NY+SC=NC

I didn't mean to imply that the project itself would displace anyone. I understand its vacant land, I was referring to what's surrounding it. I'm going to go on a field trip and take a look for myself. Hopefully tomorrow I'll have an update.

So basically all those houses in that area would be pretty much living on borrowed time. I can't imagine the folks living in those townhomes wanting to be sandwiched between 77 and the current "population" living there now. Its no secret that area is being gentri... I mean transformed, but with all the heat on the city about affordable housing and such, I think this project may face some obstacles. But, what do I know?

Lol it's true

So, around this point of construction my friend and little cousin were just hanging out uptown when I had a great idea. "Hey! Lets go to the top!" So, that's exactly what we did. We hopped onto the elevator with a few construction workers, decked out in all their PPE. As we were whisked up into the sky, one by one the elevator emptied until it was just us. Then the ride stops, before the doors opened, the sound of wind was already clearly heard. The doors slid open and we were then immediately greeted by howls and a sight very few have ever seen. Charlotte from over 800 feet in the air. And we weren't flying. Like I said, this picture is pretty close to where the building was structure wise at that time. The windows were not - I repeat - were NOT installed yet. My friend wasn't anywhere near as excited as I was. Before I knew it, I was looking over the edge... Crazy right!? Just when the idea of how dangerous our adventure was setting in a panicked voice yells out, "How did you kids get up here!? You're gonna get all of us fired!" Somehow it was like he had all three of us by the ear walking us back to the elevator. But, before he sent us down he gave us a nugget of info I'll never forget. He said, "if one of you were to jump before we headed back down, the elevator is so fast the rest of us would make it down soon enough to see the landing." Also crazy! Anyway, sorry for the long post. This picture just brought that memory back up.

I can see my house! lol

I'd imagine that if this broke ground there would be a rush of options to follow. Like you said, the Silver line coupled with something like this could produce a sizeable amount of foot traffic. Maybe could produce a dare I say, store front corridor... One can hope, right?

Capping it, removing it, what happens then to Hwy 74?

I'm no expert by no stretch, but how about instead cut a wedge out down the middle of the street...( I hope you're able to visualize what I describing). Kind of like what was done by UNCC. Would that be cheaper than tunneling? Eh, that probably wouldn't work either. Idk, it's kind of frustrating how disconnected SP will be in the near future with it being still so close to a major mass transit line. A monorail would be cool, even if just an updated (faster) version of the one that used to be at Carowinds.

A photo of a photo being taken of Legacy Union.

Early morning Does anyone know what that is?

Rarely seen angle .. And one more

Was nervous about posting a pic since all of the other posts look so professional, but here goes... This is from a few nights ago. Also, isn't it amazing how dense the skyline looks when all the towers are the same height.

Well, they do light up...

Idk if its the color, font, or combination of the two, to me, it makes the building look like a hotel.

Ok, but I mean how where it gets smaller before the pyramid. It seems like there are more floors than what I see in the renderings. Like you said tall fat building, with a short neck is what I was expecting, but the neck doesn't look as short. Maybe I'm just hoping they snuck one in on us... One can only hope lol

Is it me or does the project look taller that what the renderings show?

Dont mean to sound greedy, but I wish this could have been twice, maybe three times taller. I really like the look coming down Tryon. From the Westside (Freedom Dr) It would really extend the skyline if it were that much taller. But, its not so I guess this point is moot.

When Tryon Place was 1st announced "back in the day" it was described as transformational. So much in fact that just the announcement transformed Stonewall. Yet, its one of the last to be built on Stonewall. Idk, that thought just popped into my head. Sorry if slightly off topic.

So, I spent the last 17 days in Kenya. One of the P.O.Cs I was working with asked where in the states I was from. I said North Carolina for simplicity. She responds with which part? When I said Charlotte, her eyes lit up. When I followed up with, "you know of Charlotte?" She says, "Of course! Charlotte is very famous." She even said that if she were to move to the states Charlotte would be a nice place to live. I was floored.

Just learned that the Circle K at the corner of Scaleybark and S. Blvd isn't renewing their lease. They'll be closing in May. Considering QT right up the street, I wonder if there really is a need for a single gas pump station? I wonder what could or should be there next. Any ideas?

So, riding through Upper South End I came to the realization that old Charlotte has officially changed. Before now, to me, all the projects never truly changed how the street appeal felt. I'd say the only other things that made the "feel" change was the light rail project the then called Bobcats Arena build and Bearden park area. Maybe even the rejuvenation of Midtown, especially around CPCC. But, yesterday I felt like I was visiting somewhere else. I don't think I've ever witnessed so many people milling around, walking dogs, just living life on foot without some type of catalyst other than just because. Then top that off with all the construction and visualizing the fact that it just going to increase.... soon in fact. It was an amazing experience. Growing up, my friends and I used to talk about what Charlotte needed to be more city like. We'd say "If only there was a river going through Uptown." Or "if only there were more towers or store fronts facing the street." Then here we are today, we don't have a river, but we do have the greenway, we definitely have an increase of towers and from the look of it the sidewalk facing retail is just around the corner. To be alive during this transformation is something to behold. I can't say I never imagined this becaused I definitely did. It's seeing my imagination happen that's blowing my mind. I can even say my expectations have been exceeded in some ways. I look forward to the future, my only worry is that this brand new Charlotte won't feel like home anymore. Or is that just me?

I know I'm late, but Wednesday the family and I decided to check out the extension. In my humble opinion other than the Noda stop and UNCC, It's like all the other stops are pointless. University City is a pedestrian nightmare. Nothing and I mean nothing looks anything close to walkable. Narrow sidewalks, steep hilly dropoffs, HUGE parking looks, businesses so far off the street that they look like you'd need an uber to get there. The challenges to create TOD look daunting to say the least. S.Blvd never felt as suburban as Ucity, but after riding the lightrail vs car, I dont think Ucity has ever felt so suburban. I couldn't even imagine using this as a mode of transportation to get to work up there. Cold winter days and hot summer days would be torture. The only plus on a hot day would be the wind from the cars zooming by while aimlessly wandering on those cement walking trails they call sidewalks. And just forget about traveling after dark. I'll reevaluate in ten to fifteen years if I live to see it. But, the ride itself was... peaceful. Very Carowinds Monorail like.

Looking at the progress today I noticed just how much bigger or wider this building is compared to DEC. Which is amazing since DEC already has a wide silhouette. It's like the fat person standing next to the fatter person to appear thinner. That probably wasn't very P.C.