timmay143

Usually, that's how cycles operate. There becomes a frenzied high followed by a crash and burn. Not saying that this is what is happening, but at some point I would assume a "cool down." Whether the cool down is large or small is hard to predict. Also, it depends if there are national or global effects or more regional. Either way, Nashville should be able to weather the next down turn, whenever that may be. However, if there is a cool down, I would expect SOME projects to become scaled back or put on hold. Of course no one wants the high to end, which is why investors get in trouble. Some are buying high only hoping to sell to someone else at even higher prices. Investing...the more risk...the bigger the gain...or loss.

From Facebook:

Looks more like ~2008 or 2009. Ah, the calm before the storm.

Needs more flames.

So it is a Palmer development. He's got to dig the quarry first.

I have to admit. I thought about RR as well when I saw the rendering. Not sure exactly why, but I did. Maybe the quarry rock walls seemed similar to canyon rock walls.

Passenger rail....? Where's Dale?!

Some older news articles regarding the MidCity development and first phase. For OCD(?) purposes, I am trying to archive older articles and reconstruct timelines. Al.com article by William Thorton: https://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2017/12/first_phase_of_midcity_taking.html This article at the time was just before the Topgolf opening of a little over a year ago on December 22, 2017. Some summary points from the article: Topgolf estimated to be a $20 million development. I will post more on TG separately. The Camp opened that August of 2017. I will make a post in this thread on The Camp later. Thornton notes that at that time The Camp (or the Camp or just Camp?) was planning to open full-time estimated early 2018, which I believe has happened, including the Alchemy Coffee Lounge (Alchemy Coffee has a location in Lowe Mill). Again, more on the Camp, Alchemy, Lowe Mill, etc later. It seems plans for the 26,000 sqft Adrenaline Zone which would sit next to Topgolf were being finalized. This zone is planned to contain a 45 ft outdoor climbing wall and a multi-purpose lawn for recreational and competitive events. It was estimated to start construction 2nd qtr 2018. I believe this is well underway along with the High Point Climbing and Fitness facility and the nearby Dave and Buster's(?). I will make some separate posts on HPC&F and D&B's later. Another close to being finalized topic at the time was about 4 restaurants. One of the restaurants is reported to be celebrity branded by "one of country music's most beloved acts" and is to be 7,500 sqft and contain live music. I believe this has been announced since Dec. 2017 as Rascal Flatts. The other restaurants were reported at the time to be first to market restaurants. I believe one of these is the now announced Wahlburgers. Again, separate post on these later. It was reported that a finalized agreement for a boutique hotel overlooking MidCity Park had been reached. Negotiations were reported being made for a 2nd boutique hotel. I've seen an announcement since then for an Aloft Hotel. An agreement with a Dallas-based developer for residential above retail was underway. The article then gives a good summary of what aspects MidCity planned to bring to the development: Renderings from the article: connected to an earlier April 19, 2017 AL.com article by Lucy Berry: https://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2017/04/midcity_huntsville_renderings.html

Trying to catch up on Huntsville news! Been quite a bit of actions with these bigger projects. From awhile back...the REI Co-op announcement in September 2018. The store will be 20,000 sqft located at the north end of the MidCity development. This will be the first Alabama REI and joins regional stores in surrounding TN, GA, SC, and FL. The closest REI's that I know of would be Brentwood, TN and Chattanooga, TN. Additionally, this location will be special since the store will be built to a reported adjacent planned 40-acre park, MidCity park. The park is reported to be a public area with trails, a lake with a dock, and outdoor amphitheater. I believe REI will have access to the lake for customers to test out watercraft such as kayaks, canoes, etc. I also believe the park will be adjacent to the High Point Climbing facility and feature an outdoor climbing wall. Shane Davis, Huntsville director of urban planning, discusses that the MidCity master plan allocates 30 acres for kayaking, running, biking, rock climbing, and an outdoor amphitheater. REI's plans for about 50 employees for the Huntsville store. Expected construction was to start October 2018. This should be a pretty cool area. For those not familiar with REI, here is some clips from the MidCity Huntsville and REI's website: http://www.midcityhuntsville.com/2018/09/rei-will-open-midcity-huntsville/ https://newsroom.rei.com/news/corporate/rei-co-ops-first-alabama-store-will-open-in-huntsville-in-fall-2019.htm https://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2018/09/rei_co-op_coming_to_midcity_hu.html https://www.bizjournals.com/birmingham/news/2018/09/12/outdoor-retailer-to-open-first-alabama-location.html https://www.waaytv.com/content/news/REI-to-open-first-Alabama-store-at-Midcity-development-492953331.html http://www.waff.com/2018/09/11/rei-co-op-coming-midcity-huntsville/ Rendering (conceptual?) from: http://www.midcityhuntsville.com/2018/09/rei-will-open-midcity-huntsville/

I know it is not necessarily designed for it now, but I was just thinking River North (or north east if you count the Trinity Lane project) could be a viable place for some entertainment venues (district perhaps?) such as a Ferris wheel, observation tower, go-karts, bowling, and arcade, especially since Topgolf is there. Could also throw in a couple of amusement types rides, at least 1 coaster. Then we could partially stop bemoaning the nostalgic Opryland USA loss. Could even throw in some retailers like REI and create some outdoor rec areas (test the kayak in the Cumberland. climbing venue, park with outdoor climbing wall) similar to what is percolating here in Huntsville's MidCity development. I think you could still have some office and residential mixed-use, but this could be a viable alternative to help fill in the area faster. If this generates any further discussion, we could move to the River North thread.

Reported back on December 3, 2108 of a new $10 million 490-space parking garage on a current city-owned surface lot surround by Holmes Avenue, Greene Street, and Lincoln. The garage will be 5 levels and is scheduled to begin this month, January 2019, and completed December 2019 (possible into 2020?). Fortunately, the garage will contain 16, 000 sqft of retail, which looks to front 3 sides, Holmes Ave., Greene St., and Lincoln St. A small plaza, including streetscape improvements, will be built at the confluence of Holmes Ave and Lincoln St. The entrance to the garage is planned to be on Greene St with the exit on Lincoln. The design looks like a nice fit with some historical buildings in the area, such as the Times Building and 301 East (?). Also nearby are businesses such as Sip and Below the Radar and residential Belk Hudson Lofts. The is right on the edge of "downtown" and the Old Town Historic District. https://whnt.com/2018/12/03/huntsville-city-leaders-approve-new-10-million-parking-garage-downtown/ Pictures courtesy: https://cityblog.huntsvilleal.gov/city-to-add-more-downtown-parking-with-greene-street-deck/

Looks like Huntsville will be getting a reported 5th Chick-fil-A near downtown around the Twickenham Square and Medical District at the corner of Governors Drive and Dr. Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard with an address of 402 Governors Drive SW. The report comes from "seen" filed documents with the Madison County Probate Office, according to WHNT News 19. The site remains an old Captain D's structure. Signs are up for a Sweet Peas Family Cookin' Express, which looked to be renovating, but I guess that isn't happening now. This location should do well, especially a Chick-fil-A. It will be interesting to see how Chick-fil-A traffic is handled on busy Governors. This is just down the street from Huntsville Hospital. Side note: Not sure what section of town this belongs in. Still learning Huntsville. I don't know if I would call it downtown, but it is really close. Maybe the Medical District? I've heard the area around this called that (including where I live just off of Governors and Monroe). Would like to eventually divvy up sections of Madison County (and surrounding areas if needed/possible) into areas of development similar to the Nashville UP board, especially Huntsville (again, if needed; not sure if there is enough activity to warrant this). Pictures courtesy of WHNT News 19: https://whnt.com/2019/01/15/documents-show-chick-fil-a-planning-to-open-restaurant-near-huntsville-hospital/ AL.com story: https://www.al.com/news/2019/01/chick-fil-a-planning-downtown-huntsville-location.html

Just catching up on some news bits. This was reported back on December 12th, 2018. It looks like the Madison based brewery, Rocket Republic Brewing, is opening up a downtown Huntsville location as a taproom and brewery. Reported to be at Meridian Street next to Furniture Factory and AM Booth Lumberyard with 3600 square feet of space and outdoor space. https://whnt.com/2018/12/12/rocket-republic-brewing-to-open-downtown-huntsville-location/ https://www.facebook.com/RocketRepublicDowntown/ https://www.facebook.com/RocketRepublicBrewing/ http://www.rocketrepublicbrewing.com/ The company was founded in 2013 and opened the original taproom in Madison at 289 Production Ave. THe location is just off the airport exit at I-565 and Madison Blvd. I haven't been to their Madison taproom but have had some of their beer. The Vapor Trail Cream Ale is pretty tasty!

Couple of stories: 1) They are refurbishing (wash, paint, seal) the Saturn V at the Space and Rocket Center for the 50th Apollo moon landing anniversary later this year. They have a big mobile crane out there now. I have a few pics, not too good. Will try to get more! Courtesy of WHNT 19 News: https://whnt.com/2018/12/05/restoration-of-saturn-v-begins/ 2) Chuy's Tex Mex opening up first Huntsville location, scheduled for Spring 2019. Going in at the Shops at Merchants Square at Bob Wallace Avenue and the Parkway. I think they tore down some old industrial buildings that were here and putting in some retail shops across from the Whole Foods and retail there. Should be an Ulta and a few other things going in here. I'll try to snap some photos soon. Courtesy of WAAY 31 News: https://www.waaytv.com/content/news/Chuys-Tex-Mex-restaurant-opening-first-Huntsville-504323091.html

Looks very Miami, Dexter-ish!

I got 10 cranes and an airplane. Is that a crane behind Cambria? Gulch Union???

Huh...just noticed the Christmas tree!

Whew...thought he was going to escape with no notable accomplishments. Thank you Pokémon Go!

Poor guy. What a slap in the face. He didn't even finish the digging for someone else! He could have "maybe" hung his hat on that accomplishment....

Saw some interesting news regarding our speculations on Amazon air hub. @bnacincy is correct. Amazon is building a $1.5 billion dollar air hub at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport in Hebron, Ky. Article from Feb. 2017: https://www.ibtimes.com/amazon-us-jobs-ecommerce-company-intends-build-15-billion-air-cargo-hub-2484687 And, this news recently: https://www.wcpo.com/news/national/ups-and-fedex-plunge-on-amazon-air-fears So while we may not land THE Amazon Prime Air hub since it looks like they have invested in Cinci, we could still possibly see a mini-hub in Nashville. Maybe similar to other minihubs such as FedEx's Indy hub? Not sure exactly how this works with the other carriers. Just not familiar enough with the business. Not sure how much UPS and FedEx air traffic we get either. Anyone know what other cargo carriers BNA sees?? Then there is this: http://fortune.com/2018/12/04/amazon-prime-air-chicago-rockford-airport-hub/ Also, I thought it was curious how the first article mentions Amazon buying up lots of truck trailers. Could Nashville see a Amazon hub type facility for trucks soon? I know there is at least one Amazon distribution center near Nashville, maybe more? We may not see anything significant. Just speculating what else could come with this supply chain industry.

I feel the same.

Found it! Not sure if this is THE original, but this is one from October 2014 when the plan was still 12 stories. Found it in page 99 of the CBD/SoBro/RutledgeHill/Rolling Mill Hill Projects topic/thread. Newer renderings from the front of this page: Side note: It is very fun to go back several years in this forum and see where we were!

This is one of my favorite (if not, favorite) projects right now going on in Huntsville. This development site is a 10-acre reuse of the old Martin Stove manufacturing complex located at Governors Drive just a little west of downtown Huntsville ("West Huntsville" I guess would be appropriate identifier; seems it has been given the moniker "Westside" according to an AL.com article; I like West Huntsville better...JMO). https://www.stovehouse.com/ The project currently is under renovation with plans for dining, entertainment, and work spaces: Owner's are Danny and Patti Yancey who form Stove House Properties and have partnered with Crunkleton Real Estate Group City's first urban food garden Wine and coffee bars Chef-driven restaurants Event spaces for rent Several stages for audiences of 100 (more "intimate" shows) Large events for up to 2,500 in a multi-purpose hall Office space News Channel 19 WHNT September 19, 2017 link: https://whnt.com/2017/09/19/stovehouse-the-incoming-mixed-used-development-that-will-change-the-face-of-huntsville/ AL.com September 19, 2017 link: https://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2017/09/developers_turning_old_huntsvi.html This project joins similar reuse projects in the area, notably, Campus 805 and Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment. Campus 805 is the 13-acre development at the confluence of Governors Drive, Clinton Ave, and Triana Blvd. Campus 805 is anchored by the adaptive reuse of an old high/middle school which contains breweries, restaurants, catering, bars, retail and entertainment venues. This is a really cool development as well. I'll post a topic on Campus 805 at some point in the future! https://campus805.com/ Lowe Mill is another really, really cool reuse development. Just visited last weekend. Will share my pictures and make a topic on this location as well! According to their website, Lowe Mill is the largest privately owned arts facility in the US. The site is the reuse of an old cotton factory and is located on Seminole Dr just south of Governors Dr, north of Bob Wallace Ave, and west of Pinhook Creek and Memorial Parkway. http://www.lowemill.net/ Some renders of Stovehouse:

Was really hoping to make this meet, but it looks like it will have to wait until the last year of this crazy decade. I am planning to make the January meet (5th, hopefully?), as I should be in TN anyways that week. I'll let you guys know as it draws closer.

https://www.al.com/news/2018/11/fbi-announces-1350-jobs-moving-to-huntsville.html Looks like the FBI has officially announced more jobs coming to Huntsville. They have a pretty large presence already on the Redstone Arsenal, and it has been suggested/spectulated that Huntsville could eventually see upwards of a total 4,000-5,000 FBI workers. Paul Gattis with AL.com is reporting that the FBI announced a large expansion of 1,350 employees at Redstone. It seems this will be relocations from and around the Washington, DC area. However, according to a senior executive with the FBI on Redstone, Robert Hamilton, the occupancy will not be ready until early 2021. The expected building (or buildings? a complex of several buildings like MDA?) will house special agents, intelligence analyst, and professional staff. According to Gattis, there are currently about 300 FBI employees on Redstone which is composed of two campuses. The first campus is 243 acres with expansion up to 400 acres and is located in the northern section of the Arsenal. The second campus lies in the southern portion of the Arsenal and is 1200 acres. The southern campus houses the FBI's Hazardous Devices School. Tommay Battle, mayor of Huntsville, noted at the announcement that 43,000 currently work at the Arsenal which could swell to over 50,000. Battle also mentioned that the ATF brought around 4,000 for training to Huntsville last year for a 3-4 day average stay. While in Huntsville for training, the trainees will patronize hotels, restaurants, and possibly more. Hamilton also announced that the FBI's ballistics research facility will complete construction in Spring 2019. Hamilton also quoted “The entire capability will be relocated from Quantico to Redstone Arsenal as part of the FBI’s portfolio,” according to Gattis. Additionally, Gattis wrties that "...the last of a four-phase project will begin early next year to bring the complete TEDAC capability to Redstone, Hamilton said. The facility was first opened on the arsenal in 2016 when former FBI Director James Comey visited Huntsville." Note: Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center (TEDAC) Second note: I think the 4,000-5,000 workers is direct plus indirect job number estimates.