ATLANTA | Development Thread V

[ATL_J]

Originally Posted by clexmond

It's disappointing that there's no effort made here to add to the street-grid in the area. Anytime there's a huge block like this redeveloped I'd like to see an introduction of a smaller grid.

I feel you, but it's a weird lot considering it backs up to those apartments. If they were also being redeveloped, it'd be nice to see Currier street continue through that mega block.

[micropundit]

Originally Posted by clexmond

It's disappointing that there's no effort made here to add to the street-grid in the area. Anytime there's a huge block like this redeveloped I'd like to see an introduction of a smaller grid.

The good news is this a CONCEPTUAL drawing by 1developer, prior to an RFP even being issued. The better news is that the level of attention this proposal is generating indicates a strong interest in the site by both the development community and the public( read you crazy people on Skyscraperpage). My guess is that the selected developer will have a plan that is very, very refined in terms of scope, scale and urban flavor.

[mayhem]

Originally Posted by clexmond

It's disappointing that there's no effort made here to add to the street-grid in the area. Anytime there's a huge block like this redeveloped I'd like to see an introduction of a smaller grid.

Atlanta needs less streets and more transit. Bring on the super blocks.

[AtlantaMustang]

Originally Posted by mayhem

Atlanta needs less streets and more transit. Bring on the super blocks.

This is a joke, right?

[mayhem]

Originally Posted by AtlantaMustang

This is a joke, right?

No. The more congested this city is, the more we'll start exploring mass transit options. It's unfortunate that it's essential to progress here, but it's the cold hard truth.

[mayhem]

Also super blocks make it much easier to walk around the city. Constantly having to stop and wait for traffic at every single block adds a lot of time to a trip on foot.

[AtlantaMustang]

Originally Posted by mayhem

Also super blocks make it much easier to walk around the city. Constantly having to stop and wait for traffic at every single block adds a lot of time to a trip on foot.

You know, now that you mention it, it definitely is a lot easier to walk around Buckhead than Fairlie Poplar. Good point.


.. or we could look at all the research that points to the contrary. Smaller blocks are far more walkable.

[bryantm3]

Originally Posted by mayhem

Also super blocks make it much easier to walk around the city. Constantly having to stop and wait for traffic at every single block adds a lot of time to a trip on foot.

unless you're trying to get from one side of the block to the other.

[mayhem]

Originally Posted by AtlantaMustang

You know, now that you mention it, it definitely is a lot easier to walk around Buckhead than Fairlie Poplar. Good point.


.. or we could look at all the research that points to the contrary. Smaller blocks are far more walkable.

Cool tude bro! I've traveled across the world to some of the densest cities. The most walkable parts are the ones where you don't have vehicles constantly interrupting pedestrian flow. Constant curb cuts do not promote this. I prefer to use experience over research, though I would love to read any links you would specifically cite to reinforce your opinion.

[mayhem]

Originally Posted by bryantm3

unless you're trying to get from one side of the block to the other.

I don't see how having 3-4 curb cuts with traffic signals would accelerate that.

[AtlantaMustang]

Meanwhile, a look at 230 Peachtree's coming makeover.

Here's your first look at how the 414,768-square-foot office tower at 230 Peachtree Street will look by the end of next year.

http://atlanta.curbed.com/archives/2014/08/08/peachtree-makeover.php

[AtlantaMustang]

Originally Posted by mayhem

Cool tude bro! I've traveled across the world to some of the densest cities. The most walkable parts are the ones where you don't have vehicles constantly interrupting pedestrian flow. Constant curb cuts do not promote this. I prefer to use experience over research, though I would love to read any links you would specifically cite to reinforce your opinion.

I can guarantee that your experiences with block sizes are not as large as this 1150' x 1200' block that the civic center sits on. Also less intersections gives less spaces for pedestrian crossings and encourages faster vehicular traffic.

[L.ARCH]

Walkability has a lot to do with perception... if the blocks are shorter you feel like you're going farther than if the blocks are large. Generally speaking, there is less to look at/pay attention to and less activity on large blocks... In a city, intersections/corners are generally more active and usually have retail or restaurants which create streetscapes and atmospheres that are more conducive to walking. You are correct in that curb cuts are not desirable because they create conflicts with pedestrian zones, but a street intersection is different because the acceptable "safe to walk" zones are better defined and regulated.

[mayhem]

Originally Posted by AtlantaMustang

I can guarantee that your experiences with block sizes are not as large as this 1150' x 1200' block that the civic center sits on. Also less intersections gives less spaces for pedestrian crossings and encourages faster vehicular traffic.

LOL. I'll leave it alone since you can already guarantee my experiences.

[PremierAtlanta]

Although it's only a midrise and will make no impression on the skyline, I am really glad to see 782 Peachtree start. I'm a skyscraper lover but I am also thrilled to see the continued infill of Midtown. Plus, this building will be across from a church so the scale may be more appropiate here. Now if we can get 811 Peachtree to officially commence construction.

I'm also curious to learn more about the 14 story proposal at Peachtree and 3rd.

[TarHeelJ]

Originally Posted by mayhem

Atlanta needs less streets and more transit. Bring on the super blocks.

I think that a successful city can be a mix of large and small blocks (and lots of other things that aren't uniform or perfect) and still be walkable, but I have to admit that I've never seen anyone on an urban development forum promote extra-large blocks. Maybe you're onto a new concept. If so Atlanta will be a leader in this area!

[TarHeelJ]

Originally Posted by PremierAtlanta

Although it's only a midrise and will make no impression on the skyline, I am really glad to see 782 Peachtree start. I'm a skyscraper lover but I am also thrilled to see the continued infill of Midtown. Plus, this building will be across from a church so the scale may be more appropiate here. Now if we can get 811 Peachtree to officially commence construction.

I'm also curious to learn more about the 14 story proposal at Peachtree and 3rd.

Hell yeah! I love me some infill.

[gttx]

Originally Posted by TarHeelJ

Maybe you're onto a new concept. If so Atlanta will be a leader in this area!

Absolutely not. This is completely wrong - and we've known it for a long time. See Jane Jacobs and hundreds of others since her. Small blocks promote walk ability, city vitality, and strong intermixing of different types of uses. Super blocks do just the opposite, and we can't fall into the trap of thinking otherwise.

This bears repeating: small blocks add to a city's vitality. Super blocks deaden it.

That said, the instincts to reduce curb cuts and improve transit are both spot on. But you can - and should - do both of these things without giant blocks.

[Pemgin]

The parking deck for Skyhouse Buckhead looks terrible. I don't understand why the deck is going up next to the MARTA pedestrian bridge and not the actual building.

[TarHeelJ]

Originally Posted by gttx

Absolutely not. This is completely wrong - and we've known it for a long time. See Jane Jacobs and hundreds of others since her. Small blocks promote walk ability, city vitality, and strong intermixing of different types of uses. Super blocks do just the opposite, and we can't fall into the trap of thinking otherwise.

This bears repeating: small blocks add to a city's vitality. Super blocks deaden it.

That said, the instincts to reduce curb cuts and improve transit are both spot on. But you can - and should - do both of these things without giant blocks.

Guess you didn't catch the sarcasm.

That said, I'm guessing that all cities have some various block sizes - even the most walkable ones. I agree that small blocks add to vitality, but large blocks do exist and there can still be vitality...it's not mutually exclusive.