Tuscaloosa Development

[SpawnOfVulcan]

Mercedes To Invest $2 Billion Between Now and 2014

From the Tuscaloosa News: Patrick Rupinski

The head of Mercedes-Benz was in Tuscaloosa on Wednesday to announce a $2 Billion investment in its plant in Vance over the next few years. It's the largest single manufacturing investment in the state's history.

The investment includes the C-Class, M-Class, and GL-Class.

The C-Class is expected to begin production in 2013 on the 2014 model.

Governor Bentley, who was also in attendance at the plant, noted that he was in Houston recently speaking to business executives that could bring up to 4,000 jobs. He also said that on Tuesday, he spoke with a company that might bring up to 2,000 jobs.

[SpawnOfVulcan]

868 Bedroom Student Complex Planned for AL 69 South

Developer Stan Pate (ugh...) announced that a 262 unity, 868 bedroom student housing complex will be constructed on AL 69 South. Units will be high end, with the entire project costing a total of $40 Million. It is being developed in conjunction with Avalon Partners LLC.

It will be constructed on a 20.5 acre site at the intersection of Kauloosa Ave and AL 69. It will feature 21 separate 4 story buildings.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This announcement comes on the heals of a housing development announced near DCH that will be 337 units and 774 beds.

In total, these projects are expected to make up for the loss of student housing that was experienced during the April 27th tornado. Plus, both of these should help in the redevelopment of the tornado path. Hopefully, the city is already planning for these new developments and will implement a plan to wrangle in the new traffic, pedestrians, and business developments.

All in all, these projects will house anywhere from 1600 to 1650 students.

[ttownfeen]

CityFest lot gets 3 hotel bidders

Interest heats up for luxury hotel project as price for the land falls

Three development companies have presented competing proposals to build a luxury hotel costing as much as $35 million on the downtown parcel known as the former CityFest lot.

[ttownfeen]

White House Black Market among five stores opening in Midtown

TUSCALOOSA | White House Black Market, a women's boutique, joins the Tuscaloosa shopping scene today with the opening of a new store at Midtown Village.

It is one of five retailers new to Tuscaloosa that have recently opened or will soon open at Midtown Village.

...

Stephen Schmidt, vice president for Cypress Equities, which developed and operates Midtown, said the new stores will give the shopping center an 87 percent retail space occupancy.

[SpawnOfVulcan]

Originally Posted by ttownfeen

CityFest lot gets 3 hotel bidders

Interest heats up for luxury hotel project as price for the land falls

I was very happy to read this article. When I was taking Land Use Regulations at UA a year ago, we were required to do a project involving downtown, and one of the groups did one that involved this lot. It's nice to see that private money is finally seeing that the public entities care about downtown and that both are willing to work together.

It looks as if all the public investment is FINALLY about to pay off. Not that I ever doubted it would.

[SpawnOfVulcan]

It would appear that that Riverwalk building that is supposed to have condos and restaurants and stuff has begun construction along Jack Warner Parkway. Dunno when it's supposed to be completed, but right now it looks like they're just getting the foundation completed.

[Tourian]

Originally Posted by tredici

[SIZE="6"]The head of Mercedes-Benz was in Tuscaloosa on Wednesday to announce a $2 Billion investment in its plant in Vance over the next few years.

I thought through creative annexing, the Benz plant was actually in Tuscaloosa. Do they just say "in Vance" because of common man's sense of geography? I bet the citizens of Vance and its mayor/council (do they have one?) aren't too happy about that.

[SpawnOfVulcan]

Originally Posted by Tourian

I thought through creative annexing, the Benz plant was actually in Tuscaloosa. Do they just say "in Vance" because of common man's sense of geography. I bet the citizens of Vance and its mayor/council (do they have one?) aren't too happy about that.

Technically speaking, the plant isn't in the city limits, in order to avoid paying the higher taxes. The city creatively annexed all of that land to build a fire station out there. This way, the fire station has to respond to an emergency, but Mercedes only has to pay if they use them.

I'm actually not sure if it's IN Vance or not. But, I'm 99% sure the above is what's shakin'.

[bamastu13]

TUSCALOOSA | One of three hotel developers vying for a piece of downtown withdrew from the city’s bidding race.

But that doesn’t mean National Ventures Group LLC is pulling out of Tuscaloosa altogether. Quite the opposite.

Robert L. Schwartz, president of the Atlanta-based hotel development company said Friday his company is negotiating to acquire land adjacent to

Bryant-Denny Stadium.

The deal is close, Schwartz said, but not far enough along to announce the full details of the land purchase. That is expected to occur next week.

Schwartz was clear on his intent for the land: He wants to erect a $32 million high-end hotel with 150 rooms and suites — the same project that he and National Ventures pitched for the CityFest lot before recently backing out.

“It’s more important for our people to be able to walk into the stadium instead of being able to walk in to the restaurants and bars,” Schwartz said. “So we said goodbye (to the city) and we wish them the very best.”

City Attorney Tim Nunnally said National Ventures’ withdrawal from the city’s bid process was amicable.

“We had a figurative handshake on the phone, everyone left in good standing ... and the city very much appreciates their participation in the process,” Nunnally said.

--Does anyone know what parcel of land they might be talking about? Might it be the area that was/is supposed to be the Dynasty Park development?

[SpawnOfVulcan]

Originally Posted by bamastu13

TUSCALOOSA | One of three hotel developers vying for a piece of downtown withdrew from the city’s bidding race.

But that doesn’t mean National Ventures Group LLC is pulling out of Tuscaloosa altogether. Quite the opposite.

Robert L. Schwartz, president of the Atlanta-based hotel development company said Friday his company is negotiating to acquire land adjacent to

Bryant-Denny Stadium.

The deal is close, Schwartz said, but not far enough along to announce the full details of the land purchase. That is expected to occur next week.

Schwartz was clear on his intent for the land: He wants to erect a $32 million high-end hotel with 150 rooms and suites — the same project that he and National Ventures pitched for the CityFest lot before recently backing out.

“It’s more important for our people to be able to walk into the stadium instead of being able to walk in to the restaurants and bars,” Schwartz said. “So we said goodbye (to the city) and we wish them the very best.”

City Attorney Tim Nunnally said National Ventures’ withdrawal from the city’s bid process was amicable.

“We had a figurative handshake on the phone, everyone left in good standing ... and the city very much appreciates their participation in the process,” Nunnally said.

--Does anyone know what parcel of land they might be talking about? Might it be the area that was/is supposed to be the Dynasty Park development?

I'm pretty sure that Dynasty Park is still a go. The Hillel House still has presentation stuff in it and there are still signs over there. Seems like they're just trying to get things leased.

I haven't a clue about where they would build the hotel. Doesn't seem like there's ANY land over there to use. But, I always say that, and someone always manages to find something.

[bamastu13]

Originally Posted by tredici

I'm pretty sure that Dynasty Park is still a go. The Hillel House still has presentation stuff in it and there are still signs over there. Seems like they're just trying to get things leased.

I haven't a clue about where they would build the hotel. Doesn't seem like there's ANY land over there to use. But, I always say that, and someone always manages to find something.

Yeah, thats true. I noticed those signs the other day in front of Hillel House and it's still on the developers website. There is a gravel parking lot right across from the stadium very close to Ramma Jammas but there are also supposed to be new condos built there as well. Maybe we'll find out this week where its going.

[ttownfeen]

Northport says Hampton still a go despite delay

In a nutshell, Northport still has a lot to learn about economic development.

Wood Square seeks to end leases

The owners of Woods Square need to clear some legal hurdles with their now-former tenants' leases before they can proceed with developing the property anew.

[ttownfeen]

Federal building finished

Construction of the new courthouse is officially complete!!

The U.S. District Court, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, U.S. marshal, congressional and Social Security offices will move from their current location, an outdated building on Greensboro Avenue, to the 127,376-square-foot courthouse on Oct. 19, said U.S. District Judge Scott Coogler.

Operations in the new courthouse will begin the following day.

...

The total cost of the $47.8 million building came in lower than the originally anticipated $67 million. Work at the 5-acre site bordered by University Boulevard and Seventh Street to the north and south, and 20th and 21st avenues to the east and west began in December 2009.

The courthouse is the centerpiece of the $80 million Downtown Urban Renewal project.

The city built a downtown intermodal facility and the Government Plaza park behind City Hall, and invested in streetscaping, water, sewer and storm drainage improvements in the area. Several bars and restaurants have since opened on the city blocks bordering the courthouse — once the sites of empty or deteriorating structures, including auto repair shops and the former Tuscaloosa News building.

...

A public grand opening for the building will be held in February. The 16 paintings by artist Caleb O'Connor, slated for display in the building, will be finished in time for the grand opening.

...

The Greek Revival-style building features a Doric temple front and balancing wings. A more modern design was considered, but the Greek-style was chosen to fit in with the historic buildings in Tuscaloosa and on the University of Alabama campus.

Bolding is mine. Blergh.

[SpawnOfVulcan]

Dawn Kent
Birmingham News
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Link

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Gov. Robert Bentley will visit the Mercedes-Benz plant today in Vance for a tour and a special announcement.

While Mercedes would not confirm the details of the announcement, it is believed to be about the addition of a fifth model to the plant's assembly lines. Published reports from Germany have indicated that the automaker is preparing to launch a crossover vehicle to compete with a similar model produced by rival BMW.

The plant's 2,800 workers currently build the M-Class and GL-Class SUVs, along with the R-Class crossover. The German automaker already has announced that the C-Class sedan will join its assembly lines in time for a 2014 launch.

During the summer, Mercedes announced an additional $2 billion investment in the plant to expand capacity and prepare for new model launches.

Bolding is mine.

[SpawnOfVulcan]

I'm starting to get the feeling that the Mercedes-Benz plant needs it's own thread...

Dawn Kent
Birmingham News
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Link

Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler AG today announced another expansion of its Alabama factory in Tuscaloosa County, with plans to add a fifth model to the assembly lines by 2015.

The yet-to-be-named, "entirely new Mercedes-Benz model" will bring an additional 400 jobs and require a $350 million investment.

Gov. Robert Bentley is touring the plant today and will be on hand for a formal announcement with employees later this afternoon.

The plant's 2,800 workers currently build the M-Class and GL-Class SUVs, along with the R-Class crossover. The German automaker already has announced that the C-Class sedan will join the Tuscaloosa County assembly lines in time for a 2014 launch.

Daimler and Mercedes did not say what the fifth model will be, but published reports from Germany have indicated that the automaker is preparing to launch a crossover vehicle to compete with a similar model produced by rival BMW.

"This new model from the Tuscaloosa plant is an important element of our growth strategy," Daimler Chairman Dieter Zetsche said in a prepared statement. "It is one of the ten additional models which we will introduce within the next four years alone across all segments."

During the summer, Mercedes announced it would invest more than $2 billion in the plant to expand capacity and prepare for new model launches.

The $350 million tied to the fifth model is included in that previously-announced investment, so by 2014, the company's new spending there will total $2.4 billion.

Meanwhile, Mercedes has already said that the C-Class move would bring 1,000 new jobs, so with the fifth model, 1,400 new jobs are on the way to Tuscaloosa County.

Bolding is mine.

After this new line, 4,200 people will work at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa County.

[DruidCity]

Article about the construction of Riverwalk Place:
http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/articl...-condo-project
According to the sign in front of it, the planned completion is fall 2012.

[SpawnOfVulcan]

Jason Morton
Tuscaloosa News
October 24, 2011
Link

TUSCALOOSA | A Tuscaloosa developer is planning a major overhaul to a downtown apartment complex.

Phil Weaver, the name behind the Buffalo Phil’s eatery on The Strip, intends to replace the Broad Street Apartments on University Boulevard with a five-story, multi-use complex.

Retail and office space would occupy the 7,500 square feet on the bottom floor, and the top floors would house 80 bedrooms in one- and two-bedroom apartment units.

“My main aim is to, where the project integrates with the downtown architecture, is to blend in well with the downtown area,” Weaver said of the project that is expected to break ground in June 2012.

Councilman Bobby Howard, who represents the area where the project is planned as part of District 1, said he believes the multi-use development will complement the city’s efforts to improving the image of downtown Tuscaloosa.

“I think it’s going to be great ...,” Howard said. “Developers are seeing the potential (of downtown investment) and residents are moving back into the area.”

Howard referenced recent rezoning approvals of properties near the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education building and the downtown branch of the U.S. Post Office that converted lots from business to residential use.

Weaver’s project was also granted a rezoning approval last week. The council unanimously approved converting the lot between 19th and 20th avenues from General Business-Office and Neighborhood Commercial districts to Central Business District zoning, which allows for the mix of residential and commercial uses.

The lot also falls under the Downtown Riverfront Overlay District, which adds an additional level of City Hall scrutiny to projects within this zone.

Essentially, this district requires developers to obtain approval from the City Council on several aspects of the project, from the type of materials on the facade to the use of the building itself.

While some developers may bristle at such oversight, Weaver said he understands its goal is to ensure uniformity and consistency within one of the city’s most visible areas.

“In this area, (the overlay district) promotes and encourages mixed-use,” Weaver said. “What it does, it’s trying to create a different environment where you have businesses along with apartments.”

[DruidCity]

Replacing the ugly Broad Street Apartments with a nice, mixed-use, 5-story development is definitely a step up. That leaves the even uglier white-with-turquoise-trim apartment complex at the bottom of river hill as the only really substandard-looking housing downtown.

"Howard referenced recent rezoning approvals of properties near the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education building and the downtown branch of the U.S. Post Office that converted lots from business to residential use."

I wish the article had more details on those lots.

[SpawnOfVulcan]

Tuscaloosa News
Patrick Rupinski
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Link

VANCE | Brose, a German automotive parts manufacturer that has had a plant here since 2003, has been named the first automotive supplier for the next generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

The Brose plant is across the road from Mercedes and currently makes door systems for the Mercedes M-Class and GL-Class sport utility vehicles and the R-Class crossover vehicle.

Brose will make seat structures and door systems for the new C-Class sedans that Mercedes is adding to its Vance production in 2014.

Johannes Carl, the Brose plant’s general manager, said the plant will add about 80 jobs when the new production begins.

Brose expanded its plant last year, adding 100,000 square feet, bringing the plant to 200,000 square feet.

The addition of the C-Class work could result in an additional expansion. Carl said Brose might have more to say on that in November when Brose meets with Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority.

In addition to making parts for Mercedes, the Brose plant also make components for Volkswagen’s plant in Chattanooga, Tenn., and BMW’s plant in Spartanburg, S.C.

[SpawnOfVulcan]

Tuscaloosa News
Jason Morton
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Link

TUSCALOOSA | As the number of students enrolled at the University of Alabama continues to grow, so, too, does the number of places that are offering to house them.

The latest proposed development is The Standard at Tuscaloosa, a 205-unit, 646-bedroom complex planned for a site on Hargrove Road, across from the Forest Lake neighborhood.

According to the website of 908 Development Group, the Tampa, Fla.-based company planning the complex, the rental units will include a mix of two-bedroom, three-bedroom and four-bedroom apartments. Each unit will have the same number of bathrooms as bedrooms.

“The construction of The Standard at Tuscaloosa will contribute to the underserved off-campus housing for the University of Alabama student population,” the website said. “Delivering the latest in technology and amenities, The Standard at Tuscaloosa offers uncompromising luxury with affordable monthly rental rates.”
...