Not every square inch needs to be occupied by a building downtown.
I’d propose that having some vertical respite is going to make that development better, not worse. That said, it does need some landscaping and some outdoor activation of that patio would be nice.
Juuuuuuuust about topped out on all sides!!! And the next set of apartments (to the left, here) appear to be getting close, too! The density here is such a DRASTIC change
Of all the four gas stations on this end of downtown that Shell is the one I would pick to redevelop first.
The Speedway on Capital Blvd can stay there forever as far as I am concerned. The BP across from Krispy Kreme is okay because KK is a heavily drive through oriented business so that corner is kind of a loss anyway. The Exxon at Peace and St Mary’s is small and feels unobtrusive.
But that Shell on Peace is massive. I get that it’s busy but it really feels like it doesn’t belong. It’s so incongruous with the development happening just behind it
AFAIK, it’s incredibly expensive to redevelop gas station lots due to the extensive soil contamination that may (or may not?) be present due to the underground tanks - also not to mention the need to dig up said tanks and secure the foundation before they can even build anything. So while I agree, I wouldn’t count on it happening any time soon.