[ardecila]

Is this the section they are talking about?

http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz337/shawnrushing/Untitled.jpg?t=1279221565

The proposals I've seen have the elevated expressway ending at St. Bernard. East of St. Bernard, the highway runs on its own right-of-way (not above Claiborne) so there's nothing to restore underneath it. Personally, I hope they restore the roundabout at St. Bernard and Claiborne. It would instantly set New Orleans apart; very few cities are building roundabouts in the US.

1. The Feds wouldn't probably approve.
2. The State is more than likely not going want to pay to tear this down, reconstruct I-610 and then redo the Pontchartrain Expwy.
3. You'll have to accomodate and extra 4 lanes between Gentilly and Lakeview. I can see the Lakeview NIMBY's now.
4. You'd have to ad 2-4 lanes between 17th Street and the Superdome. Not happening.
5. Once the CBD does finally get redeveloped traffic would be a disaster. It'll be anyway.

The Feds do have to approve the "demapping" of I-10, but Ray LaHood is running USDOT, and they're all for "progressive" transportation policy. I'm pretty confident that they'll approve any demapping as long as another alignment is provided (in New Orleans' case, I-610).

Transportation departments measure traffic in AADT (average annual daily traffic). I-610 traffic counts are still down from the storm, but they peaked around 1997 between 90000 and 70000 vehicles, depending on where you measure. Here in Chicago, the Edens (a similar road, 6-lane with no auxiliary lane) easily handles 150000 vehicles.

Now, the Claiborne segment of I-10 handles between 110000 and 120000 vehicles. If we assume half of those vehicles are heading downtown via surface Claiborne and half to the bridge via 610/Pontchartrain Expwy, then 60000 vehicles will be added to 610 for a total of 140000 and 60000 will go to surface Claiborne. Now, 60000 vehicles is quite a lot for a surface road, but it's not impossible if the road has 6 or 8 lanes and infrequent stoplights. But then you're basically putting a suburban road through the city. It would be like Claiborne uptown, or Elysian Fields - just a big barrier with fast traffic.

There's also accounting for induced traffic, too. Traffic that's currently on I-10 might take a "third option" route that isn't 610 or surface Claiborne, and that traffic will get spread across many other roads. Or, traffic might just vanish in the long run, as the businesses and employees that use I-10 every day re-arrange themselves to avoid making that trip.

[greenparrot]

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/07/mitch_landrieu_willing_to_disc.html

Mayor Landrieu willing to discuss dismantling the Claiborne Overpass!

When I first heard this proposal, I thought it was a waste of time, but the more I learn about it, the more I'm liking it. It will cost $100 Million to rebuild the overpass, which is about to exceed its lifespan; or about $30 to just dismantle it. More drivers at street level on Claiborne, Canal, Galvez, and Broad Streets means more businesses, shops, restaurants, and residents there, instead of the suburbs. Greater density is exactly what New Orleans needs and has been lacking ever since the interstate system was built.

Also, where the overpass meets I-10 near the Superdome, there are many blocks of vacant prime-real estate that can't be developed because of the overpasses cutting across the lots. Any other city would kill for a few unused blocks of downtown land to develop.

If they upgrade I-10/610 and synchronized the traffic lights on the surface streets, I'd be all for this proposal. Thoughts??we need more density in these areas? I think it was not the interstate system but the fact that these areas became unlivable for someone trying to raise a family and other factors. Suburbs did provide an alternative to living in a crime infested cramped area. People from the suburbs are suddenly going to want to move in these areas? Who are these people? Many of the people using this stretch of the expressway are coming from the East & Slidell...transients. Is this going to promote home ownership or investment in this area or rental activities? Maybe some but I kind of doubt it. Let's see...we tear down the expressway and build a brand spanking new 8 lane road with a pretty neutral ground. Is this going to make living there any more attractive?

I'm not sure how Broad st fits into the equation either.

The only benefit I see is that there won't be an ugly exressway disecting downtown but doubt any substantive urban renewal short of other socialogical things being fixed.

[Uptowner]

we need more density in these areas? I think it was not the interstate system but the fact that these areas became unlivable for someone trying to raise a family and other factors. Suburbs did provide an alternative to living in a crime infested cramped area. People from the suburbs are suddenly going to want to move in these areas? Who are these people? Many of the people using this stretch of the expressway are coming from the East & Slidell...transients. Is this going to promote home ownership or investment in this area or rental activities? Maybe some but I kind of doubt it. Let's see...we tear down the expressway and build a brand spanking new 8 lane road with a pretty neutral ground. Is this going to make living there any more attractive?

I'm not sure how Broad st fits into the equation either.

The only benefit I see is that there won't be an ugly exressway disecting downtown but doubt any substantive urban renewal short of other socialogical things being fixed.

Exactly. :tup:
That's why I say just rebuild it. They can make it look decent like the the Pontchartrain Expwy from the Superdome to the CCC and put a HOV lan overhead for the people coming from the East and Slidell. It really makes no sense. It's like saying "we can make a few blocks pretty and who cares about people from The East, Northshore, or Westbank".

[Uptowngirl]

You are right...they/we don't (care that is).

That raised expressway damaged a neighborhood...and if the people that live in the city want the expressway gone, then it should be gone.

Otherwise I'm all for just running a massive raised expressway through residential and commercial areas in Slidell (for example)

[Uptowner]

You are right...they/we don't (care that is).

That raised expressway damaged a neighborhood...and if the people that live in the city want the expressway gone, then it should be gone.

Otherwise I'm all for just running a massive raised expressway through residential and commercial areas in Slidell (for example)

People didn't move because the highway came through (unless they were directly displaced).
People moved because:
1. Suburbs became more desirable (whites fled to Jefferson, blacks to the 7th ward and east.
2. Desegregation took away the importance of all-black business areas and blacks began to frequent Canal St and other predominantly white commercial areas.
3. Multiple areas of this city rapidly deteriorated without the help of an expressway.

As far as "if the people that live in the city want the expressway gone, then it should be gone."

1. Only about 15% of the people in the area that supports this city actually live in the city.
2. New Orleans can't survive without the suburbs and vice versa.
3. The City can't do anything with something that it doesn't own. The city has little, if any, say about federal highways. They don't have any authority over state highways.
4. This decision ultimately rests in the hands of FWHA and NHTSA

Let's just say the highway is torn down and you get your eight lane boulevard.
1. You have a wide suburban style highway with probably at least 10 major traffic lights right through the core of the city.
2. Traffic won't just disappear. Some will go to 610 and some will just take other streets making other neighborhoods less desirable.
3. You've cut off direct access from the new hospital to points east.
4. You've cut off direct access between Uptown and the Westbank to and from the East.

The thing that gets me everytime this proposal comes up is that most of the proponents don't care about or take time to see how the change affects the area as a whole. They just want it now. If there was viable way to do this then I would be all for it, but how many cities remove their MAIN freeway.

San Francisco didn't, I-95 still runs directly across Manhattan, etc.

[sguil1]

Mayor to offer $16M for Methodist Hospital

Mayor Mitch Landrieu announced today the city will purchase a hospital property in eastern New Orleans plans to have it open by 2013.

The $16.25 million deal would involve the Methodist Hospital site, for which former Mayor Ray Nagin had offered $40 million. Landrieu shot down that proposal soon after taking office in May and reshaped a hospital district for New Orleans East that took office July 1 that will be tasked with running the new facility.

Universal Health Services, which owns Methodist, turned down Landrieu’s first offer of $9.7 million. UHS did not have an immediate comment on the mayor’s latest proposal.

The latest deal only involves the Methodist campus, and not Lakeland Medical Pavilion and the Lake Forest Surgical Center that had been part of the Nagin proposal.

“It has been nearly five years since Hurricane Katrina, and it is shameful that more than 80,000 residents in New Orleans East, the 9th Ward and parts of Gentilly still have to drive up to 30 minutes to an emergency room,” Landrieu said.

The mayor said he believes it will cost $110 million to renovate Methodist, about $53 million cheaper than the Nagin administration’s had calculated.

Methodist Hospital has been vacant since Hurricane Katrina, and residents of New Orleans East have complained to City Hall about the lack of acute care services within 30 minutes of their homes.

http://neworleanscitybusiness.com/blog/2010/07/16/mayor-to-offer-16m-for-methodist-hospital/

[greenparrot]

Otherwise I'm all for just running a massive raised expressway through residential and commercial areas in Slidell (for example)sounds kind of spiteful...don't you think?

[sooperpaz]

sounds kind of spiteful...don't you think?

that's a good point though. just because we live in a city means we can have interstates tearing through our neighborhoods, while it's offensive if an interstate tears through a suburb like slidell? i hate the whole city-vs.-suburb thing that this will inevitably turn into, but if you live in the city, you should have more of a say on what goes on in that city than if you live in the suburb outside of the city. if you live on the northshore, then go ahead and fight tearing down interstates on the northshore. i think the people whose neighborhood consists of underpasses and car exhaust fumes should be the ones to have more of a say in this.

if anything, this will bring more business to places like the east that really need non-residential industry because it will be harder to make the commute to downtown.

[llamaorama]

Its true, cities that have demolished freeways were removing what were in reality glorified offramps, short spurs that only went a few blocks and terminated onto surface roads. Sounds like a horrible idea to put a busy and important cross-city expressway at grade where it will, what, still be super wide, noisy, and hard to cross.

[sguil1]

N.O. biomedical corridor continues to move forward

Jim McNamara, president of the Biosciences District, discusses the latest developments in the biomedical corridor. Says LSU Academic Medical Center should break ground around mid-fall. See link for video.


http://www.wwltv.com/video?id=98677109&sec=554827

[jowens]

San Francisco didn't, I-95 still runs directly across Manhattan, etc.

While I-95 runs does run directly across Manhattan at the GW Bridge, it's approximately 10 miles to the north of midtown and 15 miles to the north Downtown.

[Uptowner]

While I-95 runs does run directly across Manhattan at the GW Bridge, it's approximately 10 miles to the north of midtown and 15 miles to the north Downtown.

My point is that a surface street doesn't connect the GW Bridge and the Cross Bronx Expressway. Same with the BQE, Major Deegan, and Queens Midtown. How far they are from Midtown and Downtown don't make a difference as they cut through neighborhoods just the same.

[sooperpaz]

I was (un)lucky enough to have lived within a few blocks of major highways in both Brooklyn and Queens in NY. While my neighborhoods were vibrant, they quickly turned to abandoned lots and buildings as you got within a block of the raised highways.

I was also lucky enough to have ridden my bike from Lakeview to the Quarter today, crossing under I-10, where pleasant neighborhoods similarly decayed. A block away from I-10 were people out on their porches and even a small festival. Under the highway were thugs and abandoned cars. It was sickening.

You can't use other cities to defend raised highways cutting through urban cores. It doesn't work there like it doesn't work here. Sacrificing miles of neighborhoods and homes and businesses so you don't have to sit in traffic just doesn't add up to me.

I hope NOLA can remember that whole non-selfish thing long enough to make things like this happen.

[Uptowner]

I was (un)lucky enough to have lived within a few blocks of major highways in both Brooklyn and Queens in NY. While my neighborhoods were vibrant, they quickly turned to abandoned lots and buildings as you got within a block of the raised highways.

I was also lucky enough to have ridden my bike from Lakeview to the Quarter today, crossing under I-10, where pleasant neighborhoods similarly decayed. A block away from I-10 were people out on their porches and even a small festival. Under the highway were thugs and abandoned cars. It was sickening.

You can't use other cities to defend raised highways cutting through urban cores. It doesn't work there like it doesn't work here. Sacrificing miles of neighborhoods and homes and businesses so you don't have to sit in traffic just doesn't add up to me.

I hope NOLA can remember that whole non-selfish thing long enough to make things like this happen.

Ok, let's keep it strictly New Orleans then. Why is South Claiborne and the portions of North Claiborne east of the I-10 similarly decayed? What's wrong with North Broad? How about O.C. Haley and Washington Ave? Chef Menteur? Earhart?
Why is most of the development along the Westbank Expwy in better condition along the elevated portion than the development along the ground level portion? Why isn't the area adjacent to the Pontchartrain Expw deteriorated south of Oretha Castle Haley?
Metairie is split in half by a freeway surrounded by giant walls, yet it doesn't deteriorate until you cross a surface boulevard.

The whole "freeway killed the neighborhood" argument is flawed as best. There are too many social/political factors that play into the demise of a neighborhood, especially during the time that the highway was built.


It's not about not being able to sit in traffic. It's connectivity. You have people that live and work on opposite sides of the CBD who have to move back in forth. You have lines of trucks in and out of here every morning headed to the port (the only thing we currently have going outside of tourism). You have 1,000,000 people who make up this area living outside of New Orleans. Point blank, there is no way that you can rationalize removing a major interstate.

Frankly, we have a lot more to be worried about then to sit here and argue over a stupid idea like this. We're facing a major deficit, we have a crime problem, education is in toilet, etc. and we want to fight about 2 miles of highway.

[ardecila]

The whole "freeway killed the neighborhood" argument is flawed as best. There are too many social/political factors that play into the demise of a neighborhood, especially during the time that the highway was built.

You're right. The argument is an oversimplification. In many cases, expressways were pitched as a way to solve the problems of the inner city, which was already decaying by the 1960s when most major urban freeways were built.

On the other hand - Claiborne under I-10 is a sewer. There's no denying that. It acts as a barrier between the CBD and the areas in Lower Mid-City where, seemingly, the entire city is resting its hopes of redevelopment. It is littered with cracked stretches of pavement and rusted-out hulks of cars. The meager attempts to build public space and plazas under the highway have failed utterly.

It also needs replacement. It has reached the end of its service life. If it was in a northern city, it would have crumbled away long ago due to the harsh weather and even harsher road salt. Our more forgiving climate has preserved the road a little longer, but it too will start to become unsafe soon. Replacement of the elevated viaduct will be a major project, possibly on the order of $100-$200 million - or more, if they decide they want more lanes.

With that kind of money, you need to make sure you're making the right decision. The press and the citizenry have jumped to conclusions, either cheering or sounding the alarm that a San Francisco-style highway teardown is in the works. You have seemingly jumped to conclusions, claiming that the highway should be replaced with another one just like it. Ultimately, we're all just dicking around, since none of us are professional highway planners.

I think we need a proper study to determine what options there are for I-10, and what the consequences and costs of each option will be. Landrieu seems to be moving cautiously on this one, so I'm hoping he'll push for a study like the one I described. If we spend $1 million on a study, discover that the highway can be removed and the traffic shifted to a better location for less money than a outright replacement, then that will only benefit the city and its bottom line. I would hope, though, that the planners keep an open mind and evaluate many potential options fairly.

[sgray]

Didn't I hear Mitch Landrieu mention something about a first class mall in New Orleans East when he announced the purchase of the old Methodist Hospital? Are they moving forward with the big mall at the site of the old Lake Forest Shopping Center?

[ardecila]

They approved the TIF and tax break for that thing a long time ago. I thought the developers were just lining up money?

[greenparrot]

that's a good point though. just because we live in a city means we can have interstates tearing through our neighborhoods, while it's offensive if an interstate tears through a suburb like slidell? i hate the whole city-vs.-suburb thing that this will inevitably turn into, but if you live in the city, you should have more of a say on what goes on in that city than if you live in the suburb outside of the city. if you live on the northshore, then go ahead and fight tearing down interstates on the northshore. i think the people whose neighborhood consists of underpasses and car exhaust fumes should be the ones to have more of a say in this.

if anything, this will bring more business to places like the east that really need non-residential industry because it will be harder to make the commute to downtown.1st of all I don't lve in Slidell or the northshore & 2nd they already have 2 interstates going through slidell. There will be NO increase "non-residential industry" , whatever that is, in NO East because of this, either way.

maybe we should now tear down I-610...I'm sure some Lakeview residents would be fine with that. The same people who are fine with tearing down I-10 for "sake of the neighborhood" are fine with expanding I-610 and disrupting that area. Very hypocritical to me.

[sooperpaz]

sorry for any hostility that came across...don't want to argue about this, just interested in seeing what the other side thought. i think we can just wait and see if it even goes anywhere.

[greenparrot]

sorry for any hostility that came across...don't want to argue about this, just interested in seeing what the other side thought. i think we can just wait and see if it even goes anywhere.no problem:)

[Uptowner]

Didn't I hear Mitch Landrieu mention something about a first class mall in New Orleans East when he announced the purchase of the old Methodist Hospital? Are they moving forward with the big mall at the site of the old Lake Forest Shopping Center?

I see no activity whenever I pass through the East. This was the last plan that I know of for the development.
http://blog.nola.com/news_impact/2009/08/Possible-LFP-rebirth.jpg

On that note, what ever happened to the T.J. Maxx, etc. in Gentilly Woods and what's the deal with the Fremaux Summit.

I see Nor Du Lac is coming along, but it looks like they downgraded.

[sguil1]

Passed by LCRC site today. Glass is now going up...looking good. Also saw that the Tracage site now being used as parking for SunRay Grill. Not very promising for that project.

[SlidellWx]

Fremaux Summit is delayed until the national economy improves. It will be built in phases over the next several years. The same is true of the Colonial Nord du Lac in Covington. The first phase is near completion right now. Not sure what the status of the Gentilly Shopping Center plans are, but was encouraged to see that the old Kirschman's by the Winn Dixie has been renovated into a new shopping center. My guess is the Lake Forest redevelopment is also a victim of the recession. Not very easy to get people to invest in a project right now.

[tennis1400]

Nor Dulac is a freaking joke. Since when is Dollar Tree, Hobby Lobby, and Texas Roadhouse Grille upscale? They should have just mothballed the project!

[Uptowner]

Nor Dulac is a freaking joke. Since when is Dollar Tree, Hobby Lobby, and Texas Roadhouse Grille upscale? They should have just mothballed the project!

Are you serious?
Seriously?

[ardecila]

Tidbit from an article in the T-P...

Pair arrested in looting of old Entergy power plant near river
Published: Monday, July 19, 2010, 8:46 PM Updated: Monday, July 19, 2010, 9:08 PM

[Power plant owner] Market Street spent about $14 million for the sprawling post-industrial site that has for years been coated with graffiti -- some vibrant and artistic, some just disturbing to police -- and pillaged by vandals seeking scrap metal to sell.

With the acreage, the riverfront view and the proximity to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Ullian and his partners promise a retail and entertainment project that includes an undisclosed "iconic tenant" who, they said, City Hall has been trying to lure into town for years.

Police Superintendent Ronal Serpas said Friday's arrests are "an example of what we can do when we work together to achieve a safer community."

For developers like Swickle and Ullian, who come to town every week from Miami, it's a sign that New Orleans has a new way of doing business. He said the client, which they said they may identify within a few months, is going to help the redevelopment project link the Lower Garden District to the riverfront and bolster the draw of the Convention Center.

This sounds like BS to me. What kind of "iconic tenant" can they possibly get that would have a major impact?

The only thing I can picture would be a major casino franchise like MGM or Caesar's Palace. Detroit keeps pinning its hopes on big new casinos, and we see how they're doing.

[Uptowner]

Tidbit from an article in the T-P...



This sounds like BS to me. What kind of "iconic tenant" can they possibly get that would have a major impact?

The only thing I can picture would be a major casino franchise like MGM or Caesar's Palace. Detroit keeps pinning its hopes on big new casinos, and we see how they're doing.

I'm curious to know what this "iconic tenant" is myself. For some reason I'm thinking along the lines of IKEA, Cheesecake Factory, Dave and Busters (is that even iconic?), or something. It could be a Casino, but I don't know. I really can't think of anything that's just "iconic". I want to think of something upscale, but at that location (which isn't bad)? I don't know. I agree, sounds like BS.

^and thats if even develop the place.

[DillardAlum]

I didn't even know this was happening, but if it is the building of which I'm thinking, then this is a much needed redevelopment.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/new-wyndham-hotel-opens-in-new-orleans-2010-07-21?reflink=MW_news_stmp

Side note: I hope the Riverwalk's operation "under the new company, temporarily named Spinco" with other properties that "have little debt and the potential for development" means that it will see a major redevelopment!

http://neworleanscitybusiness.com/blog/2010/07/15/riverwalk-changes-part-of-parent-companys-reorganization/

[LouisianaRush]

This should be the building.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y89/Houstonrush/Untitled-2.jpg?t=1279742456

If so it is a great location and I am glad the old building is getting a new use.

[sguil1]

This is all great news!

The Hyatt re-opening is for real. I ran across some images of the proposed Hyatt Regency's entrance repositioning on Loyola. These appear on a newly revamped Hyatt Regency New Orleans website at neworleans.hyatt.com. There is even a rewrite of the description that makes mention of "the vibrant Sports and Entertainment District" and "the new Loyola Avenue Streetcar line."

http://www.fox8live.com/media/lib/137/4/0/a/40a7500b-08f9-4922-b9df-d4830b99b9c2/Original.jpg

Some images won't embed, but here is a link to images of the redesign: http://neworleans.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/gallery/photos.jsp?icamp=propPhotoGallery

Saw today that demolition of the existing structure on this site has begun. There is a lot of activity all around the Hyatt.

[SlidellWx]

Good to hear that construction on the Hyatt has started. Also noticed construction on the apartments in the Saratoga building looks to have started.

Also...is there work being done on the Rault Center? Didn't get a good look since I was driving by on Loyola, but thought I saw something different about the building. Maybe I'm just seeing things as I get older. I'll look again when I'm in the CBD.

[DillardAlum]

Gives more details for the debate...

"Hoping to give further momentum to an idea that has picked up a growing number of adherents in recent years, a group of local civic activists and planners today will release a detailed report advocating the removal of the elevated expressway over Claiborne Avenue."

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/07/claiborne_avenue_expressway_de.html

Below: "This artist's rendering shows how the intersection of North Claiborne Avenue and St. Bernard Avenue might look without the overhead expressway."
http://media.nola.com/politics/photo/north-claiborne-st-bernard-futurejpg-6f1776f14a7497cf.jpg

[Uptowner]

Gives more details for the debate...

"Hoping to give further momentum to an idea that has picked up a growing number of adherents in recent years, a group of local civic activists and planners today will release a detailed report advocating the removal of the elevated expressway over Claiborne Avenue."

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/07/claiborne_avenue_expressway_de.html

Below: "This artist's rendering shows how the intersection of North Claiborne Avenue and St. Bernard Avenue might look without the overhead expressway."
http://media.nola.com/politics/photo/north-claiborne-st-bernard-futurejpg-6f1776f14a7497cf.jpg

:whatthefuck:

[Blitzen]

Gives more details for the debate...

Below: "This artist's rendering shows how the intersection of North Claiborne Avenue and St. Bernard Avenue might look without the overhead expressway."
http://media.nola.com/politics/photo/north-claiborne-st-bernard-futurejpg-6f1776f14a7497cf.jpg


And I have the PERFECT monument for the middle of that traffic circle:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:BywaterArchBurgundy2.jpg

It's sitting right now in the Bywater, neglected, and would make New Orleans look like Paris! And for all of those historical preservation types, fear not - this isn't the original location of the monument anyway, so I see no harm in moving it again.

[sguil1]

Good to hear that construction on the Hyatt has started. Also noticed construction on the apartments in the Saratoga building looks to have started.

Also...is there work being done on the Rault Center? Didn't get a good look since I was driving by on Loyola, but thought I saw something different about the building. Maybe I'm just seeing things as I get older. I'll look again when I'm in the CBD.

Definately saw activity at the Saratoga building. Not sure about the Rault center but I can swing by there and give an update. A little info on the Saratoga project below. Great location for this project IMO, in close proximity to both medical schools.

http://www.wisznia.com/development/

Live boldly at The Saratoga, a new type of apartment building created for the movers-and-shakers of the “new” New Orleans. This isn’t your granddaddy’s wrought iron and pastel paint: The Saratoga is fifteen stories of studio, one- and two-bedroom units fully outfitted with modern amenities – and all with a 1950’s vintage swagger. Built in 1953 and completely renovated in 2010, The Saratoga stands at the center of New Orleans’ future, on the corner of Tulane and Loyola, overlooking City Hall and the Tulane/LSU/VA medical district. The Saratoga has all amenities for the modern professional: onsite parking garage, fitness center, rooftop hot tubs, and bamboo garden.

http://www.wisznia.com/images/sized/images/projects/slideshows/wisznia-large-saratoga-1-820x460.jpg

[DillardAlum]

And I have the PERFECT monument for the middle of that traffic circle:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:BywaterArchBurgundy2.jpg

It's sitting right now in the Bywater, neglected, and would make New Orleans look like Paris! And for all of those historical preservation types, fear not - this isn't the original location of the monument anyway, so I see no harm in moving it again.
@Blitzen: I actually like that idea! Especially, considering that just a few blocks away is Elysian Fields, which was named after the Champs-Élysées. Only problem is that it would be a monument commemorating 9th ward residents in the 7th ward. But it is worth a try maybe. You should suggest it to one of the organizations in the article.

[greenparrot]

And I have the PERFECT monument for the middle of that traffic circle:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:BywaterArchBurgundy2.jpg

It's sitting right now in the Bywater, neglected, and would make New Orleans look like Paris! And for all of those historical preservation types, fear not - this isn't the original location of the monument anyway, so I see no harm in moving it again.what we would probably get is some distorted/contorted piece of metal that looks like it came from some machine shop and then some paint slopped on it...you know...art. The reason I know it would be "art" because the arteest involved would have created this, inspired only by his special ability to incorporate his uniquie deep philosophical thoughts into his creation...of which only he can figure out. Result...a piece of crap.

I like the idea of some historical marker that already exists or maybe a new one with an "old world" feel.

[tennis1400]

Im all for this idea as well! I think commissioning a new piece of art would be nice though since it could pay homage to whoever was responsible for getting the concrete overpass removed!

[tennis1400]

Are you serious?
Seriously?

Yes Im serious! This is crap! Obviously, everyone is welcome to their own opinions, but I fail to see how this is upscale.

[ardecila]

Yes Im serious! This is crap! Obviously, everyone is welcome to their own opinions, but I fail to see how this is upscale.

It's all relative... Nord du Lac is more upscale than anything in St. Bernard or most of the rest of the state.

Also, why does it need to be upscale at all? Vacant and blighted is no good, but there needs to be a place for Applebee's as well as Capital Grille or Cheesecake Factory.

[Uptowner]

It's all relative... Nord du Lac is more upscale than anything in St. Bernard or most of the rest of the state.

Also, why does it need to be upscale at all? Vacant and blighted is no good, but there needs to be a place for Applebee's as well as Capital Grille or Cheesecake Factory.

Nor du Lac "looks" more upscale than anything in St. Bernard or most of the rest of Louisiana. Up close it's just a glorified strip mall. It may have been planned as upscale exurban shoppers paradise, but the economy saw otherwise. Hey, it's better than nothing though right?

I honestly would like to see anything upscale focused on the city or at least Metairie (it hurt me to say that). We really have a lot of potential right now.

[sguil1]

Good to hear that construction on the Hyatt has started. Also noticed construction on the apartments in the Saratoga building looks to have started.

Also...is there work being done on the Rault Center? Didn't get a good look since I was driving by on Loyola, but thought I saw something different about the building. Maybe I'm just seeing things as I get older. I'll look again when I'm in the CBD.

Saw absolutely no signs of life around the Rault Center. There are a few large crane trucks and heavy equipment around that general area, looks like they are setting up for a huge movie shoot.

[SlidellWx]

Thanks...I probably saw the movie equipment out of the corner of my eye. I was really hoping something was being done to the building. At least the Saratoga is being put back into commerce.

[ardecila]

Thanks...I probably saw the movie equipment out of the corner of my eye. I was really hoping something was being done to the building. At least the Saratoga is being put back into commerce.

Are you sure you didn't just see another piece falling off of the Rault Center? ;)

[ardecila]

I honestly would like to see anything upscale focused on the city or at least Metairie (it hurt me to say that). We really have a lot of potential right now.

There have been rumors of Target opening a city store for awhile now, but I heard on good authority that, at least until now, they viewed the city as a huge gamble.

On the other hand, Target already has an urban format of store-above-parking that would satisfy New Orleans' flood elevation rules, and it only needs an 8-acre site.

On Peterson Ave. in Chicago... this has no parking lot, except for the one under the building. There are at least three of these in Chicago.
We could get this in New Orleans in just a few years! That glassed-in area is a cafe, but here in NOLA that might become an outdoor deck or something. Lots of possibilities! Target has good architects.
http://www.appliedengservices.com/images/Peterson.jpg
Applied Engineering Services (http://www.appliedengservices.com/)

[Uptowngirl]

There is a nice urban Target in Minneapolis...but that ^ is hideous.

[Uptowner]

There have been rumors of Target opening a city store for awhile now, but I heard on good authority that, at least until now, they viewed the city as a huge gamble.

On the other hand, Target already has an urban format of store-above-parking that would satisfy New Orleans' flood elevation rules, and it only needs an 8-acre site.


I can think of a couple vacant or dilapidated sites that would be good for this.

I'll be glad when they finally do something with that Carrollton Shopping Center lot.

[DillardAlum]

It's nice to finally have a city administration that supports and advocates for good urban planning!

As promised, city of New Orleans officials have met with state planners, Louisiana State University authorities and the architects designing the public teaching hospital slated for Mid-City.

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/07/new_orleans_officials_still_ba.html

[sguil1]

Nice to see Mitch get involved. Mostly just making a statement I think. Plans will be approved in mid-August with minimal changes if any.

[Uptowner]

Anyone know what became of this?
http://www.mathesbrierre.com/projects/images/algiers_crossing/algiers_crossing-2.jpg
http://isgworld.com/communities/details.cfm?property=24

[sguil1]

Laid initial pillings but eventually scrapped last I heard.

[Uptowner]

Laid initial pillings but eventually scrapped last I heard.
:dunno:

--------------
Don't know if anyone has seen this or if it's already been posted, but here's a video related to the airport construction.
http://www.flymsy.com/Capitol_Conceptions/videohome.htm

[ardecila]

I'm kinda glad that thing didn't go through. The description on the website clearly tries to paint these as being in the Quarter, even though they're across a massive river, and to get to the FQ would require a 10-minute drive or a 15-20 minute walk and ferry trip. The website also, puzzlingly, tries to show as amenities things that are required by code, like GFCI outlets.

The architecture sucks, too, but that's not what concerns me. Personally, if we're doing riverfront condos, why not put them on the East Bank along the miles of dilapidated riverfront? It would help struggling neighborhoods, unlike Algiers Point where it would only add to an already-healthy area.

[Uptowner]

Personally, if we're doing riverfront condos, why not put them on the East Bank along the miles of dilapidated riverfront?.

How do you feel about the "Reinventing the Crescent" proposal?

[Blitzen]

How do you feel about the "Reinventing the Crescent" proposal?

I think it's an exciting project but there's some things I'm personally apprehensive about:

1. Some of the drawings leave abandoned warf pilings sticking out of the river that looks like some sort of blight-made-into-art nonsense.
2. Spanish Plaza looks beautiful the way it is, there's no reason to slice it in half with a 45 degree cutaway.
3. There is not enough pedestrian access over the train tracks to make it super convenient so that it's well used in the Bywater/Marigny.
4. Some of the wetlands/ponds/fountains seem a little expensive to maintain. I like the idea of having the Audubon Institute responsible for that, but if it's going to cost serious tax dollars, then let it be grass.
5. The futuristic looking light poles and windmills look like they were designed by some Boston firm (which they were). Could we have something wrought iron and classier? More New Orleans less Anytown,USA.
6. The random jet of water spraying into the river tries to imitate the Chicago River too much, and seems silly for some reason here and should just be scrapped.

In general, I like the idea, but I feel like it's too over-designed. It's more expensive than it needs to be and there are other priorities, therefore making the whole project less likely to happen than had it been a simpler stretch of trees, grass, bike paths and park benches. The planners need to follow the K.I.S.S. principle: Keep It Simple, Stupid.

[sgray]

:cool:

rec'd this from the Downtown Developement District


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Downtown Welcomes Pinkberry to Canal Street!

Pinkberry, the number one tart frozen yogurt brand, will soon open at 300 Canal Street! Matching the culture of the company to the culture of New Orleans are local owners and entrepreneurs Courtney and Celie Stumm, who also own a Pinkberry at 5601 Magazine Street.

"We love everything that New Orleans is about and know that the palettes of the locals are ready to experience Pinkberry," says Celie.

Set to open on August 20, Pinkberry Canal Street will feature 900 square feet of frozen fun. From the store design to the irresistible flavors and toppings, Pinkberry Canal Street is sure to delight the senses.

"We think New Orleans is a perfect Pinkberry town, and we couldn't have picked better partners than Courtney and Celie Stumm to help us launch there," says Ron Graves, Pinkberry CEO.

DDD President & CEO Kurt Weigle adds, "We could not be more excited to welcome Pinkberry and the Stumm sisters to Canal Street. They join more than 12 other new retailers and are excellent examples of the revitalization and renaissance we see taking place here everyday."


Local fans who want up-to-the-minute news and discount offers should sign up to be a Pinkberry Groupie at www.pinkberry.com/groupie.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


PJ's Expands Downtown Presence with New Location!

Just a few blocks from their Canal Street location, franchisees Shane Songy and Shawn Breaud have opened another PJ's Coffee shop at 135 St. Charles Avenue! The 900 square foot gourmet shop opened on July 1 and is already a hot spot for Downtown workers and visitors who hop on and off the St. Charles Avenue streetcar right outside its doors.

"The streetcar stop at the corner of St. Charles and Common streets was part of the inspiration," says Songy. "We saw this as a good opportunity to bring a little life to a corner that so many locals and visitors walk by each day. New Orleans is all about hospitality, and that's what we serve here."

The PJ's also provides all the food and beverage services to the Royal St. Charles Hotel, to which it is connected.

[Uptowner]

It will be nice to not have to go all the way Uptown for Pinkberry now, even though I do think that it is overrated.

[tennis1400]

What excited me the most was the creativity of where they are putting the Pinkberry. Its in that random triangle that was never used by the Doubletree. Will be a busy corner and thats what we like to see!

Also, this past weekend went to the grand opening of Eiffel Society. Its a nightclub/art exhibit/restaurant in the building that was the actual Eiffel Tower's restaurant before they took it off and sent it to Nola! Really cool place!

[sguil1]

Lake Pontchartrain ferry service
hits a snag, keeps moving forward

http://www.slidellsentry.com/articles/2010/03/26/news/doc4babc4a235ba6442279558.txt

Proposed ferry service across the lake to the northshore from metairie.

http://images.townnews.com/thesttammanynews.com/content/articles/2010/03/26/news/doc4babc4a235ba6442279558.jpg

[sgray]

Heard on the radio that the fare would be $25. I don't see how this is going to be viable for a regular commute. It would certainly be slower and more expensive than driving and then there's the logistics of getting to your final destination when you get off the boat. It'd be fun though.

I've long thought they should put an artificial island in the lake with restaurants, clubs, and whatnot so people with boats could have a destination instead of just joy riding in the open water.

Another observation about the lake. Why the hell is Lakeshore Drive one-way during the week? This makes no sense.

[SlidellWx]

This ferry would definitely be more for pleasure than actually commuting. It would make no sense for me to drive to the ferry, take it across the lake, and then catch a cab into the CBD. For more time and cost efficient to drive.

[ardecila]

This ferry would definitely be more for pleasure than actually commuting. It would make no sense for me to drive to the ferry, take it across the lake, and then catch a cab into the CBD. For more time and cost efficient to drive.

Included in the $34 round trip is a ticket onto one of three shuttle routes. One would go to CBD destinations, Touro Infirmary, and Audubon Zoo. The second would hit major destinations in Metairie and Kenner. The third would go to UNO.

Pontchartrain Express: 40 minute ride from Mandeville, LA to New Orleans, LA

Distance: 24 miles

# One way fare: $20.00
# Roundtrip: $30.00
# 40 ticket commuter booklet: $500.00, equal to $12.50 per ticket
# Cost per minute: $.31
# Cost per mile: $.52

The above comparison shows that the Pontchartrain Express has the lowest fares for fast ferry frequent commuters, and this alternative mode of transportation will further reduce the cost for the individual commuter. The present IRS standard deduction rate for a personal car is $.55 per miles, and is based on the depreciation, the cost of gasoline, the cost of tune-ups and oil changes, tire replacements, insurance cost, repairs/renewals. The actual cost of driving roundtrip across the Causeway each day, approximately 70 miles is $38.50 per day. Additional expenses for commuters include the $3.00 Causeway toll, and parking lot/garage charges, which could be as much as $15.00 per day.

The cost of a pleasurable and/or productive roundtrip on the Pontchartrain Express 1 and shuttle bus will be $34.00 per day.

[sguil1]

news video on the dome progress...

http://www.fox8live.com/news/local/story/New-additions-to-the-Superdome-for-the-new-season/wQj-r6yf8UaTjGPi32c7DA.cspx

[tennis1400]

Love that this iconic structure was saved and renovated. it is looking great and is a much better spot to hold national sporting events than anywhere else in the country.

[DonTallPaul]

Included in the $34 round trip is a ticket onto one of three shuttle routes. One would go to CBD destinations, Touro Infirmary, and Audubon Zoo. The second would hit major destinations in Metairie and Kenner. The third would go to UNO.

This is very cool imho. I love the commute boats in Boston, one of my favorite was to get into the city from the Southern burbs. Time wise they seem competitive with the trains, not much infrastructure to build to get them up and running, and very enjoyable way to travel.

I personally can't think of much cause for me to use them when visiting NO, but I think its a cool approach. I hope its successful.

[ardecila]

Well, the effectiveness is limited in New Orleans because the lake and river aren't connected very well, and they're at different elevations. A direct route might be possible via the Industrial Canal, but the locks there are ancient and tiny. They need to build some new locks, and the 9th Ward people need to stop bitching.

It's too bad we got rid of the New Basin Canal... boat service directly from Mandeville to the Superdome in 40 minutes.

[dgpatel]

The LSED unanimously voted to support the closing of the strip of LaSalle Street between Poydras and Girod to facilitate the construction work at the stadium and completion of a portion of the Dome's entertainment square.

The one block of street already has been closed for the construction and renovation on a temporary basis. LSED chairman Ron Forman said the commission wants to close the street to traffic permanently to enhance the game-day experience around the stadium.

Full Story:
http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2010/08/lsed_seeks_to_close_part_of_la.html

[dgpatel]

Anyone know if the exterior will be painted? I say it should be painted black and have gold windows :)

Note that this article refers to the pregame area as "Champion Square". I'm not necessarily a fan of this, but its definitely an upgrade over Dome Square. How about "NOLA Square"?

http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2010/08/benson_tower_opening_set_for_m.html

http://media.nola.com/business_impact/photo/champion-square-superdomejpg-cb3963a0d91d249e.jpg
Workers lay plastic sheeting over fresh concrete on the stairway leading from Champion Square to the Louisiana Superdome on Wednesday.

http://media.nola.com/business_impact/photo/benson-tower-superdomejpg-4e482d415ae6ee92.jpg
The 26-story Benson Tower was photographed in December 2009.

[ardecila]

Anyone know if the exterior will be painted? I say it should be painted black and have gold windows :)

Note that this article refers to the pregame area as "Champion Square". I'm not necessarily a fan of this, but its definitely an upgrade over Dome Square. How about "NOLA Square"?

:yuck:

On the day David Dixon, the driving force behind the concept and construction of the Superdome and the father of professional football in New Orleans, was buried, the commission recognized and honored Dixon "for his visionary leadership that helped make the Louisiana Superdome a reality."

"Dixon Plaza" sounds pretty good to me. It honors a person for their accomplishments and vision in life, and that person isn't still alive, which is more than I can say for a lot of renamings these days.

"NOLA" is slang, and recent slang at that. Maybe we should have a ROFL Park and a G2G Garden? Dome Square is actually kind of clever as a geometrical oxymoron, but most people won't think of the geometry aspect and will instead just see something cheesy.

If not Dixon, then keep "Champion Square". It's fitting, doesn't sound cheesy, and it has sponsorship potential from the sweatshirt company or the spark plug company. Any sponsorship money only means that the plaza will get more amenities.

[sguil1]

Developers move to turn Hibernia Tower into housing units

http://neworleanscitybusiness.com/blog/2010/08/13/developers-move-to-turn-hibernia-tower-into-housing-units/

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a49/DougLoudenback/1931skyscrapers/neworleans_hiberniabank.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3509/3709281198_a6c0234896.jpg

[ardecila]

Cool. I had no idea the building had been unoccupied. I'm always excited to see more residential units downtown, but at what point do we start to have a glut of new apartments and condos? The supply of professional-level jobs downtown for people who can afford these units is very low. The biggest employers downtown, the oil companies, all moved out to Houston or the North Shore, leaving rusty hulking office buildings behind them.

This is New Orleans, where most young professionals want to own their own home (the larger the better, which usually means suburban) and the urban revival here is driven by bohemians and hipsters who don't make a whole lot and probably wouldn't want to live in a old converted office building anyway, since other cities have them and it wouldn't be unique enough. The only other potential market is wealthy jet-set types who want a pad in New Orleans for their drinking and strip club trips. I'd hate to see that happen, though - that's not how you build a neighborhood.

I suppose if the residential buildings are successful, it might encourage companies to start opening downtown offices, the reversal of the usual trend where young people move into the city to avoid a long commute to their downtown job. This is really rare, though, since the decision-makers at suburban corporations tend to be older men and women who are fully sold on the suburban life and wouldn't consider moving the company elsewhere. It's part of the reason that Motorola has such shitty phones now... their location in suburban Chicago is unable to attract the talented young designers and engineers who live in the city, and they're very resistant to the idea of moving into the city.

[sguil1]

All I can say is that there must be good demand with all the new housing developments downtown. Union lofts, Maritime building, Saratoga, 200 Carondolet, etc... Must have good occupancy if developers are still trying to build more units. I agree that more residential downtown is always a good thing.

[Uptowngirl]

Exactly...where are the jobs that go along with renting/owning these housing units?

I fear that if they can't get occupancy up they will go to "affordable housing". I have heard that the Falstaff apartments are already overrun with young thugs and the property management isn't helping the situation.

[urbanwatcher]

I am sure that there is research already done on the demand of these apartments.I think that a lot people would rather live in this building than newly built condos.The new Rouses will help with development too.Hopefully the theaters on canal will kick in and if the city can get rid of the Iberville there might be a reason for people to really live in this part of downtown.Are there really young thugs living in the Falstaff?Where are they getting 800 bucks a month for rent?

[sguil1]

A lot of these developers may also be banking on the continued growth of the biomedical district. Between the 3 research centers (n.o. bioinnovation center, lcrc, va research center) and the 2 new hospitals there may some high-end job growth downtown.

[SlidellWx]

Glad to see one of the most iconic skyscrapers in the city get a new life. This type of development makes the most sense for an older building like this. It would have to be substantially rebuilt inside to accomodate the needs of a modern office user. This is the main reason why Capital One moved from the old building to Place St. Charles in 2006.

[N.O.L.A.]

From Nola.com. The article talks about when the square will be open, what will be located in the square, the setup and artwork, future phases, etc. There also a small photo gallery of the construction. Some nice little info.

http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2010/08/champions_square_set_to_open_f.html

http://media.nola.com/saints_impact/photo/champions081510jpg-ce18536488a8e4fc.jpg

[sguil1]

Also found this article with interesting quote...


"They have even dreamed that the area will be successful enough to build a residential tower sprouting out of the top of the former Macy's department store space. "

http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2010/08/a_new_entertainment_sector_and.html

Also good before/after of the new dome entrance


http://media.nola.com/tpphotos/photo/-89c1b1c5f12b5dab_custom_665xauto.jpg

http://media.nola.com/tpphotos/photo/-002f209920cab404_custom_665xauto.jpg

[Nolacat157]

Great to hear about all the Dome activity. Looks like the city is moving ahead with the Lafitte Corridor as they have chosen the same design firm again.

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/08/firm_chosen_to_complete_lafitt.html

[sguil1]

Wind turbine blade facility could create 600 jobs at Michoud

http://neworleanscitybusiness.com/blog/2010/08/17/wind-turbine-blade-facility-could-create-600-jobs-at-michoud/

NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in eastern New Orleans will be the site of a wind turbine blade manufacturing plant under a $30 million state incentive package that could create up to 600 new jobs over the next decade.
Gov. Bobby Jindal, Mayor Mitch Landrieu and other government and business officials announced the deal today at the Michoud facility.

Blade Dynamics, a British-based maker of the giant windmill blades, is partnering with American Superconductor Corp. of Devens, Mass., and Dow Chemical Co. on the project. It will move into a manufacturing and warehouse facility on the Michoud campus that NASA is not currently using.

Louisiana Economic Development provided an incentive package worth up to $30 million to help lure the company to New Orleans. In order to qualify, Blade Dynamics had to incorporate in the United States and will base its headquarters in New Orleans.

The incentive is contingent on the company meeting capital investment and job creation milestones. The facility is expected to create at least 600 direct jobs over the next 10 years, according to American Superconductor Corp.

The LED’s Louisiana FastStart program will provide workforce support to Blade Dynamics, including assistance with recruiting employees, training development and delivery, for up to two years during the company’s start-up period.

A number of the jobs are considered to be adaptable to the skill sets of workers who had been working for Lockheed-Martin, the major tenant on the Michoud campus. It has scaled down its work force from a high of 5,000 reached during the peak of NASA’s space shuttle program. External tanks for the shuttles have been built at Michoud since the program’s inception in the 1970s.

Blade Dynamics, founded in 2007, builds wind turbine blades for rotors ranging from 230 feet to 360 feet in diameter. In order to maximize the power output of the rotors, the company has developed a carbon-fiber blade that improves power output while reducing the cost and weight of wind turbines.

American Superconductor also announced today that it has acquired a 25 percent share of Blade Dynamics ownership for $8 million.•

[SlidellWx]

A big win for the city landing this plant. Will help keep some important manufacturing jobs in place. Plus...it's tied in with renewable energy...which is just an added plus. Hopefully, the state and city can land a few more projects as NASA operations wind down. I do think the facility would be the perfect fit for private rocket manufacturers, as the workforce and needed equipment are already in place.

[greenparrot]

Wind turbine blade facility could create 600 jobs at Michoud

http://neworleanscitybusiness.com/blog/2010/08/17/wind-turbine-blade-facility-could-create-600-jobs-at-michoud/

NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in eastern New Orleans will be the site of a wind turbine blade manufacturing plant under a $30 million state incentive package that could create up to 600 new jobs over the next decade.Gov. Bobby Jindal, Mayor Mitch Landrieu and other government and business officials announced the deal today at the Michoud facility.

Blade Dynamics, a British-based maker of the giant windmill blades, is partnering with American Superconductor Corp. of Devens, Mass., and Dow Chemical Co. on the project. It will move into a manufacturing and warehouse facility on the Michoud campus that NASA is not currently using.

Louisiana Economic Development provided an incentive package worth up to $30 million to help lure the company to New Orleans. In order to qualify, Blade Dynamics had to incorporate in the United States and will base its headquarters in New Orleans.

The incentive is contingent on the company meeting capital investment and job creation milestones. The facility is expected to create at least 600 direct jobs over the next 10 years, according to American Superconductor Corp.

The LED’s Louisiana FastStart program will provide workforce support to Blade Dynamics, including assistance with recruiting employees, training development and delivery, for up to two years during the company’s start-up period.

A number of the jobs are considered to be adaptable to the skill sets of workers who had been working for Lockheed-Martin, the major tenant on the Michoud campus. It has scaled down its work force from a high of 5,000 reached during the peak of NASA’s space shuttle program. External tanks for the shuttles have been built at Michoud since the program’s inception in the 1970s.

Blade Dynamics, founded in 2007, builds wind turbine blades for rotors ranging from 230 feet to 360 feet in diameter. In order to maximize the power output of the rotors, the company has developed a carbon-fiber blade that improves power output while reducing the cost and weight of wind turbines.

American Superconductor also announced today that it has acquired a 25 percent share of Blade Dynamics ownership for $8 million.•as someone who lives in NO East this is very good news. My only concern is the 600 job expectation over time. Considering this "wind" industry is heavily federally subsidized and the inherent problems with the industry obtaining a real foothold in our energy portfolio, I am somewhat dubious about the long-term viability of this project. Nevertheless, anything to mitigate the short-term economic issues we have is a good thing.

[sguil1]

Mayor Mitch Landrieu lists infrastructure improvements that are ready to go

http://www.nola.com/katrina/index.ssf/2010/08/mayor_mitch_landrieu_lists_infrastructure_improvements_that_are_ready_to_go.html

Good article. Some of the projects that are funded and "ready to go" include the riverfront park in Bywater, 63 acre Festival Grounds in City Park, also additional funding for Saenger and NOMA. Its amazing, a little competence can really go a long way.

http://media.nola.com/hurricane_katrina/photo/festival-grounds-city-parkjpg-3bbf5d69f304b5ba_large.jpg
Festival Grounds - City Park

http://media.nola.com/tpphotos/photo/-49302020d1dd66fe_large.jpg

[Nolacat157]

Its amazing, a little competence can really go a long way.

Truer words have never been spoken. That list is pretty exciting. The quality of life down here has a real opportunity to increase dramatically if those projects come to light.

[rschin2]

i'm so glad New Orleans finally has a real mayor...

[SlidellWx]

:previous:

Agreed!

[tennis1400]

Amen!!! Its amazing how much this city can do with just a bit of competence at the head. I went to City Hall the other day and to my shock I didnt want to kill myself~!

[tennis1400]

Found this on Bidclerk. Anyone know what station this is for, etc?



1342200 New Orleans, LA Office, Other 08/17/2010
Description Site work and new construction of an office building in New Orleans. Completed working drawings call for the construction of a 27,000-square-foot television station. The owner has determined a list of select general contractors to bid this proj

http://www.bidclerk.com/project.1342200.html

[SlidellWx]

A while back, probably at least 3 years ago, WWL Channel 4 was supposed to start work on a new building over near the Warehouse District/Superdome area. This is probably that building, but can't say for sure.

[tennis1400]

That does ring a bell. I just thought that project was scrapped but maybe it has been revived. Their station in the quarter is quite shit so you may be right!

[dgpatel]

http://www.wwl.com/VIDEO--inside-the-Superdome-s-new---Champions-Squa/7955133

http://imgsrv.wwl.com/image/DbGraphic/201008/1635879.jpg

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1520929307?bctid=590378640001

Champion Square Website: http://superdome.com/square

Game Day Guide: http://superdome.com/uploads/CSSaintsGameDayGuide_81310.pdf

[greenparrot]

A while back, probably at least 3 years ago, WWL Channel 4 was supposed to start work on a new building over near the Warehouse District/Superdome area. This is probably that building, but can't say for sure.check this out

http://www2.belo.com/pressRelease.x2?release=20050725-751.html

[dgpatel]

The city of New Orleans closed today on its its purchase of the former Methodist Hospital from Universal Health Services for $16.25 million, Mayor Mitch Landrieu announced.

“Signed, sealed, delivered,” Landrieu said. “It has been nearly five years since Hurricane Katrina, and more than 80,000 residents in eastern New Orleans still have to drive up to 30 minutes to an emergency room. That’s why it’s so important that we put in place a full-service hospital that is financially sustainable over time as quickly as possible. It has been one of my top priorities since taking office. ”

Full Article: http://www.nola.com/health/index.ssf/2010/08/mayor_mitch_landrieu_announces.html

http://media.nola.com/health_impact/photo/methodist-hospitaljpg-0bb99b1c5767038d_large.jpg

[tennis1400]

check this out

http://www2.belo.com/pressRelease.x2?release=20050725-751.html

I remember now. This was right before Katrina hit. Well if this is the station it looks like the plans have been changed!

[tennis1400]

The city of New Orleans closed today on its its purchase of the former Methodist Hospital from Universal Health Services for $16.25 million, Mayor Mitch Landrieu announced.

“Signed, sealed, delivered,” Landrieu said. “It has been nearly five years since Hurricane Katrina, and more than 80,000 residents in eastern New Orleans still have to drive up to 30 minutes to an emergency room. That’s why it’s so important that we put in place a full-service hospital that is financially sustainable over time as quickly as possible. It has been one of my top priorities since taking office. ”

Full Article: http://www.nola.com/health/index.ssf/2010/08/mayor_mitch_landrieu_announces.html

http://media.nola.com/health_impact/photo/methodist-hospitaljpg-0bb99b1c5767038d_large.jpg

This Mayor is just rolling out the accomplishments daily! Im so Proud!

[tennis1400]

BTW I PROPOSE THAT THE CITIZENRY OF NEW ORLEANS SUE EVERY MEMBER OF THIS FORMER BOARD FOR CLEARLY NEGLECTING THEIR ASSIGNED DUTIES AND OVERPAYING FOR A HOSPITAL BY 23.75 MILLION IN REAL ESTATE ALONE. DISGUSTING AND ITS GOOD TO SEE THESE PEOPLE GONE.



""""The deal went through even as a group of prominent eastern New Orleans residents is suing Landrieu, alleging that he overstepped his authority when he ousted them from a hospital district board in favor of his own slate of appointees as part of ongoing negotiations to buy the shuttered hospital.

The six plaintiffs, including one-time hospital district board chairwoman Alicia Plummer and lawyer Jacqueline Goldberg, are asking Judge Sidney Cates IV to invalidate Landrieu's appointments and freeze any spending of the hurricane recovery money that the Nagin administration had earmarked for a hospital in eastern New Orleans."""

[SlidellWx]

Good news for the East. That area has sorely lacked in medical services for far too long. If Slidell can support 2 hospitals...New Orleans East should be able to support 1.

[sguil1]

Video update of the LCRC...

http://www.wwltv.com/news/health/Cancer-center-building-is-rising-downtown-101194384.html

[ardecila]

Yeah, the glass is going up at the LCRC. It looks high-quality, even though the mullions are pretty boring.

I saw a sign for Jamba Juice in the corner space at 930 Poydras. It's the first one in the entire state (the closest one now is in Houston). I always thought it was way better than Smoothie King. I hope we can get some more national chains here... there are many chains that would offer things we don't currently have here, so it's not like they'd be taking away from local businesses.

[SlidellWx]

The new Champions Square is fantastic. Checked it out today and had a blast. Live music, big video screens, plenty of food and drink (bring enough cash), and places to sit for a while. A big improvement over the bridge that was there before. The only thing lacking is shade, but in the fall that won't matter as much. Can't wait to see what type of restaurants the next phase of the development adds in. Overall...a great job by Benson and Co.