NEW ORLEANS | Project/Development Thread

[ardecila]

Well, I'm never in favor of NIMBY involvement, but I understand the height arguments. There are certain neighborhoods where you just don't wanna propose something really tall, and this is one of them. Hopefully the 75-foot plan is just a red herring, and Cummings is just running door-in-the-face. He sort of slyly alluded to that in his quote. Fortunately, while Gene Cizek seems to be the loudest critic of this proposal, I know him personally and he's totally open to contemporary architecture in the Marigny. We won't be getting any Ye Olde Condos(e).

The parking agreement, however, is bullshit. There's a huge parking lot across Elysian Fields. It's not the developer's responsibility to provide parking for anybody except his residents, so one space per unit is logical if the access is controlled. Plus, adding spaces will only increase the overall size of the development, yet neighbors already think the development is too big. There's a problem here.

Also: cruise ships? The terminal is over a mile away. What the guy is seeing are cars that don't move, because their owners don't really use them.

We should not have buildings that look like this, or we're gonna lose all the great things that make the physical environment of our city so desirable. We already did lose it in some places, which is why Poydras is lined with towers full of people, but has no pedestrians.

[tennis1400]

I dont have a problem with the height.

What kills me the most about the complaints is the people complain about the height and then complain about there not being enough parking! Well usually people have to build up to make room for parking. I also dont like someone complaining about losing their views. Whether the building is 50 feet or 75 feet his view will be gone so why even bring it up. Sometimes the problem with getting property developed is zoning. This is a large parcel and it needs to be redeveloped. Especially if the streetcar comes down ELysian Fields.

Bid List on Gibbs Website:


Algiers Crossing
1 Addendum
New Orleans, LA $65,000,000 Marjean Gohd
This project is to construct a multi-building apartment complex. The buildings will consist of 820,650 sf that will compose 324 living units, 325 enclosed parking spaces, and 11,000 sf of retail shell space.
Deployment Processing Facility at Camp Shelby
3 Addenda


Add/Reno Audobon School
4 Addenda
New Orleans, LA $20,000,000 3-1-2012
2:00 PM Greg K/ Nicole F
Renovations and additions to existing school – selective demolition in 35,000 sf 3 story original building and addition of new 20,000 sf 3 story attached structure. Upgrades to existing building are hurricane related repairs including windows and doors, repair stucco surface, new clay tile roof and underlayment, new mod bit roof. Exterior and interior historic restoration. Some hazmat remediation included – asbestos pipe covering, lead paint removal, PCB-mercury in flourescent light fixtures. New addition is pile cap/grade beam foundation, structural steel, concrete on metal deck, mod bit roof, new MEP and sprinklers throughout, new utility connections, 250 kW gas generator, electric fire pump, new kitchen, minor sitework. LEED silver, full commissioning. 487 calandar days duration.

Nims Center Sound Stage – D
1 Addendum
New Orleans, LA $200,000 3-2-2012
2:00 PM Stephanie Guidry
This project consists of partial demolition of a concrete slab to make way for the construction of a 10,500 sf soundstage. Scope includes timber piles, concrete, steel, roofing, doors, metal framing, flooring, painting, specialties, mechanical, and electrical.

Louis Armstrong Airport Phase 4
New Orleans, LA $10,000,000 3-5-2012
2:00 PM Marjean Gohd
This project is to complete interior renovations including finish and FF&E renovation of the main concourses and ticketing areas and associated public spaces. Work includes demolition of floor, wall, and ceiling finishes as awell as reconfiguration of ticketing areas.

Xavier University – West Campus
3 Addenda
New Orleans, LA $1,000,000 3-6-2012
2:00 PM Nicole Favalora
Construction of 5 parking lots, base and sub-base materials, striping, utilities, sidewalks, barrier curbs, lighting and landscaping.

Slidell Memorial Hospital – Emergency Department/Cardiology Expansion
1 Addendum
Slidell, LA $20,000,000 3-6-2012
3:00 PM Harold Reed
This project is to add additional building space and renovate existing department areas.

St. Martin’s Manor
1 Addendum
Metairie, LA $7,000,000 3-8-2012
3:00 PM Scott Mousel
This project is to complete additons to the existing building as well as renovations of the current structure.

J. Bennet Johnson Lab Renovations
New Orleans, LA $9,000,000 3-15-2012
2:00 PM Greg Kantak
Selective demolition and renovation of labs, offices, toilets on 3 floors of existing 32,000 sf building; partial replacement of curtainwall on 2 elevations.

JP Community Health
Jefferson Parish, LA $300,000 3-15-2012
2:00 PM Lauren Gibbs

MSY – United Airlines
Moisant, LA $500,000 3-19-2012
4:00 PM Nicole Favalora
updated 2/28/2012


I know we were all wondering what they are building on the backside of Benson Tower in Champions Square. Well it looks like its descibed on Eskew Dumez and Ripples site but I cant blow the picture up enough to see what it says. Can anyone else see it?

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...4jXze7xdIqrvog

Click on Champions Square in the portfolio section!

[Foley Santamaria]

Yes in my backyard!

Please show me where parking or views are guaranteed. Come on now. New Orleans has a serious lack of space and needs density.

[tennis1400]

Originally Posted by Foley Santamaria

Yes in my backyard!

Please show me where parking or views are guaranteed. Come on now. New Orleans has a serious lack of space and needs density.

I noticed they said cruise ship passengers are parking on the street. Why in the world would cruise ship passengers be parking over in the marigny? That makes no sense! The building doesn't seem to high considering neighboring structures not to mention the nasty Entergy Substation across the street.

[Blitzen]

Originally Posted by rcp11889

Looks like Sean Cummings is planning a nice building on Elysian Fields in the Marigny. The neighbors are opposed to the height at 75 ft (the limit in the neighborhood is 50 ft). I'm not sure how I feel about this yet but either way a development at that spot would be pretty nice.

http://www.fox8live.com/news/local/s...gWCQYCWjg.cspx

Here's what I like about it:
1. That block is a dump.
2. New Orleans needs density.
3. People living there are only a block from the Riverfront Streetcar line, and hopefully one day an Elysian Fields line.
4. People living there can use the new Riverfront Park.
5. If more people lived in the neighborhood, fewer cars would be clogging up the streets on the weekends, because people who like the area would be living there already, and having a place to park.
6. The 75' height along the foot of Elysian Fields is not too tall or out of scale. If your view is blocked by 50', then 75' doesn't matter.
7. The FQ/downtown need more everyday residents to enjoy the shops, restaurants, galleries, and parks, when tourists aren't there. Besides, who wouldn't want to live around there?

[NolaWave]

Does anyone know the outcome of the city meeting about the new design of Tracage and the first parking garage of South Market?

[tennis1400]

Originally Posted by NolaWave

Does anyone know the outcome of the city meeting about the new design of Tracage and the first parking garage of South Market?

No one is in final designs yet, but getting close. Ill let you guys know more today.

[Nolacat157]

I saw in the real estate transfers this week South Market purchased the 700 block of South Rampart for $800K. Really looking forward to seeing those final plans.

[NOLAmike]

Originally Posted by Blitzen

Perfect for the enterance to Metairie, isn't it?


I recall reading somewhere, the Master Plan will require fewer units of parking per sq. foor of space than the current ordinances - which is perfectly fine with me. Just as I believe more roads create more traffic (because development is spread further and less dense), I believe more parking lots create the need for more parking (because the more spread out the city is, the more you likely you need to get into a car to go somewhere).

Instead of the side parking lot behind Massey's, crossing the Lafitte Corridor, I wish they put more parking on top of the Winn Dixie, like the Best Buy in Metairie has. That would be prime real-estate for Endymion. But then, I guess it's too late now.

I'm not familiar with the current law, but I think car parking should be able to be substituted for bicycle parking. I mean legally bicycles are vehicles, so why wouldn't they be able to get away with that? Come on New Orleans lawyers, if anyone can pull that off, I know you can. That way one parking space would be able to account for something like 10 bicycles...i.e. less overall space needed. Also, I think that should have been done at the Mid City Market...instead of building those extra lots right next to the greenway, just build bicycle parking for anticipated demand coming from people on the greenway

[rcp11889]

Originally Posted by Blitzen

Here's what I like about it:
1. That block is a dump.
2. New Orleans needs density.
3. People living there are only a block from the Riverfront Streetcar line, and hopefully one day an Elysian Fields line.
4. People living there can use the new Riverfront Park.
5. If more people lived in the neighborhood, fewer cars would be clogging up the streets on the weekends, because people who like the area would be living there already, and having a place to park.
6. The 75' height along the foot of Elysian Fields is not too tall or out of scale. If your view is blocked by 50', then 75' doesn't matter.
7. The FQ/downtown need more everyday residents to enjoy the shops, restaurants, galleries, and parks, when tourists aren't there. Besides, who wouldn't want to live around there?

I totally agree on higher density and support the downtown renaissance. I think the zoning should be higher on Elysian Fields since its such a wide street. Frankly, I really don't like when people complain about high density or views or parking in their prime locations because we, as New Orleanians, should all have access to high ground near the river. If we don't start building denser near the river, no one will be able to afford areas that are less flood-prone.

[tennis1400]

Originally Posted by Nolacat157

I saw in the real estate transfers this week South Market purchased the 700 block of South Rampart for $800K. Really looking forward to seeing those final plans.

The new purchases on rampart show that the plan has grown in size from its original scope. Good to see! Curious to see how tailgating for saints games changes now that there wont really be places to put rvs.

[Blitzen]

Originally Posted by tennis1400

The new purchases on rampart show that the plan has grown in size from its original scope. Good to see! Curious to see how tailgating for saints games changes now that there wont really be places to put rvs.

I suspect the 9 city blocks of new parking next to the new hospital will become new place to park one's RV. Also, if the Claiborne overpass comes down, expect that wide neutral ground to become party/picnic central before gamedays. Moreover, the blocks of vacant land west of the Superdome could come back into commerce without the flyover ramps overhead (or become a nice greenspace, or additional dome parking/tailgating).

[tennis1400]

Originally Posted by rcp11889

I totally agree on higher density and support the downtown renaissance. I think the zoning should be higher on Elysian Fields since its such a wide street. Frankly, I really don't like when people complain about high density or views or parking in their prime locations because we, as New Orleanians, should all have access to high ground near the river. If we don't start building denser near the river, no one will be able to afford areas that are less flood-prone.

Thats always my problem with preservationist/nimbys they bring up red herrings in their arguments against any proposal. This building wont be the tallest in the neighborhood and looks directly at an entergy substation. I know the guy(eugene) from the video and every time we have had any discussion about development its always enraged me. People like that have no clue the risks entailed in developing property and since hes an academic he has no real world concepts of risk. He would truly rather see that building lie fallow forever and protect his views of the river because he is selfish. A 50 foot building will block his views but he knows that the project requires higher density to make the financial risk/reward more attractive. He thinks and probably rightfully so that if he can prevent the height increase that the project will die and he gets to keep his views.

[tennis1400]

QUOTE=Blitzen;5610324]I suspect the 9 city blocks of new parking next to the new hospital will become new place to park one's RV. Also, if the Claiborne overpass comes down, expect that wide neutral ground to become party/picnic central before gamedays. Moreover, the blocks of vacant land west of the Superdome could come back into commerce without the flyover ramps overhead (or become a nice greenspace, or additional dome parking/tailgating).[/QUOTE]

I dont think that is in the plan anymore. One of the concessions made to the mayor was less surfacce parking.

New permits:
2655 TULANE AVE
NEW ORLEANS LA 70119
Project Description:
CONVERT EXISTING VACANT COMMERCIAL STRUCTURE TO A MIXED-OCCUPANCY (1-PHARMACY, 1-RESTAURANT (TAKE-OUT ONLY)) AS PER PLANS.

2502 NAPOLEON AVE
NEW ORLEANS LA 70115
NEW CONSTRUCTION OF A 1 STORY 2372 S.F. DENTAL OFFICE AS PER PLANS AND PUBLIC WORKS APPROVAL.This is on the corner of Freret and Napoleon!

2101 LOUISIANA AVE
NEW ORLEANS LA 70115
RENOVATION OF EXISTING VACANT COMMERCIAL BUILDING TO A 5 STORY 42 UNIT MULTI-FAMILY BUILDING PER PLANS. PREVIOUS USE WAS 54 APARTMENTS.


Lakeview Construction News:
607 HARRISON AVE
NEW ORLEANS LA 70124
CONSTRUCT A 1960 SQ FT 1-STORY RESTAURANT AND 13 SPACE PARKING LOT AS PER PLANS & DR173-11 (SIGNS REQUIRE A SEPERATE PERMIT)

826 HARRISON AVE
NEW ORLEANS LA 70124
NEW CONSTRUCTION OF A 1-STORY 4650 SQ FT RETAIL STRUCTURE AS PER PLANS.

140 W HARRISON AVE
NEW ORLEANS LA 70124
Construct two (2) 1800 Sq Ft 1-story commercial buildings as per plans. 140 W Harrison Av Suite A & B and 142 W Harrison Ave Suite A & B Each tenant will require a separate build-out permit.

6300 CANAL BLVD
NEW ORLEANS LA 70124(corner of Canal and Harrison)
CONSTRUCT A 3-UNIT MIXED-OCCUPANCY BUILDING AS PER PLANS: Total area - 4023 SqFt (2000 Sq Ft RESTAURANT + 1997 SqFt RETAIL) and 25-space accessory parking lot. Build-out of the restaurant included in this permit; retail tenants must apply for a separate build-out permit.


Also I own a lot behind the old Beth Israel Synagogue on Canal. I received a letter stating the new owner intends to convert the building to athletic doctors office and training facility. Of course I signed the letter saying I was ok with it. Another piece of blighted property being put back into commerce.

Heres what it looks like now



Restaurant News:
ZOMG Burgers Ruby Red's was a New Orleans favorite for burgers back in the day, until they closed their location on Lower Decatur back in 1992. NoDef reports that the old favorite is returning to the city, but this time in a two story space at 301 Baronne in the CBD. It's basically ready to open except for the final parish permits; owner Mary Heck says they hope to open in the next few weeks. [NoDef]

Bonefish Grill, a Tampa, Florida-based seafood chain, is coming to Metairie at the end of March. According to a press release, the restaurant—which will be located at 4848 Veteran's Memorial Blvd—is due to open on Monday, March 26.

AVONDALE— Scott Boswell's restaurant at the NOLA Motorsports Park in Avondale, called Stanley at the Track, is hiring. Does this mean it's close to opening after first being announced in January 2011? [Craigslist]



CARROLLTON— Brett Anderson at the Times-Pic reports that Chiba is a new Japanese restaurant that opened last week on Oak Street. Owned by Keith Dusko and with the culinary team of chef Steven Ferdinand and sushi chef James Cooke, Anderson calls it a "modern Japanese restaurant," while Dusko says, "There are no gimmicks. There is no Buddha." [TP]

EXPANSIONWIRE— Mid-City burger shops Juicy Lucy's, opened less than a year ago near the corner of Carrollton and Canal, is expanding to Metairie. The second location is at 3320 Houma Blvd and should be open for business by late March. [Gambit]




BTW I was totally caught off guard by Jackie Clarkson trying to change the age to get into bars from 18 to 21 years of age. Glad to see the pushback has been quite strong. There is no reason to change the law and it should be up to individual barowners the age they want. To be honest the drinking age should be whatever age the draft age is. If you are old enough to die for your country then you should be old enough to have a drink. Anyway I think there are some economic ramifiications if this were to pass and it should be discussed!

[Blitzen]

Further bad news for Coconut Beach, not only does it look like it's moving to Kenner, it might not even be going near the water.

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.s...y_still_b.html

If I had my way, and a few million extra dollars, I'd put it where Pontchartrain Beach was, at the end of Elysian Fields, or just across the street from where it is now to the park. That park space is nice, but it's so unused, I'd be fine giving it up. There is a prettier park a few hundred feet north along the water anyway named Breakwater Park.

[Nolacat157]

Wow, thanks for the Lakeview update. The plans for the Beth Israel Synagogue are pretty exciting, that is such an eye sore on Canal. Franco's on Robert E Lee is finally being renovated as well. They cut the space in two in order to build another gym on one side and an urgent care on the other.

[rcp11889]

Originally Posted by Nolacat157

Wow, thanks for the Lakeview update. The plans for the Beth Israel Synagogue are pretty exciting, that is such an eye sore on Canal. Franco's on Robert E Lee is finally being renovated as well. They cut the space in two in order to build another gym on one side and an urgent care on the other.

Lakeview is POPPING these days. I went to Mondo on Harrison a couple weeks ago and the bar and restaurant were full of young people socializing. The other restaurants on the street were packed too.

I don't go to Lakeview much but my brothers and their families live there so it's nice to see that it's coming back strong.

[Nolacat157]

Originally Posted by rcp11889

Lakeview is POPPING these days. I went to Mondo on Harrison a couple weeks ago and the bar and restaurant were full of young people socializing. The other restaurants on the street were packed too.

I don't go to Lakeview much but my brothers and their families live there so it's nice to see that it's coming back strong.

Yeah Lakeview has really taken off the past few months. Every business on Harrison is packed, thats why I haven't understood why more of these retail lots aren't being developed. Looks like there is finally movement there.

[tennis1400]

Originally Posted by Blitzen

Further bad news for Coconut Beach, not only does it look like it's moving to Kenner, it might not even be going near the water.

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.s...y_still_b.html

If I had my way, and a few million extra dollars, I'd put it where Pontchartrain Beach was, at the end of Elysian Fields, or just across the street from where it is now to the park. That park space is nice, but it's so unused, I'd be fine giving it up. There is a prettier park a few hundred feet north along the water anyway named Breakwater Park.

This whole thing makes me so sad. Its a shame something cant be figured out on the lakefront in New Orleans. The location in Kenner will cause some people just to give it up!

[IceCream]

New permits:
2655 TULANE AVE
NEW ORLEANS LA 70119
Project Description:
CONVERT EXISTING VACANT COMMERCIAL STRUCTURE TO A MIXED-OCCUPANCY (1-PHARMACY, 1-RESTAURANT (TAKE-OUT ONLY)) AS PER PLANS.

Dilapidated old nasty building...good, pharmacy good, take out only??? Not another POS ghetto fried chicken store please..

2502 NAPOLEON AVE
NEW ORLEANS LA 70115
NEW CONSTRUCTION OF A 1 STORY 2372 S.F. DENTAL OFFICE AS PER PLANS AND PUBLIC WORKS APPROVAL.This is on the corner of Freret and Napoleon!

I've always wondered how this site has been vacant SO long. Also, further up on the downtown side of Napoleon @ Clara they have started construction on a 3 story doctors office building (parking on the 1st). Looks nice. Also, the new CVS at Napoleon and Claiborne is looking nice. Probably pouring the parking lot today or tomorrow. THey went all brick exterior which keeps it classy San Diego

2101 LOUISIANA AVE
NEW ORLEANS LA 70115
RENOVATION OF EXISTING VACANT COMMERCIAL BUILDING TO A 5 STORY 42 UNIT MULTI-FAMILY BUILDING PER PLANS. PREVIOUS USE WAS 54 APARTMENTS.

OOO that's the old Greater St Stephen Manor that i think was senior housing pre-katrina...good stuff!

Lakeview Construction News:
607 HARRISON AVE
NEW ORLEANS LA 70124
CONSTRUCT A 1960 SQ FT 1-STORY RESTAURANT AND 13 SPACE PARKING LOT AS PER PLANS & DR173-11 (SIGNS REQUIRE A SEPERATE PERMIT)

826 HARRISON AVE
NEW ORLEANS LA 70124
NEW CONSTRUCTION OF A 1-STORY 4650 SQ FT RETAIL STRUCTURE AS PER PLANS.

140 W HARRISON AVE
NEW ORLEANS LA 70124
Construct two (2) 1800 Sq Ft 1-story commercial buildings as per plans. 140 W Harrison Av Suite A & B and 142 W Harrison Ave Suite A & B Each tenant will require a separate build-out permit.

6300 CANAL BLVD
NEW ORLEANS LA 70124(corner of Canal and Harrison)
CONSTRUCT A 3-UNIT MIXED-OCCUPANCY BUILDING AS PER PLANS: Total area - 4023 SqFt (2000 Sq Ft RESTAURANT + 1997 SqFt RETAIL) and 25-space accessory parking lot. Build-out of the restaurant included in this permit; retail tenants must apply for a separate build-out permit.

DAMN Lakeview, you go girl!