[tennis1400]

Not sure if anyone knows the answer to this, but will the new Superdome Lights be turned on this weekend? I know it was supposed to be some time in September but since none of the games are at night I wasnt sure when they planned to do it!

[ardecila]

You all think so? I Like ardecila's idea, but unless you move the entrance to the port you'd still be funneling traffic back into a two lane at Felicity. It'll just add more lanes and signal phases to the mix. I guess you can always reopen the Louisiana and Napoleon gates, but you can bet uptown communters won't be happy if you can convince truckers to skip the truckway entrance.

It'll definitetly benefit anything that is developed between S. Peters and the river from the Convention Center to Wal-Mart. From there on it'll be tricky.

Shifting traffic onto S. Peters will only remove traffic from Tchoup/Religious. Nobody's trying to squeeze more traffic through that intersection, just to connect it better with downtown.

Also: could they extend the truckway to Race? Henderson would be better but Mardi Gras World is in the way.

Lastly: it irks me that Wal-Mart closed the intersection at St. Mary only to put in a new one 50 feet away. I know the sight lines aren't optimal at the curve on Tchoup, but traffic should not be going that fast until after Jackson.

[Uptowner]

Shifting traffic onto S. Peters will only remove traffic from Tchoup/Religious. Nobody's trying to squeeze more traffic through that intersection, just to connect it better with downtown.

The other poster was saying that it would relieve traffic. Most of the traffic in the stretch are trucks coming from the expressway and traffic to Wal-Mart. Extending S. Peters would allow traffic going Uptown to avoid all of that, but they would all have to meet up at that one spot. It would probably work better to have traffic Tchoup follow S. Peters with Religous/Tchoup/Felicity turning to the river to meet it with a simple 3-way intersection.

I always feel like I'm coming off the wrong way here, but I hope I'm not. But anyway I think it's either or. The streetgrid or traffic.



Also: could they extend the truckway to Race? Henderson would be better but Mardi Gras World is in the way.

I don't see why they couldn't. The port doesn't seem to be using that stretch of the wharves for anything. Add a signal at Race and Tchoup (which is needed anyway) and it may not be so bad.


Lastly: it irks me that Wal-Mart closed the intersection at St. Mary only to put in a new one 50 feet away. I know the sight lines aren't optimal at the curve on Tchoup, but traffic should not be going that fast until after Jackson.

I feel the exact same way. :cheers:

[Blitzen]

Also: could they extend the truckway to Race? Henderson would be better but Mardi Gras World is in the way.


It's probably too late now, but honestly I think Henderson Street should be eliminated and the new convention center wing be directly attached to the old one. ORANGE Street should then be a wide, grand boulevard between the River and Tchop, making it very easy for trucks to use it as well, coming from the port, heading to I-10. I would say Race St., but according to the Convention Center master plan, Phase IV takes over and incorporates Race St.

Also, the plans show a new road running all the way to present day Henderson St. This plus a connected Orange St. would give Mardi Gras World a nice new entrance, instead of the maze you have to enter now.

**Minor piece of trivia, but Coliseum St. and Race St. get their names because originally there was going to be a horse racing track where Coliseum Square is today.**

http://tvs-design.com/wp-content/uploads/T-KK75-000-202-560x734.jpg

[tennis1400]

A few permits pulled today:


Commercial Renovation (Non-Structural)
Work Location 514 CITY PARK AVE
SUITE B
NEW ORLEANS LA 70124Project Description:
RENOVATE EXISTING FAST FOOD RESTAURANT(TACO DEL MAR) AS PER PLANS.

Record 11COM-01367 :
Commercial Renovation (Non-Structural)
Work Location 881 CONVENTION CENTER BLVD
NEW ORLEANS LA 70130
Project Description:
INTERIOR FINISH UPDATE AND LIMITED NON-STRUCTURAL RENOVATIONS TO EXISTING HOTEL AS PER PLANS. NO EXTERIOR WORK ALLOWED UNDER THIS PERMIT.
$3,621,205.00

Record 11COM-01366 :
Description:
Commercial Renovation (Non-Structural)
Work Location 881 CONVENTION CENTER BLVD
NEW ORLEANS LA 70130
Project Description:
EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENT TO THE HYATT PLACE HOTEL AT CONVENTION CENTER AS PER PLANS AND HDLCP-11-1162. SIGNAGE REQUIRES A SEPERATE PERMIT.
Job Value($):
$325,297.00

[v-chop]

Hey Guys,

I'm new here, but have been reading the posts for months trying to stay abreast of the goings on in the city. I was wondering if anyone can tell me about what is coming to the site of the old Popeyes in the 6300 block of Elysian Fields. I was going to work one morning and noticed that it had been completely demolished and I think it was yesterday that I saw a fence put up.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=6280+elysian+fields+avenue&gs_upl=1531l5547l0l5734l26l21l0l0l0l0l296l3906l0.10.10l20l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1280&bih=763&wrapid=tlif131671379553310&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x8620a9272fc88491:0xb8c41de5c1a8366c,6280+Elysian+Fields+Ave,+New+Orleans,+LA+70122&gl=us&ei=SHV7ToTjOYHpsQLCmOzNAw&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CB0Q8gEwAA

[tennis1400]

Hey Guys,

I'm new here, but have been reading the posts for months trying to stay abreast of the goings on in the city. I was wondering if anyone can tell me about what is coming to the site of the old Popeyes in the 6300 block of Elysian Fields. I was going to work one morning and noticed that it had been completely demolished and I think it was yesterday that I saw a fence put up.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=6280+elysian+fields+avenue&gs_upl=1531l5547l0l5734l26l21l0l0l0l0l296l3906l0.10.10l20l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1280&bih=763&wrapid=tlif131671379553310&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x8620a9272fc88491:0xb8c41de5c1a8366c,6280+Elysian+Fields+Ave,+New+Orleans,+LA+70122&gl=us&ei=SHV7ToTjOYHpsQLCmOzNAw&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CB0Q8gEwAA

This is the permit but it unfortunately doesnt say what the brand is. i do know a Waffle House is going up down the street though.
lol However, i took the liberty to google the architects and discovered they are the ones designing the Scooters Chicken Stores... Id bet that is what this will be

Heres an idea of what the stores look like

http://www.moutonlong.com/projects/scooters/scooters%20Title%20Picture.jpg


Work Location 6232 ELYSIAN FIELDS AVE
NEW ORLEANS LA 70122

Contractor:
JEROME MOUTON
MOUTON + LONG ARCHITECTS
0000000000
601 PAPWORTH AVE
METAIRIE, LA, 70005-0000
Home Phone: 504-838-8091
Fax: 504-835-0653
ARCHITECT 03REG-16864

Project Description:
NEW CONSTRUCTION OF A 1-STORY FAST FOOD RESTAURANT AS PER PLANS.
Additional Information
Job Value($):
$335,000.00Number of Buildings:
1Public Owned:
No
Application Information
COM_BLDGNEWExisting Use: Vacant Lot
Proposed Use: Fast Food Service
HDLC/VCC: -N/A-
No. of Commercial Units: 1
No. of Floors: 1

[rcp11889]

Looks like the ARK building in the Marigny is going to start renovation into apartments soon. I've always liked this building and can't wait to see it shine again.

http://www.bestofneworleans.com/blogofneworleans/archives/2011/09/22/apartments-in-the-ark-and-an-fmia-election-update



Also, looks like the Council voted yes to the Kailas development on Canal.

http://www.wwltv.com/news/Council-votes-to-allow-redevelopment-of-Woolworths-building-130380778.html

[Blitzen]

Looks like the ARK building in the Marigny is going to start renovation into apartments soon. I've always liked this building and can't wait to see it shine again.

http://www.bestofneworleans.com/blogofneworleans/archives/2011/09/22/apartments-in-the-ark-and-an-fmia-election-update



Also, looks like the Council voted yes to the Kailas development on Canal.

http://www.wwltv.com/news/Council-votes-to-allow-redevelopment-of-Woolworths-building-130380778.html

Great news about both of these projects!! :rock:

I've always thought the ARK building was underutilized and should become new apartments. Residents will have off-street parking, and be able to enjoy the new Riverfront Park once opened.

As far as Woolworth's, according to the article they will only be allowed 70' on the Iberville Street side, 147' on the Canal Street side, and 190' in the middle. I don't see that as a bad compromise. Hopefully one day that ugly parking garage on Rampart will be stores and townhomes, and the sun will reach the street.

[polemic]

http://tvs-design.com/wp-content/uploads/T-KK75-000-202-560x734.jpg

What do you think has kept the Lower Garden District from really having continued success in redeveloping/gentrifying. I'm thinking particularly about the part on the riverside of Camp, downriver of Felicity, upriver of the Expressway, and on the lake side of Annunciation (although there's lots of properties needing renovation and rebirth between Coliseum and St. Charles, as well). It's unfair to say that it isn't a nice neighborhood already -- there are a ton of beautiful blocks within that. But it doesn't seem to have lived up to its potential. It's incredibly convenient to the CBD; it has a beautiful park in Coliseum Square (and the possibility of a beautiful park in Annunciation Square); and the crime (correct me if I'm wrong) doesn't seem to be too terrible, particularly after the closing of St. Thomas.

So what's the deal? Is it that it was just stymied for so long by the projects and is just now getting its footing? Is it that the underutilization of the river has stopped it from reaching its full potential? Does Central City crime spill over? Is it just waiting for the spark of the Market Street Power Plant redevelopment to the South? Does the upzoning of the lots on the river side actually prevent redevelopment, because current land owners have dollar signs in their eyes and are asking unrealistic prices (this probably is the case for vacant landowners everywhere in New Orleans)?

[IceCream]

What do you think has kept the Lower Garden District from really having continued success in redeveloping/gentrifying. I'm thinking particularly about the part on the riverside of Camp, downriver of Felicity, upriver of the Expressway, and on the lake side of Annunciation (although there's lots of properties needing renovation and rebirth between Coliseum and St. Charles, as well). It's unfair to say that it isn't a nice neighborhood already -- there are a ton of beautiful blocks within that. But it doesn't seem to have lived up to its potential. It's incredibly convenient to the CBD; it has a beautiful park in Coliseum Square (and the possibility of a beautiful park in Annunciation Square); and the crime (correct me if I'm wrong) doesn't seem to be too terrible, particularly after the closing of St. Thomas.

So what's the deal? Is it that it was just stymied for so long by the projects and is just now getting its footing? Is it that the underutilization of the river has stopped it from reaching its full potential? Does Central City crime spill over? Is it just waiting for the spark of the Market Street Power Plant redevelopment to the South? Does the upzoning of the lots on the river side actually prevent redevelopment, because current land owners have dollar signs in their eyes and are asking unrealistic prices (this probably is the case for vacant landowners everywhere in New Orleans)?

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

I really dont' think there's much holding it back, but yes it definitely hasn't developed to its full potential. I actually did my big project for my real estate class at Loyola on a property across the street from the school at Jackson and Annunciation. I cited the value of the building, above sea level location, proximity to downtown/ magazine / interstate / etc and that it should be an up and coming neighborhood. Basically, everything is right for people to start picking up houses in the area and renovating them.

I got a 98 on it...almost made me want to cry (Ron Christner is a freaking hardass....fantastic teacher but he WILL NOT give you a grade you dont deserve... I cringed when i got a 74 on a test and looked at my buddy who got a 28...).

So, with his seal of approval I definitely think the area is still lying in wait for someone with a few bucks to start buying up some places and redoing them.

[ardecila]

I really don't understand why that area hasn't took off. It is by far my favorite neighborhood in the city... right now it looks as if I may be living there come January. Barthelemy Lafon is directly responsible for this, having created an amazing plan that balances green space with private development and puts important buildings at significant locations.

What I do know is that "auto-oriented retail" is NOT what this neighborhood needs. Fortunately, the Market Street people seemed like they were on track to repeat Midtown Miami, which handles parking very well and in a relatively urban manner.

[FrenchTwins]

I love the concept for this building in that it houses startups and venture capitalists.

http://media.nola.com/business_impact/photo/10049667-large.jpg

http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2011/09/new_orleans_bioinnovation_cent.html

Biomedical economy in New Orleans gets big boost

The New Orleans BioInnovation Center, a new building of labs and offices aiming to help university researchers commercialize scientific findings, is "just the beginning" of the city's nascent biomedical economy, Mayor Mitch Landrieu said in a speech at the center's dedication ceremony Thursday.

[tennis1400]

I think its great seeing a sign on a building saying " New Orleans Bio Innovation Center"... for too long this city has allowed itself to be viewed in one way. Think its time we advertise the many other oppurtunities here

[sguil1]

I love the concept for this building in that it houses startups and venture capitalists.

http://media.nola.com/business_impact/photo/10049667-large.jpg

http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2011/09/new_orleans_bioinnovation_cent.html

Biomedical economy in New Orleans gets big boost

The New Orleans BioInnovation Center, a new building of labs and offices aiming to help university researchers commercialize scientific findings, is "just the beginning" of the city's nascent biomedical economy, Mayor Mitch Landrieu said in a speech at the center's dedication ceremony Thursday.

Was looking for some pics of the finished building in light of the grand opening. These are a few I found along with some renderings. Feel free to post any more. Love the overall look of the building and agree its very refreshing to see something new in New Orleans.

http://www.neworleansbio.com/pages/images/NOLABioInv-Building.jpg

http://www.frischhertz.com/gallery/images/uploads/NOBIC_MainPhoto.jpg

http://stat2.architizer-cdn.com/mediadata/projects/202010/r990x990/7b32cf6f.jpg

http://www.prlog.org/11632503-bioinnovation-center.jpg

http://www.frischhertz.com/gallery/images/uploads/NOBIC2.jpg

[tennis1400]

New website for the retail/apartment project on Julia and St Charles:

http://thejulianola.com/

http://thejulianola.com/wp-content/themes/u-design/sliders/cycle/cycle3/images/2.png

[NOLAmike]

New website for the retail/apartment project on Julia and St Charles:

http://thejulianola.com/

http://thejulianola.com/wp-content/themes/u-design/sliders/cycle/cycle3/images/2.png

Are they planning on doing anything with that parking lot across the street? I think this project was great, if I had the money I would infill a lot of lots in the city with projects like this one

[sguil1]

Ochsner to relocate 500 jobs to Benson Tower

Citing its "continued growth," Ochsner will relocate 500 to 750 of its administrative employees to Benson Tower by March 2012, a representative for the health system said today. As the move will only affect those working in Ochsner's "executive, corporate and other business functions," it will not affect patient services, said Bill Ward, vice president of Ochsner Health System facilities, real estate and support services, in an email...

http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2011/09/ochsner_to_relocate_500_jobs_t.html


http://media.nola.com/business_impact/photo/8809302-large.jpg

[ISIS]

I agree that the Lower Garden District is not living up to its potential. I'm reminded of an architecture book I picked up at the Garden District Book Shop, titled New Orleans Architecture Vol. 1: The Lower Garden District that was published in 1971. Even back then they were saying that "This little-known part of New Orleans should be quickly brought to the attention of our own people, as well as our visitors, while there is still something left of it to be seen." And as New Orlean's "first semi-urban residential area", the LGD "contains townhouses, row houses, galleried residences, chruches, commericaial buidlings and warehouses of the antebellum period to the turn of the century which can be rehabilitated for twentieth century use, adding distinction to the entire locale and further insurance for the survival of New Orleans' inner city."

[v-chop]

This is the permit but it unfortunately doesnt say what the brand is. i do know a Waffle House is going up down the street though.
lol However, i took the liberty to google the architects and discovered they are the ones designing the Scooters Chicken Stores... Id bet that is what this will be

Heres an idea of what the stores look like

http://www.moutonlong.com/projects/scooters/scooters%20Title%20Picture.jpg




Thanks tennis! Now is the Waffle House going across the street from the Wendy's on Robert E. Lee and Elysian Fields? Thanks!

[Uptowner]

If Scooter's is deciding to expand again I hope they take it slow this time around. They had to shut down 3 or 4 brand new restaurants last year. I'm assuming from over expansion. That's an odd spot for a Waffle House too, but they have been expanding in this area like crazy lately. Panda Express is opening a new location and Pollo Campero has expanded into the area as well.

Now does anyone have any idea what the deal is with the train station that they've built along the Earhart Expwy between Clearview and Causeway? It looks too nice to be industrial.

[tennis1400]

If Scooter's is deciding to expand again I hope they take it slow this time around. They had to shut down 3 or 4 brand new restaurants last year. I'm assuming from over expansion. That's an odd spot for a Waffle House too, but they have been expanding in this area like crazy lately. Panda Express is opening a new location and Pollo Campero has expanded into the area as well.

Now does anyone have any idea what the deal is with the train station that they've built along the Earhart Expwy between Clearview and Causeway? It looks too nice to be industrial.

The Waffle House is locating across from the Lowes Store on Elysian. So its not really close to the Scooters spot

[Chris from N.O.]

Now does anyone have any idea what the deal is with the train station that they've built along the Earhart Expwy between Clearview and Causeway? It looks too nice to be industrial.

I've been wondering what that is too. Anybody?

[Reverend_Cletus]

Unfortunately not anything to get excited about. It's for the New Orleans Public Belt.

[NOLAmike]

Article about remodeling of Thomas Hall at Loyola

http://www.nola.com/education/index.ssf/2011/09/loyola_university_transforms_s.html

[ardecila]

Unfortunately not anything to get excited about. It's for the New Orleans Public Belt.

I think it's pretty nice. It's easily the nicest-looking building along Earhart by a mile.

[Uptowner]

Lol, I'd just like to know what it is..

[Blitzen]

According to the article, look for a strategic redevelopment of the Riverwalk in the near future.

http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2011/09/new_owners_may_redevelop_river.html

I've always thought this was a major underutilized part of New Orleans, and I think adding apartments, condos, movie theater, grocery, and mainstream shops could turn it around unimaginably. Also, I think it needs to be more connected to the urban fabric of the rest of the Warehouse District. More entrances and easier access/ parking would significantly help.

Maybe turning the old World Trade Center into something like housing, hotel, or offices would help too.

[ardecila]

Yeah, I think a sizable movie theatre would be the catalyst, along with a parking validation system and some sort of garage.

[tennis1400]

According to the article, look for a strategic redevelopment of the Riverwalk in the near future.

http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2011/09/new_owners_may_redevelop_river.html

I've always thought this was a major underutilized part of New Orleans, and I think adding apartments, condos, movie theater, grocery, and mainstream shops could turn it around unimaginably. Also, I think it needs to be more connected to the urban fabric of the rest of the Warehouse District. More entrances and easier access/ parking would significantly help.

Maybe turning the old World Trade Center into something like housing, hotel, or offices would help too.


Reading that article I never realized Canal Place canceled Pottery Barns lease!

[IceCream]

http://uptownmessenger.com/2011/09/taco-bell-proposed-for-south-claiborne-child-psychology-clinic-on-maple-set-for-citys-review/

"In Uptown New Orleans, a run for the border may soon get a good bit quicker.

On Tuesday, the city planning commission will review plans for a Taco Bell restaurant in the long-vacant Pizza Hut building on South Claiborne Avenue. Also on Tuesday’s agenda is a child-psychology clinic proposed in an old home on Maple Street...."

http://uptownmessenger.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pizza-hut.jpg (photo courtesy of Jean-Paul Villere)

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

I prefer to call it Taco Hell myself (for reasons that need not be named on this blog) but my friends sorely miss having their drunk snack spot...so at least it gets rid of blight....

As for the home office thing...come on people, that's fine...

[IceCream]

http://www.nola.com/katrina/index.ssf/2011/09/lakeview_sees_flood_of_young_h.html

"..........This snowballing revitalization, according to local business owners, is the product of an opportunistic and upwardly mobile younger demographic. Census figures show that the median age of Lakeview residents fell from 41.4 in 2000 to 36.9 in 2010. Though post-Katrina household income figures are not available, Lakeview has traditionally been one of the metro area’s wealthier neighborhoods. And as younger, wealthier households established themselves in Lakeview, retailers have followed....."

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

Absolutely 100% true. I fall into that category ('wealthy' is questionable) and have seen many many of my friends move out there from Uptown, pick up a newly redone house for cheap (compared to uptown) and there's now plenty of bars and restaurants to frequent with more to come i'm sure.

I'm looking for a house currently...though starting by looking in some depressed areas of uptown (LGD, etc) I may venture out there...

[Chris from N.O.]

I'm looking for a house currently...though starting by looking in some depressed areas of uptown (LGD, etc) I may venture out there...

Have you looked into Mid-City? I just bought here in March and already 3 renovated properties, 2 renovated duplexes, and 1 house in the process of being renovated have been bought/rented out/started within 2 blocks of me. Now that the hospital has been approved it shouldn't be long before values start shooting up, and it definitely has more restaurants and bars than Lakeview already, there's a new development going up at Carrollton and Canal and I have it from a fairly reliable source that the people at Maple Street are planning on opening up a Mid-City location.

[tennis1400]

http://www.nola.com/katrina/index.ssf/2011/09/lakeview_sees_flood_of_young_h.html

"..........This snowballing revitalization, according to local business owners, is the product of an opportunistic and upwardly mobile younger demographic. Census figures show that the median age of Lakeview residents fell from 41.4 in 2000 to 36.9 in 2010. Though post-Katrina household income figures are not available, Lakeview has traditionally been one of the metro area’s wealthier neighborhoods. And as younger, wealthier households established themselves in Lakeview, retailers have followed....."

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

Absolutely 100% true. I fall into that category ('wealthy' is questionable) and have seen many many of my friends move out there from Uptown, pick up a newly redone house for cheap (compared to uptown) and there's now plenty of bars and restaurants to frequent with more to come i'm sure.

I'm looking for a house currently...though starting by looking in some depressed areas of uptown (LGD, etc) I may venture out there...

You should check out the company I work for. They have a model home near the corner of Canal and Harrison. Usually open everyday or by appointment.

[tennis1400]

BTW wasnt there a Taco Bell on South Claiborne pre Katrina?

[IceCream]

BTW wasnt there a Taco Bell on South Claiborne pre Katrina?

Yes, which 04-05 was my freshman year at Loyola and hence all the drunk food runs to that taco bell..though i usually didn't partake.

[v-chop]

BTW wasnt there a Taco Bell on South Claiborne pre Katrina?

A block away on Toledano/S. Claiborne. So why didn't they just reopen there?

With the opening of Wendy's and potentially Scooters, hopefully they'll reopen the one on Elysian Fields/Robert E. Lee. Not that I crave TB, just tired of seeing blight.

[IceCream]

Theory:

The pre-k Pizza Hut, KFC, and Taco Bell were all within a block or two of each other. I know the major, possibly only, Pizza Hut franchisee in SELA was recently forced to shut down by the parent company for the insane amount of money he owes them...

These are all YUM Brands...do you think it's the same guy? He may still own the Pizza Hut location..but his licensing is terminated with PH...so maybe he's trying to rebuild himself with a Taco Bell?

I dunno...theory that popped in my head. It's seemingly plausible, but I have no experience in franchising so I dont know.

[Chris from N.O.]

You should check out the company I work for. They have a model home near the corner of Canal and Harrison. Usually open everyday or by appointment.

Is that the two-story one with about 80 different facets to the roof? That looks really nice.

[tennis1400]

Is that the two-story one with about 80 different facets to the roof? That looks really nice.

Its two stories and across from the new library. Giant oak tree in front!

BTW while at City Hall today I saw the last retail spot in that 3001 Tulane Center was rented. It will be a yogurt shop. What I think is great it how successful it seems the center has been. Hopefully this foreshadows much more retail for this strip.

Also here is a link to the proposed plan for a Papa Johns/Maple Leaf Yogurt on the corner of Robert E Lee and Hamburg Street:
http://cityofno.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=999&meta_id=128380

At least its another abandoned property put back into commerce.

[sguil1]

Revised 1031 canal plan since City Counsel approval. No new rendering yet.

http://1031canal.com/wp-content/uploads/1031-City-Council-Design(1).jpg

www.1031canal.com

[Chris from N.O.]

Its two stories and across from the new library. Giant oak tree in front!

BTW while at City Hall today I saw the last retail spot in that 3001 Tulane Center was rented. It will be a yogurt shop. What I think is great it how successful it seems the center has been. Hopefully this foreshadows much more retail for this strip.

Is this right across from the Crescent? I live two blocks from there, and a new pizza place already opened up within the last month. Wherever it is, glad to hear that a yogurt shop will be nearby.

[IceCream]

Is this right across from the Crescent? I live two blocks from there, and a new pizza place already opened up within the last month. Wherever it is, glad to hear that a yogurt shop will be nearby.

Yes that's it.

[tennis1400]

Yeah the Pizzicare opened in the same place!

[Private Dick]

Who’s Afraid of a Little Height

By Martin C. Pedersen
Tuesday, September 27, 2011 2:55 pm

http://www.metropolismag.com/pov/20110927/who%E2%80%99s-afraid-of-a-little-height

http://www.metropolismag.com/pov/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/woolworth-canal-rampart-1954jpg-79d0a19023b4debf-535x333.jpg
The corner of Canal and Rampart Streets in 1954.

I’d been driving past the long abandoned Woolworth’s store on the corner of Canal and Ramparts Streets since I moved to New Orleans in July. And every time past I thought, in my typical New York naiveté (if such a thing exists), “That site desperately needs a building—the bigger, the better!” Later I learned that a somewhat controversial project was in fact awaiting approval: a 190-foot, mixed-use residential tower. Urbanistically speaking, this is just what the doctor ordered. The right building here on the upper edge of the French Quarter could act as a kind of gateway to both the quarter to the east and the downtown business district.

The historic preservationists in town almost reflexively opposed the project, citing its excessive height (seventy feet taller than current zoning). The truth is, preservationists here have a longstanding aversion to both tall buildings and (or should we say especially?) modern ones. This proposed tower, pushed by the local developer Praveen Kailas and designed by Harry Baker Smith Architects, was clearly a duel offender.

http://www.metropolismag.com/pov/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/2011-09-27-11.05.44-535x401.jpg
The corner today, Photo: Martin C. Pedersen

Now I am sympathetic to historic preservation in New Orleans. One of the very reasons I moved here was the city’s rich and glorious stock of historic buildings. But I think preservation arguments here were a little thin: the edges of the French Quarter have long been compromised by a slew of urban insults. In the 1980s the city allowed Marriot to build a 450-foot hotel on Canal Street, just blocks from the proposed tower. There are a number of parking lots lining Ramparts Street, inside the historic district. A parking garage abuts the proposed tower. A tall apartment building, with a strong street presence on Ramparts and 24-7 activity, might actually help the French Quarter.

http://www.metropolismag.com/pov/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/rampart-canal-apartments-kailasjpg-0fd5f924c6466302-535x473.jpg
The proposed development.

No, on this one, I side with the Big Bad Developer. Even his claim that he needs the extra floors to secure bank financing seems convincing in this economic climate. (I spoke to another developer who expressed doubts about whether this tower would even happen, even the general reluctance of banks to lend.) The goods news: late last week the New Orleans City Council approved the tower by a vote of 5-2. And I suspect that the two dissenting councilmembers—both of whom are seeking citywide office next spring—were more interested in currying favor with vocal preservationists than actually opposing the development.

Let’s hope it moves forward: that forlorn corner needs some help.

[sguil1]

Excellent article. Thanks.

[tennis1400]

Not sure if everyone picked up on this from the above article but one of the editors has moved to New Orleans and the magazine now has a new regional office. A great article to read and another positive for our city. Heres a brief excerpt on the move!

Our Man in New Orleans
Executive editor Martin Pedersen moves to the Crescent City and Metropolis gets a regional office.
By Susan S. Szenasy
Posted September 9, 2011
Be the first to comment on this article

I overhear a conversation between Martin and Dungjai about a story in the issue you are now reading. There is nothing unusual about this bit of communication between our executive editor and art director; it happens daily during our monthly production cycle. But what’s different about this particular conversation is that Martin is in New Orleans and Dungjai is in New York. They—and everyone in our editorial and art departments—are working out the technical and procedural details of collaborating between two locations. Martin Pedersen now resides in NOLA and the Metropolis mother ship remains anchored in Manhattan.

http://www.metropolismag.com/story/20110909/our-man-in-new-orleans

[annie himself]

"I live a thousand miles away but side with the local preservationists. Once it become a bank box, there will never be the sense of unique French Quarter again."

I had to reply to this misinformed woman. As if there is anything unique about that abandon building....

[tennis1400]

seriously where do they find these people ! well fights over. On to the next thing !

[IceCream]

"I live a thousand miles away but side with the local preservationists. Once it become a bank box, there will never be the sense of unique French Quarter again."

I had to reply to this misinformed woman. As if there is anything unique about that abandon building....

Wrong wrong wrong!!! The lunch counter is unique!!!! (sarcasm).

I'm in no way opposed to saving historically important artifacts from the civil rights movement, but the way the VCPORA went about that was petty and sickening (especially the radio ad they played in an attempt to stir up racial tensions).

[IceCream]

http://uptownmessenger.com/2011/09/taco-bell-proposed-for-south-claiborne-child-psychology-clinic-on-maple-set-for-citys-review/

"In Uptown New Orleans, a run for the border may soon get a good bit quicker.

On Tuesday, the city planning commission will review plans for a Taco Bell restaurant in the long-vacant Pizza Hut building on South Claiborne Avenue. Also on Tuesday’s agenda is a child-psychology clinic proposed in an old home on Maple Street...."

http://uptownmessenger.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pizza-hut.jpg (photo courtesy of Jean-Paul Villere)

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

I prefer to call it Taco Hell myself (for reasons that need not be named on this blog) but my friends sorely miss having their drunk snack spot...so at least it gets rid of blight....

As for the home office thing...come on people, that's fine...

Taco Bell was speedily approved while the neighbors of Maple were able to shoot down the child psychology office...They're sick of commerical encroaching on them. I'm glad the neighbors of Freret street arent' dumb like the Maple ones are. Though I heard that some of the Freret corridor people are upset that the city is going to do corner bumpouts (like on Oak, but only at corners) and that it's going to make the street "too narrow." Come on.

[tennis1400]

Taco Bell was speedily approved while the neighbors of Maple were able to shoot down the child psychology office...They're sick of commerical encroaching on them. I'm glad the neighbors of Freret street arent' dumb like the Maple ones are. Though I heard that some of the Freret corridor people are upset that the city is going to do corner bumpouts (like on Oak, but only at corners) and that it's going to make the street "too narrow." Come on.

Actually the issue with bumpouts on Freret is a bit more complicated than Oak Street and its actually many of the business owners that are concerned and it has to do with the buses. Oak Street isnt a bus line and Freret is. With the bumpouts it will be difficult for the buses to stop and not cause traffic issues on Freret. Im sure it will be designed to work right but it is a valid concern for the street!

[photoLith]

That Woolworths building is so far gone that I couldnt imagine any historic preservationist throwing a fit over tearing it down. If it still had the original art deco facade, than yes, preserve it. But, its been so altered that you might as well tear it down and replace it with some good density and height.

[ardecila]

Actually the issue with bumpouts on Freret is a bit more complicated than Oak Street and its actually many of the business owners that are concerned and it has to do with the buses. Oak Street isnt a bus line and Freret is. With the bumpouts it will be difficult for the buses to stop and not cause traffic issues on Freret. Im sure it will be designed to work right but it is a valid concern for the street!

It's still not a valid concern.

The bus only comes every 15 minutes, and that's at rush hour! If it stops for 15 seconds to drop off one or two people, it's not gonna cause a traffic jam. In fact, you can design the curb bumpouts to extend a little bit down the road, which allows the bus to open its doors from the main travel lane. That removes the need for a "bus stop zone" and allows for roughly 2 more parking spaces to be added. (I'm assuming the road surface in the travel lanewould be changed to concrete near bus stops) Plus, the bumpout provides a dignified place to wait, such as a bench or shelter, that does not encroach on the sidewalk.

http://www.streetsblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/03_12/bus_bulb_chicago.jpg
Streetsblog (http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/03/11/quick-bus-and-ped-improvements-coming-to-lower-broadway/)

To be honest, I think the high speed of the traffic on Freret is actually harmful. Nobody wants to cross a street where everybody is rocketing past at 45mph. There is a stop sign at Valence, but at night, at least 50% of drivers ignore it. I'd love to see a Freret Street exactly like Oak, one of the very few places outside of the CBD/FQ that is actually pedestrian-friendly - but which also accommodates drivers and parking very well.

[DillardAlum]

Wrong wrong wrong!!! The lunch counter is unique!!!! (sarcasm).

I'm in no way opposed to saving historically important artifacts from the civil rights movement, but the way the VCPORA went about that was petty and sickening (especially the radio ad they played in an attempt to stir up racial tensions).

And before those petty radio ads even started, the developer said that there were plans to salvage the lunch counter to be included in the development. If he can't include it, then I'm sure he'll donate to one of the many cultural institutions in the city. The VCPORA are hypocrites, because if they were so concerned about the civil rights legacy then they wouldn't want it to be rotting in a blighted building!

[IceCream]

It's still not a valid concern.

The bus only comes every 15 minutes (and that's at rush hour!) If it stops for 15 seconds to drop off one or two people, it's not gonna cause a traffic jam. In fact, you can design the curb bumpouts to extend a little bit down the road, which allows the bus to open its doors from the main travel lane. That removes the need for a "bus stop zone" and allows for roughly 2 more parking spaces to be added.

http://www.streetsblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/03_12/bus_bulb_chicago.jpg
Streetsblog (http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/03/11/quick-bus-and-ped-improvements-coming-to-lower-broadway/)

To be honest, I think the high speed of the traffic on Freret is actually harmful. Nobody wants to cross a street where everybody is rocketing past at 45mph. There is a stop sign at Valence, but at night, at least 50% of drivers ignore it. I'd love to see a Freret Street exactly like Oak, one of the very few places outside of the CBD/FQ that is actually pedestrian-friendly - but which also accommodates drivers and parking very well.

Agreed. Also, the buses never have enough room at the bus stops to pull all the way over and get out of traffic anyway. 90% of the time you end up with a bus with the front at the curb and the rear fully blocking traffic ...so i dont see the big deal. It's not like the bus stop at Canal and loyola either, where you have 50 people getting on and off. It's likely to only have 2 -4 people at each stop on freret...big deal.

I wouldn't speed if I were you...they added speed cameras on freret between jefferson and Napoleon and I think it's only 20 mph through there (so anything over 25 and you get a ticket).

[Foley Santamaria]

Good post Mike about Mid-City.

What's going in @ Canal and Carrollton though?

[tennis1400]

All I was saying was there were concerns about the bumpouts creating a bottleneck. The street is going to continue getting busier. I dont think it hurts to take time and think through the streets current state and where it will be in a few years. Making sure the best design possible is devised is smart. Bumpouts will be a part of the plan Im sure. BTW I hate traffic cameras as much as the next guy but I cant help but think it will just make the street more pedestrian friendly in this case!

[tennis1400]

Good post Mike about Mid-City.

What's going in @ Canal and Carrollton though?

Thats a new First NBC if your talking about the building by Walgreens.

This article is a bit old but its the Mayors Press release on launching Pedicab Operations:

http://www.nola.gov/PRESS/City-Of-New-Orleans/All-Articles/20110915-MAYOR-LANDRIEU-AND-COUNCILMEMBER-GISLESON-PALMER-LAUNCH-PEDICAB-OPERATIONS-IN-NEW-ORLEANS.aspx

Now on to the big kahuna of fixing our taxi system.

[polemic]

1. I wonder if the upper stories of retail at 1031 Canal could be used for a stadium seating movie theater instead? It would seem to fit with the development of that location as the Entertainment District. Times Square has managed to meld both conventional theaters with stadium multiplexes.

2. The discussion regarding Maple / Freret and the expansion of retail has me thinking about a related topic I've thought about -- where the expansion of both neighborhood-oriented and car-oriented retail in the city will occur? It seems like there just aren't many spots in the city that a national retailer could choose to locate in, even if they wanted to be in the city rather than Metairie. And what little there is, is considerably more per sq. foot than you'd pay in Metairie, with much less advantageous parking situations. I'm no fan of strip centers and car-oriented retail, but I think it is necessary to win back some of the retail shops that target the entire metro area and right now all go to Veterans Ave. So is the expansion going to come on Tulane Avenue, with mixed use centers on the large parcels developers are snapping up? Is there room for redevelopment on Claiborne? Will Market Street and South Market meet the demand such as it is? Or am I just imagining there is even a demand where there isn't?

3. Another thing I've thought about is whether New Orleans will ever see Houston-style townhomes. Again, I'm not a huge fan of townhomes, but I imagine developers build them in Houston because for most of the inner loop, that is the optimal use of the land and that's what people want to buy (plus, zoning presents no issue--but then, most lots in New Orleans are zoned two-family). Granted buyers look for different things in Houston than New Orleans, but it seems like there should be some market for it. Is it because the lots are too small to put two townhomes on 1 lot?

Sorry if these are dumb comments ... I am far from being a real estate professional. Just interested in the redevelopment of the city.

[tennis1400]

The company I work for tried to do townhomes in Lakewood South and the neighborhood was relentless. Would have been a nice development though!

[IceCream]

Thats a new First Bank and Trust if your talking about the building by Walgreens.

This article is a bit old but its the Mayors Press release on launching Pedicab Operations:

http://www.nola.gov/PRESS/City-Of-New-Orleans/All-Articles/20110915-MAYOR-LANDRIEU-AND-COUNCILMEMBER-GISLESON-PALMER-LAUNCH-PEDICAB-OPERATIONS-IN-NEW-ORLEANS.aspx

Now on to the big kahuna of fixing our taxi system.

I know Ray-Ray tried to shake up the system when he first took office but I'd be willing to bet those old United guys still run that part of city hall like it's their puppet...may as well be mafia.

Seems like Mitch and the airport have at least been starting small: requiring A/C, GPS, etc...

[Chris from N.O.]

Thats a new First Bank and Trust if your talking about the building by Walgreens.

This article is a bit old but its the Mayors Press release on launching Pedicab Operations:

http://www.nola.gov/PRESS/City-Of-New-Orleans/All-Articles/20110915-MAYOR-LANDRIEU-AND-COUNCILMEMBER-GISLESON-PALMER-LAUNCH-PEDICAB-OPERATIONS-IN-NEW-ORLEANS.aspx

Now on to the big kahuna of fixing our taxi system.

No, I was actually talking about the new Winn-Dixie, Five Guys, Pei Wei two or three blocks away...I guess it's actually at Bienville. Plus we're getting that Costco, it would seem, just on the other side of I-10. If I knew how to link to posts, I would, but all this information is within the last 10 or 20 pages.(addressed to the guy who called me Mike- I think? he was talking to me?)

edit: And I hate to nitpick, but it's actually a First NBC.

[Chris from N.O.]

I know Ray-Ray tried to shake up the system when he first took office but I'd be willing to bet those old United guys still run that part of city hall like it's their puppet...may as well be mafia.

Seems like Mitch and the airport have at least been starting small: requiring A/C, GPS, etc...

I haven't seen a mention on here of the new council requirement that all drivers be able to speak English. This should be interesting. "yeah, it's right over dere, babe. just get out, walk down to da place where they berl da ersters and den take a left"

[tennis1400]

I haven't seen a mention on here of the new council requirement that all drivers be able to speak English. This should be interesting. "yeah, it's right over dere, babe. just get out, walk down to da place where they berl da ersters and den take a left"

Hahah..... well It didnt say the "Queens english"! lolol

[Chris from N.O.]

Since the last time I checked, our unemployment rate has fallen half a point, to 7.3%:

http://bls.gov/web/metro/laummtrk.htm

Out of 1m+ metros, only the two OK metros, DC, Boston, and Minneapolis are lower. Tied with Austin.

[tennis1400]

Since the last time I checked, our unemployment rate has fallen half a point, to 7.3%:

http://bls.gov/web/metro/laummtrk.htm

Out of 1m+ metros, only the two OK metros, DC, Boston, and Minneapolis are lower. Tied with Austin.

And whats really interesting about what you just pointed out is Tulsa and New Orleans are the only two cities that dont have a large government employee sector. All the other cities are either state capitals or the national capital!

[Chris from N.O.]

And whats really interesting about what you just pointed out is Tulsa and New Orleans are the only two cities that dont have a large government employee sector. All the other cities are either state capitals or the national capital!

Good point, Tennis. Not to get political, but DC is surely benefiting from the growth in the federal government.

[NolaWave]

Walgreen's on magazine by Whole Foods got completely redesigned, and I don't like what I saw. I thought the previous designs were great.

http://uptownmessenger.com/2011/09/walgreens-opts-for-a-traditional-look-on-magazine/#more-11916

http://www.wwltv.com/news/Proposed-Walgreens-on-Magazine-designs-revealed-130755003.html

[IceCream]

Walgreen's on magazine by Whole Foods got completely redesigned, and I don't like what I saw. I thought the previous designs were great.

http://www.wwltv.com/news/Proposed-Walgreens-on-Magazine-designs-revealed-130755003.html

Oh dear...goodness...did you see the audience? It looked like about 10 ninety year olds who are trying to keep old new orleans unchanged...

While the design isn't terrible, it reminds me of some of the old machine shops and foundries in the warehouse district, it's nothing to write home about. We already have a million of those buildings across the city.

I'd much prefer the original design. I would have skipped my YLC meeting last night had i known about that.

[tennis1400]

Im in the minority here but the new Walgreens isnt that bad, Although I preferred the old one. Guess we just need to expect uptown to continue to promote stale and dated archtiecture.

[tennis1400]

Good point, Tennis. Not to get political, but DC is surely benefiting from the growth in the federal government.

Don't think there is anything political about stating the facts. What I will say is government employment has likely peaked so look for these cities to be introduced to the reality the rest of the country has faced!

[rcp11889]

Im in the minority here but the new Walgreens isnt that bad, Although I preferred the old one. Guess we just need to expect uptown to continue to promote stale and dated archtiecture.

I actually like this design, too. I would prefer the original design but this one has a nice charm to it as well.

[sguil1]

Michoud chosen by NASA for heavy-lift rocket work

WASHINGTON -- NASA has chosen the Michoud Assembly Facility in eastern New Orleans to construct components of its new heavy-lift rocket, Sen. David Vitter, R-La., said Thursday.


"NASA's selection of Michoud is big, big news for southeast Louisiana," Vitter said. "Michoud is the only NASA facility that is currently ready to do the large manufacturing that will be required for the heavy-lift rocket. I've been working for years with the Louisiana delegation to ensure Michoud remains well positioned for this kind of work, and with local companies in the high-tech Stennis-Michoud corridor to ensure the area remains a vital part of the space program."


http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/09/michoud_gets_nod_from_nasa_for.html

http://media.nola.com/politics/photo/michoud-assembly-facilityjpg-b849b59b6ee25da0.jpg

[SlidellWx]

Great news for Michoud...hoping the funding does get approved. I'm still a bit dismayed at how far the space program has fallen.

[IceCream]

I actually like this design, too. I would prefer the original design but this one has a nice charm to it as well.

Yeah I didn't mean to sound like i hated the new design...it's absolutely better than the bland brick wall that's there right now.

I'm just disappointed that we could have something more modern, that would blend in with Whole Foods' glass facade and (unfortunetly) the yoga studio down the street.

The new design fits in well and will be a welcome addition, it'll just be a repeat of what we have so much of already. I love love old new orleans, but someday we have to edge out of our comfort zone...just a little.

[IceCream]

Oh, and what's the new store going into that shopping center where Pinkberry is?

They took over the part of the space that Chico's had but gave up. I can't remember but it had some French name on it the last time i went by and didnt' look like it was open yet.

It's inbetween Chicos and pinkberry ( i hate pinkberry... someone or the City finally painted the fire hydrant silver again. Pinkberry had painted it in their colors which was unbelievably arrogant in my opinion).

[Uptowngirl]

Its a wine bar.

And I like the Walgreens "look" much better than the old one. I can favor a modern look in some areas (it would work in areas on Canal, Poydras...but I did not like any of the old designs for Magazine Street)

[tennis1400]

Its a wine bar.

And I like the Walgreens "look" much better than the old one. I can favor a modern look in some areas (it would work in areas on Canal, Poydras...but I did not like any of the old designs for Magazine Street)

Im fine with it either way. Obviously Walgreens is going with a design that will be more appealing to Uptowners. So really it all comes down to a business decision on their part!

What kind of wine bar is going into that shopping center? I really wish they could renovate that thing... its disgusting!



http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6164/6198138513_bd9f69e8b8_b.jpg

[Chris from N.O.]

(image)



I'm assuming this is a residential conversion? (and yes, I know how to quote, people, I'm trying to save some page space).

[tennis1400]

I'm assuming this is a residential conversion? (and yes, I know how to quote, people, I'm trying to save some page space).

Residential yes, not sure if apartments or condos. Thanks for not quoting the whole thing. Picture is big for sure!


BTW guys Im a member of the Foundation Room at the House of Blues and thought it might be fun to organize a get together for people on the forum. If your interested message me and we can find a time that could be convenient for everyone! All I would need is your name to put you on the list!

Cheers

[midcity]

Unfortunately not anything to get excited about. It's for the New Orleans Public Belt.

Yeah, it is the Public Belt's Huey P. Long Bridge Administration and Maintenance building.

Did anyone read the City Business article a couple days ago "Council members spar over 1031 Canal after approval" that indicated councilmember Hedge-Morrell's reason for her "no" vote on 1031 Canal? The article is locked and I don't have a subscription, but I was curious about her justification and what else the article says.

http://neworleanscitybusiness.com/blog/2011/09/28/council-members-spar-over-1031-canal-after-approval/

[SlidellWx]

It's a very interesting article. Basically Hedge-Morrell approached Palmer well in advance and stated that she intended to vote with the VCPORA. Palmer knew in advance what to expect from Hedge-Morrell, and stated she appreciated the honesty.

Hedge-Morrell said she explained to Palmer she wanted to vote “no” to show her allegiance to Vieux Carre Property Owners Residents and Associates, which led the opposition to developer Praveen Kailas’ proposal for the former Woolworth’s site.

“I knew it wouldn’t change the outcome, and I wanted the many French Quarter residents who worked closely with me over the years to know that I support what they believe,” Hedge-Morrell said.

Palmer, who spent more than nine months working with the mayor, city agencies, business owners, neighborhood groups, architects and Kailas, to make sure the project was fully vetted and followed an open and transparent process, appreciated Hedge-Morrell’s honesty, said Nicole Webre, Palmer’s legislative director

Stacy Head appears to have been a bit more unprofessional in the whole matter. I'm very disappointed to learn of this.

Head’s last-hour intrusion into a nine-month process she had taken no active interest annoys Palmer and her staff. But it’s her account about how she chose to become involved that really bothers them.

At no point was there a consensus that the building’s height would come in between 140 and 160 feet, Palmer said, a fact Hedge-Morrell confirmed.

Head’s claim that she only decided to get involved two days before the vote is also false, Webre said. Two weeks before the council vote, Head informed Palmer’s office she was considering a height limit amendment and one week later reaffirmed her position, Webre said.

The biggest problem Palmer said she had with Head’s amendment is that it did not appear to be based on facts or research.

When Head walked into Palmer’s office the day before the vote, she said she was going to propose a height limit of 120 feet, the same size as the neighboring Audubon Hotel, Palmer said.

“I said that the height of the Audubon is 154 feet and she said, ‘OK, that’s what I’m going to say,’” said Palmer who was incensed at the seemingly cavalier way Head approached the issue.

Palmer took a very touchy subject, and I think did a great job. She did not bow to the preservationists completely, but took a managed approach to the situation by poring over data and working with the developer to see what would work at a given height and given square footage for retail.

[tennis1400]

Palmer took a very touchy subject, and I think did a great job. She did not bow to the preservationists completely, but took a managed approach to the situation by poring over data and working with the developer to see what would work at a given height and given square footage for retail.

Wow Stacey Head looks really bad in this instance. BTW whatever happened to deferring to the Council member for said district? Why is Stacey Head involved in something outside her jurisdiction. If its cause she is running for At Large don't you think she would at least do some research to support her views instead of just sucking up to VCPORA? Well both ladies can count on my opposition to them for voting against this.

[ardecila]

I talked to Palmer several times when we were developing the master plan. She's the consummate politician, so it was tricky to get a sense of her position on the issues I care about (development, zoning, etc). I definitely got a sense of her as a very intelligent, open-minded person, though.

BTW guys Im a member of the Foundation Room at the House of Blues and thought it might be fun to organize a get together for people on the forum. If your interested message me and we can find a time that could be convenient for everyone! All I would need is your name to put you on the list!

Awesome idea! I'm studying in Rome at the moment, but I was actually planning to do something similar when I get back (January). I was thinking the R Bar, but the Foundation Room is cool too.

[Blitzen]

Here are the latest images of the renovated exterior to the Superdome/ Champions Square. The green mesh wall around the ramps in the first picture should have real vines planted on it soon. (images courtesy of http://www.superdome.com/site.php?pageID=45)


http://www.superdome.com/piclib/330.jpg
A permanent Grand Staircase has been installed and features brick pavers. The top of Gate C has been widened to allow for easy access and accommodate patron flow to the Exterior Plaza Level of the Superdome. The center portion of the Grand Staircase provides an area for patrons to sit and enjoy food and drinks with a fantastic view of the entertainment on the main stage in Champions Square.

http://www.superdome.com/piclib/333.jpg
The entire Square and La Salle Street were paved with brick pavers, creating a pedestrian mall thoroughfare.


http://www.superdome.com/piclib/332.jpg
983 LED Lights were installed at the top of the Gate C Podium and on the landing of the Grand Staircase.


http://www.superdome.com/piclib/331.jpg
Photo from the lookout point at the top of the Grand Staircase.

[tennis1400]

It looks great, Still unsure what it is they are building on the back side of Benson Tower. ALso, any ideas when the dome lights get turned on?

[Chris from N.O.]

Yeah, I went down there last weekend, it's really nice. But I had also walked around there when they were still working on it and one of the LEDS popped up out of the ground when I stepped on it. Hopefully there won't be any issues with shoddy workmanship.

Tennis, it really looks like they're building a 3-story party deck. Not what you'd usually expect from an office tower, but hey, Benson does own the thing.

[tennis1400]

Yeah it definitely looks that way. They are also building a part that seems to go really high on the corner of the square by Benson Tower. Seems like it will look really good I guess I was just surprised the expense being spent on building that part of it.


Global Green Holy Cross Community Center
New Orleans, LA
Client:
Global Green USA
Square Footage:
8,660 sf
Construction Cost:
$2,500,000
Completion:
2012

http://www.scnz.net/images/projects/globalgreen/glg-5.jpg

http://www.scnz.net/images/projects/globalgreen/glg-3.jpg

[NolaWave]

Announcement of a corporate sponsor will be coming soon according to WDSU. Recent rumors have named Mercedes-Benz. While it is not development related, thought it was interesting to see who it might be. Definitely an outsider since we have no corporate base.

[NolaWave]

It looks great, Still unsure what it is they are building on the back side of Benson Tower. ALso, any ideas when the dome lights get turned on?

Was suppossed to be done a few weeks ago and haven't heard a peep about it since the announcement. Hopefully they didn't cancel those plans as I think it will look great.

[Chris from N.O.]

Announcement of a corporate sponsor will be coming soon according to WDSU. Recent rumors have named Mercedes-Benz. While it is not development related, thought it was interesting to see who it might be. Definitely an outsider since we have no corporate base.

Great news... rack up another win for New Orleans delivered by Brees himself. No way we get that deal a few years ago.

http://www.wdsu.com/sports/29378271/detail.html

[tennis1400]

Mercedes Benz makes sense since Benson owns a dealership too and the first one in the country to be remade into the new autobahn style showrooms. As long as it isnt the SuperMaxipadDome Ill be good!

[tennis1400]

Was suppossed to be done a few weeks ago and haven't heard a peep about it since the announcement. Hopefully they didn't cancel those plans as I think it will look great.

Given the naming announcement and the next home game being a night game against Indianapolis. Plus the Hyatt opening the Wendesday before the game. Look for it to debut then!

[rcp11889]

If anyone's interested, the APTA just released the newest transit ridership info for the country and NORTA's ridership keeps on increasing!

http://apta.com/resources/statistics/Documents/Ridership/2011-q2-ridership-APTA.pdf

[polemic]

If anyone's interested, the APTA just released the newest transit ridership info for the country and NORTA's ridership keeps on increasing!

http://apta.com/resources/statistics/Documents/Ridership/2011-q2-ridership-APTA.pdf

That's great news that we're seeing greater than 15% growth from RTA. And streetcars are back to almost the same numbers that we were seeing in 2004 (20k average weekday riders now vs. 24k riders in 2004). But the bus network is still such a shadow of its former self and we have so far to go to get back to the level of service we once had (49k average weekday riders now vs. 124k before the storm), let alone having a truly public-transit accessible city. Luckily, Veolia seems committed to growing the network (and doing so in a fiscally sustainable way).

[dgpatel]

Just saw this on the top right corner of today's TP front page (http://media.nola.com/pages/other/West%20Bank%20A1%20October%204%202011), but can't find an article about it from searching nola.com or google. It says see Money section, but I don't currently have access to it.

I didn't know the building was up for sale. Any ideas what the plans will be?

[dgpatel]

Just found this article from March:


Big Easy Sale

MetLife Inc. has put New Orleans's tallest skyscraper up for sale as property owners are testing the waters to see how far outside New York and Washington, D.C., the recovery in commercial real-estate prices has spread, said people familiar with matter.

The owner of the 51-story One Shell Square, located at the corner of Poydras and St. Charles Sts., is looking to fetch a price in the range of about $130 million, or about $100 a square foot. If successful the transaction would be the city's largest office deal by total price since Real Capital Analytics began tracking sales in 2001.

The record to date is held by Place St. Charles, which sold for $103 million in 2008. Evan Stone of Jones Lang LaSalle is marketing the building for MetLife.

The 1.3-million-square-foot building was designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill and completed in the 1970s, according to CoStar Group Inc.Shell Oil Co., a unit of Royal Dutch Shell PLC, has a lease that extends through 2016 for about 50% of the office space. Shell and MetLife didn't respond to calls for comment.
—Maura Webber Sadovi




Link (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703409904576174962382665974.html)



Update: Just posted on NOLA.com: LINK (http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2011/10/massachusetts_trust_buys_one_s.html)


The sale brings a new real estate company to New Orleans that is likely to expand.

Timothy Bonang, vice president of investor relations at CommonWealth, said his company tries to get into the market by purchasing a "trophy asset, " and then hopes to pick up other properties in the market. One Shell Square is CommonWealth's only holding in Louisiana.

[IceCream]

http://uptownmessenger.com/2011/10/request-to-demolish-st-charles-avenue-mansion-splits-city-committee/#more-11998

A plan to tear down a mansion on St. Charles Avenue designed by one of New Orleans’ most celebrated architects to make room for a new single-family home in its place must be decided by the City Council, after the committee that oversees demolition requests cast a split vote over the issue Monday.

Homeowner Jeff Goldring and his supporters touted the agreements they had reached with two neighborhood associations, the St. Charles Avenue Association and Hurstville, as well as the national reputation of their Covington-based architect, Ken Tate. Opponents countered that the architecture of the existing building is already significant, and that the family should not be able to tear the home down simply because they want something different there....



http://uptownmessenger.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/5428-st-charles.jpg Image courtesty Preservation Resource Center

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

Personally, I'm split..... I can see both sides if Goldring really means what he's saying, but it does fit into the neighborhood yet it's nothing remarkable from the outside. Yeah, single family would be nice...but I dunno...

[Chris from N.O.]

Up on nola.com front page now... 10 year deal, now officially the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. After this the state won't have to provide any subsidies!

http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2011/10/new_orleans_saints_sells_super.html