[codyg1985]

Point is, it's not the worst thing in the world if Hoover becomes the dominent city in the region vs. Birmingham. Hoover is progressive and looking to the future, whereas Birmingham is still trapped in the White Guilt/Blacks Only sort of Government Mentality. Birmingham is not dynamic for the economy, and to be quite blunt, I'd love to see in the next 30-40 years Hoover become the top dog. It's already got 1 tall office building and a very well-to-do hotel, and you always have to start somewhere.

So we should just be proud if Hoover becomes the dominant city in the region? Hoover would be nothing if it were not for the city of Birmingham. All of the OTM suburbs would be nothing without the city of Birmingham. The fact remains that people commute downtown to work. So it would not be the worst thing in the world to see Red Mountain become a Berlin Wall, separating the affluent suburbs from a decaying, once vibrant city that no one seems to care to bring back to the regional stage?

I may seem a bit passionate about this, but I think the idea to let Hoover become the number one city in Alabama is just ludicrous. While we are sitting here letting two cities swap places, Nashville, Charlotte, and even other Alabama cities would have long surpassed Birmingham and Hoover in all categories. Surely someone ain't gonna sit back and let that happen.

[DallasTexan]

Eh, guys, just ignore the bile that spews from AL.com's way.

[Randy Sandford]

he'll say whatever imbecilic thing that pops into that chrome dome of his that will cause controversy...

Hmmm...sounds like one of his fans. ;)

[Blazer85]

Hoover shouldnt be, nor will it be, the dominant city in this region. It has no historic character. Hoover very well may become (and probably already is) the retail center of Metropolitan Birmingham, but the financial, cultural, historical, industrial center of the region is downtown Birmingham.

[Austin]

Hoover is the antithesis of urbanity and a little thing called "planning." It kind of disgusts me to think that I lived there for 16 years. Every time I go back to see family, after living in a much more urban area of Memphis, the flaws become more apparent. I sincerely hope the City of Birmingham can continue to attract development and compliment that with public projects. I think it has tremendous potential in a number of areas, and we're starting to see the realization of that.

And, of course, if the Mexican population in Hoover continues to rise, we'll see a good deal of Hoover's more "traditional" citizens move out into other areas. "ahhhh minorities! run away! run away!"

[DallasTexan]

In a perfect world, I'd love for Birmingham to do this to Hoover:

:eat:

[crash]

And, of course, if the Mexican population in Hoover continues to rise, we'll see a good deal of Hoover's more "traditional" citizens move out into other areas. "ahhhh minorities! run away! run away!"

bwhahahahhahahahahha!!!:haha:

[LSyd]

I know what you mean. At different places around town, the huge plume of smoke billowing from downtown made it look as if half of southside was on fire. I can only imagine what people passing through the city thought.

too bad i moved last week, that would've made quite the shot. :(

-

[bystander1]

What is you all's problem with Finebaum?




I don't listen to him because during the time he's on, I'm usually too busy outside watching the grass grow.


And what a tragic event to see the burning of that shoe warehouse.
I heard that thousands of soles were lost... :tongue4:

[DallasTexan]

wah wah wahhh.....

[dfwtiger]

Copyright 2006 The Birmingham News
All Rights Reserved

Birmingham News (Alabama)

June 7, 2006 Wednesday

Planners laud original villages concept

MICHELLE Q. GUFFEY Special to the News


Mountain Brook doesn't need to follow the national trend of combining commercial and living spaces, according to a consultant's plan for improving the city's four shopping villages.

The city's intentional layout in the 1920s of homes encircling shopping areas is just the mixed-use concept that communities throughout the country are trying to create, according to Bridget Lane of Business Districts Inc. of Evanston, Ill.

Both the SoHo development in Homewood and the Olde Towne Center in Vestavia Hills are attempts to create the same shopping experience that Mountain Brook's villages always have offered, Lane said.

Mountain Brook instead needs to concentrate on preserving its well-functioning elements, improving outdated and deteriorating buildings, and creating a management group to guide the villages as a whole, Lane told a group of city officials, property owners, merchants and residents recently at the Emmet O'Neal Library.

BDI is working with consultants Gould Evans Associates of Kansas City, Mo., to create a master plan for the villages that would guide new zoning laws. Gould Evans will be paid almost $200,000 for its land use plan and proposed ordinance revisions. Lane's contract for the market assessment was for $30,000.

City leaders decided last year a master plan was needed for the villages after an 85-foot building was proposed for English Village. Old Realty of Birmingham wanted to build the six-story residential and office building between 21st Avenue South and English Village Lane, but neighbors protested, saying it would change the character of the neighborhood. Key to the debate was whether mixed-use

developments were appropriate for the villages. Focus groups and a steering committee were subsequently created to study the issue.

Tom Clark, president of Mountain Brook City Council, said Lane's draft report gives the city and potential retailers valuable information about what would work well in each village.

''We don't want to do anything that's going to hurt the villages in any way,'' Clark said.

The biggest problem in the villages is a lack of parking, he said.

''If something comes in that doesn't have the parking to accommodate it, it would have a very harmful effect,'' he said. ''We're going to be real cautious about that. If they don't have parking, they can forget it.''

Clark said he doesn't see a burning need for multi-use buildings, but there might be some spots where it could work. It would be important to have compatible uses within a building, he said. Condominiums would be more appropriate over an antique store than a noisy bar or smelly restaurant, he said.

Billy Angell, owner of Oak Street Garden Shop in Crestline Village, said he found significant Lane's conclusion that condominiums are not as financially beneficial in Mountain Brook as single-family homes. Buyers in Mountain Brook are willing to pay 50 percent above the regional value for a single-family home because they find the school system so desirable, Lane said. However, condominiums do not enjoy the same inflated prices because they are not generally considered appropriate for families with children, according to her report.

''There is no direct financial benefit from having high-rise condominiums in the city. They don't generate any more tax money per square foot than a single-family residence,'' Angell said. ''The only reason the city would probably want to allow it is to keep elderly people here when they are ready to retire from a single-family residence.''

Angell said the decision to allow a high-rise condominium near a village should be left up to the neighborhood. ''I would certainly not force it down any neighborhood's throat because some developer wanted to do it,'' he said. ''The developer would benefit the most from it, not the city.''

The next step in the villages planning project will be the presentation of the overall plan and zoning proposals to the steering committee, scheduled for June 13-14, followed by public presentations in each of the villages later in the month.

A final draft is expected June 25, after which it will go to the Planning Commission in August and to the City Council in September for approval.

[Blazer85]

The guy heading up the City Federal project is a guy I know... here is a picture he took of it from the Penthouse at City Federal.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y226/BlazerTalk/DSCN0253.jpg

[Blazer85]

A new office/retail development has been proposed for Gardendale (separate from the $50M Caufield Square Promenade in Gardendale). It is to be called "The Plaza at Fieldstown Road"

- There will be two buildings behind Waffle House (north of Fieldstown Road and west of Mt. Olive Road). One will be a stand-alone restaurant & the other a 2-story retail building with shops, offices, and another restaurant. Total square footage: 60,000

Looks pretty cool even if it is in the suburbs...

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h123/Blazer85_photos/da01f95f.jpg

[sabre0link]

Let me know when the MB public meeting is held in Overton Village... I can easily go to that. :) Of course, the big factor would be WHEN it is.. lol.

In this area.... drive Overton. Big time. My mouth gapes everytime I drive it... And Green Valley's getting that way... but... my main point is about the housing... there are a good number of apartments here, and there are also a good number of single-family houses (or the twin houses...) and some of them for sale for a week or so before they're under contract...

Highly desirable location, not just because of the schools, but the atmosphere (more predominant in English Village than here in Overton), location to retail (The Summit is 3 blocks south, and Brookwood Village is a hop up 280)... I can easily see why houses here start around 400K... and that's for a standard 3 bed/2 bath... Also, it's the people you get to call neighbor.

I was beyond lucky to locate the apartments I'm in... there are families here, but it's not an overwhelming majority... mostly singles or couples with no kids... it's nice.

And how affluent is MB? heh.... just search for information on the city.... I can't place the website right now, but the income in this area is outrageous when compared to other areas.. it's super-concetrated as well.

Also, on MB's website they've had a master plan... I wonder if that's the original one or what? lol.. I've seen it and like it.. just wonder sometimes. :)

And the 200K for the plan? That's likely pocketchange... which is kindda sad. Compare B'ham's plan costs for the RRP to MB's Villages Plan... and then consider what areas... yeah. lol.

I hate it, I do... I hate it that MB doesn't seem to help B'ham, else they do and just do it through businesses... they just want their home area to be super-nice. heh :\

I kind of wish Overton Park was larger... it's tiny. lol.

I'm a Park person... I like big parks... I've often looked at the land at 280/119 that's for sale and pictured a park there... *sigh*

Nicely offtopic! WHE!

[rkcrover]

Does anybody know the status of the old healthsouth digital hospital on 280? Have they sold it? Is it going to become office space?

[Blazer85]

Does anybody know the status of the old healthsouth digital hospital on 280? Have they sold it? Is it going to become office space?

Good question. I thought it was still owned by HealthSouth, but then I drove by one day and it looked like it had a different name now. I think work had stopped, but restarted. Once upon a time I heard Baptist Health System might be interested. I would like to know definitively, though, what the deal with that place is.

[sabre0link]

bah.

[Blazer85]

sabre... are you relatively new to Birmingham?

[sabre0link]

Let's see if I can stop the giddyness? Since just liking a building's design is odd?

Anyway.

On a whim I decided to drive around exploring my neighborhood, and then on to downtown to see everything, yet again, at night. I always get these whims to drive at night. So off I went. Obviously, I took pictures, and obviously, being at night, and me driving... you can't see a thing.

I noticed 2 or 3 cranes around 5th ave N, just off 65. I also noticed what appeared to be a presently 2 story parking garage under construction around 2nd ave N, again just off 65.

Me being me, I was taking in the lighting schemes of the buildings (I do so everytime I see them... I do it elsewhere, too. I love light.)

As it has been a year or so since I've been on 20th st from downtown on south.. I noticed the eateries that I hadn't seen before (Subway and Pizza Hut.. go figure), as well as Pickwick Place(Plaza?), and how nicely populated 5-points was. Of course, with the lounges and bar there, it's no wonder it was populated. heh.

I've been to B'ham in daylight, but that was mainly spent inside.. either Vetern's Hospital, some retirement-apartments, or the BJCC. Separate areas that I'm just now being able to connect. I've driven through like I did tonight, on different roads, etc. Intentionally getting lost to see what I can find, and see how to get somewhere.

Do I get out much? No. My whims allow me to just take in something I love.. city lights.

Yes this has gotten to be about ME all of a sudden. I find enjoyment in simple things. And I hardly ever get to be in something I love... I loved driving downtown every single time I had an usher event at the Alabama. Yes I had a gorgeous buildign to go to, but I also loved the entire place. Yes it (the city) has its faults, which I don't ignore. I just on occasion need to see the good things in the city to appreciate it.

Call me weird... I already do.

[DallasTexan]

Sabre, are you a chick?

[Blazer85]

No need to be ashamed... just curious. It's cool that you're going around trying to explore. Alot of people that live probably closer than you used to havent probably taken many road trips on a bunch of Birmingham back roads.

Some tourist industry should establish a city tour thing in Birmingham. They'd probably make a killing. Yes yes... I know they have walking tours, but you know people and their stereotypes about crime in this city. I think they should have guided streetcar/bus tours of historic sites in downtown where they can stop off at different points to view things up closer. Oh well... just rambling. It'll happen some day... just not now I guess.

[Dystopos]

Why not?

http://static.flickr.com/49/150416994_ed50e5b2e7.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dystopos/150416994)

[DallasTexan]

Wow, as an aside from the pic, Cooper Green's really looking different.

[Blazer85]

Why not?

http://static.flickr.com/49/150416994_ed50e5b2e7.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dystopos/150416994)

Is that a city-based one? I thought those were more so regional. Black History tours are nice and definitely should be included, but I mean moreso Magic City History tours... Sloss, the Railroad District, Civil Rights District, Theatre District, Tuxedo Junction, Highlands, etc.

[sabre0link]

Sabre, are you a chick?

Last time I checked.

I agree on the history of the city deal... Something MORE than the obvious---civil rights/black history/southern plantations, etc...

My biggest point right now is parking... my usual parking hasbeen turned into parking for Phoenix Lofts. Grr. I knew it was too good to last... sigh. I had to pull in there due to trying to locate a memory stick in my purse... and I saw the "RESERVED" sign and was saddened.

I don't keep cash, period. I've tried to mentally start myself on a program where I have cash, but it ain't working.

Grr.

THAT's how I feel about meters and pay lots. Yes. I don't like them!! Sigh.

And one more thing about the walking tours:

They're only good as far as sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly signal lights extend.

And in reality, if we had a GOOD transit system (in addition to the buses... I about fell out of my car when I saw a bus shelter in Mountain Brook), I would take IT to downtown instead of driving. Not that I don't love driving, but it would afford me the ability to walk and look at what I want to at my own pace, and not have to worry about that MAX bus behind me wanting to turn right. :) I live... not far... from downtown (I live in Cahaba Heights/Mountain Brook/Overton Village area), so it's not much different, but it'd be nice to not have to worry about finding a parking spot if I want to go to the IMAX or BJCC... Y'know? :)

[DallasTexan]

Nice - it's good to have a female's influence 'round here :D

[sabre0link]

Yeah.. I've only been around for a few months... hehehe :)

And hey... someone's got to balance out the testosterone levels around here. lol.

btw.. my avatar is me.... unconsciously emulating Kate Beckinsale from Underworld: Evolution.... proof? http://www.sonypictures.de/landing/underworld-evolution/images/start_bg.jpg

I took the pic and edited my eye color (my eyes are naturally blue anyways, I just wanted that glowy blue.. lol), and then realized when I saw the poster again... haha. whoops. :)

[sabre0link]

OK, as a follow-up to my previous comment about parks...

I decided to dig for information about the acreage at 280&119... it's sat doing nothing for (as much as I have seen) at least 2 years.

I made a breakthrough after remembering the realty company with signs up... EBSCO. Easy for me to remember, as we had an EBSCO classroom at Montevallo.... Anyway.. what I found:

It was originally supposed to be Tattersall Park (YAY! A park!) then I researched that... it was to be a mixed-used retail development.... (booo... more shopping...)

Here's the (snippet) from an article from 2002! (full article here: http://retailtrafficmag.com/mag/retail_gulf_states_area/index.html)

At highways 280 and 119, EBSCO Properties is developing a 78-acre mixed-use project called Tattersall Park that is slated to open by spring 2004. Tattersall Park's design mirrors that of a small town from the 1940s. Stores at street level will have office and residential space on the second and third floors.

An upscale grocery store new to the Birmingham market is to anchor the main street center, which will feature 700,000 sq. ft. of specialty shops, national retailers, restaurants, entertainment venues and recreation facilities; 210,000 sq. ft. of residential space in 120 units, including townhomes and loft apartments; and 340,000 sq. ft. of office space, including three 4-level office buildings.

Oh, and this is allll in HOOVER. :D hehe. It's not as perfect as some seem to think :)

Here's minutes from the council meeting (from 2003) where I found the name of the development... pages 9-11... basically, it's Greystone vs. Hoover. lol. And the land? Held up in something... Now I just need to find out what this Greystone PUD is.....

http://www.hooveral.org/Documents/CityClerk/CC-2003-07-21M.pdf

[Dystopos]

The Black History tours are definitely regional, but it is a pretty regular example of people traveling here to see a lot of things in Birmingham and to learn about the city.

Now if we could get them to have lunch at a local restaurant, maybe in the 4th Avenue Historic District, instead of Captain D's....

[Blazer85]

Finally some documentation of it...

Radisson to become first Doubletree Hotel in city
Southside hotel gets $10 million renovation
Friday, June 09, 2006
ROY L. WILLIAMS
News staff writer

The Radisson Hotel on Birmingham's Southside is getting a $10 million makeover as a rebound in the area's hospitality industry has sparked a boom in hotel renovation and construction projects.

The 295-room hotel at 808 20th St. South has remained open since construction work began without fanfare in November, and on June 27 it will become Birmingham's first Doubletree Hotel, said Melanie Johnston, the hotel's general manager for 16 years.

Owner Columbia Sussex of Fort Mitchell, Ky., is adding new furniture, bedding, doors, lights and bathroom fixtures in all 295 rooms and upgrading its three suites. The hotel lobby is being completely redone with a new chandelier, new furniture and more upscale look. The former J. Gatsby's restaurant has been gutted and will reopen in late June as Bistro Americana, offering a variety of American dishes including steak, fish and hamburgers.

The meeting facilities on its lower level are also receiving an upgrade as the soon-to-be Doubletree aims to cater more to corporate clients and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Johnston said.

The Radisson was originally built in the early 1970s as Kahler Plaza, then became a Hilton. Columbia Sessex bought the hotel 20 years ago and converted it into a Radisson.

"We're going back to our Hilton roots," Johnston said, referring to the fact that the Doubletree brand is under the Hilton umbrella.

Rising occupancy:

The Radisson is among several hotel projects under way in Birmingham.

The Tutwiler Hotel downtown by October is expected to complete a $7.2 million upgrade under new owner Integral Hospitality of Trussville that will include the addition of Restaurant G, which is moving its upscale fare from One Federal Place.

The Redmont Hotel 2101 Fifth Ave. North this summer is expected to begin a project that will converting up to half of its 100 rooms into condos. Birmingham-based HP Hotels is building four new hotels with a combined 400 rooms, including a 130-room Hilton Garden Inns in Liberty Park.

Tennessee-based Smith Travel Research has said the increased activities come as the Birmingham area hotel occupancy has jumped to 71.3 percent as of March from 67.1 percent a year earlier.

Johnston said Birmingham's strong banking and health care industry, coupled with a resurgence in the tourism industry, has brought hotels in favor with lenders again. She believes the Doubletree affiliation, with the perks related to its membership in the Hilton Honors program, will make it a great fit for Birmingham.

"We are making this top-class, including installing in early July a revolving door for our front entrance being brought in from Sweden," Johnston said. "And I know our guests will be excited to receive the free cookies Doubletree has made famous."

E-mail: rwilliams@bhamnews.com

[DruidCity]

A couple of Birmingham-related developments in Tuscaloosa, per this morning's T-News :

* Full Moon BBQ will open a store in Tuscaloosa in late August, only its second location outside metro Birmingham, the first being in Baltimore.
It's a couple blocks from the $120-million Midtown Village mixed-use development, which has begun clearing work & is scheduled to open by Fall 2007.

* Birmingham developer Marlin Bisso still plans to build "The Paramount" in downtown Tuscaloosa. The massive project is expected to include a 750-space parking deck, a 10-story apartment tower with retail on the ground floor opening in summer 2008, and a 12-story tower with retail on the ground floor, a 72-unit hotel on the top 2 floors, and apartments on the other floors opening in summer 2009. The 306 total apartments and retail will be geared primarily toward university students. In slightly related news, a local developer's plans for "Metalworks" condominiums across the street from "Paramount" have changed from 11 stories down to 4, with a much wider footprint, and pre-sales willing, could begin construction as soon as this fall. Metalworks is targeting the business class, rather than students.
http://www.metalworkscondos.com/about.html

[B'ham Bound]

In other news: I sent an email to Carol Clarke, the Office of Development Director for Birmingham, to inquire about the progress (or rather lack thereof) concerning the proposed Westin Grand Bohemian. Four days later, I'm still waiting to hear something.

[DallasTexan]

I have her home address on Norwood Boulevard... go knock on her front door :D

[Blazer85]

Some nice company we'll be joining. I wonder whether they'll be housed in an existing facility or have an additional federal building near the others west of the BJCC.

Secret Service to establish Electronic Crimes Task Force in Birmingham
Birmingham Business Journal - 11:09 AM CDT Friday

Birmingham is among nine cities selected by the U.S. Secret Service to house an Electronic Crimes Task Force to bolster the federal fight against high-tech computer-based crimes.

Birmingham has been tapped alongside Buffalo, N.Y., Louisville, Ky., Minneapolis, Baltimore, Oklahoma City, Pittsburgh and Seattle to join an existing network of 15 other nationwide operations.

Secret Service director Ralph Basham says the public-private partnership binds the efforts of law enforcement, private industry and academia in a common goal.

"Our existing task forces have experienced remarkable success in detecting and suppressing computer-based financial crimes. We are confident the new task forces will add to this record of success," Basham said in a written statement.

Although the task forces investigate an array of computer-based criminal activity, common targets include e-commerce frauds, intellectual property violations, identity crimes, telecommunications fraud and computer intrusion crimes that affect a variety of infrastructures.

The task force approach allows the Secret Service to more effectively monitor and address computer-based crimes among highly vulnerable telecommunications and finance systems. The agency has identified those two areas as prime targets for hackers and cyberterrorists seeking to damage the nation's economy. The collaborative task force approach allows the group to more readily share information and identify weaknesses within these infrastructures.

The Secret Service was authorized to establish the network following the passage if the USA Patriot Act. Per the partnership arrangement, the Secret Service provides the framework and other law enforcement agencies furnish additional criminal enforcement jurisdiction and resources, while private industry affords a wealth of technical expertise.

Basham says the constantly evolving "cyber world" necessitates reliance upon the business community and academia to keep pace.

Electronic crimes task forces already exist in Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, N.C., Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Columbia, S.C.

[B'ham Bound]

I have her home address on Norwood Boulevard... go knock on her front door :D
:haha: That's right... I forgot about that!

[B'ham Bound]

A few renderings of the planned condo conversion for the Terrace on Highland building.

http://theterraceonhighland.com/images/TC-interior.jpg

http://theterraceonhighland.com/images/TC-lobby.jpg

http://theterraceonhighland.com/images/TerraceCourtRendering2.jpg

old school...

http://theterraceonhighland.com/images/TerraceCourtOriginal.jpg

[Blazer85]

Wow... those look nice.

[Dystopos]

Hm. I wonder what the Deisgn Review Kangaroo Court will say. No balconies on there now. Looks like the original design had some, but not with the 42" railings required today:

http://static.flickr.com/33/64964668_234259dd1f_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dystopos/64964668)

Also, I notice a floor was added between design and completion. And are those swastikas in the lobby tile? I think someone mentioned that once...

[crash]

old school...

http://theterraceonhighland.com/images/TerraceCourtOriginal.jpg

Anyone know what that building was that used to sit where the church is now?

[Dystopos]

Anyone know what that building was that used to sit where the church is now?

I was wondering what that was, too. It's not where the church is now (St Mary's-on-the-Highlands was built in 1880). It's on the site of the parking lot on the east side of the alley.

[Blazer85]

Yay... also will remind folks that Bristol Southside should be completed soon. It'll be nice when some of these residents can actually start moving in. Alot of projects in the works, but not alot living in downtown units just yet.

$7.5M Athens condo conversion moves forward
Birmingham Business Journal - 2:34 PM CDT Monday

Developer Adam Cohen hopes residents will be carving their 2006 Thanksgiving turkeys in their Athens Flatts condos at Second Avenue North and 23rd Street downtown.

The $7.5 million conversion, announced in October 2005, has reached a milestone with general contractor Jones Williams Construction completing demolition this month, Cohen says.

Workers are now framing out the interior of the four-story, 1960s building, which will have 36 units priced from the mid-$100,000s to $400,000-plus. Mike Patterson and Sally Tuttle of Margi Ingram's Condominium Shoppe are marketing them.

Tuttle says the current, pre-construction prices will likely go up.

Units will range from approximately 850 square feet to more than 2,000 square feet and will include a penthouse.

Cohen and Tuttle say one of Athens' top selling points is private balconies, which will be 7 to 8 feet deep and 10 to 12 feet wide. "It's the only project in the loft district that has private balconies," Cohen says. "And they aren't just faux balconies - you could live out on your balcony."

Besides balconies, the Athens will boast high-end finishes such as granite, travertine and hardwoods.

Cohen says Second Avenue North is coming into its own as a neighborhood, with loft conversions such as Rhodes-Carroll, Fix Play, Goodall Brown and the Gallery nearby, as well as popular gathering spot Metro Bistro.

Rob Walker Architects LLC is project architect. Financing is being provided by CapitalSouth Bancorp.

Cohen's company, Cityscape Development Group, has $35 million invested in urban residential projects under way in Birmingham and beyond.


Also gotta love these local banks like CapitalSouth going in there and supporting/financing these local developers and development projects.

[Blazer85]

Dont know if this is new or not, but I just read it in today's paper...

After 107 years in the same location downtown, J.T. Massey Mercantile Co. is moving.

The store at 2419 Second Avenue North will relocate to 7750 First Avenue North in East Lake to make way for loft apartments in the downtown building.

[Blazer85]

Just saw a story on Fox6... renovations and conversion of the Sears building has begun :tup:

[Dystopos]

Re: Sears

TechBirmingham has some photos of the "empty house" reception on Flickr.

http://flickr.com/photos/techbirmingham/tags/innovationdepot/

[Blazer85]

BhamBound... can you do one of those projected skyline impact things for the 16-story building like you did for the 14-story Federal Reserve project? :D

Bump. Sorry, I'd do it myself if I could, but I dont know how to do it in perspective.

[B'ham Bound]

Haha... I'm actually working on 'em now! Patience, my dear friend. Patience.

[Blazer85]

Haha... I'm actually working on 'em now! Patience, my dear friend. Patience.

My bad, my bad :haha:

[B'ham Bound]

You wouldn't believe how hard it's been trying to find a decent photo with the view I need... And the photos I did find, didn't have a CC license. I'm still trying to find some but in the meanwhile, here's a map of the area with the projects highlighted.

EDIT: Success! Thanks to Wally Argus for letting me use his photo...

Article describing project is here:
(http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/business/114846262979230.xml&coll=2)


Map of Corporate Realty's recently announced projects

http://deongordon.com/birmingham/corporate_realty_map_jpeg.jpg
*The orange areas depict the recently announced projects by Corporate Realty Development.

Possible Skyline Impact

http://deongordon.com/birmingham/corporate_realty_skyline_gif.gif
Original photo by: Wally Argus

[Blazer85]

Thanks for the map, B'hamBound. Looking at the footprint of the proposed 16-story building, it could EASILY be much taller (if they wanted). Hope 16-floors isnt the upper limit, but rather is the minimum on this.

[B'ham Bound]

^ New photo (skyline impact) posted above.

[Blazer85]

^ New photo (skyline impact) posted above.

Great work... the Standard Midtown would also be visible in that shot just to the left. Between the Daniel Building, the Corporate Realty building, and the Standard Midtown, it'll almost begin to create a "Midtown Skyline." Although in reality, Birmingham's skyline will eventually probably begin to merge into one long line from the northside down to the southside rather than distinct skyline regions like Houston, Atlanta, etc. Only way I can see distinct skyline regions in Birmingham is if some day there are highrises west of I-65, east of the Red Mountain Expressway, or north of I-20/59. Thanks again, B'hamBound! :tup:

[B'ham Bound]

I knew it was something missing. I've uploaded the new pic with the changes. As far as our skyline goes, I am eagerly waiting for the day when, as you said, our skyline will stretch from the CDB through Midtown, past the Medical District, and terminate at Five Points. If we can just get a few 600 footers, our skyline would change dramatically. Hell, I'd even settle for a few 500' towers near Five Points since the elevation increases about 100 feet. It'd basically be the same as getting a 600' in the CBD.

I'm especially interested in seeing how Five Points turns out with discussions about mid to high-rises taking place now. As far as skyline districts go, I actually think Ensley could support a few scrapers -- it already has one and the downtown grid would support the buildings very well. Call me crazy, but if the redevelopment of Ensley continues at this rate (with a decrease in crime, of course -- and a little bit of luck), we'll be looking at an entirely different area in 20-25 years.

I also wouldn't mind seeing some high-rise condos go up at 280 and 459. I figure there will always be misguided souls :P who will prefer to live in the burbs (even though that area is technically Birmingham) so why not capitalize on that and just get the tax revenue. Who knows, once the condo at the Summit is built we might begin to see more pop up around the interchange.

And I have made this post way to long. Bye!

[B'ham Bound]

Thanks for the map, B'hamBound. Looking at the footprint of the proposed 16-story building, it could EASILY be much taller (if they wanted). Hope 16-floors isnt the upper limit, but rather is the minimum on this.

Yeah, for some reason I was thinking the new tower would be taller than the Daniel Building across the street but I forgot that the Daniel is 20 stories.

[Randy Sandford]

While driving north on 18th Street South after work today, I noticed that traffic was being held up ahead by a truck carrying a trailer. As I got closer to the traffic jam, I was relieved to see the truck making a turn to the left. I was delighted even more to see that this trailer was being delivered to the site of the Railroad Reservation Park where 5 other trailers were already present. All of these trailers were the type used for on-site offices at construction sites, and there presence could only mean one thing--construction of the park is about to begin! I also wondered if they might be for construction of the Standard Midtown (http://www.standardmidtown.com) development across the street, but I doubt that many trailers would be needed for that project or that the trailers would be set up on the Railraod Reservation Park property (Standard Midtown will be an L-shaped building, and a construction trailer could be set up on the back side of the building).

[Blazer85]

While driving north on 18th Street South after work today, I noticed that traffic was being held up ahead by a truck carrying a trailer. As I got closer to the traffic jam, I was relieved to see the truck making a turn to the left. I was delighted even more to see that this trailer was being delivered to the site of the Railroad Reservation Park where 5 other trailers were already present. All of these trailers were the type used for on-site offices at construction sites, and there presence could only mean one thing--construction of the park is about to begin! I also wondered if they might be for construction of the Standard Midtown (http://www.standardmidtown.com) development across the street, but I doubt that many trailers would be needed for that project or that the trailers would be set up on the Railraod Reservation Park property (Standard Midtown will be an L-shaped building, and a construction trailer could be set up on the back side of the building).

That is great news indeed. Maybe they were set up temporarily on the park space, however, as a base of operations. I dont think the site for the Standard Midtown is cleared yet, so they probably couldnt put a trailor on that lot yet. Whether it's for the Railroad Reservation Park or for Standard Midtown though... doesnt too much matter to me, because either way, it means progress is finally happening. Corporate Realty wasnt firm about constructing Standard Midtown until they saw a firm committment to the park. The $10M secured for phase I and these trailors should be committment enough for Corporate Realty to begin work soon. Supposedly development on Standard Midtown as well as the other two proposed Corporate Realty developments are expected to begin at least by the end of 2006. A bit surprising to me that they have the resources and desire to do: an 11-story building, a 16-story building, and a 6-story building all at once. Keep us posted if you seen any site prep work beginning!

[B'ham Bound]

It's 11:25 at night, I'm all the way in Trace Crossings, and I'm thinking about going downtown just to see some trailers. What's wrong with me?

[Blazer85]

It's 11:25 at night, I'm all the way in Trace Crossings, and I'm thinking about going downtown just to see some trailers. What's wrong with me?

Nothing... you're just an urban enthusiast. :haha:

I do wish, however, that the railroadpark.org site could be kept up-to-date so we could have a better idea what's going on. The latest info it has is from like 2003. That's one thing I like about the redmountainpark.org site... they REALLY keep that thing up to date at least within a week or two.

[Randy Sandford]

I dont think the site for the Standard Midtown is cleared yet, so they probably couldnt put a trailor on that lot yet.

I made a quick glance while driving past the Standard Midtown property the other day, and it does look like the site has been cleared.

[BHM_dx]

For what it's worth, I drove by Friday at about 1:45 and saw no trailers on the RR Park property or by the Standard Midtown site.

The RR park appears unchanged, and I could see no visible signs of progress.

Across the street at the Standard site, the lot appears to be 'clear' in the sense that it is vacant and covered with gravel. However, it does not appear that any actual site preparation has occurred.

Let's have fun with City Stages this weekend (let's hope tonight is the biggest in history), and we'll keep our fingers crossed that the Standard and RR Park will begin shortly.

One other question: What ever happened to the parking deck expansion on 4th Ave. North? Supposedly that was going to be a nice expansion, but is the City just stalling as usual? It looks like the empty parking lot, directly behind the deck and across the street from the Redmont, would be an ideal location for a new building.

[Blazer85]

Hmm... I'll try to drive down around there Monday and see if I see anything. It would make sense that they'd be starting. Funding has already been approved for Phase I, so no reason anything should be holding it up.

[Randy Sandford]

For what it's worth, I drove by Friday at about 1:45 and saw no trailers on the RR Park property or by the Standard Midtown site.

...

Let's have fun with City Stages this weekend...

Well, BHM_dx, I think you answered the question. Apparently those trailers were intended for use at City Stages. I saw them at the RR Park property on Thursday afternoon, but since streets were not closed for City Stages until the following day, the trailers had to be located elsewhere until they could be moved to their intended destination on the streets Downtown after they were closed to traffic. So the RR Park property obviously was being used only as a staging area on the night before the big event.

Sorry to get everyones hopes up prematurely. We've all been anxiously awaiting signs of development on that property for a long time, and when I saw all those trailers, I thought for sure it meant only one thing--that construction was about to begin.

[Blazer85]

Good, good :yes:

`Cutting edge' plan for Reserve
Sunday, June 18, 2006
MICHAEL TOMBERLIN
News staff writer

New owners of the former Federal Reserve property downtown envision a restaurant, coffee shop and bar on the ground floor after renovations transform it into one of the city's most environmentally friendly buildings.

Savannah-based Melaver Inc. purchased the two buildings that make up the former Federal Reserve and its adjacent parking lot for $3.12 million.

Colin Coyne, a developer with Melaver, said renovation of the existing 80,000 square feet of space could begin in the next three weeks.

"We are thinking about a restaurant for the lobby area and a coffee shop that could be become a bar after hours for another part of the space," Coyne said. "We are saving the main vaults and plan to use them as features in the redevelopment."

Future plans call for the construction of a 14-story building on the parking lot site, adding 175,000 square feet of space, including a 34,000-square-foot hotel on the top three floors. A 270-car, underground parking deck is included in the long-term plans.

The company is prepared to invest at least $40 million in the project after all of its phases.

Melaver officials recently hosted a design charrette, an intensive planning session that focuses not only on the design of planned projects but also on the impact on the surrounding community.

"We will settle for nothing less than a building of national significance," Coyne said.

A primary feature of the Melaver project is having as little overall environmental impact as possible.

The project aims to earn LEED certification, Coyne said, referring to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design designations awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED awards recognize projects that are energy efficient, use natural resources and environmental friendly materials, and help limit sprawl.

Coyne said Melaver is collaborating with some local businesses "bringing cutting edge technology to the building."

Adding office space downtown now, where occupancy is running at less than 85 percent, may sound illogical, "unless what you're doing is truly completely original and catalytic to drawing new and different businesses in," Coyne said.

The former Fed building was built in 1924 from Georgia marble and Indiana limestone and housed the Federal Reserve until the agency moved to a new facility in Liberty Park in 2000. Coyne said Melaver intends to maintain the building's historic features and classic design.

Coyne is scheduled to present the latest plans and discuss the project at a breakfast meeting of Operation New Birmingham Thursday.

E-mail: mtomberlin@bhamnews.com

[Blazer85]

Finally... maybe a compromise can be found now. Personally, I had been a fan of the dome, but if you dont have the necessary support lined-up for a dome, but yet every one on every level (city, county, and state) all are FOR expanding the BJCC in some capacity. I'd rather have some than none at all... and many of you probably feel the same way. Smoot echoes my sentiments exactly.

Talks planned on BJCC options
Expansion considered, dome not ruled out
Monday, June 19, 2006
BARNETT WRIGHT
News staff writer

A BJCC marketing official said "alternative scenarios" are being considered for the $624 million dome project in an attempt to gain approval from the Jefferson County Commission.

BJCC officials had said a Plan B for the project was not an option. However, time is running out and officials want the county to explore the possibility of several expansion plans, said Gene Hallman, whose Birmingham Sports Ventures company is drumming up financial support for the project.

Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex officials will meet this week with city, county and state officials to discuss alternative plans, he said.

"Time is working against us," Hallman said Saturday. "We need to expand the BJCC. The focus is on the expansion. We have to decide what form an expansion will take." At the same time, the possibility of a dome will not be ruled out, he said.

The cost of the BJCC project will increase by $2 million every month because of rising interest rates and structural costs, said Clyde Echols, chairman of the BJCC board.

Jefferson County Commissioner Shelia Smoot said talk of a dome has killed support for the entire project, and the commission could be more receptive to a scaled-down plan to enlarge and modernize the facility.

"People have said they don't want a dome," Smoot said Saturday. "They didn't say they didn't want more meeting rooms, the new hotels, the entertainment district. We can add the multipurpose facility later, if it is viable. We have to do something or we're not going to have anything."

The county has been asked to extend for 30 years its current $10 million-a-year commitment to the BJCC, which ends in 2008.

Commissioners Gary White, Bettye Fine Collins and Mary Buckelew, who is retiring, have opposed county support for expanding the BJCC, including the dome component. Commissioner Larry Langford and Smoot favor the project.

Langford said he believes room for compromise on the project exists. He said a majority of commissioners have talked favorably of an expansion, but not a dome.

"Shelia and I favor the dome stadium, the other three commissioners say they favored expansion of the existing facilities, but no dome," Langford said. "There's a way to satisfy all parties concerned."

One option could be separate bond issues, he said. One to pay for the dome that does not include county money and another to pay for the expansion and upgrade of the BJCC that does include county money, Langford said.

Commissioner Gary White, who twice voted for the expansion before changing his mind, said he has encouraged the BJCC since 2002 to come up with a "Plan B" because of the lack of support for a dome. "They may need some additional exhibition space. They may even need an arena. But what they don't need is that $624 million dome," White said.

Collins said she is opposed to extending the county's current funding agreement regardless of how the money is spent.

"It would be wrong for the commission to lock in $10 million for 30 more years when we have this sewer debt that will not go away," she said.

Efforts to reach Buckelew were unsuccessful.

Birmingham Mayor Bernard Kincaid said the city will contribute $8.8 million to the project annually for 30 years.

Gov. Bob Riley's spokesman, Jeff Emerson, said this spring that the state will wait for city, county and BJCC officials to come up with a unified plan before considering whether to commit to the project.

E-mail: bwright@bhamnews.com

[HSVTiger]

too bad that just now alternatives are being seriously considered.
These options have been mentioned by the others for several years.
If alternatives had been in the mix from the get go, dirt would probably be
moving now.

[B'ham Bound]

too bad that just now alternatives are being seriously considered.
These options have been mentioned by the others for several years.
If alternatives had been in the mix from the get go, dirt would probably be
moving now.

True, but in defense of the BJCC... They wouldn't even be in this position if (1) the city and county had a decent relationship and (2) Gary White didn't flip his vote as a desperate attempt to secure his re-relection bid. Quite simply, poor communication and ego is to blame.

[DevinLee]

Don't know if anyone else saw this but John Archibald wrote this column today in the Bham News.

Tell Bronner we, too, want a skyscraper

Sunday, June 18, 2006
No matter where I go, what road I take, it crosses my mind when I get home.

Where is the most flattering view of Birmingham's skyline?

I like the scene from Greensprings Highway, where the line of sight is clear. Or there's the ramp from Red Mountain Expressway to southbound I-59/20. Make the turn and you're flush against the city's majesty. News photographer Bernard Troncale says you can "feel the energy of the city" from there. And he should know.

The walking trail below Vulcan provides a picturesque, if distant, picture. Driving southbound I-59 from Trussville you can see sun bouncing off city towers 10 miles away.

We in Birmingham love our skyline. The banks gleam, and Vulcan and Sloss Furnace put Birmingham's seal on the whole scene. Not the tallest skyscraper in the world, thanks to air traffic restrictions, but it is robust and graceful, even Rubenesque. We've had our problems in Birmingham, but we've always had a skyline to tell the world we are a city, Alabama's city.

So I'll say it. I'm jealous of Mobile and the new skyscraper that Retirement Systems of Alabama CEO David Bronner built there. The 35-story Battle House Tower, it is called. At 745 feet, it is the state's tallest building.

I feel ... inadequate. I'm sick of hearing how brightly Bronner's tower gleams.

No wonder Mobile boosters are preening. It's good for a city's self-image and prods the economy. Ashley Collins of the Mobile Chamber of Commerce said it reflects her city.

"The RSA Tower is a symbol of what was already happening in Mobile," she said.

Good for them. But face it, the building went up because Bronner built it, just as he reshaped Montgomery's skyline. He hasn't built in Birmingham. He was out last week, but he said in the past he built where he was needed. Back then, Birmingham didn't need him.

That was back when people still thought Regions Bank might build a skyscraping new office, before the cost-cutting Regions-AmSouth merger ended that talk and created the first real concern about downtown in years.

But Operation New Birmingham's executive director, Michael Calvert, says Birmingham has no need to feel envy or worry. Residential real estate is booming downtown and five of the city's 20 tallest buildings will soon be residential.

Birmingham has 35 high-rise buildings, Mobile 19, he said. And both the AmSouth Harbert and Wachovia towers have more square footage than Mobile's new gem.

And besides, "megatowers ... tend to drain the vitality of the surrounding area from the streets into one structure," he said. He'd rather have two 11-story buildings, like the recently built Concord Center and One Federal Place, than one 22-story building.

Me? I can't stop the green monster. I think Calvert or the mayor or anyone with a voice should get Bronner on the horn.

It's past time we admitted it, time we shouted it. We do need him, and we'd welcome his big ideas.

John Archibald's column appears Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Write him at jarchibald@bhamnews.com.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/jarchibald.ssf?/base/news/11506226487010.xml&coll=2

[B'ham Bound]

Yeah, I saw this earlier. I think someone posted it a few pages back. And while I wouldn't go as far as to say we need him, I definitely wouldn't shun his decision to build here (unless it looked like the RSA tower in Montgomery).

[Blazer85]

True, but in defense of the BJCC... They wouldn't even be in this position if (1) the city and county had a decent relationship and (2) Gary White didn't flip his vote as a desperate attempt to secure his re-relection bid. Quite simply, poor communication and ego is to blame.

I agree with those points, but will also add that I dont think the BJCC should have been so stubborn. They should be trying to better the BJCC and Birmingham above all... not just on some ego-trip about trying to get a dome. I'm for a dome myself, but when the votes arent there to get it passed, you HAVE to try something else and its just poor planning on the part of the BJCC NOT to have a backup plan... it merely wastes everyone's time. If they had a plan B, they could already be voting at the next meeting. Now they first have to come up with several alternatives (no telling how many months that'll take), and then vote on it. So you're looking at probably another YEAR just before Plan B could even be passed. Hopefully that's just being pessimistic. I'd love to see a vote before the fall.

[codyg1985]

At least the commission and the BJCC are getting together to discuss alternatives now, though I agree that this should have been discussed when the dome was proposed at the onset. Maybe if the dome portion of the proposal was scrapped an expansion could move forward.

I just don't think the dome is the answer for the BJCC, and I certainly don't think the city could support and maintain it either, at least not now. Everything else could be done for a fraction of the price of the dome, and Birmingham can still reap rewards from having a larger arena and an up-to-par entertainment district. I also still think that Birmingham could land an NBA franchise with an expanded arena, and such a franchise could do well in Birmingham.

[B'ham Bound]

Everything else could be done for a fraction of the price of the dome, and Birmingham can still reap rewards from having a larger arena and an up-to-par entertainment district. I also still think that Birmingham could land an NBA franchise with an expanded arena, and such a franchise could do well in Birmingham.

Honestly, I can agree with you on that. The way I look at it, Birmingham could move forward and pursue and NBA team with, in my opinion, a good chance of landing one. It's not so hard to believe when you look at some cities that have franchises. Second, I see no reason why it wouldn't do well here. Yes, we are a city hell bent on football, but the days of being the "Football Capital of the South" are long gone. With an NBA franchise, I believe it would bring attention to the city and raise corporate interest. Getting private dollars wouldn't be hard if the business community could see some consistency and a progressive attitude. As of now, Birmingham's leaders haven't provided that. But committing to land an NBA franchise just might be what we need to reel in the private sector to help with other things such as a stadium.

[Brown Duckz]

(unless it looked like the RSA tower in Montgomery).Wow... you really feel that way? I've always liked the neo-classical look of all the RSA buildings. IMO it fits well in Montgomery.

[B'ham Bound]

Wow... you really feel that way? I've always liked the neo-classical look of all the RSA buildings. IMO it fits well in Montgomery.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not bashing the tower's appearance or its aesthetic appeal, but I don't see that tower working well with Birmingham's skyline. The RSA building in Montgomery compliments the city wonderfully, IMO. But I believe it would clash like hell in the 'Ham.

[Brown Duckz]

Don't get me wrong, I'm not bashing the tower's appearance or its aesthetic appeal, but I don't see that tower working well with Birmingham's skyline. The RSA building in Montgomery compliments the city wonderfully, IMO. But I believe it would clash like hell in the 'Ham.After sitting back and thinking about it I understand. It would look really wierd in Birmingham..... in part because there would be a 90% chance it would be a few blocks away from the already existing towers, thus possibly making a sore thumb in the crowd. IMO if Birmingham gets another, it needs to be superior in EVERY element of comparison to it's future cousins. :D

[dfwtiger]

Wow... you really feel that way? I've always liked the neo-classical look of all the RSA buildings. IMO it fits well in Montgomery.

The building is not neo-classical. It is post modernist. Although it is not a "classic" post modern building like Phillip Johnson's AT&T building in Manhattan....it is nonetheless post modern. This is the unfortunate system that we are stuck in today....borrow many styles from the past....and try to make it something original

[Dystopos]

For some reason I'm optimistic about Melaver's designs for the Federal Reserve tower.

Giattina Fisher and Krumdieck have raised the standards for architectural design in this town. Indications from Melaver are promising similar quality. Furthermore, this proposal, along with the LEED-certified Social Security Building and the new Homewood Middle School give us some really great demonstrations of sustainable building practices which are a positive for everybody.

We have taken significant steps beyond the unsophisticated and wasteful "decorated sheds" that were popular in the 80's. Maybe not quite back to the intrinsic quality of the AmSouth-Sonat Tower or the Alabama Power Building, but things are definitely looking up.

[dfwtiger]

For some reason I'm optimistic about Melaver's designs for the Federal Reserve tower.

Giattina Fisher and Krumdieck have raised the standards for architectural design in this town. Indications from Melaver are promising similar quality. Furthermore, this proposal, along with the LEED-certified Social Security Building and the new Homewood Middle School give us some really great demonstrations of sustainable building practices which are a positive for everybody.

We have taken significant steps beyond the unsophisticated and wasteful "decorated sheds" that were popular in the 80's. Maybe not quite back to the intrinsic quality of the AmSouth-Sonat Tower or the Alabama Power Building, but things are definitely looking up.

I too agree that Giattina Fisher and Krumdieck have raised the bar. They are an excellent firm. If RSA wanted to build a tower in Birmingham, I would approve if GFK was in charge of the design.

[Blazer85]

Heard on the news that BJCC officials and other local officials are supposed to meet later THIS WEEK to discuss scaled down proposals. Were these "scaled-down" proposals already in existence, or are they like throwing something together in a couple days? Hopefully it was already around and we just werent aware.

[Dystopos]

I too agree that Giattina Fisher and Krumdieck have raised the bar. They are an excellent firm. If RSA wanted to build a tower in Birmingham, I would approve if GFK was in charge of the design.

Two firms. Giattina Fisher Aycock (my faves: Boy Scout headquarters, Family Court building, Children's Harbor, Dawson Mem. BC garage and recreation center) and Krumdieck A + 1 Design (Pullman Flats). Both have some clunkers in the portfolio, but are doing some snazzy and responsive work recently.

[Blazer85]

Are there any plans (as part of the Park Place development or otherwise) to get rid of the low-income housing at Univ. Blvd. and Red Mtn Expressway? The area around the old Metropolitan Gardens looks SO much better now and really has given the area new life. I'd love to see something similar on the Southside.

[Blazer85]

Anyone know what this could be?

Project Type: Athletic Facilities; Parking Structures; Residential - MultiFamily (Apartments/Condos); Retail (Shops/Restaurants)
Estimated Value: $5~25 million
Construction Schedule: Est. Start Date: 9/2006
Est. End Date: 12/2007
Details: Plans call for a four-story building...

I dont have a subscription, so I cant get all the details, but here is the link: http://www.constructionwire.com/projects/project_detail.asp?project_id=553773&searchfor=&searchandor=1&searchin=0&searchprojecttype=ALL&searchstate=AL&searchdate=0&searchduedate=&searchproduct=1&searchoption=2&searchnewstype=&searchmonitorproductid=&searchleadtype=&page=1&provider_id=1000&category_id=&product_id=&subscriptiontype=0&UID={98357E1C-527F-4851-9A98-6F551C79BAC2}

[Dystopos]

Metalworks Condominiums in Tuscaloosa. BBJ story (http://birmingham.bizjournals.com/birmingham/stories/2006/06/12/story6.html)

[dfwtiger]

Does anyone have an update on this project?

[Blazer85]

Golden Rule has some ambitious expansion plans...

Golden Rule, Michael's pleasing Southern palates
Barbecue, steak chain hungry to grow
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
ROY L. WILLIAMS
News staff writer

Charles Matsos and his Golden Rule Bar-B-Q partners have turned up the heat on expansion plans for the century-old barbecue chain and its companion, Michael's Steaks/Seafood.

First up is the former RJ Gators location outside the Riverchase Galleria, which will reopen in August as a Michael's Steaks/Seafood. Next year, Golden Rule plans a major expansion that will double the size of the Irondale-based chain, which will have 30 restaurants across Alabama by year's end.

Rusty Creel, a development partner who bought the RJ Gators site, is planning to build 20 or more Golden Rule restaurants in Atlanta and elsewhere in Georgia in 2007. Other partners are planning to build the first Golden Rule locations in Tennessee, Kentucky and Mississippi early next year, said Matsos, chief executive of Golden Rule.

Michael's is named after Matsos' father, Michael Matsos, who operated the popular Southside steak house for four decades before closing the restaurant nearly 15 years ago. Michael Matsos bought Golden Rule in the early 1970s.

Charles Matsos and Creel revitalized Michael's with the December 2004 opening of Michael's Steaks/Seafood in the Village at Lee Branch shopping center on U.S. 280.

Creel recently added a 1,600-square-foot screened-in patio to the U.S. 280 Michael's, which seats 270. He said the Michael's in Riverchase will be around 6,500 square feet and have a menu similar to the U.S. 280 Michael's - steaks and prime rib, rotisserie chicken, burgers, desserts and a full-service bar.

The new Michael's will also have a 70-seat private dining room for special functions, to be named after former University of Alabama star running back and Golden Rule partner Bobby Humphrey, who lives in Hoover. Humphrey is part owner of Golden Rule restaurants in Northport, the AmSouth Harbert Center and at the Birmingham International Airport.

"It will have photos of Bobby playing football from childhood to the University of Alabama to the Denver Broncos," Creel said.

Creel said he is planning to expand Golden Rule into Georgia, primarily the Atlanta area, next year. "I anticipate opening 20 to 30 Golden Rules in a dual-branding concept," Creel said.

By the end of the year, Golden Rule will have opened new restaurants in Oxford, Montgomery, suburban Nashville and Corinth, Miss., near Tupelo.

The Tennessee location will be developed by Ted Moats, a Golden Rule partner who was a co-founder of Logan's Road House and who also plans to build Golden Rule restaurants in Virginia and Kentucky, Matsos said.

Another partner, Andy Villavial, a restaurant veteran who owns 60 Domino's Pizza locations across the Southeast, plans to expand Golden Rule in Mississippi, Matsos said.

Golden Rule also is planning to open a restaurant in Leeds near the proposed Bass Pro Shop. Former Leeds High School, Auburn University and NBA star Charles Barkley will be a part-owner of that restaurant, Matsos said.

"We are excited at how the public is responding to and supporting Michael's and Golden Rule," said Matsos, who is also negotiating to build a restaurant in Gulf Breeze, Fla.

E-mail: rwilliams@bhamnews.com

[Blazer85]

It's not downtown, but it sounds neat anyway.

Developer gets go-ahead on first phase of community plan
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
ANITA DEBRO
News staff writer

The developer of the planned Mt Laurel-like community near downtown Trussville has received approval for the first phase of the mixed-use project.

The Trussville Planning and Zoning board unanimously approved the plans for the first phase of Trussville Springs, a community to be built on 168 acres off Gadsden Highway.

Hearthstone Properties will develop Trussville Springs, a community with single family homes, condominiums, town houses, several small parks and a commercial district.

Nationally known town planner Andres Duany and his firm DPZ designed the community in Trussville with Mt Laurel in Shelby County in mind. DPZ also designed Mt Laurel.

Trussville Springs will be situated along a stretch of the Cahaba River. The planned community is part of the growing trend of new urbanism, which strives to recreate old-fashioned neighborhoods with sidewalks, parks and businesses within walking distance.

Narda Harp of Hearthstone said a variety of residences will be built in the first phase. Set to be built are:

42 town houses.

50 condominium units.

18 cottage homes.

19 river front homes.

Architect for the project, Marshall Anderson of the Birmingham firm Architecture Works, said the structures will have arts and crafts styling. The homes will be built with natural materials such as wood and brick.

The firm is currently working on renderings for the homes in the first phase.

Harp said no commercial buildings will be built in the first phase. The company expects to break ground in August.

Overall, Trussville Springs will have about 568 homes built in several phases.

E-mail: adebro@bhamnews.com

[paladin]

I too agree that Giattina Fisher and Krumdieck have raised the bar. They are an excellent firm. If RSA wanted to build a tower in Birmingham, I would approve if GFK was in charge of the design.

GFK?? Don't you mean Giattina Fisher and Aycock? Krumdieck is a separate firm.

There are many other great firms in the Birmingham area I would trust. To mention a few... Cohen, Carnaggio, and Reynolds, HKW, and Williams-Blackstock....

[sabre0link]

Mountain Brook Master Plan

There's a nice banner hanging over Overton Road at the Publix/Overton Village Shopping Center announcing the public meeting for the Overton Village Master Plan... June 29th at 7pm at the Chabad House.

If anyone's interested in seeing the MP for Mountain Brook, I will try my best to attend the meeting...

Here's the website for the development... http://extra.gouldevans.com/mountainbrook/

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

280/459 Intersection and 280 construction

The I459E exit to 280 is complete and open. Not sure when this happened, but both exit lanes are in operation, painted, etc. Work still continues on repaving 280.

I didn't go by there, but Green Valley Rd. was closed this past weekend, I hope they finally connected old Green Valley with the new road (needed banking and paving...), as the signal light was installed and turned on (flashing status).

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

Alabaster

Colonial Promenade: Alabaster has a sign up announcing tenants for Phase 2 (not named Phase 2 on the sign)... they include: Best Buy, TJ Maxx, Target, and (I can't recall the store...) one other major retailer.

Colonial hasn't updated their website, so checking that doesn't help. Alabaster doesn't list on on their site, either... though they do mention a Wingate Inn to be built above Walmart (150 rooms, 3-4 stories), along with a conference/meeting center, and a restaurant.

[Blazer85]

Not sure if anyone saw it, but ABC33/40 did a story on Norwood's boom in renovations and revitalization with young professionals moving into the area. More of this type thing needs to be making the news around here. It's, in large part, psychological why Birmingham has such a negative perception both in the area and outside the state. The locals watch the news and all they see is murder, murder, murder, murder so of course that's all they're going to think exists downtown. It's that way in many cities, but I wish we'd see more on the positive events and developments in downtown and its surrounding neighborhoods. The news media could really help get the ball rolling a bit faster if they'd jump on board and promote more things like this. ABC33/40 seems to be good about that type thing I've noticed.

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

Also noticed the Greater Birmingham Habitat for Humanity and the Shelby County Habitat for Humanity have combined. Habitat is a great organization, and I'm glad to see some actual consolidation going on around here rather than more factionalism. Greater Birmingham could be SO much greater if the area could pool more of its resources, so any attempt at unifying area organizations is a minor victory to me. :tup:

[codyg1985]

Not sure if anyone saw it, but ABC33/40 did a story on Norwood's boom in renovations and revitalization with young professionals moving into the area. More of this type thing needs to be making the news around here. It's, in large part, psychological why Birmingham has such a negative perception both in the area and outside the state. The locals watch the news and all they see is murder, murder, murder, murder so of course that's all they're going to think exists downtown. It's that way in many cities, but I wish we'd see more on the positive events and developments in downtown and its surrounding neighborhoods. The news media could really help get the ball rolling a bit faster if they'd jump on board and promote more things like this. ABC33/40 seems to be good about that type thing I've noticed.

I saw the story; great story. I agree, we need to see more stories like this on the news IMO. It isn't that the news outlets don't have to report the murders, but they should also say positive things about the area as well. Kudos to 33/40 for seeing this story and doing something about it.

It starts with convincing people around this area that Birmingham can be a safe and wonderful place to work and live. Next we have to get the attention of a regional audience and convince them of the same thing.

[Blazer85]

Jump on this now. Forget the dome for a moment. That can come later or not at all. The expansion, however, is here and now. The support is there on all the necessary fronts. If we wait, it'll be MORE costly and the support may not be there. The county and city better get their act together, submit a proposal to Riley and get the ball rolling.

Riley says he'd back domeless BJCC plan
Thursday, June 22, 2006
ROY L. WILLIAMS and MICHAEL TOMBERLIN
News staff writers

Gov. Bob Riley said Wednesday that he backs an expansion of the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex - even if the latest incarnation of the project does not include a dome.

Riley said he is waiting for the Jefferson County Commission to show its support for an expansion project before considering the level of funding the state will commit. "The state stands ready to support the project," he said during a stop in Birmingham.

BJCC board members sent signals Wednesday they hope dropping talk of a dome will help them win support from county commissioners, who must provide critical funding for even a scaled-back expansion some have dubbed "Plan B."

Board member Dennis Lathem said the proposed dome - derided by critics who think it's a waste of money - is hurting efforts to win backing from Republican commissioners for a BJCC expansion the board sees as overdue. The cost of the project including the dome has soared to $624 million, counting refinanced debt. That's double the estimate from eight years ago when the BJCC began pursuing the issue.

"People are too caught up in the word `dome,'" said Lathem, a lobbyist who has been on the board for eight years. "This isn't about bringing a pro football team to Birmingham. We're not going to get the SEC football championship again. We just need additional space to bring in new conventions."

BJCC supportive:

Lewis King, BJCC vice president and head of the expansion committee, said he has no problem with abandoning plans for a domed convention center with 65,000 seats and pursuing a more modest expansion.

"If deleting the multipurpose facility will generate support from the county and support for this expansion, then I'm all for it," King said. "We could always pursue the multipurpose later when we get more money."

BJCC board member Gil Wideman, meanwhile, said he hopes Riley can persuade county commissioners to support an expansion. "His involvement could give us the boost we need."

BJCC Executive Director Jack Fields said he plans to meet individually with all five Jefferson County commissioners to gauge their support of the proposed expansion and what it would take to win their votes. Fields already has talked to Commission President Larry Langford and Commissioner Gary White and meets today with Commissioner Shelia Smoot.

On Friday he is to discuss BJCC proposals with Commissioner Mary Buckelew, followed by a Monday meeting with Commissioner Bettye Fine Collins.

In these meetings, Fields said, he will address "an additional financing concept we have developed that we hope will allow the county to consider funding our project." He declined to give specifics about the proposed financing.

"We're trying to determine what they would vote for - a dome, a big exhibit hall, an arena or what," Fields said. "We are trying to break out the costs for each facility separately. I don't know how it'll be received but hope they will support it."

Last week, Smoot said the dome proposal has torpedoed support for the entire project, which includes an entertainment district, a hotel and new convention space. She said the commission could be more receptive to a scaled-down plan to enlarge and modernize the facility.

The county has been asked to extend for 30 years its $10 million-a-year commitment to the BJCC, which ends in 2008. White, who is leaving the commission after being defeated in the Republican primary; Buckelew, who is retiring; and Collins have opposed county support for expanding the BJCC, including the dome component. Langford and Smoot favor the project.

Kincaid urges support:

Birmingham Mayor Bernard Kincaid, who serves on the BJCC board, said Wednesday he hopes county leaders will support an expansion. "The governor has said if the city and county get together and support this, he will too," Kincaid said. "The city has done its part."

Earlier this year, the Birmingham City Council approved a Kincaid plan in which the city would contribute $8.8 million to the project annually for 30 years.

Kincaid said the economic impact of this week's Presbyterian Church (USA) General Assembly - estimated at $5.9 million - demonstrates the need for an additional 200,000 square feet of exhibition space. The convention attracted 5,000 to 7,000 attendees from outside Birmingham, who filled up 14 area hotels.

"I hope the Presbyterian event shows the economic benefits of an expanded BJCC," Kincaid said.

The BJCC funding proposal the commission will discuss as soon as next week is not expected to include new taxes. The Legislature has approved lodging, liquor and car rental taxes to raise money for the project.

Lodging and liquor taxes already are being collected. A report to the BJCC board Wednesday showed those accounts held nearly $3.9 million at the end of May.

E-mail: rwilliams@bhamnews.com

[Dystopos]

Colonial Promenade: Alabaster has a sign up announcing tenants for Phase 2 (not named Phase 2 on the sign)... they include: Best Buy, TJ Maxx, Target, and (I can't recall the store...) one other major retailer.

Colonial hasn't updated their website, so checking that doesn't help. Alabaster doesn't list on on their site, either... though they do mention a Wingate Inn to be built above Walmart (150 rooms, 3-4 stories), along with a conference/meeting center, and a restaurant.

BhamWiki has an article on Colonial Promenade Alabaster (http://www.bhamwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Colonial_Promenade_Alabaster#Tenants) with some background. J. C. Penney is the other major retailer.

[DruidCity]

The cost of the project including the dome has soared to $624 million, counting refinanced debt.

The interesting part there is "counting refinanced debt."
Some articles over the years have indicated the big price tag does include the cost of "financing," while other articles have indicated that the $624 million is just the base cost to be financed. :shrug:

[HSVTiger]

Jump on this now. Forget the dome for a moment. That can come later or not at all. The expansion, however, is here and now. The support is there on all the necessary fronts. If we wait, it'll be MORE costly and the support may not be there. The county and city better get their act together, submit a proposal to Riley and get the ball rolling.


your right about that Blazer, there is nothing else to wait on. If they blow this
then Birmingham will suffer

[sabre0link]

BhamWiki has an article on Colonial Promenade Alabaster (http://www.bhamwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Colonial_Promenade_Alabaster#Tenants) with some background. J. C. Penney is the other major retailer.

I actually thought Penney was the other, but wasn't sure... :\ Thanks.

[sabre0link]

One thing I don't like about downtown.....

Parking.

I drove around today... tried to find the trail to the Irondale Furnaces... but unless I want to cut through someone's yard I'm not getting to them (:(), thought I saw one on whatever road I was on that went from B'ham to Bessemer (not an interstate, could have been 5/11), but kept going.

Somehow, I managed to take pictures of the Social Security Building construction. 2 tower cranes. O_o... I'm not used to seeing tower cranes in B'ham.. lol... I usually see the truck ones... lol. They aren't the best... due to driving and taking photos.....

Even if I had managed to park somewhere... walking from wherever I parked to the SSA site would've been killer... not the actual walking part.... the neighborhood. I really should buy a bicycle when I can just so I can go around and stop to take pictures without having to pay $$$ for parking. But that wouldn't help with the whole neighborhood thing... heh. :\ Granted, B'hams not as bad as, say, Atlanta... but c'mon... lol

I figured out what my mystery building was that I thought was a parking deck.. lol. I do believe it's the Sears building, but for some reason I thought the Sears building was south of the tracks, not north....

The new Green Valley Rd intersection at 280 is operational (and smooth!!!)

http://static.flickr.com/78/172967743_eebdb7a55d.jpg?v=0

More craptastic photos on my Flickr... including a couple from a jaunt down to Lake Purdy, and some from Mountain Brook (proper). I didn't photo any in English Village due to trying to get to B'ham before 5pm, and I finished with MB at something like 4:30. lol.

[LSyd]

^ good to see a pic of the 2 cranes...the 2nd one went up right before i moved.

parking...it's great in Bham...check out the $1 a day lot at 17th and 2nd (i think?) behind the Phoenix building.

-

[Blazer85]

Now... take this with a grain of salt because it does sound a bit out there. I got this little tidbit of a rumor/news and this isnt from your typical shoot-your-mouth-off type of person, but at the same time, I havent yet been able to confirm where they heard it.

Has anyone heard about the proposal to build the domed stadium/civic center in Gardendale? There's 120+ acres of land between the Fieldstown and Mt. Olive Road exits across the interstate from the church site that a local businessman and other investors are in the process of purchasing and they are planning to put the domed stadium here since it's only about 10 minutes north of downtown.

Someone else, however, did confirm that this same site had surveyors on it yesterday looking around... so something appears like it will be happening at that site.

And his latest response...

Sorry I didn't make it clear. The plans are for the whole ball of wax to be built. A convention complex, hotels, and a domed stadium. I got this info directly from the local businessman involved. Look for an announcement by Oct. or Nov. when all the funding and backers are in place. And the businessman wants to remain unknown at this time but trust me he is well-known and connected throughout the state with all the big power brokers.

Upon my asking about whether it would fit.

The current BJCC complex sits on 7 city blocks which is only 35 acres (5 acres to a city block - approximately) that leaves approximately 87 more acres [with this site]. The plan is for a 50,000 seat arena. The private funding is there, it has always been there but our elected officials haven't wanted it b/c with private funding it will be controlled privately not by our elected officials. The name is unknown b/c alot of it depends on who buys the naming rights.

[sabre0link]

I actually wouldn't doubt it... Gardendale's likely jumping on the ball before Hoover does, which I'm thankful for. It'd be like the Gwinett Arena and such in Atlanta... competition for existing, but also allowing expansion of current offerings.

With I-22 somewhat near completion, and the proposed NB, it'll be GOOD for them. :)

[Blazer85]

I actually wouldn't doubt it... Gardendale's likely jumping on the ball before Hoover does, which I'm thankful for. It'd be like the Gwinett Arena and such in Atlanta... competition for existing, but also allowing expansion of current offerings.

With I-22 somewhat near completion, and the proposed NB, it'll be GOOD for them. :)

A couple reasons why this might be feasible... first off, there are two nearby major exits (Fieldstown Rd. and Mt. Olive Rd.). Secondly, there is the Northern Beltline passing just north of this area. Thirdly, there is I-22 which will be passing a little bit south and west of this area. In addition, there is an existing sewer line system in the area. And then, of course, it's prime location directly off I-65 in one of the fastest growing areas of the county.

IF this is to happen (which remains a big if in my mind), I'd really rather it happen in Gardendale than Hoover. This ever-increasing pull to the south in development and population has concerned me. Adding new stuff north of the city could help re-center the population around Birmingham.

Here is the location (it is bound by Shady Grove Road, Mt Olive Road, and Fieldstown Road):

http://map.web.mapquest.com/?e=9&GetMapDataDirect=Gme5diw%2ca%3a9u12%3b%40%24xl%2dzsd072%26%3dy0%21rb0l67%3a90%40gqzal1%401%260f20gy%24xur7n%26u2gu%2c2%3a9672%3b%40b20w%24%3a%26%40%24xl%2dzshf72%26%3dy0%21r2l067%3a%26%4025u6%40l%3b%40zauu%24%3a

[DallasTexan]

A dome, large convention complex, and luxury hotels in Gardendale would be the most idiotic thing I've ever heard.

Stick with the Cracker Barrel.

[Blazer85]

A dome, large convention complex, and luxury hotels in Gardendale would be the most idiotic thing I've ever heard.

Stick with the Cracker Barrel.

As opposed to downtown? Yes. As opposed to Hoover or Shelby County? No.

The reason this may actually happen is because it's all proposed to be private dollars and seems a bit scaled down from the BJCC proposal (50,000 seat vs 70,000 seat). The politicians around here would not like it and might try to fight it, but they really have little they can do if it's purely private investment.