Misc. Uptown Projects/News

[DEnd]

Who knew there was a giant sarcophagus below uptown...  The Mason's probably put it there when they infiltrated the goldminers. 

[southslider]

Also explains the pyramids atop the convention center at the time the skyline looked like above. But oddly, the center is replaced with another pyramid-topped building. Hmm, a way to hide the entrance to the tomb, or actually give nods to it?

Edited October 21, 2015 by southslider

[ssh214]

I think we should start an expedition to find the truth!

[Vitamin_N]

Wasn't this discussed on UP several years ago? I think the designer was a Charlotte native or something like that.

[tozmervo]

That's awesome! And now I really want to play Civ. Dammit.

[Synopsis101]

BREAKING: 101 North Tryon is now marketing street-level retail space

http://www.charlotteagenda.com/22707/breaking-101-north-tryon-is-now-marketing-street-level-retail-space/

[Spartan]

The Independence Center renovations are being discussed here: http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/topic/117256-independence-center-marriott-renovation/?page=3

[15895]

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article40503318.html

 

there are over 1000 hotel rooms planned with another 1000 most likely built within the next 5 years. Some being in the 500 room range and talks of others being bigger than Westin.

 

So.... Any ideas on where a hotel larger than Westin would be? 

I would imagine the parking lot directly in front of the convention center. Or the largest hotel uptown would make a great addition to the rumored mall at the Charlotte Observer site

Edited October 21, 2015 by AirNostrumMAD

[nowensone]

If the 300 S. Tryon hotel grows again that could be it, still expecting a surprise announcement on either the hotel or the office building itself to increase, for the hotel a second time.

[RaleighHeelsfan]

Gut or inside knowledge? Please say inside knowledge!!!

If the 300 S. Tryon hotel grows again that could be it, still expecting a surprise announcement on either the hotel or the office building itself to increase, for the hotel a second time.

[CLTProductions]

If the 300 S. Tryon hotel grows again that could be it, still expecting a surprise announcement on either the hotel or the office building itself to increase, for the hotel a second time.

the hotel did grow. It's 19 floors now. But the office height is set. 

[15895]

the hotel did grow. It's 19 floors now. But the office height is set. 

he said for the second time. Whatever the case, 19 floors is a good height. About the same as Element 

[nowensone]

the hotel did grow. It's 19 floors now. But the office height is set. 

Due to engineering, restrictions, LEED related design or something else?

My speculation was gut, I know nothing, just seemed a low-risk opportunity given the numbers and the time spent on the footings, looking at the design I was guessing adding 6 floors would be doable, and actually make the proportions and curved ascent of the building look better.  And a nice way to kickoff a new "era" of office buildings [for Spectrum].

Edited October 21, 2015 by nowensone

[Deleted.]

Wasn't this discussed on UP several years ago? I think the designer was a Charlotte native or something like that.

IRC the box art wasn't designed for Civilization, it was a poster for the Ramesses the Great exhibit at the Mint Museum in 1988-89. Though I'd prefer if there was a sarcophagus below the QC.  

As for the theoretical hotel at he Charlottr Observer site, wouldn't there be 3 hotels in a row? Now that's choice for you, we could call it the Charlotte Strip. 

[DMann]

Anyone know if something is up at 7th and College by Spirit Square?  Saw a news truck and Nancy Carter going there. 

[CLTProductions]

The 3800 SF retail space on College St in founders hall is going to be a Tech Zone. Not really the retail boost we are looking for. A tech shop which no one will use. I can't imagine rent here is cheap and can't imagine this being a successful endeavor but what do I know?

[RugbyPike#11]

They'll make a killing selling chargers and earbuds when bored bankers accidentally leave their stuff at home.

[Deleted.]

They'll make a killing selling chargers and earbuds when bored bankers accidentally leave their stuff at home.

Shhhh, don't share the secret of tech shops! 

Changing topic...

When does Amélie's Uptown open? 

[grodney]

 

When does Amélie's Uptown open? 

I don't know the answer to that, but they are decorating the interior.

 

 

[CLTProductions]

Shhhh, don't share the secret of tech shops! 

Changing topic...

When does Amélie's Uptown open? 

Supposed to open in November. They are about to get the city in there to release the occupancy holds to get occupancy permits. I am pretty sure they have a staff already, or are at least close to having a full staff. Should definitely be soon though.

[ah59396]

edit: oh my god the horrific formatting of posting a link.  http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/biz-columns-blogs/development/article41529321.html 

 

 

Nice write-up from Ely on the lack of quality in a lot of our current projects.  This part in particular jumped out to me:

 

Smith said a visit by a group of out-of-town developers several years ago ended with them deciding not to put their money in South End. They were impressed with the amount of activity, but not with the city’s requirements for new buildings.

“We have no assurances about what will be built next door,” Smith said the developers told him

and especially this: (how dumb will we all feel if Levineland becomes the highest quality part of town)

Daniel Levine, who is developing First Ward Park on Seventh Street, said much of the construction in South End is “somewhat generic.”

“It’s all very nice, but I think we’ll look back and say, ‘Oh, that was built between 2013 and 2016,’” said Levine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 27, 2015 by ah59396

[15895]

I read that and rolled my eyes at Levine. Of all developers uptown, we get his two cents as always going on about how 1st ward is going to be Disney Land

[SgtCampsalot]

Haha... yeah, that article gave me lots of hope for the future of the north side (North End, First Ward, NoDa are all prime), but who the heck knows what hope we should hang onto with that stuff.

My favorite hopeful quote was this line about alleyway networks, among other things:
 

Any higher design standards would likely be a hotly debated issue, and could require the city to establish a new overlay district. Smith said some of the publicly owned parcels could also have conditions attached to them as part of any sale to a developer. These could include requirements such as the building of an alley network or the inclusion of workforce housing.

“It would be highly contentious,” Smith said. “It would be a sea change.”

Edited October 27, 2015 by SgtCampsalot

[CLTProductions]

He drives me insane. He says quotes like that but continues to hold his land hostage. And the apartments and garage are on hold again. It's just another excuse for him to stall. Why not build the things and sue later? Gah he drives me nuts. 

Coincidentally, there's a write up coming in the Agenda soon as well about the lack of standards. Calling out specific projects and asking everyone for change. 

[dcharlotte]

I read that and rolled my eyes at Levine. Of all developers uptown, we get his two cents as always going on about how 1st ward is going to be Disney Land

He should be working for the Chamber because he is better at selling a dream that executing anything close to one.