[OCA REP]

Roux opens tomorrow but there's a "private" party tonight...

http://www.rouxmontgomery.com/

http://www.rouxmontgomery.com/storage/Roux4.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1306803618850

:cheers:

Attended this last night and the food was excellent. Of course, most of the time, the food was not the problem at the Village Kitchen, it was the service. The chef, David Dickensauge, addressed the crowd and stressed that the food and the service both have to be outstanding... so, it sounds like they know the shortcomings of the previous tenant and will work to erase those memories.

In the next couple of weeks they will be opening the ROUX Market, where you can purchase takeout, etc. The plans look pretty cool.

Check ROUX out... it opens today!

[OldCloverdale]

not "development news" ... but the more events MGM brings to town, the better

a couple of HS sports related things:

The Alabama All-Star Sports Week (http://ahsaa.com/AHSAA/Information/AllStarEvents/AllStarSportsWeek/2011AllStarSportsWeek/tabid/3344/Default.aspx)is back in the capital city July 11-15 and will be at ten different locations: http://ahsaa.com/Portals/0/pdf/All%20Star%202006/2011venuesMap.pdf

The Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic (http://www.ahsaa.com/AHSAA/Information/AllStarEvents/AlabamaMississippiAllStarFootballClassic/tabid/206/Default.aspx)is leaving Mobile for Montgomery's Cramton Bowl. This year's game will be December 10: http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/06/alabama-mississippi_all-star_c_3.html

hotels, restaurants, etc :tup:

[OldCloverdale]

Sections of Old Cloverdale are getting a facelift, but the process has been painful for some businesses there... that process is soon coming to an end.

City crews are working on improvements to the area - centered on the intersection of Graham Street and Cloverdale Road. They're widening sidewalks and planting trees in an effort to make the area more attractive and pedestrian friendly. The project should be completed by the first week of July.

For businesses in the neighborhood, including one restaurant that's about to open, that date can't come soon enough.

"It's definitely not ideal, but it is something that's very short-term," said Melissa Wall, a consultant.

The managers at Roux, which specializes in New Orleans-style cuisine, expect their opening to be a success despite what's going on outside.

"It's something where we've priced to be able to have you come in the doors, a couple of times a week, enjoy your family, enjoy your neighborhood," Wall said.

"As soon as people find out about our cuisine, I'm sure they'll be coming in the door," said Lee Ussery, the general manager for the restaurant.

The project has been delayed by weather and other factors. City leaders say once the construction is done, it will be well worth the wait.

"It's going to feel like you're in the center of a little town area or a commercial district," said Chad Emerson, Director of Development for the City of Montgomery. "It's really going to have this nice, walkable pedestrian-safe, setting."

'It's been disruptive, but most of our merchants have weathered well with it, and are very supportive of it," said Oliver Smyth, a board member for Historic Southview, Inc., a key supporter of the project. "And so, a little pain is going to go a long way toward getting to the other end."

And all of the business in the area are open, and there's actually plenty of parking once you make it through. The project is estimated cost a half million dollars. It's being paid for by federal stimulus funds.

[OCA REP]

Sections of Old Cloverdale are getting a facelift, but the process has been painful for some businesses there... that process is soon coming to an end.

City crews are working on improvements to the area - centered on the intersection of Graham Street and Cloverdale Road. They're widening sidewalks and planting trees in an effort to make the area more attractive and pedestrian friendly. The project should be completed by the first week of July.

For businesses in the neighborhood, including one restaurant that's about to open, that date can't come soon enough.

"It's definitely not ideal, but it is something that's very short-term," said Melissa Wall, a consultant.

The managers at Roux, which specializes in New Orleans-style cuisine, expect their opening to be a success despite what's going on outside.

"It's something where we've priced to be able to have you come in the doors, a couple of times a week, enjoy your family, enjoy your neighborhood," Wall said.

"As soon as people find out about our cuisine, I'm sure they'll be coming in the door," said Lee Ussery, the general manager for the restaurant.

The project has been delayed by weather and other factors. City leaders say once the construction is done, it will be well worth the wait.

"It's going to feel like you're in the center of a little town area or a commercial district," said Chad Emerson, Director of Development for the City of Montgomery. "It's really going to have this nice, walkable pedestrian-safe, setting."

'It's been disruptive, but most of our merchants have weathered well with it, and are very supportive of it," said Oliver Smyth, a board member for Historic Southview, Inc., a key supporter of the project. "And so, a little pain is going to go a long way toward getting to the other end."

And all of the business in the area are open, and there's actually plenty of parking once you make it through. The project is estimated cost a half million dollars. It's being paid for by federal stimulus funds.

I actually had calls yesterday from Matt Bamberg and Samuel King (both with WSFA) and turned them onto Oliver Smyth who could more than answer their questions. They were more concerned with covering the angle of how these improvements were having a negative impact on the local businesses. Oliver gets MANY more of those type calls than I do.

I was totally "off the hook," but wouldn't you know I ran into Matt and Samuel as I was walking over to the ROUX Preview Party! It appears, from reading what OldCloverdale posted, that they got plenty of information for their report.

[OldCloverdale]

Any of y'all ever been on the Harriot II cruises? Thoughts?

http://www.etix.com/ticket/online/homePageSearch.do;jsessionid=6F586C496F890C7C0BA2023B45A85598?method=displayAsCalendar&venue_id=6005&cobrand=harriott2

[OldCloverdale]

Dunkin' Donuts announced Thursday the signing of a multi-unit store development agreement with Harrison Kwan for four new restaurants in Montgomery.

The first restaurant will open in 2012 and the remaining three units will be developed by 2016, according to a news release sent to media outlets.

The release did not include any information about Kwan, his background or whether or not he is from the area. The release also did not offer any details on where the restaurants will be built.

The agreement sells out Montgomery and surrounding counties for future franchise sales.

[Thedarkone1977]

Approved bill could help Brew Pub reopen (http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20110602/NEWS01/106020317/Approved-bill-could-help-Brew-Pub-reopen?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Frontpage|p)
By Brian Lyman • Montgomery Advertiser • June 2, 2011


http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=DS&Date=20110602&Category=NEWS01&ArtNo=106020317&Ref=AR&MaxW=640&Border=0


The former Montgomery Brew Pub may be a step closer to re­opening after the state Legislature gave final approval to legislation lifting many restrictions on the op­erations of breweries and brew pubs in the state.


Click title to read the entire article.

[brad0022]

Any of y'all ever been on the Harriot II cruises? Thoughts?

http://www.etix.com/ticket/online/homePageSearch.do;jsessionid=6F586C496F890C7C0BA2023B45A85598?method=displayAsCalendar&venue_id=6005&cobrand=harriott2

Can seem a bit cramped on the busy nights. Food is pretty basic, nachos, hot dogs and chips, etc. The lower lounge is very cramped. Drinks in the lounge are normal price but its a chore to go up and down the stairs to get one if you're hanging out on the top section or I'm just lazy. All that said it is a good time on cooler nights. Nice and different view of the skyline. It's a great trip. I recommend it.

[brad0022]

The Future Is Now event at the former Brew Pub is at 5:00-8:30 tonight. Illustrations of cool envisioned developments are on display, 4 bands, food and belly dancers will be there. Also you can get more info about the proposed Cypress Park here tonight.

[brad0022]

I learned something I did not know before speaking with Tyler Caldwell yesterday. Not sure if this has been already discussed but the downtown masterplan established a height restriction of 6 stories. RSA and Troy U. are immune to this restriction since they are state organizations. Tyler said that once the RSA tower was built it sucked the potential for class A office space along Commerce away. So that's one reason there are no offices as of yet along Commerce above Bibb Street. So no none-RSA commercial high rises in the future unless that is changed in the future. The skyline will essentially stay the same for quite some time.

Also the city is negotiating with a hotel chain to move to where the parking lot is across from the Renaissance. Not sure of the name. Good news after hearing that the Hyatt and the other hotel decided to cancel their plans for that spot.

[brad0022]

Details of the Cypress Nature Park. The city will work with the foundation to get this off the ground one day.

http://cypressnaturepark.org/


http://imgur.com/EZ2Va.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/qm7ka.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/GEH2E.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ghc5x.jpg

[brad0022]

Future Is Now

The event went very well. Architectural submissions for proposed buildings were on display. None were actually ideas that will be developed for sure just ideas only. Lots of unique ideas such as buildings with movable widows which change with direction of the sun and the use of moss to cool buildings. There were several vendors such as the Museum of Fine Arts, a group that wants to organize a new marathon for next September called the Defiant Run, Alabama Roots Music Society, a group that proposes a bike rental service, etc. The event was to inform and energize people about changing the city.

http://i.imgur.com/z6wXM.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/WJqlE.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/I4w6B.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Jz5JM.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/aLGRf.jpg

2 musicians played then Mia from Mia's Studio along with her students presented belly dancing and Zumba.

http://i.imgur.com/EBqu4.jpg

[brad0022]

Montgomery targets grocery stores, hotels

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20110605/BUSINESS/106050315/Montgomery-targets-grocery-stores-hotels?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Frontpage|p

Hopefully a chain that is not currently located in the area will open up shop in Montgomery.

"(Chad) Emerson and Jeff Downes, the city's deputy mayor, met with about 20 representatives from national grocery stores, hotels and other businesses last month at a conference in Las Vegas to try to sell them on Montgomery's available spaces, including existing and vacant buildings and undevel oped space.

Emerson would not say what grocery store or hotel opera tors he met with, but said they are all national brands."

"He received positive feed back from those he met with about the possibility of opening grocery stores in under-capaci ty areas, Emerson said last week.

Those under-served areas in clude the downtown, Maxwell Boulevard, west Montgomery and parts of South Boulevard."

"Emerson said he sees Dexter Avenue as a likely downtown grocery store location."

"As far as places for visitors to stay, the some say there is enough demand for another limited-service hotel down town, as well as in other parts of the city. The Hampton Inn in downtown is an example of limited service in that it doesn't have an attached restaurant.

Unlike the Hampton, the new hotel downtown would probably be a new construc tion, Emerson said. He said the city doesn't have a downtown site in mind, but there are sev eral possibilities within a block or two of the Convention Cen ter. Dawn Hathcock, vice pres­ident of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Con vention & Visitor Bureau, said that the hotels closest to the Convention Center -- the Ren aissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa, Embassy Suites and Hampton Inn -- had an occu pancy rate of about 70 percent in April. "That's good -- that is what a developer is looking for."

Between those three hotels and the nearby Clarion Hotel, the downtown offers about 830 hotel rooms.

Citywide, Montgomery offers about 7,000 hotel rooms.

And the citywide occupancy rate is about 58 percent, the mayor said."

[OldCloverdale]

I'd like for downtown MGM to land one of these:

http://www.beerknurd.com/invest

:cheers:

[Jefficator]

Alright, so this is cynical of me, but it deserves to be said.

In the comments section of the article above about retail growth in downtown, one of the commentators says he wouldn't come downtown for fear of being "caught in the crossfire": http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/comments/article/20110605/BUSINESS/106050315/Montgomery-targets-grocery-stores-hotels

And then this story appears in the paper today: http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20110607/NEWS/110607001/Biscuits-pitching-coach-shot?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Frontpage

The Biscuits pitching coach is shot. Where? Coming out of the deadly stadium? In the dangerous parking lot? In the evil downtown?

No. In his apartment. Off Taylor Road.

When are people going to realize that the the crime is migrating east, too? How many shootings have there been on the Eastern Blvd this year?

Denial is remarkable.

[thoraudio]

don't read the COMMENTS! Don't ever read the COMMENTS!

you'll just fall into there trap.

The MA commenters, like those on AL.com are racists/idiots and/or trolling for a good internet squabble. I don't know why people act like that, but they do. Don't fall for it.

[OldCloverdale]

It's time for the City of MGM to go after the (three games) AISA state football championships ... and later go after the AHSAA's "Super Six" ... and a college football Bowl Game!

Advertiser Editorial: Win for the city (http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20110607/OPINION01/106070301/Advertiser-Editorial-Win-city?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Frontpage|s)

The long-overdue renovation of Cramton Bowl is already paying one dividend -- the all-star football and basketball classics that pit the best high school players from Alabama and Mississippi are moving to Montgomery.

Of course, it will take much more than this once-a-year game to make the community's investment in Cramton Bowl pay off. But the classic could prove to be a significant boon for the city. And frankly, Cramton Bowl should have had this facelift long ago, with or without new events.

The annual football contest between Alabama and Mississippi players had been in Mobile since its inception in 1988. The basketball classic games -- girls and boys -- will be played at Alabama State University. They have been held in Pelham, but will move to Montgomery in March 2012.

While the basketball games are a plus for ASU and the city, it is the football game in early December that has the most potential to have a positive economic impact on the community.

"You're going to have a ton of people for a whole week in Montgomery, Ala., in early December, when it's a dead time," Mayor Todd Strange said of the football classic, which will be on Dec. 10. "The hotels will love this."

So will the restaurants and retail stores, because many of the families of the players will be in town not just for the game, but for the entire week.

If the upgraded Cramton Bowl allows the community to capture other such sports events, the boost to the local economy could prove to be substantial.

However, even if none of this happens, the improvementsto Cramton Bowl were necessary. The stadium, which is almost 90 years old, started showing its age decades ago.

The upgrade to Cramton Bowl actually began several years ago with a new playing field. The latest improvements continue that long-range project.

For the city to keep the football classic beyond the next two years, the community needs to support it -- in other words, businesses and individuals need to buy tickets and help fill the seats. Mobile has not been very successful in promoting the football classic for the past two years.

Montgomery, we believe, can do better -- much better.

[brad0022]

So what happened to the Blue/Grey game? I cannot remember now. Did it fold or move to another city?

[thoraudio]

So what happened to the Blue/Grey game? I cannot remember now. Did it fold or move to another city?

It lost it's sponsor in Kelly Tires, then resurfaced in Troy for a year or two as the Movie Gallery Blue/Grey, then when Movie Gallery started collapsing, it went away for good.

I liked having the Blue/Grey although it was always blacked out and I only went once. :D

[brad0022]

Alright, so this is cynical of me, but it deserves to be said.

In the comments section of the article above about retail growth in downtown, one of the commentators says he wouldn't come downtown for fear of being "caught in the crossfire": http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/comments/article/20110605/BUSINESS/106050315/Montgomery-targets-grocery-stores-hotels

And then this story appears in the paper today: http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20110607/NEWS/110607001/Biscuits-pitching-coach-shot?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Frontpage

The Biscuits pitching coach is shot. Where? Coming out of the deadly stadium? In the dangerous parking lot? In the evil downtown?

No. In his apartment. Off Taylor Road.

When are people going to realize that the the crime is migrating east, too? How many shootings have there been on the Eastern Blvd this year?

Denial is remarkable.

Exactly. Forget Montgomery crime which this year is lower than this time last. The crime in the burbs has risen. I've heard of plenty of shootings, stabbings, robberies, murders, etc. in the "preferred community", Wetumpka, Pine Level, Millbrook, etc. in the last few years. More than I have read or heard of a decade ago. I have a friend who's cousin was involved with a crazy redneck who shot someone in Prattville one year. Those commenters are full of it.

I for one have never felt unsettled or very nervous anywhere in the city but that's my experience. Just because this happened in the city doesn't mean it can't happen in Ramer or Slapout or Pike Road.

[Dyingyak]

Also the city is negotiating with a hotel chain to move to where the parking lot is across from the Renaissance. Not sure of the name. Good news after hearing that the Hyatt and the other hotel decided to cancel their plans for that spot.

Between the Renaissance and the Train Station?? I was under the impression that was going to be converted into the city "square" green space...so to speak.

[thoraudio]

Between the Renaissance and the Train Station?? I was under the impression that was going to be converted into the city "square" green space...so to speak.

Other side. Former Frank Leu building site.

[OldCloverdale]

Construction at 78 Dexter Ave (Latin restaurant) should start in two weeks.

:cheers:

[quattordici]

Montgomery releases promotional video

From the Montgomery Advertiser: Article/Video link (http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20110701/NEWS01/107010343/Montgomery-releases-promotional-video)

City of Montgomery has released its full length video promotional video for its "Capitol of Dreams" campaign.


You should really watch it. Some great pictures, video, music, etc...

[brad0022]

^^ That was a great video. Very well done.

[brad0022]

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20110702/NEWS01/107020318/Lofts-over-Dreamland-open-residents?odyssey=mod|mostview

"The Water Tower one-bedroom apartments include granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, "spa-inspired" bathrooms, exposed brick and beams and individual balconies -- several of which overlook The Alley, downtown Montgomery's emerging entertainment district.

There are two penthouse lofts on the fourth floor, both of which have been rented, and eight others on the second and third floors that range from 800 to 1,100-square-feet, Kyser said. The units on the lower floors rent for between $950 and $1,250. The penthouses are $1,550."

Also "Kyser said there are plans to turn the building's basement into a bar."

[OldCloverdale]

Yesterday, the City of Montgomery took an $82,000 loss that the city hopes will pay off in the long run.

The City Council approved the sale of 15 Dexter Avenue for $111,000, the city says the area needs to be approved and there need to be an incentive for developers. The incentive is at a discounted price, but they are confident the money will be made up and that bulding is appraised at $192,000.

Deputy Mayor Jeff Downes: "The key thing we want to have is action that will raise the value of the property long term and raise the value of the block. Bring life to it."

Also, the Kress building, which had an appraised value of $435,000 in 2009, has been offered to archi­tect Mike Watson for $225,000, but that deal has not been approv­ed yet by the City Council.

The city purchased 12 proper­ties for about $3.2 million using state bond money.

Visible work is actually expected to begin this week at 11 Dexter Ave., which will become the developer's residence and continue to be City Drugs on the first floor. The first change will be to the facade, with Blackman replacing the existing windows.

[OldCloverdale]

The downtown Montgomery property that was until recently a Clarion Hotel on Madison Avenue closed a little more than a week ago.

It is 180 rooms.

Without the Clarion, Montgomery has about 674 downtown hotel rooms. The hotels closest to the Convention Center -- the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa, Embassy Suites and Hampton Inn -- had an occupancy rate of about 70 percent in April.

If there were more available beds close to the Convention Center, it could attract larger events.

[bystander1]

Lol. Don't worry. They're coming...

[Jefficator]

That building should be torn down immediately and replaced with a structure that better occupies the site. No monuments in parking lots!

[OldCloverdale]

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/282122_2213810501908_1146904537_32719579_5217637_n.jpg

[brad0022]

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20110715/NEWS01/107150319/Historic-home-s-owner-makes-plans-property-s-future?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Frontpage|p

The Gay House on Noble Ave wil be razed. Ken Register bought the home to renovate for a law office but the cost was way too much due to extensive damage from fire damage in 2007. Interior pieces of the home will be salvaged and sold.

The good news is the site will be home to "eight residential units that will be designed like carriage houses." They will be of Victorian style with different design and color. He will go in front of the planning board in July 28 to move forward.

[brad0022]

Mike Watson will know by Aug. 2nd if the Council will allow him to buy the Kress building on Dexter Ave. He plans to redevelop with 30 lofts, a 200 person venue, a bar, eatery, rooftop terrace and fitness center. Watson also wants to incorporate 35 Dexter into the project after the current lease is up. Also there are plans purchase and demolish the building that sits between 29 and 35 Dexter to turn it into a public green space. That will allow for windows for some of the 30 lofts.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20110718/NEWS01/107180309/Proposed-plan-would-give-new-life-purpose-Kress-building?odyssey=tab|topnews|img|Frontpage

Key details
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20110718/NEWS01/107180310/PLAN-DETAILS?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Frontpage|s

Recreate the Clover Bar which was originally in the Kress building which will serve simple fare and stay open late.
The cost will likely be $1.25 per foot for the loft space. Some will be small studio and some will be luxury.
The bar will be similar to the Ally Bar in decor.
There will be exhibit space with art that commemorates the building and Montgomery history.
The facades facing Dexter and Monroe will return to the 1929 appearance. Most of the work will be on the inside.

[OldCloverdale]

...The bar will be similar to the Ally Bar in decor...


Gret news!

I love AlleyBAR (http://www.alleybarmontgomery.com/main.html) ... but with another place I wish he would do something different.

:cheers:

[OldCloverdale]

Birmingham restaurateur Guillermo Castro, who owned Sol y Luna and the Cantina, dies at 52 (http://blog.al.com/bob-carlton//print.html)

Monday, July 18, 2011
By Bob Carlton -- The Birmingham News


http://media.al.com/bob-carlton/photo/guillermojpg-60162571d3471cbd.jpg
Guillermo Castro started Sol y Luna in 1997 and opened his first Cantina seven years later. (Birmingham News file)

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Guillermo Castro, who grew up in Mexico and built a small restaurant empire after moving to Birmingham, has died, apparently of a heart attack, some of his fellow chefs and restauranteurs said this morning.

Mr. Castro was 52.

Efforts to reach Mr. Castro's family members have been unsuccessful.

A native of Guadalajara, Mexico, Mr. Castro opened Sol y Luna, which specializes in authentic Mexican tapas dishes, on Seventh Avenue South in Birmingham's Lakeview area in late 1997.

Seven years later, Mr. Castro opened the more casual Cantina, whose menu features what Mr. Castro called "street foods from around the world," in the nearby Martin Biscuit Building.

Mr. Castro has since started two more Cantinas in the Birmingham area -- one on Cahaba Valley Road in Inverness and a franchise in Hoover's Patton Creek shopping center -- and another in Montgomery in the downtown Alley Station entertainment district near Riverwalk Stadium.

A sign and voice-mail message at the original Cantina said the restaurant was closed today and the staff apologize for the inconvenience. It will reopen Tuesday, the message said.

Before opening his own restaurants, Mr. Castro managed The Pillars and worked with the Ruth's Chris Steak House chain.

Mr. Castro said in a 2004 interview with The Birmingham News that when he moved to Birmingham in the late 1980s, he found few foods from his native Mexico.

"I couldn't get good avocado, fresh cilantro, not even Corona beer," he said. "I grew up 40 miles from the town where they make tequila. But in restaurants here, I got something that was artificially flavored. I said, 'I've got to do something to expose my culture to Alabamians.'"

He did just that when he opened Sol y Luna, which not only offered Latino flavors in an upscale setting but also introduced tapas dining and premium tequilas.

"People thought I was out of my mind," Mr. Castro said. "But the excitement it created in the city showed me how the industry is moving toward Latin culture."

For a few years, Mr. Castro also owned and operated Los Angeles next door to Sol y Luna. The restaurant -- which Mr. Castro named for his sons Marcus and Gabe, "the angels," he said -- offered a fusion of Latin and South American cuisines.

[OldCloverdale]

http://aceaerialphoto.us/images/photos/Montgomery3252011.jpg

http://aceaerialphoto.us/photos.htm

[Brown Duckz]

That's pretty neat. Nice view of the infill going on at the "Capital Complex"

That area has some DC-like attributes forming.

[brad0022]

Very sorry to hear about Guillermo. I've never met him but have seen him around the restaurant.

Nice arial view. Wish the plan to turn that area into a plaza by removing the streets and making a large green space with underground parking was still on the books.

[quattordici]

That's pretty neat. Nice view of the infill going on at the "Capital Complex"

That area has some DC-like attributes forming.

My mom and I were driving around downtown today on our way to the beach and we both commented on how it was starting to look similar to Capitol Hill in DC.


BTW, downtown was looking nice.

[thunder89]

Lovely photo

I've never been off the interstate but maybe once when going through Montgomery. I need to take a venture downtown.

[bystander1]

Though it's not five-sided, I would say the Gordon Persons Building on the far right in the photo would our "Pentagon"...it's huge.

[OCA REP]

Though it's not five-sided, I would say the Gordon Persons Building on the far right in the photo would our "Pentagon"...it's huge.

That's why we refer to it as the "Missing" Persons Building!

[OldCloverdale]

Knology of Montgomery is relo­cating to its new 17,372-square-foot space at 770 North Blvd. The site will open for business Aug. 22 as a payment center. It will also house administration, sales, network, con­struction and field operations em­ployees.

Knology's current payment cen­ter on East Boulevard will close.

"Due to the immense growth we've experienced in recent years, it was necessary for us to relocate our operations, including our pay­ment center, to a larger space," Art Loescher, general manager for Knology of Montgomery, said in a written statement.

[brad0022]

Real estate broker TJ Wiliford confirmed that Southern Trails will relocate to the former Brew Pub (12 Jefferson St.) building's left side. It will be two floors of retail space. He hopes it will be a regional store. Also a while back when I spoke to him he mentioned they will carry rowing gear to supply the Montgomery Rowing Club but this was not mentioned in the article. A pub is still planned for the right side of the building.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011110805028

[Brown Duckz]

I think this could most certainly be a tourist attraction for Downtown, much on the same level as Bass Pro Shops is for the region.

[OldCloverdale]

Real estate broker TJ Wiliford confirmed that Southern Trails will relocate to the former Brew Pub (12 Jefferson St.) building's left side. It will be two floors of retail space. He hopes it will be a regional store. Also a while back when I spoke to him he mentioned they will carry rowing gear to supply the Montgomery Rowing Club but this was not mentioned in the article. A pub is still planned for the right side of the building.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011110805028

Am I correct in saying, "there goes the BrewPub kitchen?"

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=DS&Date=20110805&Category=NEWS&ArtNo=110805028&Ref=H1&MaxW=300&Border=0

[OCA REP]

Am I correct in saying, "there goes the BrewPub kitchen?"

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=DS&Date=20110805&Category=NEWS&ArtNo=110805028&Ref=H1&MaxW=300&Border=0

According to that photo, it appears so. I never liked that long-one story appendage from the main structure, but I was not counting on the kitchen disappearing unless they are reconfiguring it someplace else within the existing structure.

[Jefficator]

Am I correct in saying, "there goes the BrewPub kitchen?"

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=DS&Date=20110805&Category=NEWS&ArtNo=110805028&Ref=H1&MaxW=300&Border=0

This makes me nervous that the site will end up with a big fat parking lot on the corner instead of a full, pedestrian-friendly block.

[Thedarkone1977]

I've always pictured the Brew Pub moving to the Alley. They would be the perfect business to take over the site next Saza's and the Cantina. They can brew their beers inhouse and they would have a A+ location. The foot traffic from the Renaissance and the Alley would keep them full. I can see it now 'THE BREW PUB STEAK HOUSE' at the Alley.

[brad0022]

That's right. At one time the owner envisioned a restaurant on the left with the middle being a closed lobby and the brewery just strictly a pub. That's what I was told when I had a walk through of the property a few months ago. I assume they could not find a restauranteur to take that spot or TJ just wanted that spot from the start.

[Thedarkone1977]

Love these renederings of the new ASU football stadium

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zbZTyth-U2k/TkrtV-tm5fI/AAAAAAAAAJs/EfwS9cM68h4/s640/ASU%252520Football%252520Stadium%252520Front%252520View.JPG
ASU Football Stadium Front View

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EJyq9dj92iw/TkrtV9JDMAI/AAAAAAAAAJo/_XjRQ8_ciYE/s640/ASU%252520Football%252520Stadium%252520Birds%252520Eye%252520View.JPG
ASU Football Stadium Birds Eye View

[brad0022]

Love these renederings of the new ASU football stadium

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zbZTyth-U2k/TkrtV-tm5fI/AAAAAAAAAJs/EfwS9cM68h4/s640/ASU%252520Football%252520Stadium%252520Front%252520View.JPG
ASU Football Stadium Front View

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EJyq9dj92iw/TkrtV9JDMAI/AAAAAAAAAJo/_XjRQ8_ciYE/s640/ASU%252520Football%252520Stadium%252520Birds%252520Eye%252520View.JPG
ASU Football Stadium Birds Eye View

Wow that looks awesome. Very well done.

[brad0022]

This might be an early leak but I found this job listing on craigslist for a barista position for a new cafe opening in downtown called Cafe 19. I have not found any news about it anywhere else or even by word of mouth.

http://montgomery.craigslist.org/fbh/2551137513.html

**I am totally speculating here but it's possible that it might be located at 19 Dexter Ave going by the 19 in the name since some restaurants incorporate address numbers in their business names. Only assuming here since Dexter Ave is currently getting so much attention. That would put it next the current City Drugs and two buildings down from the Kress building. I have not visited the street to check out the building yet.**

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l145/brad0022/ScreenShot2011-08-17at34800PM.png

[OldCloverdale]

WAKA did a story on the ASU stadium:

http://www.waka.com/news/8844-progress-continues-on-asu-football-stadium.html

[OCA REP]

Love these renederings of the new ASU football stadium

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zbZTyth-U2k/TkrtV-tm5fI/AAAAAAAAAJs/EfwS9cM68h4/s640/ASU%252520Football%252520Stadium%252520Front%252520View.JPG
ASU Football Stadium Front View

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EJyq9dj92iw/TkrtV9JDMAI/AAAAAAAAAJo/_XjRQ8_ciYE/s640/ASU%252520Football%252520Stadium%252520Birds%252520Eye%252520View.JPG
ASU Football Stadium Birds Eye View

This looks GREAT!

[Thedarkone1977]

Renederings of what the suites and lodges in the new ASU football stadium will look like.


http://www.convergencedesignllc.com/uploads/galleries/slideshow/5LG_0004.jpg
Lodge

http://www.convergencedesignllc.com/uploads/galleries/slideshow/7TS_0000.jpg
Suite

These pictures are from the Portfolio of Convergence Design's website. (http://www.convergencedesignllc.com/project.cfm?project_id=31)

[OldCloverdale]

A new non-profit will soon oversee the conservation and development of the 260 acres of the Cypress Nature Park in downtown Montgomery.

The Montgomery Nature Conservancy and the seven member board announced plans today to begin the work of transforming the undeveloped wetland just 1.25 miles from the Alabama State Capitol building into a viable natural park.

In 2001, Montgomery Trees, formerly the Montgomery Tree Committee, held a creek clean-up along Cypress Inlet (next to the Riverfront) and Cypress Creek, and the committee members realized the potential positive impact the utilization of Cypress Nature Park would have on the River Region.

Now, the board is working to help make those plans materialize by reaching out to the community for suggestions on how the park can live up to its full potential.

HOK Architects, The City of Montgomery and the Montgomery Nature Conservancy will host a design meeting, called a Charrette, on Tuesday, Aug. 30, Wednesday, Aug. 31 and Thursday, Sept. 1 to create a master plan of the Park and to receive input from the community.

The Charrette will begin each day at 5:30 p.m. in the City of Montgomery Design Studio located at One Dexter Plaza. The public is encouraged to attend. For more information about Cypress Nature Park, visit the Cypress Nature Park website or connect with the Facebook page.

[Brown Duckz]

What is everyone's opinion on Mayor Strange's practices to encourage redevelopment?

Citing this article: Montgomery Advertiser article link (http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20110821/NEWS01/108210341/Montgomery-mayoral-hopefuls-differ-city-priming-business?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Frontpage)

[OldCloverdale]

Now that the newest RSA building is about done, what do y'all think?

I'm almost afraid to say that --though it fails to provide any ground level restauraunt, coffee shop, bar, dry cleaners, copy shop, etc --I think I like it!

Why does RSA not have these building more pedestrian friendly, inviting, or whatever the term should be?

http://www.rsarealestate.com/dexter/dexterIndex.html

[brad0022]

Now that the newest RSA building is about done, what do y'all think?

I'm almost afraid to say that --though it fails to provide any ground level restauraunt, coffee shop, bar, dry cleaners, copy shop, etc --I think I like it!

Why does RSA not have these building more pedestrian friendly, inviting, or whatever the term should be?

http://www.rsarealestate.com/dexter/dexterIndex.html

Might have been that it was not possible to fit street level shops. I kinda like it also.

[brad0022]

I spotted these new lofts under development on South Perry closer to I85. The back side has been demolished and is under construction. Hopefully the rest will come down and be redesigned. Its hard to read the banner but they will be ready in early 2012.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l145/brad0022/PhotoAug2245337PM.jpg

[OldCloverdale]

photo gallery of the new RSA building

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=DS&Date=20110827&Category=COMMUNITIES010305&ArtNo=108270801&Ref=PH&Item=55&Maxw=620&Maxh=465&q=60

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=DS&Dato=20110827&Kategori=COMMUNITIES010305&Lopenr=108270801&Ref=PH

[OldCloverdale]

Changes Coming to Downtown Montgomery Parking Lot (http://www.waka.com/news/9091-changes-coming-to-downtown-montgomery-parking-lot.html)

Written by Jamie Langley
Thursday, 01 September 2011 04:30 pm

Most of us have heard the phrase "pave paradise and put up a parking lot," but the City of Montgomery is doing just the opposite downtown. The parking lot owned by the city and located next to the Embassy Suites is undergoing some changes.

Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange says a large portion of that lot will soon be a grassy, pedestrian area used for produce stands to sell fruit from urban farms.

Mayor Strange says they will create parking spaces in other areas, but this concerns some drivers downtown about the already limited parking.

"Within the next couple of weeks we will be changing parking on commerce street and we'll restore about as many as we're actually going to lose", says Strange.

Mayor Strange says the new area will take up 10 to 12 parking places.

[OldCloverdale]

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20110908/NEWS01/109080331/Downtown-Montgomery-park-nears-completion

Though plans for a downtown park have been altered slightly, it still is on schedule to open in the coming weeks.

Originally, the park was proposed to be a "hockey stick" shape. Currently, a corner square is near completion at the intersection of Tallapoosa and Commerce streets. Construction along the street across from the Montgomery Convention Center has been put off because of utility issues, said Chad Emerson, the city's director of development.

"We decided to delay it until the next phase," ... because of recent bad weather and conferences in the area, but ... the first phase ...to be completed by the end of this month or soon after. Future phases will be worked on as funding becomes available.

He said the city is modifying and creating additional street parking and will erect signs near the park directing drivers to available parking in the decks near Riverwalk Stadium and the Intermodal Center.

The concept for turning a city-owned parking lot at the intersection into a downtown park has been in place since a master plan was developed in 2006 ... Aside from funding, future phases will be dependent on the city developing new parking spaces to replace those that would be lost due to the park.

The corner square will serve as "visual relief" for the time being, Emerson said. It also might be used for the operation of a Riverfront Facilities kiosk...

"We are super excited about the prospects."...

[OldCloverdale]

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/295812_285687684778964_205021286178938_1349027_905440181_n.jpg

[thoraudio]

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20110908/NEWS01/109080331/Downtown-Montgomery-park-nears-completion

Though plans for a downtown park have been altered slightly, it still is on schedule to open in the coming weeks.

Originally, the park was proposed to be a "hockey stick" shape. Currently, a corner square is near completion at the intersection of Tallapoosa and Commerce streets. Construction along the street across from the Montgomery Convention Center has been put off because of utility issues, said Chad Emerson, the city's director of development.

"We decided to delay it until the next phase," ... because of recent bad weather and conferences in the area, but ... the first phase ...to be completed by the end of this month or soon after. Future phases will be worked on as funding becomes available.

He said the city is modifying and creating additional street parking and will erect signs near the park directing drivers to available parking in the decks near Riverwalk Stadium and the Intermodal Center.

The concept for turning a city-owned parking lot at the intersection into a downtown park has been in place since a master plan was developed in 2006 ... Aside from funding, future phases will be dependent on the city developing new parking spaces to replace those that would be lost due to the park.

The corner square will serve as "visual relief" for the time being, Emerson said. It also might be used for the operation of a Riverfront Facilities kiosk...

"We are super excited about the prospects."...

I still think a Charleston style open market is needed there. You need something to draw people to the upper portion of Commerce. Right now, there's no shops or restaurants to draw walking traffic to the proposed park.

[OldCloverdale]

The City of Montgomery has closed Overlook Park for construction.

As part of the redevelopment of Maxwell Boulevard, the park will undergo a series of improvements. The upgrades include putting a new roof on the pavilion, adding a staircase down to the Down Town Farm and connecting it to the Riverwalk. A new fence has already been installed.

The parking lot is currently being removed and will be replaced with green space. Plans call for Maxwell Boulevard to be converted to two lanes of traffic on the east side of the interstate with parking available on both sides of the street.

The city hopes to have the scenic park, with its unobstructed view of the Alabama River, open again within six to nine months. The project will be funded from the sales of property on Maxwell Boulevard. Grant money may also be available to help pay for park improvements.

[OldCloverdale]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CiGiY-kh2lE/TnXxlJbiGfI/AAAAAAAAFJM/wXc6_1t82ic/s640/DecayingBldgIMG_2181ANDOLD+copy.jpg

Detail of the newly renovated building at the corner of Madison Avenue and Commerce Street in Downtown Montgomery, in which the nightclub Sous La Terre is located.

http://timlennoxonline.blogspot.com/2011/09/renovation.html

[OldCloverdale]

the City of MGM and MPAC/"The Ren" should go after the Miss Alabama pageant

why is it *always* in Birmingham?

Well, they got a couple of "Miss Alabama" type pageants ... but they are of the Miss USA/Miss Universe variety (as opposed to Miss America).

http://missalabamausa.com/

http://missalabamausa.com/PDF/2012AlabamaAnnouncementPressRelease.pdf

[The Heights]

Anybody else see this craziness?
http://blog.al.com/live/2011/09/group_announces_plan_for_7_bil.html

See the "plans" here:
http://ameri-metro.com/projects/current-projects

[thoraudio]

Anybody else see this craziness?
http://blog.al.com/live/2011/09/group_announces_plan_for_7_bil.html

See the "plans" here:
http://ameri-metro.com/projects/current-projects

Yeah, there's another thread on it. It'll never happen.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
But if something like that were to happen, there's one place close that would work.

There's about 10,000 acres of undeveloped, flat land on the river west of Burkeville (Sabic/GE Plastics), that'd be perfect for a multimodal center.

:D

[thoraudio]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CiGiY-kh2lE/TnXxlJbiGfI/AAAAAAAAFJM/wXc6_1t82ic/s640/DecayingBldgIMG_2181ANDOLD+copy.jpg

Detail of the newly renovated building at the corner of Madison Avenue and Commerce Street in Downtown Montgomery, in which the nightclub Sous La Terre is located.

http://timlennoxonline.blogspot.com/2011/09/renovation.html

Mixed feelings. I'm glad the building looks better, but I hate that public funds went to do it, and it's still empty above the first floor.

And Choices is still there...... yeech.

[Brown Duckz]

Choices is gross. I can't believe some of the areas other "oriental buffet" owners haven't ventured into Downtown with a restaurant. It would probably make a killing based on convenience alone.

[OCA REP]

convenience alone...

... was the ONLY reason we used to frequent Choices when I worked in the immediate area! :)

[OldCloverdale]

The city of Montgomery is trying out back-in, angled parking on one block of downtown.

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=DS&Date=20110923&Category=NEWS01&ArtNo=109230324&Ref=AR&MaxW=300&Border=0&City-testing-back-parking

The method of parking, which requires drivers to reverse into a parking space, was recommended in the Dover, Kohl & Partners downtown master plan and has been applied to 20 spaces on Washington Avenue.

Back-in parking is considered safer than the traditional angled parking, which requires drivers to reverse into oncoming traffic. This is an experimental effort right now, but Mayor Todd Strange said it may be applied to other hazardous areas if this trial run on Washington Avenue is successful.

[OldCloverdale]

I understand Waffle House just broke ground on a downtown location.
I believe it's at the NE corner of the N McDonough & Madison intersection.

[brad0022]

I understand Waffle House just broke ground on a downtown location.
I believe it's at the NE corner of the N McDonough & Madison intersection.

Are they building in the old Radio Hospital building or whatever it used to be?

[brad0022]

The plans for the city to use the 180,000-square-foot former Steve and Barry's in the Montgomery Mall for a fire/police station are moving forward. RiversEdge church wil occupy the former Parisians with a 2,000 seat sanctuary. The bulk of the property will be turned into a medical mall.

"The Charlotte, N.C.-based Keith Corp. signed a pur­chase agreement to buy 440,000 square feet of the mall in the spring. It wants to rehabilitate the mall into a multi-tenant facility that in­cludes medical offices as well as possible retail stores. The company reserved the right to back out of the agreement if it found that a medical mall isn't a feasible project. At the time, it said it probably wouldn't purchase the building until closer to the end of the year."

[Thedarkone1977]

WSFA is reporting that the Alleyway is being extended to Bibb Street.

[brad0022]

WSFA is reporting that the Alleyway is being extended to Bibb Street.


Here is a video clip (http://www.wsfa.com/global/Category.asp?C=195969&clipId=6370748&topVideoCatNo=14994&autoStart=true) of the news

Also since the city is eliminating parking in the center of lower Commerce that parking will be free parking for Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the city owned parking lots.

[OldCloverdale]

The free parking on a portion of Commerce Street is now gone and in its place will be decora­tive concrete.

The free parking in the cen­ter of Commerce Street that is north of Madison Avenue will re­main for the time being. The changes are meant to improve aesthetics and make the area, which is part of the city's entertainment district, safer for pedestrians.

There has also been a prob­lem with delivery trucks backing up traffic, since there was no designated loading and unloading area.

The city intends to make up for the loss of spaces by turning the parallel street parking into angled, metered parking, which will happen on both Commerce and Tallapoosa streets. The city's parking lot on the Tallapoosa Street side of the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center will also be available for free public parking after 5 p.m. as of today.

There will not be any net loss of parking, even with re­moving the illegal parking in the center.

[quattordici]

Details from the Advertiser

Jill Nolin
Montgomery Advertiser
Friday, October 21, 2011
Link (http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20111021/NEWS01/110210346/Next-phase-Alley-under-way-)

The next phase of the Alley, which is already under way, will create another cut-through
that will connect the Alley to Coosa Street and carve out new retail spaces in the popular downtown
entertainment dis­trict.

The project is a public-pri­vate venture, with Montgom­ery real estate developer Jerry Kyser
fronting the $250,000 needed to construct the exten­sion through a Coosa Street building.
The city will repay Kyser and also pay rent for the public space over a 15-year pe­riod.

A recent study examining the demand for retail space in downtown has found that
the market could support 309,000 square feet of retail and restau­rant space, according to
Mayor Todd Strange. The details of that report will not be released for another week.

Kyser believes the four re­tail bays that will be created by this project will satisfy a need
for small retail space. It will al­low entrepreneurs to take less risk and open small-scale
shops carrying regional merchandise, he added.

"You've got a lady who comes with her husband (to a convention). She doesn't want
to go to every store she can go to in a hundred other cities. She wants some unique
shop­ping related to the South and related to Montgomery," Kyser said.

The cut-through, which will have a design similar to the Commerce Street breezeway,
will also improve the flow of pedestrian traffic and create development opportunities on
Coosa Street and possibly even Monroe Street, according to Kyser.

But the work needs to hap­pen now before downtown re­development progresses any­more,
Kyser said. Kyser is the owner of 129 Coosa Street, which is a venue for special events.

"This is the last chance we have to make this connection," Kyser said Thursday during a
news conference Thursday.

The cut-through to Coosa Street will also create a public entrance to another, larger
re­tail space that sits opposite to the smaller retail bays. The smallest bay will be 400 square feet,
but all said, a combined 4,500 square feet will be avail­able via the new breezeway.

The city has entered into a lease agreement with Kyser because it hopes to multiply its investment
through increased sales tax revenues.

The city will reimburse Kys­er for the $250,000 construc­tion cost, plus 6 percent inter­est, and
pay to lease the space for a period of 15 years, ac­cording to Deputy Mayor Jeff Downes.
The city will pay $60,000 per year until Kyser has been repaid, and then will pay $34,000 per
year after that to lease the space.

As a result, the city expects to see an additional $115,000 in sales tax revenues per year be­cause
of the project and an in­crease of $1.7 million over the life of the lease, according to Downes.

Kyser owns the bottom floor of the building being used for the project. Kyser also said the he still
working with restaura­teurs to open a restaurant at 129 Coosa Street that would have a Southern
flair and fresh, local vegetables.

[OldCloverdale]

Montgomery's newest, and perhaps smallest, retail spots are now under construction.

The two adjacent structures, which will each be 576 square feet, will have a restroom that connects them. They are going up at the corner of Tallapoosa and Commerce streets.

The city will rent the spaces to fledgling retail business owners who go through train­ing that includes the Small Business Resource Center's Entrepreneurial University.

Officials have said the pur­pose of the incubators is to in­crease retail choices in down­town Montgomery by allowing entrepreneurs a low-risk op­portunity to see how their products will sell before decid­ing to move downtown on a more permanent basis.

"We are close to signing a lease on our first one," said Chad Emerson, the city's direc­tor of development.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20111026/NEWS01/110260341/Downtown-retail-incubators-under-construction?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Frontpage|p

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=DS&Date=20111026&Category=NEWS01&ArtNo=110260341&Ref=AR&MaxW=640&Border=0&Downtown-retail-incubators-under-construction

Construction continues on two city-owned retail incubators in downtown Montgomery. David Goodwin, left, and Dustin Simmons with Framing Professionals are working on the project being built by Distinctive Homes

[OldCloverdale]

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20111026/NEWS01/110260343/Builder-gets-approval-new-housing-development?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Frontpage|s

The third time proved to be the charm for Montgomery businessman Ken Register, whose plan to redefine a Gar­den District property received approval from the Architectur­al Review Board.

Register owns the lot at the corner of South McDonough Street and Noble Avenue, the site of what was the historic Gay House. He wants to devel­op the .84-acre property into single-family homes, which he's previously said would be in keeping with the character of the historic neighborhood.

He and his project manager, Sue Lauffner, have come before the ARB twice before with plans for de­velopment that were met with resistance.

Tuesday night, Lauffner, along with architect Lida Sea­se, presented a plan that took into account the board's previ­ous concerns about setbacks from the street and the density of the development.

The plan that was approved calls for six lots, down from the original eight lots. The board looked over detailed ar­chitectural renderings that showed curb cuts, driveway placement, parking and tree placement.

Board member Brandon Brazil thanked Lauffner and Register for meeting with members of the Garden Dis­trict Preservation Association to address their concerns, an issue that was raised at a previ­ous ARB meeting.

Board chairman Chuck Jones was pleased by the up­dated plans.

"Let me just commend you. This is fine. This is very well done," Jones said to Lauffner and Sease.

Brazil noted that any grad­ing or tree removal will re­quire separate ARB review.

Lauffner assured the board that they would bring any po­tential buyers to work with preservation coordinator Christy Anderson to avoid problems with such issues as architectural details, paint choices and stone or brick se­lection.

The board unanimously ap­proved the petition. Now, Reg­ister will go before the Mont­gomery City Council for rezoning. Then, the lot will have to be replatted before any lots can be sold.

After the meeting, Lauffner said she was excited, and that potential buyers have already approached Register about the lots. Lauffner thinks the con­cept could be the first of many others.

"I think once we get one un­der our belt, we'll be able to move on, and take other pock­ets within the city and the downtown area and see what we can do, and how we can be effective at making change," Lauffner said.

Register was pleased, and said he is ready to proceed. "It's good for Montgomery."

+++

sad:

http://cindybarganier.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/800px-gay_house_july09_01.jpg?w=460&h=345

[brad0022]

Montgomery's newest, and perhaps smallest, retail spots are now under construction.

The two adjacent structures, which will each be 576 square feet, will have a restroom that connects them. They are going up at the corner of Tallapoosa and Commerce streets.

The city will rent the spaces to fledgling retail business owners who go through train­ing that includes the Small Business Resource Center's Entrepreneurial University.

Officials have said the pur­pose of the incubators is to in­crease retail choices in down­town Montgomery by allowing entrepreneurs a low-risk op­portunity to see how their products will sell before decid­ing to move downtown on a more permanent basis.

"We are close to signing a lease on our first one," said Chad Emerson, the city's direc­tor of development.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20111026/NEWS01/110260341/Downtown-retail-incubators-under-construction?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Frontpage|p

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=DS&Date=20111026&Category=NEWS01&ArtNo=110260341&Ref=AR&MaxW=640&Border=0&Downtown-retail-incubators-under-construction

Construction continues on two city-owned retail incubators in downtown Montgomery. David Goodwin, left, and Dustin Simmons with Framing Professionals are working on the project being built by Distinctive Homes

I like this idea.

[thoraudio]

Drove down to take a look at them yesterday, and noticed that people are STILL parking in the middle of Commerce, despite the ongoing concrete work. Annoying as all get out.

[brad0022]

I missed this announcement several months ago so this was a surprise to me today. The Renesant Bank renovation of the former Regions bank is coming along. They are renovating 10,500 sq feet of the building. This will be the division headquarters for the Montgomery market.

"This location perfectly compliments our talented and experienced Renasant team by giving us a high profile location to provide our premier banking and lending services," said Mike Ross, Renasant's Eastern Division President. "With all the products of the big banks but the relationships and personal service of a community bank, we look forward to becoming a major part of the Montgomery community. Although Renasant may be a new name, our bankers have over 70 combined years of banking and lending experience in the local Montgomery marketplace."

http://blog.al.com/montgomery/2011/08/changes_coming_to_montgomery_s.html

if that link is dead then try this one
http://www.bizjournals.com/birmingham/blog/2011/08/renasant-bank-picks-montgomery-hq.html


http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l145/brad0022/rensesant.jpg

[brad0022]

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20111110/NEWS01/111100322/Group-signs-2-5M-deal-redevelop-Maxwell-Boulevard?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Frontpage

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=DS&Date=20111110&Category=NEWS01&ArtNo=111100322&Ref=AR&MaxW=640&Border=0&Group-signs-2-5M-deal-redevelop-Maxwell-Boulevard

Group signs $2.5M deal to redevelop Maxwell Boulevard

"A Montgomery-based development group has signed a $2.5 million agreement to buy and rede­velop a city-owned stretch of property along Max­well Boulevard.

Maxwell Development LLC offered the most money out of the four developers that submitted proposals for the property between Holt and Whit­man streets.

David Payne Jr., vice president of Design Build South and one of the key players behind Maxwell Development, said Wednesday that the planned roughly 300,000-square-foot building will stretch the entire length of the property and in­clude 304 apartments and about 50,000 square feet of retail space. The most recent plans call for a va­riating roofline of five and six stories."


"But the plans are not yet set in stone, Strange said. While he's confident that there is a market for 300 apartments near downtown -- he has recent housing and retail demand studies that tell him there is room for much more than that -- HUD could come back and say the project should be scaled down.

A smaller project is what the property owners along Clay Street would like."

Attorney Dean Mooty of Mooty & Associates who has a view of the river is apposed to the project as this project will give him a view of back of the building and a parking lot.

[thoraudio]

Looks nice, but I don't think they'll get them that big...

[OldCloverdale]

Supposedly, the Southern Trails store at the old Brewpub building will open on "Black Friday."

[rbp]

Supposedly, the Southern Trails store at the old Brewpub building will open on "Black Friday."

They're moving pretty fast, replacing all the windows. First & second floors look done. Not sure what they're going to do with the old kitchen section.

[OldCloverdale]

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/303859_10150922014670637_616965636_21575582_321704370_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/392036_10150922012870637_616965636_21575570_1661523125_n.jpg

[quattordici]

Tell me again, where is that building located?

[Brown Duckz]

I'm not sure if anyone else has noticed but the illuminating light from the "now" Renesant tower is a pretty nice addition to the skyline, especially from the river bridge. It goes along nicely with some of the other property's lighting.

[OldCloverdale]

Tell me again, where is that building located?

Montgomery, Alabama, USA

[quattordici]

Montgomery, Alabama, USA

Oh ha ha ha ha ha. But seriously, anyone know an address? Or just a general location?

[OldCloverdale]

Downtown

[quattordici]

Downtown

W/e, I give up.

[Brown Duckz]

W/e, I give up.It's in the Warehouse District adjacent to Riverwalk Stadium.

[quattordici]

It's in the Warehouse District adjacent to Riverwalk Stadium.

Thank you very much :)