UTgrad09 4435 Report post Posted May 21, 2013 I took a few pictures when I was there, too. I figured it would be best to start a new thread rather than clog up the du jour thread. These were taken from my camera phone, so they are not of the best quality...and I didn't have time to make sure they were perfect. I'm just going to post them all rather than filter through them. Feel free to add your own pics to the thread if you have them. This is intended to be for everybody. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UTgrad09 4435 Report post Posted May 21, 2013 EVEN MOAR. FIN Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TNinVB 1639 Report post Posted May 21, 2013 AMAZING PICTURES!!! I can't wait to come home and see it in person Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nashvillain 790 Report post Posted May 21, 2013 Nice job, UTGrad. I think 5th Ave between the Omni and the MCC could really become a premier outdoor gathering spot for downtown. I hope the city allows and encourages this to happen. The Demonbreun side has similar possibilities but I think a lot hinges on whether or not the arena is opened up iwith more uses and if the city allows for vendors and food trucks to set up in some of the massive spaces at the foot of the MCC. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UTgrad09 4435 Report post Posted May 21, 2013 Nice job, UTGrad. I think 5th Ave between the Omni and the MCC could really become a premier outdoor gathering spot for downtown. I hope the city allows and encourages this to happen. The Demonbreun side has similar possibilities but I think a lot hinges on whether or not the arena is opened up iwith more uses and if the city allows for vendors and food trucks to set up in some of the massive spaces at the foot of the MCC. Personally, I'd rather see them do that with Lower Broad. For certain events, and/or at certain times, they could close off the road and allow pedestrians to cross the street freely. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nashvillain 790 Report post Posted May 21, 2013 Personally, I'd rather see them do that with Lower Broad. For certain events, and/or at certain times, they could close off the road and allow pedestrians to cross the street freely. That's fine with me however I think the advantage with 5th ave and Demonbreun is that the sidewalks outside of the MCC are already huge and the roadways are much narrower. Plus, I think the 5th Ave section will be shaded for a significant portion of the day making it more bearable if not pleasant in summer whereas Lower Broadway is wide open and without much shade. Furthermore I would just like to see the MCC and its environs be a public space and useful and used by citizens and not solely by visitors. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TNinVB 1639 Report post Posted May 21, 2013 Now that the MCC is open, has there been any word on what is going to happen with the roundabout? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nathan_in_the_UK 1706 Report post Posted May 22, 2013 Wow! Going to be home for a couple days next week, will definitely be checking it out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BnaBreaker 9386 Report post Posted May 22, 2013 Great shots. Thanks for sharing them. I really love what they have done with the streetscape between Omni and the MCC. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bwithers1 1439 Report post Posted June 12, 2013 Now that the MCC is open, has there been any word on what is going to happen with the roundabout? I believe that the Metro Arts Commission has announced the four finalists who will submit proposal for public art installation in the roundabout. I'm not sure when the proposals are due or the timeline for the Metro Arts Commission to announce a winner. Without looking at the Metro Arts Center website, I would look for something in 2014. But speaking of the roundabout, I have driven through it a few times even at rush hour and my impression is that there is far less traffic there than I would have imagined. Either the roundabout is truly much more efficient than the lights were or people are avoiding it. What are other people's thoughts? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
volsfanwill 1563 Report post Posted June 12, 2013 I would not be surprised if people are avoiding it. I have a friend who thinks they are the dumbest thing ever invented, no matter how many times I explain their efficiency. This same guy thinks any investment in rapid transit is a waste of money because he would not use it and therefore no one will. Unfortunately, I think his mindset represents a lot of people in the Nashville area. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UTgrad09 4435 Report post Posted June 12, 2013 I don't think it is heavily used (not even as much as the Musica roundabout)...but it moves traffic very, very efficiently. It's a little more complex than the one on Demonbreun...but well marked. I think it will become more used as people get used to it being there (and how to navigate it -- since it generally requires you to put down your cell phone and look). Of course, 8th in general isn't as heavily traveled as most of the corridors (since it is directly parallel to I-65), and a lot of the Lafayette traffic has already emptied off onto other streets....so it's not really like that intersection was a big choke point in the first place...it's just adding KVB made the roundabout a more viable option than a funky intersection. I also think people are just getting used to using KVB. It's still not 'completely' open. I have to say, they really, really need to fix the timing of the lights on KVB from 1st to 4th. Those are short blocks, and they never seem to be green at the same time. You sit in traffic an unnecessary amount of time trying to go east. If they would FIX that and make KVB one of the primary entryways into the city, then I think you will find the road serving its purpose and the roundabout getting more usage. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
