mrh3

Jack, They'll probably walk.

Unless Citibank Comm'l Mortgage is underwriting the deal I don't understand why the developer is giving Citi the free publicity. Most entities with the 'Citi' pre-fix are directly related to Citibank via sponsorship or as a part of the corporate structure. J/S.

It seems so odd to me seeing those quaint brick streets lined with highrises. I know very well that the streets are historic, but I will say that I'm not against any decision to repave in South Eola. Eola Heights or Thornton Park are different stories, however.

The architect must have been all of his/her time at airport.

I always thought a giant sundial 30'-40' tall would be an amazing addition to the southern gateway to DT. With the proper lighting program it could be as iconic as Centennial Fountain in Lake Eola.

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I don't think retail facing Orange is terrible. Seems to me that there's a higher traffic count there that should drive retail, maybe even big box retail which would serve as neighborhood anchors. The Concord Street side would be much more livable for residents if it is developed this way.

How will they get a rail system down 50? Would it be elevated, in the median or or subterranean? It think that would be the best route, but what a nightmare to construct at this point.

I agree. Having lived in Phoenix for many years, the impact isn't anywhere near as significant as one would hope. I think that the best urban campus in the country is GW in DC. THAT should be their model if they really want to create a presence. http://virtualtour.gwu.edu/#UMAP_2013090592962

Sunshine, that is a BRILLIANT IDEA. In fact, it was originally a department store (KRESS) so you'd be returning a department store to Main & Main after a 70 year absence??? The way that I know that everyone is concerned that they won't get the foot traffic, but the fact is that the urban retail experience has been co-opted by the enclosed mall and there is an entire generation that's is oblivious to this. 34th, State, and Grant Streets (NYC, Chicago, SF) are the best urban retail locations in the country and each has a major department store to anchor them: Macy's, Marshall Field's-now Macy's, and Macy's West. Some may be concerned about Nordstroms ability to attract foot traffic, but that can easily be mitigated by adjusting store hours to the peak times M-F 9-6 Closed Sunday and Saturday 10-9 or something similar to the Neiman Marcus downtown Dallas. This is the time to break out the check book. I doubt that Nordstrom wants to exit the market entirely and we all know that money talks and BS walks....

RedStar25 I'm not convinced. Buildings respond to the communities in which they are built and as we have seen in art museums around the world, a beautiful buildings does not make a respected museum if the collection is tepid. Let's hope that the equality of the entertainment is equivalent to the ambitions of the building/community.

Those landlords are just being cheap. Basic economics dictates that reinvestment in the district will increase property values for each landowner. They really need to see renderings. Most people have no imagination,

I'll have to take a look on my next trip down. From the images I saw there was a massive yard in front. I'm more accustomed to the private outdoor space in the backyard. There's more of an urban streetwall effect.

I'm not sure if this is the right location, but it's a list of all high rise construction in the US between 2000-2013. Orlando ranks 11th nationally and has a virtually identical profile to Tampa. I'm sure that you'll find it enjoyable reading. http://www.urbanophile.com/2013/08/20/trends-in-american-high-rise-construction-by-david-holmes/