The corner building is lovely. The parking lots can obviously gtfo and get built on.
The rest of it starts to run into the uninspiring buildings with good affordable small retail spaces debate we’re seeing across the city. The ideal would be bigger better buildings that keep the room for cool businesses.
"Renderings show renovations to the existing buildings as well as converting a surface parking lot into patio and amenity space. In total, the Row will feature more than 52,000 square feet of space. The properties involved in the project are at 14, 102, 104, 106, 110 and 122 Glenwood.
Small, human scaled; doesn’t require a corporate owned business with fat pockets to afford the rent; older, so they have the charm of an old-school neighborhood shop; good street level activation and pedestrian interaction. Basically everything the super-mega-giant sterile retail spaces within all the newer builds lack.
Oh to be clear, given Loden’s track record of actually good development, I was thinking more gentle densification while keeping the small shop texture.
More this (from Seaside, FL):
than this:
Looks like it’s moot anyway, they’ve got some fun plans and are at least getting rid of the parking lots!
Haven’t met many people here that know of Seaside. Small world shoutout. I take it you’ve been there to have mentioned it? Lots of development inspiration could be taken from the little beach communities along 30A about building approachable dense urban developments.
I have not, but I learned about it in a college class, and of course saw it in The Truman Show. It’s pretty much my ideal for a new suburban/small city downtown. One day I’ll have to make it down there!
Ah, right, totally forgot about The Truman Show being filmed there lol. In my mind it’s still a pretty unknown area. Interestingly enough just last week there was a full WSJ write up on the planned community right by it. It’s the opposite end of the approachable curve where it is clear when you visit you aren’t really welcome.
Unfortunately we always get the latter and never the former. Personally, I like the semi-chaotic mish mash of the different structures. Its cool, old, and relatively good urbanism. I see zero reason to redevelop this site. I don’t have extreme ideological views on density and I’m not a developer trying to maximize a return. Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with density, noise, tall buildings, traffic, drunk people, my dog having to get its stomach pumped for the 3rd time because it found a dime bag on Raleigh’s inadequately maintained sidewalks, or any of that stuff. I mainly just love old buildings.
Something nice to mention about this; Revolver (the shop who’s signage is pictured on this building) has already moved to its new location nearby on Hillsborough St. I was happy to see that!
I’m curious what the vibe will be here. Will it be like Key West or Myrtle Beach? Will it be more like Cornerstone? Will it be more upscale like Solas?