Montgomery development news - Page 253

thoraudio · #**5041** Posted **May 26, 2011, 9:18 PM**

Quote:

*removed*

Our food was terrible. The salsa (that I had to pay $3 for!!!!!), was inedible. Red water is the best I can describe it. I returned it, hoping, maybe, I'd just gotten a bad scoop. 2nd one was just as bad. Waitress asked if it was any better, I laughed and said no, it was horrible, and she gave me a blank look and walked away.

Taco's were undersized and underflavored and overpriced. I got the steak sandwich, basically a fancy hot pocket. Flavor was decent, cut of beef less so. Garlic fries were decent. Overpriced at $10.

My friend's 'roasted' corn was straight delmonte from the can, with no flavoring. Guac dip was edible.

And I'll agree, the 'stand around till you find an open register' is a stupid, stupid idea.

I don't know if they could ever afford it, but I'd love to see el Cantaro there (with a little more staff), because their food is great.

OldCloverdale · #**5042** Posted **May 26, 2011, 9:37 PM**

maybe they'll work out the kinks ... the one I went to in B'ham was good

Thedarkone1977 · #**5043** Posted **May 26, 2011, 9:56 PM**

Is there an Idea Factory meeting today?
If so, at what time and where?
I came to One Court Plaza last week and they didn't have one.

OldCloverdale · #**5044** Posted **May 31, 2011, 9:39 PM**

Roux opens tomorrow but there's a "private" party tonight...

http://www.rouxmontgomery.com/

brad0022 · #**5045** Posted **Jun 1, 2011, 9:36 AM**

Reminder that the Future Is Now event by Helicity is this Friday June 3rd from 5-8:30 at 12 West Jefferson (former Brew Pub). I havent been to the previous one but my best guess is that it is similar to an Idea Factory meeting.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Helicity-Montgomery/100002101370215

OCA REP · #**5046** Posted **Jun 1, 2011, 1:52 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldCloverdale

Roux opens tomorrow but there's a "private" party tonight...

http://www.rouxmontgomery.com/

Attended this last night and the food was excellent. Of course, most of the time, the food was not the problem at the Village Kitchen, it was the service. The chef, David Dickensauge, addressed the crowd and stressed that the food and the service both have to be outstanding... so, it sounds like they know the shortcomings of the previous tenant and will work to erase those memories.

In the next couple of weeks they will be opening the ROUX Market, where you can purchase takeout, etc. The plans look pretty cool.

Check ROUX out... it opens today!

OldCloverdale · #**5047** Posted **Jun 1, 2011, 3:01 PM**

not "development news" ... but the more events MGM brings to town, the better

a couple of HS sports related things:

The Alabama All-Star Sports Week is back in the capital city July 11-15 and will be at ten different locations: http://ahsaa.com/Portals/0/pdf/All%20Star%202006/2011venuesMap.pdf

The Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic is leaving Mobile for Montgomery's Cramton Bowl. This year's game will be December 10: http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/06/alabama-mississippi_all-star_c_3.html

hotels, restaurants, etc

OldCloverdale · #**5048** Posted **Jun 1, 2011, 4:40 PM**

Sections of Old Cloverdale are getting a facelift, but the process has been painful for some businesses there... that process is soon coming to an end.

City crews are working on improvements to the area - centered on the intersection of Graham Street and Cloverdale Road. They're widening sidewalks and planting trees in an effort to make the area more attractive and pedestrian friendly. The project should be completed by the first week of July.

For businesses in the neighborhood, including one restaurant that's about to open, that date can't come soon enough.

"It's definitely not ideal, but it is something that's very short-term," said Melissa Wall, a consultant.

The managers at Roux, which specializes in New Orleans-style cuisine, expect their opening to be a success despite what's going on outside.

"It's something where we've priced to be able to have you come in the doors, a couple of times a week, enjoy your family, enjoy your neighborhood," Wall said.

"As soon as people find out about our cuisine, I'm sure they'll be coming in the door," said Lee Ussery, the general manager for the restaurant.

The project has been delayed by weather and other factors. City leaders say once the construction is done, it will be well worth the wait.

"It's going to feel like you're in the center of a little town area or a commercial district," said Chad Emerson, Director of Development for the City of Montgomery. "It's really going to have this nice, walkable pedestrian-safe, setting."

'It's been disruptive, but most of our merchants have weathered well with it, and are very supportive of it," said Oliver Smyth, a board member for Historic Southview, Inc., a key supporter of the project. "And so, a little pain is going to go a long way toward getting to the other end."

And all of the business in the area are open, and there's actually plenty of parking once you make it through. The project is estimated cost a half million dollars. It's being paid for by federal stimulus funds.

OCA REP · #**5049** Posted **Jun 1, 2011, 6:31 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldCloverdale

Sections of Old Cloverdale are getting a facelift, but the process has been painful for some businesses there... that process is soon coming to an end.

City crews are working on improvements to the area - centered on the intersection of Graham Street and Cloverdale Road. They're widening sidewalks and planting trees in an effort to make the area more attractive and pedestrian friendly. The project should be completed by the first week of July.

For businesses in the neighborhood, including one restaurant that's about to open, that date can't come soon enough.

"It's definitely not ideal, but it is something that's very short-term," said Melissa Wall, a consultant.

The managers at Roux, which specializes in New Orleans-style cuisine, expect their opening to be a success despite what's going on outside.

"It's something where we've priced to be able to have you come in the doors, a couple of times a week, enjoy your family, enjoy your neighborhood," Wall said.

"As soon as people find out about our cuisine, I'm sure they'll be coming in the door," said Lee Ussery, the general manager for the restaurant.

The project has been delayed by weather and other factors. City leaders say once the construction is done, it will be well worth the wait.

"It's going to feel like you're in the center of a little town area or a commercial district," said Chad Emerson, Director of Development for the City of Montgomery. "It's really going to have this nice, walkable pedestrian-safe, setting."

'It's been disruptive, but most of our merchants have weathered well with it, and are very supportive of it," said Oliver Smyth, a board member for Historic Southview, Inc., a key supporter of the project. "And so, a little pain is going to go a long way toward getting to the other end."

And all of the business in the area are open, and there's actually plenty of parking once you make it through. The project is estimated cost a half million dollars. It's being paid for by federal stimulus funds.

I actually had calls yesterday from Matt Bamberg and Samuel King (both with WSFA) and turned them onto Oliver Smyth who could more than answer their questions. They were more concerned with covering the angle of how these improvements were having a negative impact on the local businesses. Oliver gets MANY more of those type calls than I do.

I was totally "off the hook," but wouldn't you know I ran into Matt and Samuel as I was walking over to the ROUX Preview Party! It appears, from reading what OldCloverdale posted, that they got plenty of information for their report.

OldCloverdale · #**5050** Posted **Jun 2, 2011, 1:38 PM**

Any of y'all ever been on the Harriot II cruises? Thoughts?

http://www.etix.com/ticket/online/homePa...Calendar&venue_id=6005&cobrand=harriott2

OldCloverdale · #**5051** Posted **Jun 2, 2011, 5:02 PM**

Dunkin' Donuts announced Thursday the signing of a multi-unit store development agreement with Harrison Kwan for four new restaurants in Montgomery.

The first restaurant will open in 2012 and the remaining three units will be developed by 2016, according to a news release sent to media outlets.

The release did not include any information about Kwan, his background or whether or not he is from the area. The release also did not offer any details on where the restaurants will be built.

The agreement sells out Montgomery and surrounding counties for future franchise sales.

Thedarkone1977 · #**5052** Posted **Jun 2, 2011, 9:59 PM**

Approved bill could help Brew Pub reopen
By Brian Lyman • Montgomery Advertiser • June 2, 2011

The former Montgomery Brew Pub may be a step closer to reopening after the state Legislature gave final approval to legislation lifting many restrictions on the operations of breweries and brew pubs in the state.

Click title to read the entire article.

brad0022 · #**5053** Posted **Jun 2, 2011, 11:22 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldCloverdale

Any of y'all ever been on the Harriot II cruises? Thoughts?

http://www.etix.com/ticket/online/homePa...Calendar&venue_id=6005&cobrand=harriott2

Can seem a bit cramped on the busy nights. Food is pretty basic, nachos, hot dogs and chips, etc. The lower lounge is very cramped. Drinks in the lounge are normal price but its a chore to go up and down the stairs to get one if you're hanging out on the top section or I'm just lazy. All that said it is a good time on cooler nights. Nice and different view of the skyline. It's a great trip. I recommend it.

brad0022 · #**5054** Posted **Jun 3, 2011, 8:44 PM**

The Future Is Now event at the former Brew Pub is at 5:00-8:30 tonight. Illustrations of cool envisioned developments are on display, 4 bands, food and belly dancers will be there. Also you can get more info about the proposed Cypress Park here tonight.

brad0022 · #**5055** Posted **Jun 4, 2011, 6:07 PM**

I learned something I did not know before speaking with Tyler Caldwell yesterday. Not sure if this has been already discussed but the downtown masterplan established a height restriction of 6 stories. RSA and Troy U. are immune to this restriction since they are state organizations. Tyler said that once the RSA tower was built it sucked the potential for class A office space along Commerce away. So that's one reason there are no offices as of yet along Commerce above Bibb Street. So no none-RSA commercial high rises in the future unless that is changed in the future. The skyline will essentially stay the same for quite some time.

Also the city is negotiating with a hotel chain to move to where the parking lot is across from the Renaissance. Not sure of the name. Good news after hearing that the Hyatt and the other hotel decided to cancel their plans for that spot.

brad0022 · #**5056** Posted **Jun 4, 2011, 6:35 PM**

Details of the Cypress Nature Park. The city will work with the foundation to get this off the ground one day.

http://cypressnaturepark.org/

brad0022 · #**5057** Posted **Jun 4, 2011, 6:51 PM**

Future Is Now

The event went very well. Architectural submissions for proposed buildings were on display. None were actually ideas that will be developed for sure just ideas only. Lots of unique ideas such as buildings with movable widows which change with direction of the sun and the use of moss to cool buildings. There were several vendors such as the Museum of Fine Arts, a group that wants to organize a new marathon for next September called the Defiant Run, Alabama Roots Music Society, a group that proposes a bike rental service, etc. The event was to inform and energize people about changing the city.

2 musicians played then Mia from Mia's Studio along with her students presented belly dancing and Zumba.

brad0022 · #**5058** Posted **Jun 5, 2011, 12:53 PM**

Montgomery targets grocery stores, hotels

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/arti...ls?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Frontpage|p

Hopefully a chain that is not currently located in the area will open up shop in Montgomery.

"(Chad) Emerson and Jeff Downes, the city's deputy mayor, met with about 20 representatives from national grocery stores, hotels and other businesses last month at a conference in Las Vegas to try to sell them on Montgomery's available spaces, including existing and vacant buildings and undevel oped space.

Emerson would not say what grocery store or hotel opera tors he met with, but said they are all national brands."

"He received positive feed back from those he met with about the possibility of opening grocery stores in under-capaci ty areas, Emerson said last week.

Those under-served areas in clude the downtown, Maxwell Boulevard, west Montgomery and parts of South Boulevard."

"Emerson said he sees Dexter Avenue as a likely downtown grocery store location."

"As far as places for visitors to stay, the some say there is enough demand for another limited-service hotel down town, as well as in other parts of the city. The Hampton Inn in downtown is an example of limited service in that it doesn't have an attached restaurant.

Unlike the Hampton, the new hotel downtown would probably be a new construc tion, Emerson said. He said the city doesn't have a downtown site in mind, but there are sev eral possibilities within a block or two of the Convention Cen ter. Dawn Hathcock, vice president of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Con vention & Visitor Bureau, said that the hotels closest to the Convention Center -- the Ren aissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa, Embassy Suites and Hampton Inn -- had an occu pancy rate of about 70 percent in April. "That's good -- that is what a developer is looking for."

Between those three hotels and the nearby Clarion Hotel, the downtown offers about 830 hotel rooms.

Citywide, Montgomery offers about 7,000 hotel rooms.

And the citywide occupancy rate is about 58 percent, the mayor said."

OldCloverdale · #**5059** Posted **Jun 7, 2011, 1:36 PM**

I'd like for downtown MGM to land one of these:

http://www.beerknurd.com/invest

thoraudio · #**5060** Posted **Jun 7, 2011, 2:48 PM**

don't read the COMMENTS! Don't ever read the COMMENTS!

you'll just fall into there trap.

The MA commenters, like those on AL.com are racists/idiots and/or trolling for a good internet squabble. I don't know why people act like that, but they do. Don't fall for it.