Montgomery development news - Page 26

pkp · #**501** Posted **Jun 1, 2006, 5:33 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by thoraudio

bah... the development 'hotwire' has been dead for a few weeks...

the intermodal, the RSA headquarters, the CC/Hotel, and the US Attorney's office are all under construction.

I don't expect to see anything 'big' happen until the Hotel and Intermodal are close to being finished...

When are we going to see some residential downtown?

Brown Duckz · #**502** Posted **Jun 1, 2006, 5:54 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by pkp

When are we going to see some residential downtown?

As soon as there is something for those residents to do.

pkp · #**503** Posted **Jun 1, 2006, 6:40 PM**

^
Isn't working there enough? Other things will follow afterwords. Dowtown MGM really does have a lot of potential. Very little blight and some good architecture to begin with.

Brown Duckz · #**504** Posted **Jun 1, 2006, 8:30 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by pkp

^
Isn't working there enough? Other things will follow afterwords. Dowtown MGM really does have a lot of potential. Very little blight and some good architecture to begin with.

I meant "to do" after business hours. Downtown Montgomery is a busy place to say the least during the hours of 8-5, but after that is where the lack of people, or residents lies. There are a few things to go downtown and do right now such as the Montgomery Brew Pub, a few "clubs", Biscuits baseball, etc. There is a large lack of retail. You can't really buy anything in the "riverfront" area which is what hurts most. There must be retail and places to spend money down there or IMO the whole plan fails. Everyone will want to be in the riverfront corridor as far as opening up new retail or "midrise" downtown living.

pkp · #**505** Posted **Jun 1, 2006, 8:40 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brown Duckz

I meant "to do" after business hours. Downtown Montgomery is a busy place to say the least during the hours of 8-5, but after that is where the lack of people, or residents lies. There are a few things to go downtown and do right now such as the Montgomery Brew Pub, a few "clubs", Biscuits baseball, etc. There is a large lack of retail. You can't really buy anything in the "riverfront" area which is what hurts most. There must be retail and places to spend money down there or IMO the whole plan fails. Everyone will want to be in the riverfront corridor as far as opening up new retail or "midrise" downtown living.

But seriously, does anyone in Montgomery really live within walking distance of retail? Does anyone that lives off Taylor Road walk to the mall, or anywhere for that matter. I don't think the retail has to come first. People who like that lifestyle will appreciate ANYTHING they can do without driving - even if its just going to work. Hell, go there everyday for at least 8 hours. Mobile has a huge growth of residential right now, and other than resturaunts and bars, there are very few other services dowtown. It will follow, however, because retail will follow people (unless you are talking about strip malls and big box, because they rely totally on car traffic and don't have to be "close" to residential). I would really think that if someone put in some decent housing dowtown, it would go quickly in Montgomery. It's clean and from the late night walks I have had there, seems quite safe. Plus, you are looking at a more educated workforce in the government labor sector which would seem to be more apt to embrace urban living.

Brown Duckz · #**506** Posted **Jun 1, 2006, 8:43 PM**

Downtown is def coming around. Lots of new stuff to look at, everything is getting cleaned up, and plenty of renovation in older buildings. Like others have stated, we won't see much "attractions", retail, or entertainment blooming until the hotel & convention center are ready to open, but when it does there really is no telling what all will happen.

bystander1 · #**507** Posted **Jun 1, 2006, 10:03 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by pkp

But seriously, does anyone in Montgomery really live within walking distance of retail? Does anyone that lives off Taylor Road walk to the mall, or anywhere for that matter. I don't think the retail has to come first. People who like that lifestyle will appreciate ANYTHING they can do without driving - even if its just going to work. Hell, go there everyday for at least 8 hours. Mobile has a huge growth of residential right now, and other than resturaunts and bars, there are very few other services dowtown. It will follow, however, because retail will follow people (unless you are talking about strip malls and big box, because they rely totally on car traffic and don't have to be "close" to residential). I would really think that if someone put in some decent housing dowtown, it would go quickly in Montgomery. It's clean and from the late night walks I have had there, seems quite safe. Plus, you are looking at a more educated workforce in the government labor sector which would seem to be more apt to embrace urban living.

Exactly. I think the "retail first" talk is a cop out. But I do know several folks who are interested in living downtown, but there is nothing being offered yet that is within their price range. All the condos or lofts being offered right now are in the $250k - $300k range. Most of the downtown and Maxwell AFB workers do not make enough to afford those prices.

There will always be a smaller market for those higher-end dwellings, but whenever the $120k - $200k lofts or condos become available downtown is when residential and retail should really take off.

Heck, $750-$850 mid or highrise apartments will do great for a lot of downtown and military workers.

Blazer85 · #**508** Posted **Jun 2, 2006, 1:52 AM**

Question for you Montgomery folks... any of you tried the drink Dr. Wham?

Brown Duckz · #**509** Posted **Jun 2, 2006, 12:34 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blazer85

Question for you Montgomery folks... any of you tried the drink Dr. Wham?

I've tasted it. What's up?

Brown Duckz · #**510** Posted **Jun 6, 2006, 5:34 PM**

Kind of felt like bumping this. Blazer... Dr. Wham - whatsup?

Blazer85 · #**511** Posted **Jun 6, 2006, 5:41 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brown Duckz

Kind of felt like bumping this. Blazer... Dr. Wham - whatsup?

I was just curious because it's a product of Birmingham-based Buffalo Rock... as is Grapico. I've had Grapico many times, but never tried Dr. Wham. Supposedly is similar to Dr. Pepper. Dr. Wham is only available, however, where Buffalo Rock doesnt have the rights to bottle Dr. Peper... such as Montgomery, Columbus, GA, and Pensacola.

Brown Duckz · #**512** Posted **Jun 6, 2006, 5:47 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blazer85

I was just curious because it's a product of Birmingham-based Buffalo Rock... as is Grapico. I've had Grapico many times, but never tried Dr. Wham. Supposedly is similar to Dr. Pepper. Dr. Wham is only available, however, where Buffalo Rock doesnt have the rights to bottle Dr. Peper... such as Montgomery, Columbus, GA, and Pensacola.

Oh, ok - gotcha. I've had it. Can't really comment much. As far as comparing it to Dr. Pepper, it's not quite as "spicey" as Dr. Pepper on the first sip. It actually taste a little more "flat" than Dr. Pepper, but not on a bad level.

Brown Duckz · #**513** Posted **Jun 6, 2006, 5:48 PM**

Anything new @ Eastchase to hear about? How about these big planned neighborhoods in the Taylor/Vaughn area? Anyone else notice the hotel getting ready for floor #3?

I try to keep track of the progress up to the minute.......

thoraudio · #**514** Posted **Jun 6, 2006, 6:25 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blazer85

I was just curious because it's a product of Birmingham-based Buffalo Rock... as is Grapico. I've had Grapico many times, but never tried Dr. Wham. Supposedly is similar to Dr. Pepper. Dr. Wham is only available, however, where Buffalo Rock doesnt have the rights to bottle Dr. Peper... such as Montgomery, Columbus, GA, and Pensacola.

Kinda like Mr. Pibb for Coke?

I've tried it, not a huge fan.... Dr. Pepper is always available, then Mr. Pibb... but I would get Dr. Wham over say... Dr. Chek.

thoraudio · #**515** Posted **Jun 6, 2006, 7:25 PM**

btw, when I was downtown today, I noticed that Colonial had closed their drive through branch... is this recent, or have I just not noticed...

FWIW, I'll be checking out two buildings on Commerce thursday, the City Federal building and the AWF building (on the left in the following pic)... I'll take my camera of course

Brown Duckz · #**516** Posted **Jun 6, 2006, 7:26 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by thoraudio

Kinda like Mr. Pibb for Coke?

I've tried it, not a huge fan.... Dr. Pepper is always available, then Mr. Pibb... but I would get Dr. Wham over say... Dr. Chek.

Mr. Pibb is actually another Dr. Pepper spin-off. Or did you mean it's the coke brand option?

thoraudio · #**517** Posted **Jun 6, 2006, 7:33 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brown Duckz

Mr. Pibb is actually another Dr. Pepper spin-off. Or did you mean it's the coke brand option?

Mr. Pibb is the Coca-Cola label for their Dr. Pepperesque product.

Dr. Pepper is independant, so they get canned/bottled under contract. Coke does their own, while independents do alot for Pepsi (like Buffalo Rock). So that means in certain markets, you could get Dr. Wham, Mr. Pibb, and Dr. Pepper for your 'sweet' cola flavor... (not even including the generics in Dr. Chek and Dr. Thunder)

<- Remembers taking a class tour of the old Coke bottling plant downtown

pkp · #**518** Posted **Jun 6, 2006, 8:09 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blazer85

I was just curious because it's a product of Birmingham-based Buffalo Rock... as is Grapico. I've had Grapico many times, but never tried Dr. Wham. Supposedly is similar to Dr. Pepper. Dr. Wham is only available, however, where Buffalo Rock doesnt have the rights to bottle Dr. Peper... such as Montgomery, Columbus, GA, and Pensacola.

I love Diet Grapico!!!!

Just thought I would let you know

Brown Duckz · #**519** Posted **Jun 6, 2006, 8:35 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by thoraudio

btw, when I was downtown today, I noticed that Colonial had closed their drive through branch... is this recent, or have I just not noticed...

FWIW, I'll be checking out two buildings on Commerce thursday, the City Federal building and the AWF building (on the left in the following pic)... I'll take my camera of course

What is or what was the City Federal building used for? Why is ours small and Birmingham's a tower? I'd love to see Commerce St. with a few food vendors and misc retail. Especially once the convention/hotel is set to open. Also another question on the hotel/convention site. In the renderings I noticed that the road in front of the hotel which would be Tallapoosa looks to be 4 lanes wide with turning lanes. Do you think this will spur some retail/shopping in the same block?

pkp · #**520** Posted **Jun 6, 2006, 8:38 PM**

I actully think that is one of Montgomery's best looking buildings, even though it is not a high-rise. It is very imposing and the greco-roman design doesn't really blend in with anything else (which can sometimes be a very good thing).