Misc. Uptown Projects/News

[nonillogical]

I'm a bit of a burger snob and blacklisted Nix some time ago for what I observed as declining quality each time I went. Really liked the place initially though. We have more burger spots now (and more on the way I hear), and I do feel this was the weakest in the pack.

[Guest]

I'm a bit of a burger snob and blacklisted Nix some time ago for what I observed as declining quality each time I went. Really liked the place initially though. We have more burger spots now (and more on the way I hear), and I do feel this was the weakest in the pack.

I loved it when I used to go there (I haven't lived in charlotte in nearly 5 years). What would you say the best Burger Place is in Charlotte now-a-days?

My palate has advanced a lot since then so I don't know what I would have thought recently. If you are a Burger Snob and you really love burgers and are in NYC go to the brunch at Stecchino in Hells Kitchen and get the "Butcher Block" Its ground cured wildboar sausage, black truffles and pork sholder, on a buttery brioche, amazing.

[Urbanity]

As long as we're playing kick the corpse - I always hated that they never had PBR tall boys (only bud/bud light)

[nonillogical]

^ That butcher block burger sounds amazing. Big Daddy's is still my favorite around here, I know thats a boring/obvious answer. Valhalla has a pork/beef burger with an egg that is up there for me too. My absolute favorite burger spots to date are all in Atlanta. I hope in the coming 5-10 years we get to enjoy the kind of chef-driven fast-casual renaissance that they've had.

sorry to get so off topic

[DMann]

Is the Polk Building (?) on the corner of Graham and Trade finally going to come down?

[Windsurfer]

Is the Polk Building (?) on the corner of Graham and Trade finally going to come down?

Finally? Wouldn't you like to see something of age in Charlotte? Do we have to tear down everything?

[28202]

There has been core drilling activity in the 600(west side) of N. Tryon Street recently. Any info on what is being contemplated?

[atlrvr]

^ Yes....Grubb Properties bought that empty lot and is planning an apartment and office tower. My guess is they are in the design phase of the apartment tower. Office tower would need to be majority pre-leased.

[Urbanity]

Finally? Wouldn't you like to see something of age in Charlotte? Do we have to tear down everything?

I would like to see the Polk building torn down as well. Not because I don't want to see older buildings in Charlotte, but because that one in particular has been rotting away and I don't think it can be saved. Maybe I'm wrong.

Edited November 26, 2012 by Urbanity

[HopHead]

^ Yes....Grubb Properties bought that empty lot and is planning an apartment and office tower. My guess is they are in the design phase of the apartment tower. Office tower would need to be majority pre-leased.

I didn't this project listed on Kermit's trusty development map. Is there a reference/rendering to this somewhere?

[kermit]

^ I just checked, its there (although I wonder if it is on the wrong side of the street). Here is the CBJ article on the project from 5/25/12

http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/print-edition/2012/05/25/grubb-uptown-project-starts-with.html?page=all

[HopHead]

^ I just checked, its there (although I wonder if it is on the wrong side of the street). Here is the CBJ article on the project from 5/25/12

http://www.bizjourna...h.html?page=all

Duh. My bad. I was looking at 600 Trade Street and not Tryon Ok, I got it now... Thanks!

[Windsurfer]

I would like to see the Polk building torn down as well. Not because I don't want to see older buildings in Charlotte, but because that one in particular has been rotting away and I don't think it can be saved. Maybe I'm wrong.

Sure, the fascia keeps falling down, but I bet its bones are strong. It's pretty historical as well, even housing WBT radio in the 20's. We renovated Cedar Hill and found it to be so darn strong (11" thick poured concrete floors) that it could be used as a bomb shelter. Does it have wooden floors or something? Same year ours was built.

[TotalLamer]

My main problem with the Polk building is all the horrid looking 80s-era renovations to the back side of the building... the main entrance, elevator shafts, etc. They totally destroy the pre-war look of it... and they're in cheap stucco to add insult to injury. There is nothing more hideous than large stucco buildings, especially large CHEAP stucco buildings.

[Windsurfer]

My main problem with the Polk building is all the horrid looking 80s-era renovations to the back side of the building... the main entrance, elevator shafts, etc. They totally destroy the pre-war look of it... and they're in cheap stucco to add insult to injury. There is nothing more hideous than large stucco buildings, especially large CHEAP stucco buildings.

Stucco can be ripped down. There're a ton of buildings just like this in Portland that have had the exterior redone in the original.

[tozmervo]

Oh yeah, that backside is nothin'. I think that building would actually be a pretty inexpensive renovation (relatively speaking) as long as the structure is sound.

[dubone]

The 80s renovation even covered GRANITE with painted stucco (WTF), and the brick could easily be taken off and reapplied. The building is strong, as it originally was a auto dealership with a car elevator and sturdy floors. I really hope someone takes an interest in it. It is not the most amazing of historic structures, but it is still a decent 1920s buildings of substantial size and ought to be considered an asset and then built around with near zero-lot line development to hide the ugly 'modernizations' in the back.

[atlrvr]

I agree I would prefer to see it saved. My only gripe is the narrow sidewalks around the building. It is losing lots of bricks (guessing water penetration caused the facade to separate) but maybe it would qualify for historic tax credits that could help renovate it.

[WesleyHeightsWay]

Wasn't The Polk Building supposed to be 'given' to J&W as the final part of the incentives for relocating to Charlotte? I think it got held up by Gov Purdue...maybe Mayor Pat can get it moving again.

[dubone]

No. That was a dirty trade by the old speaker of the house and got rescinded. I believe they were given other compensation.

[Matthew.Brendan]

If If it is saved and refurbed what is the likely use of it? Office space? Loft apartments? Gallery?

[Guest]

I'd think either loft apartments or a business incubator.

[New Name]

Does anyone know why Kings will be closed at 4th for the next 10 days? There are flashing signs warning of it on Kings. When I first saw the signs I thought maybe it was for work on the Tram, but that doesn't make sense... Is kings getting it's streetscape overhaul?

[tozmervo]

It's the intersection of Kings and Elizabeth that's closing. The CATS detour notice just says "for utility work," which may well be relocation work for the pending construction.

[tozmervo]

On the same note, the 3rd Street connector and 3rd between Graham and Mint will be closing permanently on December 10 for the Knights stadium. 4th Street from the connector to Mint Street will then be two-way.

 

http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/Transportation/ClosingsandEvents/Pages/Street%20Closings.aspx

Edited December 3, 2012 by tozmervo