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bhamsly

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Posts posted by bhamsly

  5. BJCC Expansion plans

    in Birmingham

    Posted · Edited by bhamsly

    What do you guys think of The Forge not opening at the BJCC? I personally like the idea of The Forge looking at the Lakeview District or the RRP area, but I am not of a fan of them considering Homewood as a possible location. It would be cool if the plan to relocate the Southtown residents to a newer development actually went through, and The Forge located there. It could be a connection for Lakeview and Five Points South.

    http://www.al.com/business/birminghamnews/....xml&coll=2

  6. Birmingham Retail Development

    in Birmingham

    Posted

    That would be nice but I can't see it happening... With the rumored (although possibly cancelled now) Westin to go on the other end of the shopping center and Colonial's desire to move the center slightly more upscale, I don't see Target being a good fit. Plus a "regular" Target is in the neighborhood of 130k sq. ft. which would probably be pushing it for that site. I'm not sure what the existing building encompass however.

    Since leasing seems to have done so well with that office tower, I honestly would expect to see another office tower on site with ground level retail and restaurants. Another parking garage as well would compliment the site and allow for more of the existing parking to be used up. I'd like to see another "street-scape" retail created like what is in front of Brookwood. They could create another entrance promenade type setting as you come across the bridge at Applebee's. Have Applebee's frame one corner and another new restaurant frame the other with some shops and whatnot leading back to the existing office tower and a new one.

    Another option... Would be Brookwood taking some of the land for further development. They are slowly growing to the point they have no more land and I'm sure they are looking toward the future themselves. Personally, it makes more sense to put the rumored hotel on the end with Brookwood and build some type of connection to the two so that Brookwood could take advantage of having a hotel connected to the hospital.

    I can also see Brookwood taking advantage of the space where Brunos was, and makinging it mixed-use. Perhaps, a small "street-scape" portion with perhaps 10 stores and restaurants anchored by something like Trader Joe's(something that many would enjoy), and a tower with office and hotel space. It don't think that it would have to be next to Macy's or close to the mall because the mall is holding it's own right now...this will add to the malls other end.

  8. Birmingham Retail Development

    in Birmingham

    Posted

    Encouraging news on some area shopping centers to open even with the upsetting economy:

    • The Grove, a SuperTarget-anchored center in Hoover at AL 150 and I-459, should be complete this fall. The center has commitments or is in negotiations with Lowe's, Kohl's, Best Buy, Books-A-Million, Hibbett Sports, Petco, Dress Barn, Maurice's, Shoe Carnival, Dots and Fontera Mexican Grill. Smaller portions of the center and stand-alone sites are slated to have Compass Bank, Superior Bank, Chick-fil-A, McDonald's, Burger King, Beef O'Brady's, Mattress Firm, Diamond Nails, Massage Envy and a salon.
    • The final phase of The Summit will include 50,000 sq ft of retail space along with 50,000 sq ft of office space when it is complete in late summer or early fall.
    • A center with three restaurants and a separate strip center are being built with stand-alone locations of a CVS Pharmacy, Legacy Credit Union and Alabama Telco Credit Union at the Chace Lake community on US 31 in Hoover.
    • Nordstrom is still targeted for a spring 2012 opening.

    More info here: Store bankruptcies, closings may wreak havoc in economy

    I am excited, especially about Nordstroms not changing their date, and The Summit still pressing forward on it's new expansion. I guess the money-makers are still going to be doing (upscale) luxury shopping in the area. Now I just wonder what's coming to The Summit.

  11. Metro Birmingham Projects List

    in Birmingham

    Posted

    Some miscellaneous updates:

    2600 Highland (Condos) are nearly complete with landscaping done. The recently-completed Capri condominiums nearby have been purchased from bankruptcy and are being marketed again.

    A major expansion of BPA Parking Deck #3 broke ground last week downtown, which is a critical component of the planned Marriott Renaissance Hotel in the Regions Plaza Building.

    Major construction projects at UAB & St Vincents Hospitals are proceeding, and the City Council approved $20 million in tax abatements to jump-start a major expansion at Children's Hospital.

    Announcements are expected soon in the recruitment of Solvay Pharmaceuticals (Birmingham) and Volkswagen (north Alabama)

    I haven't heard any recent news from Leer Corp (Leer Tower), Melaver (Fed. Reserve), Corp. Realty Dev. (Standard Midtown & Block 121), Performa (The Forge), Michael Roberts (A. G. Gaston Motel), Iron City (Restoration Edgewood) or 29Seven LLC (29 Seven)

    I am so anxious for these projects to get underway and completed, but my favorites(most concerned projects that I want to see) are the Melaver project, Standard Midtown, Block 121, The Forge, A.G.Gaston, and Solvay.

    Also, 29Seven project needs to come for sure. Lakeview is a very attractive area, and with more residential there, the better it will be. I just wish a couple of midrisers would locate there...giving it it's own little skyline with a lake there.

  12. Metro Birmingham Projects List

    in Birmingham

    Posted

    Now I'm wondering and speculating whom is coming to Wildwood? I've heard Target get thrown around, but besides them that's it.

    That would be great, but I don't think that portion is going to be large enough for a Target, an electonics store, a home store, and an apparel store...the space is only app 180,000 square feet. I can see HH Gregg, or Best Buy since they are expanding rapidly across the area. I think Linen N Things, Bed, Bath, and Beyond, World Market, or Kirklands for the home store, and a host of retailers for the apparel store.

    The did mention that a potential department store could open there. I think the new portion will have to be well over 180,000 sq. ft if a department store was to open there. If one did open there though, JCPenney, Sears, or Kohls are probably the choices to locate there.

    That would be funny though if a Target and Wal Mart were in the same center, and with K Mart right up the street. I still think that we need a midtown Target somewhere though...ahem,urban store off of 280... ahem ahem between Colonial Bank and the Birmingham Zoo...ahem. Excuse me. :silly:

  14. Railroad Park

    in Birmingham

    Posted

    Activists say park railroads the homeless

    Although the Railroad Park is one of the many beacons for the city's revitalization, but the construction park has sparked controversy amongst the area's pastors that saying that the homeless is being mistreated by the authorities. The notion is that the police is using the excessive force to remove the homeless from the area while the land is being cleared for the park.

    Ok, I am truly sorry that the homeless are being forced from there "homes," they kinda give the area a bad look. The city as provided homeless shelters, am I mistaken, so the city is trying to help them out. They(the homeless) have already taken much refuge in Kelly Igram Park downtown...this should not turn out to be the same way. I don't think that I would want to be bothered with them when I am just relaxing in the park(maybe I should say panhandlers), or eating at the floating restaurant. Hopefully something could be done that will allow all parties to be happy.

  16. Railroad Park

    in Birmingham

    Posted

    I hope that the new lake will be large enough that when pictures are taken of downtown Birmingham, it could have the same effect as Lake Eola in downtown Orlando...creating an image as if Birmingham is on water.

  17. Metro Birmingham Projects List

    in Birmingham

    Posted

    I sure hope that Langford is right about this being the beginning of new jobs coming to the city. I hope that we can keep the job market in the city diverse, but I want a lot of research jobs so that we could possibly get a big, nice research park.

    is expanding its operations and will bring 100 new jobs to the former Saks location in the city.

    Brookwood is headquartered on Tom Martin Drive in Oxmoor and currently has 80 jobs. The Southern Research Institute spinoff was purchased for $62 million last August by Minnesota-based SurModics Inc.

    When the purchase was announced, SurModics said Brookwood would remain in Birmingham. Birmingham Economic Development Director Tracey Morant Adams said the city worked for several months to land the expansion project.

    "This is just the beginning of the new jobs coming to Birmingham," Mayor Larry Langford said. "Research has shown the real job growth comes from existing business and Brookwood Pharmaceuticals is a great example of that."

    In late 2005, Brookwood split from the nonprofit Southern Research Institute. It provides technologies that help deliver therapeutic drugs into the body to treat ailments, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

    Brookwood earned $12.7 million in revenue in 2006, according to a news release. It generates revenue from research and development fees, polymer sales and royalty generating licenses.

  18. Railroad Park

    in Birmingham

    Posted · Edited by bhamsly

    I really hope that this, in addition to the condos, lofts, and nearby UAB, will help to bring a little bit of retail. I am yearning for a Borders(at least one in the area), Baskin Robbins/Coldstone, Publix/Trader Joe's and a Dave & Buster's/Jillians. The Container Store would be nice too...being that Little Rock has one. That's really all that I need. ^_^

  19. Birmingham Picture of the Day

    in Birmingham

    Posted · Edited by bhamsly

    Does anyone know "the 1st St. cut?" Well, the street is undergoing change with new street lamps along with some buildings that looks as if they have been redone. It is a really great looking area at night time, so if anyone gets the chance venture over there one night to see for yourself.

    Agreeing with the person that posted the pic, it would be nice if "the cut" was filled with water and creating a sort of Venetian theme on the street. This could be a street filled with shops, art galleries, restaurants, etc., and the "canal" could be have a couple of gondolas for people to just ride in them or for couples on a date. I can see a married couple just cruising from one end of the canal to the other after dinner at one of the restaurants. But now that I think about it, the canal just might not be deep enough for a gondola also it isn't long enought for it to be a decent cruise, but I think water between the lanes would still be a nice touch to sprucing up the street and area.

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/dystopos/19817083/

  20. BJCC Expansion plans

    in Birmingham

    Posted

    So at long last, Rep. John Rogers actually put something forth to the public in regards to his plans for a large 60,000-seat dome. Apparently, the project is being headed up by a venture capital company called Waymaker Enterprises. They are planning a 60,000+ seat dome, a new arena, an entertainment district, a golf course, and 3 hotels. A site has not yet been selected, but they have looked at about 5 sites around the city of Birmingham.

    Now to me, it sounds too good to be true. It also makes me wonder that if they're genuine, why can't they work with the BJCC to make a comprehensive development there rather than apart from it. Personally, if all that they are planning comes to fruition, it could probably be successful wherever. A dome by itself (which is what I thought they were talking about) would not be sufficient at all... but if they have entertainment, hotels, etc. adjacent to it, it very well could work separate from the BJCC.

    But as to whether this actually happens, we'll just have to wait and see. They showed some renderings on the news and it looked VERY nice.

    This does sounds too good to be true. I read somewhere that the Memphis Grizzlies are a possibility...correct me if I am wrong. Also that the project is supposed to be a 72,000 dome, with a 25,000 arena. There are so many plans out there that it confuses me. However as far as choosing a site goes, if they want to be near downtown, yet out of downtown the old Trinity site seems large enough for something like this. That would be a great location if you ask me...also an Ensley brownfield. There is an area of land going towards the airport right off 20/59, but I believe that it is going to be used for a future interchange for I-22 and I20/59.

  21. Metro Birmingham Projects List

    in Birmingham

    Posted

    Word is Downtown maybe a future location of a major chain of recreational and fitness centers. (Bally's, Gold's Gym, etc.)

    I would perfer Bally's only because Birmingham doesn't have one yet, but whichever. Where do you think would be the best location for one? I think somewhere near the future Railroad Reservation Park would be good since it is close to future and present condos, as well as, UAB.

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