NEW ORLEANS | Project/Development Thread

[rcp11889]

Sorry if this has already been mentioned but how does everyone feel about Jefferson Parish hiring that Times-Square planner to give input on how to develop Fat City? Thinking a little too big?

[Chris from N.O.]

Originally Posted by rcp11889

Sorry if this has already been mentioned but how does everyone feel about Jefferson Parish hiring that Times-Square planner to give input on how to develop Fat City? Thinking a little too big?

Par for the course. (In other words, yes.)

[n3rdw0p]

The store in Detroit is also next to a hospital, companies don't invest unless there's money to be made

[ardecila]

Originally Posted by tennis1400

Maybe so... but what about the detroit store? that one isnt in a great area at all... just curious to see what their model is because if its a decent attempt to allow access to fresh foods at a better price that is great for everyone regardless of income.

Actually, it's a lot like the Broad St location. It's right off Woodward (the only intact business corridor in Detroit) and it's right next to Wayne State University and the Detroit VA hospital. That's about as stable as Detroit gets.

This just seems like a new way for Whole Foods to wring subsidies out of cities desperate for economic development.

[NOLAforME]

Originally Posted by rcp11889

Sorry if this has already been mentioned but how does everyone feel about Jefferson Parish hiring that Times-Square planner to give input on how to develop Fat City? Thinking a little too big?

If I remember correctly. Fat City was to be the new French Quarter when it was developed in the early 1970's (that was kind of the word on the street when it was announced) I don't think it really lived up to the expectations of the developers with many poorly designed French Quarteresque Buildings. It really looks like a very cheap sloppily put together development. Times-Sqaure's planner could do an unbelievable job of redeveloping the area and making it profitable not for just bars but also attracting more restaurants and coffeeshops, bakeries and other retail, it could truly become the center of Metairie and a place people would want to go to and spend the day bring their families and when the night comes a great place for night clubs. Al this depends on financing, political approval, a desire to change and many well thought out design specifics, something that somehow just doesn't happen in Jefferson for some reason. It would be too long to write here on this forum or show the plans for the proposal to completely rebuild the canal and banks along Vet's Blvd proposed in the early 80's (It was a group of Architects from NOla and BTR working toghther. Too bad the politicians wouldn't buy it after spending the tax money to study it. It was an incredible proposal that mimicked the canals of Amsterdam.

[tennis1400]

Originally Posted by NOLAforME

If I remember correctly. Fat City was to be the new French Quarter when it was developed in the early 1970's (that was kind of the word on the street when it was announced) I don't think it really lived up to the expectations of the developers with many poorly designed French Quarteresque Buildings. It really looks like a very cheap sloppily put together development. Times-Sqaure's planner could do an unbelievable job of redeveloping the area and making it profitable not for just bars but also attracting more restaurants and coffeeshops, bakeries and other retail, it could truly become the center of Metairie and a place people would want to go to and spend the day bring their families and when the night comes a great place for night clubs. Al this depends on financing, political approval, a desire to change and many well thought out design specifics, something that somehow just doesn't happen in Jefferson for some reason. It would be too long to write here on this forum or show the plans for the proposal to completely rebuild the canal and banks along Vet's Blvd proposed in the early 80's (It was a group of Architects from NOla and BTR working toghther. Too bad the politicians wouldn't buy it after spending the tax money to study it. It was an incredible proposal that mimicked the canals of Amsterdam.

Yeah Fat city is an unfortunate byproduct of the worst urban planning period in american history. Still think it could have potential. My thoughts are that whatever happens there needs to incorporate Lakeside Mall. Such an underutilized property too and if it wasnt for their amazing locations all of it would be much worse. The question is how do you phase a redevelopment of the area.Ultimately you would need to use eminent domain or somethhing to buy out large tracts and have an idea of what you want to do... Check out
Santana Row for something that I think could work there.

http://www.santanarow.com/


New Gym Addition at Eleanor McMain Secondary High School
Sector Bid Date Est. Start Date
Public Wednesday, November 7, 2012 Friday, December 7, 2012
Estimated Value* Solicitation #
$9,356,000.00 2010-0787-0001
Address
5712 S Claiborne Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70125
Orleans County
New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner, LA Region


Description ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed bids will be received for the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) by the Office of Purchasing/Ancillary Services, Room 5078, 3520 General De Gaulle Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana 70114, until 2:00 P.M. on November 7, 2012.



Morning Call Now Open Inside City Park

Last week Morning Call officially brought the razzle dazzle back to Orleans Parish, opening in City Park's Casino Building just in time for Celebration in the Oaks. The old school beignet/café au lait stand— which operated in the French Market for 100 years prior to its Metairie move— will be open 24 hours, which seems a little strange given it's in the park, but whatevs. The menu includes gumbo and its BFFs, jambalya and redbeans. But wait there's more... Booze. Well, Irish Coffee and beer anyways. According to Ian McNulty, Morning Call is currently cash only.

[ardecila]

Whooo!!! Now I can get the best beignets without driving to Metairie. ughhh.

Santana Row, Perkins Row.... all good models. Bay St Emeryville is also good - I'm hoping for something similar around the power plant. The Times Square guy had very modest recommendations, though - more like seeds for creativity and private enterprise than a big master plan. He recommended a small prize for creative land uses, creative use of paint and bright colors, some signage guidelines, etc.

[jbs2886]

FYI. Lucky Rooster starts construction today in 900 Poydras. The other tenants will be Verizon and Jimmy Johns, so finally a Jimmy Johns in the CBD.

[NolaWave]

Originally Posted by jbs2886

FYI. Lucky Rooster starts construction today in 900 Poydras. The other tenants will be Verizon and Jimmy Johns, so finally a Jimmy Johns in the CBD.

Should do well with the lunch crowd.

[tennis1400]

Lafon Home-New Orleans, LA

Project Type Building Use Status
New Construction
Site Work Medical GC Bidding
Sector Bid Date Est. Start Date
Public Wednesday, December 12, 2012 Saturday, January 12, 2013
Estimated Value* Solicitation #
$1,000,000.00 2510
Address
4021 Cadillac St.
New Orleans, LA 70122
Orleans County
New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner, LA Region
Description Sealed bids will be received by The Architectural Studio on behalf of Lafon Home 2013, LLC, until 2:00 PM, on December 12, 2012, at 409 North 7th Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802.

FOR: Lafon Home 4021 Cadillac Street New Orleans, LA
Architect's Project Number: 2510


Dillard University - Neighborhood Center

Sector Est. Start Date
Private Monday, August 20, 2012
Estimated Value*
$1,000,000.00
Address
3301 Annette St.
Square 2140
New Orleans, LA 70122
Orleans County
New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner, LA Region
Description Site work and new construction of an educational building in New Orleans. Completed working drawings call for the construction of an educational building which will include classrooms and office space.

Zimple Quad Residence Hall

Sector Est. Start Date
Private Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Estimated Value*
$10,000,000.00
Address
Zimple Street
New Orleans, LA 70118
Orleans County
New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner, LA Region
Description Site work and new construction of a multi-residential education facility in New Orleans. Design development plans call for the construction of a university residence hall.

Construction is scheduled to commence before the end of 2012. Plans have yet to be finalized and a general contractor has not been officially selected. Direct all inquiries to the architect or project manager

[tennis1400]

The first screen at the arena is on .... Looks really nice

[Blitzen]

Interesting video update about the Loyola Streetcar:
It mentions an unknown "ice house" the construction workers discovered. It would be cool if they could excavate it or move it somewhere visible.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Thuxc...&feature=share

[NOLAforME]

Originally Posted by Blitzen

Interesting video update about the Loyola Streetcar:
It mentions an unknown "ice house" the construction workers discovered. It would be cool if they could excavate it or move it somewhere visible.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Thuxc...&feature=share

That's a great video. I disagree with the criticism by the reporter in the video that the money should have been used to bring back neighborhoods affected by Katrina. The Streetcars are doing exactly this in an indirect way and also attracting businesses and opening up neighborhoods that were in bad shape before Katrina. Thanks for posting!!!…. There was a report done several years ago that showed that neighborhoods along streetcar routes are more desirable for redevelopment than those without and very much attract people to live there

[NOLAforME]

Originally Posted by tennis1400

The first screen at the arena is on .... Looks really nice

Are you planning on posting pictures....? I hope so!

[tennis1400]

Originally Posted by NOLAforME

Are you planning on posting pictures....? I hope so!

I would try but you kind of have to be in the car and Im usually driving... dont want to cause a massive wreck. If I get to the hornet game tonight Ill take a pic!

[tennis1400]

Originally Posted by NOLAforME

I disagree with the criticism by the reporter in the video that the money should have been used to bring back neighborhoods affected by Katrina. The Streetcars are doing exactly this in an indirect way and also attracting businesses and opening up neighborhoods that were in bad shape before Katrina. Thanks for posting!!!…. There was a report done several years ago that showed that neighborhoods along streetcar routes are more desirable for redevelopment than those without and very much attract people to live there

I agree with you. I wish reporters would bother educating themselves on economics and actual redevelopment before just making statements quoting anonymous critics. All one has to do is ride down Loyola to see the transformation taking place and the rampart corridor I think will be even more dramatic when that happens~

Also Its good to see Calliope and Earhart underneath the Pontchartrain Expressway is being repaved. Will look much nicer for visitors and residents alike. Only thing we need to address is the homelss under there. Its really unattractive and they are annoying when you wait at red lights. Any thoughts on what can be done?




New Bids:

New Orleans Coroner Complex

Sector Bid Date Est. Start Date
Public Monday, December 10, 2012 Monday, January 14, 2013
Estimated Value* Solicitation #
$1,000,000.00 CJF014 / 2285-01389
Address
3001 Earhart Blvd
New Orleans, LA 70125
Orleans County
New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner, LA Region


Description Bid Solicitation: 2285-01389
Header Information
Bid Number: 2285-01389
Description: New Orleans Coroner Complex
Bid Opening Date: 12/10/2012 02:00:00 PM
Purchaser: Bernice Ealy
Organization: City of New Orleans

Bid Solicitation: 2285-01389

Piazza d Italia Renovations - City of New Orleans
Project Type Building Use Status
Site Work
Paving Municipal
Sidewalks / Parking Lot GC Bidding
Sector Bid Date Est. Start Date
Public Tuesday, December 4, 2012 Monday, January 7, 2013
Estimated Value* Solicitation #
$1,000,000.00 8974-01381 (fka 8974-01110)
Address
1515 Poydras St.
New Orleans, LA 70112
Orleans County
New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner, LA Region

NOPD Mounted Division Office Building - City of New Orleans
Project Type Building Use Status
Renovation Fire / Police
Municipal GC Bidding
Sector Bid Date Est. Start Date
Public Tuesday, December 11, 2012 Monday, January 21, 2013
Estimated Value* Square Footage Solicitation #
$1,371,235.00 5620 2285-01390
Address
1001 Harrison Ave.
Building C
New Orleans, LA 70123
Jefferson County
New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner, LA Region


Description Bid Solicitation: 2285-01390
Bid Number: 2285-01390
Description: NOPD Mounted Division Office Building
Bid Opening Date: 12/11/2012 02:00:00 PM
Purchaser: Bernice Ealy
Organization: City of New Orleans





The owners of The Store on 814 Gravier St. have opened Reuben’s Soup and Sandwich Company at 920 Gravier Street. Reuben’s is serving breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday.


http://gnorealestatenews.com/


NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The Federal Emergency Management Agency says New Orleans' Municipal Auditorium will get more than $3.5 million in aid to help repair damage from Hurricane Katrina.

The auditorium, a component of the New Orleans Cultural Center, had a 6,000-seat capacity before the 2005 storm
http://www.wwltv.com/news/Municipal-...179322161.html


City Planning Commission:

ZONING DOCKET 124/12 – Request by MARC DEODATO for a Zoning Change from an RD-3 Two-Family Residential District to a B-1 Neighborhood Business District to permit a medical clinic, on Square 1025, Lot 9, in the Third Municipal District, bounded by Elysian Fields Avenue, North Johnson, Frenchmen, and North Galvez Streets. The municipal address is 2038 ELYSIAN FIELDS AVENUE. (ZBM D-13/PD 4)

ZONING DOCKET 125/12 – Request by DAVID J SKANSI for a Conditional Use to permit a cocktail lounge in an LC Lake Area General Commercial District, on Square West End, Lot Pt. 2 or 4-1, in the Seventh Municipal District, bounded by Ponchartrain and West Robert E Lee Boulevards, Lake Marina Avenue and Regent Street. The municipal address is 7224 - 7226 PONTCHARTRAIN BOULEVARD. (ZBM C-10/PD 5)

ZONING DOCKET 126/12 – Request by ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD (RECOVERY SCHOOL DISTRICT) for a Conditional Use to permit a high school in new structures in an RS-2 Single Family Residential District, on Sector 21, Tract A, in the Third Municipal District, bounded by Dwyer Road, Clements Drive, Farwood Drive, and Mayo Road. The municipal address is 7301 DWYER ROAD. (ZBM G-11/PD 9)

ZONING DOCKET 127/12 – Request by MARY L COPELAND CHILDREN’S TRUST, HOUSING AUTHORITY OF NEW ORLEANS and THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS for a Zoning Change from an RM-3 Multi-Family Residential District to a C-1 General Commercial District, on Square 405, HANO Parcels 155 thru 164, Square 386-B, Pt. Lots 1 and 2, Square 385-A, Pt. Lot 1, and portions of the Willow, Sixth and Toledano Streets rights-of-way, and a Conditional Use to permit a fast food restaurant in a C-1 General Commercial District and within the ICUC Inner-City Urban Corridor Overlay District, on Square 406 Lots 10, 11, Pt. HANO Parcel 154, and a portion of the Sixth and Toledano Streets right-of-way, in the FourthMunicipal District, bounded by South Claiborne and Washington Avenues, Toledano and Clara Streets. The municipal addresses are 2600 SIXTH STREET, 2900 SOUTH CLAIBORNE AVENUE and 2912 WASHINGTON AVENUE. (ZBM B-14/PD 2)

ZONING DOCKET 128/12 – Request by SLT NEW ORLEANS LLC for an amendment to a Central Business Planned Community District (CBPCD) Ordinance No. 8611 MCS as amended to permit the expansion of an existing hotel in a CBD-2 Central Business District, on Square 64, Rear Lot 15 or Lot W, in the First Municipal District, bounded by Poydras, S. Peters, Tchopitoulas Streets and Natchez Alley. The municipal address is 317 POYDRAS STREET. (ZBM C-14/PD 1A)(This is the W Downtown)

ZONING DOCKET 129/12 – Request by CITY COUNCIL MOTION M-12-396 for a Conditional Use to permit a retail development greater than 7,500 square feet in floor area, in a C-1 and C-2 General Commercial District, and within the Eastern New Orleans Renaissance Corridor Interim Zoning District, on Square SEC26, Lot 3D-4-2, in the Third Municipal District, bounded by Bullard Avenue, I-10 East, Levy Drive, and the Jahncke Canal. The municipal address is 6011 BULLARD AVENUE. (ZBM I-11/PD 9)

[ardecila]

Well, we could actually address the root cause of homelessness rather than using quasi-illegal police enforcement. The city tends to attract vagrants from around the country because of the warm weather and the availability of drugs/alcohol, so it's more complex than just job training and affordable housing.

I've seen proposals for homeless villages... Like a park, with various flat surfaces and sheltered areas. I guess you could build one in a semi-decent location (along Lafitte, maybe) and fence off the underside of the expressway. Although to be honest I like the open look down there.

[ardecila]

Also that streetcar argument is bogus. It's a transit grant. We can't spend it on anything besides the Loyola streetcar. Maybe they could run streetcar lines into blighted areas... But that would be a gigantic project. We can't even get St Claude off the ground.

[rcp11889]

Actually, the city is in the process of clearing out the underpass and fencing it in as we speak.

http://www.bestofneworleans.com/blog...ain-expressway

[tennis1400]

Originally Posted by rcp11889

Actually, the city is in the process of clearing out the underpass and fencing it in as we speak.

http://www.bestofneworleans.com/blog...ain-expressway

Ask and we shall receive. The problem with the homeless under the overpass is that they are putting themselves and the drivers in danger. They just walk out into the road and dont pay attention. Some even walk up the on ramps.. Very dangerous and makes people uncomfortable because many are drunk. About a month ago one lady who im sure was on drugs actually had her exposed boobs pressed on my window when asking for money. Although kind of funny it was also pretty nasty!


Definitely forgot to mention this but the W Downtown is changing brands to the Le Meridien. Not surprised since W has kind of gone downhill as a brand. The one in the French Quarter has been better taken care of. The Le meridien hasnt been in New Orleans since the JW Marriot took over on Canal Street



Ruby Slipper opens in the Marigny



“More breakfast places” is a constant request around New Orleans, and one that spurred Jennifer and Erich Weishaupt to get into the restaurant business post-Katrina with a breakfast//lunch/brunch concept. This week, the couple opened the third edition of their Ruby Slipper Café (2001 Burgundy St., 525-9355), this time in a historic former bank building in the Marigny triangle.

This new Ruby Slipper follows the same script as the others, with a similar menu of diner-style breakfast and lunch dishes punched up with local seafood, fresh produce and some creative specials. At the new restaurant, they’re now baking bagels and challah bread in-house while cocktails and mimosas flow from a large, Art Deco-styled bar.

http://www.bestofneworleans.com/blog...in-the-marigny