Huntsville updates

[g-man435]

Greenville, Charleston, Savannah, Augusta, Greensboro, and Knoxville don't have any highrises under construction currently. Columbia only has one. What's your point jonnie256?

[| BRAVO |]

I hope the architecture compliments Holman.

Originally Posted by jonnie256

Its pretty sad when ATMORE,AL is going to have a building and future buildings taller than the ones in Huntsville. By the way this hotel there builing is going to be 17 floors!

[Jugernagt]

Originally Posted by ThatGuy

There is some activity going on at the old Tweeter location of 72 Target. Anybody heard any rumors on that?

It almost looks like they are demolishing the entire building. Drove by there today and they have cut a giant hole in the side of the building on the University Drive side and are tearing out the parapet. Kind of looks like they might be trying to convert the building into a multi-unit out-parcel.

[Jacknah]

Originally Posted by David1502

In response to "Ever heard of something called "Freedom?", my response is, "Have you ever heard of a thing called ZONING?" Investors are reluctant to build quality projects when a double wide trailer, tattoo shop, used car lot or check cashing place might go in next door. This is not Jackson County where the County Commission was unsuccessful in prohibiting junk on property because the residents would rather live with visible junk instead of having any restrictions. What I'm talking about would not force any existing pole sign to go down - those are already "grandfathered in." What I am promoting has been successfully implemented in the Atlanta suburbs where the City Council will say any new businesses built have to conform to the overlay district restrictions. Overtime, when old businesses are torn down and new higher quality structures with monument signs are built, the remaining businesses which don't conform stand out like "sore thumbs" and the owners often "conform" to "keep up with the Jones's."
Getting back to my original point about University Dr., what parent from outside the area would want their College age child to live in a dorm at UAH when University Dr. looks like "Detroit"? (as HSV Tiger said) The City needs to start somewhere and the status quo isn't cutting it.

Yes, I've heard of zoning. And I'm against it. Zoning laws should be abolished. It's an assault against private property. Cities function fine without laws zoning laws, such as Houston. Cities don't need to be planned by a central authority, and they're better organized when they're not planned but spontaneous and free. Freedom works pretty damned well.

www.bobbarr2008.com

[jonnie256]

My point gman-435,is that Huntsville is pathetic when it comes to building height and criteria dude. A little ass town like that can get a very nice and tall building,and a lot larger sized city like Huntsville gets all critical about a building over 10 floors. Huntsville needs to get there shiat together if they expect to grow any and be recognized! I just think its stupid! Sorry,I just had to vent!thanks

[HSVTiger]

Huntsville the architectural wasteland, sure these are nice but nothing significant on any scale has been done in this town since the Russel Erskine hotel and it was built in 1930. The redo of that building is excellent and is
probably the only thing that deserves mention. The Botanical Garden project is also well done. When private homes win architectural awards you know nothing much is happening.


Huntsville Times
Bird residence at Providence earns AIA's top prize

Seven area projects were recognized with design awards Thursday night by the North Alabama chapter of American Institute of Architects.

The top prize - the Honor Award - went to Kamback & Bird Architects for the Bird residence in the Village of Providence in Huntsville, which was completed in November 2005.

The style of the 2,196-square-foot house, built for $225,000, is classical vernacular and resembles a farmhouse with some of its features - sparse ornamentation and use of indigenous material. The painted white brick house has a wrap-around porch and a galvanized metal roof. A brick wall creates a private courtyard.

In all, 35 projects were submitted and judged by the Chattanooga chapter of AIA. Since the North Alabama chapter hasn't presented the awards since 1998, it allowed entries that spanned the last decade.

Merit Awards were presented to:

Chapman Sisson Architects for Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children's neonatal intensive care unit, which was completed in July 2004. The construction cost was $2.7 million.

Fuqua & Partners Architects for the Huntsville Botanical Garden's Nature Center, which includes a butterfly house, education center, outdoor classroom and children's garden. It was completed in July 2006 for $1.75 million.

SKT Architects for Columbia High School, an $18 million technology-focused school in Cummings Research Park in Huntsville. It was completed in July 2005.

SKT for the McCrary residence in Mooresville, which was completed in May 2006. The cost of the 4,368-square-foot house was not disclosed.

Two firms also received an honorable mention: Chapman Sisson for a $2 million retail and office building at the Village of Providence, which was completed in February 2004; and Fuqua for the $5.2 million rehabilitation of the Russel Erskine Hotel in downtown Huntsville for affordable apartments for the elderly. The hotel project was completed in March 2006.

The chapter held its awards gala at the refurbished Russel Erskine.

The North Alabama chapter includes 13 counties and has about 85 architect members.

Now if they ever have a contest for the best strip center use of stucco and or landscaping with asphalt Huntsville will be the heavy favorite for the gold medal.

[PSMadison]

I don't think it's a valid comparison to even suggest Huntsville should try to compete with casino construction built on native American reservation land, even if it is in the middle of nowhere. The "town" did not get the hotel; the casino did. Not that I'm necessarily opposed to raising height restrictions...

Originally Posted by jonnie256

My point gman-435,is that Huntsville is pathetic when it comes to building height and criteria dude. A little ass town like that can get a very nice and tall building,and a lot larger sized city like Huntsville gets all critical about a building over 10 floors. Huntsville needs to get there shiat together if they expect to grow any and be recognized! I just think its stupid! Sorry,I just had to vent!thanks

[HSVTiger]

Originally Posted by HSVTiger

Similar to the new hotel planned downtown at Constellation?
This Springhill Suites is near Chicago. It will be interesting to see
how distinctive it will be since it will be part of a mixed use development
and not just standing out by itself. Sometimes these properties are a disaster in stuccco
but I anticipate this one to be much nicer in appearance. Let's hope it will make downtown proud.



Most Residence Inns which has been announced as planned next door to the Springhill Suites are 2-3 floors but the Huntsville property will
be 6 floors and may be similar to this new design of one in Houston.

Let's hope the hard to see rendering on the sign in front of the property is not what the hotel will look like. Sort of similar to the top pic but hard to tell.
Why can't we have a nice rendering to look at and expect the building to look like it when finished? In any case there is work going on at the site.

[ThatGuy]

Aren't the height limits limited to the "historic downtown" area or are they city-wide?

I wish we could get a simple map that would outline which parts of downtown are "protected" and which aren't.

I also don't think that public housing should count as a "neighborhood" when determining the height limit of nearby buildings.

[HSVTiger]

Originally Posted by ThatGuy

Aren't the height limits limited to the "historic downtown" area or are they city-wide?

I wish we could get a simple map that would outline which parts of downtown are "protected" and which aren't.

I also don't think that public housing should count as a "neighborhood" when determining the height limit of nearby buildings.

A map would be too simple, keep everyone confused is the motto. It is not city wide and supposedly Constellation is outside this stupid limit.
In any case if they blow it on this development it will kill any other possibilities that may come along. This has been indicated earlier in regard to a 20+ story development that didn't happen because of city hall red tape.
Vote Battle for Mayor

[HSVTiger]

On going construction at Huntsville International Airport





Thirty-foot high panoramic windows overlooking airfield operations are beginning to take shape in the passenger waiting area of the Huntsville International Airport. As part of the $65 million, 5-year capital improvement project, which began in 2005, two wings will be added near the current connector walkway and security checkpoint.
The west wing will be home to a security checkpoint while the east wing will be consist of a large lobby/seating areaaccommodating up to 200 people. This renovation will also significantly widen the walkway toward the new wings, adding four times more space than the current public areas.

J.A. Green (JAG) Development Corporation, a Connecticut-based real estate developer, has announced the purchase of 92 acres in Jetplex Industrial Park South to build approximately one million square feet of office and warehouse space. One hundred thousand square feet will contain a cross-dock, air-cargo, and distribution space. JAG has the option of purchasing an additional 90 acres of property, which would yield the development of an additional one million square feet of office and warehouse space, immediately adjacent to Huntsville International Airport.

[JuanHunt]

Originally Posted by PSMadison

I don't think it's a valid comparison to even suggest Huntsville should try to compete with casino construction built on native American reservation land, even if it is in the middle of nowhere. The "town" did not get the hotel; the casino did. Not that I'm necessarily opposed to raising height restrictions...

The financing is done through numerous tribes involved in gambling throughout the country. Total investment will be $269 million with the city putting $7 million into roads, landscaping, infrastructure. The outparcels are already selling and another new hotel has started construction.

[jmanhsv]

Originally Posted by Jacknah

Yes, I've heard of zoning. And I'm against it. Zoning laws should be abolished. It's an assault against private property. Cities function fine without laws zoning laws, such as Houston. Cities don't need to be planned by a central authority, and they're better organized when they're not planned but spontaneous and free. Freedom works pretty damned well.

Oh yeah, zoning freedom works really well... until a hog farm or a strip club is built next door to your house.

And I think any urban planner would tell you that Houston is a TERRIBLE model for a city- sprawl for 50 miles in every direction, car-friendly, transit for only a few... But even that city has regulations concerning residential lot sizes and parking. Actually, the most successful cities are ones with very strict land-use policies such as Portland. But I don't think even they have such a strict height limit as we do here.

[HSVTiger]

Marriott is changing the image of this brand to be more like Hyatt Place or ALOFT and it sounds like the Huntsville property will be that type.
from Marriott




The new SpringHill public space features an innovative and contemporary design aesthetic that is fresh, open, flexible and functional. The public space uses lighting, music, moveable "softwalls" and changeable graphic panels to create distinctive environments throughout the day. Guests can explore, connect, work and relax as they see fit. Features include an expanded and improved fitness area with pool, an outdoor terrace enclosed by a living green wall, and a market that serves as the guest's 24/7 source for healthy snacks, indulgent treats, drinks and simple travel needs.

The guest room, already 25 percent larger than traditional hotel guest rooms, has been completely redesigned into a space that is both comforting and inspiring -- a seamless blend of style and functionality. The sleeping area provides a fresh color palette that combines with a cleanly designed wardrobe, desk, hospitality and entertainment center, large window with feature wooden seat and signature bedding package to create a truly rejuvenating bedroom environment. The living area features a 32" flat-panel high-definition LCD television and a sectional sofa with fold-out double bed. Modular tables and an area with mini-fridge, microwave and coffee maker exemplify the efficient, flexible nature of the space.


Unique for hotels in its category, SpringHill will offer guests separate bathroom and shower areas accessed through sleek, attractive sliding doors. The spa-like shower room highlights include a glass enclosure for a refreshing shower, distinctive vanity and mirror, iridescent tile wall, and creative lighting feature, all of which help guests relax and reenergize.

Some comments from the CEO of the company developing the downtown Springhill Suites. WAFF TV

"Srinath Yedla, CEO of Yedla Management Company, said, "It's going to be good for the generation and traveler because that's the new yeoman traveler on the road today."

The CEO provided new details on the revamped Springhill Marriott.

A 20 million investment, 6 stories, 150 plus rooms, the latest furnishings and design Srinath Yedla says Huntsville has never seen.

"Even the design of the lobby area you've probably seen a lot these more modern hotels that kind of ate the boutique movement with the real cool, sleek lobbies, and neat bars and ours is going to have that type of feel and vibe to it," added Yedla."

[g-man435]

Why is everybody so critical of something tall that is made of steel and concrete?

[TimCity2000]

When private homes win architectural awards you know nothing much is happening.

Actually, as an architect in Birmingham I can tell you that Architecture awards routinely include a Residential category, and it's not uncommon to see multiple winners.

Having said that, I haven't seen the house that won this award, so I can't comment on it.

[Huntsvillenative]

Originally Posted by g-man435

Why is everybody so critical of something tall that is made of steel and concrete?

Why are YOU so worried about what we want for OUR city?

[Jacknah]

Originally Posted by JuanHunt

Zoning restrictions work great up until they force an undue financial hardship on small businesses. When I was considering building a new building, my first concern was to be outside the Huntsville City limits in order to avoid some of the requirements placed on new construction. The additional requirements would have added about 15% to the cost, and provide nothing of value other than the perceived aesthetic improvement. I find it kind of depressing that everywhere there is new construction, whether Atlanta, Nashville, etc, it all looks the same with the cut up parking and fake greenspace. Buildings that have character and give a city the sense of permanence are mashed down to build another hotel, which you can find pictures of just a few posts earlier. I find the Embassy hotel downtown to be quite ugly.

I agree that Embassy hotel is an ugly building. I was away from Huntsville for a few years. When I came back and saw it, I thought it was a hospital. That's what it looks like.

[Jacknah]

Originally Posted by jmanhsv

Oh yeah, zoning freedom works really well... until a hog farm or a strip club is built next door to your house.

And I think any urban planner would tell you that Houston is a TERRIBLE model for a city- sprawl for 50 miles in every direction, car-friendly, transit for only a few... But even that city has regulations concerning residential lot sizes and parking. Actually, the most successful cities are ones with very strict land-use policies such as Portland. But I don't think even they have such a strict height limit as we do here.

"any urban planner would tell you that Houston is a TERRIBLE model for a city" ..LOL. What else would one expect? A urban PLANNER. Someone who supports freedom would tell you it's a great model for a city. Cities don't need need to be planned. Nothing need to be planned by a central fascist authority. Just let freedom work, and let people plan their owns lives and property.

Why should the government use force against other people to protect you from the risk (or reward) of someone building a strip club next your house? If you don't want that risk, buy a house in a private community. You're making house prices and rents more expensive for those that are willing to take a risk. What do you mean Portland is successful? It's expensive to live there and it's got high unemployment. This is all because of too much government.

Vote Bob Barr, President 2008. www.bobbarr2008.com

[mlog]

Originally Posted by Jacknah

I agree that Embassy hotel is an ugly building. I was away from Huntsville for a few years. When I came back and saw it, I thought it was a hospital. That's what it looks like.

I'm glad I'm not the only who thinks it's an eyesore.