Well downtowners, it's finally upon us.
The 100 block of Gay Street is closing for renovation for (wait for it) ... 18 months. While this will be a big inconvenience to those who frequent the area, the work should make for a better 100 block, with trees, benches, bike racks and wider sidewalks along this very popular stretch of street. The 100 block is arguably one of downtown Knoxville's main centers, and this renovation will only further that growth.
This raises several questions for downtowners: how will those businesses on the block hold up? (Nama recently signed a 5-year lease, and what about the new Cuban resto?) Also, what about prices on all the apartments and condos? Will rents come down? Is now the time to buy?
Well whatever will happen come Monday, I think we should be sure to live it up on the 100 block this weekend, because it's gonna be a loooong time before it's back to the quiet block so many of us have come to love.
Friday, February 13, 2009
The End is Nigh
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9 comments:
What is the status on the Cuban restaurant? I thought it was supposed to be in by now. I've been craving fried plantains.
That was me. I forgot I was logged into the admin account.
Robert, I need to talk to you about this since I thought I was moving around the time they had the informational meeting...so I have no idea what is about to happen. I hope it doesn't turn into some version of The Thunderdome on our block, since the mission hasn't moved yet. I am a little nervous. I walk to my car alone every morning at 5am when it is still dark out...and I am scared every morning.
Anyway, as far as I could tell the Cuban restaurant had a soft opening last weekend and will be opening to the public very soon. That's what their recent signs suggest anyway, and it looks like a real restaurant in there too now!
Last time I talked to Gregg he said he was going to do everything in his power to see Nama thrive through this closed-block period. I hope this happens. Maybe we 100 blockers need to just have a block party every weekend...
I guess that means at least 18 construction themed first Fridays. I think we need to make some more Nama visits in the meantime.
wow, monday. how shall we celebrate this weekend? i'm in (of course)
indeed we do max.
the 100 and 200 blocks will go to crap either partially or fully starting monday. i think that they are starting with 200, but, per usual, it's relatively vague.
did y'all see the city's press release:
http://www.knoxviews.com/node/10419
this says the 200 block is closing on monday ... maybe there's still hope that 100 will stay open a bit longer. still, time to show it some Wigshop Love!
I suppose I could not be lazy and make that an actual link:
Press release
Yeah, but the 200 block and 100 block are so closely tied since the 200 block is nothing but parking lots (for people who live on the 100 block) that it will still be a bit of trouble.
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