DevolsDance

It's wild to me that Easton, with more financial capital than most other devs in the city during a housing crunch, has taken so long to get this residential moving again.

The High & Long corner is bad, sadly. If I remember correctly, it was planned as a future phase/phase II of the project, with the rest being phase I. If I had to guess, they saw demand was stronger, got a nudge here and there, then rush decided to move forward with it. It just didn't get the same level of attention/planning or finance as the rest, and it shows. I give them credit overall, though, because they varied the material and height of the High St facade. I wish the High & Long portion had been more of a true phase II because I think we may have gotten something better/taller/unique. That said, I won't miss the forest for the trees. It is a very successful development and it is still improving (Hanks, street tree growth, retail, neighborhood energy). Most developers build and call it a day. Edwards has taken the build it and strengthen everything around it approach, actual investment. Plus, I do think that once that corner leases, whatever happens on the ground-level build-out will help it feel better or at least keep our focus on the ground vs. the whole.

Eh, layout is everything. I lived in a 430 sqft 1 bdr for some time, and it worked quite well. It still is one of my favorite apartments. Truly, the layout and and what you personally need out of a place are key.

Well, the good news is that once Edwards moves forward with the plans for the lot at Fourth and Oak, effectively covering up the PNC Garage, we will always have this beautiful build to remind us of the architecture. 🙃🫠 Neat.

I really had so many hopes for this area, and while not lost yet, it's not trending in a way I've enjoyed. Dorrian Commons Garage - 600 Spaces Scioto Penisula Garages - 1400 Spaces Peninsula Phase 2 Tower - 463 Spaces Gravity Phase 1 - 560 Gravity Phase 2 - 889 Spaces ----- Total - 3912 Spaces For some perspective, the core 'Town Center' part of Easton has roughly 5,400 spaces between the 5 garages and surface lots. I know it sounds like I am harping, but it is insane that they've built ~3/4 of the parking that Easton has here. What are we even doing? Parking aside, what is happening with the design here. Here is my problem, as stated above this neighborhood had all the opportunity, Kaufman took the lead and the others just needed to follow... basically none have. Instead, we've done Arena District lite, but now with the added vibes of the Nashville/Austin podium tower aesthetic mixed with copy/paste quick builds. What a disappointment.

The schematic rendering is basically three completely different building styles glued together.... the facade/materials will have to be doing a lot of work to make this design pull together. Oh Arshot

Arshot? I'm just going to act as if this doesn't exist bc it likely never will.

I just... Hate it so much. How does it keep getting worse. Yeah, I am going to need someone to turn that parking lot into a park, with Redwoods so we can block it from ever being seen.

I dont love Rhodes but it is not the worst to me anymore, The Gilbert seems to be stealing that title. I do love that the Rhodes, of all the buildings downtown, decided it needed "architectural" lighting. It was very much an "oof" moment for me. Anyway, I love these infill projects happening. Yes, I love towers, but these Madison style projects are just adding so much to the energy and urban fabric of the area.

The policing of aesthetics and height is really how every city has gotten into this mess of a housing situation. I just don't get it. If a developer believes they can make a project work and is willing to work with the commission on materials and quality, then let them shoot for the stars. The project really is not even that rogue, we have random taller buildings all over. Such a dumb hill to die on for these commissions, and its even more ridiculous they refuse to express why they voted it down. I have a feeling we are going to enter a bit of a development stagnation until the new zoning kicks in bc I cant imagine as a dev that it's worth the battle/costs to play these games with the new regulations on the horizon.

I cannot believe they're Manhattanizing German Village!! WONT ANYONE THINK OF THE KIDS

Admittedly, I don't love "master-planned" developments as they alywas tend to feel quite sterile. I was quite happy when CDDC decided to piecemeal the peninsula, however, I do feel they've fallen back into sterile a bit. I still have hope because, with Gravity and the Symphony Hall, there seems to be a taste for the diversity I envisioned; I just think the problem is Flaherty. I would like to see CDDC open the gates to other developers and styles, let the area find its own stride and aesthetic. I want them to let things step away from the Easton/AD polish and challenge the developers a bit to let loose. Anyway, is it the worst? No, but its not really exciting either. I think there is still plenty of time for it to come alive but CDDC needs to let that happen... and maybe ditch Flaherty in the process.

I unfortunately will be at a grad party. Have fun all!!

"The plans are still tentative, but right now we want to create a indoor-outdoor music venue, preserving one of the buildings and demolishing one of the other buildings that is currently falling down." Cool, well, when the plans are no longer tentative, we can talk. Until then, keep working and leave the structures in place. I don't believe we are a city preserved in amber, nor do we need to be. However, we need to stop demoing things for 'tentative' plans. You need to be shovel ready before historic tear downs IMHO. Too much has been lost for literally nothing.

Interview in Business First with Brett, dove into some of the details of this sale and project. - Franklinton/Downtown residential is soft right now due to amount of Class A units coming online at once, the office component is struggling - Project facing shortfall on loans with "imminent maturity dates". - Attempts to raise $7.5M in funds to stabilize project have failed, high interest rates and banks denying bridge loans on projects nationwide. - Despite challenges, interest in project from buyers has been "phenomenally strong" - Will not impact future projects or existing projects in the portfolio (GreenHouse SN exceeding lease expectations and project schedule) He brings up some interesting tidbits, which confirm that downtown is still facing headwinds while the overall market (even the core) remains strong. As always, every public/private investment in Downtown/Franklinton will help strengthen things. The SN had the benefit of critical mass prior to COVID, while Downtown/Franklinton just was not there yet... seems like COVID impacts will be felt for quite some time.