[Uptowner]

If we do get a downtown movie theater (and we need one; Canal Place ain't cutting it) it will be a large megaplex, with 8-12 screens, probably integrated with a larger development.

Well Canal Place caters to a completely different demo. The people driving out to the nearest AMC30 or Palace are likely not type who are going to pay $15 for a movie ticket and then $20+ a person on food, wine, etc. Likewise the people who flock to the The Theatres At Canal Place are looking for much more of an experience than they can get eating goobers and popcorn at a megaplex.
The few times that I have gotten to Canal Place the theaters were sold out, but I agree about the need for a mainstream style theater in the area.

[Uptowner]

Winn-Dixie will anchor new Mid-City shopping complex
(http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2011/06/winn-dixie_will_anchore_new_mi.html)

http://media.nola.com/business_impact/photo/mid-city-marketjpg-1d9b3be028d9dda1.jpg

[skyscraperfan23]

Winn-Dixie will anchor new Mid-City shopping complex
(http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2011/06/winn-dixie_will_anchore_new_mi.html)

http://media.nola.com/business_impact/photo/mid-city-marketjpg-1d9b3be028d9dda1.jpg

Is winn dixie making a comeback?

[tennis1400]

I think they have started to focus more on their core states and I hear lots of people talk highly about the gas credit card thing they have right now!

[Uptowner]

I hear lots of people talk highly about the gas credit card thing they have right now!

I've saved up to, I want to say, $0.35 per gallon using the card. The downside is that the stations that accept the card are usually $0.10-$0.20 more than nearby gas stations and I don't really prefer to shop at Winn-Dixie.

[tennis1400]

I dont follow it much but if the store is as nice as they say the Covington store is it will certainly give the Rouses right there a run for its money. Cant wait til the downtown rouses opens though. My new place is literally half a block away from it. I may have to purchase my own grocery cart lol

[Mission Most Livable]

...and what's amazing is that it has already begun before the streetcar line is up and running, the re-opening of the theaters and of course the redevelopment of Iberville into a mixed-use mixed-income development.

Good story that's only going to get better. (http://www.wwltv.com/news/N-Rampart-renaissance-continues-123699354.html)

[IceCream]

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/06/anti-blight_program_lot_next_d.html

"The slow-to-launch program giving New Orleans homeowners first dibs at taking over abandoned lots next to their properties inked its 1,000th purchase agreement last week, a milestone that officials say shows one of their key strategies for restoring the city's blighted landscape has finally gained some momentum.


The Lot Next Door initiative, spearheaded by the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority, offers buyers as much as $10,000 to restore vacant properties adjacent to their homes, as well as landscaping expertise to help owners turn decrepit parcels into side yards, vegetable gardens and other amenities. The money also can be used to rehab abandoned homes. ...."

Glad to hear it's making some progress, but it has a looooooong way to go. If I lived next to one I absolutely would buy it up. It would just be stupid not to, but that's not the case...oh well.

http://media.nola.com/tpphotos/photo/2011/06/9690818-standard.jpg

[tennis1400]

Couple things I saw over the weekend. The VA has finally opened a same day surgery center on Poydras with 110 employees. Also, the old Cuvee spot on Magazine downtown will be turned into a steakhouse by the same guy that is turning the Dixie Welding Building into a steakhouse. The Magazine restaurant will be called Chophouse New Orleans(100 seat restaurant featuring live music nightly) and will open July 8th. So looks like this guy will have two restaurants in New Orleans now.

[IceCream]

I'd say the article is inconclusive. CityBusiness said:

"In a feature published in Tulane’s A.B. Freeman School of Business magazine last summer, Greenbaum said he planned to convert the Dixie Machine, Welding and Metal Works Shop in the Warehouse District into a 300-seat high-end steakhouse. He reportedly purchased the building in May 2010."

Which doesn't clarify anything about opening two or just one or really anything other than the old Cuvee space is being used.

I doubt the guy would build a 100 seat steakhouse down the street from a 300 seat steakhouse. That's a bit much especially with Ruth's Chris, Dickie Brennans, etc all in the area.

http://neworleanscitybusiness.com/thenewsroom/2011/06/07/chophouse-new-orleans-to-open-at-former-cuvee-space/

[NolaWave]

I'd say the article is inconclusive. CityBusiness said:

"In a feature published in Tulane’s A.B. Freeman School of Business magazine last summer, Greenbaum said he planned to convert the Dixie Machine, Welding and Metal Works Shop in the Warehouse District into a 300-seat high-end steakhouse. He reportedly purchased the building in May 2010."

Which doesn't clarify anything about opening two or just one or really anything other than the old Cuvee space is being used.

I doubt the guy would build a 100 seat steakhouse down the street from a 300 seat steakhouse. That's a bit much especially with Ruth's Chris, Dickie Brennans, etc all in the area.

http://neworleanscitybusiness.com/thenewsroom/2011/06/07/chophouse-new-orleans-to-open-at-former-cuvee-space/


Very odd indeed that he would be opening up two steakhouses so close together. I hope he isn't doing the Cuvee space instead of Dixie

[NolaWave]

Here is a picture of the outside of Poeyfarre Market they posted

http://ow.ly/i/ckeO

Supposed to FINALLY open by July 4th. Store looks great though.

[tennis1400]

Im guessing he is doing the smaller space to test out the market and tweak their concept. I still see signs etc recently added to the Dixie Welding Building. So hes definitely doing something with the space.

BTW Most foodies would agree New Orleans is acutally underserved when it come to true steakhouses. The only real upscale ones we have are Mortons, Shulas, Ruths Chris and Dickie Brennans.

Also the Dixie Building will use a different concept it seems. The Chophouse is a concept they have done several times before where as the Dixie will be a unique concept for them.

[tennis1400]

Here is a picture of the outside of Poeyfarre Market they posted

http://ow.ly/i/ckeO

Supposed to FINALLY open by July 4th. Store looks great though.

The place definitely looks good. My friend Nick actually developed the store, hope he does well with it.

[sguil1]

Saw some construction behind harrah's hotel downtown off of fulton street. bei general contractors. any idea ? Listed on bei website...

http://www.beigc.com/project_in_progress.htm

[tennis1400]

Saw some construction behind harrah's hotel downtown off of fulton street. bei general contractors. any idea ? Listed on bei website...

http://www.beigc.com/project_in_progress.htm

Yeah thats the future Mannings Restaurant and Bar. Were contractors actually working when you passed by because construction had seemed to be going very slow!

BTW that is one crap website for the contractor~

[sguil1]

yes they were on-site

[tennis1400]

New Businesses announced for Freret Street( This streets renaissance is truly amazing)

New Sushi Restaurant and a Live Music Venue:

http://uptownmessenger.com/2011/06/japanese-restaurant-in-former-friar-tucks-new-live-music-venue-adding-to-excitement-on-freret/

[tennis1400]

...and what's amazing is that it has already begun before the streetcar line is up and running, the re-opening of the theaters and of course the redevelopment of Iberville into a mixed-use mixed-income development.

Good story that's only going to get better. (http://www.wwltv.com/news/N-Rampart-renaissance-continues-123699354.html)

I find it ironic WWl is doing this story on the streets renaissance when they are by far the ugliest building on the block. A renaissance is happening but certainly not because of anything they are doing. They should be ashamed of the upkeep of the buildings they own!

[Mission Most Livable]

I find it ironic WWl is doing this story on the streets renaissance when they are by far the ugliest building on the block. A renaissance is happening but certainly not because of anything they are doing. They should be ashamed of the upkeep of the buildings they own!
That is pretty ironic.

[NolaWave]

Patois owners open burger place on Oak

http://uptownmessenger.com/2011/06/tru-burger-on-oak-opens-to-enthusiasm-from-diners-riverbend-neighbors/

[IceCream]

Patois owners open burger place on Oak

http://uptownmessenger.com/2011/06/tru-burger-on-oak-opens-to-enthusiasm-from-diners-riverbend-neighbors/

That article is coated in NIMBY-ism....

The whole neighborhood is concerned about a burger joint selling some beers and being open late, but yet you have Maple Leaf and Jacque Imo's open super late and literally pouring drunks out on the street (I'm one of them, not complaining)... And of course you have Oak, a full service bar, across the street from Tru so after they finish (or during their meal at Tru) they can go across the street, buy a drink and come back across the street. Ta-da BYOB.

But, seriously, coooome on. This is NOLA. I've gotten wasted in plenty of places that don't serve alcohol (Lebanon's) because the BYOB policy basically encourages me to bring a large amount of wine rather than my pocket book being pressured by the upcharge restaurants have on booze.

[tennis1400]

That article is coated in NIMBY-ism....

The whole neighborhood is concerned about a burger joint selling some beers and being open late, but yet you have Maple Leaf and Jacque Imo's open super late and literally pouring drunks out on the street (I'm one of them, not complaining)... And of course you have Oak, a full service bar, across the street from Tru so after they finish (or during their meal at Tru) they can go across the street, buy a drink and come back across the street. Ta-da BYOB.

But, seriously, coooome on. This is NOLA. I've gotten wasted in plenty of places that don't serve alcohol (Lebanon's) because the BYOB policy basically encourages me to bring a large amount of wine rather than my pocket book being pressured by the upcharge restaurants have on booze.

Agree with everything you say. However, remember the good neighbor agreement isnt exactly law and its usually vague. Anything on Uptown Messenger is basically NIMBY though.

[Blitzen]

The video mentions the Iberville being redeveloped: http://www.wwltv.com/news/local/Potential-federal-grant-could-lead-to-major-housing-redevelopment-in-New-Orleans-123860709.html

I was 110% for this, but after reviewing the plans on HANO's website, I'm definitely less excited. http://www.hano.org/documents/iberville/Att26_Design_sm.pdf

I approve of the new mid-rise building on Canal Street, and the redevelopment of the abandoned Winn-Dixie property.

The density is good, in fact it could be more, but this looks like a cheap replica of River Garden. No breakthrough architecture. No tremendous private investment. Just block after block of faux-historic, cookie cutter subsidized public housing. And is mid-rise public housing facing Canal Street going to help revitalize the street or make it less desirable?

Lastly, we were promised a return of the street-grid, but that isn't exactly happening either based on the drawings. This plan calls for more seedy sidestreets that won't have constant traffic to prevent seedy activity.

Anything is better than what we have now, but this new design could be sooo much better. This city is its own worst enemy sometimes.

[Blitzen]

One other complaint about the Iberville Redevelopment scheme. I was hoping the footprint of the new project would be reduced in the redevelopment and given to private developers, but unfortunately the amount of publicly owned land is increasing by about 50%.

New land being incorporated into the new project include: the currently abandoned Winn-Dixie and parking lot, the 2 blocks along Canal St. between Marais St. and N. Villere St., a couple blocks of retail across Canal St., and several buildings on "scattered sites" in the Treme neighborhood.

[SlidellWx]

I'll disagree and say that I really like the project. It looks like some of the well built old brick buildings are preserved, and the mixed use development ties in with the character of the surrounding area. I also love the fact that they plan on doing some scattered site development in the surrounding neighborhoods. Great to see.

[Blitzen]

My main concerns about any development are whether or not it will increase property value for the surrounding area, will it revitalize major streets nearby, and will it bring density to places that should have more density?

Unfortunately the answer to these questions are: slightly, slightly, and yes - but not necessarily the kind of desirable people for that prominent area of town.

Take for example the mid-rise building on Canal Street that's for elderly housing. While it's nice in concept, those 2 blocks will essentially not contribute anything to the urban fabric. Other than the handful of employees, people in assisted living centers do not walk around the neighborhood and spend money. Even worse, the 10 blocks of subsidized housing for low income/poverty level people, in denser numbers, living near the French Quarter/downtown, many of whom are unemployed or unemployable, is not exactly screaming revitalization. It screams more of the same to me, or perhaps even worse, as this project will be bigger than before.

Sorry to be so pessimistic.

[IceCream]

Agree with everything you say. However, remember the good neighbor agreement isnt exactly law and its usually vague. Anything on Uptown Messenger is basically NIMBY though.

Kind of a side note but since "articles" from the Uptown Messenger are being posted here now, what's the deal with it and it's new partnership with the TP?

I thought the UM was basically a blog / sounding board and now it's partnering with a "real" journalism house...kind of discredits the TP....

[IceCream]

http://uptownmessenger.com/2011/06/poydras-home-community-meeting/#more-9019

Yeah yeah...I had to go look...(at the UM)...

"Plans for the addition of a new three-story building at the center of the historic Poydras Home retirement community were met with cautious acceptance Tuesday night by a group of neighbors who praised the building’s classic design but worried about parking for its new employees........."

http://uptownmessenger.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/PoydrasHome-00002-300x214.jpg

[IceCream]

http://uptownmessenger.com/2011/06/city-planning-commission-june-14-meeting/

Not going to post the whole text, rather long, but I'd read it. Here's a summary:

1. The owner of Rue de la Course wants to shut it down (on magazine) and move Ignatius there. He also plans to retire in the next few years and said that the Rue won't be around "forever." Sucks for all the hipsters!!!! The CPC recommended allowing him to sell booze in the Rue building (yay). BYOB still at Ignatius for awhile (yay!).


2. The city rejected a change of zoning to allow for a Japanese coffee shop / market on S. Carrollton....stupid city...

3. The city recommended to allow Walgreens at Napoleon and Claiborne to sell alcohol (yeah!! take that NIMBYs!!!!)

4. A fresh food market got approval for its site on Earhart, cool.

[IceCream]

Super impressive facility...I'd check out the full article.

http://www.nola.com/military/index.ssf/2011/06/marine_reserve_unit_marches_in.html

"Giving the “Oorah” he applies to everything that strikes him as positive, Col. Bill Davis marveled at the newly installed red-brick pavers inlaid in a winding walkway leading up to Marine Forces Reserve’s new national headquarters in Algiers.

“When I was here last Friday, none of this was done,” Davis said Monday of the walkway, still flanked by mounds of dirt outside Marine Corps Support Facility, one of the branch’s newest installations.

With everyone from gardeners to heavy-construction workers working hard, and often into the evenings, the Marines are in their second week of moving into their 411,000-square-foot building overlooking Opelousas Avenue at Hendee Street. By June 24, Marine Forces Reserve expects its full-time work force of 1,300 people to be moved into their offices inside the 29-acre compound, most coming from the soon-to-be-closed Naval Support Activity at the foot of Poland Avenue.

“Thirteen-hundred people. Three weeks. No worries,” Davis said....."

[tennis1400]

http://uptownmessenger.com/2011/06/poydras-home-community-meeting/#more-9019

Yeah yeah...I had to go look...(at the UM)...

"Plans for the addition of a new three-story building at the center of the historic Poydras Home retirement community were met with cautious acceptance Tuesday night by a group of neighbors who praised the building’s classic design but worried about parking for its new employees........."

http://uptownmessenger.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/PoydrasHome-00002-300x214.jpg

"acceptance Tuesday night by a group of neighbors who praised the building’s classic design but worried about parking for its new employees"

OMG do these people ever write an article that doesn't have the usual NIMBY crap. Good lord the building is beautiful and all they worry about is parking?

[tennis1400]

http://uptownmessenger.com/2011/06/city-planning-commission-june-14-meeting/

Not going to post the whole text, rather long, but I'd read it. Here's a summary:

1. The owner of Rue de la Course wants to shut it down (on magazine) and move Ignatius there. He also plans to retire in the next few years and said that the Rue won't be around "forever." Sucks for all the hipsters!!!! The CPC recommended allowing him to sell booze in the Rue building (yay). BYOB still at Ignatius for awhile (yay!).


2. The city rejected a change of zoning to allow for a Japanese coffee shop / market on S. Carrollton....stupid city...

3. The city recommended to allow Walgreens at Napoleon and Claiborne to sell alcohol (yeah!! take that NIMBYs!!!!)

4. A fresh food market got approval for its site on Earhart, cool.

4. A fresh food market got approval for its site on Earhart, cool.

Stangely enough the Department of City Planning actually recommended denial(do these people not coordinate with the mayors office--" Recent Fresh Food Initiative anyone") for this so glad to see the City Planning Commission saw how silly there position was and voted to approve it anyway!

[tennis1400]

The video mentions the Iberville being redeveloped: http://www.wwltv.com/news/local/Potential-federal-grant-could-lead-to-major-housing-redevelopment-in-New-Orleans-123860709.html

I was 110% for this, but after reviewing the plans on HANO's website, I'm definitely less excited. http://www.hano.org/documents/iberville/Att26_Design_sm.pdf

I approve of the new mid-rise building on Canal Street, and the redevelopment of the abandoned Winn-Dixie property.

The density is good, in fact it could be more, but this looks like a cheap replica of River Garden. No breakthrough architecture. No tremendous private investment. Just block after block of faux-historic, cookie cutter subsidized public housing. And is mid-rise public housing facing Canal Street going to help revitalize the street or make it less desirable?

Lastly, we were promised a return of the street-grid, but that isn't exactly happening either based on the drawings. This plan calls for more seedy sidestreets that won't have constant traffic to prevent seedy activity.

Anything is better than what we have now, but this new design could be sooo much better. This city is its own worst enemy sometimes.

I think many developers become scare when they get close to the quarter as they seem to hate everything that isnt faux historic. If your on a deadline may as well propose something you know will be approved. These are going to be some dense buildings though. Also, the plan seems to explain why the Texaco rehab hasnt started yet as it looks like the building may be used in conjunction with this redevelopment.

[Uptowngirl]

If you mean breakthrough architecture as in modernist dreck. Provided the building materials are good...I'm quite ok with HANO's preliminary designs.

[Blitzen]

Ok, though it's far from perfect, I will say one more nice thing about the Iberville Redevelopment. Having the buildings line the perimeter of the blocks, with the center empty for resident parking, plus the restored street grid, leaves A LOT of new parking on the street for people to use, and visit the French Quarter. And if it is like anything like the new Columbia Parc redevelopment, security will be tighter, so you can worry less about leaving your car there. And all of the new people coming and going to park along those streets, it may help with any potential crime problem.

Or will all parking be in the interior lots, and the streets be too narrow to use for parking? If so, I take back all the nice things I just said. Does anyone have a definitive answer? It's unclear to me from HANO's website's drawings.

[Blitzen]

Just noticed Google Earth tripled the number of 3-D building renderings in New Orleans. Some pretty ones to note are Tulane/Loyola's campus, Saenger Theater, Supreme Courthouse, US Mint, and St. Louis Cathedral.

[SlidellWx]

Actually, the vast majority of the people living in the Iberville projects are gainfully employed. They just work crappy low wage jobs in the hospitality industry. It's a very convenient location for these service workers to live in. Since the project is mixed-use, there will be market rate units also built into the project. Overall, it's a major upgrade from what is currently in the area.

Here is the crime that has occurred in the Iberville so far this year.

http://www.crimemapping.com/map.aspx?ll=-10026975.517481565,3498243.2193972096&z=16&mc=ve_roads&cc=AR,AS,BU,HO,VT,RO,SX,TH,VB&db=1/01/2011&de=6/15/2011&loc=1500+Iberville+St,+New+Orleans,+LA+70112-3218&br=0.2

[tennis1400]

This just showed up on Dodge Report: Notice the bid date is ASAP lol


Saenger Theater (Hurricane Rebuild)
200500853511 v. 10
Dodge Project Report
Theater/Auditorium Sub Bidding, Construction $40,000,000 LA (Orleans) ASAP

[ardecila]

I'm not crazy about the new Iberville plans either. Yuck.

The towers along Canal are about right (those are obviously not even close to real designs). If you look at the section, however, you can see the retail spaces are double-height, so these are clearly meant for big-box retailers.

The other perimeter conditions are okay too. The one block along Basin between Bienville and Conti looks pretty urban, and so does the "adjacent mixed-use development".

Blitzen: the two Canal Street towers are not senior housing. Only the Texaco Building is. Also, no additional land is going into the government's hands. The adjacent parcels that aren't currently part of Iberville won't be transferred to public ownership: they will be owned and managed by the joint venture of HRI and McCormick Baron Salazar.

[cameron70115]

Regarding Iberville:

I, too, was somewhat disgusted by the fuzzy renderings on the WWL news a couple nights ago. It really did look like the lousy apartment complex in the lower Garden District near Mardi Gras World. But then I downloaded a PDF of the actual detailed plan, and the faux-historic architecture is actually extremely well done, with some modernist embellishments like super-sized windows in some of the buildings. Also the variety of the townhouse styles seems good. If you haven't looked at the full 27 page plan, I really encourage you to.
Here's a link to the PDF file: http://www.hano.org/documents/iberville/Att26_Design_sm.pdf.

I've driven through all the redeveloped projects, and I think the St. Bernard redevelopment is by far the nicest. This one, if the materials are good, will be better than that one. I agree that some urban details, like street parking and some stores intermingled with the residences, will go a long way to making this part of the city fully functional.

[cameron70115]

Regarding David Vitter:
As a native New Orleanian, what the hell does he think he's doing by trying to derail the hospital project? I thought that after six years of not having a hospital, even someone with the intelligence level of Vitter would realize that the time to negotiate and stall has passed. I must be wrong. And if Jindal does any more vacillating, after he said months ago that the hospital was definitely being built on the WWL morning show and other places, well..... there may be a special place in hell for people who deprive care for those in need on the grounds of political gain.

[Blitzen]

2 quick updates:

Perseverance Hall is open in Armstrong Park http://www.wdsu.com/news/28250459/detail.html

Lafitte Corridor may begin public hearings in August http://www.fox8live.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoId=25410@wvue.web.entriq.net&navCatId=3

[Blitzen]

Blitzen: the two Canal Street towers are not senior housing. Only the Texaco Building is. Also, no additional land is going into the government's hands. The adjacent parcels that aren't currently part of Iberville won't be transferred to public ownership: they will be owned and managed by the joint venture of HRI and McCormick Baron Salazar.

Good news, I feel slightly better about this proposal.

My last remaining question is whether the newly redesigned streets will be wide enough for parking? If so on one side or both? The reason I ask, is because the influx of free parking would be a tremendous boon for the Quarter, Canal Street, the Saenger, and everyone else.

Lastly, I'm more confident than ever my suggestion last week about turning the Municipal Auditorium into a 15-20 screen movie theater would be feasible and successful. :rolleyes:

[urbanwatcher]

Regarding Vitter and the Hospitals-I don't really understand how these people don't understand that the size of the new teaching hospital is intended to be in relation to the growth of the region and not just the city.The idea is to not just build another Charity but to develop a economic engine.It will benefit everyone in years to come.

Also i find the scattered sites to be interesting in the fact that they are being planned for areas that are in general neglect.Can they act as anchors for the revitalization of those neighborhoods?Will all these new initiatives take hold and really change New Orleans into a functional and thriving southern city?I certainly hope so.

[tennis1400]

Regarding Vitter and the Hospitals-I don't really understand how these people don't understand that the size of the new teaching hospital is intended to be in relation to the growth of the region and not just the city.The idea is to not just build another Charity but to develop a economic engine.It will benefit everyone in years to come.

Also i find the scattered sites to be interesting in the fact that they are being planned for areas that are in general neglect.Can they act as anchors for the revitalization of those neighborhoods?Will all these new initiatives take hold and really change New Orleans into a functional and thriving southern city?I certainly hope so.

Perhaps we should get Vitters former Madame to spank him for being a naughty boy... sure he'd like that!;)

[IceCream]

Well, I'd like for her to do that, but I just dont want to be there to watch.

I think Vitter is being a typical Republican right now at the expense of economic / physical development. If he were to support the project that would go against the current mantra of cutting spending and big gov't projects / bailouts, but this is something that is ACTUALLY needed and actually worthwhile unlike so much of what the Republicans are trying to cut. And I agree with them, a lot of this is crap that needs to be cut out, but this is actually something good, it's important to the whole region and especially the city.

But, politicians are politicians. They're in the business of getting reelected and they'll do what it takes to make it happen even at the expense of their own city's health and development.

In reality, I don't think he has the ability to legitimately derail it. He probably secretly supports it but is trying to show his fellow conservatives how good of a boy he is.

[SlidellWx]

Totally agree that Vitter is just trying to score political points concerning the UMC. This new proposal has about as much chance of surviving as a fart in the wind in my opinion. It's ridiculous to think that having the medical center spread over 3 far ranging sites would be more efficient. In reality, the Kaufmann Hall report said that up to 400 beds would be necessary given the local demographics. This is not far off from the 424 beds currently envisioned. Plus, as the population grows the need for more beds will arise. Thus, any extra beds will be used down the road allowing for growth in the existing medical center framework.

Finally, this project is too far down the road to be changing anything now. Most of the properties have been purchased with demolition actively occurring. There is more than enough money on hand to begin construction on the main part of the hospital, and that should begin later this Fall according the latest timelines.

[ardecila]

My last remaining question is whether the newly redesigned streets will be wide enough for parking? If so on one side or both? The reason I ask, is because the influx of free parking would be a tremendous boon for the Quarter, Canal Street, the Saenger, and everyone else.

I don't know entirely. Marais and Bienville will have little neutral grounds, so that probably means the parking will be eliminated. The other streets will have at least one side of parallel parking.

I just wish we could get rid of that damn RV park. What the hell, New Orleans? Talk about an obsolete trend...

[IceCream]

The Uptown Messenger continues it's NIMBY slant...but at least I'm satisfied with the condo decision. It floors me that the neighborhood "preferred" single family homes. That's fine for the other parts of the property, but it's a FOUR STORY SCHOOL BUILDING!!!! That would be quite the mansion and quite impractical as a single family home. Oh well.

http://uptownmessenger.com/2011/06/developer-neighborhood-reach-early-accord-on-condo-project-at-former-nocca-site/

"With tentative neighborhood support after a meeting with the new owner of the former NOCCA school building, high-end condos are emerging as a likely next life of the century-old Uptown New Orleans landmark....."

[greenparrot]

Well, I'd like for her to do that, but I just dont want to be there to watch.

I think Vitter is being a typical Republican right now at the expense of economic / physical development. If he were to support the project that would go against the current mantra of cutting spending and big gov't projects / bailouts, but this is something that is ACTUALLY needed and actually worthwhile unlike so much of what the Republicans are trying to cut. And I agree with them, a lot of this is crap that needs to be cut out, but this is actually something good, it's important to the whole region and especially the city.

But, politicians are politicians. They're in the business of getting reelected and they'll do what it takes to make it happen even at the expense of their own city's health and development.

In reality, I don't think he has the ability to legitimately derail it. He probably secretly supports it but is trying to show his fellow conservatives how good of a boy he is.It's totally appropriate for any conservative to question the amount of spending on any government project especially when we are trillions in debt. It's also conservative to get the best investment for the best lon-term return. As I see it, building this hospital is a legitimate function of government to serve the peoples health needs and also to maximize future economic growth. Too many people from across the spectrum agree on this. If they can cut waste without substantaially delaying the project I'm all for it. My only issue with Vitter is why he came to the table so late. I'm not aware of any re-election issues he has. In fact, this couls hurt him more politically than help. I hope it's not because of any cronie capitalism going on. Conservative are for free markets and capitalism...not cronie capitalism. Well see.

[sguil1]

Pile driver is on-site of the new LSUHSC foundation building (Tulane ave across from hospital site). Still can't find online rendering, it is a Mathes Brierre design. Bilboard of the rendering is on the actual site.

[tennis1400]

I really hope this is for the Iberia Bank on St Charles Ave. Ready for that eyesore of a corner to be corrected!


1621777 New Orleans, LA Financial 06/17/2011
Description Site work and new construction of a financial building in New Orleans. Completed working drawings call for the construction of a two-story, approximately 5,000-square-foot bank branch with lobby, teller areas and vault space. The owner has determ...Click here for complete Project Details

[Mission Most Livable]

My main concerns about any development are whether or not it will increase property value for the surrounding area, will it revitalize major streets nearby, and will it bring density to places that should have more density?

Unfortunately the answer to these questions are: slightly, slightly, and yes - but not necessarily the kind of desirable people for that prominent area of town.

Take for example the mid-rise building on Canal Street that's for elderly housing. While it's nice in concept, those 2 blocks will essentially not contribute anything to the urban fabric. Other than the handful of employees, people in assisted living centers do not walk around the neighborhood and spend money. Even worse, the 10 blocks of subsidized housing for low income/poverty level people, in denser numbers, living near the French Quarter/downtown, many of whom are unemployed or unemployable, is not exactly screaming revitalization. It screams more of the same to me, or perhaps even worse, as this project will be bigger than before.

Sorry to be so pessimistic.
I hope you and others realize that this is just any development, this is a redevelopment of public housing so your priorities are completely divorced with the purpose of this project.

While your slightly slightly etc benchmark may be important to you it's beyond irrelevant and I would argue ludicrous.

While you may believe the conversion of an abandoned and blighted tower to a fully occupied and crime free senior living facility I can assure you that it's return to commerce in any capacity is a big win for Canal Street, the DDD and the citizens of NOLA who will now enjoy the increased tax revenue in the city coffers.

I do take issue - and I hope others will as well - with the following statement as it is completely devoid of fact:

"Even worse, the 10 blocks of subsidized housing for low income/poverty level people, in denser numbers, living near the French Quarter/downtown, many of whom are unemployed or unemployable, is not exactly screaming revitalization. It screams more of the same to me, or perhaps even worse, as this project will be bigger than before."

First, only ONE THIRD if this development will be available for "poverty level people". Another third will be available to those dreaded lower income people such as firefighters, police, teachers, students, food service industry employees aka "affordable housing". The final third will be market rate.

Second, density is a GOOD thing in mixed income housing because this model has - time and time again - has proven successful in providing a pathway out of poverty.

Third, Iberville (along with the other four projects) had an employment rate of ABOVE 90%.

Fourth, define "revitalization" because I do not think it means what you think it does.

Fifth, to say this is more or the same is laughable. To suggest its even worse is reveals a level of ignorance that is simply astounding.

A bigger mixed income development translates to an increase of opportunities within the city for those in poverty to join the middle class. The fact you would be opposed to that I believe says far more about you than this project.

[greenparrot]

I hope you and others realize that this is just any development, this is a redevelopment of public housing so your priorities are completely divorced with the purpose of this project. Any purpose of this particular project that does not include as a priority on how this development affects the surrounding area is flawed from the outset.
While your slightly slightly etc benchmark may be important to you it's beyond irrelevant and I would argue ludicrous.

While you may believe the conversion of an abandoned and blighted tower to a fully occupied and crime free senior living facility I can assure you that it's return to commerce in any capacity is a big win for Canal Street, the DDD and the citizens of NOLA who will now enjoy the increased tax revenue in the city coffers. Agree

I do take issue - and I hope others will as well - with the following statement as it is completely devoid of fact:red

"Even worse, the 10 blocks of subsidized housing for low income/poverty level people, in denser numbers, living near the French Quarter/downtown, many of whom are unemployed or unemployable, is not exactly screaming revitalization. It screams more of the same to me, or perhaps even worse, as this project will be bigger than before." I think this project will involve some revitalization but certainly is a question mark right now. The only way this works long term is much better screening on who gets in & who stays. As long as you have a core thugs that call Iberville home, there will be only marginal long term benefits. Hopefully with a mix of a better classs of people, crime wise, they can provide a buffer or dilute the affects of the bad.
First, only ONE THIRD if this development will be available for "poverty level people". Another third will be available to those dreaded lower income people such as firefighters, police, teachers, students, food service industry employees aka "affordable housing". The final third will be market rate.

Second, density is a GOOD thing in mixed income housing because this model has - time and time again - has proven successful in providing a pathway out of poverty.

Third, Iberville (along with the other four projects) had an employment rate of ABOVE 90%.

Fourth, define "revitalization" because I do not think it means what you think it does.

Fifth, to say this is more or the same is laughable. To suggest its even worse is reveals a level of ignorance that is simply astounding.

A bigger mixed income development translates to an increase of opportunities within the city for those in poverty to join the middle class. The fact you would be opposed to that I believe says far more about you than this project. Nobody is opposed to hard working people improving themselves and then becoming one day self sufficient. But this is a special location that has to be designed first & foremost on how it affects Canal St, the FQ & surrounding areas. I just hope spending $650 million on 2500 or so units doesn't give us marginal benefits. I'm not so sure that selling the property to private developers (with some guidelines on redeveleopment) and marrying this with some other monies, and then redeveloping other distressed properties around the city would be more economic..see red..........

[tennis1400]

Really? If that's the case then why wasn't it "conservative" between 2000-2008 when the national debt was being DOUBLED by so called "conservatives"?

This is nothing more than political grandstanding and gamesmanship with zero regard for what should be important - providing the best possible health care to a city that has been without it since 2005.

Dude stop making sense !!! ;)

BTW I have a friend that works at the HDLC... The Dixie Steakhouse is a go. So they must be doing two steakhouses now!

[tennis1400]

New Project in New Orleans East!

[New project.] 1360363 New Orleans, LA Elderly Care / Assisted Living, Hotel / Motel, Medical, 06/20/2011
Description Site work and new construction of a mixed-use facility in New Orleans. Completed plans call for 570,000 square feet of retail space, including 81,200 square feet of restaurant space. There will be four, four-story senior housing buildings and two, ...Click here for complete Project Details

[Blitzen]

Looks like Iberville has gone to bid already!

[New project.] 1360363 New Orleans, LA Elderly Care / Assisted Living, Hotel / Motel, Medical, 06/20/2011
Description Site work and new construction of a mixed-use facility in New Orleans. Completed plans call for 570,000 square feet of retail space, including 81,200 square feet of restaurant space. There will be four, four-story senior housing buildings and two, ...Click here for complete Project Details

Great news that it's at least moving quickly. It would be great if some part of this were done or at least began by the Superbowl. :banana::banana::banana:

Does anyone have the full description? The Hotel/Motel part threw me. Nowhere did I see anything about that in the HANO papers. I think a large-scale parking garage should be added on Basin Street, to help lure more people to the Quarter, help develop those ugly parking lots on Rampart, and to reinforce the finances of the new project with some income.

[tennis1400]

Great news that it's at least moving quickly. It would be great if some part of this were done or at least began by the Superbowl. :banana::banana::banana:

Does anyone have the full description? The Hotel/Motel part threw me. Nowhere did I see anything about that in the HANO papers. I think a large-scale parking garage should be added on Basin Street, to help lure more people to the Quarter, help develop those ugly parking lots on Rampart, and to reinforce the finances of the new project with some income.

Sometimes the way bidclerk categorizes things can be misleading... but there very well could be some sort of hotel concept in there. I think New Orleans is a perfect location for the Yotel concept too..

http://londonhotelsinsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/YOTEL-corridors.png

New City Business Print Edition:

-New Pizza Joint opening up in the Crescent Club Shops called Pizzacare

-Turnbull Family reopens bakery with 30 jobs

- UNO Summer enrollment climbs 70 percent over last year

- Healing Center
(Opening Next Week)- ASI Federal Credit Union, Wild Lotus Yoga, Worldwide Concept Vacations
(Opening in July)- Downtown Fitness Center, Fatoush Restaurant, Maple Street Books
(Opening in August)- Affordable Healing Arts, Art Gallery, Cafe Istanbul(4,200 sft music venue), Crossroads Art Bazaar, Earth Labs, Food co-op, Full Circle Womens Collective, Guardian Angels, Interfaith Center, NOPD Substation

Also of Note is that the Blue Ribbon Panel on Taxicabs is recommending the adoption of London Style cabs for New Orleans as they are considered very efficient and practical. Would be cool to have these cabs as the standard! Never realized the London cab is designed to last 700,000 to 800,000 miles! wow!

Also new Apartment development for the old school building on the corner of Girod and Carondelet:Commercial Change of Use
Work Location 703 CARONDELET ST
NEW ORLEANS LA 70130

Project Description:
CONVERT VACANT COMMERCIAL BUILDING INTO A MIX USE BUILDING(2-COMMERCIAL SHELL UNITS & 28 RESIDENTIAL UNITS) AS PER PLANS. NO EXTERIOR WORK UNDER THIS PERMIT.
Owner:
703 CARONDELET LLC
2600 CALHOUN ST
NEW ORLEANS LA
Job Value($):
$598,412.00
Housing Units:28

[Chris from N.O.]

Also of Note is that the Blue Ribbon Panel on Taxicabs is recommending the adoption of London Style cabs for New Orleans as they are considered very efficient and practical. Would be cool to have these cabs as the standard! Never realized the London cab is designed to last 700,000 to 800,000 miles!


Do you have any more information on this? After reading your post, I did some research on the London cabs, apparently they are widely used in Charleston and more sparingly in a few other places. I found the website for the current supplier, http://www.london-taxis.co.uk/index.jsp, and it looks like they would cost around 50k a pop. While I would love to see this happen, I can't see the taxicab bureau implementing rules that would require companies to shell out that much. It would certainly make sense as a long-term investment, but as far as I know we're still emboiled in a fight over mandating credit card machines at the airport.

[tennis1400]

No other information really, but that company London Taxis is who they are working with. After using the cabs in London while I was living there I can say they are really convenient.

[Chris from N.O.]

No other information really, but that company London Taxis is who they are working with. After using the cabs in London while I was living there I can say they are really convenient.

Thanks for the response. They look great, especially if that 700,000 mile claim is anywhere close to accurate, but it looks like the current model hasn't been homologated for use in the U.S., so not sure how that would be dealt with.

[Reverend_Cletus]

Looks like Iberville has gone to bid already!

[New project.] 1360363 New Orleans, LA Elderly Care / Assisted Living, Hotel / Motel, Medical, 06/20/2011
Description Site work and new construction of a mixed-use facility in New Orleans. Completed plans call for 570,000 square feet of retail space, including 81,200 square feet of restaurant space. There will be four, four-story senior housing buildings and two, ...Click here for complete Project Details

Sorry... this isn't Iberville. This is a project going by the name of New Orleans Promenade out in New Orleans East at I-10 and Read.

[sguil1]

Market Street Properties LLC back in U.S. Bankruptcy Court Tuesday

http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2011/06/market_street_properties_llc_b.html

concerning the Market Street Power Plant...

[SlidellWx]

Found a link that shows what the New Orleans Promenade is supposed to look like. Typical life style center design, but this is great news for New Orleans East.

http://www.pgal.com/portfolio/new-orleans-promenade-mixed-use-center-2/

[tennis1400]

Sorry... this isn't Iberville. This is a project going by the name of New Orleans Promenade out in New Orleans East at I-10 and Read.

Darn I thought for sure that was it. This project sounds huge for the east, but great news nonetheless!

[Xelebes]

This forum is not best for engaging in partisan politics.

[tennis1400]

Not sure if everyone here has had a chance but there are five new suggested redistricting maps on the city council website. Not too many large changes really, but nonetheless worth taking a look at!

[dgpatel]

At its monthly meeting Tuesday afternoon, the LSED -- the board appointed by Gov. Bobby Jindal to plan, finance, construct, develop, maintain and operate six state-owned facilities including the Superdome and the New Orleans Arena -- voted to approve an LED lighting system outside of the Superdome. The system, which will cost about $1.6 million and will be paid for out of the current $85 million renovation budget, will illuminate the outside of the Dome in different colors.

Although the price tag seems costly, Dome officials told LSED members that it will save money over the long haul because it'll reduce the cost of the monthly energy bill.

The lighting will be similar to the temporary system that was in place for the 2006 "Monday Night Football" re-opening of the Superdome.

But Dome officials said this system will be used permanently, and on a nightly basis, reflecting multiple colors off the stadium while further enhancing its place in the New Orleans skyline.

"It's pretty dramatic," said Doug Thornton, the senior vice president of SMG, the company the runs the Superdome and Arena on behalf of the state. "This is all a part of the re-branding of the Dome. We think the Superdome will be a destination for people to see. It will be a very nice change."

Commissioner Robert Bruno was so enamored with the fancy lighting system that he suggested SMG look into adding the features to the New Orleans Arena and Zephyr Field.


Full Article (http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2011/06/lighting_around_the_superdome.html)

[NolaWave]

Market Street Properties LLC back in U.S. Bankruptcy Court Tuesday

http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2011/06/market_street_properties_llc_b.html

concerning the Market Street Power Plant...

Doesn't seem very promising

[tennis1400]

Doesn't seem very promising

Personallly I dont see this area developing without some kind of committed streetcar from the city.

[tennis1400]

At its monthly meeting Tuesday afternoon, the LSED -- the board appointed by Gov. Bobby Jindal to plan, finance, construct, develop, maintain and operate six state-owned facilities including the Superdome and the New Orleans Arena -- voted to approve an LED lighting system outside of the Superdome. The system, which will cost about $1.6 million and will be paid for out of the current $85 million renovation budget, will illuminate the outside of the Dome in different colors.

Although the price tag seems costly, Dome officials told LSED members that it will save money over the long haul because it'll reduce the cost of the monthly energy bill.

The lighting will be similar to the temporary system that was in place for the 2006 "Monday Night Football" re-opening of the Superdome.

But Dome officials said this system will be used permanently, and on a nightly basis, reflecting multiple colors off the stadium while further enhancing its place in the New Orleans skyline.

"It's pretty dramatic," said Doug Thornton, the senior vice president of SMG, the company the runs the Superdome and Arena on behalf of the state. "This is all a part of the re-branding of the Dome. We think the Superdome will be a destination for people to see. It will be a very nice change."

Commissioner Robert Bruno was so enamored with the fancy lighting system that he suggested SMG look into adding the features to the New Orleans Arena and Zephyr Field.


Full Article (http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2011/06/lighting_around_the_superdome.html)

The only other thing I think the Superdome needs are new jumbotrons inside and better ones outside as well. They look small and dated!

[sguil1]

Legislative hurdle for new teaching hospital killed

BATON ROUGE — An attempt to add legislative roadblocks to construction of a new public medical center in New Orleans failed to gain passage in the House, killing the proposal for the session.

The proposal, rejected in a 54-37 House vote against it, would have required another layer of legislative approval from both the full House and Senate before dollars could be borrowed or contracts could be made to build the University Medical Center.

Supporters said lawmakers needed to review how the facility could affect the state’s budget. Opponents said further hurdles would add unnecessary bureaucracy.

About $750 million is available for the medical center without borrowing. The hospital is proposed to cost $1.2 billion, though conversations continue about whether it should be scaled back

http://neworleanscitybusiness.com/blog/2011/06/22/legislative-hurdle-for-new-orleans-hospital-killed/

[tennis1400]

Good they should just build what they can and find the additional financing as time goes by. Its going to take 3-4 years to build it anyway!

[tennis1400]

This looks like the bid for the new highrise on Canal and Rampart!

1627155 New Orleans, LA Multi-Residential, Retail 06/22/2011
Description Site work and new construction of a mixed-use development in New Orleans. Design development plans call for the demolition of an existing building and the construction of a 189-foot tower consisting of 40,000 square feet of ground floor retail, 300 ...Click here for complete Project Details

[Blitzen]

The only other thing I think the Superdome needs are new jumbotrons inside and better ones outside as well. They look small and dated!

I heard the several television screens around the Dome were going to be replaced after this upcoming season, but before the Superbowl. I don't know if that includes jumbotrons.

This looks like the bid for the new highrise on Canal and Rampart!

1627155 New Orleans, LA Multi-Residential, Retail 06/22/2011
Description Site work and new construction of a mixed-use development in New Orleans. Design development plans call for the demolition of an existing building and the construction of a 189-foot tower consisting of 40,000 square feet of ground floor retail, 300 ...Click here for complete Project Details

I think you're right, I certainly hope so!!

[tennis1400]

[QUOTE=Blitzen;5325008]I heard the several television screens around the Dome were going to be replaced after this upcoming season, but before the Superbowl. I don't know if that includes jumbotrons.
QUOTE]

Specifically the sign on Poydras right in front of the dome is pathetic. They need to install something that is truly grand and very visible~!

[dgpatel]

This looks like the bid for the new highrise on Canal and Rampart!

1627155 New Orleans, LA Multi-Residential, Retail 06/22/2011
Description Site work and new construction of a mixed-use development in New Orleans. Design development plans call for the demolition of an existing building and the construction of a 189-foot tower consisting of 40,000 square feet of ground floor retail, 300 ...Click here for complete Project Details

Is that 1031 Canal? Does this mean it was approved?

[tennis1400]

I personally heard that they stopped working with the HDLC and are going to go to the council for approval. The HDLC has no problem with the height of the building and in fact was open to going higher, they just have a problem with the design and that it isnt nearly as good as it can be. So I guess this shows they are going ahead without HDLC approval.

We shall see how it unfolds! I personally wish they could have come up with a better design but Im glad something will be going there.

[IceCream]

I personally love seeing modern architecture directly in contrast with historical buildings. I hope they don't redesign it to look like the stupid generic faux historic one down by Breaux Mart. Freaking NIMBYs are ruining everything....

"Developer to share new design for Walgreens on Magazine Street

Posted by Robert Morris at 9:35 am

With Walgreens moving forward on a store in the old American Legion hall on Magazine Street and no land-use changes required from the city, the developer on the project is holding a second community meeting to share new designs for the renovated building.

At a meeting in March, neighbors were as concerned about the modern, glass-fronted design proposed for the building as they were about any other issues. Architects have since redesigned the building, and will present their plans at 6 p.m. July 12 at a meeting at the American Legion hall....."

http://uptownmessenger.com/2011/06/developer-to-share-new-design-for-walgreens-on-magazine-street/

http://uptownmessenger.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/WalgreensWWL.jpg

Screen grab from WWL

[NolaWave]

The modern design depicted above would work perfectly right there with Whole Foods close by. I am so sick of people in this city complaining about the way EVERY SINGLE proposed new building looks. Faux historic is crap, there is nothing wrong with having a few modern updated buildings in this city. I don't even know how any developer puts up with this nonsense.

[tennis1400]

The modern design depicted above would work perfectly right there with Whole Foods close by. I am so sick of people in this city complaining about the way EVERY SINGLE proposed new building looks. Faux historic is crap, there is nothing wrong with having a few modern updated buildings in this city. I don't even know how any developer puts up with this nonsense.

Heres the thing if we are tired of it then we need to have our voices heard too. Problem is its the same 5 percent who think they speak for everyone that are the loudest of the bunch. Time to shut them down and sit them in the back! BTW this isnt a problem unique to Nola. Try a community board meeting in NYC !!! Id rather be shot than have to propose something at those meetings.

[Nolacat157]

I personally heard that they stopped working with the HDLC and are going to go to the council for approval. The HDLC has no problem with the height of the building and in fact was open to going higher, they just have a problem with the design and that it isnt nearly as good as it can be. So I guess this shows they are going ahead without HDLC approval.

We shall see how it unfolds! I personally wish they could have come up with a better design but Im glad something will be going there.


Good article on NOCB today about this project. Kailas will go before the HDLC a second time in July to get approval and then to the city council for the varaince approval. The Vieux Carré commision is still very against it and doing everything possible to block it being built. Nola wont ever be allowed to join the 21st century until the VCC loses its stronghold over all development downtown.

[IceCream]

Good article on NOCB today about this project. Kailas will go before the HDLC a second time in July to get approval and then to the city council for the varaince approval. The Vieux Carré commision is still very against it and doing everything possible to block it being built. Nola wont ever be allowed to join the 21st century until the VCC loses its stronghold over all development downtown.

I just spent 30 minutes trying to find the date for the next HDLC meeting but it's not posted anywhere yet, not even on the City's calendar. I assume it's too far out as these are probably scheduled in a week or two from the actual meeting.

If i were a lawyer who wanted to have fun, or had too much money to know what to do with I'd hire a lawyer and find every way possible to shut down VCPORA and the VCC... And I say that as the son of a lifelong french quarter property owner...

If anyone finds out more about meeting dates, times, places on anything relating to Walgreens / 1031 / etc please post on here so we can go and fight the idiots. I feel like I only find out about them after the fact.

The next meeting for the Walgreen's issue is 6pm July 12th at the American Legion building itself. It's on my calendar!!!

[tennis1400]

We need to make YIMBY(yes in my back yard) t-shirts!!!

BTW I wouldnt be too worried about the Vieux Carre on the 1031 Building. Palmer is working with them and she really has final say and the CBDHDLC has noproblem with the size of building either only its design. This will get built as long as it can get financed!

[IceCream]

We need to make YIMBY(yes in my back yard) t-shirts!!!

BTW I wouldnt be too worried about the Vieux Carre on the 1031 Building. Palmer is working with them and she really has final say and the CBDHDLC has noproblem with the size of building either only its design. This will get built as long as it can get financed!

Praveen says it's financed already according to the article. I don't know anymore than that. I know him from elementary and if I were still close I'd ask, but I haven't talked to him since.

[tennis1400]

Praveen says it's financed already according to the article. I don't know anymore than that. I know him from elementary and if I were still close I'd ask, but I haven't talked to him since.

Id still ask? :D

This is either for the Celeb Chef Restaurant or the new Hytops!
Record 11COM-00877 :

Commercial Renovation (Non-Structural)
Work Location 601 Loyola AVE
FLOOR 2
New Orleans LA 70112

Project Description:
Interior tenant buildout of vacant space into a retail space on the 2nd floor of the Hyatt hotel as per plans.
Owner:
Poydras Properties Holdings Co LLC
2222 Cottondale Ln
Little Rock AR 72202

More Details
Additional Information
Job Value($):
$500,000.00Number of Buildings:
1Public Owned:
No

[Uptowngirl]

I just spent 30 minutes trying to find the date for the next HDLC meeting but it's not posted anywhere yet, not even on the City's calendar. I assume it's too far out as these are probably scheduled in a week or two from the actual meeting.

If i were a lawyer who wanted to have fun, or had too much money to know what to do with I'd hire a lawyer and find every way possible to shut down VCPORA and the VCC... And I say that as the son of a lifelong french quarter property owner...

If anyone finds out more about meeting dates, times, places on anything relating to Walgreens / 1031 / etc please post on here so we can go and fight the idiots. I feel like I only find out about them after the fact.

The next meeting for the Walgreen's issue is 6pm July 12th at the American Legion building itself. It's on my calendar!!!

I guess I'm one of those idiots. :haha::whip:(At least for Walgreens (although I don't know that I can sit through one of Louis Sterling's presentations again without throwing up a little in my mouth...and I'm pro HDLC and pro VCC...although by looking at the Quarter, the VCC isn't actually doing anything)


And BTW, I do agree with you about VCPORA. The project will get approval.

[ardecila]

I'm glad that Kailas will appear again in front of the HDLC (presumably with improvements to the design). The latest version is unique and interesting, and it just needs some refinement to become an attractive modern building.

Count me as one who thinks that Waggonner and Ball's design for Walgreens is already perfect. I'm personally amazed that Walgreens is going to such lengths to enter Uptown... The design is beautiful and very unusual for Walgreens, but what's even better is the split entrance that allows customers to enter from the street or from the parking lot. I've never, ever seen a Walgreens with two entrances, although CVS does it all the time when they open up in older buildings.

[tennis1400]

Some more VA bids!

New Orleans VA Medical Center (Hurricane Rebuild)
200800621901 v. 18
Dodge Project Report, Plans, Spec and Addenda
Parking Garage,
Hospital,
Clinic/Medical Office Sub Bidding, Construction Documents $845,000,000 LA (Orleans) No Date

[tennis1400]

I guess I'm one of those idiots. :haha::whip:(At least for Walgreens (although I don't know that I can sit through one of Louis Sterling's presentations again without throwing up a little in my mouth...and I'm pro HDLC and pro VCC...although by looking at the Quarter, the VCC isn't actually doing anything)


And BTW, I do agree with you about VCPORA. The project will get approval.

I guess the thing that irks me is that these organizations, especially their leadership, seem to be more interested in getting their egos stroked than actually anything to do with good development and proper planning. Its very frustrating as someone who works on the development side!

[Uptowngirl]

Well that has more to do with the ego of the neighborhood association leadership. I can assure you that is not who I am (then again I wasn't born here:haha:)

I can however tell you that even the pro development side is not without its egos...I was at the last meeting on the Romney Pilates studio (and that building is an abomination). Their supporters were moving throughout the room with cameras, threatening those who wanted to speak up against it with lawyers getting in their faces...it was (in my opinion) intimidation from the Romneys, their developer, their attorneys and the 5 backers of the project. I was floored by what I saw.

[greenparrot]

I personally love seeing modern architecture directly in contrast with historical buildings. I hope they don't redesign it to look like the stupid generic faux historic one down by Breaux Mart. Freaking NIMBYs are ruining everything....

"Developer to share new design for Walgreens on Magazine Street

Posted by Robert Morris at 9:35 am

With Walgreens moving forward on a store in the old American Legion hall on Magazine Street and no land-use changes required from the city, the developer on the project is holding a second community meeting to share new designs for the renovated building.

At a meeting in March, neighbors were as concerned about the modern, glass-fronted design proposed for the building as they were about any other issues. Architects have since redesigned the building, and will present their plans at 6 p.m. July 12 at a meeting at the American Legion hall....."

http://uptownmessenger.com/2011/06/developer-to-share-new-design-for-walgreens-on-magazine-street/

http://uptownmessenger.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/WalgreensWWL.jpg

Screen grab from WWLReally like the design but I'm not sure I like it for magazine street. If you think the look and feel of Magazine Street should be preserved because it is unique & special, maybe we should resist these modernistic designs. If you say...it's only going to be this location and not make a big difference overall...what about the next time a similar design comes down the pike...and the next and the next. Where is the line drawn? I understand the whole NIMBY debate and it often has merit, but sometimes NIMBY's also have a rational argument even if they don't really know it.

[tennis1400]

Well that has more to do with the ego of the neighborhood association leadership. I can assure you that is not who I am (then again I wasn't born here:haha:)

I can however tell you that even the pro development side is not without its egos...I was at the last meeting on the Romney Pilates studio (and that building is an abomination). Their supporters were moving throughout the room with cameras, threatening those who wanted to speak up against it with lawyers getting in their faces...it was (in my opinion) intimidation from the Romneys, their developer, their attorneys and the 5 backers of the project. I was floored by what I saw.

Certainly, there are always situations that arise on both sides but many developers feel like its better to go on offense at these meetings because engagement seems to lead to more and more demands. Obviously, preservation and neighborhood organizations have done plenty of good over the years but that doesnt excuse overreach and intimidation on their part because of their opinions or personal issues with a certain developer. Im not a fan of the "wisdom of the crowd" when it comes to development because all it usually devolves into is NIMBYISM!

[tennis1400]

Really like the design but I'm not sure I like it for magazine street. If you think the look and feel of Magazine Street should be preserved because it is unique & special, maybe we should resist these modernistic designs. If you say...it's only going to be this location and not make a big difference overall...what about the next time a similar design comes down the pike...and the next and the next. Where is the line drawn? I understand the whole NIMBY debate and it often has merit, but sometimes NIMBY's also have a rational argument even if they don't really know it.

Have you seen the Chicos Shopping Center? This building is 100 times better than that crap which is in the same block !

New Plaquemines Medical Center will have a neat roof element!
http://media.nola.com/west-bank/photo/9609587-large.jpg

Andrew Wilson Elementary School
http://www.nolagreenschools.org/wp-content/gallery/andrew-h-wilson-charter-school/wilson-rendering.jpg

Hadnt seen this rendering for the new Portage Plaza on the Riverfront... this will be really nice when it opens!!!
http://www.shuimohua.com/news/e-news/catalogue-1/2007_6/e130.jpg

Nottoway Plantation Master Plan
http://www.nottoway.com/images/homepage/new-Nottoway-site-map-500-no-textbox.jpg

[NolaWave]

Can anyone give me the jist of the new article on New Orleans City Business about 1031 canal? Looks like it is about people being fed up with neighborhood groups

[Uptowngirl]

Certainly, there are always situations that arise on both sides but many developers feel like its better to go on offense at these meetings because engagement seems to lead to more and more demands. Obviously, preservation and neighborhood organizations have done plenty of good over the years but that doesnt excuse overreach and intimidation on their part because of their opinions or personal issues with a certain developer. Im not a fan of the "wisdom of the crowd" when it comes to development because all it usually devolves into is NIMBYISM!

I dont mind the NIMBYism as long as it is well reasoned (and there are reasons why to oppose the Walgreens on Mag). And more often than not...most of the neighborhood associations are quasi HOAs pull of puffed up self important people but that isn't to say all of them are, and its not to say that ordinary neighbors want development.
The Peniston/Delachaise area wanted Martin's to demolish several buildings for a larger store (I wasn't 110% behind that but they don't have much commercial in the area, and I don't live in that area). The Romney/Walgreens fiascoes have more often than not had some support from the neighborhood associations while most people living in the area opposed it (support for the projects were often driven by friends or business associations who want to curry favor with the developer).

Nothing in this town is as it first appears.

[tennis1400]

I dont mind the NIMBYism as long as it is well reasoned (and there are reasons why to oppose the Walgreens on Mag). And more often than not...most of the neighborhood associations are quasi HOAs pull of puffed up self important people but that isn't to say all of them are, and its not to say that ordinary neighbors want development.
The Peniston/Delachaise area wanted Martin's to demolish several buildings for a larger store (I wasn't 110% behind that but they don't have much commercial in the area, and I don't live in that area). The Romney/Walgreens fiascoes have more often than not had some support from the neighborhood associations while most people living in the area opposed it (support for the projects were often driven by friends or business associations who want to curry favor with the developer).

Nothing in this town is as it first appears.

Of course, but the Walgreens is in correct zoning( most planners agree that its current zoning would allow for the store). It seems you and I are in agreement here. Not to say that neighbors have no rights but I always think planning is best left to the professionals.

[Uptowngirl]

See I'm not so sure...it is my understanding that current zoning does not allow for a drug store but instead the ok for the store was run through safety and permits (who should not be interpreting zoning). But its not like zoning is always followed here in N.O.
And I'm definitely not against historicist buildings as long as they use quality materials.

[tennis1400]

See I'm not so sure...it is my understanding that current zoning does not allow for a drug store but instead the ok for the store was run through safety and permits (who should not be interpreting zoning). But its not like zoning is always followed here in N.O.
And I'm definitely not against historicist buildings as long as they use quality materials.

The existing zoning has been adequate for other stores around the city.