Tuscaloosa Development

[atlanta68]

http://www.whitakerandrawson.com/gal...t_id=2&p_ref=1

This is a link to better renderings, than the one in the above link, of Phase 3 of the Science and Engineering Complex at the University of Alabama.

[ttownfeen]

Transportation museum to emphasize river's role

Much of Tuscaloosa's history flows through the Black Warrior River, and the Tuscaloosa Transportation Museum is being created to highlight that history.

The museum's exhibits will begin with the Native American tribes of Tuscaloosa and Moundville and their use of the Black Warrior, and will come full circle with exhibits on current use of the river for everything from shipping to recreation.

[ttownfeen]

After all the failed developments, something is actually going up on the vacant lot on the west end of the Strip.

[DruidCity]

I noticed that construction has begun on the residential development (not sure if apartments or condos) south of 15th street, across from Central High.

Also, the rumor I heard is that the 90-acre parcel in Northport a few blocks north of US 82 along US 43 will be developed into a "major shopping center" with a Kohl's and a theater, and possibly a JCPenney and sporting goods store.

[ttownfeen]

Originally Posted by DruidCity

I noticed that construction has begun on the residential development (not sure if apartments or condos) south of 15th street, across from Central High.

Also, the rumor I heard is that the 90-acre parcel in Northport a few blocks north of US 82 along US 43 will be developed into a "major shopping center" with a Kohl's and a theater, and possibly a JCPenney and sporting goods store.

Who did you hear that rumor from? A worthy source?

Also, have you heard anything about Stan Pate turning the McFarland Mall site into a huge bingo hall should the bingo bill pass?

[SpawnOfVulcan]

Originally Posted by ttownfeen

Who did you hear that rumor from? A worthy source?

Also, have you heard anything about Stan Pate turning the McFarland Mall site into a huge bingo hall should the bingo bill pass?

Stan Pate... everyone that I've talked to in the planning department says that he's just sitting on it till the economy recovers. Though, it's being pretty good about letting the people that already have stores there stay there until they decide to leave. I doubt he'd turn it into a bingo hall, though. It seems like it would do so much better as some upscale shopping center with all the traffic on the interstate.

[DruidCity]

Who did you hear that rumor from? A worthy source?

My aunt lives very near there, and it's what one of the neighbors told her that he heard. I don't know if he's right, but I do know that a theater has been high on Northport's "wish list" for a long time.

All I know about Pate/McFarland Mall is what I've read on here and the Tuscaloosa News forum.

[Dyingyak]

Originally Posted by DruidCity

Also, the rumor I heard is that the 90-acre parcel in Northport a few blocks north of US 82 along US 43 will be developed into a "major shopping center" with a Kohl's and a theater, and possibly a JCPenney and sporting goods store.

Sounds like the Colonial Properties formula in Alabama.

[ttownfeen]

Is this something in preliminary stages of discussion or what? This is first I've heard of anything about it. It would be a major development for Northport if true!

[DruidCity]

Is this something in preliminary stages of discussion or what?

That's my guess, since I drove by the site today, and there is still a "for sale" sign.

[ttownfeen]

Well, the Tuscaloosa News had an article today speculating that Pate will tear down the east wing of the mall, including the old cinema.

[SpawnOfVulcan]

I read today in the Crimson White that he will in fact tear down the east wing of the mall. Pate says that he's been in discussion with various big name retailers that aren't yet located in the Tuscaloosa area. So, I guess we'll see what happens. That's some prime real estate.

[Electrical Porpoise]

New amphitheater pictures.
Link

[ttownfeen]

Is that going to have nearly enough parking, should it turn out to be a venue worth a crap?

[ttownfeen]

I still don't see where people are supposed to park to go to shows at this amphitheater. Are they just going to have to hike down the hill from downtown (and consequently hike back uphill after shows)? *shrug* Could be a good way to drum up business for downtown merchants.

[DruidCity]

Maybe bus shuttles from downtown and University Mall for amphitheater concerts

I noticed a new billboard for the Riverwalk condo project:
http://www.riverwalktuscaloosa.com/RWP/Overview.html

[ttownfeen]

Can't believe they're still trying to make that happen.

[ttownfeen]

EDITORIAL: Cultural arts center will enrich area

Despite the richness of this area’s music and art, Tuscaloosa is one of the few Alabama cities without a cultural arts center. Because of that, agencies and programs are scattered. There are gaps and duplication. Sharing of resources is difficult.

When the first phase of this project is complete, there will be the shell for office space. The Tuscaloosa Arts Council will have responsibility for moving forward from there. We hope to see other cultural groups move in as office space can be completed. These could include the Alabama Blues Project, the Bama Theatre, and perhaps even community organizations like Tuscaloosa Neighbors Together. Not only can this save them money on rent, utilities and shared equipment and support staff, it will also vastly improve communication and planning.

Later stages, we hope, will include gallery and performance space, classrooms and artists’ studios. There may even be enough room in the four-story building for low-cost apartments for artists.

To be sure, cultural arts add to the quality of life for all residents. But, as a 2007 study by Partners for Liveable Communites showed, cultural arts also are engines of economic development. They revitalize downtowns, draw tourism, improve education and reduce crime, and build stronger neighborhoods.

Looking good.

[ttownfeen]

Tuscaloosa Amphitheater is beginning to take shape

With more sunshine this summer than during the rainy winter and early spring, construction of the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater has begun to take on an appearance closer to its final form.

[Electrical Porpoise]

Originally Posted by ttownfeen

Tuscaloosa Amphitheater is beginning to take shape

6/14 update from their website:

Does not look like a ton of work was done - but what do I know.