ric75

Eddie got out and did something in the city!? Bravo for him. Of course he had to mention Philly but hey it's a start

We are all just figments of your imagination anyway, so technically even though it seems like it's me talking it's actually you... So how was the Festival? I got down to Shockoe Bottom but it was around 5 and the Festival was already done. Ended up eating some sushi at Sumo San. Did you get some good pictures?

Yes, I believe so. I'm really looking forward to seeing this Cathedral Walk once it's complete. At night, the Spaghetti Works aren't exactly the most comfortable or clean area but with these improvements and beautifully lit columns, I think it will help to change the overall imgae of that area between the Bottom and Slip and increase pedestrian traffic.

Yep, exactly.

I wasn't sure where else to put this so... This is cut and pasted from my post on rcw so if it looks familar you'll know why. Here's an update on the parking plaza under the Spaghetti Works... I had a great conversation with the architect overseeing the parking plaza project yesterday. She told me there are several issues that have been holding it up. First was getting the land transfer from the State, second was getting the OK from the Department of Homeland Security. Apparently these two steps have been completed but we are now waiting for a storm water study from Gary DuVal and the Corps of Engineers. The plaza will be tied into the new drainage system for Shockoe Bottom so there's no point in moving forward until they know what they will have to do. It may involve an all new pump station but they are hoping to be able to avoid that costly option. She hopes that the study will be completed, new plans will be drawn up, and they will be taking new bids all by December 2005 with groundbreaking likely in the Spring once things thaw out. The Ballpark Project may play a factor in how soon this moves forward so understand none of his is set in stone, it's just an estimate. There is indeed a "Cathedral Walk" tied into this that will run from Cary to Main initially. She believes that once it's complete they will be able to secure funding to extend it across private property from Cary to Dock St. Apparently this walk will feature lit columns as someone was hoping in the "Developments You Would Like to See" thread. So that's the news. I'm just glad to hear this thing is still on the table and not shoved back indefinitely.

That's awesome news. I believe it's the Edgeworth that really stands out as a sore spot amidst the refurbished buildings when you are driving on 95 over the Bottom.

You're Dad sounds like a pretty cool guy wrdlcoupe. I remember a lot of people being into Clutch back I when I was in college (man I'm starting to sound OLD!). Glad to hear they are still rocking out and had a great crowd at Alley Katz. I think everyone should crowd surf at least once. As long as they are packed close enough together, even inebriated folks will keep you from falling on your head! Sorry if this is off-topic or common-knowledge for you guys but is there any kind of timeline set for Toad's Place?

Bizarre. Anyone know why land value would have decreased so much between 2004 and 2005 for the 1051 E. Cary St. address? The property next to it, 1021 which I believe is also tied to the James Center saw a decrease as well while every other address up and down that section of street saw a fairly large increase. I can undertstand a building's value decreasing but not the land it sits on. Well as I was writing this I looked again and saw that the building value for that address had actually increased, so they must have offset it with a decrease in land assessment to make the total stay the same. Interesting.

They make crap dip at Julian's?!? Any gorgonzola cheese fans in here? I had my very first gorgonzola dish at Europa and it was fantastic. I've had it twice since then, once at the Olive Garden and once at Edo's Squid and it's been a less than pleasant experience. Are there particular places that make it better than others or is gorgonzola just a fickle type of cheese?

A few building permits of interest in today's paper... Sorry if I hadn't just gotten off of the graveyard shift I'd look into these a little bit. Anyone know what's up? The Cary St. addy is in the James Center Atrium. There was a demolition permit for the same address a while back.

You mean that's not two separate buildings? Yeah the Leigh St. one reminds me of a 70's era academic building at VT. And as much as love Tech that's NOT a compliment.

No I haven't heard any recent news about Jimmy. He was a genius in the kitchen but apparently very tough to work with. I had to LOL at the "crapake" mushroom in my last post. I was wondering how on Earth I spelled it that way but it looks like a naughty word filter changed the first four letters. Completely off-topic, I get an error message EVERY time I login and post here. Anyone else have this issue?

Thanks for the new renderings wrldcoupe. That's going to be a sweet addition to that area!

My Dad used to sell crapake mushrooms to the Trellis. If you've never had Marcel's "Death by Chocolate" cake you're missing out on a little slice of heaven! On a side note, he also used to sell to Jimmy Snead when he ran Windows in Urbanna and the Frog and the Redneck here in Richmond. Though he's pretty much out of the business now he stills keeps in touch now and again with Dale Reitzer the owner/head chef at Acacia who was Jimmy's sous chef for a while. I have yet to go to either of his ventures here in Richmond though. I've heard lots of good things about Acacia but don't know much about Six Burner.

Ok so Cutter's Ridge is going to fill in the area of Main St. East of Millie's but how about to the west? I just remember being at Millie's last time and noticing all the chain link and empty lots along Main St. to the west. Are there any current plans for those properties?

I'm not familiar with that project but great news regardless. Do you have a link to info on it?

That's what I figured but I wasn't sure. 25% from last year is still an amazing improvement. Hope we see this trend continue though I'm not sure if we'll break any records again until the next big travel period. I guess that's either Thanksgiving or Christmas?

Is that 25% compared to the previous month or to August 2004 figures?

OMG, Wilder looks like he's going to eat that girl for dinner! Definitely a funny pic wrldcoupe

Is there some kind of rule now that all mega-chain clubs have to involve hot women dancing on bars? Not that there's anything wrong with it but I guess it just reminds me of Bar in Norfolk. Honestly I'd take a Coyote Ugly over Ramshead anytime. Seemed like it was going to be a little too stuffy.

Wow, that really is going to tower over the Coliseum. Looks great!

I'm around too but I have trash to pick up and many beers to drink. Doubt I'll be online much.

My first post, representing Richmond, VA. Here's the old city hall. First pic courtesy of richmondcitywatch.com. Here's the new one in the middle of exterior renovations.