urbanSTL

Confirmation that the project is in the financing stage. IIRC, the plan now is for 99 market rate apartments above retail.

^ I wouldn't be surprised if they were opposed. They opposed a hotel proposal on FP Ave that's gone no where. To be fair, that proposal was a pile of junk.

New, market-rate apartments will be a welcome contribution to the neighborhood housing stock. Evidently, the developer is convinced the numbers will work.

This would be a good concept for Grand Center, Midtown Alley or Washington Avenue. It is an art museum hotel - a boutique hotel. Locations are in Louisville, Cincinnati, Bentonville and Lexington (proposed).

21C Museum Hotels

The Grand Center board also approved an option for Fox Associates, owners and operators of the Fabulous Fox Theater, to purchase the parking lot to the west of the University Plaza Apartments at Grand Avenue and Washington Avenue. Fox Associates plans to construct a parking garage there that could also include retail and other elements. That option is for six months, and Richard Baker, president of Fox Associates, said if the project moves forward the garage would be open for fall 2014 shows.

Not often i get excited about parking but this is important. And as much as is possible this is the PERFECT place for one. My only hope is that they build it big enough to supply parking for The Fox, Grandel, Sheldon, Powell Hall, The Sun (or whatever they are calling it now), and the U Plaza Apartments. It should probably be 5-6 stories tall minimum. Can a Garage that big be built by Fall 2014? My only worry is they undersize it causing the continued need for the massive surface lots in the neighborhood. The other concern is that with one theater owning it will the other venues feeling like they are getting shorted on Parking revenue i.e. the Rams. But all things said this is one that is long over due.

Lawrence Group does good work.

This rehab is going to be a great asset to Grand Center. I am glad to hear the apartments will be market-rate.

When the new theater, media plaza and other smaller projects open and are completed, Grand Center is going to be a more vibrant.

As for the garage, I hope it is appropriately artsy in design - and not just a cheap utilitarian structure with ground level commercial space. I would like throw out some ideas such as a garage with lighted famous playbills on the facade (modeled after KC's Public Library garage), or theater-like marquees over the entrances and exits or a changing LED light show.



My wish list for Grand Center
-A new performing arts theater hall with 1200-1500 seats
-A 300-room arts hotel
-1500-to-2000 new residential units.
-Renovation of Powell of Hall (and surrounding grounds)
-50-to 75,000 square feet of new office space for offices and arts groups
-More retail and restaurant space
-More water fountains.
-A design school
-Another art museum

As for the garage, I hope it is appropriately artsy in design

I do love that KC garage, some part of me just wants to build the same thing here. haha so much for originality. Another option would be something with a Melpomene (Tragedy Mask) and Thalia (Comedy Mask) theme. Overlarge mask cut outs possibly backlit with the LEDs you suggested.

There is still the mystery buyer for the Grandel. Gills? Rep?