Richmond off-topic postings

[eandslee]

Everyone's been too busy enjoying the Folk Festival

Additionally, Burt, who usually contributes a whole lot on this forum, is actually in Richmond and has no access to a computer (or his computer) to be able to write. What's more, is that there really hasn't been that much economic development news lately. Richmond's been kinda slow in that department lately. I think the real estate market is really taking it toll and has put the "jitters" in all developers minds.

I am kinda frustrated that it definitely looks as though Centennial won't break ground until summer 08. It's just frustrating because the Richmond representive of the developer just said that they were on target for breaking ground this year (clearly a lie - even if it wasn't necessarily a lie then, they probably saw the "writing on the wall"). This is the kind of stuff that will make your hair turn gray! Ugh!

[Cadeho]

I have been using some of the city's information online to find real names of neighborhoods... something the city must not know exists since all their info is wrong. It's really interesting and I'll probably start working on a city map with its subdivisions properly marked. I had an idea that a book on Richmond's true neighborhoods would be nice... and they could be organized by year of annexation.

[wrldcoupe4]

Vdogg... never did hear how your stay in Richmond went. Hopefully well?

[burt]

Vdogg... never did hear how your stay in Richmond went. Hopefully well?

Yes, vdogg. How was it and will you return?

Really enjoyed your pictures which included some interesting angles of downtown buildings. I have a feeling you are very fond of the BB&T building at 9th and Main, one of the cities earliest high rises. I like it, too.

[Downtowner]

Well everyone I am actually out of school for the today and tomorrow cause of a major water pipe break at J Sarge and I might drive out tomorrow and take some shots downtown since I am getting to know my way down there.

[TBurban]

If one of the mods let me have access to the Richmond Projects Listing I'll edit out the old and bring in the new.

[burt]

If one of the mods let me have access to the Richmond Projects Listing I'll edit out the old and bring in the new.

Tommy, I hope someone in authority is listening to you. It would be nice to have Richmond Projcts updated.

Vdogg is in Richmond until Thursday, so maybe he is reading this and will give you the key.

[burt]

Where is journi? Our contributors drop out of sight from time to time and some of them return. I hope journi is one of the returnees.

Shak says he has been out of commission since July. I hope it's not health problems. I've been fighting a sinus situation since January -- even went to a sinus specialist on my trip before last in Richmond. His specialty is inflating baloons in the sinus cavaties which has proven effective in many cases, but it would not work for me since my problem is in the cheek cavaties. He conferred with my sinus specialist here in New York, and am happy to say after taking every antibiotic known to man I am on the mend.

I guess Breakfastpills (Aaron) has foresaken us. And Brent pops in from time to time as does BGW. Cadeho has been quiet of late, too.

[TBurban]

Tommy, I hope someone in authority is listening to you. It would be nice to have Richmond Projcts updated.

Vdogg is in Richmond until Thursday, so maybe he is reading this and will give you the key.

Regarding the Tobacco Row section, I have a few questions for the following developments..

Tobacco Row District

Lucky Strike Power Plant

Status: Proposed

Location: Pear and Cary Streets

Pricetag: $5 million

Completion: uknown

Description: This mixed-use development will anchor the eastern end of Tobacco Row. The development will feature over 36,000 SF of retail and office space and maintain the industrial character of the existing building

Riverlofts at Tobacco Row - Lucky Strike

Status: Under Construction

Location: 26th and Cary streets

Pricetag: unknown

Completion: end of 2007

Description: Formerly a cigarette manufacturing and headquarters facility for the American Tobacco Company, the Lucky Strike building is being converted to residential use, with sophisticated lofts that include granite and stainless steel kitchens, a residents' lounge with piano and billiards table, 24-hour security and concierge services, a state-of-the-art theatre, and two levels of indoor parking. It will have 140 units.

Lofts at Canal Walk: Phase III

Status: Under Construction

Location: 20th and Cary St

Pricetag: unknown

Completion: end of 2007

Description: The Lofts at Canal Walk offer a unique blend of old world character, high technology, and resort-style design in the heart of Richmond's Shockoe Bottom entertainment district. Originally built in 1893 on the banks of the James River Canal, the former tobacco warehouse is being gracefully restored into luxury apartment homes. There should be well over 100 units in this phase

Haxall View

Status: Under Construction

Location: 2101 East Main Street

Pricetag: unknown

Completion: end of 2007

Description: Fulton Hill Properties will transform these buildings into a 40,000 square foot mixed-use project with loft apartments above offices, retail shops and a restaurant. The restaurant space will include outdoor seating in a private courtyard, with parking on the lower level

Lucky Strike Power Plant, under construction?

Lucky Strike Riverlofts, close enough to completion?

Lofts at Canal Walk-Phase 3, close enough to completion?

Haxall View, status update?

If anyone can answer those questions about the status of those developments, it would be much appreciated!

[wrldcoupe4]

Regarding the Tobacco Row section, I have a few questions for the following developments..

Lucky Strike Power Plant, under construction? I expect it to be soon... it was recently sold.

Lucky Strike Riverlofts, close enough to completion? Ehh it won't be finished till 08

Lofts at Canal Walk-Phase 3, close enough to completion? Same as above

Haxall View, status update? under construction

[TBurban]

Thanks, Coupe!

**When a mod gets a chance, could you replace the old list with the new one I posted?

[wrldcoupe4]

Good job overall tommy! Much thanks. A few of the descriptions could use some tweaking, and there's a few projects missing, but overall good!

[burt]

Yes. Terrific update, Tommy. One of the most glaring errors is not yours, but Bowtie's. They apparently don't know where their property is and have Jefferson Square located in half a block between 2nd & 3rd/Main & Cary when it actually covers one full block between 3rd and 4th.

I have a notion it will be a long time before we see a lively Jefferson Square.

And latest info still has Centennial Tower in limbo.

Good work.

[TBurban]

Thanks fellas, it was about time to update ours again. Didn't mind doing it either, had some time to kill last night.

Edited October 25, 2007 by TBurban

[burt]

Thanks fellas, it was about time to update ours again. Didn't mind doing it either, had some time to kill last night.

I just perused this again, Tommy. Excellent work. Many thanks.

[Cadeho]

I just perused this again, Tommy. Excellent work. Many thanks.

I thought plans for the children's hospial downtown were nixed.

Visions?

Burt, I'm sure you read the Style's 25th anniversary lead story. What an amusing read eh? Wilder's gonna be mayor forever!

[burt]

Daylite time is not over, yet:

http://www.timesdispatch.com/cva/ric/news....10-28-0198.html

I thought plans for the children's hospial downtown were nixed.

Visions?

Burt, I'm sure you read the Style's 25th anniversary lead story. What an amusing read eh? Wilder's gonna be mayor forever!

Not forever if you believe this story, Cam:

http://www.timesdispatch.com/cva/ric/news....10-28-0262.html

[Downtowner]

Ya im with Cam on this I thought that the Childrens Hospital Plans are dead now.

[wrldcoupe4]

A lack of funding made it not feasible for the foreseeable future unfortunately.

[TBurban]

It's been edited out sorry about that!

[burt]

300 to gather tomorrow at the Jefferson Hotel to hear "Lord Watson, Commander of the Order of the British Empire" explain why English is becoming THE global language:

http://www.timesdispatch.com/cva/ric/news....11-01-0130.html

[Downtowner]

Wow this place hasnt seen much activity for a while. I guess everyone is staying pretty busy rather its either work or school.

[burt]

You're right, Joey -- it is quiet in here. Wonder what has happened to Cam and Journi?

I'll take this opportunity to kvetch about parking downtown -- or at least, my impressions of the problem:

On my recent visit, I parked in the lot across from Richmond Center Stage on Grace between 6th and 7th. It cost eight bucks for two hours (rather New Yorkish fee, IMO), but when I inserted a ten dollar bill I got a receipt but no change. I used the phone to complain and was told I'd have to handle it by mail or go over to the garage at 5th and Marshall to be reimbursed $2 for the overcharge. When I got to 5th and Marshall, I noticed that there was no attendant on duty at either of the gated exits, but I found the office and retreived two silver dollars while complaining about the lack of human attendants. The complaint fell on deaf ears. How the hell is anyone expected to get out of these outrageously priced garages when there's no one to take your money?

At another garage on Cary at 14th I tried using a credit card to exit, but that's not easy when you're an out-of-towner reliant on NYCity public transportation. The lone (and I must say very pleasant) attendant came out and assisted me, though I suspect it was more out of desperation and a desire to clear the impatient traffic piling up behind me than good will.

I discovered the easiest parking solution (other than lucking out with a metered street spot) is to use the open lots where attendans are there to take your money.

I read in the Hampton Roads forum that parking is free in the brand new Virginia Beach Town Center, home of the state's newest and tallest building (but otherwise not dissimilar to Short Pump TC.)

Downtown Richmond, I discovered to my dismay, has a number of garages that are exclusively for "monthly" parking.

On an upbeat note, during the National Folk Festival, I was clever enough to find five dollar parking in a lot on Cary between 2nd and 3rd. This spot provided a level walking field all the way from the pick-up truck down second street to the Ukrop stage. Upon return to the car, one of those golf carts toted me all the way to 3rd and Canal, and I only had to walk one level block to the car (truck).

Does anyone remember the disaster when a sold-out UVA game was cancelled mid-game at The Coliseum because of the basketball court slipping and slidiing on an icy base? The nearby garage attendants, not expecting an early mass exit, were not on duty, which almost caused a riot.

Downtown Richmond should put its heads together and figure out a parking solution that will welcome visitors, shoppers as well as concert/theatre/restaurant goers.

End of rant.

Edited November 3, 2007 by burt

[TBurban]

I'm up in Long Island till Tuesday..went to see Bon Jovi Thursday

[Cadeho]

Call me stupid... but I wouldn't mind my taxes paying for "free" decks...