill could help Brew Pub reopen

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Streets and Streetscapes

Southron — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 16:16:18 +0000

Mobile became the sixth Alabama Gulf Coast city to approve a Complete Streets policy, which will require officials to consider designing for pedestrians, cyclists, public transit riders and automobile drivers when streets are newly built or modified. It is just a policy, though, and doesn't require design for pedestrians, cyclists or transit riders. At least it's a good first step, and one that none of the other Big 4 cities have taken as far as I know.

Planners are working on a Bicentennial Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan for Mobile County, which is to be ready by 2012.

Coastal Alabama advocates make Complete Streets in Mobile a reality

Complete Streets policy passed by Mobile City Council

Mobile-area bicyclists, pedestrians state their case for better roadway access

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New downtown park

krazeeboi — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 15:26:52 +0000

Yeah, Center City Park is a pretty active space. I also hope the planned park in Montgomery won't be extremely passive in nature but encourage some active uses.

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Montgomery Mall - Revitalization?

Southron — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 14:02:06 +0000

nowyano, on 29 May 2011 - 12:19 PM, said:

What exactly is a medical mall?

Good question. The linked new articles suggest the mall would be anchored with healthcare providers and other medical businesses, bringing these services closer to residents of south Montgomery.

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Welcome

Justiceham — Tue, 31 May 2011 17:23:33 +0000

My partner and I had the opportunity to stop in your city this past Memorial Day on the way back to Murfreesboro from a glorious beach vacation in Pensacola Beach. We love to shop and had never been to Huntsville, boy were we surprised with the growth and development. We used our android phones to find out where the T.J. Maxx's were and other mall stuff. As we merged from 65 to 565 East we started to rethink our decision to stop. The terrain was very rural and uninhabited. As we drove further into the city things started to make sense. The 565 interstate was wondderful to travel on unlike the choked interstates of Nashville and Murfreesboro. It was quite easy to navigate the city as we passed the space center and Research Park. The traffic was sparse and the weather was clear. As we approched 231 south/565 split we noticed the beautifully kept downtown. Although quite small, the view from the interstate gave us a clear picture of a city that is very clean and picturesque. As we mergeed onto 231, we were amazed by the progressive ingress/egress and relativety to the surrounding area. This area of 231 could easily be another interstate as highway 153 in Chattanooga serves its purpose. The 231 rose above intersections, kept a respectable 50 mph speed limit, and allowed easy access to businesses along the side streets. Murfreesboro could learn a lot form Huntsville with 231. Our 231 is seven lanes, however, there are way too many stop lights an traffic to make this road easy to use as an alternative interstate. Even our new loop is at grade; above grade will be necessary with future growth like Huntsville, but our city leaders are not progressive. As we arrived at the T.J. Maxx, we noticed it was an older part of town, but the staff was very friendly and the store was spotless. When we left the store we noticed the Rolex store and the Parkway Place mall. The buildings were very upscale and also easy to get to. We didn't stop at the mall because we were headed to the other T.J. Maxx on Highway 72. As we headed back onto 565 we exited on Highway 255, there was another nice development we passed called Bridge Street Town Center. This area seems to be another hot area in Huntsville. As we made our way to the other T.J. Maxx we passed our favorite grocery store Earthfare. We had to stop in for the gluten free carrot and chocolate cake. Everytime we are in Knoxville we always stop in at the store. The friendly nature and high end retail Huntsville had to offer really caugt us off guard. The developments and layout of the city are heavily influenced by Middle Tennessee unlike Birmingham and Montgomery. Those cities were very different from Huntsville in this respect and that is not a bad thing, just something I noticed. Huntsville, you welcomed us with open arms and you are truly first rate. Being only a little over an hour away, we will be back!

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New Downtown Main Library/Children's Museum

nowyano — Sun, 29 May 2011 18:24:50 +0000

I drove past the building on Friday and they had a Questplex sign up on the front of it (facing the Court Square fountain).

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Montgomery Mall - Revitalization?

nowyano — Sun, 29 May 2011 18:19:36 +0000

What exactly is a medical mall?

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Downtown Residential Projects

Southron — Sun, 29 May 2011 00:06:17 +0000

There's a drawing posted in front of 26 S Perry now. Apparently the ground floor will be storage for New South Books, a book publisher a block away, and the second floor will be residential. Interestingly, a future third floor addition may add more residential space.

Early May photo with drawing below

The other one is getting a balcony.

Early May

Late May

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New Downtown Main Library/Children's Museum

Southron — Sat, 28 May 2011 18:57:28 +0000

Thedarkone1977, on 26 May 2011 - 08:13 AM, said:

After the city purchased the property they annouced a facade contest that was suppose to be over in March or April but I haven't heard anything else about that.

Interesting, maybe we'll hear something soon.

Welcome to UP!

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New downtown park

Southron — Sat, 28 May 2011 18:30:24 +0000

krazeeboi, on 16 May 2011 - 04:21 PM, said:

Oh okay, that's a decently-sized lot. I know it was said that they're going for something simple, but I think this new park should take a few cues from the fairly new Center City Park in Greensboro, NC which is about the size of a city block (just a little larger than this site, it appears):

That's a nice-looking square. Hopefully over time the new park here will evolve into a well-planned public space with interesting amenities and programmed activities.

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