The below were taken on August 17, 2006
621 Capitol Mall
Friday, August 18, 2006
Capitol Mall Construction...
The Towers on Capitol Mall
The below were taken on August 17, 2006
621 Capitol Mall
The below were taken on August 17, 2006
621 Capitol Mall
Westfield and Downtown Plaza
So what do people think of the latest Downtown Plaza proposal? I think there are some good and bad parts of the proposal, but I think it's also a good starting point.
Between this proposal of an additional 140K square feet, 60K on the 700 block of K Street, 23K at 621, 15K at Aura and 60K at The Towers, we should see a nice a jump in retail options in the next few years.
The Good -
-The exterior improvements have always been big in my mind to help transform DTP into something more urban and pedestrian friendly versus the bunker it is now. Now they just need to do the same on the J Street side now.
- The grocery store is much needed. Of the three mentioned, I really hope the local Nugget gets the nod.
-I have always favored having the theaters above Hard Rock at 7th and K. The location is much more strategic being at the foot of K Street Mall, plus I would rather see Westfield build up and leave more room for other retail.
-I like the Target idea. I don't think it is going to be a major draw outside of area, but it would serve the area residents nicely. BUT, they still need to attract a higher end store. Target alone won't cut it.
My ideal combination of anchors stores would be Macy's, Target and a higher end store in the area of a Saks, Neimun Markus, Bloomingdales, or even a Nordstrom. I think that would cover discount shopping, middle income and higher incomes. I would like to see one of the Macy's locations expanded a couple of floors and moved into one location to make room for another anchor. I have to imagine Macys would see the benefit of having all departments all in one location versus on opposites sides of DTP.
The bad -
- I was hoping the Macy's stores would get some exterior improvements on the L Street side to open them up as well.
-The 20M is too much. I don't think it's wise to spend that much money on this project. I would be more comfortable if that amount was in the 10M range. The city needs to make sure it leaves enough money to encourage as much housing as possible. I do expect that number to come down though with some negotiations from the city
Couple of other things as well:
First - We all know there is only a certain amount of redevelopment left and many more projects than money.
While I am not a big advocate of holding the big community meeting on an individual project and slows things down, but in this case I would really like to see the city hold something where we can take a look at everything that is out there for redevelopment money and let the community give their input on what they feel the money would be best spent on.
I don't want something like the JKL that took a couple years to shake down, but just something or one night for people to have an educated idea of what is out there and give input to the city council and planners
Let all the developers come to the communty and pitch their idea.
Who is to say there isn't a 500 unit affordable housing proposal out there that could be built with this 15M? But not if we give the money to Westfield.
Second - This Luree Stetson lady is really starting to piss me off. The reason your theater is venerable is because it is a piece of shit. The experience of watching a film there is terrible. If the company that owns the Tower would put some money into it, it might actually be a place people would want to go.
The Tower is owned by Reading Entertainment, a corporation that hides behind the shadow of the Tower Theater. They bitch and moan about how can the city give money to the big bad corporation Century when they are exactly the same thing.
Why don't they come up with a plan on how to fix the Tower and bring it to the city to see how it can help? They could have had a piece of the 100M community reinvestment dollars that were handed out earlier this year to things like The Crocker, Memorial, Sacramento Zoo and others.
They have been "in the process" for years now. They need to stop bitching and step up to the plate.
___________________________________________________________________
Makeover for downtown mall unveiled
By Terri Hardy -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:01 am PDT Thursday, August 17, 2006
The owners of the aging Downtown Plaza have submitted plans to the city for a $100 million renovation and expansion that would include a Target, an upscale grocery store and a controversial theater complex above the Hard Rock Cafe.
The project comes with a steep request -- a city subsidy of as much as $20 million.
We have a development plan that is going to have broad support and position the Downtown Plaza for the future," said Larry Green, senior vice president of development for the mall's owner, Westfield Corp. Inc. "It has a major entertainment component, a new major anchor."City leaders said they are excited that the long-anticipated project finally has been submitted to the planning department. Officials for years have criticized Westfield's inattention and lack of reinvestment at the Westfield Shoppingtown Downtown Plaza.
"We've been asking Westfield to come back with a comprehensive makeover and it sounds like they've done that," said Vice Mayor Rob Fong.
Councilman Ray Tretheway, whose district includes downtown, said Westfield's proposal removes many, many doubts" about the mall owner's commitment to the property.
The plan would expand by 140,000 square feet the 1.2 million-square-foot mall, said David Kwong, city planning manager.
Westfield envisions transforming the office-like exterior into a sleek, open and updated building. Said Green, "It will have a strong retail presence -- you'll see fashion, see display windows, see people moving up and down -- a significant change to the L Street facade."
The structure at 515 L St., which houses Morton's of Chicago restaurant, would be torn down. It would be replaced with a grocery store on the ground floor and a 400,000-square-foot Target on the second and third levels, city officials said.
Westfield has signed a letter of intent with Target but is not officially naming the company as its new anchor until the city and Westfield's board approve the plans. However, city officials say the store is a Target.
Westfield hasn't signed a supermarket, but has talked with Whole Foods, Nugget and Bristol Farms.
The seven theaters now at the west end of the mall would be eliminated and the food court expanded, with an addition of a new restaurant or more retail. A new, expanded 3,800-seat theater complex would be moved to Seventh and K streets.
The Hard Rock Cafe would be on the first level, a retail store on the second, and the cineplex on the third floor.
Westfield listened to a city request to place the theaters atop the Hard Rock to boost foot traffic on the struggling K Street mall, Kaplan said. But the engineering difficulties and extra costs inherent in that design would require city financial help.
Early last year, Westfield estimated that the theater job would take a $5 million city subsidy. Skyrocketing construction costs substantially boosted the price tag, Kaplan said.
"We're doing everything we can to make the city's desire a reality, but the reality is that it will take a higher contribution than estimated," Kaplan said.
Westfield will be competing for a dwindling amount of redevelopment funds. Several large projects have put in requests for city subsidies in excess of $104 million, but $22 million remains in the redevelopment kitty.
On Wednesday, the Downtown Sacramento Partnership board voted to recommend that the two biggest priorities are moving the Greyhound bus station and renovating Westfield.
Michael Ault, executive director of the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, said the two projects are pivotal to the success of the city's urban core. However, he said it's time to hear specifics about other tenants and detail why $20 million is needed.
Tretheway said the council would need to carefully weigh all applications for funds, including Westfield's. "The good news for them is that they have their plans in and they're now in line," he said. "If they'd kept missing their deadlines, they would have been out of the picture."
Meanwhile, community leaders have said they fear a larger complex will show art films and put the Broadway's venerable Tower Theatre out of business.
Century Theatres, which operates movies at Downtown Plaza, has said it wanted 16 screens in in expanded movie complex. But Century's merger with Cinemark Theatres has made it unclear how many screens would be built, Westfield said. Fong and other city leaders have said they will allow no more than 12 screens.
Luree Stetson, a member of the Tower District Alliance, said the position of Alliance and of Reading International, owners of the Tower, hasn't changed, she said. "A plan with 3,800 seats is a problem," Stetson said.
Plans were submitted last week to the city's development services department. It will take three to six months to go through the review process of design and environmental impacts, Kwong said. The Planning Commission has final approval of the project.
Westfield is also planning to submit a document detailing its costs and request for city subsidy to the city's economic development department. That department will evaluate the request and take a recommendation to the City Council by the end of the year, officials said.
Between this proposal of an additional 140K square feet, 60K on the 700 block of K Street, 23K at 621, 15K at Aura and 60K at The Towers, we should see a nice a jump in retail options in the next few years.
The Good -
-The exterior improvements have always been big in my mind to help transform DTP into something more urban and pedestrian friendly versus the bunker it is now. Now they just need to do the same on the J Street side now.
- The grocery store is much needed. Of the three mentioned, I really hope the local Nugget gets the nod.
-I have always favored having the theaters above Hard Rock at 7th and K. The location is much more strategic being at the foot of K Street Mall, plus I would rather see Westfield build up and leave more room for other retail.
-I like the Target idea. I don't think it is going to be a major draw outside of area, but it would serve the area residents nicely. BUT, they still need to attract a higher end store. Target alone won't cut it.
My ideal combination of anchors stores would be Macy's, Target and a higher end store in the area of a Saks, Neimun Markus, Bloomingdales, or even a Nordstrom. I think that would cover discount shopping, middle income and higher incomes. I would like to see one of the Macy's locations expanded a couple of floors and moved into one location to make room for another anchor. I have to imagine Macys would see the benefit of having all departments all in one location versus on opposites sides of DTP.
The bad -
- I was hoping the Macy's stores would get some exterior improvements on the L Street side to open them up as well.
-The 20M is too much. I don't think it's wise to spend that much money on this project. I would be more comfortable if that amount was in the 10M range. The city needs to make sure it leaves enough money to encourage as much housing as possible. I do expect that number to come down though with some negotiations from the city
Couple of other things as well:
First - We all know there is only a certain amount of redevelopment left and many more projects than money.
While I am not a big advocate of holding the big community meeting on an individual project and slows things down, but in this case I would really like to see the city hold something where we can take a look at everything that is out there for redevelopment money and let the community give their input on what they feel the money would be best spent on.
I don't want something like the JKL that took a couple years to shake down, but just something or one night for people to have an educated idea of what is out there and give input to the city council and planners
Let all the developers come to the communty and pitch their idea.
Who is to say there isn't a 500 unit affordable housing proposal out there that could be built with this 15M? But not if we give the money to Westfield.
Second - This Luree Stetson lady is really starting to piss me off. The reason your theater is venerable is because it is a piece of shit. The experience of watching a film there is terrible. If the company that owns the Tower would put some money into it, it might actually be a place people would want to go.
The Tower is owned by Reading Entertainment, a corporation that hides behind the shadow of the Tower Theater. They bitch and moan about how can the city give money to the big bad corporation Century when they are exactly the same thing.
Why don't they come up with a plan on how to fix the Tower and bring it to the city to see how it can help? They could have had a piece of the 100M community reinvestment dollars that were handed out earlier this year to things like The Crocker, Memorial, Sacramento Zoo and others.
They have been "in the process" for years now. They need to stop bitching and step up to the plate.
___________________________________________________________________
Makeover for downtown mall unveiled
By Terri Hardy -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:01 am PDT Thursday, August 17, 2006
The owners of the aging Downtown Plaza have submitted plans to the city for a $100 million renovation and expansion that would include a Target, an upscale grocery store and a controversial theater complex above the Hard Rock Cafe.
The project comes with a steep request -- a city subsidy of as much as $20 million.
We have a development plan that is going to have broad support and position the Downtown Plaza for the future," said Larry Green, senior vice president of development for the mall's owner, Westfield Corp. Inc. "It has a major entertainment component, a new major anchor."City leaders said they are excited that the long-anticipated project finally has been submitted to the planning department. Officials for years have criticized Westfield's inattention and lack of reinvestment at the Westfield Shoppingtown Downtown Plaza.
"We've been asking Westfield to come back with a comprehensive makeover and it sounds like they've done that," said Vice Mayor Rob Fong.
Councilman Ray Tretheway, whose district includes downtown, said Westfield's proposal removes many, many doubts" about the mall owner's commitment to the property.
The plan would expand by 140,000 square feet the 1.2 million-square-foot mall, said David Kwong, city planning manager.
Westfield envisions transforming the office-like exterior into a sleek, open and updated building. Said Green, "It will have a strong retail presence -- you'll see fashion, see display windows, see people moving up and down -- a significant change to the L Street facade."
The structure at 515 L St., which houses Morton's of Chicago restaurant, would be torn down. It would be replaced with a grocery store on the ground floor and a 400,000-square-foot Target on the second and third levels, city officials said.
Westfield has signed a letter of intent with Target but is not officially naming the company as its new anchor until the city and Westfield's board approve the plans. However, city officials say the store is a Target.
Westfield hasn't signed a supermarket, but has talked with Whole Foods, Nugget and Bristol Farms.
The seven theaters now at the west end of the mall would be eliminated and the food court expanded, with an addition of a new restaurant or more retail. A new, expanded 3,800-seat theater complex would be moved to Seventh and K streets.
The Hard Rock Cafe would be on the first level, a retail store on the second, and the cineplex on the third floor.
Westfield listened to a city request to place the theaters atop the Hard Rock to boost foot traffic on the struggling K Street mall, Kaplan said. But the engineering difficulties and extra costs inherent in that design would require city financial help.
Early last year, Westfield estimated that the theater job would take a $5 million city subsidy. Skyrocketing construction costs substantially boosted the price tag, Kaplan said.
"We're doing everything we can to make the city's desire a reality, but the reality is that it will take a higher contribution than estimated," Kaplan said.
Westfield will be competing for a dwindling amount of redevelopment funds. Several large projects have put in requests for city subsidies in excess of $104 million, but $22 million remains in the redevelopment kitty.
On Wednesday, the Downtown Sacramento Partnership board voted to recommend that the two biggest priorities are moving the Greyhound bus station and renovating Westfield.
Michael Ault, executive director of the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, said the two projects are pivotal to the success of the city's urban core. However, he said it's time to hear specifics about other tenants and detail why $20 million is needed.
Tretheway said the council would need to carefully weigh all applications for funds, including Westfield's. "The good news for them is that they have their plans in and they're now in line," he said. "If they'd kept missing their deadlines, they would have been out of the picture."
Meanwhile, community leaders have said they fear a larger complex will show art films and put the Broadway's venerable Tower Theatre out of business.
Century Theatres, which operates movies at Downtown Plaza, has said it wanted 16 screens in in expanded movie complex. But Century's merger with Cinemark Theatres has made it unclear how many screens would be built, Westfield said. Fong and other city leaders have said they will allow no more than 12 screens.
Luree Stetson, a member of the Tower District Alliance, said the position of Alliance and of Reading International, owners of the Tower, hasn't changed, she said. "A plan with 3,800 seats is a problem," Stetson said.
Plans were submitted last week to the city's development services department. It will take three to six months to go through the review process of design and environmental impacts, Kwong said. The Planning Commission has final approval of the project.
Westfield is also planning to submit a document detailing its costs and request for city subsidy to the city's economic development department. That department will evaluate the request and take a recommendation to the City Council by the end of the year, officials said.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Friday, August 11, 2006
New Member to LivingInUrbanSac
I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce the first and only other contributing member to LivingInUrbanSac, Mike Zwahlen
Mike captures amazing photos of Sacramento, in particular Downtown and Midtown. I have asked him to periodically stop by and show off some of his work to people who read this blog.
I think you will agree when seeing his pictures, Mike shows some amazing sides of Sacramento.
Mike captures amazing photos of Sacramento, in particular Downtown and Midtown. I have asked him to periodically stop by and show off some of his work to people who read this blog.
I think you will agree when seeing his pictures, Mike shows some amazing sides of Sacramento.
Live Theatre at 10th and K Coming True?
Looks like we may actually get that live theatre venue t 10th and K after all.
City Council Staff Report
Next Tuesday, the city council with enter a ERN with K Street Central for converting the Woolworth building at the corner of 10th and K into a 200+ seat live theater space, with restaurant and second level lounge and patio space.
This is an excellent project. Like I have stated before, the east end of K Street (10th - 13th) could easily be our "Theater District" with the community center (God, that place need a face lift) Crest, Imax, Music Circus, and Memorial all within a few blocks. Another venue will further develop that idea of a "Theater District". Mix in a series of restaurants and nightclubs for all ages and the synergy will be amazing.
The deal is going to cost some redevelopment money, but culture and arts projects like this don't happen without public help.
The time line seems pretty aggressive as well, it says it may be open by early 2008. So let's hope it's done by mid 2008.
The other portion of the 10th and K project sounds like is going to be a 14-story condo project by the CIM Group. The same developers as the 800 J Lofts project that just completed. That project is coming further down the road though.
City Council Staff Report
Next Tuesday, the city council with enter a ERN with K Street Central for converting the Woolworth building at the corner of 10th and K into a 200+ seat live theater space, with restaurant and second level lounge and patio space.
This is an excellent project. Like I have stated before, the east end of K Street (10th - 13th) could easily be our "Theater District" with the community center (God, that place need a face lift) Crest, Imax, Music Circus, and Memorial all within a few blocks. Another venue will further develop that idea of a "Theater District". Mix in a series of restaurants and nightclubs for all ages and the synergy will be amazing.
The deal is going to cost some redevelopment money, but culture and arts projects like this don't happen without public help.
The time line seems pretty aggressive as well, it says it may be open by early 2008. So let's hope it's done by mid 2008.
The other portion of the 10th and K project sounds like is going to be a 14-story condo project by the CIM Group. The same developers as the 800 J Lofts project that just completed. That project is coming further down the road though.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Sacramento Civil War: The Arena Debate
I have stayed away from this topic since there was nothing ever finalized. Finally after 6 years the debate has come to the forefront.
Bottom line for me: We need this arena.
I hear so many arguments against this and many times they are very shortsighted and only make this out to be about the Kings and the Maloofs. Those people are wrong.
We hear a lot about how it will energize downtown, yeah that may be the case for the Railyards, but downtown is already on it's way. This is truly about quality of life here in Sacramento and how to make it even better.
*People argue that entertainment dollars simply shift from one location to another locally.
While that may be the case in other cities, that is not the case here in Sacramento. Other cities, such as SF, have multiple facilities that can hold large events. If they lose one, the event will most likely go to another venue.
Think about it, here in Sacramento, we have Arco Arena and that is it for major concerts. Sorry, but I don't see Bocelli or U2 performing at the Memorial. Anyone in Sacramento that wants to see those performances will now have to travel to the Bay Area for shows...thus taking all their entertainment dollars with them. Of those 17,317 people that go to events at Arco, how many of them do you think go out to dinner or drinks before hand? 1/4? 1/3? Whatever the amount is, that money that people spend at events will be leaving Sacramento.
Say what you want, but if the Maloofs leave, Arco is gone and we are stuck without a major venue for shows. We can look forward to spend $3-$4 a gallon and two hours each way to drive to the Bay Area. I think we can tell which way those dollars are heading
*I can't afford to go to Kings game.
It makes me laugh when I hear people talk about how they can't go to Kings game because it's too expensive. Yes, there are really some people who can't afford to go to a Kings game, but a majority of those people who say that are wrong.
You can go to a game and pay a whopping $10 per ticket, add a couple bucks for ticketmaster charge and that's $12 a ticket.
Oh but the parking and the food!!!
Don't want to pay the high prices for bad food..guess what? Try eating at home before the game. Don't want to pay $8 for a beer? Kill a 6 pack in the parking lot before the game.
Don't want to pay $10 for parking? Park at the Safeway or Raley's and walk 15 mins.
You can go to a Kings game for about the same price as going to a movie or 2 daily Starbuck runs. There are cheap ways to go to a game. You don't have to sit front court with 3 beers and 2 hot dogs to be at the game and enjoy yourself
*I don't want my tax dollars going for something I don't use.
That argument holds no water. My taxes go toward quite a few things that I don't use or think I should have to pay for. Since when did we get to check off on our tax returns what we want our taxes to go toward?
The classic example is I don't have kids yet, why should I have my taxes go toward schools I may never even use them. When I have kids I may send them to private school..why should I pay taxes?
Why? Because it's for the betterment of the city, that is why. Just like the arena will be.
*There are other needs.
There will always be other needs. There will always been homeless, poor people, pot holes and other things. Other cites have them and will always have them, we have them and will always have them. The difference is those cities also realize it's not a choice of one or the other. With this tax that equates to $0.25 cents per $100 on TAXABLE goods we can start to take care of those things.
*Value of the Arena
We hear all about this being an "investment" in Sacramento. When you invest in something you want to see what the return on investment is. The problem is the only thing I heard people talk about is the monetary return.
I REALLY REALLY wish people would think of the non-monetary value ("value" is such a subjective word)
For me, there is nothing like a watching a game at neighborhood bar or restaurant where everyone in the place is there for one thing...to root for our home team.
I can be sitting next to a ditch digger, a lawyer, a doctor, a teacher, an executive manager but for those two hours all socioeconomic go out the door and everyone is there for the one common cause...to watch the Kings kick the crap out of the Lakers. (I hate you Horry!!)
There are very few things in this city that can do that.
There is "value" in that. The value of civic pride. The value of seeing the Wells Fargo Building lite up in purple as the Kings and Monarchs make their playoffs runs, the value of civic camaraderie.
I heard someone at the County Supervisions meetings say something that totally stuck with me.
(Paraphrased)
"I don't want to have to drive to the Bay Area to create my memories. I want them in my home city"
-The memories of taking your children or grandchildren to see the Wiggles with a big smile on their face.
-The memories of taking your daughter to the latest boy band concert with the smile and satisfaction of knowing how much that meant to her.
- The memories of how excited you felt during game 5 of the conference finals when Mike Bibby hit that game winning shot in game while Chris Webber layed out Derek Fisher.
- The memories of how painful it was when Robert Horry hit that game winning 3 pointer at the buzzer of game 4.
-The memories of taking your son or daughter in person or on TV to his first Kings or Monarchs game with jersey that sports the name "Sacramento" on the front. (I have them in storage already for my first son)
-The memories of seeing some of the most entertaining, famous and talented performers and musical acts in the world. Bocelli, U2, Yanni, Elton John, Mariah Carey, Johan Strauss Orchestra, Champions on Ice, Ringling Brothers, ..the list go on and on!
Talk about "value". I want those values HERE in MY home city, Sacramento
____
I hope people realize that there will be many many other things Sacramento will be able to do with this money than just the arena. There will be an additional 600-700 MILLION dollars that Sacramento can invest in itself. More parks, more police, more fire stations, more libraries, helping the homeless, maybe a new museum or performing arts center.
Where will this money come from if we don't appove this?
There is something in this ballot measure for everyone. Let's not get blinded by the short sightedness of people that only want to make this about the Kings and Maloofs. This is about MUCH MUCH more than just basketball.
If it were just the Kings I would say, yeah it sucks but we will be fine. But when looking at the big picture, we need this new facility.
I urge people to vote YES on both measures in November.
Bottom line for me: We need this arena.
I hear so many arguments against this and many times they are very shortsighted and only make this out to be about the Kings and the Maloofs. Those people are wrong.
We hear a lot about how it will energize downtown, yeah that may be the case for the Railyards, but downtown is already on it's way. This is truly about quality of life here in Sacramento and how to make it even better.
*People argue that entertainment dollars simply shift from one location to another locally.
While that may be the case in other cities, that is not the case here in Sacramento. Other cities, such as SF, have multiple facilities that can hold large events. If they lose one, the event will most likely go to another venue.
Think about it, here in Sacramento, we have Arco Arena and that is it for major concerts. Sorry, but I don't see Bocelli or U2 performing at the Memorial. Anyone in Sacramento that wants to see those performances will now have to travel to the Bay Area for shows...thus taking all their entertainment dollars with them. Of those 17,317 people that go to events at Arco, how many of them do you think go out to dinner or drinks before hand? 1/4? 1/3? Whatever the amount is, that money that people spend at events will be leaving Sacramento.
Say what you want, but if the Maloofs leave, Arco is gone and we are stuck without a major venue for shows. We can look forward to spend $3-$4 a gallon and two hours each way to drive to the Bay Area. I think we can tell which way those dollars are heading
*I can't afford to go to Kings game.
It makes me laugh when I hear people talk about how they can't go to Kings game because it's too expensive. Yes, there are really some people who can't afford to go to a Kings game, but a majority of those people who say that are wrong.
You can go to a game and pay a whopping $10 per ticket, add a couple bucks for ticketmaster charge and that's $12 a ticket.
Oh but the parking and the food!!!
Don't want to pay the high prices for bad food..guess what? Try eating at home before the game. Don't want to pay $8 for a beer? Kill a 6 pack in the parking lot before the game.
Don't want to pay $10 for parking? Park at the Safeway or Raley's and walk 15 mins.
You can go to a Kings game for about the same price as going to a movie or 2 daily Starbuck runs. There are cheap ways to go to a game. You don't have to sit front court with 3 beers and 2 hot dogs to be at the game and enjoy yourself
*I don't want my tax dollars going for something I don't use.
That argument holds no water. My taxes go toward quite a few things that I don't use or think I should have to pay for. Since when did we get to check off on our tax returns what we want our taxes to go toward?
The classic example is I don't have kids yet, why should I have my taxes go toward schools I may never even use them. When I have kids I may send them to private school..why should I pay taxes?
Why? Because it's for the betterment of the city, that is why. Just like the arena will be.
*There are other needs.
There will always be other needs. There will always been homeless, poor people, pot holes and other things. Other cites have them and will always have them, we have them and will always have them. The difference is those cities also realize it's not a choice of one or the other. With this tax that equates to $0.25 cents per $100 on TAXABLE goods we can start to take care of those things.
*Value of the Arena
We hear all about this being an "investment" in Sacramento. When you invest in something you want to see what the return on investment is. The problem is the only thing I heard people talk about is the monetary return.
I REALLY REALLY wish people would think of the non-monetary value ("value" is such a subjective word)
For me, there is nothing like a watching a game at neighborhood bar or restaurant where everyone in the place is there for one thing...to root for our home team.
I can be sitting next to a ditch digger, a lawyer, a doctor, a teacher, an executive manager but for those two hours all socioeconomic go out the door and everyone is there for the one common cause...to watch the Kings kick the crap out of the Lakers. (I hate you Horry!!)
There are very few things in this city that can do that.
There is "value" in that. The value of civic pride. The value of seeing the Wells Fargo Building lite up in purple as the Kings and Monarchs make their playoffs runs, the value of civic camaraderie.
I heard someone at the County Supervisions meetings say something that totally stuck with me.
(Paraphrased)
"I don't want to have to drive to the Bay Area to create my memories. I want them in my home city"
-The memories of taking your children or grandchildren to see the Wiggles with a big smile on their face.
-The memories of taking your daughter to the latest boy band concert with the smile and satisfaction of knowing how much that meant to her.
- The memories of how excited you felt during game 5 of the conference finals when Mike Bibby hit that game winning shot in game while Chris Webber layed out Derek Fisher.
- The memories of how painful it was when Robert Horry hit that game winning 3 pointer at the buzzer of game 4.
-The memories of taking your son or daughter in person or on TV to his first Kings or Monarchs game with jersey that sports the name "Sacramento" on the front. (I have them in storage already for my first son)
-The memories of seeing some of the most entertaining, famous and talented performers and musical acts in the world. Bocelli, U2, Yanni, Elton John, Mariah Carey, Johan Strauss Orchestra, Champions on Ice, Ringling Brothers, ..the list go on and on!
Talk about "value". I want those values HERE in MY home city, Sacramento
____
I hope people realize that there will be many many other things Sacramento will be able to do with this money than just the arena. There will be an additional 600-700 MILLION dollars that Sacramento can invest in itself. More parks, more police, more fire stations, more libraries, helping the homeless, maybe a new museum or performing arts center.
Where will this money come from if we don't appove this?
There is something in this ballot measure for everyone. Let's not get blinded by the short sightedness of people that only want to make this about the Kings and Maloofs. This is about MUCH MUCH more than just basketball.
If it were just the Kings I would say, yeah it sucks but we will be fine. But when looking at the big picture, we need this new facility.
I urge people to vote YES on both measures in November.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Lavender Heights
The Lavender Heights neighborhood in Midtown Sacramento.
AKA - The Castro of Sacramento.
If you have ever passed by K Street around 20th in the evening, you know that it is a very very active part of midtown. On the horizon, there are many projects that will enhance the neighborhood and turn it into a major gay and lesbian nightlife hub in Sacramento
You will also find a lot of interesting places to shop, eat, drink and party in this part of midtown.
PLUS, a lot of the ladies I know like going to this establishment so they can just dance and have fun without worrying about getting hit on by guys! Getting hit on by other women, different story..haha
Having a strong gay and lesbian neighborhood is important in my mind in creating a diverse urban area. With the housing that is being added to 18th and L, 21st and L and the L Street Lofts we should see a nice influx of people into this area soon.
I have a friend who left Sacramento to attend graduate school in Colorado who had been wonder how the projects have been going. So this past weekend I offered to head out and snap a few pictures of the projects that are happening in the area for him.
Faces Expansion
This project has been in the works for many years, and has finally got going. I had a chance to talk to Terry who owns Faces and he says the addition should be done by the end of September. I'm not sure how that is possible. I couldn't figure out where the hell the swimming pool was supposed to go. (Yes, there really is supposed to be one)
Badlands Sacramento
This is a nightclub in San Francisco on Castro that is branching out to Sacramento. The location is right between The Depot and Hot Rods.
I also had to change to talk to Marge who own The Depot, and I think she said Hot Rods as well. She mentioned that they are going to open a Martini Bar on top of Hot Rod, or something like that. So add another bar to the mix in addition to this one.
Patio Bar
Also, Marge said that the owners of Bistro 33 are opening a new restaurant in the MARRS project on the corner closest to Headhunters. From what I understood, it won’t be under another Bistro 33, but something brand new with a new name. In addition, there will be a new bar, and another restaurant on the other corner. Plus, more retail as well. That is going to be one crazy part of midtown. In all, around 7 or 8 bars within a block or two.
M.A.R.R.S
Sorry, it was hard to get a decent picture.
Recently completed Headhunters accross the street from Faces.
and a departing shot of The Merc...
I thought this was a cool banner hanging on one of the buildigns in the area...
AKA - The Castro of Sacramento.
If you have ever passed by K Street around 20th in the evening, you know that it is a very very active part of midtown. On the horizon, there are many projects that will enhance the neighborhood and turn it into a major gay and lesbian nightlife hub in Sacramento
You will also find a lot of interesting places to shop, eat, drink and party in this part of midtown.
PLUS, a lot of the ladies I know like going to this establishment so they can just dance and have fun without worrying about getting hit on by guys! Getting hit on by other women, different story..haha
Having a strong gay and lesbian neighborhood is important in my mind in creating a diverse urban area. With the housing that is being added to 18th and L, 21st and L and the L Street Lofts we should see a nice influx of people into this area soon.
I have a friend who left Sacramento to attend graduate school in Colorado who had been wonder how the projects have been going. So this past weekend I offered to head out and snap a few pictures of the projects that are happening in the area for him.
Faces Expansion
This project has been in the works for many years, and has finally got going. I had a chance to talk to Terry who owns Faces and he says the addition should be done by the end of September. I'm not sure how that is possible. I couldn't figure out where the hell the swimming pool was supposed to go. (Yes, there really is supposed to be one)
Badlands Sacramento
This is a nightclub in San Francisco on Castro that is branching out to Sacramento. The location is right between The Depot and Hot Rods.
I also had to change to talk to Marge who own The Depot, and I think she said Hot Rods as well. She mentioned that they are going to open a Martini Bar on top of Hot Rod, or something like that. So add another bar to the mix in addition to this one.
Patio Bar
Also, Marge said that the owners of Bistro 33 are opening a new restaurant in the MARRS project on the corner closest to Headhunters. From what I understood, it won’t be under another Bistro 33, but something brand new with a new name. In addition, there will be a new bar, and another restaurant on the other corner. Plus, more retail as well. That is going to be one crazy part of midtown. In all, around 7 or 8 bars within a block or two.
M.A.R.R.S
Sorry, it was hard to get a decent picture.
Recently completed Headhunters accross the street from Faces.
and a departing shot of The Merc...
I thought this was a cool banner hanging on one of the buildigns in the area...
Thursday, July 27, 2006
800 K and L Street Project
800 K and L Street Project
2 - 300 Foot Buildings
Developer: John Saca, Mo Mohanna, John Lambeth
Architect: Kwan Henmi
Option 1)
Tower 1: 300 Loft Sytle Condos facing K and 8th Street
Tower 2: 300K Sqaure Feet Office Space facing L and 8th Street
17,730 Square Feet Ground Floor Retail
Option 2)
Tower 1 and 2: 600 Loft Sytle Condos
17,730 Square Feet Ground Floor Retail
This architect is the same as the one doing The Metropolitan and Cathedral Square. I got say, it shows. All the buildings have a very similar look to them. Not to say I don't like the look, but it's somewhat odd that they all look very much the same. The tower itself reminds me of The Metropolitan and the base and podium look like they are taken from Cathedral Square
I would have liked to see some 2 story retail on tee project. If K Street is going to be a retail mecca for Sacramento, we need to push the envelope on the ground floor.
The two options are interesting. I would rather have the 600 condo units, but given that the office market has made a strong comeback over the last year, Saca may choose to go the office route.
___________________________________________________________________
The Kress Building on the left just screams to me "Turn me back into a department store!!"
Photos of what this development will replace:
2 - 300 Foot Buildings
Developer: John Saca, Mo Mohanna, John Lambeth
Architect: Kwan Henmi
Option 1)
Tower 1: 300 Loft Sytle Condos facing K and 8th Street
Tower 2: 300K Sqaure Feet Office Space facing L and 8th Street
17,730 Square Feet Ground Floor Retail
Option 2)
Tower 1 and 2: 600 Loft Sytle Condos
17,730 Square Feet Ground Floor Retail
This architect is the same as the one doing The Metropolitan and Cathedral Square. I got say, it shows. All the buildings have a very similar look to them. Not to say I don't like the look, but it's somewhat odd that they all look very much the same. The tower itself reminds me of The Metropolitan and the base and podium look like they are taken from Cathedral Square
I would have liked to see some 2 story retail on tee project. If K Street is going to be a retail mecca for Sacramento, we need to push the envelope on the ground floor.
The two options are interesting. I would rather have the 600 condo units, but given that the office market has made a strong comeback over the last year, Saca may choose to go the office route.
___________________________________________________________________
The Kress Building on the left just screams to me "Turn me back into a department store!!"
Photos of what this development will replace:
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Everything you wanted to know about downtown development
and MORE!!!
"TowerDistrict" over at skyscraperpage.com put this website together. Point and click on the project on the map, and up pops all the details.
http://www.wayfaring.com/maps/widescreen/20365
Kick ass!!!
"TowerDistrict" over at skyscraperpage.com put this website together. Point and click on the project on the map, and up pops all the details.
http://www.wayfaring.com/maps/widescreen/20365
Kick ass!!!
Thursday, July 13, 2006
More Renderings of The Metropolitan
The Draft EIR for The Metropolitan
Warning: Both volumes combined are 1200 pages. The Towers was only 850ish. I guess the location of The Metropolitan causes some extra issues to be looked at.
It's a lot of blah, blah, blah in which I have no idea what is being analyzed, but there is a nice part in there that talks about the history of the buildings that will be demo'd
It was interesting reading the history of the buildings, with that being said, they need to go. The report says none of them have historical enough value to place on the National Registry
The only one that could be maybe interesting and work is if they rehab is the Plaza Building. But that thing has gone through a ton of changes that it is a shell of what is was. Time to go.
Warning: Both volumes combined are 1200 pages. The Towers was only 850ish. I guess the location of The Metropolitan causes some extra issues to be looked at.
It's a lot of blah, blah, blah in which I have no idea what is being analyzed, but there is a nice part in there that talks about the history of the buildings that will be demo'd
It was interesting reading the history of the buildings, with that being said, they need to go. The report says none of them have historical enough value to place on the National Registry
The only one that could be maybe interesting and work is if they rehab is the Plaza Building. But that thing has gone through a ton of changes that it is a shell of what is was. Time to go.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
The Towers Official Groundbreaking - July 20th
I had this passed to me by a friend who has purchased at The Towers.
I would have never thought 5 years ago something like this could be possible in Sacramento.
_____________________________________________________________________
Hello future Neighbors,
At this time we are extremely pleased to announce the official ground breaking ceremony for The Towers on Capitol Mall. We would like to take this opportunity to extend an invitation to you to join us for this festive and historical event. There will be cocktails, appetizers, and live entertainment performed by The Cheeseballs.
Please join us on July 20th 2006, as we close down Capitol Mall between 3rd and 4th Streets for our ground breaking event and concert. The festivities will begin at 4:00 PM and last until approximately 8:00 PM. The attire is business casual, and this is sure to be a good time. Invitations and tickets will be mailed to you in the very near future, and we hope to see you all there.
We would like to thank you in advance for your participation and for your interest in The Towers on Capitol Mall... THE place to live in Sacramento.
Sincerely,
The Towers Sales Team
I would have never thought 5 years ago something like this could be possible in Sacramento.
_____________________________________________________________________
Hello future Neighbors,
At this time we are extremely pleased to announce the official ground breaking ceremony for The Towers on Capitol Mall. We would like to take this opportunity to extend an invitation to you to join us for this festive and historical event. There will be cocktails, appetizers, and live entertainment performed by The Cheeseballs.
Please join us on July 20th 2006, as we close down Capitol Mall between 3rd and 4th Streets for our ground breaking event and concert. The festivities will begin at 4:00 PM and last until approximately 8:00 PM. The attire is business casual, and this is sure to be a good time. Invitations and tickets will be mailed to you in the very near future, and we hope to see you all there.
We would like to thank you in advance for your participation and for your interest in The Towers on Capitol Mall... THE place to live in Sacramento.
Sincerely,
The Towers Sales Team
Thursday, July 06, 2006
New Renderings of The Metropolitan
This is John Saca's third project that you have probably heard the least about.
Obviously, The Towers and the K Street project grab most of the headlines, but this one is on an equally blighted part of downtown that included the old Biltmore Hotel.
Thanks to joninsac over at Skyscraperpage.com for finding these.
The Metropolitan Kwan Henmi is designing a new 650,000 square-foot, 38-story condominum tower at 10th & J Streets in Sacramento, California. This tower is one of the many new residential buildings emerging in the city’s downtown area, only a few blocks away from city hall and the state capitol. The building will provide the growing residential neighborhood with 350 regular and loft units. The loft units and parking are located in the building podium. Amenities include a gym and roof-top swimming pool
I really dig this one a lot. Not only does it clean up some very blighted parts of downtown, I think it looks awesome. The shot of the building in the nights sky looks great
Obviously, The Towers and the K Street project grab most of the headlines, but this one is on an equally blighted part of downtown that included the old Biltmore Hotel.
Thanks to joninsac over at Skyscraperpage.com for finding these.
The Metropolitan Kwan Henmi is designing a new 650,000 square-foot, 38-story condominum tower at 10th & J Streets in Sacramento, California. This tower is one of the many new residential buildings emerging in the city’s downtown area, only a few blocks away from city hall and the state capitol. The building will provide the growing residential neighborhood with 350 regular and loft units. The loft units and parking are located in the building podium. Amenities include a gym and roof-top swimming pool
I really dig this one a lot. Not only does it clean up some very blighted parts of downtown, I think it looks awesome. The shot of the building in the nights sky looks great
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