CONSTRUCTION THREAD: 98 East McBee

[RiverWalker]

When I drove past the site last Friday, the final column was being felled. You can see the demolition in progress at http://www.wyff4.com/Apartments-coming-to-downtown-Greenville/-/9324882/16611502/-/fhbnnbz/-/index.html

[GvilleSC]

The Staff comments on the DRB application present some fairly stern directives to the applicant. The applicant is going to have to "defend" their decision to set the building back from the street (I have a feeling this won't fly at the hearing). The wall next to the sidewalk was also criticized. Regardless of this building's liklihood of being built, it's nice to see the developers and designers facing an uphill battle with this awful proposal.

[gman430]

Well, the site plan looks a little better than it did before: http://www.greenvillesc.gov/PlanningZoning/PlanningApplications/Applications/2012/NOVEMBER/DesignReviewBoard/11-01-2012/CA-12-198-98EastMcBeeAve.pdf Still needs more work though in my opinion.

[ausrutherford]

I am looking at that right? did they add a parking garage beneath?

[johnpro318]

They always had that. It's a parking bay for two cars max on the back.

Well, the site plan looks a little better than it did before: http://www.greenvill...astMcBeeAve.pdf Still needs more work though in my opinion.

The drop off lane on McBee needs to go. Less curb cuts please.

[apaladin]

A shame this prime piece of real estate is going to be wasted with 4 stories. It would have been a great place for something with height.

[ausrutherford]

This site needs to go to the road.

Besides, a drop off site for a non-luxury apartment complex is not needed. This isnt Park Avenue.

[GvilleSC]

We can all hope that the financial aspect of this project doesn't happen if this passes the DRB. 4 stories doesn't bother me if they would include retail and move closer to the road.

[Greenville]

This proposal stinks. I'm hoping that it won't be approved, or that they can't make the numbers work financially. Greenville deserves better than this. Much better.

[gman430]

Local developer Grant Peacock recently secured financing for an apartment development on the site in downtown Greenville where he once planned to build the luxury Peacock Hotel & Spa. More info: http://www.gsabusiness.com//news/46560-peacock-secures-financing-for-apartment-development

[GvilleSC]

Well, we'll see how it turns out, I guess... 

[ausrutherford]

Did the city approve it yet?

[gman430]

Did the city approve it yet?

Yes.

[vicupstate]

http://www.greenvillesc.gov/CouncilAgendas/minutes/2013/JANUARY/Formal/1-28-2013/Item14a-Approval%20of%20Development%20Agreement%20with%2098%20E%20McBee%20LLC.pdf

 

City council votes on Monday on spending $500,000 in sidewalk improvemnets and easement.

[gman430]

Well, we'll see how it turns out, I guess...

What do you mean? I think the building looks great myself. Much better than what's currently on site.

[ausrutherford]

What do you mean? I think the building looks great myself. Much better than what's currently on site.

 

I dont think it looks terrible, but kind has a design of "been there, done that".

 

Its also not up to the road and theres no retail.

[gman430]

I dont think it looks terrible, but kind has a design of "been there, done that".

 

Its also not up to the road and theres no retail.

Can't be built up to the road due to the Peacock Hotel's foundation which this will be built on top of.

[ausrutherford]

Can't be built up to the road due to the Peacock Hotel's foundation which this will be built on top of.

 

So they could not have modified the foundation?

[GvilleSC]

So they could not have modified the foundation?

They could, but they've sunk so much money into this failed project that they're seeking the easiest way out.

[mallguy]

I like having more residential downtown, but my concern is that the architecture will look horribly dated in 20 years, just as 1950s-1970s buildings downtown look terrible.

 

I wouldn't want the government to impose architectual style codes on downtown, but if everyone could just use the same architectural style, things would look better.

[Gville2012]

Wow... the agreement with the city is only for 55 parking spots. There is 55 units, with 11 of them being 2 bedrooms.

[GvilleSC]

I wouldn't want the government to impose architectual style codes on downtown, but if everyone could just use the same architectural style, things would look better.

 

I have to disagree here. However, if anything were managed it should be QUALITY, not style.

[Gville2012]

Not sure how this would affect things (costs, feasibility, first floor units, etc.)... but it seems they could use the existing foundation for the four story building, and build out on the first floor for street level retail. Then the roof of the street level retail could be a "community" area for renters with lounge chairs/tables&chairs/grills/etc. Just a thought. Definitely add some "cool" factor to an otherwise bland building.

[downtownwonderer]

Sounds like the City Council approved kicking in a bunch of $ to make the setback area to the building a really nice public area.

[gman430]

Sounds like the City Council approved kicking in a bunch of $ to make the setback area to the building a really nice public area.

Hahaha. The city council has nothing to do with this project except when it comes to a development agreement and funding streetscape improvements next to the site. It was approved by the Design Review Board after numerous revisions were made to the building design and site layout. Nothing wrong with having some green space downtown also.