graydog

Site prep was underway yesterday. This is on the southeast corner of the intersection.

Now they are saying August. I wonder if everybody is working on Trademark. This is a huge disappointment. Fortunately we have somewhere to live. I'd love a clue if you have one because Centro is mum.

M St. is going much slower than expected. Our unit in the second to last section (N. McDowell) was scheduled for May, then June and now mid-July. Any critics still not like it since the McDowell side has come into finished state? What about the units for sale? I counted 6 either for rent or sale. That's 10% of total units and barely half the owners have closed, if that.

53 stories and 10 foot ceilings per Flaherty's ad in the Observer insert Townhomes and Condominums: http://newspaperads.charlotte.com/SS/Page....19914&pagenum=1 They're also claiming it will be the tallest condo building in Uptwon Charlotte. The best units will go for $3,000,000. The smallest units will be 660 SF and sell for about $210,000.

Barely on topic (re: Bets Buy), but worth it http://www.improveverywhere.com/mission_vi...p?mission_id=57 If we had this in Charlotte, it would be a better place.

Yesterday or Thursday morning there was a GORGEOUS woman with a huge camera taking a photo of the construction. Was that anyone from Urban Planet?

Retailers need some time to get their new employees up to speed and to work out kinks in their operations. Opening near or in the middle of the busiest season is a major business risk. They could shoot themselves in the foot. As far as job postings, well who knows but it's likely someone forgot to tell HR or somehting.

Correctomundo. Of course, there's another waiting list for the rest of the project, so the clarification may be moot in a few months. Furman is the urban rock star developer in Charlotte. I guess that makes me a Furman groupie.

Apparently there are enough people who don't mind. This is sold out. All they had to do was notify their waiting list. Furman sure knows what he's doing.

The power lines are a shame. At least here they raised them up so our view wouldn't be obstructed. Don't know what will happen at 7th & McDowell though. That one pole in front of the corner units is gastly. The other big issue here and elsewhere like Dilworth Walk and Latta pavillion is the high tension wires. Good golly.

Grabbed some pix at M Street Sunday. We're doing a walk-through Friday and I'll post again after that. Enjoy. North McDowell near 11th: Corner of 7th and McDowell: 7th St. looking north: On McDowell between 7th and 8th looking toward 277: Back of lot just off 7th: On 7th looking toward Elizabeth: The section of 8th St recovered from the building of 277:

You can get visitor passes and your own decal at the Park It office. Park It! 229 South Brevard Street, Suite 102 or call 704-375-3177 Email: [email protected] http://www.charmeck.nc.us/Departments/Tran...ams/Park+It.htm Only vehicles with a pass or decal can park in 1st Ward during arena events. The affected streets have signs which say no parking during arena events. The list of events is here http://charlottebobcatsarena.com. Make sure you note the event times. Not every event occurs in the evening. Visitor passes cost $1 each and there's a limit in each calendar year. If you don't return them, you can be denied additional passes during the year. Make sure passes are in locked cars so they are not stolen. There is no limit to temporary visitor passes, if say you're having a big party. At last night's First Ward meeting, Park It agreed to let people request passes and decals by mail, as long as your address is a First Ward address. You should call them first because I'm not sure they had clarified all the details.

I did the 8 lap experience in 03 and it was worth every penny. The cars are designed to top out around 140 if you drive and about 180 if they drive for you. There's nothing like turning left at 140MPH.

You are onto something big metro. I like it. And we ought to go back to the old license plates.

The courts will be missed. However, there's a great net gain. In 3 years (maybe less) we won't recognize this area with all of the low and mid rise resdiential, the greenway, new retail shops, the redev of Piedmont Courts and the nearby Midtown. For me this is an great example of modern era, urban residential. IMhO.

Dub- thanks for the rundown on the meeting. I couldn't get there so I really appreciate it. Hey, maybe next time you could freelance for the local daily. They'd be lucky to have such decent reporting. - graydog

That's it. On one side the street sign says 6th St. and on the other it says 5th St. Sorry I didn't get to 8th St.

Photos today from the Renwick site. Note how the rendering forgot to include the Hoefner Center, Courtside and Court6 (oops). Myers St. on left and Renwick site on right. The fence bumps up against Myers from 7th to halfway to 6th. View from the 6th St. side. Looks like a big old ditch. I remember something about B. Centro having a ditch through Quarterside too. The fencing that extends from the Renwick site to Myers seems to be for this area. Basketball courts used to be here next to the Hoefner Center. 2 points for the first person to notice the thing that looks out of place.

The list I know of includes Compass, Target, Golden Corral, Lonestar Steakhouse, Hooters, Food City, Subway, Aaron's, and Save-Mart. There could be others depending on how NASCAR defines retail/restaurant (Budweiser has its name on an airport bar and grill) and how they define partners (drivers have marketing deals outside of car and race sponsorships). Also, there are relationships at the lower divisions of NASCAR that I have no clue about. NASCAR fans will be thrilled because they love to reward the companies that support NASCAR. The other plus is that most of these places are affordable for most people, especially families. One downside to tourist/sports venues is the price gouging on food. I'd be disappointed if the sponsors tried that.

Racing One posted some photos of the announcement and the renderings. http://www.racingone.com/slideshow.asp?ssid=898 The accompanying article confirms that HQ will not relocate and that NASCAR is targeting 2009 for the opening. http://www.racingone.com/article.asp?artnum=26876 On the NACSAR.com HOF FAQ, in response to a direct question about NASCAR jobs moving to Charlotte, NASCAR does not deny HQ will move to Charlotte.

All BOFA folks received an email invite this AM to a major announcement at the convention center ballroom at 4. Also, there's a set of searchlights being setup in the Square.

Very nice. The colors, the height, the design elemnts. I'm glad there is no floor plan we like or I'd be depressed every time I had to look at it. I can see how younger folks would like those floor plans though. Again, very nice.

According to a friend with NASCAR ties, that sponsorship is not long for this world. Hint: MBNA has a huge relationship with NASCAR.

We have a spire.

In the Observer article with Sorensen, France said a decision would come in a month. One month from now is the Spring Atlanta race. NASCAR fans and drivers like their history and NASCAR likes the money. I've followed the sport for about 10 years and it's always the case that NASCAR does what's good for the business. I'm betting the HOF goes to Atlanta because it will help expand the sport. The delay is to get more $ from GA. I'm also guessing we see a consolation prize to Charlotte, such as another NASCAR division or perhaps the HQ. My guess is that France's April Charlotte visit will be to sooth feelings and announce a larger Concord presence. Anyway, I'm off to watch the truck race.