Montgomery development news - Page 187

bystander1 · #**3721** Posted **Apr 6, 2009, 4:08 AM**

Looks like a new statehouse will be built after all. But it likely won't be built downtown on Court Square, but rather behind the Capitol building in downtown Bronnerville...our other skyline.

http://www.wsfa.com/Global/story.asp?S=10128806&nav=menu33_2

Quote:

Plans for a new state house are moving forward

Posted: April 3, 2009 07:33 PM CDT

Updated: April 3, 2009 07:42 PM CDT

Montgomery, Ala. (WSFA) -- Plans to build a new state house are no longer just in the talking stage. The possibility of a new state house has been talked about for more than a dozen years, but now something is actually being done.

Legislators and staff say the present building is too old. They complain the hallways and meeting room are much too small for the elected officials, staff, and the public.

State lawmakers also say the build up of mold all over the building keeps them constantly sick, and the ventilation and electrical systems are all outdated.

Legislative staff members say they're paying about $40,000 a month to the finance department for maintenance and upkeep of the present state house.

According to administrative assistant Don Ladner, the legislature is also paying about $800,000 for utilities and he thinks it will be much cheaper in a new building.

That's why bills have been introduced in the house and the senate to start the process of building a new one right behind the State Capitol on Union Street.

Governor Bob Riley, however, thinks this is not the right time. "When we're asking people to cut back. When we're asking every agency to take a reduction. When we're under a hiring freeze, at least in my opinion, this makes no sense to start talking about building a couple hundred million dollar new state house," said Governor Riley.

The sponsor of the bill in the senate is Roger Bedford, a Democrat from Russellville. In the house, it's the Democrat from Roanoke, Richard Laird.

Laird is also head of the committee that will lead this effort and he says he has a plan that will work.

The legislative building committee will ask David Bronner with the Retirement Systems of Alabama to build the new state house.

The legislature will then lease the building from RSA until it can sell the bonds to pay back RSA.

bystander1 · #**3722** Posted **Apr 6, 2009, 4:53 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by urbansouth

I think the article is not addressing the issue from the right perspective. The stadium will without a doubt lose conssessions' income and us regular patrons will probably see some of the unique offerings go. However, I think it will be more than compensated by ticket sales.

I believe we will see that the resturants will attract customers that were not initally thinking about going to the stadium. After a meal and a few beverages, they will consider purchasing an affordable ticket and enjoying 4,5,6 innings of quality baseball beore they go home. They won't be purchasing food, but will be contributing to the overall income of the stadium. There is no question that the resturants are a "win-win."

Yes. From that perspective I agree totally.

Quote:

Originally Posted by urbansouth

Have any of you visited Boston? Ever been down the 'Freedom Trail'? If so, you may not have realized that the Freedom Trial almost single handily rescued an aging, historic part of Boston (needless to say an historic part of America). Granted Montgomery is no Boston, but my friend proposed using the Freedon Trail model with respect to Montgomery's Civil Rights History as one facet of the downtown revitalization efforts. An aquarium is great and all, but a visitor from California, Nebraska, or even Georgia is not so interested in the large mouth bass. They know about Montgomery because of Rosa Parks and MLK, Jr. Do y'all have any thought on this...

I've always felt that the city should do even more to take advantage of its civil war and civil rights history. There have been plenty of plans after plans after plans to do just that, but not much has been done to pull it all together.

True, Montgomery is not Boston, but history-wise it is just as important, if not more, because as it is widely known, these major events changed the course of this country...twice. And they continue to affect change in the world today. Many people in other countries often cite the events that happened here to show how they are trying to change things in their countries.

There are organizations here that operate museums, libraries, etc. to help those ones to learn more about affecting change, but they should all be more coordinated to make a bigger tourism impact on this historic city. More visitors, more tourists, more dollars. That should be exploited to our advantage.

hiijakd · #**3723** Posted **Apr 7, 2009, 12:51 AM**

stopped by dreamland tonight to say hello and got some ribs and nana pudding. opening night is thursday so get there and grab a slab, then head on over to the biscuits game. lets support downtown development. woot woot.

bystander1 · #**3724** Posted **Apr 7, 2009, 1:22 AM**

I can't wait hiijakd! Some members of my family will be down this weekend we're planning to hang out there.

Speaking of downtown, here's some interesting things about it mentioned in this article...

Quote:

Extra treats meant to entice fans to Montgomery stadium

By A. Stacy Long • [email protected] • April 6, 2009

There are a slew of differences that fans will notice this season, starting with the restaurant practically right across the street that's scheduled to open Wednesday.

Dreamland is selling its renowned ribs a short slide from the Riverwalk front gate, combining with the Montgomery Brewing Company to give fans another pre- or post game eating option.

"It will be great to just go next door and get some good ribs," Rauch said.
More dining is scheduled to open during the season in the Alleyway Project -- look for some Italian, a pizza place and "a couple of bars," said Branch Kloess, the city's director of riverfront facilities.

Outside the stadium, there's a new parking deck on Coosa Street that is near completion. The construction is finished, but the city's "street-scaping" started in late March. Coosa will end with a cul-de-sac and no railroad crossing.

The 307-space deck is expected to be ready by Jubilee CityFest in late May. The Biscuits likely will use it for suite and season-ticket parking, plus for players, for night games.

The downtown riverfront area -- aka Biscuitville -- also features evening riverboat cruises that weren't available last season. The Harriott II, the 80-foot long, 96-ton riverboat that is a major part of the city's downtown plan, began the cruises in March. The boat is big enough to carry 400 passengers.

The area's businesses also are considering coordinating events this summer, not to mention concerts at the Riverfront Amphitheater. (Hall & Oates is Saturday.)

"Street parties, family events, we'll do a lot of activities, but with all the vendors," Kloess said. "This place is going to be Entertainment Central."

Inside the stadium, the Biscuits have made a few changes, too, citing an attempt to make the games affordable to families during the national recession.

The Biscuits themselves may be feeling some of the recession's impact.
The team set a franchise-low with 292,181 in attendance last season and had one sponsor downsize its ad on the outfield wall. Now, there is a Tampa Bay Rays logo in the left-field corner and the sponsor is in a smaller spot in right-center field.

With that, the team has finalized what it calls a "Biscuits Stimulus Plan."
Every game, the team will offer value meals where an entree comes with chips and a drink. On Sundays, children 12 and younger eat free.
"We think it will be a great way for families to come out after church and save a few dollars on the kids," Rauch said.

Fans also may notice a new look.

The Biscuits will don new road caps, which are available in the team store. They've replaced the gold-billed blue cap with a biscuit on the front. Instead, for road games, players will have an all-blue hat with a gold, script "B" on the front.

"The thing about the old hat was it was always a very good seller over the Internet," Biscuit Basket manager Monte Meyers said. "People love that biscuit, but the new one is a great, classic hat in a traditional baseball style.

"I think it will do great for us."

They also may notice a difference in the field itself.

On the field, there's a little less grass. The team decided to have a dirt path for hitters to follow between the dugout and home plate.

"The guys tend to wear down a path to home plate and it shows in the grass," Rauch said. "The good thing is, if nobody likes it, we can put the sod back."

http://montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20090406/NEWS01/904060310&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL

hiijakd · #**3725** Posted **Apr 7, 2009, 5:58 AM**

why can't this city do something like this.
http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/...ntgomeryadvertiser&sParam=34687166.story

thoraudio · #**3726** Posted **Apr 7, 2009, 12:37 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by hiijakd

why can't this city do something like this.
http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/...ntgomeryadvertiser&sParam=34687166.story

I dunno... maybe because of the $400,000,000.

jatrippe · #**3727** Posted **Apr 7, 2009, 1:16 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by hiijakd

stopped by dreamland tonight to say hello and got some ribs and nana pudding. opening night is thursday so get there and grab a slab, then head on over to the biscuits game. lets support downtown development. woot woot.

Is the new Dreamland open yet? I heard it was opening Wens. for lunch.

OCA REP · #**3728** Posted **Apr 7, 2009, 2:04 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by hiijakd

why can't this city do something like this.
http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/...ntgomeryadvertiser&sParam=34687166.story

The "Gultch" was rocking pretty good last fall when we were in Nashville for the Auburn/Vandy football game. Ate at a really good restaurant in the gultch called Watermark. Sad when you enjoy your memories of a restaurant visit more than the football game you went to see!

hiijakd · #**3729** Posted **Apr 7, 2009, 7:55 PM**

well there is someone in this city with that kind of money. if only he wasnt an arrogant fool. if he did something worth-wile like this he could put a green roof on every one of the buildings. heck, id cast a bronze statue of him myself to put right out front. if only...................

thoraudio · #**3730** Posted **Apr 8, 2009, 7:10 PM**

Images from the Montgomery Advertiser about the Dreamland at the Alleyway.

Had lunch at the Brewpub with a friend of mine yesterday. Things are really starting to shape up down there.

SpawnOfVulcan · #**3731** Posted **Apr 8, 2009, 8:35 PM**

Now that's what I call a Dreamland!

bystander1 · #**3732** Posted **Apr 8, 2009, 8:56 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alabadrock

Now that's what I call a Dreamland!

Ahhh yes, it's all about atmosphere.

10101000 · #**3733** Posted **Apr 8, 2009, 9:37 PM**

Nice, nice....

OldCloverdale · #**3734** Posted **Apr 9, 2009, 3:11 PM**

April 9, 2009

Wrong time to replace Alabama State House

Alabama legislative leaders who want new offices and meeting space are starting to get that same gleam in their eyes people get who are itching to buy a new car.

As any car salesman can attest, the first step in making a sale is to get someone on the lot and looking at new vehicles. Legislative leaders are figuratively there already, in essence kicking the tires on a costly new State House.

The leaders of a committee looking at building a new meeting place for the Alabama Legislature are proposing adding a wing to the back of the Capitol.

Rep. Richard Laird, chairman of the Legislative Building Authority, and Sen. Roger Bedford, the vice chairman, have introduced bills that would set the stage for the authority to build new legislative chambers and offices at the rear of the Capitol.

"I don't anticipate any problem in the House or Senate because it has widespread support," Laird, D-Roanoke, told the Associated Press. It may have widespread support in the Legislature, but we doubt if it does among the state's taxpayers.

Lots of people who want new cars can't afford to buy them in current economic conditions. And like those everyday citizens, the Legislature needs to put off any serious consideration of new facilities until the economy turns around - and that means fully around.

We are not saying that a replacement for the aging State House is not needed - it is. But now is not the time for legislators to be spending - or even setting the stage to spend - hundreds of millions of dollars on new offices and meeting space for themselves.

Frankly, we prefer a proposal to replace the existing State House behind the Capitol with an all-new building at the opposite end of Dexter Avenue from the Capitol. It could be more costly, but Montgomery city and county officials have indicated a tentative willingness to contribute to a new State House there.

Such a move could make the city's downtown renovation an overwhelming success. It would be likely that the empty storefronts that line parts of Dexter would fill quickly with government-related associations and lobbying groups. The Retirement Systems of Alabama office building now under construction would be a natural fit. The state Supreme Court building is already on Dexter.

But regardless of where it goes, no significant state or local funds should be expended on this project until it is clear that the state's economy has turned a corner.

The current State House was created in 1986 by remodeling an existing state office building to create meeting spaces for the House of Representatives and Senate. Prior to that, the Legislature met in completely inadequate space in the Capitol.

From the beginning, the remodeled former office building, originally built in the early 1960s, was never well-suited for the Legislature. Meeting space for each chamber is cramped, and structural columns that cannot be removed make viewing difficult. There is not enough seating available for the public. Narrow hallways are crowded during sessions, making security difficult to enforce. There aren't enough committee meeting rooms, especially with space for the public. The roof leaks periodically and there are moisture problems on lower floors.

Further attempts to renovate and upgrade the existing State House would be throwing good money after bad. Architects have indicated that it would cost more to renovate the existing building than to construct a new one.

Legislative leaders, of course, say they do not intend to begin work on a new facility immediately. But lots of people go to car dealerships "just to look," and end up driving away in a shiny - and expensive - new car.

The Legislature needs a new facility. But the one they have will do until the state's economy has fully recovered, hiring and pay raise freezes for state employees are ended, unemployment is down to reasonable levels, and Alabama taxpayers - who will have to foot the bill - feel much more comfortable economically.

thoraudio · #**3735** Posted **Apr 10, 2009, 4:07 AM**

Article from the Advertiser on the Alley.

Quote:

Dreamland gets ball rolling for Alleyway project

As the Biscuits open today so will the first restaurant in the entertainment district called the Alleyway. Although Dreamland Bar-B-Que officially opens today, the Alleyway itself will not get the grand opening that planners once envisioned.

Property owners initially planned on opening an assortment of restaurants, bars and retail shops in one big event. But different owners have built and leased their properties at their own pace, and the result is that the downtown entertainment district likely will open properties sporadically over several months or even longer.

The delay in itself isn't a problem, but owners who are opening earlier worry that daytime restaurant patrons enjoying outside dining at their establishments may wind up having their meals accompanied by the sounds of construction only a few feet away.

The piecemeal opening didn't dampen enthusiasm for Dreamland, which hosted invited guests for some pre-opening trial runs this week.

Jerry Kyser, one of the property owners and leaders of the Alleyway development, said Dreamland needed to open now so that it could serve people attending Montgomery Biscuits games.

"It was very important for them to make baseball season," he said. "The (entire) alley itself does not have to be open."

Dreamland fronts onto Tallapoosa Street, not the Grocer's Alley. It is so tied to the baseball team that its hours depend on the baseball schedule. It will be open for lunch and dinner and will stay open late on nights that the Biscuits play.

Kyser predicted Dreamland's opening would snowball into more announcements, especially for smaller shops in the project.

"I think that will lead to what we are lacking, the retail shops," he said.

Harvey Farrior, an associate broker with Coldwell Commercial Realty, said interest is picking up in the retail shops that his firm represents. He was showing some of the property on Wednesday and predicted that leases will be in the works soon.

He agreed having a business open will spur additional business.

"Them being first is really going to help get more interest," Farrior said.

SaZa's, an Italian eatery on the Commerce Street side of the project, likely will be the next restaurant to open. A smaller establishment, the Alley Bar, also will open this spring, Kyser said.

After that, it could be a while before any additional establishments open, according to Kyser.

"I really think the major openings will be late summer," he said.

Kyser himself admitted to allowing leasing and construction on a restaurant building he owns to fall behind schedule because he didn't want to open it in a construction zone.

"I have been stalling construction on that," he said.

"It will be a little more challenging to get everyone to finish at the same time."

Farrior said it isn't that important for businesses to open at once. He suggested that diners would not suffer significant interruptions during meals.

He said he doesn't envision any major interruptions during dinner, but admitted construction might be going on while people ate lunch. Still, he said noise would be kept to a minimum.

"I wouldn't think it would be too disruptive," he said.

Kyser said his meeting space, the 129 Coosa Room, opened at the top floor of the building at the same address in December 2007. He added that the slow development of the rest of the project has hampered his ability to market the space.

"It has been a real challenge in my situation," he said.

He said once work on the alley itself is complete, probably within the next week or so, property owners plan to launch a marketing effort for the entire project.

OldCloverdale · #**3736** Posted **Apr 10, 2009, 4:05 PM**