Courthouse Plaza-Thurs. July 20

[it's just dave]

Nothing like a VW and a wide gap in a gate to put me in the mood to snoop. Whoa. Even sans landscaping, this is going to be one of the most dramatic additions to downtown we've seen in a while. And we won't have to wait long. There's something about standing ON this plaza that makes everything look bigger, better and actually very stunning. I can only imagine how this will look when completed, and then, in two or three years. We should all cheer this development as one of the mayor's crowning achievements. My hats off to him for this.

I was amazed at how large the observation tower really is. It's huge. Here's a sneak peek of the perspective from the top of the tower. This makes our little town look pretty amazing.

Hope you enjoy.

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hey, who shrunk my pictures? not fair.

[Lexy]

I am going to get some shots from up there this weekend. Thanks for posting this Dave, you made my night!

[it's just dave]

I'm glad to hear that, Lex. Do some of your great night shots and panos. Can't wait to see them.

[Lexy]

hehe. I may. Or I might just go "for the view". LOL!!!

[Skyscrapergeek]

Those are fantastic Dave! I almost don't recognize downtown from that angle. You have to love the perspective the tall buildings give with the short buildings in front. That is the best AM South has EVER looked in a pic. Thanks Dave.

[ATLBrain]

Nice photos. What's also nice is the fact that there's 1000 parking spaces underneath the plaza. I can't wait to see that.

[cheeriokid61]

Dave, I think those are your best pictures yet! Lexy's got some competition now. Uh oh.

BTW, I agree about AmSouth. It's actually not ugly! I've always like it at night.

[Lexy]

Dave does an outstanding job. I really like his style and his perspectives.

[cheeriokid61]

I agree. I wanna see more picture threads from you Dave.

[william]

IJDave,

Fine shots, my friend.

WW

[smeagolsfree]

Not bad for an old man.

Keep em coming Dave.

[it's just dave]

Well gee. Thanks guys. I have a thread in my head. Time to work on it.

One thing to note, the Plaza is still under construction, so I'm sure the city would prefer we didn't take unnecessary chances. It would probably make them happy we didnt visit at all, but this is us we're talking about. It'll be finished soon, but if you must, as did I, visit, watch your step and watch out for nails.

It won't be long until the Stahlman is all lit up and occupied. That will make for a nice, occupied look where there was only darkness before. I can't wait to see the landscaping.

[southsideJ]

I hate to pile on Dave but--man nice shots! I agree with SSG I almost don't recognize downtown from that angle. I'm guessing those were taken at dusk--beautiful.

Can't wait until the plaza is finished.

[it's just dave]

For a little perspective: The first was 12-31-04, I think. The second will give a good indication of what we mean when we say Nashville sits on a rock. Amazing limestone.

[memphian]

That angle almost reminds me of a midwestern city. The feeling the pic gives off os the same feeling I have when inside the loop in Chicago. I guess it is the mix of new and old buildings. Very interesting shots. I'd like to see some street level activity like coffee shops and the sort to really make the area come to life.

[franktown]

Nice pictures, and that Courthouse Square looks pretty cool. In your pictures it makes it look like we actually have density (although as we know this is incorrect). It's hard to believe that Nashville is built on such solid rock, but we are. I guess that dashes all hopes of a subway someday. (sigh)

[ATLBrain]

I guess that dashes all hopes of a subway someday. (sigh)

Weeeeelllll.... not exactly. In fact, there are benefits to being on the limestone bed. Remember, in most cases, a subway is dug and not tunnelled. Digging the limestone is more blasting than actual digging. Excavation is approximately the same effort. In addition, the rock can be used as reinforcement to superstructures. Manhattan is almost a solid core of granite (I think), and their subways were built before modern technology. The deepest station in our Marta system is built in a deep bed of the same rock as Stone Mountain, and that IS granite. Granite is generally tougher to excavate than limestone, which is more brittle.

Now on the matter of a subway in Nashville, it's unlikely. Rather, plans are being developed for LRT.

[cheeriokid61]

Do you mean that you know plans are being developed for LRT, or just that LRT is more likely than HRT?

[franktown]

Sadly, a well-thought-out mass transit plan doesn't seem to be on the politicians' minds right now. Even the idea of a gas tax to support the rail line, has letters to the editor pouring in. I don't think at this point Nashville seems commited to Mass Transit.

[ATLBrain]

Committed? No... Planning for one? It's in the early stages. There are routes and the RTA is having talks. Chin up... you've got to start somewhere. It took Atlanta twenty years to get from talks to the first line opening in the early 80s. Like downtown lofts, it's on its way to becoming a trend for midsize cities. Charlotte has one in development. Memphis has already started theirs. I can see Nashville, Raleigh, the Florida cities and other key Southern cities with a system in 15 years.

[Hankster]

Great pictures, Dave! I can't wait to see the view for myself. It's way better than I expected. I can't wait to see what Lexy gets from that spot. It should be something to see!

[FluffyP13]

doesnt this open pretty soon?? i cant wait to see the outcome

[Rural King]

Thanks for the awesome pics from the new Court House Plaxa, I missed these back in July.

[chris holman]

The civic square will finally be open Sunday. I had a chance to see the square early and its truly nice .

Here's a link:Nashville City Paper