[jowens]

Updated renderings posted on website.

http://1031canal.com/wp-content/uploads/1031Canal-main.jpg



I don't have any huge issues with this; especially if it includes street level retail.

[WesternSon]

Don't know if anyone has brought this up yet- but the building will really compliment the Bioinnovation Center down Canal. This and the Texaco Building and the VA remodel will put a healthy dose of modern architecture in the Medical corridor.

Not to mention we might actually decide and finance a teaching hospital on Canal with similar styling...

[SlidellWx]

Letter sent! Really love the redesign of the building. Will be a great addition to Canal St.

[tennis1400]

I agree it looks great. Dont forget to send your letters everyone!

[Blitzen]

Interesting article that was almost written with the Claiborne Overpass in mind:

http://www.infrastructurist.com/2009/07/06/huh-4-cases-of-how-tearing-down-a-highway-can-relieve-traffic-jams-and-help-save-a-city/

Something mentioned in the article that I hadn't even considered was the small cooling effect a long linear green-space with trees and water could give to the city.

[Mission Most Livable]

..on Magazine street.

http://i52.tinypic.com/205qj4n.jpg
http://i55.tinypic.com/zwnv36.jpg
http://i54.tinypic.com/6hpct2.jpg

[Chris from N.O.]

Interesting article that was almost written with the Claiborne Overpass in mind:

http://www.infrastructurist.com/2009/07/06/huh-4-cases-of-how-tearing-down-a-highway-can-relieve-traffic-jams-and-help-save-a-city/

Something mentioned in the article that I hadn't even considered was the small cooling effect a long linear green-space with trees and water could give to the city.

Interesting article. I tried to find anything about our actual overpass on that site but was unsuccessful. While I am generally in favor of this sort of thing in both theory and practice, there's a part of me that's skeptical about the I-10 proposal in particular. The "Braes paradox" is fascinating though.
..on Magazine street.

http://i52.tinypic.com/205qj4n.jpg
http://i55.tinypic.com/zwnv36.jpg
http://i54.tinypic.com/6hpct2.jpg

Can somebody please explain this to me, from Walgreens' point of view? This will replace the Tchoup store, or am I mistaken?

[ardecila]

The Walgreens (assuming top is oldest and bottom is newest) just went from OMG AWESOME to bleh.

At least the bottom is better and more dynamic than the middle, but I don't get why five of the clerestory windows are big sheets of glass, while the other two are the five-panel.

Too bad it can't be like this Walgreens (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=walgreens&hl=en&ll=43.072113,-87.887889&spn=0.0025,0.005681&sll=43.072093,-87.888479&sspn=0.0025,0.005681&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&t=h&radius=0.17&z=18&layer=c&cbll=43.072288,-87.887889&panoid=zM47FEdHtDmymku0yMSUXA&cbp=12,138.23,,0,0.85) in Milwaukee. Or this one (http://www.oakparkjournal.com/2010/2011-Gov-Quinn-Walgreens-green-building-April-19th-060sm.JPG) in Oak Park (IL). I know the Milwaukee store was a one-off design, but the Oak Park is a new prototype, and they've built several with similar designs around Chicagoland.

[IceCream]

CBD - HDLC meeting started 20 minutes ago (10am) assuming they are on time.

I couldn't go over there to see it though I'd like to. Hopefully we'll find out something before long about 1031 Canal. Fingers crossed that VCPORA gets slapped in the face!

[tennis1400]

CBD - HDLC meeting started 20 minutes ago (10am) assuming they are on time.

I couldn't go over there to see it though I'd like to. Hopefully we'll find out something before long about 1031 Canal. Fingers crossed that VCPORA gets slapped in the face!

Thats one reason why I cant go to a meeting like that! I may physically slap someone in the face!!! lol

The Walgreens will replace Tchoupitoulas Street store.(Basically they want a higher traffic area and a drive thru! Im fine with all the designs to be honest but thought the original was best but these newer drawings look more relaistic so it might be hard to compare!

BTW meeting was a no action vote 4-4. So they can appeal to council or go through more design revisions! At this point they need to just appeal to full council. Get support of Palmer and thats the smarter way to go. BTW VCPORA isnt much to worry about at the HDLC meeting its more Planning and Zoning Commission where the height waiver will be granted. THe HDLC doesnt grant height waivers and the VCPORA is only complaining about height not the architecture. So thats the meeting we need to save our powder for as well as the inevitable city council meeting!

BTW it is incredibly stupid to have to work on the architecture of a building prior to getting the height waiver. Not sure what moron is responsible for that but its ass backwards!!!

[sguil1]

1031 Canal to go before Planning Commission Aug 9th.

www.1031canal.com

[Chris from N.O.]

double post

[Chris from N.O.]

1031 Canal to go before Planning Commission Aug 9th.

www.1031canal.com

I have to admit, I thought the design was kind of ugly at first, and maybe this is just because I had a shot of whiskey before I fell asleep last night, but I woke up thinking is one of the more beautiful designs for a building I have seen, especially for New Orleans. 9/10.

[cameron70115]

1031 Canal is fine, South Market is fine, power plant Bass Pro is fine (if it really happens), Carrollton shopping is fine... but only 2 projects have the potential to truly transform our city. First one is the new hospital, if Vitter fails to torpedo it. Economic game changer for the entire metro area, huge thing for mid city, and beyond huge for the public health of this sick old burg.

Second transformative project is ... drumroll please .. turning old Charity into the new City Hall. It's the only transformation of that building that makes sense. No way do offices or condos make any sense in that huge old weird building. Administrative offices on the other hand? Of course it makes sense! And its a truly iconic and historic building, exactly the sort of building that should be a city hall. Plus, what, 60% of native New Orleanians were born at Charity? What better symbol of city hall being of and for the people could there possibly be than having Charity Hospital be the new City Hall? It's such a great idea that I dare anyone on this board to tell me otherwise, and explain why. (and by the way, can everyone on here at least be in agreement that the current city hall should be blown up along with the Pallas Hotel on Canal and Claiborne?

[midcity]

1031 Canal is fine, South Market is fine, power plant Bass Pro is fine (if it really happens), Carrollton shopping is fine... but only 2 projects have the potential to truly transform our city. First one is the new hospital, if Vitter fails to torpedo it. Economic game changer for the entire metro area, huge thing for mid city, and beyond huge for the public health of this sick old burg.

Second transformative project is ... drumroll please .. turning old Charity into the new City Hall. It's the only transformation of that building that makes sense. No way do offices or condos make any sense in that huge old weird building. Administrative offices on the other hand? Of course it makes sense! And its a truly iconic and historic building, exactly the sort of building that should be a city hall. Plus, what, 60% of native New Orleanians were born at Charity? What better symbol of city hall being of and for the people could there possibly be than having Charity Hospital be the new City Hall? It's such a great idea that I dare anyone on this board to tell me otherwise, and explain why. (and by the way, can everyone on here at least be in agreement that the current city hall should be blown up along with the Pallas Hotel on Canal and Claiborne?

I'm not against Charity becoming City Hall, but does it make sense to renovate such a huge building? Does City Hall need that size? Plus, despite its iconic look as a public building should, it is kinda hidden in its location. A new building on Loyola/Duncan Plaza area has more visibility like a City Hall should. This would especially be true considering all the new development that appears to be coming to fruition.

Does anyone know what states other than Louisiana has a high rise as its state capitol? I imagine City Halls and State Capitols to be stately, but not overwhelming. I have always been insecure that Louisiana's capitol building is one of the tallest buildings in the state.

[Chris from N.O.]

I'm not against Charity becoming City Hall, but does it make sense to renovate such a huge building? Does City Hall need that size? Plus, despite its iconic look as a public building should, it is kinda hidden in its location. A new building on Loyola/Duncan Plaza area has more visibility like a City Hall should. This would especially be true considering all the new development that appears to be coming to fruition.

Does anyone know what states other than Louisiana has a high rise as its state capitol? I imagine City Halls and State Capitols to be stately, but not overwhelming. I have always been insecure that Louisiana's capitol building is one of the tallest buildings in the state.

Huey Long planned it that way; it was the tallest building in the state for quite a while. A cursory search reveals that both Nebraska and North Dakota have high-rise state capitols, though neither is as tall as Huey's tower.

[Blitzen]

I'm not against Charity becoming City Hall, but does it make sense to renovate such a huge building? Does City Hall need that size? Plus, despite its iconic look as a public building should, it is kinda hidden in its location. A new building on Loyola/Duncan Plaza area has more visibility like a City Hall should. This would especially be true considering all the new development that appears to be coming to fruition.

I 100% totally agree that City Hall should be relocated into the old Charity building.

Though it won't take up the entire space, there's no reason the rest can't be leased, used for parking, or turned into incubator space for new small businesses. All these would generate revenue to help finance the project.

Moreover, the building is in a prominent enough location, it just needs to be pressure washed and it would really be noticed. Tulane Avenue is really growing into a major street again. Plus, if the Claiborne Overpass is demolished, it will really be a prominent and important intersection.

[cameron70115]

I'm not against Charity becoming City Hall, but does it make sense to renovate such a huge building?

I'd be really interested to know the square footage of Charity, compared to the square footage of all city offices (City Hall plus other office space around the city). I just looked at the satellite view of Charity on Google Maps, and it really is enormous. Maybe it would make sense to only preserve the front of the building, and bulldoze the wings on the back side? Or hell, just leave them vacant and if the economy ever really heats up, they could be turned into office space of some kind. Isn't it less expensive to renovate Charity into City Hall than it would be to build an entirely new building? Am I mistaken?

[Nolacat157]

Joy Theatre has new owners, renovation plans
by CityBusiness staff reports


July 15th, 2011 · No Comments · Blog
According to a release from The McDonnel Group, a Metairie construction firm, the Joy Theatre on Canal Street in downtown New Orleans, which has been closed since 2003, has new owners who are planning to reopen the venue by early next year.

The buyers are NOLA Theatre District LLC, which is made up of local businessmen Neal Hixon, Joe Jaeger, Allan McDonnel, and Todd Trosclair.

“The renovation and reopening of the Joy Theatre is a critical component to the revitalization of this area of Canal Street,” said Allan McDonnel, McDonnel Group president. “The timing of the project is crucial as well with the development of the Jung Hotel and surrounding sites, University Hospital and VA Hospital projects, the new streetcar extension, several residential and hotel projects currently in development in the nearby vicinity, and of course the reopening of the Saenger Theatre just across Canal Street.”


According to the statement, the project will use “a variety of tax incentives including state and federal historic tax credits and Louisiana Live Performance District Tax Credits.

http://neworleanscitybusiness.com/thenewsroom/2011/07/15/joy-theatre-has-new-owners-renovation-plans/

[WesternSon]

Charity, or part of it, would make a great city hall. I also think it would be pretty cathartic for the city to bulldoze the current cityhall and create an expanded downtown park ("Rebirth Square" would be appropriate I think). Would be kinda of like discovery green in houston (gasp i said it...) but would also be able to host some tailgating for Saints games and such. Would also soften up downtown for hopefully more residents to enjoy.

But realistically there is ZERO money or political will for this in the near future.

[FrenchTwins]

Here's some commentary on the 4-4 vote on 1031 Canal:

http://neworleanscitybusiness.com/thenewsroom/2011/07/13/panel-deadlocks-on-1031-canal-project-developer-turns-to-council/

Apparently there were two commissioners absent this vote and three the last vote! Do these people get paid to not be there?

All the while looking at other city development threads on this forum, a massive three block development in downtown Miami went through one vote in one day and got approved. Why can't we have that? :shrug:

And this from 1031canal.com:

Considering both the June and July CBD-HDLC meetings,

7 of 10 CBD-HDLC commissioners voted for approval.

(6 votes are Needed for a Legal Ruling)

The problem:

Those 7 commissioners have not been present at the same meeting.

[tennis1400]

1031 Canal to go before Planning Commission Aug 9th.

www.1031canal.com

Good they should have done that originally!

[tennis1400]

Joy Theatre has new owners, renovation plans
by CityBusiness staff reports


July 15th, 2011 · No Comments · Blog
According to a release from The McDonnel Group, a Metairie construction firm, the Joy Theatre on Canal Street in downtown New Orleans, which has been closed since 2003, has new owners who are planning to reopen the venue by early next year.

The buyers are NOLA Theatre District LLC, which is made up of local businessmen Neal Hixon, Joe Jaeger, Allan McDonnel, and Todd Trosclair.

“The renovation and reopening of the Joy Theatre is a critical component to the revitalization of this area of Canal Street,” said Allan McDonnel, McDonnel Group president. “The timing of the project is crucial as well with the development of the Jung Hotel and surrounding sites, University Hospital and VA Hospital projects, the new streetcar extension, several residential and hotel projects currently in development in the nearby vicinity, and of course the reopening of the Saenger Theatre just across Canal Street.”


According to the statement, the project will use “a variety of tax incentives including state and federal historic tax credits and Louisiana Live Performance District Tax Credits.

http://neworleanscitybusiness.com/thenewsroom/2011/07/15/joy-theatre-has-new-owners-renovation-plans/

Todds a friend of mine so Ill ask and see what the exact plans are if there are any yet. These folks get things done so this is very exciting for the Theatre Disitrict.

[tennis1400]

Good news here:
A regional leader in disaster management and recovery announced today it will acquire a North Shore engineering firm and relocate its home base to New Orleans.

Disaster Recovery Consultants, a Tampa, Fla.-based disaster consultancy, will merge with Cooper Engineering Inc. of Mandeville, a 20-year-old civil and structural engineering firm.http://neworleanscitybusiness.com/thenewsroom/2011/07/14/disaster-recovery-firm-makes-new-orleans-its-new-home-base/

[Nolacat157]

Todds a friend of mine so Ill ask and see what the exact plans are if there are any yet. These folks get things done so this is very exciting for the Theatre Disitrict.

Yeah I was skeptical until I saw the names of the people involved too. Hixon said last year that they werent going to make an annoucement until they were ready to kick off the construction. It sounds like thats the case if they plan to be open for Q112.

[tennis1400]

Yeah I was skeptical until I saw the names of the people involved too. Hixon said last year that they werent going to make an annoucement until they were ready to kick off the construction. It sounds like thats the case if they plan to be open for Q112.

Yeah this wont be another Orpheum Theatre fiasco. What is going on with that btw? The owner sounds super sketchy!!!

On Another note I saw that there is a new proposal going around that says that any building requesting a land use change will be required to post a large sign with a rendering of the propsal on said parcel. What do you guys think of this?

Also this is great news for the Lakefront area: They are rebuilding the lighthouse that was destroyed; Heres the building permit!

Work Location 8001 LAKESHORE DR
NEW ORLEANS LA 70124
Project Description:
NEW CONSTRUCTION OF A 3 STORY 1263 S.F. CANAL LIGHTHOUSE MUSEUM AND EDUCATIONAL CENTER AS PER PLANS,ORD.23370 AND ORLEANS LEVEE BOARD APPROVAL.
$410,000

Just got a response on facebook about South Market District. Says they are still on track to break ground end of this year or first quarter 2012.

[sguil1]

Great news on the Joy. If the city council has enough sense to approve 1031 canal, that would be a great trifecta for that area along with the saenger.

[tennis1400]

Great news on the Joy. If the city council has enough sense to approve 1031 canal, that would be a great trifecta for that area along with the saenger.

Palmer said she is for the project just had an issue with the architecture, but I think its much better now and you cant hold a project hostage because the board never has enough members show up! City Planning will be the big fight so we need to show our support! If I have to be at City Hall that day Ill stay for the meeting to show support!

[midcity]

I'd be really interested to know the square footage of Charity, compared to the square footage of all city offices (City Hall plus other office space around the city). I just looked at the satellite view of Charity on Google Maps, and it really is enormous. Maybe it would make sense to only preserve the front of the building, and bulldoze the wings on the back side? Or hell, just leave them vacant and if the economy ever really heats up, they could be turned into office space of some kind. Isn't it less expensive to renovate Charity into City Hall than it would be to build an entirely new building? Am I mistaken?

The numbers that were quoted when the idea was being tossed around was that Charity is about 1 million square feet and the city needs less than 400,000 square feet. So that is why I commented on the size because the city would take up less than half the building. That would be a lot of space to find other uses for. Again, I'm not against it and on the surface it seems like a good idea, but I'm guessing there would be a lot of people against the city taking on such a big building that would require such a massive renovation. It might be less expensive than building a new building, but does it still make sense? A 1 million sq.ft. building for a city of 350,000 seems extroadinary. Perhaps tearing down the ancillary wings would help. And I'm not sure how good of a property manager the City would be for the rest of the building.

[midcity]

Joy Theatre has new owners, renovation plans
by CityBusiness staff reports


July 15th, 2011 · No Comments · Blog
According to a release from The McDonnel Group, a Metairie construction firm, the Joy Theatre on Canal Street in downtown New Orleans, which has been closed since 2003, has new owners who are planning to reopen the venue by early next year.

The buyers are NOLA Theatre District LLC, which is made up of local businessmen Neal Hixon, Joe Jaeger, Allan McDonnel, and Todd Trosclair.

“The renovation and reopening of the Joy Theatre is a critical component to the revitalization of this area of Canal Street,” said Allan McDonnel, McDonnel Group president. “The timing of the project is crucial as well with the development of the Jung Hotel and surrounding sites, University Hospital and VA Hospital projects, the new streetcar extension, several residential and hotel projects currently in development in the nearby vicinity, and of course the reopening of the Saenger Theatre just across Canal Street.”


According to the statement, the project will use “a variety of tax incentives including state and federal historic tax credits and Louisiana Live Performance District Tax Credits.

http://neworleanscitybusiness.com/thenewsroom/2011/07/15/joy-theatre-has-new-owners-renovation-plans/

What is being developed at the Jung Hotel? Either I didn't know there was a project planned or I have forgotten.

[ardecila]

I'd be really interested to know the square footage of Charity, compared to the square footage of all city offices (City Hall plus other office space around the city). I just looked at the satellite view of Charity on Google Maps, and it really is enormous. Maybe it would make sense to only preserve the front of the building, and bulldoze the wings on the back side? Or hell, just leave them vacant and if the economy ever really heats up, they could be turned into office space of some kind. Isn't it less expensive to renovate Charity into City Hall than it would be to build an entirely new building? Am I mistaken?

My position has always been clear... City Hall needs to return to Gallier Hall on Lafayette Square.

[midcity]

My position has always been clear... City Hall needs to return to Gallier Hall on Lafayette Square.

That would be awesome, except that it wouldn't provide the 400,000 sq. ft. so the city would still need another building.

[ardecila]

Yep, and there's a huge parking lot at Poydras/Carondelet, directly behind Gallier Hall. The city could put up a 6-8 story office building on Poydras with a slick modern look, and then use Gallier Hall to host City Council meetings, committee meetings, and other important functions.

[Nolacat157]

Just got a response on facebook about South Market District. Says they are still on track to break ground end of this year or first quarter 2012.

In the real estate transactions today WWL sold their property to SoMa for $6.2 million. Looks like this project is on track.

[sguil1]

good news. was beginning to get nervous, hadn't heard any updates on the project.

[Uptowngirl]

That would be awesome, except that it wouldn't provide the 400,000 sq. ft. so the city would still need another building.

Like someone once said, move city hall back to Gallier Hall. If it doesn't fit...we didn't need it anyhow. :notacrook:

[Blitzen]

Looks like Tulane is still serious about building a new 25-30k seat stadium on campus:

http://www.nola.com/tulane/index.ssf/2011/07/tulane_athletic_director_rick_4.html

And honestly I keep looking at the Bing map of the campus and I don't see 30k seats going where that practice field is... Especially since they're landlocked with the new tennis/basketball courts. That was bad planning to build those first.

http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=nzqqbc7gq91h&lvl=18&dir=0&sty=o&where1=New%20Orleans%2C%20LA&form=LMLTCC

[cameron70115]

And honestly I keep looking at the Bing map of the campus and I don't see 30k seats going where that practice field is

It needs to be a really skinny stadium. Since it's only going to hold 30,000, maybe it could only have a grandstand on one side, plus endzone seats. But that'd be a shame. Maybe they'll have to build the other sideline grandstand on top of the edge of the basketball practice facility, and rip out 2 of the tennis courts.

By the way, as a Tulane grad I can say this is a visionary and needed plan for Tulane sports. If the team keeps playing at the dome forever, they may as well just give up.

[ardecila]

The new basketball practice facility includes provisions for grandstands to be built on its west side.

Also, I believe the track will be removed, and track meets moved off-campus (possibly to Gormley). That will provide much more room on the sidelines.

You're correct that the stadium will need to be shoe-horned in, but I think there is room. The article compared it to SMU's stadium, which seats 30k and looks gigantic in aerial photos (http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=pg5q956y184s&lvl=18.72646022806932&dir=286.46047984290226&sty=o&where1=Southern%20Methodist%20University%2C%20TX&form=LMLTCC). I'm not sure Tulane's stadium will ever be like that.

The big unknown is whether the people on Audubon will throw a fit if Tulane erects giant grandstands and decides to hold football games practically in their backyard.

Former Tulane Stadium:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3396/3183401803_af8380b988_z.jpg
flickr/infrogmation (http://www.flickr.com/photos/infrogmation/3183401803/in/photostream/)

[tennis1400]

The new basketball practice facility includes provisions for grandstands to be built on its west side.

Also, I believe the track will be removed, and track meets moved off-campus (possibly to Gormley). That will provide much more room on the sidelines.

You're correct that the stadium will need to be shoe-horned in, but I think there is room. The article compared it to SMU's stadium, which seats 30k and looks gigantic in aerial photos (http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=pg5q956y184s&lvl=18.72646022806932&dir=286.46047984290226&sty=o&where1=Southern%20Methodist%20University%2C%20TX&form=LMLTCC). I'm not sure Tulane's stadium will ever be like that.

The big unknown is whether the people on Audubon will throw a fit if Tulane erects giant grandstands and decides to hold football games practically in their backyard.

Former Tulane Stadium:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3396/3183401803_af8380b988_z.jpg
flickr/infrogmation (http://www.flickr.com/photos/infrogmation/3183401803/in/photostream/)

I guess the zoning department could say the stadium is a historic use. I do agree that they need to get a stadium back on that campus. It was always a mistake when they got rid of it.

[tennis1400]

New article on the Hyatt. Features some new information!


http://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Hyatt-Regency-means-business-with-$275M-redevelopment/

[Mission Most Livable]

New article on the Hyatt. Features some new information!


http://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Hyatt-Regency-means-business-with-$275M-redevelopment/
I hyperlinked it here (http://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Hyatt-Regency-means-business-with-$275M-redevelopment/) for you.

[IceCream]

Looks like Tulane is still serious about building a new 25-30k seat stadium on campus:

http://www.nola.com/tulane/index.ssf/2011/07/tulane_athletic_director_rick_4.html

And honestly I keep looking at the Bing map of the campus and I don't see 30k seats going where that practice field is... Especially since they're landlocked with the new tennis/basketball courts. That was bad planning to build those first.

http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=nzqqbc7gq91h&lvl=18&dir=0&sty=o&where1=New%20Orleans%2C%20LA&form=LMLTCC

Tulane will likely just demolish something they just built and then build the stadium where they want to. They have quite a track record of wasting huge sums of money and then just asking the alumni to pick up the tab...which they seem willing to do.

[Blitzen]

Tulane will likely just demolish something they just built and then build the stadium where they want to. They have quite a track record of wasting huge sums of money and then just asking the alumni to pick up the tab...which they seem willing to do.

The only place I see it fitting, without looking awkward, is behind the Reilly Center running parallel to the building. The problem with that, is it requires moving the newly built basketball/tennis courts, but I think it would be worth it for a decent looking stadium.

[NolaWave]

New article on the Hyatt. Features some new information!


http://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Hyatt-Regency-means-business-with-$275M-redevelopment/

Hope they will be able to fill up two very large restaurants on a consistent basis. Any rumors on who the celebrity chef will be? John Besh has two hotel restaurants already in the city, so I am hoping it is not him.

[Dirty D]

Hope they will be able to fill up two very large restaurants on a consistent basis. Any rumors on who the celebrity chef will be? John Besh has two hotel restaurants already in the city, so I am hoping it is not him.

One will be owned by Besh, but Brian Landry, formerly of Galatoire's, will be the chef.

[NolaWave]

One will be owned by Besh, but Brian Landry, formerly of Galatoire's, will be the chef.

Well I think John Besh has tapped out the local market, but I am excited about this pairing of Landry with him.

[tennis1400]

One will be owned by Besh, but Brian Landry, formerly of Galatoire's, will be the chef.

Where did you get this information?

[elwin514]

Hotel New Orleans across the Convention Center will be converted to Hyatt Place in early 2012.

http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2011/07/hotel_new_orleans_across_from.html

[ardecila]

I love Hyatt Place. It's about time we get one in New Orleans.

Hotel New Orleans is a fairly attractive building, unlike most of the newer additions to the Warehouse District.

[tennis1400]

Hotel New Orleans across the Convention Center will be converted to Hyatt Place in early 2012.

http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2011/07/hotel_new_orleans_across_from.html


Gotta love editors that dont do there job lol

An "extensive" renovation of the eight-story, 170-roof hotel is expected to begin later this year.

[polemic]

The only place I see it fitting, without looking awkward, is behind the Reilly Center running parallel to the building. The problem with that, is it requires moving the newly built basketball/tennis courts, but I think it would be worth it for a decent looking stadium.

Wouldn't a great place for a new Tulane football stadium be on the site of Uptown Square? It would be walking distance from the campus. Parking could be provided at Audubon (perhaps replacing their lot with a garage, with a long term lease with Tulane). And tailgating could be on the Fly, which seems the most natural place to do it Uptown and not disturb finnicky Uptown NIMBY neighbors. Tulane could then develop the stadium with an open end-zone on one side, overlooking the river.

Whatever offices Tulane currently has in Uptown Square could be moved to a new mid-rise building on campus, fronting on Claiborne, with ground floor retail and garage parking, which would provide for much better interaction with the street than the current parking lot.

[IceCream]

Wouldn't a great place for a new Tulane football stadium be on the site of Uptown Square? It would be walking distance from the campus. Parking could be provided at Audubon (perhaps replacing their lot with a garage, with a long term lease with Tulane). And tailgating could be on the Fly, which seems the most natural place to do it Uptown and not disturb finnicky Uptown NIMBY neighbors. Tulane could then develop the stadium with an open end-zone on one side, overlooking the river.

Whatever offices Tulane currently has in Uptown Square could be moved to a new mid-rise building on campus, fronting on Claiborne, with ground floor retail and garage parking, which would provide for much better interaction with the street than the current parking lot.

Traffic is already TERRRRRIBLE on weekends as you try to navigate river road / Magazine by the Zoo and the Fly. It backs up all the way down the Zoo and practically to Nashville as everyone tries to bring their troupe of kids to the zoo or to soccer and baseball games on the fly.

While that would be interesting, I think it would be a disaster. Something better should be done with the Uptown Square site though. It seems boring and underutilized and very out of place.

[tennis1400]

Heading to Africa for a Safari for two weeks. Hope you guys keep the board up to date and hopefully there's lots of good news to report about!!


St Mary of the Angels - Main Building (Hurricane Rebuild)
201100522042 v. 7
Dodge Project Report, Plans and Specs
Miscellaneous Education Building,
Worship Facility GC Bidding $2,945,000 LA (Orleans) Aug 9, 2

Holy Cross Cafeteria/Chapel Temp Campus Renovation
201100548967 v. 2
Dodge Project Report
Middle/Senior High School,
Worship Facility GC Bidding-Invitation $2,750,000

[Nolacat157]

Heading to Africa for a Safari for two weeks. Hope you guys keep the board up to date and hopefully there's lots of good news to report about!!

Not a bad way to spend the summer. :cheers:

[ardecila]

While that would be interesting, I think it would be a disaster. Something better should be done with the Uptown Square site though. It seems boring and underutilized and very out of place.

The neighborhood screams blood murder every time somebody proposes another highrise along Leake.

http://www.neighborhoodsinaction.org/shortstreet/LeveePark.pdf

These people even advise against adding turn lanes on Leake - they want to preserve the road with its crumbling, unsafe design exactly as it is today, in perpetuity. They're out of their minds.

This is my neighborhood, so I'm very much in favor of additional development if the city can work with developers to solve design issues and accommodate the new residents.

[Blitzen]

The neighborhood screams blood murder every time somebody proposes another highrise along Leake.

http://www.neighborhoodsinaction.org/shortstreet/LeveePark.pdf

These people even advise against adding turn lanes on Leake - they want to preserve the road with its crumbling, unsafe design exactly as it is today, in perpetuity. They're out of their minds.

Agreed about these people being crazy. They're anti-progress, just for the sake of being anti-change. And because of that, they get the problems they seek to fix - ex: They don't want traffic on Leake, and yet oppose turning lanes or a middle turning lane.

As far as a football stadium going in Uptown Square, there doesn't seem to be enough contiguous space for it. Plus, if students are too lazy to get on a bus to go to the Superdome, I don't see them walking to Uptown Square.

You are right about Tulane needing to demolish it and move the offices to the main campus. It's a big and inconvenient waste of space. It should be subdivided or sold off to a developer. The only thing I see working there is residential with a tiny bit of commercial, i.e. dry cleaning, cafes, small restaurants. Or, I know Loyola would like its own baseball stadium, that would definitely fit on that location.

[broadmoor]

Word has it Tulane is tearing down its tennis courts and practice field to fit the stadium. The new basketball/volleyball practice facility is built with a stadium in mind - the blueprints have a space reserved for where a future concourse, athletes' walk, and access to stadium suites will be attached to the practice facility. They're supposed to be putting the stadium at a weird angle to fit in, but they really need an on-campus stadium back. Tearing down the original Tulane Stadium turned out to be such a bad idea.

[SlidellWx]

Wal-Mart is the winning bidder to redevelop the Gentilly Woods Mall. Looks like a few things to finalize before construction begins. It will be good to see the old mall demolished and commerce returning...even if it is a Wal-Mart.

Here is the article...

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/07/wal-mart_wins_bid_to_redevelop.html

[Blitzen]

http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2011/07/plaza_tower_citys_third_talles.html

Looks like the contract fell through and she's up for auction in September. I hope something good comes through. The building in its current condition works as far as commercial space, but I don't think people would live there without a major facade redo... and that's if there's even a market for more residential in the CBD.

[tennis1400]

The plaza buildingscreams TIF financing. Once south market etc takes off the plaza will be more valuable.


Still shocked I have net access even in the bush of Zambia .

[Mission Most Livable]

Wal-Mart is the winning bidder to redevelop the Gentilly Woods Mall. Looks like a few things to finalize before construction begins. It will be good to see the old mall demolished and commerce returning...even if it is a Wal-Mart.

Here is the article...

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/07/wal-mart_wins_bid_to_redevelop.html
Although I'd prefer a Target vs. a Wal-Mart I was relieved to read that they will not be seeking any assistance from NORA.

[Blitzen]

I found this image on the Joy Theater's facebook page. I can't wait to see all of that neon brightening up Canal Street!

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/281508_202511916464254_202511393130973_481596_4482440_n.jpg

[SlidellWx]

Definitely hoping that the Plaza Tower will be transformed into something good. It's got commanding views of the city, but will need quite a bit of work to make it into a viable residential or mixed-use project. Hopefully, someone with deep pockets and a good track record will buy the building.

[IceCream]

http://www.nola.com/arts/index.ssf/2011/07/judge_refuses_to_grant_injunct.html

"A group of theater lovers seeking to block the sale of part of Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre’s building for use as a restaurant suffered a legal defeat Wednesday when a judge dismissed their request for an injunction to prevent the sale........"


Yay!!!!

[Blitzen]

There's a new video on the D-Day Museum's website, with a video posted less than a month ago of the finished concept. It looks beautiful, but suggests that a smaller version of the giant canopy has returned; and that maybe Andrew Higgins Street might be closed off to vehicle traffic on the block of the museum (which I would be ok with if St. Joseph Street were widened slightly and kept 1-way).

Does anyone know anything?

http://www.nationalww2museum.org/expansion/index.html

[sguil1]

I read an article a few months back saying that a different version of the canopy would indeed be built, without the tall pole structures. Not sure about the street closures. Also the models of the expansion in the lobby of the actual museum itself shows a possible hotel being built across magazine street.

[Nolacat157]

Everything I've ever seen/read says they will close that block off to traffic once the expansion is complete.

[Mission Most Livable]

There's a new video on the D-Day Museum's website, with a video posted less than a month ago of the finished concept. It looks beautiful, but suggests that a smaller version of the giant canopy has returned; and that maybe Andrew Higgins Street might be closed off to vehicle traffic on the block of the museum (which I would be ok with if St. Joseph Street were widened slightly and kept 1-way).

Does anyone know anything?

http://www.nationalww2museum.org/expansion/index.html
The eventual plan is to close the entire street and run a streetcar line down into the museum district from Lee Circle.

[Blitzen]

The eventual plan is to close the entire street and run a streetcar line down into the museum district from Lee Circle.

Speaking of the D-Day Museum:

http://www.nola.com/military/index.ssf/2011/07/portions_of_adolf_hitlers_atla.html

The museum was given 3 big chunks of Hitler's Atlantic Wall today from France.

[Chris from N.O.]

Just got an e-mail from RTA. Stakeholder meeting for Loyola line tomorrow from 6-8 at the Superdome Holiday Inn. Archer Western contractors from ? have been selected as contractor. Sorry, no link, norta.com appears to be down.

[Blitzen]

A while ago I remember reading about how the Children's Museum was trying to build a facility in City Park, and I found some renderings. I don't know if these have been scaled down, because I remember there was talk of that happening, or if this is the scaled down version:

http://mithun.com/projects/project_detail/louisiana_childrens_museum_early_learning_village/

http://neworleanscitypark.com/plan/festival/Schematic%20Design.pdf

http://earlylearningvillage.org/interact.html#

[ardecila]

^^ omg build it now

[Blitzen]

The historic lighthouse on Lakeshore Drive is being rebuilt. Construction is supposed to begin in 3 weeks, according to this article:

http://www.wwltv.com/news/Action-Report-Work-About-To-Start-on-Historic-Lakefront-Lighthouse-126185858.html

http://www.saveourlake.org/images/image-lh-history.jpg

[Blitzen]

Driving piles has began on the first phase of a new station for WYES-Channel 12. The 20,000 square-foot project, known as the Technical Building is expected to be complete in early Spring, 2012 and will serve as the new studios and editing space for the station as well as the new home of the auctions.

Does anyone have a picture of the completed design?

Also, does anyone have an update of the new Riverfront Park? Any timeline?

http://www.landisllc.com/wyes-channel-12-project-begins/

http://www.landisllc.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/IMG_2285-300x225.jpg
Picture is from Landis,LLC website.

[Blitzen]

The sad day we all knew was coming for a long time. Trump Tower is officially dead. :gaah:

http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2011/07/plans_for_building_trump_tower.html

[photoLith]

^
70 stories :( Probably will remain a parking lot for the foreseeable future.

[rschin2]

"The developer still hopes to bring the project online at some point. He has not given up on building a project in New Orleans"



...yeah...right

[photoLith]

Hopefully when I might be moving to NO in about a year this project will be coming back to life...

[ardecila]

Good riddance... I was never a fan of the Trump project, both because of its awful design and its sheer size. Don't get me wrong, I love tall buildings, but Trump would satisfy all the demand for downtown living for years. Maybe now we can get some serious development instead of this Mickey-Mouse crap.

[SlidellWx]

Not surprised to hear the news that Trump Tower is officially dead. I'm actually surprised it took this long to pull the plug.

[WesternSon]

This is announcement is a positive development. If it wasn't ever going to be built at least now the market and lenders know there isn't a flood of luxury units coming down the pipe. Maybe now some visionaries will set there eyes on the other empty big boys downtown Plaza Tower, WTC or 225 Barrone...

Sad day in principal. But there is so much more going on in downtown that anyone can't help but be excited. When Gibbs alone finishes his projects downtown it'll add a healthy boost to the area- happys, the rouses and the corner stores and condos on Poydras...

[cameron70115]

Trump is a disgrace, and so is Fred Levin, the sleazy Pensacola attorney who was a major force (the major force?) behind the NOLA Trump Tower. This thing not being built is a huge victory for New Orleans. We don't need a 70 story building downtown; instead we need lots of 5 to 10 story buildings, to fill up all those parking lots and create living sidewalks!

[rcp11889]

The RTA has a new website. Very cool and more modern than the old one.

It says that by the end of the summer you will be able to see when the next bus/streetcar is coming on your phone. Finally!

[Chris from N.O.]

The RTA has a new website. Very cool and more modern than the old one.

It says that by the end of the summer you will be able to see when the next bus/streetcar is coming on your phone. Finally!

What's the address? Norta.com is still going to a web dev co's site.

[ardecila]

The RTA has a new website. Very cool and more modern than the old one.

It says that by the end of the summer you will be able to see when the next bus/streetcar is coming on your phone. Finally!

Hopefully this is the "real" bus tracker system that uses GPS, computer algorithms, and past performance data to predict arrival times.

Many transit agencies have something that they call a "bus tracker" which is really just an interactive timetable that doesn't ever take on-the-ground conditions into account. You could look at the PDF schedule and learn just as much.

NORTA's buses are actually very, very reliable, since New Orleans rarely has bad traffic. The streetcars are the exact opposite, since they run on fixed tracks that are blocked all the time by motorists. However, the streetcars run much more frequently than buses, so despite the unpredictability in arrival times and the slow travel speed, they're actually more convenient for travel.

This is purely a result of poor management at NORTA - a frequent network of 10-15 minute buses would be awesome, and the city should really focus on building one of these. It requires absolutely no new construction, just additional drivers and buses. Stops at major intersections would get large, comfortable shelters.

[NOLAmike]

Sad day in principal. But there is so much more going on in downtown that anyone can't help but be excited. When Gibbs alone finishes his projects downtown it'll add a healthy boost to the area- happys, the rouses and the corner stores and condos on Poydras...

Any news on the Happy's and the Walk On's? I've see the adds on Airline highway. Last I heard they were planning for the Saints' season opener, but I think I remember seeing on this forum they are planning on added to the original design of the building so I don't know when they are planning on opening now.

[NOLAmike]

Trump is a disgrace, and so is Fred Levin, the sleazy Pensacola attorney who was a major force (the major force?) behind the NOLA Trump Tower. This thing not being built is a huge victory for New Orleans. We don't need a 70 story building downtown; instead we need lots of 5 to 10 story buildings, to fill up all those parking lots and create living sidewalks!

I agree 5 to 10 story buildings are probably more important, but I don't like writing off these skyscrapers because I think having a new landmark every now and again isn't such a bad thing. I just hope if someone builds it its because there is actually a market for it. Its too bad the traçage project fell thru, that's one I would have really liked to go see. Hopefully we can get more people living in the downtown area, its worked well for Austin and Vancouver, maybe we could learn a thing or two from them....

[rcp11889]

Any news on the Happy's and the Walk On's? I've see the adds on Airline highway. Last I heard they were planning for the Saints' season opener, but I think I remember seeing on this forum they are planning on added to the original design of the building so I don't know when they are planning on opening now.

I just saw an ad on the back of the Gambit this week that said its opening early fall.

[rcp11889]

Hopefully this is the "real" bus tracker system that uses GPS, computer algorithms, and past performance data to predict arrival times.

Many transit agencies have something that they call a "bus tracker" which is really just an interactive timetable that doesn't ever take on-the-ground conditions into account. You could look at the PDF schedule and learn just as much.

NORTA's buses are actually very, very reliable, since New Orleans rarely has bad traffic. The streetcars are the exact opposite, since they run on fixed tracks that are blocked all the time by motorists. However, the streetcars run much more frequently than buses, so despite the unpredictability in arrival times and the slow travel speed, they're actually more convenient for travel.

This is purely a result of poor management at NORTA - a frequent network of 10-15 minute buses would be awesome, and the city should really focus on building one of these. It requires absolutely no new construction, just additional drivers and buses. Stops at major intersections would get large, comfortable shelters.

I've been taking the streetcar (Canal and St. Charles) a lot this summer and I actually think it comes quite often. However, they are ALWAYS full. They just added an additional car on St. Charles but they really need to add like 2 more.

[rcp11889]

What's the address? Norta.com is still going to a web dev co's site.

Norta.com works for me

[ardecila]

I've been taking the streetcar (Canal and St. Charles) a lot this summer and I actually think it comes quite often. However, they are ALWAYS full. They just added an additional car on St. Charles but they really need to add like 2 more.

The issue isn't the frequency, its the speed. The freret bus takes half the time to go from Broadway to downtown that the streetcar does.

[Uptowngirl]

There needs to be Express St. Charles streetcars that only make special selected and infrequent stops, especially during the week. That would help the speed issue

[ardecila]

I don't think so... the express streetcars would just get caught behind the slow streetcars. If you want express service, either run a bus or close some street crossings and allow left turns at major intersections.

[Nolacat157]

Any news on the Happy's and the Walk On's? I've see the adds on Airline highway. Last I heard they were planning for the Saints' season opener, but I think I remember seeing on this forum they are planning on added to the original design of the building so I don't know when they are planning on opening now.

The article below from WWL says they plan on opening by the end of August. That seems very ambitious considering its present state but maybe they can pull it off.

http://www.wwltv.com/news/CBD-developers-hoping-Saints-success-will-help-launch-businesses.html

[Blitzen]

I don't think so... the express streetcars would just get caught behind the slow streetcars. If you want express service, either run a bus or close some street crossings and allow left turns at major intersections.

Completely agree about closing the neutral ground on St. Charles and Carrollton to cross traffic except every couple of blocks and at major intersections.

It's a minor inconvenience for an automobile to drive an extra few blocks to make a turn in the opposite direction, but the increase in speed, reliability, and safety for the streetcar system would be well worth it.

[IceCream]

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=2200+st.+andrew+street+new+orleans+la&hl=en&ll=29.940376,-90.099542&spn=0,0.013175&t=h&z=17&layer=c&cbll=29.940328,-90.100203&panoid=LZbodyR6_hLswaK3Z526XQ&cbp=12,211.96,,0,0.7

Finally something is being built on that big vacant lot next to the old BP (now generic) gas station on S. Claiborne.

An Autozone isn't as awesome as a Best Buy but hopefully it'll lead to some other national retailers considering the corridor for some mediumsized stores.

(ignore the fact that the googlemaps thing says "2200 St. Andrew" as I had googled that and then scrolled over to the site.

[nolaproud]

Has anybody heard any new rumors about what might fill the old borders store on St. Charles & Louisiana? I heard Best Buy a while ago and then I came across this article in the times pic which says that H&M is looking at the old Borders store locations. Is it just me or would that be an amazing adition to that corner (traffic excluded)?

http://neworleans.craigslist.org/apa/2480457142.html

[WesternSon]

I don't think H&M would be into the Borders at Louisiana, the one by Lakeside would make more sense. I heard that "Fresh Market" was looking at the building and I think that would be a better fit, they are putting in a location inside the new Hyatt so a location Uptown would be logical.

H&M was rumored to be looking at Canal Street locations, an article in CityBusiness interviewed someone from the DDD and they only had a telling "no comment" on the matter.

[tennis1400]

Finally made it back from Zimbabwe/Zambia today... see if I can find anything new that may have been missed!