Downtown Mobile Updates (Huntsville, Theodore, Cleveland: new construction, metropolitan, cities)

[Surge0001]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgA4FJWIjI8
*Video on Downtown parking minimums*


I say get rid of the parking minimum, no off street parking. They are absolutely ugly. St Louis Street is riddled with them, makes the street more awful than it actually is. I say at the corners of the I-10 we place one or 2 public parking decks and then a deck of public parking decks around the center of downtown (but you have to pay a premium). For the I-165 side of downtown you can place the parking deck next to the bus hub and commuters can transit from there, or bike. On the 1-10 side parking decks you can make a mini bus hub that takes you throughout downtown as well with biking options

[Southsky]

Originally Posted by natedoggbry

Mardi Gras park has nowhere to sit but on the grass. It’s been years since that park had its phase 1 done, what are we waiting for with phase 2?!?

I believe Phase 2 is happening soon. The open air market space is still not part of it, but would be if enough private money comes forward. They will be adding more seating and paved space. (see below)

https://mobileenergov.tylertech.com/...d-4a4257766de1

[Surge0001]

Originally Posted by evlb401

Yes, Fort Conde Inn will operate the restaurant, but it will be open to the public. I believe the bar was from a historic restaurant that was demolished in St. Louis.

The hotel operator is thinking about building apartments south of the restaurant building. He is interested in the land to the south if ALDOT ever chooses to abandon it and turn it over to the city.

I think the jail should be moved and there should be an attempt to redevelop/reclaim the area south of downtown. That area has some of the best views of downtown.

For me I think it's best for development to stay away from the area. The interstate creates a great divider between the local residences and industries of the port, which I personally like. I'd argue one of the few interstates in the country that creates a beneficial divide of areas. I do agree that the prison should be moved to a less residence heavy area, highway 43 comes to mind. But shouldn't be redeveloped into residential/commercial uses should stay in industrial use

[evlb401]

Industrial Urbanism: Conceptualizing Industrial and Residential Mixed Use for Compact, Economically Developed and Walkable City | by Mostafizur Rahman | Medium

http://aecom.com/without-limits/arti...or-our-cities/

Residents can co-exist with industrial. Plus the industry in that area is dying. Most have left for Theodore. I think a single trucking company owns the majority of the land in the area. The rest is the jail, vacant land, and bail bond companies. There are a few historic houses mixed in too. The streets are almost empty and with very little traffic.

The river front would most likely stay industrial. The views from a low rise apartment of the working harbor would be great.

[Surge0001]

Originally Posted by evlb401

Industrial Urbanism: Conceptualizing Industrial and Residential Mixed Use for Compact, Economically Developed and Walkable City | by Mostafizur Rahman | Medium

http://aecom.com/without-limits/arti...or-our-cities/

Residents can co-exist with industrial. Plus the industry in that area is dying. Most have left for Theodore. I think a single trucking company owns the majority of the land in the area. The rest is the jail, vacant land, and bail bond companies. There are a few historic houses mixed in too. The streets are almost empty and with very little traffic.

The river front would most likely stay industrial. The views from a low rise apartment of the working harbor would be great.

Oh okay I see where you are getting at. I suppose an Industrial/Commercial/Residential mix wouldn't be a bad idea. However any industries that pop would have to meet strict regulations to reduce noise and hazard. Certainly cannot allow most forms of manufacturing as there's usually an ecologically hazard that could effect locals. I think warehousing and distribution would have to be the go to. You would also have to completely redesign the road network there to make it more pretty as this area would be a very volatile place in terms of residences. Also the buildings would have to be made with coastal flooding in mind as that area is only about 10-12 feet above sea level.

[evlb401]

The buildings would have to be built taking into account the flood risk. Similar to what is done along most coastal areas. The area has a good street grid system. Water/Canal Street and Texas street area may need to be worked on. However, any redevelopment would have to start after the construction of the bridge.

[Surge0001]

Originally Posted by evlb401

The buildings would have to be built taking into account the flood risk. Similar to what is done along most coastal areas. The area has a good street grid system. Water/Canal Street and Texas street area may need to be worked on. However, any redevelopment would have to start after the construction of the bridge.

I feel like this may be a secondary option for mid rise expansion outside downtown. The first could and should be the HUD land north of Downtown, already gridded and can further expand and develop into the land north of it

[Southsky]

Originally Posted by Surge0001

I say get rid of the parking minimum, no off street parking. They are absolutely ugly. St Louis Street is riddled with them, makes the street more awful than it actually is. I say at the corners of the I-10 we place one or 2 public parking decks and then a deck of public parking decks around the center of downtown (but you have to pay a premium). For the I-165 side of downtown you can place the parking deck next to the bus hub and commuters can transit from there, or bike. On the 1-10 side parking decks you can make a mini bus hub that takes you throughout downtown as well with biking options

I agree with your sentiments, and thankfully the downtown area's new code already got rid of the parking minimum. I know the city is "planning" on building at least 2 more garages - 1 in the area of Washington and Dauphin and another northwest of Bienville Square.

[evlb401]

Originally Posted by Surge0001

I feel like this may be a secondary option for mid rise expansion outside downtown. The first could and should be the HUD land north of Downtown, already gridded and can further expand and develop into the land north of it

Isn't some of the land north of downtown along MLK a brown field and contaminated? Not sure where I heard that. I could be remembering it wrong.

[RocketDawg]

Originally Posted by Surge0001

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgA4FJWIjI8
*Video on Downtown parking minimums*


I say get rid of the parking minimum, no off street parking. They are absolutely ugly. St Louis Street is riddled with them, makes the street more awful than it actually is. I say at the corners of the I-10 we place one or 2 public parking decks and then a deck of public parking decks around the center of downtown (but you have to pay a premium). For the I-165 side of downtown you can place the parking deck next to the bus hub and commuters can transit from there, or bike. On the 1-10 side parking decks you can make a mini bus hub that takes you throughout downtown as well with biking options

A new downtown garage just opened here (pretty sure it's open - may be near opening) with retail shops on the first floor. That should make it more aesthetically appealing.

https://www.crunkletonassociates.com...arking-garage/