Posted Dec 30, 2016, 1:45 AM
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Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,724
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So, a lot seems to be happening.
RE: The Roosevelt Row business situation, there are still many bungalows sitting empty in the immediate area and over near the Jewish Synagogue that could help expand the footprint of the arts district. Citing OSB as a retailer who is representative of some negative movement in the area is unfair; the fact that a brain-damaged entrepreneur chose RR to open his dream cafe seems like something any neighborhood would support, but especially one sold on inclusion and diversity.
However the chips fall, I hope that the staples remain, that new tenants are either all local or at least bring a need that would be otherwise unmet, and that any new projects are considerate of the high absorption of commercial space. iLuminate is actually rather attractive, but with the Dressing Room and BE right next door, it's a shame the entire frontage will be private space. A boutique a la GreenHaus would have been great.
I have a feeling this mix will be achieved. The live/work units at Artisan House have always filled with unique, creative businesses, and I suspect to see the same at enHance and Proxxy; the retail at Alliance will take a while, but in the meantime, projects like the container ones on Portland/2nd St and Garfield/1st St are also coming online directed at providing affordable space for arts retail. Union will fill with local tenants eventually, and Portland of course will be a fantastic block.
Questions:
1) Will the Metrowest project (from the RFP) include any commercial or retail space? It would be nice to see Cibo-like eateries and businesses in the area.
2) Anyone know where the coffee shop could possibly be fitting into Alta Fillmore? The only details I heard were that it fronts Fillmore... thank god at least 5% of this giant will be somewhat urban.
Old News
The Luhrs Marriott has been discussed and is a total eyesore. It looks like a terrible office midrise from the 80s and adds nothing but dimension to the aesthetic of the skyline. Yuck. Considering what was lost, this was a net negative to downtown.
Ballpark Apartments is well on its way toward demolishing and privatizing a good 15-20% of remaining warehouse space -- is a final plan available? The original at least had 5 live/work units at the UPRR, but it changed after and removed the Buchanan abandonment. Live/work units, and public use of the 2 historic buildings on-site would me neutral overall. Having residents added to the employees, such as SEED Spot who moved into the R&R Warehouse will hopefully lead to some retail once and for all.
Should-be New News
The space between Steve's and 1st Street within the Regency Garage has been moving along in its transfer to PHX Commons, a mix of food, drinks, and other local products that seems to address both Adams and 1st Street which will be a huge change.
The personnel building attached to 111 W Monroe has been awarded; plans are for office space over 2 retail spaces, with the city providing 100 spaces elsewhere. I hope the plans include restoration of the formerly stunning facade, but a continuation of the retail at 111 is already a huge positive.
Central Park East is moving along, with the same parties from Lot 1 (Westin/Freeport) a part of the negotiations to split the remaining land into Lots 2 and 3 -- an 11 story hotel along 1st Street and 17-story residential building on Central. No brand was given, though the rumor here was Hampton Inn, and no details on any retail were given, but if both are built in one phase, I would take anything. With the other full lots to build on, I never expected these half-lots to fill. I do hope Central has at least 1 retail space since OCPE is simply a valet.
enHance is starting Phase 2 of 3. 7 stories at 1st and Portland (runs up to the dilapidated building closest to Hance). Hoping live/work is planned for all remaining phases. The city is planning street upgrades and it would be great to see the ambiance of W Portland extended.
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