cinco

^in the above posted video i didn't hear them say anything about magnetic fields... basically it levitates by using electrical currents and distance between the currents - that create an ionic wind. sorry, i can't fully explain... but, neither could the guy who conducted the demenstration. he said that "scientists" simply don't know how it fully works. pretty interesting, though.

casper

... land usage wise - i'm kinda excited about this project, but, 3 acres of an EFIS clad complex is depressing. maybe i'm wrong and ghazi will change the way he usually clads structures. i'm not exactly sure when the tower portion will begin... hopefully soon, to offset what i assume will be a uninspiring base design.

imo, carpe diem has one of the most beautiful bars in the city... i love starting off the evening there. also, cajun queen and hawthorne pizza - can be interesting places to have a drink.

hopi

mo, the same thoughts crossed my mind... i don't think it would be completely unrealistic. however, to deduce that from the ritz website wording would mean that the hotel component would be located on the top floors.... which could be very interesting. with all the announced projects that threaten their height reign - coupled with the need for more office space - i could see it. i admit it would be a strange place to put a new tallest as it would block out a prominent view, and don't they still own the parking lot next to the fox and the hound? that would be a better location for a new BofA signature tower. i would love to see a new tallest if it were anything like their new NYC bryant park tower.

surveillance, informants, associates, double agents, bedfellows, and tactful espionage. the life of an urban enthusiast is quite a rush. *this post (might) self destruct in 2 minutes

i think that the P-stone relocation to the old ethans/pearl site is a rumor... i've heard that it will be a mediterranean restuarant.

i should mention that the street car issue came up (in a defensive nature)... i only mention this b/c i feel that would be a needed component to the project to push anything deemed "high end". though, that term never really came up. i took extra notice @ how the topic of crime in eastside was white-washed @ the meeting... leaders kept saying eastside is a safe, comfortable place. while i agree to an extent, i think we shouldn't be pollyannish about our crime issues. having said that - i think the overall perception of the eastside by most charlotteans is based off what they get from the media... which can be a little sensationalized. while very positive, there was a defensiveness towards the cities lack of attention to the eastside.... and rightfully so. i think alot of east charlotte's problems can be attributed to the oversight and dismissal of the cities political leaders. the eastside is THE most diverse area in charlotte and if embraced has great potential, yet.

last night, @ the charlotte museum of history, i attended a press conference hosted by the eastside community leaders. they didn't announce anything concrete - it was basically a meeting to intiate a drive to re-develop eastland mall. the east side community leaders want to put pressure on the city council and eastland's owner to get rid of the mall and replace it with a birkdale ala philips place kind of development, that will become the eastsides center location. along with the mixed use idea, they want to uncap the creek that runs under the mall (i had no idea)... and restore it to a greenway. like i said, nothing set in stone yet. but, it was a very positive crowd with some good ideas. 14 neighborhoods were represented by some mighty proud eastsiders. i have to admit, while ambitious, i think the plan sounds good. it is important to note while comparing the idea to birkdale and PP, one of the planners that spoke, emphasized the need for a more sustainable model. no vinyl, no EFIS. of course, i hope they take that idea and push it much further. the potential is there and if enough people get behind this - i think we will see some action.

welcome to UP, nandina. i've noticed alot of first time posters the last couple of days, which is great. PM does indeed have most of the urban amenities one needs - i too, have found myself not leaving the area for lengths of time. what is really nice about PM is that you can get around on foot or bike pretty easily... that adds to the urban experience greatly, IMO.

i had heard som a while back... not sure if it's still the case now. i know the field has been narrowed down since i first heard... but, a couple of local firms should still be vying. if thats the case i think it's very cool that a project of this magnitude would consider a local firm. * as for 2nd tallest... i really wouldn't get my hopes hung on that. realistically i'm thinking BofA-ish... but, this IS trump we're talking about.

damn, your good. i have known about this project for awhile... and have watched you put the pieces together like a champ. @ this point everything i've heard has been posted. except that 2 of the 3 prototypes show charlotte as hosting the 2nd tallest on the east coast. the main tower will have tall ceiling heights on all floors. obviously all of this is still in it's infancy but with some merit. i haven't heard anything about a major HQ relocation... but, with the way altrvr is rolling the dice it would not suprise me.

parlez vous?

COMMON MARKET has excellent coffee... especially the first half of each day - when it is being brewed constantly. it isn't a coffee shop but does a good job on a straight up cup. they have a little side patio thingy, too. which is intimate... reminds me of places i've been to in williamsburg/brooklyn.

SNUG HARBOR is the indie/rock club going in where fire and ice was.

tiblerbrit is very in-site-ful.

christian bale

here's the skinny on the forementioned restaurant. it will be an organic restaurant... doesn't elude to being solely vegetarian... it should do well in PM. i know one of the owners. roger has been a fixture in the community for very long time and is a great guy who cares about the hood. he has a ton of hometown pride and that accounts for alot. http://www.charlotte.com/115/story/53856.html

i have wondered the same thing about the ON THE RUN? this was the convienient store i frequented the most. it was very successful, had nice employees, and felt pretty darn safe. so, they aren't tearing this down b/c it's lack of business... @ first i thought they were just transferring ownership and would reopen... hopefully with some of the same employees. i will be upset if we lose this store b/c in some marginalized way - it made me feel more connected to this part of town. it gave a little sense of community to an extremely diverse area of charlotte. BTW, doodlydasher - welcome to UP.

talking about trump.... could possibly be the second tallest on the east coast..... how would everyone feel about that?

they do have a branch on tryon... it's on the first floor of the building next to the new ruth chris' steakhouse. i like FC and do a little biddness with them. i do agree FC is the bank in question on the renaissance site, though.

doesn't mean i'm not a believer.... i'm blown away by life in general, and too me it is just narrow mindedness that disregards the unknown.

imo, this clip doesn't appear to be genuine @ all. it looksa fake, peoples reactions don't seem real and i have a hard time believing- if this were to happen that the camera man would focus on the ufo then focus back to the reporter... i don't think you would take your eyes off it.

kinda reminiscent of the newest exsisting wachovia tower (forget the name)... i can't wait to see a more detailed rendering b/c it appears there are alot of subtle details going on. i'll reserve my final judgement until i see more, but as it stands i like it fine. is it just me or is it a little conservative... even by novare standards. that doesn't mean i don't think it's classy. * also, judging from that rendering i could definitely see how they WOULD bake in the ol' duke energy entry facade... that'd be sweet.