It was not an urban plaza though it was a drive-thru. I can see why the city has an issue with it. Similar issue they had with Park City South development and that special street down the middle.
3 Likes
I could be wrong about how it would play out, but I was concerned that the project and the surrounding area would generate X amount of foot traffic, and if you divided it up between Martin and the interior block, it would result in less activity on the streets.
Iāve been to lots of downtowns with tunnels or above ground passageways for pedestrians, and you have some people using those and some on the actual street, and it often feels dead in both bc there isnāt enough foot traffic for them both.
2 Likes
Hadnāt thought about it, but true. It was basically a drive through for hotel and residential drop off. Under and surrounded by 20-story buildings - it wouldāve been pretty dark and maybe confined feeling. Think Smoky Hollow plaza except more narrow and taller buildings up against it and primarily for cars. Iām sure it wouldāve been fine but maybe thereās a way to improve it?
4 Likes
Donāt some of these buildings fall short of the 20 story entitlement because of the height restrictions?
If so, it may be worth spending on a redesign in order to maximize the floor count. I also think that the elimination of the height restriction will encourage more developers to consider putting parking underground because itās no longer a necessary lever to pull in order to stay under height caps.
5 Likes
This is my most anticipated project but very nervous about it actually breaking ground. Nash square area has so much potential. Ready for some change.
2 Likes
Would love to see them stretch the office tower to 20 stories and about 300 ft.
7 Likes
Yep, my neighbor confirmed pretty much what Rucker said about this project. His company has been awarded the contract to build the office tower & resident units(offices first) above the parking deck. But thereās a different GC for the parking deck & theyāre facing some plan revisions for street level stuff from the city. He thinks it could still get going later this year. 
10 Likes
Is there any reason they can not start demo of the current building and parking deck?
2 Likes
Itās more cost effective to do the demo and site work at the same time.
2 Likes
But it would make us happier and feel like something is moving forward if theyād do the demo now 
9 Likes
Or they could demo the site and the block sit empty for years. I think we have seen that repeat itself on several blocks around downtown over the years.
A grassy block would be better than abandon buildings.
I like it! How about a field of high CBD hemp? 
1 Like
CBD (cannabidiol) grown in the CBD (central business district). Interesting concept.
4 Likes
(source)
13 Likes
Back to that good olā 1970ās/80ās downtown.
Property taxes plays a role too, though I am not sure at what horizon.
1 Like
Somewhat related information for the block, 111 W Hargett St is/will be for sale. Wondering if the group doing the development will try to grab it or not. Itās going to have some historical limitations in terms of taking it to the ground.
Interior drive-thru street rendering I donāt think Iāve seen before. (looking toward the park). also, no idea if this is still applicable after all the back-and-forths with the city.
8 Likes
Whoever created this rendering must be into nice cars. Just from the ones I can clearly distinguish:
Nissan Skyline GTR, Bentley Continental GT, Audi R8, and a Range Rover.
But, yes I think this one was of the main changes made was removing vehicle access to the plaza.
5 Likes