Innovista

[CorgiMatt]

Actually I love the column effect and the green coloring. Once again, as I've said on here so many times before, to me classical simplicity is hard to beat. The color of the roof recalls the Capitol Center (formerly the AT&T building). For a southern university research building I think it is quite attractive.

[krazeeboi]

Most university research buildings will put functionality first and architecture second, which I believe they should do. However, the architecture isn't totally neglected. It turned out better than I thought it would. Also, the parking garage redeems itself by having classroom space at the street level on the Park Street side.

[krazeeboi]

These are pretty much a repeat of BrasilnSC's pics, but I thought I would share them anyway. They were taken two weeks ago (just got around to uploading them):

[Spartan]

I particularly like that first one krazee... it shows a little more context of the site.

[krazeeboi]

^Thanks. What I didn't get a chance to get a shot of was the Park Street side of the parking garage, which has street level classroom space. The research building came out looking better than I expected.

[CorgiMatt]

The columns have a nice effect even from Knox Abbott Drive in Cayce.

[lifer]

These are pretty much a repeat of BrasilnSC's pics, but I thought I would share them anyway. They were taken two weeks ago (just got around to uploading them):

what a change from that ugly parking lot that was there before, amazing.

[dobboard]

A general question for the board. Does anyone know (or wish to speculate) whether the power lines will eventually be buried in front of the Horizon buildings, Adesso, and the intersection of Blossom and S. Main Streets?

I know it is an expensive procedure, but I can not fathom that USC would expect top researchers/Fortune 500 companies to locate in buildings whose appearance is so greatly diminished by power lines running so closely to each building.

[waccamatt]

A general question for the board. Does anyone know (or wish to speculate) whether the power lines will eventually be buried in front of the Horizon buildings, Adesso, and the intersection of Blossom and S. Main Streets?

I know it is an expensive procedure, but I can not fathom that USC would expect top researchers/Fortune 500 companies to locate in buildings whose appearance is so greatly diminished by power lines running so closely to each building.

I'm sure they will be eventually, but the city has already kicked in a lot of money for the parking garage and they currently have both Main Street streetscaping projects going on and the one on Gervais Street. We are going to have to be patient as far as seeing power lines being buried.

[dobboard]

Why would USC and Holder (i.e. Addesso), not budget for the lines to be burried? The powers lines are so, so ugly.

[waccamatt]

Why would USC and Holder (i.e. Addesso), not budget for the lines to be burried? The powers lines are so, so ugly.

Because it is very expensive.

[Spartan]

VERY expensive. As a developer, that would be the first luxury to cut from your budget.

[dobboard]

Even if it ultimately costs you tenants in your condo complex and/or research building?

I know if I was thinking about buying a condo in Adesso I would take one look at the power lines and look elsewhere.

Same if I was IBM, and was thinking about relocating employees to the new Horizon block.

I understand being cost sensitive when planning a project, but at what cost?

[krazeeboi]

I think you might be overstating the effects of powerlines just a bit here, especially from a corporate perspective.

[Spartan]

Depending on the size of the wires the line is holding you could be looking at a six figure number to relocate or bury those things, so if one person doesn't want to buy because of them, its not a big loss since someone else will eventually come along. Its never as easy as dropping it below ground since there are already utilities under there, and you have to make sure that it won't impact your development, you have to coordinate with Duke Power (which is an ordeal in and of itself). There is a point where the aesthetics become less important to completing the project in the Columbia market. If this were DC or some place where this type of housing is a dime a dozen, then the impact of those lines increases dramatically.

[dobboard]

I think you might be overstating the effects of powerlines just a bit here, especially from a corporate perspective.

Maybe you are right. I hate the power lines so much that perhaps they are warping my perspective.

[CorgiMatt]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. If you want to see powerline city, go to San Francisco, and it's always listed in the top tier of America's most beautiful cities.

[sojay]

Sorry, I didn't see this powerline discussion, I just posted a similar rant on the Canalside thread. Oh, it's so short sighted, and will cost more in the long run to not do it when it's the most convenient time, when the pavement is already dug up.

[Spartan]

I agree in principle. Just understand that the economics of it don't always work out. This is why we should have alleys.

[waccamatt]

The State is reporting big news for Innovista tonight. Apparently IBM and British software giant, Regus International are about to sign leases in Innovista and the Horizon II building should begin construction in the next month.

The State

[krazeeboi]

The new partners surely aren't wasting any time. Two encouraging quotes:

[dobboard]

Kale Roscoe of Detroit and Robert Heath of Philadelphia

It turns out, as anticipated, that these guys were worth their weight in gold. Great news for Innovista and Columbia!!

[Spartan]

IBM's presence definitely gives Innovista some clout. Its good that USC isn't going to let some developer flounder around and mess this thing up.

[krazeeboi]

I like how Horizon I is shaping up:

[CorgiMatt]

The new partners surely aren't wasting any time. Two encouraging quotes:

And two months later there's still no sign of any new construction about to take shape. Is anyone else starting to worry seriously about whether Innovista is ever going to truly get off the ground?