[rcp11889]

Has anyone read this article? It's a nice read from one of the NOLA Bound people but it also mentions Google moving to the city. I can't find anything else on Google's plans though.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/yvahn-martin/benolabound-recap-new-orleans_b_1369406.html

[tennis1400]

Whats everyones thoughts on the Mercedes Benz Logo being painted on the roof?

[annie himself]

Whats everyones thoughts on the Mercedes Benz Logo being painted on the roof?

Initially, it sounds tacky. Hopefully it's better executed than the lights.

[SlidellWx]

Drove by the Dome today, and I think the lettering looks fine. It's definitely less "in your face" than some of the lettering I've seen on other stadiums.

[tennis1400]

Initially, it sounds tacky. Hopefully it's better executed than the lights.

I think the lights are well executed/ i just wish they would stick with the seasons more instead of leaving the system on permanently showing all the different things it can do!

[NOLADevelopmentFan]

Has anyone read this article? It's a nice read from one of the NOLA Bound people but it also mentions Google moving to the city. I can't find anything else on Google's plans though.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/yvahn-martin/benolabound-recap-new-orleans_b_1369406.html

Nobody I've asked in the real estate community knows anything about it. Google was a sponsor of New Orleans Entrepreneur Week which was the big focus of the BeNOLABound trip. I can easily see this blogger mixing up gossip or wishful thinking with serious news and inadvertently starting a rumor.

[UPT]

I can easily see this blogger mixing up gossip or wishful thinking with serious news and inadvertently starting a rumor.

I just sent the author (Yvahn Martin) a message. We'll see if she knows something we don't know! It may be wishful thinking, but it's possible that just a few people in the real estate community were informed, and that they are sworn to secrecy. This would really be a big deal!

[ardecila]

I'm really pulling for the satellite USPTO office to come to NOLA - Mary said she was fighting for it. If it does come here, that just gives local innovators and entrepreneurs a leg up on the rest of the country.

[annie himself]

I think the lights are well executed/ i just wish they would stick with the seasons more instead of leaving the system on permanently showing all the different things it can do!

It looks alright, but sometimes excessive. Agree on the seasons.

[IceCream]

Took this Saturday from the intersection near Satsuma. I had intended to go down there later for a better picture, but forgot...sorry for the quality...zoomed in with my iPhone but it's still pretty damned cool. It's going to be a freaking job to climb over that thing.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7202/7018290057_8c8a96a54a_b.jpg

[UPT]

I just sent the author (Yvahn Martin) a message. We'll see if she knows something we don't know! It may be wishful thinking, but it's possible that just a few people in the real estate community were informed, and that they are sworn to secrecy. This would really be a big deal!

Yvahn claims she did not make a mistake with respect to Google but said she may have let the cat out of the bag. Assuming this is true, it's great news!
_________
Here's another pic of the arc.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/530161_211828998917147_100002701441909_279280_1546715689_n.jpg

[SlidellWx]

I can't wait to take some pics from the top of that archway. Thanks for the pics!

[dgpatel]

Does anyone know the latest about the Grand Palace Hotel demolition? According to the construction cam for UMC/VA hospitals, crews have been stripping the outer walls starting from the top of the building, around March 12th. After the rain delays late last week, it looks like they have completed stripping the top 5 floors today.

Construction Camera (http://skanska.workzonecam.com/)

[ardecila]

Holy shit, that was fast. I just took pictures of the foundation last Tuesday.

I should mention that the gate in the floodwall will be open, but it will be blocked by trains probably 50% of the time - hence the bridge. The city has to provide some way for disabled people to reach the park, and the Piety Arch clearly isn't accessible.

[tennis1400]

Holy shit, that was fast. I just took pictures of the foundation last Tuesday.

I should mention that the gate in the floodwall will be open, but it will be blocked by trains probably 50% of the time - hence the bridge. The city has to provide some way for disabled people to reach the park, and the Piety Arch clearly isn't accessible.

More than likely handicapped people wont be able to access it if trains are blocking the entrance? Just curious what the legal requirements are on something like that.


New permits:
2441 ORLEANS AVE
NEW ORLEANS LA 70119
CONVERT SINGLE RESIDENCE TO A GROCERY PER XD 124/11,PER PLANS. WORK PREVIOUSLY DONE.NO EXTERIOR WORK UNDER THIS PERMIT.

5712 S CLAIBORNE AVE
NEW ORLEANS LA 70115
Construct 3-story 36,111 sq ft gymnasium at existing school as per plans

1667 TCHOUPITOULAS ST
NEW ORLEANS LA 70130
NEW CONSTRUCTION OF A RETAIL CENTER (STRIP MALL WITH 3 UNITS - A,B,C - INCLUDES BUILDOUT OF CONVEIENENCE STORE,UNIT B) PER LANS.NO USE AND OCCUPANCY OF UNITS A AND C.
Job Value($):
$450,000.00

1100 N RAMPART ST
NEW ORLEANS LA 70116
PHASE II OF FIRE DAMAGE REPAIRS TO EXISTING MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENCE AS PER PLANS AND VCCP-12-0276. (INTERIOR/EXTERIOR)
Job Value($):
$400,000.00

Also this chain is opening up on Magazine:

http://www.smashburger.com/

Bonefish Grille in Metairie Now Open:

http://www.bonefishgrill.com/locator/details/metairie-louisiana/

[ardecila]

More than likely handicapped people wont be able to access it if trains are blocking the entrance? Just curious what the legal requirements are on something like that.

Full-time handicap access is provided at the other bridge at the foot of Elysian Fields.

[annie himself]

How steep is that arch?!!!

[NOLAmike]

Hey guys...I heard from a reliable source that next week Google is going to announce an office in New Orleans next week....its going to being something like an "Office for Entrepreneur Activity" or something to that effect. Maybe we can start to get other tech companies to do the same so we can speed up development here. Let's keep our fingers crossed!

Yvahn claims she did not make a mistake with respect to Google but said she may have let the cat out of the bag. Assuming this is true, it's great news!

I heard the same this Yvahn did, but I heard google was going to make an announcement last week. We could use the good news right now especially with all the news about the Saints.

[tennis1400]

Deadlines arent always exact but hopefully something is announced soon.

[polemic]

1667 TCHOUPITOULAS ST
NEW ORLEANS LA 70130
NEW CONSTRUCTION OF A RETAIL CENTER (STRIP MALL WITH 3 UNITS - A,B,C - INCLUDES BUILDOUT OF CONVEIENENCE STORE,UNIT B) PER LANS.NO USE AND OCCUPANCY OF UNITS A AND C.
Job Value($):
$450,000.00


Shame that something as uninspired sounding as a $450,000 3-unit strip mall with a convenience store is opening across the street from what should be a great future retail corridor like Market Street.

[IceCream]

Is Smashburger going at Magazine @ Jackson?

I saw the Bonefish Grill in Covington closed...or maybe it's undergoing renovations....odd.

Glad to see the 1667 Tchoup site being used for something. Currently a disgusting grassy lot, but a convenience store and two other units?...Hopefully it's nice. That area could use a nice gas station. It always annoys me that our gas stations are the sketchiest potentially in the country...

Update on the old NOCCA building mainly about having 13 units in the 2000 to 3500 sq foot range and selling at between $400-500 per ft. (holy shit) That's $800,000 on the absolute low end to $1.75 mil on the absolute high end.... Neat that they're going to have a small "guest" unit for visitors of the other units owners. Oh giving a clue as to how high-end they will be he said the the appliances for the 6 unit condos he just did on Audubon Park cost $110,000 alone. I'm assuming that's total so per unit $18,333....damn son. Link:

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/03/condos_planned_for_former_nocc.html

Also, there was an article about the new 400 seat auditorium opening at Federal City. It's mainly there as a lease requirement of the Marine's, but it will be available to the public which is pretty cool.

NORA is finally going to start getting money to help put the vacant / blighted properties back in commerce!!! Thanks Jeff!!!
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/03/nora_to_get_first_funds_for_ro.html

[tennis1400]

Is Smashburger going at Magazine @ Jackson?

I saw the Bonefish Grill in Covington closed...or maybe it's undergoing renovations....odd.

Glad to see the 1667 Tchoup site being used for something. Currently a disgusting grassy lot, but a convenience store and two other units?...Hopefully it's nice. That area could use a nice gas station. It always annoys me that our gas stations are the sketchiest potentially in the country...

Update on the old NOCCA building mainly about having 13 units in the 2000 to 3500 sq foot range and selling at between $400-500 per ft. (holy shit) That's $800,000 on the absolute low end to $1.75 mil on the absolute high end.... Neat that they're going to have a small "guest" unit for visitors of the other units owners. Oh giving a clue as to how high-end they will be he said the the appliances for the 6 unit condos he just did on Audubon Park cost $110,000 alone. I'm assuming that's total so per unit $18,333....damn son. Link:

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/03/condos_planned_for_former_nocc.html

Also, there was an article about the new 400 seat auditorium opening at Federal City. It's mainly there as a lease requirement of the Marine's, but it will be available to the public which is pretty cool.

NORA is finally going to start getting money to help put the vacant / blighted properties back in commerce!!! Thanks Jeff!!!
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/03/nora_to_get_first_funds_for_ro.html

Im not sure where the Smashburger is going but I know its not Jackson and Magazine. Thats going to be a really upscale burger joint with cigar bar etc. called Charcoal.



New Restaurant proposed for vacant warehouse at 617 Piety Street.

TEM 18 – Docket Number: 063-12 GM
Applicant or Agent: GRMC, LLC
Property Location: 617 Piety Street Zip: 70117
Bounding Streets: Piety, Desire, Royal, & Chartres Sts.
Square Number: 139 Lot: M-1
Zoning District: LI Light Industrial ZBM: D-14
Historic District: Bywater Local Historic Planning District: 7
Existing Use: Warehouse
Proposed Use: Restaurant

Request Citation: This request is for a variance from the provisions of Article 15, Section 15.2.1 (Table
15.A) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance.

Request: This request is to permit the conversion of 1/3 of a warehouse into a restaurant with insufficient
off-street parking.

Requested Waivers:
Section 15.2.1 (Table 15.A) – Off-Street Parking
Required: 18 Spaces Proposed: 0 Spaces Waiver: 18 Spaces

ITEM 26 – Docket Number: 071-12 DS
Applicant or Agent: Indulge Island Grill, LLC
Property Location: 845 Carondelet Street Zip: 70113
Bounding Streets: Carondelet, Baronne, St. Joseph, & Julia Sts.
Square Number: 235 Lots: 10 & 11
Zoning District: CBD-7 Central Business District ZBM: C-14
Historic District: Lafayette Square Local Planning District: 1
Existing Use: Vacant Building
Proposed Use: Restaurant and Health Club

Request Citation: This request is for a variance from the provisions of Article 15, Section 15.2.7(3)
(Table 15.C) and Article 15, Section 15.6.1 of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance.

Request:
This request is to permit the conversion of a vacant building into a restaurant and health club with
insufficient off-street parking.

Requested Waiver:
Section 15.2.7(3) (Table 15.C) – Off-Street Parking
Required: 22 Spaces Provided: 8 Spaces (Grandfathered) Waiver: 14 Spaces
Section 15.6.1 – Fences
Required: 7’ Provided: 15’ Waiver: 8’

[MNT]

From Ben Myers of CityBusiness, via Twitter:


HRI Lodging announced today that Hard Rock Cafe is buying out Bourbon Cowboy and moving in as part of the Hyatt French Quarter project
https://twitter.com/#!/BenMyersCB/status/184706131652919296



The building is currently the Chateau Bourbon with frontage along Canal Street. Two new retail tenants finalizing leases along Canal…
https://twitter.com/#!/BenMyersCB/status/184706598873210880



...they are Pop This, a gourmet popcorn shop, and a high end yogurt shop
https://twitter.com/#!/BenMyersCB/status/184706989476159488

[IceCream]

New Restaurant proposed for vacant warehouse at 617 Piety Street.

TEM 18 – Docket Number: 063-12 GM
Applicant or Agent: GRMC, LLC
Property Location: 617 Piety Street Zip: 70117
Bounding Streets: Piety, Desire, Royal, & Chartres Sts.
Existing Use: Warehouse
Proposed Use: Restaurant


Applicant or Agent: Indulge Island Grill, LLC
Property Location: 845 Carondelet Street Zip: 70113
Bounding Streets: Carondelet, Baronne, St. Joseph, & Julia Sts.
Existing Use: Vacant Building
Proposed Use: Restaurant and Health Club

Request:
This request is to permit the conversion of a vacant building into a restaurant and health club with
insufficient off-street parking.


Isn't the Piety restaurant the new (real) location of Pizza Delicious?

And isn't the Carondelet address Global Green's offices currently?

[tennis1400]

Isn't the Piety restaurant the new (real) location of Pizza Delicious?

And isn't the Carondelet address Global Green's offices currently?

Think your right about Pizza Delicious...the Carondelet deal is close to global green but is actually a building that collapsed several years ago. BTW does anyone know what type of deal has a restaurant and fitness club in one? SOunds interesting! Also, this building is directly across the street from Wisznia's future Garage Development.


ITEM 6 – Docket Number: 266-11 DS
Applicant or Agent: South Property Development, LLC
Property Location: 3308 Tulane Avenue Zip: 70119
Bounding Streets: S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy., Tulane Ave., S. Rendon & Gravier Sts.
Square Number: 677 Lots: 15, 16, 21-A thru 23-A,
24 – 28 (Proposed lot 21-B)
Zoning District: C-2 General Commercial/ Inner-City Urban Corridor
Historic District: N/A ZBM: C-13
Existing Use: Vacant Office Planning District: 1
Proposed Use: Multiple-Family Residential

Request Citation: This request is for a variance from the provisions of Article 4, Section 4.12.7, (Table
4.L) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance.

Request:
This request is to permit the conversion of an office building into a multi-family residential building with
insufficient minimum lot area per dwelling unit.

Requested Waiver:
Section 4.12.7 (Table 4.L) – Lot Area per Dwelling Unit


ITEM 7 – Docket Number: 282-11 DS
Applicant or Agent: Traçage Development, LLC
Property Location: 1100 Annunciation Street Zip: 70130
Bounding Streets: Annunciation St., John Churchill Chase St., Gaiennie St., Pontchartrain
Expy.
Square Number: 70-A Lot: L-1-A
Zoning District: CBD-9 Central Business District ZBM: C-15
Historic District: Warehouse District Local Historic Planning District: 1A
Existing Use: Parking Lot
Proposed Use: Mixed-Use Commercial/ Residential

Request Citation: This request is for variances from the provisions of Article 6, Section 6.10.7 (Table
6.J) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance.

Request:
This request is to permit the construction of a mixed-use building that will exceed the existing average
street façade height within thirty (30) feet of a street line and insufficient required open space.

Requested Waivers:
Section 6.10.7 (Table 6.J) – Maximum Height within Thirty (30) Feet of a Street Line
Required: 41’ 3”1 Proposed: 170’ Waiver: 128’ 9”
Section 6.10.7 (Table 6.J) – Required Open Space Ratio
Required: .10 Proposed: .036 Waiver: .064

TEM 8 – Docket Number: 022-12 DS
Applicant or Agent: Trinitoid LLC/Stephen Mouton
Property Location: 3127 A & B Ponce De Leon Street Zip: 70119
Bounding Streets: Ponce De Leon, N. Lopez, Maurepas, Mystery Sts, & Esplanade Ave.
Square Number: 1554 Lot: G-1
Zoning District: B-1 Neighborhood Business ZBM: C-12
Historic District: Esplanade Ridge Local Historic Planning District: 4
Existing Use: Two-Family Residence
Proposed Use: Mixed-Use (Ice Cream Shop and Single-Family Residence)

Request Citation: This request is for a variance from the provisions of Article 15, Section 15.2.1 (Table
15.A) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance.

Request:
This request is to permit the conversion of a two-family residence into a mixed-use building with
insufficient off-street parking.

Requested Waiver:
Section 15.2.1 (Table 15.A) – Off-Street Parking
Required: 4 Spaces Provided: 2 Grandfathered Spaces Waiver: 2 Spaces
ITEM 10 – Docket Number: 034-12 DS
Applicant or Agent: 5935 Magazine St., LLC
Property Location: 5933-35 Magazine Street Zip: 70118
Bounding Streets: Magazine, State, Camp and Eleonore Sts.
Square Number: 16 Lot: E
Zoning District: B-2 Neighborhood Commercial ZBM: A-15
Historic District: N/A Planning District: 3
Existing Use: Office Building
Proposed Use: Office/ Retail Building

Request Citation: This request is for a variance from the provisions of Article 15, Section 15.2.1 (Table
15.A) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance.

Request: This request is to permit the conversion of a portion of an existing office building to retail
space with insufficient off-street parking.

Requested Waiver:
Section 15.2.1 (Table 15.A) – Off-Street Parking
Required: 10 Spaces Provided: 9 Spaces Waiver: 1 Space

ITEM 12 – Docket Number: 036-12 DS
Applicant or Agent: Clayton Ventures, LCC
Property Location: 2701 Tchoupitoulas Street Zip: 70130
Bounding Streets: Tchoupitoulas St., 4th St., Rousseau St., and Washington Ave.
Square Number: 23 Lots: A, 3, and B
Zoning District: LI Light Industrial ZBM: C-10
Historic District: Irish Channel Local Historic Planning District: 2
Existing Use: Office/ Warehouse
Proposed Use: Health Club/ Office

Request Citation: This request is for a variance from the provisions Article 15, Section 15.2.1 (Table
15.A) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance.

Request: This request is to permit the conversion of a warehouse into a health club with insufficient off-
street parking.

Requested Waiver:
Section 15.2.1 (Table 15.A) – Off-Street Parking
Required: 10 Spaces Provided: 2 Spaces (Grandfathered) Waiver: 8 Spaces

[IceCream]

Oh, forgot to mention that I saw they've started renovating Trent Reznor's old house on Magazine. There was an article months ago talking about it and how I think the owners also own the parking lot across the street and Courtyard grill as well as a few other things throughout the area.

Anyway, I have high hopes that it brings a long vacant building back into use even if it's as a residence.

I'll have to look at which building is 845 Carondelet on my drive down tomorrow.

[tennis1400]

I'll have to look at which building is 845 Carondelet on my drive down tomorrow.

Calling it a building is a bit misleading... its just a front facade nothing else.

Permit:
735 BOURBON ST(this building has been empty and an eyesore on Bourbon for years)
NEW ORLEANS LA 70116
Project Description:
INTERIOR/EXTERIOR NON-STRUCTURAL RENOVATIONS TO EXISTING NIGHTCLUB AS PER PLANS AND VCCP-11-1005Job Value($):
$900,000.00


ITEM 31 – Docket Number: 025-12 DG
Applicant or Agent: Apasra Properties, LLC
Property Location: 613 Decatur Street Zip: 70130
Bounding Streets: Decatur, Toulouse, Chartres, & Wilkinson Sts.
Square Number: 26 Lot: C
Zoning District: VCC-2 Vieux Carré Commercial ZBM: D-14
Historic District: Vieux Carré Planning District: 1b
Existing Use: Vacant Lot
Proposed Use: Commercial Building

Request Citation: This request is for a variance from the provisions of Article 8, Section 8.5.7 (Table
8.D) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance.

Request:
This request is to permit the construction of a commercial building with insufficient minimum open space
on an interior lot.

Requested Waiver:
Section 8.5.7 (Table 8.D) – Minimum Open Space (Interior Lot)
Required: 30% (410 sq. ft.) Provided: 13.6% (186 sq. ft.) Waiver: 16.4% (224 sq. ft.)

[IceCream]

http://neworleanscitybusiness.com/thenewsroom/2012/03/27/hard-rock-cafe-moving-into-bourbon-cowboy-location/

Hard Rock will be closing the S. Peters location (as I expected). Move will be complete by the end of the year. I'm sure it'll get a lot more foot traffic on Bourbon, but hopefully somethign decent will take the S. Peters location.

Yay for 735 Bourbon! Yeah I remember probably 10 years ago when that was a shitty nightclub and its been vacant ever since. Sounds like it'll still be nightclub, but hopefully decent.

Is the 613 Decatur referring to that wide "alley" in between Maspero's and the crappy jewelry shop as a "vacant lot"? Building it out?

[NolaWave]

Hard Rock's current location is great, so I would think a good tenant will fill that spot! If so, this move is a win-win. Improves the first block of Bourbon and potentially gives us a quality retailer.

[ardecila]

I like Bourbon Cowboy! Okay, I don't actually like it, but it's perfectly fine by Bourbon St standards. More than that, it's not a chain. I hate Hard Rock Cafe. It's an insult to music, restaurants, and our fair city.

On the other hand, if it opens up the South Peters site, we might be able to get some sort of legitimate retailer in there - you've got French Connection right next door. It'd be perfect for H&M, who wants a big street-level space with lots of frontage and tons of foot traffic. Plus, it's got several parking lots nearby (which is unfortunate, but a positive note for a retailer).

[tennis1400]

Ultimately I think the move is a positive. Hard Rock is an upgrade for Bourbon and I think a great store could fill in for where Hard Rock is currently. Hopefully more of the parking lots can be developed.

And 613 decatur is referring to the alleyway.

[contractortiger]

735 BOURBON ST(this building has been empty and an eyesore on Bourbon for years)
NEW ORLEANS LA 70116
Project Description:
INTERIOR/EXTERIOR NON-STRUCTURAL RENOVATIONS TO EXISTING NIGHTCLUB AS PER PLANS AND VCCP-11-1005Job Value($):
$900,000.00

This is actually going to be a strip club on Bourbon. Our company was looking at it. They are putting alot of money into it, but they need to because the building was built around the 1840's to 1850's. From what we were hearing, it won't be your average strip club, more of a "he-she" type club :naughty:

[IceCream]

This is actually going to be a strip club on Bourbon. Our company was looking at it. They are putting alot of money into it, but they need to because the building was built around the 1840's to 1850's. From what we were hearing, it won't be your average strip club, more of a "he-she" type club :naughty:

Well, if that's your thing (not necessarily YOU) eh..cool. But the precedent set on Bourbon for those right now are EXTREMELY creepy / trashy looking.

Anyway...

Here's the rendering (shitty) of the old NOCCA building (from uptownmessenger.com but it's really from nola.gov)

http://uptownmessenger.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/lasalle-plans.jpg

The summary of the story is that some of the neighbors dont' like the wing additions to the building and the balconies. I agree the image looks kinda goofy with the balconies, but it may just be the quality of the image. I also agree that it'd be shitty to live in a balcony-less condo with no way to get outside and get a fresh breath or relax and have a drink. (better shut my trap..just saw who one of the neighbors is....thank goodness for anonymity)

Story:

http://uptownmessenger.com/2012/03/planned-additions-to-former-nocca-school-building-sent-for-historical-review-after-neighborss-opposition/

Oh and the Summit Fremeaux project is going to re-break ground this summer:

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/03/construction_on_slidells_summi.html

I'm less than enthused. It was originally going to be more high end and now it has TJ Maxx as an anchor...

[ardecila]

More off-street parking should be provided, in case the garage on the building’s first floor is taken up by storage of residents’ boats or third cars.

OMFG. Are they serious?

Those balconies ARE ugly, BTW. They need to go for some small hanging ones, not huge honking French Quarter galleries.

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/3445/balconiesd.jpg

[Chris from N.O.]

I like the big balconies in theory, I'm just trying to visualize how that would fit into the neighborhood.

[tennis1400]

This is actually going to be a strip club on Bourbon. Our company was looking at it. They are putting alot of money into it, but they need to because the building was built around the 1840's to 1850's. From what we were hearing, it won't be your average strip club, more of a "he-she" type club :naughty:

Its not going to be a Lucky Changs is it? I always enjoyed the transexuals there and the lapdances theyd give to unsuspecting straight men. Was always hilarious!

[tennis1400]

I like the big balconies in theory, I'm just trying to visualize how that would fit into the neighborhood.

LOL at the people saying this project needs more offstreet parking. This is why there is no point in trying to appease nimbys. As for the balconies if you want to have an idea of what it could look like there is a condo building on the corner of rampart and Esplanade that kind of looks similar.

http://atneworleansrealestate.com/images/listings/872629/872629-1.jpg

Permits

111 ROBERT E LEE BLVD
#A
NEW ORLEANS LA 70124
Project Description:
TENANT BUILD-OUT OF AN EXISTING SHELL SPACE, (SMOOTHIE KING, UNIT 111-A), AS PER PLANS. ANY SIGNAGE WILL REQUIRE A SEPARATE PERMIT AND CITY PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVAL.

3300 MAGAZINE ST
NEW ORLEANS LA 70115
CONVERT EXISTING OFFICE (INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE) TO A RESTAURANT AS PER PLANS AND HDLCP-12-0037.
Job Value($):
$450,000.00

[NOLAmike]

LOL at the people saying this project needs more offstreet parking. This is why there is no point in trying to appease nimbys. As for the balconies if you want to have an idea of what it could look like there is a condo building on the corner of rampart and Esplanade that kind of looks similar.

I agree with some of the others who say they like this in theory. Of course it could always look poorly done, but same goes with the smaller balconies, it just depends on how they do it. I hope the condos get the most square footage feasibly possible on those balconies.

[contractortiger]

The plans were very vague on what the final business was going to be named. All i could tell what the owner was Deja Vu Consulting Inc. They own a ton of different strip clubs, so there is no telling what it will be named. I'm pretty sure it wont be a Lucky Chang's type of place though. That's too bad, Lucky Changs was pretty damned entertaining, no matter what you were into.

[tennis1400]

845 Carondelet Renderings:


http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6112/7024768583_2f4d4fbe09_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7261/6878665712_9278ea8d0c_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7193/7024763689_8d51bbeea0_c.jpg

Not sure whats going on here!


Additional Permits:

2017 CANAL ST(this shows the future hospitals are already affecting nearby areas)
NEW ORLEANS LA 70112
Project Description:
INTERIOR DEMOLITION OF VACANT COMMERCIAL (2017-21)STRUCTURE. NO USE & OCCUPANCY. PLANS TO FOLLOW.

[Blitzen]

Looks like a $30 million infusion of cash for streets/sidewalks in the French Quarter in anticipation of the Super Bowl. I hope there's enough time between now and February 2013 to make a difference.

http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2012/03/convention_center_contributes.html

[ardecila]

It's not just streets and sidewalks, but also "fixing dissatisfiers".

I know in Detroit, the city raised money to paint peeling buildings, get rid of weeds, put art or images in vacant storefronts, hang banners, and basically get the city's downtown in tip-top shape by masking any blight. Our downtown fortunately has less blight than Detroit's, but that doesn't mean it couldn't use a lot of work.

I'm starting to get excited for the Tricentennial. With all the positive change that's occurring right now and is about to occur, that's gonna be a good time to be in New Orleans.

[tennis1400]

It's not just streets and sidewalks, but also "fixing dissatisfiers".

I know in Detroit, the city raised money to paint peeling buildings, get rid of weeds, put art or images in vacant storefronts, hang banners, and basically get the city's downtown in tip-top shape by masking any blight. Our downtown fortunately has less blight than Detroit's, but that doesn't mean it couldn't use a lot of work.

I'm starting to get excited for the Tricentennial. With all the positive change that's occurring right now and is about to occur, that's gonna be a good time to be in New Orleans.

I agree the Superbowl is to show New Orleans has fully recovered from Katrina but the Tricentennial will show that we are a totally new city!

[IceCream]

3300 Magazine is the Probst interior design store. They seem incredibly expensive so i always wondered how they stayed open, but i figured uptown had plenty of people willing to shell out absurd amounts of money. Either way, a restaurant will be a more exciting use for the location, but I hope the store stays open somewhere.

Also, soon to be announced (maybe today) the City is going to repave the following streets in the quarter as well as replace damaged sections of sidewalks prior to the superbowl (separate and apart from this Convention Center deal):

burgundy, canal to esplanade

dauphine, canal to esplanade

royal, canal to esplanade

esplanade, decatur to n rampart both directions

st louis, decatur to n rampart

toulouse, decatur to n rampart

n. peters, canal to st louis

decatur, st louis to dumaine

I"m excited, but god knows the residents are going to bitch....

I'm also thrilled about the proposed loudspeaker ordinance on Bourbon (there's a meeting with KGP today about it). I dont' mind Bourbon being loud if it's filled with live music, jazz, rock, what have you,but it's such a TRASHY trashy thing to have every restaurant and t-shirt stop, closet beer stand blaring loudspeakers with garbage music. I've hated it my whole life :) We win! (almost)

[tennis1400]

3300 Magazine is the Probst interior design store. They seem incredibly expensive so i always wondered how they stayed open, but i figured uptown had plenty of people willing to shell out absurd amounts of money. Either way, a restaurant will be a more exciting use for the location, but I hope the store stays open somewhere.

Also, soon to be announced (maybe today) the City is going to repave the following streets in the quarter as well as replace damaged sections of sidewalks prior to the superbowl (separate and apart from this Convention Center deal):

burgundy, canal to esplanade

dauphine, canal to esplanade

royal, canal to esplanade

esplanade, decatur to n rampart both directions

st louis, decatur to n rampart

toulouse, decatur to n rampart

n. peters, canal to st louis

decatur, st louis to dumaine

I"m excited, but god knows the residents are going to bitch....

I'm also thrilled about the proposed loudspeaker ordinance on Bourbon (there's a meeting with KGP today about it). I dont' mind Bourbon being loud if it's filled with live music, jazz, rock, what have you,but it's such a TRASHY trashy thing to have every restaurant and t-shirt stop, closet beer stand blaring loudspeakers with garbage music. I've hated it my whole life :) We win! (almost)

I just hope they make an exception for Mardi Gras time.

BTW are these streets going to be repaved following the citys new Streets policy? Id like to see more bikelanes where possible in the quarter. At least Decatur and Esplanade.

[IceCream]

Complete streets in the quarter....I'm not sure...One would hope, but it's the quarter.

[ardecila]

Complete streets in the quarter....I'm not sure...One would hope, but it's the quarter.

:haha: That's a good one. Next thing you'll be asking for bike parking.

:rolleyes:

[IceCream]

:haha: That's a good one. Next thing you'll be asking for bike parking.

:rolleyes:

Just you wait...I have so much I could say, but I'll keep shut for now. Amazingly the VCC DID approve the racks that were installed at the french market.

[Blitzen]

First, it seems the Saenger renovations are coming along nicely. It's expected to open Spring, 2013. I hope the 3 new marquees are finished in time for the Superbowl. That would look great for the visitors.

http://www.wwltv.com/news/local/orleans/Saenger-Theater-to-be-restored-to-original-glory-with-modern-additions-144870515.html

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Second, I'm glad this idea to develop the vacant parts of the Industrial Canal is taking off. With the Corps' new floodgates, New Orleans has a unique thing to offer - largescale waterfront development in the South, protected from hurricanes. I hope we capitalize on it both commercially and industrially. The Intracoastal Waterway in Miami is its most expensive real estate. I hope we can reproduce some of that.

Can someone with a membership summarize the various entities' positions in this article, please?

http://neworleanscitybusiness.com/blog/2012/03/28/visions-clash-for-broader-development-along-industrial-canal/

[annie himself]

3300 Magazine is the Probst interior design store. They seem incredibly expensive so i always wondered how they stayed open, but i figured uptown had plenty of people willing to shell out absurd amounts of money. Either way, a restaurant will be a more exciting use for the location, but I hope the store stays open somewhere.

Also, soon to be announced (maybe today) the City is going to repave the following streets in the quarter as well as replace damaged sections of sidewalks prior to the superbowl (separate and apart from this Convention Center deal):

burgundy, canal to esplanade

dauphine, canal to esplanade

royal, canal to esplanade

esplanade, decatur to n rampart both directions

st louis, decatur to n rampart

toulouse, decatur to n rampart

n. peters, canal to st louis

decatur, st louis to dumaine

I"m excited, but god knows the residents are going to bitch....

I'm also thrilled about the proposed loudspeaker ordinance on Bourbon (there's a meeting with KGP today about it). I dont' mind Bourbon being loud if it's filled with live music, jazz, rock, what have you,but it's such a TRASHY trashy thing to have every restaurant and t-shirt stop, closet beer stand blaring loudspeakers with garbage music. I've hated it my whole life :) We win! (almost)
I don't know what these streets are paved with now but how will it look? New brick? :worship:

[IceCream]

Brick!?!?!? Ha, you are far too optimistic.

They're currently blacktop and will remain blacktop. As for the sidewalks I think they are doing like replacement (concrete with concrete, slate with slate).

[Blitzen]

Brick!?!?!? Ha, you are far too optimistic.

They're currently blacktop and will remain blacktop. As for the sidewalks I think they are doing like replacement (concrete with concrete, slate with slate).

If only we had the technology to pattern concrete like this... wait we do... :sly:

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/2185/4a23693upreview.jpg

[annie himself]

Brick!?!?!? Ha, you are far too optimistic.

They're currently blacktop and will remain blacktop. As for the sidewalks I think they are doing like replacement (concrete with concrete, slate with slate).

Nothing wrong with optimism eh? :cheers:

Why not have the main drags brick? Bourbon, Royal, Decatur and the others blacktop? Oh wait thats probably too smart for Louisiana, we'll have to wait for that.

[tennis1400]

Permits:
2130 MAGAZINE ST
NEW ORLEANS LA 70130
INTERIOR RENOVATIONS CONVERTING A VACANT YOGA STUDIO INTO A RESTAURANT AS PER PLANS. SIGNAGE REQUIRES A SEPERATE PERMIT.


640 JULIA ST
NEW ORLEANS LA 70130
INTERIOR RENOVATION - COMBINE UNITS 640 AND 642 INTO 640 JULIA ST, CONVERT FROM VACANT RESTURANT TO AN OFFICE PER PLANS (ZEPHYR GREEN COFFEE IMPORTERS). NO EXTERIOR WORK UNDER THIS PERMIT.

[Chris from N.O.]

Flights to Cuba have begun: http://www.myneworleans.com/New-Orleans-Magazine/March-2012/Flying-to-Havana/

[SlidellWx]

Not to get political, but if the embargo ended tomorrow I'd be one of those willing to hop on a flight to Cuba. It's a spectacularly beautiful country with fantastic beaches. I would think the demad would be there for some type of service to Havana if the embargo were lifted. Maybe not a daily flight, but at least a few times a week.

[tennis1400]

I agree. I hope the be able to go to Cuba this summer. New Orleans will stand to gain alot of jobs when trade relations are normalized. BTW if you ever go to Canada and talk to people its interesting how many of them seek healthcare in Cuba, especially cosmetic and dental.

[ardecila]

If only we had the technology to pattern concrete like this... wait we do... :sly:

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/2185/4a23693upreview.jpg

There are still a few streets paved like this with the large cobbles, or at least one (Triangle St in the Warehouse District next to the Sugar Mill).

I don't think cobblestone paving is a good solution for anything but a small handful of New Orleans streets, because it's terrible for both cars and bikes. Trucks? Forget about it. You could do brick pavers, but they look insanely tacky because they're so smooth and uniform.

[ardecila]

The Industrial Canal thing is... interesting. The main problem I see is that the locks aren't designed to be opened frequently for small recreational craft... only a handful of times per day for large ships and barges. At least, this is true for St. Claude. The new Seabrook gate might be faster when it opens.

If industrial land gets redeveloped into waterfront development with docks and marinas, those private boats and yachts will need to exit into the lake fairly often throughout the day.

I'm really pulling for the St. Claude lock replacement (which includes a new bridge). The current lock and bridge are embarrassingly shabby and decrepit, and the bridge is functionally unable to deal with the huge volumes of traffic headed to the homes and industries of St. Bernard and East Plaquemines. I love the design of the bridge as urban sculpture, but it's very poorly adapted to 21st-century New Orleans.

Hopefully with more residential development we can get a few more connections across the canal. I'd love to see a bike/ped bridge at Galvez into the Lower 9th, a bridge/road connecting Filmore to Dwyer, and the long-promised Florida Avenue bridge.

[Blitzen]

The Industrial Canal thing is... interesting. The main problem I see is that the locks aren't designed to be opened frequently for small recreational craft... only a handful of times per day for large ships and barges. At least, this is true for St. Claude. The new Seabrook gate might be faster when it opens.

If industrial land gets redeveloped into waterfront development with docks and marinas, those private boats and yachts will need to exit into the lake fairly often throughout the day.

The Seabrook locks will stay open 365 days a year and only close before a hurricane approaches - so there is no worry about boats not having access to the Lake once complete.

[ardecila]

D'oh... the Industrial Canal is at lake level.

Piety Arch

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7076/6882579890_4bcb79b2c7_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7257/6882579860_652ec410f4_b.jpg

[IceCream]

The Seabrook locks will stay open 365 days a year and only close before a hurricane approaches - so there is no worry about boats not having access to the Lake once complete.

The Seabrook Gate is a gate, far different from a lock, but Blitzen is right here anyway. It's only there in case the lake levels rise enough to put the canal in danger, which probably would only be with some form of extreme wind blowing water into lake ponchatrain and through the intracoastal waterway (also has gates nown down at the "funnel").

The only locks that you have to go through that would be a pain for recreational vessels are those going into the river since the river runs on average 14 feet higher than sea level (also lake level), but only large yachts are able to handle the dangers of the river though you see some smaller boats out there from time to time, I'd be scared to shit even on my dad's fairly sizable hatteras. Too much debris, etc.

There's already a dry storage, boat stacking facility on the Industrial Canal up near Trinity Yachts and recreational vessels regularly go out of the Canal into the lake. I've actually navigated my dad's Hatteras down the Intracoastal, through the Industrial Canal and into the Lake which was a lot of fun, but the currents in the Canal are a bitch!!! You have currents coming from the lake, the locks at the river, and down the intracoastal. Didn't help that we had to wait at the high rise for a f****ing train for a few hours.



-----

Anyway, I saw that they're gutting out the old Rue de al Course on Carondelet at Perdido today. I can't recall if there's anything planned for it. Anyone else??

[tennis1400]

-----

Anyway, I saw that they're gutting out the old Rue de al Course on Carondelet at Perdido today. I can't recall if there's anything planned for it. Anyone else??

Address ?



New Orleans Children's Hospital confirms plan to buy empty adolescent hospital


Even more health jobs on the way!
http://www.nola.com/health/index.ssf/2012/03/new_orleans_childrens_hospital.html

Heres whats going in the old Deanies!
http://nola.eater.com/uploads/SteveManningAnnunciation.jpg

http://nola.eater.com/archives/2012/03/27/steve-manning-to-open-annunciation-in-deanies-space.php

Ignatius Eatery to Open in Old Rue Space This Month
http://nola.eater.com/uploads/DSCF0517-thumb.JPG

As expected, the former Magazine Street location of Rue de la Course is about to become Ignatius Eatery. That location of the coffee shop closed at the beginning of this year, with unconfirmed reports that Ignatius, currently located at Magazine and Milan, would be moving down the street. According to a sign on the newspaper-covered door, and confirmed via e-mail, the new Ignatius location is expected to open on April 19.

[IceCream]

The old Rue downtown is literally on the corner of Perdido and Carondelet....a building or so down from Singha and across Perdido from Union Savings and Loan (which is stuck in a 1950's time warp). It has been almost untouched since K-bitch and even still had big glass jars of coffee beans with Rue stickers on them in the window until they started gutting it today.

http://g.co/maps/5ught

Thats the google street view

[UPT]

I missed this. What is the Downtown Rue going to be? I've looked in there a handful of times after eating in Singha, and it looks like it's an attractive space.

[Blitzen]

...Union Savings and Loan (which is stuck in a 1950's time warp).

LOL @ Union Saings and Loan. So true.

On another note, never paid much attention before, but look how pedestrian unfriendly One Shell Square is. It was obviously built for a time when people drove into the CBD for work and drove out at the end of the work day. Some ground level retail, food, coffee would help. I know for security, they want to restrict who enters the building, but just a few more main entrances would make it less barren, and just put the security before the elevators like most other modern buildings.

[dgpatel]

I came across this article (http://www.khou.com/video/featured-videos/KHOU-11-News-looks-inside-the-Astrodome-144994555.html) in the local Houston news, which talks about their dilemma about what to do with the abandoned Astrodome.

This could have been us either now or a few years down the road, contemplating what to do with the Superdome, had we built a brand new stadium with all of the bells and whistles of modern technology. Looks like we got just that without having to leave our city's icon to rot :).

[polemic]

LOL @ Union Savings and Loan. So true.



Hey! I like the Union Savings & Loan building. I wish it was kept in better shape but I think it is a great example of midcentury modern. That said, I googled "Union Savings and Loan New Orleans" and apparently they don't have a website. So I guess I must grudgingly admit that they are definitely stuck in a time warp.

[jjslonaker]

Does anyone know what happened to Curbed opening a location in the city?

[tennis1400]

Does anyone know what happened to Curbed opening a location in the city?

No idea! Think their eater brand is doing much better.

BTW not to toot our own horn, but this board is pretty damn great when it come to real estate and development news.

[rcp11889]

Hey! I like the Union Savings & Loan building. I wish it was kept in better shape but I think it is a great example of midcentury modern. That said, I googled "Union Savings and Loan New Orleans" and apparently they don't have a website. So I guess I must grudgingly admit that they are definitely stuck in a time warp.


LOL me and my girlfriend love walking by this building. it's really cool looking and harkens back to the mad men era (we're big mad men fans).

[Nolacat157]

BTW not to toot our own horn, but this board is pretty damn great when it come to real estate and development news.

You've played an integral role in updating this board with interesting news. It also helps thats there much more going on these days compared to say 4 years ago.

[ardecila]

LOL @ Union Saings and Loan. So true.

On another note, never paid much attention before, but look how pedestrian unfriendly One Shell Square is. It was obviously built for a time when people drove into the CBD for work and drove out at the end of the work day. Some ground level retail, food, coffee would help. I know for security, they want to restrict who enters the building, but just a few more main entrances would make it less barren, and just put the security before the elevators like most other modern buildings.

One Shell Square is remarkably contextual, considering. Unlike many other 60s boxes, the architects (SOM) added a mid-rise portion on the side so that there was a gradual stepping-down to the 4-5 story traditional buildings of the CBD. The front plaza is also a grand public space - it sucked when it was fenced off, but now that it's open, it's a really nice area (although they should put in some trees if possible for shade). The lower stairs that are shaded always have people sitting on them, especially at lunch time.

Plus, the building is clad in marble, so the material itself is beautiful to look at - even on blank walls. And the building does have ground level retail! There's a NY deli on the St. Charles side.

[tennis1400]

You've played an integral role in updating this board with interesting news. It also helps thats there much more going on these days compared to say 4 years ago.

Thanks! And I agree lol :cheers:

[tennis1400]

LOL me and my girlfriend love walking by this building. it's really cool looking and harkens back to the mad men era (we're big mad men fans).

A little off topic but the costume designer for mad men is always in New Orleans.

http://www.bestofneworleans.com/blogofneworleans/archives/2012/03/22/an-interview-with-mad-men-costume-designer-janie-bryant

[Chris from N.O.]

Article on nola.com about housing market: http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2012/03/new_orleans_housing_market_is.html

Says that Wal-Mart is planned for both Gentilly Woods and New Orleans East, so maybe that's confirmed.

[ardecila]

Also:

Chipotle at the Elmwood Shopping Center

:banana::banana::banana:

[tennis1400]

Glad to see HHGregg making its way here too!

[Chris from N.O.]

Glad to see HHGregg making its way here too!

Never heard of them. Wiil have to check for a website.

Article about the Superdome on yahoo:
He makes a halfway decent argument that it's the most important stadium in existence. But he also says that the city had no real attachment to it pre-storm.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/news?slug=jh-hart_superdome_represent_new_orleans_033112

[ardecila]

hhgregg is basically another Best Buy. If they're willing to open up in the city, I'll be thrilled.

The Superdome is probably the city's most recognizable landmark, probably even more well-known than the St. Louis Cathedral. I'm glad the city/Bensons are finally starting to understand that the Dome needs to tie into the city instead of being isolated by 8-lane mega-roads and offramps. I'm also glad we aren't treating it like one more piece of disposable architecture. European cities have landmarks they would never dream of tearing down - even if they aren't quite up to modern standards, the cities' denizens accept that without question. Of course, they also don't have sports teams that use a threat of relocation to blackmail cities into using taxpayer dollars to give them new stadiums.

Also... went by the Keller Library today in Broadmoor and got a coffee from Green Dot. Everybody should go check it out! It's a beautiful piece of modern design that successfully resolves many of the issues with modernism in NOLA. My only gripe is that the bike parking is hard to find... but that's pretty minor. That whole Broadmoor area has such potential, with beautiful architecture, proximity to the CBD, and relatively low crime rates. The neighborhood is also pushing for a roundabout at the intersection of Napoleon/Broad/Fontainebleau, which will really make that area into a neighborhood center.

[Chris from N.O.]

hhgregg is basically another Best Buy. If they're willing to open up in the city, I'll be thrilled.

The Superdome is probably the city's most recognizable landmark, probably even more well-known than the St. Louis Cathedral. I'm glad the city/Bensons are finally starting to understand that the Dome needs to tie into the city instead of being isolated by 8-lane mega-roads and offramps. I'm also glad we aren't treating it like one more piece of disposable architecture. European cities have landmarks they would never dream of tearing down - even if they aren't quite up to modern standards, the cities' denizens accept that without question. Of course, they also don't have sports teams that use a threat of relocation to blackmail cities into using taxpayer dollars to give them new stadiums.

Also... went by the Keller Library today in Broadmoor and got a coffee from Green Dot. Everybody should go check it out! It's a beautiful piece of modern design that successfully resolves many of the issues with modernism in NOLA. My only gripe is that the bike parking is hard to find... but that's pretty minor. That whole Broadmoor area has such potential, with beautiful architecture, proximity to the CBD, and relatively low crime rates. The neighborhood is also pushing for a roundabout at the intersection of Napoleon/Broad/Fontainebleau, which will really make that area into a neighborhood center.

A roundabout would be great. I use that intersection quite a bit going between Mid-City and Uptown, and that would make things a whole lot simpler.

[ardecila]

Well, the idea is that it slows traffic so it's safe for pedestrians to cross the intersection. If it becomes a walkable area, then it can start to develop some businesses around it. There's a pink building on the Fontainebleau side that would be perfect for a restaurant or hair salon or something, and some of the homes could be converted to businesses as well.

I've seen numerous examples of residential streets becoming commercial without altering their character... a city-owned parking lot in the area would make it even easier for some businesses to get a foothold. As you note, a lot of people already drive through this area without stopping.

[Blitzen]

Well, the idea is that it slows traffic so it's safe for pedestrians to cross the intersection. If it becomes a walkable area, then it can start to develop some businesses around it.

Love the rotary idea! I think modern cities need more of them.

In one plan for removing the Claiborne Overpass, there was a diamond interstate on/off ramp placed at Broad Street. I think this would also help businesses along that corridor, as well as relieving some traffic on the new Claiborne Avenue; and a rotary at that intersection would help keep drivers from going 65mph down Napoleon Avenue if connected to I-10.

[midcity]

One Shell Square is remarkably contextual, considering. Unlike many other 60s boxes, the architects (SOM) added a mid-rise portion on the side so that there was a gradual stepping-down to the 4-5 story traditional buildings of the CBD. The front plaza is also a grand public space - it sucked when it was fenced off, but now that it's open, it's a really nice area (although they should put in some trees if possible for shade). The lower stairs that are shaded always have people sitting on them, especially at lunch time.

Plus, the building is clad in marble, so the material itself is beautiful to look at - even on blank walls. And the building does have ground level retail! There's a NY deli on the St. Charles side.

I don't mean to be picky, but rather as an interesting anecdote, One Shell Square is clad in Travertine and not marble, which gives it that porous texture. Travertine is composed of "Shells" including the scallop shell Pecten that is Shell's iconic red and yellow logo.

[ardecila]

You're right, my bad.

[Blitzen]

A new sculpture 'Dialectics and Metamorphosis,' an angular iron sculpture by German artist Jorg Plickat that once floated in a City Park lake has been placed on Jeff Davis Ave by Washington Ave (by the new Blue Plate Lofts):
http://media.nola.com/entertainment_impact_arts/photo/10788817-large.jpg
(Doug MacCash / The Times-Picayune)

_____________________________________

Also, here's your map for streets to be repaved with a $90 million infusion from the state.
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/04/french_quarter_jefferson_paris.html
http://media.nola.com/politics/photo/10789993-large.jpg
(The Times-Picayune)

[IceCream]

Also... went by the Keller Library today i.... My only gripe is that the bike parking is hard to find... but that's pretty minor. ...

Where Ya Rack? has been talking with the library system about placing racks on library property which is still going through the motions. We do have a CEA with the city that should cover them as well.

But, we can always install racks out on the sidewalk in front of a library if someone sponsors one.

[NOLADevelopmentFan]

Market Street Properties LLC, the owner of the former power plant near the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, filed a reorganization plan and disclosure statement in court on Friday evening, which allow the group to move forward with the process of getting out of bankruptcy and reveals details about the company’s efforts to develop the property.

GNORealEstateNews.com (http://gnorealestatenews.com/2012/04/03/market-street-properties-moves-to-take-power-plant-out-of-bankruptcy/) has a good summary of the filing. Apparently, talks with Bass Pro Shops have fell through and the company is "now exploring fitness centers, movie theaters and quick service restaurants would work well at the site. Representatives from Market Street Properties LLC have met with AMC Theatres, 24-Hour Fitness, Lifetime Fitness, Trader Joe’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods, as well as the developers Madison Marquette, Forest City and Developers Diversified to discuss potential opportunities."

Lots still has to happen, but I'm glad to see that this project is still being pushed forward.

[ardecila]

Where Ya Rack? has been talking with the library system about placing racks on library property which is still going through the motions. We do have a CEA with the city that should cover them as well.

But, we can always install racks out on the sidewalk in front of a library if someone sponsors one.

Well, there is bike parking at Keller... IIRC 5 U-racks. But they're hidden behind a garden wall and you can't really see them from the street.

[tennis1400]

Market Street Properties LLC, the owner of the former power plant near the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, filed a reorganization plan and disclosure statement in court on Friday evening, which allow the group to move forward with the process of getting out of bankruptcy and reveals details about the company’s efforts to develop the property.

GNORealEstateNews.com (http://gnorealestatenews.com/2012/04/03/market-street-properties-moves-to-take-power-plant-out-of-bankruptcy/) has a good summary of the filing. Apparently, talks with Bass Pro Shops have fell through and the company is "now exploring fitness centers, movie theaters and quick service restaurants would work well at the site. Representatives from Market Street Properties LLC have met with AMC Theatres, 24-Hour Fitness, Lifetime Fitness, Trader Joe’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods, as well as the developers Madison Marquette, Forest City and Developers Diversified to discuss potential opportunities."

Lots still has to happen, but I'm glad to see that this project is still being pushed forward.

I do think the main hindrance for the area is that it is basically cut off from the rest of the city grid. Fix that and it could change.

[ardecila]

^^ It's not cut off at all. Tchoup/Religious are difficult to cross on foot or on bike, but the street grid continues uninterrupted. An extension of Convention Center Blvd to Orange would definitely help.

Has anybody been following the microbrewery debate in St. Bernard? First these jokers cry bloody murder at multi-family housing and now they're trying to stop a small business that wants to open up and create jobs for the parish. It's pretty clear to me why their economy sucks.

St. Bernard residents wary of proposed microbrewery
Published: Monday, March 12, 2012, 10:11 PM

St. Bernard Parish residents on Monday night weighed the merits of a proposed microbrewery in their neighborhood. Mainly they were critical, saying they feared potential noise and pollution.

"We don't want to be on the map for a beer company in our neighborhood," said Jimmy Besson who lives two blocks from the proposed brewery in Chalmette. "We have church nearby and a school nearby, what sort of message are we giving by putting a microbrewery right nearby?"

The previous owner of the property, Marcus Chalona, told the crowd that the property has been used for commercial or industrial purposes since at least the 1940s.

Lewis made clear that if the zoning change goes into effect, the council still must craft a microbrewery ordinance which could be very restrictive, specifying exactly how many barrels are allowed and preventing the possibility of expansion.

Idiots.

[NOLAmike]

^^ It's not cut off at all. Tchoup/Religious are difficult to cross on foot or on bike, but the street grid continues uninterrupted. An extension of Convention Center Blvd to Orange would definitely help.

Has anybody been following the microbrewery debate in St. Bernard? First these jokers cry bloody murder at multi-family housing and now they're trying to stop a small business that wants to open up and create jobs for the parish. It's pretty clear to me why their economy sucks.



Idiots.

Wow, I can't believe they are treating these guys so poorly. It's not like it's going to be a coal plant or oil and gas industry that would actually create noise and pollution. What's wrong with having a brewery close to schools and churches? Anyone affiliated with a brewery doesn't have children or go to church? Good lord, I wonder what is Ok to the folks that are opposed to this....

[tennis1400]

A new sculpture 'Dialectics and Metamorphosis,' an angular iron sculpture by German artist Jorg Plickat that once floated in a City Park lake has been placed on Jeff Davis Ave by Washington Ave (by the new Blue Plate Lofts):
http://media.nola.com/entertainment_impact_arts/photo/10788817-large.jpg
(Doug MacCash / The Times-Picayune)

_____________________________________

Also, here's your map for streets to be repaved with a $90 million infusion from the state.
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/04/french_quarter_jefferson_paris.html
http://media.nola.com/politics/photo/10789993-large.jpg
(The Times-Picayune)

None of this includes the convention center money or other FEMA roadwork?

[tennis1400]

Wow, I can't believe they are treating these guys so poorly. It's not like it's going to be a coal plant or oil and gas industry that would actually create noise and pollution. What's wrong with having a brewery close to schools and churches? Anyone affiliated with a brewery doesn't have children or go to church? Good lord, I wonder what is Ok to the folks that are opposed to this....

Its like why even bother there if people are going to react like that. ANd lol at the school and church are close by comment. What message does a microbrewery send exactly? The guy they quoted is probably either a closet drunk or a recovering alcoholic.

Some permits:
204 CHARTRES ST
NEW ORLEANS LA 70130
Expand existing 1317 Sq Ft restaurant (@ 200 Chartres St) into adjacent 1221 sq ft space as per plans. VCCP-??
Job Value($):
$125,000.00

800 MAGAZINE ST
NEW ORLEANS LA 70130
CONVERTING A VACANT COMMERCIAL BUILDING INTO A MIXED - USED BUILDING AS PER PLANS. INTERIOR WORK ONLY/EXTERIOR TO BE SUBMITTED AT A LATER DATE.
Job Value($):
$3,450,000.00

501 O'BANNON
#111
NEW ORLEANS LA 70114
Tenant build-out of vacant space to 2526 sq ft medical clinic as per plans
$100,000.00


City Planning Commission Design Advisory Committee April 4, 2012 Agenda

http://www.nola.gov/~/media/Files/City%20Planning%20Commission/DAC%20Agendas/2012_04_04_DAC_Agenda.ashx

[polemic]

Its like why even bother there if people are going to react like that. ANd lol at the school and church are close by comment. What message does a microbrewery send exactly? The guy they quoted is probably either a closet drunk or a recovering alcoholic.

While I definitely agree that he's misguided about this issue, I think the man quoted might be the same guy as was profiled here: http://www.nola.com/st-bernard/index.ssf/2011/09/jimmys_kids_founder_back_on_hi.html, so I think (as always) we should try to be cool (and civil).

It appears that the owner of the microbrewery, 40 Arpent, is currently operating out of the Lower Garden right now ... hopefully he'll choose to open there instead. Though St. Bernard Parish might be more geographically fitting for his brewery's name, if Chalmette isn't ready for him, their loss, because New Orleans can't get enough good breweries.

[Blitzen]

None of this includes the convention center money or other FEMA roadwork?

I believe I read over the weekend the $90 million includes all of the $30 million Convention Center money, and the rest state money, but no FEMA money. Then once LA lawmakers realized the Convention Center had money sitting around, they are going to take the rest of it ($20 million) to pay for this year's Medicaid deficit.

My question is: Was that $50 million laying around intended for the next phase of expansion posted about many months ago, with new streets, hotels, and parking garages, in between the Convention Center and the Power Plant? What will happen now, without that money? Will it be sitting idle for more years?:shrug:

[ardecila]

It appears that the owner of the microbrewery, 40 Arpent, is currently operating out of the Lower Garden right now ... hopefully he'll choose to open there instead. Though St. Bernard Parish might be more geographically fitting for his brewery's name, if Chalmette isn't ready for him, their loss, because New Orleans can't get enough good breweries.

If he could afford to buy an industrial property in the city, he probably would have. St. Bernard has mediocre transportation links and is pretty isolated - unless you're from there, the only reason to open a business there is the low cost of real estate and relatively low taxes (less infrastructure to pay for).

If St. Bernard was smart, they could leverage the crazy vacancy rates and low prices they have and start attracting a lot of startup businesses. Instead, they just want to bitch about a bunch of hypothetical noise.

[tennis1400]

I believe I read over the weekend the $90 million includes all of the $30 million Convention Center money, and the rest state money, but no FEMA money. Then once LA lawmakers realized the Convention Center had money sitting around, they are going to take the rest of it ($20 million) to pay for this year's Medicaid deficit.
Whered you hear that? I dont think Convention Center money is included in it because their money is only intended for downtown/french quarter areas.

As far as that microbrewery. I would love to have it in New Orleans but feel bad when a business is attacked like that even if its in another area. BTW I didnt realize that the brewery was currently operating in New Orleans. ST Bernard as a whole seems to dislike anything foreign to their parish. St Bernard seems to suffer from a bad case of xenophobia.

[Blitzen]

Whered you hear that? I dont think Convention Center money is included in it because their money is only intended for downtown/french quarter areas.

Well now I'm not so sure, the articles I read kept saying "The convention center’s move appears to dovetail with efforts at the state and local levels." And according to IceCream's post 2 pages ago, they are separate allotments. So now I think you're right.

But this was the article I was originally referring to: http://www.gnohla.com/latest-news

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On another note, here is some new Convention Center Great Hall interior pictures/ info:
http://www.mccno.com/phire-content/assets/files/Great%20Hall%20-%20Two-Sided%20Brochure%20-%20Lo-Res.pdf

I like the LED stuff, but am not crazy about the randomly placed flower planters on the exterior. For some reason I expect public buildings to have more of a sense of symmetry and order than other contemporary buildings.

[elwin514]

Sorry to Change topics but any updates of the new Medical Center??