We've chronicled some of the issues at Roosevelt Collection in the past and this story doesn't really add any new news about the problems facing the development (i.e. - a ton of vacant retail). However, one interesting tidbit at the end of the story talks about one step the new owner is going to make to hopefully improve the setting:
To improve the project, the developers plan to raze retail buildings in a median at the center of the project, converting the space into a public plaza with landscaping, water features and children's play areas.
“In its present condition, it's not very inviting,” Mr. McCaffery says. “It's not very pedestrian-oriented and it doesn't strike you as a place to quote-unquote gather. If we can do things that make it more of a place to gather, there is a market for that down there.”
It's an interesting idea and if it helps get businesses into the vacant retail we're all for it, however it might be short sighted if you ask us. We were intrigued by the buildings in the middle and thought it added a unique experience to the shopping experience. However, it's hard to complain about a developer removing concrete and replacing it with green space. The more the merrier.
On a personal note, we recently went to a movie at Icon Theaters and the place was absolutely packed. It's hard to believe that there aren't businesses who would want to capitalize on this traffic. Now that Magic is a partner, maybe he can deliver some businesses like he used to deliver the rock...Showtime:
(Hat tip: SoloMotorRow!)
8 comments:
So the owner is going to spend more money in hopes of bringing in retail tenants? It doesn't seem like the "if you build it they will come" recipe has worked so far... But as long as the owner is using their own funds for the improvements I guess they can do what they want with the space. I just hope to see some decent retail or restaurants in there so I stop having to drive to the 'burbs or Northside to shop.
"So the owner is going to spend more money in hopes of bringing in retail tenants?"
It may not work for various reasons, but the design really is very car orientated, so sounds great to me that they want to tackle that. Biggest problem probably is the location. It's easily accessible, but so off to the side of the sloop that there isn't any random walk through traffic.
Something doesn't make sense here. Those central restaurant pavilions were probably the only part of the project built with black iron (for kitchen ventilation). Tearing them down means nothing but fast food in the retail space. And the gathering space was supposed to be the park the developer is still obligated to build north of the still-unopened staircase.
I'm with Mr. Downtown. Where's our park?! And why aren't those stairs open?!
Yeah, I'm all for having some green area for the hubbies to have a place to sit while they wait on their wives, but do they have to tear down already built buildings, especially if Mr Downtown is right, and that's the only place restaurants could be put in.
The park is an interesting question. The last I heard, it was supposed to happen next year, but with the change in ownership, not sure what's happening. The city usually makes them stick to such agreements. ....
Why does this post include a video of an American basketball game? Are they planning recreational facilities for the new open space?
^^ can't tell if trolling or just very stupid
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