Not an architect but have been around a lot of retail site planning.
Would be in favor of more retail incubator spaces smaller than the 1500+ SF spaces we instead tend to see. Reason that happens is depth related as 20+ feet of width is both needed in some cases, desired for visibility, or needed for structural reasons. So 75’ of building depth equates to 1500 SF.
Therefore to get down to 400 SF or 800 SF modules probably requires a hallway/plaza with spaces flanking. No rent for that entry space but hopefully counts toward required public space.
Other alternative might be to require a 20’ deep wrap around podium parking decks which would grudgingly take a row of parking off the ground level.
Whatever comes of the city owned DOT block, I hope they will prioritize these micro spaces. These are clearly needed, and could be a great asset to the community.
Had to go back to check my memory but last update we saw from the Loden group had shallow spaces along the Person Street frontage of the Moore South (hotel site next to City Market) assemblage designated as artist studio spaces.
We had dinner at Second Empire last night. I hadn’t been in quite awhile, but it was just a perfect meal. The service and ambiance and food were all just exceptional. For some reason this fell off my radar, but definitely going back before too long. Happy this place made it through the pandemic and is flourishing (with a full house too).
I gotta admit the branding of this restaurant seemed incredibly forgettable to me when I walked past recently. “Flavor” just doesn’t have a strong connotation for any kind of cuisine to me, plus the ‘live, laugh, love’ kind of slogan. But their menu looks fun, I will totally try Catfish and Grits.
What’s funny about that picture is that I somehow managed to take it with no people in it. Just outside the frame and behind me are about 10,000 humans.
i cant speak to parkingj difficulties in decks. my dad was a state employee downtown approx 30 years…his lunch with with co-workers was mostly hitting different places downtown. coopers was one of them. nearly all on foot or catching a noon bus to martin street and back. at this point I’m curious about work week parking concerns for lunches. coopers may do significantly better with a parking lot, a locale outside of downtown and with a good swine supplier.
