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"Left Bank"

Cultural District West 7th Mixed-Use Retail Hotel New Construction

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#101 John T Roberts

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Posted 27 October 2013 - 07:30 PM

I didn't go down that stretch of 7th when the bridge was closed.  That's probably why I didn't know when they put the sign up.



#102 Jeriat

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Posted 27 October 2013 - 10:13 PM

I didn't go down that stretch of 7th when the bridge was closed.  That's probably why I didn't know when they put the sign up.

 
Ah, ok. 

I've just been doing a lot of riding in between downtown and the other Core Hoods, so I just happened to notice it a while back.

They even have a "Go Frogs" written on one of them. 


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#103 Austin55

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Posted 28 November 2013 - 02:11 AM

There's some really nice mature trees scattered around the site. I hope maybe some can be preserved and turned into parkspace or sidewalk shade. 

 

cubtdAk.jpg

 

Lots of empty land now, demolition going well.

t2rD8tb.jpg

 

I'd love to see a site plan of how everything looks. 



#104 johnfwd

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Posted 02 March 2014 - 11:50 AM

Here's an update by Nishimura in the FW Business Press.  More residential and less retail, but plans are for a 150-200 room hotel on the site.

 

http://fwbusinesspre...es-retail-.aspx



#105 BlueMound

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Posted 02 March 2014 - 12:57 PM

The levees will not be lowered at Left Bank ?
Did I read that right ?

#106 Austin55

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Posted 02 March 2014 - 02:52 PM

Wow there's a lot to take in that article.

 

 

 

Buildout could occur over five to seven years, “if the market stayed consistent as it is today,” Miller said.

 

Gonna take some patience.

 

The 1,700 residential units are about 300 more than originally envisioned. To bump up residential density, Miller will have to remove one street from the current layout and move a major water line, Granger said. Current plans for the 10-block site call for several mid-rise residential buildings of five to six stories apiece. Plans are still fluid, Miller said.

 

 

I really hope that all this residential is done well, similar to how West 7th (along Crockett in particular) is. The So7 development, while dense with residential, is rather enclosed on itself and not really walkable, as in, there aren't any retail destinations within it. Hearing that the buildings will be that tall gives me confidence.

 

TexRail’s long-term plan calls for a light rail station on the line between the Centergy site and Montgomery Plaza to the west.

 

 

I did not know this, but it really changes the way I think of this project. It adds an interesting mix of transit modes that this project needs to oriented towards. Pedestrian, cars and bikes along 7th, rail to west, and the river to the east. It needs to be transit oriented, not something suburban like we have across the railroad tracks at montgomery.

 

Buildings fronting the levee that separates the development from the Trinity will most likely include two levels of garage, Miller said. On top of that, the ground floor would be level with the levee’s top.

The planned hotel, for one, could have uses such as a swimming pool, patio and deck overlooking the top of the levee, the riverfront and downtown, Granger said. TRVA and water district employees would still have easy access to the levee for inspection, he said.

 

 

This sounds awesome. I understand that you need to accommodate for cars, so putting them in garages (and not surface lots) that are hidden from view as much as possible is the best way to do it. And I'm glad to see developers making the river something to embrace. On a large scale, that's never happened in FW. 

 

Centergy has pursued Whole Foods, but “it’s not Whole Foods,” Miller said. Whole Foods is widely believed in real estate circles to be committing to a site in the Bryant Irvin Road corridor off the soon-to-open Chisholm Trail Parkway in southwest Fort Worth.

 

 

Interesting. 

 

The hotel site has drawn significant interest from potential partners, Miller said, and it will go to a high-end, full-service name new to Fort Worth.

 

 

Also interesting. Aloft is supposed be the one going in at Museum place right? Curious what will be here. 

 

I can't wait to see a siteplan and more rendering for this. Exciting stuff.



#107 John T Roberts

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Posted 02 March 2014 - 07:40 PM

It looks promising.  There had always been a rail station planned for that location.  I also knew that the levees would not be lowered on the west side of the river, or the diversion channel.



#108 Russ Graham

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Posted 03 March 2014 - 11:08 AM

Scott Nishamura has been busy!  This article is packed with good info, just like the profile he did on Bennet Benner a couple of weeks ago.  Really good stuff.  Thanks for linking it and summarizing it, johndfw & Austin.

 

I really like the fact that the city is trying to bump up the residential density here, when there are currently so many empty / underused retail locations in the west 7th area.  



#109 renamerusk

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Posted 03 March 2014 - 11:56 AM

This article is packed with good info...I really like the fact that the city is trying to bump up the residential density ..... 

 

So true.

 

This developer will bring in some much needed mid rise housing near the river.  The parking garage scheme is brilliant. It also seems he will bring in some new retail that has performed well in other parts of the metroplex but are not currently in FW making their development a top retail destination.   As for missing out on Whole Foods and Neiman's, no big deal.  Bring on and include a Nordstrom and a Kroger Signature and you have a sure bet.



#110 FWFD1247

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Posted 03 March 2014 - 01:39 PM

...Bring on and include a Nordstrom and a Kroger Signature and you have a sure bet.


I hope they bring a grocery retailer from Texas like Central Market, I know there is the location at 30 and Hulen, but I am all for HEB/ Central Market being the prime grocery retailers in Fort Worth. I hope Whole Foods and Neiman Marcus regret the opportunity they passed up.

16atmjd.jpg


#111 johnfwd

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Posted 11 March 2014 - 11:55 AM

Another Nishimura article (FW Bus Press) on proposed Cultural District, W7, and environs projects.  Some is re-hashed from previous reports but I thought the drawing pinpointing specific project locations, along with capsulated descriptions, was nicely done.

 

http://fwbusinesspre...developers.aspx



#112 Fort Worthology

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Posted 11 March 2014 - 01:57 PM

All the talk in the article of the need for a non-bus transit circulator for the area...YEAH THAT WOULD BE NICE, IF ONLY SOME PEOPLE HAD TRIED TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN AHEAD OF TIME (heavy sigh) (drinks entire bottle of bourbon)

 

(Also, the T's "we already have 7th Street service" quote - LOL, if you guys REALLY believe you've already got sufficient service there, that bodes very poorly for the future.)


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#113 John S.

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Posted 11 March 2014 - 02:18 PM

Austin 55 quoted: "Build-out is going to take five to seven years "if the market stayed consistent as it is today" said Miller" Austin55 replied: "Gonna take some patience". I completely concur but Fort Worth does have a spotty record of very experienced developers entering the market with bad timing and paying heavily for that mistake. Both the developers of Le Bijou and Villa De Leon projects correctly gauged the market for luxury condominiums in Fort Worth at the time but understandably could not foresee the economic damages the Great Recession would inflict on their projects. I don't think anyone has an economic crystal ball clear enough to see more than a couple years down the road to anticipate likely market trends or changes. Given that most projects take a number of years from initial concept, to land purchasing, to setting up funding, to breaking ground and the building phase before finally realizing a return on their investments, even the most cautious developers are still taking some degree of risk. The time span of five to seven years can almost seem like an eternity in the rapid changing global economy. I respect those individuals with the courage to put their money and reputations on the line for longer term projects-it's almost amazing that they are willing to attempt these at all. Thankfully, due to all the more recent projects along West 7th beginning with initial new housing like the Firestone Apartments followed by the adaptive re-use of the old Montgomery Ward building and surrounding retail development, West 7th has emerged as one of Fort Worth's premier new development areas. The Left Bank is a logical extension of an already proven successful development phenomenon. Fort Worth's pattern of urban development has always been slower and more calculated than in some cities but I'd argue with such caution have come fewer development failures. Then again, development can only proceed at a rate equal to demand and with projects on-going across the city it's sometime difficult to gauge how robust that demand is going to be for a specific project. Taking a deliberate well thought out approach in phases reduces the likelihood of failure, in my opinion. I think the five to seven year build-out rate seems quite reasonable in light of how economic forces have drastically fluctuated over the past decade. Economic speculation rather than grounding in sound business practices are much to blame for these fluctuations. I like the slower Fort Worth approach and look forward to the Left Bank development becoming another jewel in our new 21st century Fort Worth.



#114 Russ Graham

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Posted 11 March 2014 - 02:54 PM

All the talk in the article of the need for a non-bus transit circulator for the area...YEAH THAT WOULD BE NICE, IF ONLY SOME PEOPLE HAD TRIED TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN AHEAD OF TIME (heavy sigh) (drinks entire bottle of bourbon)

 

(Also, the T's "we already have 7th Street service" quote - LOL, if you guys REALLY believe you've already got sufficient service there, that bodes very poorly for the future.)

 

Well put.  Hopefully that is some of our local TX bourbon which I can wholeheartedly recommend.

 

I thought the entire last paragraph was very telling, especially this quote:

 

"Joan Hunter, spokeswoman for The T, noted the agency’s attention is on trying to secure the downtown-Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport TexRail commuter rail line."

 

Just spelling out what many have long suspected - that the sole focus on TEX is hurting the T's ability to actually provide a useful transit system (bus or otherwise).



#115 RenaissanceMan

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Posted 11 March 2014 - 02:58 PM

 

Just spelling out what many have long suspected - that the sole focus on TEX is hurting the T's ability to actually provide a useful transit system (bus or otherwise).

 

 

I dunno about that... you could make the argument that the only reason why the T is even having to put so much attention toward salvaging TEX is because their sole focus for so long has been on its bus system. Putting rail (of any kind) at the front of the line represents a major leap outside of the T's traditional comfort zone.



#116 Russ Graham

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Posted 11 March 2014 - 04:50 PM

I dunno about that... you could make the argument that the only reason why the T is even having to put so much attention toward salvaging TEX is because their sole focus for so long has been on its bus system. Putting rail (of any kind) at the front of the line represents a major leap outside of the T's traditional comfort zone.

 

Joan Hunter's quote in the context of the article seemed to indicate that the FWTA attention on TexRail is preventing further investment in new transit service in the West 7th corridor - are you reading it differently? 



#117 mmiller2002

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Posted 12 March 2014 - 08:54 PM

Austin 55 quoted: "Build-out is going to take five to seven years "if the market stayed consistent as it is today" said Miller" Austin55 replied: "Gonna take some patience". I completely concur but Fort Worth ... yadayadayada...21st century Fort Worth.

Too wordy to read.  "Left Bank" would work in Paris, Texas...  It does not work on W. 7th.



#118 Jeriat

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Posted 12 March 2014 - 09:23 PM

 "Left Bank" would work in Paris, Texas... 

 

 

 

 

That would just make it cheesy... 


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#119 dfwerdoc

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Posted 20 April 2014 - 02:31 AM

it's going to be called the "trinity left bank" and i think this is the hotel that's coming

 

http://www.valenciagroup.com/



#120 John T Roberts

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Posted 20 April 2014 - 09:10 AM

I'm familiar with the Hotel Valencia in San Antonio. 



#121 BlueMound

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Posted 21 April 2014 - 11:28 PM

I heard that Left Bank plans to build up to 1700 apartments as well as retail, hotel, office ...

Traffic on West 7th is going to be CRAZY !!

#122 dfwerdoc

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Posted 22 April 2014 - 03:49 AM

the plan is to punch 5th street through montgomery plaza .... it'll help unload the traffic on 7th. look at the city plan commission's agenda for april 23rd; bury's plans for the streets and city blocks are posted. the whole thing looks exciting and it'll bring some much needed residential density to the area. 



#123 Austin55

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Posted 25 June 2014 - 11:05 PM

Do you guys love me? Cause I got a siteplan. You can click it to make it bigger.

 

ijPbbTa.jpg

 

Included are a some very interesting things.

 

-There's a lot of parking, but honestly it's less than I expected and a lot of it is within garages. Lots also leave room for potential expansion in the future. Overall, the design is much better than just to the west, for example. 

-At the back is a lisitng for a 250 unit highrise. 

-Lots of retail fronting 7th street, good news. 

-Harold street looks to be the "main" street of Left bank, most of the major buildings are set on it. 

-There's no interaction with the Trinity. This is dissapointing. 

-Looks like the majority of the buildings will be 4-6 floors. 

 

 

There's also this kinda cheesy water coloring rendering that doesn't show much, but maybe shows off some of the architectual motifs and gives a decent idea of what's up. 

 

9mYfVNa.jpg



#124 Jeriat

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Posted 25 June 2014 - 11:46 PM

Do you guys love me? Cause I got a siteplan. You can click it to make it bigger.

 

ijPbbTa.jpg

 

Included are a some very interesting things.

 

-There's a lot of parking, but honestly it's less than I expected and a lot of it is within garages. Lots also leave room for potential expansion in the future. Overall, the design is much better than just to the west, for example. 

-At the back is a lisitng for a 250 unit highrise. 

-Lots of retail fronting 7th street, good news. 

-Harold street looks to be the "main" street of Left bank, most of the major buildings are set on it. 

-There's no interaction with the Trinity. This is dissapointing. 

-Looks like the majority of the buildings will be 4-6 floors. 

 

 

There's also this kinda cheesy water coloring rendering that doesn't show much, but maybe shows off some of the architectual motifs and gives a decent idea of what's up. 

 

9mYfVNa.jpg

 

I couldn't give you enough "likes". 

This is AWESOME! And even though the Iso is a little cheesy, the best part of it is seeing the Panther Island development they put in there. 

 

 

One thing I don't like, though... why are they not connecting Stayton St.? 


7fwPZnE.png

 

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#125 dfwerdoc

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Posted 26 June 2014 - 12:12 AM

what im most exicted about is the future transit station .... 



#126 Austin55

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Posted 26 June 2014 - 12:13 AM

There's a few interesting infrastructure bits I was curious about. That intersection in particular is really dumb. Looks like they just followed the existing street layouts. It's hard to tell but it doesn't look like 5th connects to Montgomery, Maybe that's something the city would come in and do later on. I'm also wondering about the proposed placement of the train station, seems way to far north. It's basically in the loading dock of the petsmart there. IMO, it should be much closer to 7th street. It's a quarter mile from 7th, which makes getting to W7, Museum Place, etc a much further walk.

 

They've got a lot of work to do, can't wait to start seeing some ground moving.



#127 mmmdan

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Posted 26 June 2014 - 06:39 AM

Seems like the plan should be mirrored.  I would have put the residential facing the river and the parking by the railroad tracks.  The only thing I can think of is they are worried about possible break-ins if they were on the river.  Can't say I've heard of this being a problem with all the apartments on the river on River Park Dr.

 

It is nice to see the street parking as opposed to huge parking lots.



#128 Austin55

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Posted 26 June 2014 - 08:06 AM

Seems like the plan should be mirrored.  I would have put the residential facing the river and the parking by the railroad tracks.  The only thing I can think of is they are worried about possible break-ins if they were on the river.  Can't say I've heard of this being a problem with all the apartments on the river on River Park Dr.

 

It is nice to see the street parking as opposed to huge parking lots.

 

I'm wondering if the plans to lower the levees as part of the TRV diversion channel will open up better riverfront development from Left Bank. Perhaps Left Bank will be completed before the diversion channel and then can be added on to after the levees are lowered. But I do agree that there's a lack of good interaction with the river as currently outlined. 



#129 hannerhan

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Posted 26 June 2014 - 08:24 AM

The lack of river interaction is very disappointing.  What happened to having restaurants and other buildings on top of the levee? 

 

Also, as I think I mentioned earlier in the thread, if the only access to this development is from W. 7th St., we are going to have a traffic nightmare on our hands.  I can't really tell by these renderings whether it will be possible to access White Settlement Road from the north end, but hopefully so.  If not, this thing might as well be on an island...doesn't interplay well with the surroundings.



#130 Volare

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Posted 26 June 2014 - 09:07 AM

 

I'm wondering if the plans to lower the levees as part of the TRV diversion channel will open up better riverfront development from Left Bank. Perhaps Left Bank will be completed before the diversion channel and then can be added on to after the levees are lowered. But I do agree that there's a lack of good interaction with the river as currently outlined. 

 

Yeah that's exactly what's going on there. The levee is there, and they can't build a site plan dependant upon the levees coming down, when that might never happen. So they'll build it this way, then if the levees come down they'll have new prime real estate for a string of condo towers along the riverbanks.


It is nice to see the street parking as opposed to huge parking lots.

 

But check out that Target lot in the drawing!! They must be so proud.



#131 RD Milhollin

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Posted 26 June 2014 - 09:51 AM

I would be concerned that This development is going to make the same sort of mistake the developers of lower Samuels Avenue made in overly restricting traffic potential through the area and not providing an adequate intersection with the principal adjacent traffic artery. I understand that the Samuel - Belknap/Weatherford intersection was a mess to begin with, but no improvement to the situation was made when all those housing units were added. The lack of through access in the current project will clog West 7th thoroughly. No need for 7 traffic lanes but Harwood St. should be redeveloped as a through-feeder to allow residents and visitors doing business here to have a way through the project and choices of how to enter and leave. 



#132 JBB

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Posted 26 June 2014 - 12:12 PM

As best I can tell Greenleaf currently connects to White Settlement, but it looks as the bypass channel takes that option away.

#133 renamerusk

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Posted 26 June 2014 - 12:22 PM

Do you guys love me? Cause I got a siteplan.

 

Really is an awesome sneak preview of TLB. 

 

With so much to take in and, like Dfwerdoc, I am intrigued with the transit aspect.  For me the station locale confirms that 7th Street or the Van Cliburn/7th St Bridge is not the optimum route for transit into the area. Instead LBT is favoring a connection to Panther Island, the Stockyards and Downtown via a northerly route.  Siting the LBT station at 5th Street makes sense for a 5th St to Foch Street line connecting Farrington Field, Trinity Park, WRMC and the museums.

 

Congrats A55, definitely among the top ten postings of the year!



#134 Fort Worthology

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Posted 26 June 2014 - 12:43 PM

 

Do you guys love me? Cause I got a siteplan.

 

Really is an awesome sneak preview of TLB. 

 

With so much to take in and, like Dfwerdoc, I am intrigued with the transit aspect.  For me the station locale confirms that 7th Street or the Van Cliburn/7th St Bridge is not the optimum route for transit into the area. Instead LBT is favoring a connection to Panther Island, the Stockyards and Downtown via a northerly route.  Siting the LBT station at 5th Street makes sense for a 5th St to Foch Street line connecting Farrington Field, Trinity Park, WRMC and the museums.

 

Congrats A55, definitely among the top ten postings of the year!

 

 

"7th Street is not the optimum route for transit into the area" - well, no, not when we're talking the kind of trains that we're talking about in a theoretical transit station at Left Bank (which may or may not ever happen, and may or may not be in the location depicted).  It's not the same kind of transit we talk about sending down 7th.

 

Also, even going by the hypothetical rendering in this image, there is nothing about it that "confirms" that 7th is not the optimum transit route for any other form of transit.


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#135 Fort Worthology

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Posted 26 June 2014 - 12:45 PM

It is hard to tell if the development connects through the north side.  If not, it's the same sort of unfortunate design that SoSeven has - basically a giant cul-de-sac.  The only developments thus far that actually play reasonably well with all their surroundings are West 7th and Museum Place (SoSeven being a complete cul-de-sac, and Montgomery Plaza being an inappropriate design that's also completely walled-off from anything behind it).  At the least, I'd like to see pedestrian connections over the tracks and to its surroundings.


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#136 Fort Worthology

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Posted 26 June 2014 - 12:52 PM

Re:  traffic - there's going to be no way around traffic unless and until A.) the developments on 7th are able to interconnect much better than they do today, B.) we allow/encourage/require the development of more walkable, interconnected neighborhoods all over the city (meaning the entirety of the city doesn't have to rely solely on downtown, 7th, and Magnolia for its walkable and desirable neighborhood environment feel), C.) we radically improve transit, as many of us have fought and failed to do so far, and D.) the city stops planning and developing 99% of its transportation systems to utterly require and further encourage more and more driving.  I can't really blame this developer when the city has so utterly dropped the infrastructure ball in so many ways.

 

And even if we squeezed two more traffic lanes onto 7th, as in the old days, all we'd be left with is a larger traffic jam.  That's no way to solve the problem.  (Not to mention that one needs to be careful in "fixing" traffic in a walkable urban neighborhood - fast & free-flowing traffic can be one of the most detrimental things to the neighborhood and its residents.)


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#137 renamerusk

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Posted 26 June 2014 - 01:38 PM


"7th Street is not the optimum route for transit into the area" ....Also, even going by the hypothetical rendering in this image, there is nothing about it that "confirms" that 7th is not the optimum transit route for any other form of transit.

 

Yeah, perhaps "confirms" is too strong of wording.  So instead, "encouraging" to see in their rendering that they are sane enough to visualized the problems of having fixed rail transit v. auto traffic in 7th Street. 

 

One of the misconceptions that seems to hold sway among some is that 7th Street is a "linear' project and that everything revolves around that thoroughfare.  The truth is that the name "7th Street" is a misnomer for the area as it is in actuality a "spatial" project as is demonstrated by the enormous development that has occurred both north and south of the actual street. I would prefer that the area be known by its historical names "Westwood" and "Linwood".  The 7th Street area is unlike Magnolia Street:and which a street that is largely a linear project characterized by having little else of consequence beyond the actual street itself.

 

Businesses and residents in the 7th Street Area are entitled to a transit system that serves everybody withing the ever growing area; one that would "snake through" the area and would connect north and south sections of the area, would connect to the important attractions south of Lancaster and west of University; and would reduce vehicular traffic within the area more effectively than a straight line transit in 7th Street.

 

About Strayton Street Connection: Jeriat, it may be that lining up to Strayton Street would have impacted the space needed for the grocer.  Just my take.

 

I am thrilled about this project and its developers. :wub:

 

Switching to another aspect of the TBL project, I thought it would be fun to see some renderings of other 250 apartment highrises proposed elsewhere - Philadelphia, St.Louis and Minneapolis respectively:

 

http://www.philly.co...lin_Bridge.html

 

http://www.stltoday....50e6cc5d86.html

 

http://www.mprnews.o...s-building-boom



#138 BlueMound

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Posted 26 June 2014 - 02:00 PM

Looks like the levee doesn't get lowered until Dakota Street.



#139 renamerusk

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Posted 26 June 2014 - 02:35 PM

...I'm also wondering about the proposed placement of the train station, seems way to far north. It's basically in the loading dock of the petsmart there. IMO, it should be much closer to 7th street. It's a quarter mile from 7th, which makes getting to W7, Museum Place, etc a much further walk.

 

  In fairness to TBL, should it be concerned about the ease for anyone to get to the other developments in the area? 

 

  Here is another observation about the high rise apartment building and how smart/sensitive the developers appear to be  regarding local politics - the high rise is sited much significantly clear of the "Carter Sight Line" thus avoiding any possible entanglement with the Carter Heirs and giving TBL the freedom to construct a +200ft in height structure.



#140 JBB

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Posted 26 June 2014 - 02:58 PM

 

The 7th Street area is unlike Magnolia Street:and which a street that is largely a linear project characterized by having little else of consequence beyond the actual street itself.


Are you trolling on purpose or by accident? :)

I'm kidding of course, but there are plenty of Near Southside advocates that are going to take exception with that generalization.

#141 Austin55

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Posted 26 June 2014 - 03:01 PM

Just for reference of where the TRV cuts in.
8489891520_b7ce3c3250_o_zps811c972d.jpg


if I can qoute myself here, I have doubts any of the roads will connect north to White Settlement. Perhaps some can connect over the tracks, via Kansas and Weisenberger. The good thing is pedestrian connections ought to be better via the Trinity Trails. Another pedestrian bridge on the south end of the TRV over the bypass channel would be nice.

#142 mmiller2002

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Posted 26 June 2014 - 03:24 PM

How solid is this?  That's a lot of new space to lease in an area that seems to have a lot of space left to lease.  Plus all of the stuff happening around the old LMRA and Clearfork...



#143 Fort Worthology

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Posted 26 June 2014 - 04:00 PM

 

 

 

Yeah, perhaps "confirms" is too strong of wording.  So instead, "encouraging" to see in their rendering that they are sane enough to visualized fixed rail transit v. auto traffic in 7th Street. 

 

One of the misconceptions that seems to hold sway among some is that 7th Street is a "linear' project and that everything revolves around that thoroughfare.  The truth is that the name "7th Street" is a misnomer for the area as it is in actuality a "spatial" project as is demonstrated by the enormous development that has occurred both north and south of the actual street. I would prefer that the area be known by its historical names "Westwood" and "Linwood".  The 7th Street area is unlike Magnolia Street:and which a street that is largely a linear project characterized by having little else of consequence beyond the actual street itself.

 

Businesses and residents in the 7th Street Area are entitled to a transit system that serves everybody withing the ever growing area; one that would "snake through" the area and would connect north and south sections of the area, would connect to the important attractions south of Lancaster and west of University; and would reduce vehicular traffic within the area more effectively than a straight line transit in 7th Street.

 

 

 

There is no misconception on my part about the nature of the 7th Street area (though I'd say you have quite a misconception re: the Southside).  I am well aware of how "7th Street" is the name of a larger area.

 

Making transit "snake through" an area is a surefire way to make it slower, less popular, and less effective - just look at virtually 100% of the city's current bus system.  And sticking a major transit line on a back street so as not to impact the precious automobile traffic will depress ridership that could be gained by having the line on the primary centerpiece of the entire area which is within the universally noted walkable range of people using transit (not to mention, having transit on the main street is beneficial in slowing car traffic - the McKinney Avenue Streetcar is one of the things keeping that street to be tolerable for pedestrians re: traffic speed).  7th Street is the area's focal point, and it should be tamed and developed in such a way as to be the centerpiece and not left to primarily carry automotive traffic.


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#144 renamerusk

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Posted 26 June 2014 - 04:04 PM

How solid is this?  That's a lot of new space to lease in an area that seems to have a lot of space left to lease.  Plus all of the stuff happening around the old LMRA and Clearfork...

 

 See posts #47 and #104.

 

 It sure seems to me that the earlier renderings from Centergy Retail are delivering just what had been promised.  The hotel, office, grocer are just where they were projected to be.

 

 Mr. Miller (Centergy Retail) appears believable and appears to have the track record to support his goals.



#145 Fort Worthology

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Posted 26 June 2014 - 04:05 PM

Looks like the levee doesn't get lowered until Dakota Street.

 

 

 

Also, I could be wrong on this, but I remember diagrams of the bypass channel basically showing the west/north side of said channel will always have a kind of levee-ish design.

 

I think that's somewhere in the various design standards for the TRV.


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#146 renamerusk

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Posted 26 June 2014 - 05:03 PM

 


 

There is no misconception on my part about the nature of the 7th Street area (though I'd say you have quite a misconception re: the Southside).  I am well aware of how "7th Street" is the name of a larger area.....Making transit "snake through" an area is a surefire way to make it slower, less popular, and less effective...And sticking a major transit line on a back street so as not to impact the precious automobile traffic will depress ridership that could be gained by having the line on the primary centerpiece of the entire area which is within the universally noted walkable range of people using transit (not to mention, having transit on the main street is beneficial in slowing car traffic.....  7th Street is the area's focal point, and it should be tamed and developed in such a way as to be the centerpiece and not left to primarily carry automotive traffic.

 

Well, if you we are going to go Southside v Westside v Northside, etc. that would be a different debate.  Can you at least acknowledge that although the Southside has made some notable progress, it is in no means comparable to the wide spread of attractions in the Westside?

I do not have any misconception about Magnolia Avenue v. West 7th Street and their respective areas.  West 7th is a major arterial road with few other roads, including Magnolia Street, like it.  Beyond Magnolia Street itself, are you including JPS, Harris Hospital, what? Are there museums, parks, large apartment complexes?

For the Westside, a streetcar that snakes through the area is the perfect and more inclusive means of transit for the area than the straight line rail that you seem to prefer.  Taken from your statement, you believe that a transit in the street  will “tame’ a street like West 7th.  (1)  it may not accomplish what you hope for but would instead accomplish road rage; (2) it may not be what businesses and commuters want, who after all , do and will have a say in this matter; and could viewed such ideology as being undemocratic and a threat to their bottom line.   To engage in warfare for the sake of having one’s ideological viewpoint would be unwise and costly as it has the potential to setback transit in other areas.  Though it may be a worthy cause, you may be surprised to learn that not everyone will be in agreement with you about 7th Street. 

Addressing the erroneous notion somehow attributed to the idea of  “sticking a major transit line on a back street so as not to impact the precious automobile traffic” is a misunderstanding of the concept and the  purpose and the logic behind it.

 

Instead the “snake line” I believe:
(1)  avoids an unnecessary battle between the private transportation and public transportation modes
(2) if design for efficiency,  brings transit closer to more businesses in the area and achieving an even more universal walkable range.
(3)  connects more effectively with  all the points of the Westside, and not just the  curiously anointed “focal point” or with the businesses with addresses on 7th Street.

Some words of advice to the wise: Do not let the perfect be the enemy of the good...choose realistic goals.
 



#147 urbancowboy

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Posted 26 June 2014 - 06:57 PM

So no Neiman's?



#148 Jeriat

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Posted 26 June 2014 - 09:52 PM

So no Neiman's?

 

I guess not...? 


7fwPZnE.png

 

8643298391_d47584a085_b.jpg


#149 John T Roberts

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Posted 26 June 2014 - 10:15 PM

Austin, thanks for posting the site plan and rendering!



#150 mmmdan

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Posted 27 June 2014 - 07:10 AM

At the least, I'd like to see pedestrian connections over the tracks and to its surroundings.

 

I hate to be the eternal pessimist with these new developments, but if they make pedestrian connections, I picture "security" at every parking garage asking you where you are going when you leave and calling up a tow truck if you give you the wrong answer.







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