Bus stops to move
City leaders temporarily have moved downtown bus stops in anticipation of construction of the new seven-story building.
For at least the next year, buses no longer will stop along Ninth Street between Vermont and New Hampshire streets.
The new downtown bus stop for Routes 1, 4 and 7 are now on the east side of New Hampshire, north of Ninth Street. The bus stop for Routes 3, 6, 10, and 11 will be on the north side of Ninth Street between New Hampshire and Rhode Island streets.
The changes are expected to be in effect until construction work on the building is completed, which likely will be fall of 2011.
The center of downtown Lawrence is about to get taller.
Construction crews are expected to soon begin work on a seven-story, $10 million building that will house 55 apartments and a mix of retail and office space at Ninth and New Hampshire streets.
“I think in the next 30 days we’ll be digging a basement,” Lawrence developer Doug Compton said Monday.
The building, slated for the southwest corner of Ninth and New Hampshire streets, would be nearly as tall as the adjacent U.S. Bank Tower. The Journal-World reported in April that a group led by Compton was exploring the project. On Monday, Compton said he had begun pre-leasing the building and was finalizing details on bank financing.
“From what we’ve heard, it seems to be exactly what everybody who has any interest in downtown says they want to see,” Compton said.
The project would include 55 apartment units on the top five floors of the building. The second floor is set aside for a single office user, with the headquarters for Compton’s First Management Inc. being the most likely tenant. Compton said he’s close to finalizing a lease with a health club to occupy the ground-floor space. A small coffee shop and wine bar also would be included on the first floor.
The apartments will be a mix of 10 studio units, 35 one-bedroom units and 10 two-bedroom units. Parking for the apartments will be provided in the existing city-owned parking garage, which will be slightly modified to connect to the new building.
Compton said the project will be geared to attract a variety of tenant types, including retirees, young professionals, graduate students and downtown employees.
“The dynamics of downtown have changed a lot over the last dozen years,” Compton said. “The Hobbs Taylor Lofts got a lot of people thinking about living in downtown. People’s attitudes about that have really changed.”
Unlike the Hobbs Taylor project — a multistory condo development at Eighth and New Hampshire — all of the living units in Compton’s building will be rentals.
Compton said he thinks that may be the next big trend for downtown. He said that if the project goes well, he’ll consider transferring the concept to other properties he owns downtown. Specifically, Compton said, the former Strong’s Office Supply building in the 1000 block of Vermont Street could be a candidate for a multistory, mixed-use building.
Other developers also may start eyeing other large, underdeveloped sites in downtown.
“There is a lot of potential for this, but you have to have someone put their toe in the water and see what the temperature is,” said Bill Fleming, an architect with Treanor Architects, which also is involved in the project. “That’s what this will do.”
The Ninth and New Hampshire project already has most of the city approvals needed to start. The property long has been zoned for downtown commercial development, which allows for residential uses. The building design has won approval from the city’s Historic Resources Commission, and city planners are close to finalizing the site plan for the property, said Scott McCullough, the city’s director of planning.
Several downtown leaders also have endorsed the project. Joe Flannery, president of Weaver’s Department Store, said additional living units most likely will be the best way to add new types of retailers to downtown, like a drug store or even a grocer.
The size of the building also has not caused business leaders to balk.
“We’ve known for a while that if downtown is going to grow it would grow vertically,” Flannery said. “We’re expecting to see more of that. This will just add another landmark for downtown.”
Comments
Richard Heckler 3 years, 7 months ago
A little corporate welfare I see. That's not exactly what anyone had in mind for the parking garage.
A new slippery slope. Taxpayers will be expected to fork over our local big government tax dollars to others for free parking space.
If my memory serves me well Hobbs-Taylor had to make available some space for metered parking.
Will the tenants of the new living area be expected to buy parking passes or will they occupy the free space constantly? How would the city know whether or not who is occupying the free space?
How was parking for the new tenants justified?
del888 3 years, 7 months ago
Did I miss something? I did not see a reference to "free" parking in the story. Maybe it's part of the lease. How do you know the parking is free?
collared_greens 3 years, 7 months ago
The top floor of the parking garage is free to everyone.
Thinking_Out_Loud 3 years, 7 months ago
Top two floors, collared_greens.
gl0ck0wn3r 3 years, 7 months ago
You'll find a reason to complain about anything. This project is almost exactly the sort of thing for which you constantly advocate: people living downtown who will, in theory, spend money at local businesses downtown. Yet you want to complain about parking and force people to buy a bus pass. Nothing makes you happy, old man.
irvan moore 3 years, 7 months ago
Do you suppose it would be possible to lease one floor of the new building for the homeless shelter?
Lindsey Buscher 3 years, 7 months ago
What the hell is a tea party liberal? is that like a fascist communist?
booyalab 3 years, 7 months ago
I thought all communists WERE fascists. Now I'm really confused
pizzapete 3 years, 7 months ago
Pollo caca, is that spanish for something?
Uhjh 3 years, 7 months ago
Just another poor idea.
Flap Doodle 3 years, 7 months ago
Shout Drainage!
Thinking_Out_Loud 3 years, 7 months ago
I think the quote you're looking for, snap, is "Cry 'Havoc,' and let slip the dogs of war, that this foul deed shall smell above the earth with carrion men, groaning for burial."
Although your version is both snappier and more concise. If only the Bard had been blessed with your ability to turn a phrase.
BruceWayne 3 years, 7 months ago
i guess the biggest problem I have with this is the fact that Compton has so many vacant properties all over town. the old sinclair station at 9th and Iowa is a real eyesore as is the masonic temple.
areyouserious 3 years, 7 months ago
Why do you care if he has vacant property? If you knew anything about investment real estate, it is important to have vacancy throughout the community. If there were no vacant properties, nobody would ever be able to afford to live here or move here from out of town. I think Compton is a smart enough business guy to know whether or not this makes sense. Im guessing the financial analysis shows that there will be alot of commas and zeros on the bottom line for Compton. And it benefits the city, because they will collect a healthy tax revenue. Who cares about the parking? If 55 spaces will increase the city revenue, give them to him. All cities that are serious about creating economic development use tax increment financing to bring people to downtown. This makes perfect sense.
Meatwad 3 years, 7 months ago
In this case, I agree with "areyouserious", however TIF is not always a success and in parts of Kansas City suburbs, it's led to very ugly suburban blight with 1/2 finished houses and buildings.
Thinking_Out_Loud 3 years, 7 months ago
As many as the owner feels necessary. It's his building; he can leave it vacant as long as he likes. Unless there is a compelling eminent domain issue.
dontcallmedan 3 years, 7 months ago
Blight.
tanaumaga 3 years, 7 months ago
i'll be the broken record for the masonic temple, and the guy who beats the dead horse....on a different note, the parking garage was a very conveniant place....line some pockets, plan a few years in advance, and voila, a parking garage for your building....make money dougie c.
BruceWayne 3 years, 7 months ago
will there be a petting zoo? I like Zebras!
Bob_Keeshan 3 years, 7 months ago
The apartments will be a mix of 10 studio units, 35 one-bedroom units and 10 two-bedroom units. Parking for the apartments will be provided in the existing city-owned parking garage, which will be slightly modified to connect to the new building.
This represents, at a minimum, 65 spaces from the people-owned parking garage. You can bet the demand is for many more. This in addition to the parking I'm sure is being set aside for the retail development.
Where will these spots come from? There are about 500 spots in that garage, and the free spots are quite popular. How will the city keep these new residents out of the 2 hour spots that are intended for the public?
It is confounding how the city can raise such a stink about habitual parking violators and constantly tell people to park in this garage then turn around and suck up as much as 40% of the spaces for a single development.
Keith 3 years, 7 months ago
"Parking for the apartments will be provided in the existing city-owned parking garage, which will be slightly modified to connect to the new building. "
Hey LJW, we need a little more information here, are the spaces going to be leased or will we be paying taxes to allow the tenants to park?
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus 3 years, 7 months ago
I agree-- What subsidies is the city giving this project, including but not limited to the parking issue?
gl0ck0wn3r 3 years, 7 months ago
Funny how no one has stopped to think about how much sales tax revenue will be generated downtown by having sixty-five people living there. Why the quick dash to penalize those that are doing exactly what the faux progressives want: living close or in downtown, spending downtown and driving very little in downtown. I'd venture to bet that the amount of sales tax those people generate around that residence will offset the potential cost of allowing them to park in an often empty lot.
puddleglum 3 years, 7 months ago
We are already paying taxes for Big D's benefits. the 'magical stoplight' at 6th and folks road is proof. I wish the city would build me a stop light on my road and 6th street so I could stop all the traffic and everyone can watch me roll through the intersection all by myself....curiously, as soon as I started to complain about stoplights....they did!
Ron Holzwarth 3 years, 7 months ago
The stoplight at 6th and Folks is the only place where a pedestrian or a bicyclist can get across 6th for a very long distance in both directions.
It stays green for 6th street traffic for about three minutes, quite long for a stop light, and you better hurry across 6th street when it changes, because it doesn't stop 6th Street traffic for very long.
Ricky_Vaughn 3 years, 7 months ago
Spoken like someone who never goes downtown...
Plus the garage was built under the premise it would be PUBLIC not PRIVATE!
areyouserious 3 years, 7 months ago
The city will gain alot more financially from this development than they currently are from that garage. Build It!!!!!
Ricky_Vaughn 3 years, 7 months ago
It wasn't designed for profit...it's designed for public use!
MorningThunder 3 years, 7 months ago
If it was not designed for profit, then why charge at all to park?
gatekeeper 3 years, 7 months ago
Duh, to cover the basic costs of the garage.
krissypoetry 3 years, 7 months ago
I will miss the free summer movie festival that was shown at this location the past few years. I loved the community aspect of those events and the films.
persevering_gal 3 years, 7 months ago
I was thinking the same thing. It was a nice way for the community to come together and enjoy a night on Mass St. Hopefully, it can be moved to another location.
Noweigh 3 years, 7 months ago
Snodgrass, totally agree. The taxpayer funded parking garage is rarely full, if ever. All the apologists for downtown are now rejecting the idea of more people, maybe even people with a little buying power, actually living downtown? What hypocrisy. Check out any forward thinking urban development in most cities....it includes condominium living/rretail/office buildings revitalizing and energizing downtown. Build this project, sell it out,and bring even more resources downtown. I'm happy to give up a few "free" parking stalls in exchange for a great new addition to downtown.
fan4kufootball 3 years, 7 months ago
The only time I have ever seen the parking gargae full is on KU game days for the shuttle ride to the stadium.
vb 3 years, 7 months ago
It gets pretty packed when there are Art Center events....
HalsteadHawk 3 years, 7 months ago
"The building design has won approval from the city’s Historic Resources Commission..." -- Mmmm, bureaucratic blandness. Let me guess, lots of boring stone face? What a waste of labor and building materials.
Godot 3 years, 7 months ago
This will help to justify the $18,000,000 library - which, as I recall, includes plans for additional public parking.
fan4kufootball 3 years, 7 months ago
How is it that Compton can build a 7-story apartment building for $10 million and the city has to pay $18 million for a renovation of the library. Strange...
areyouserious 3 years, 7 months ago
leverage
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus 3 years, 7 months ago
The library project includes $4.5 million in parking capacity, for both the library and the swimming pool, as well as other patrons of downtown.
This project is apparently getting a massive public subsidy by using the city garage as its own private parking area.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus 3 years, 7 months ago
Also, if this is like most Compton projects, it'll be poorly managed, and quality will suffer as a result.
I'm not sure how well that explains the cost differential, though.
jafs 3 years, 7 months ago
Sure, except that spot isn't blighted.
And, we have tons of vacant space all over town - why not use some of it first, before building tall new buildings downtown?
And, I am also concerned about what sorts of public subsidies this project may be getting, including free use of a city-owned parking garage.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus 3 years, 7 months ago
I've got nothing against this building being built on that corner, as long as it's done without public subsidies, and they are required to provide on-site parking for at least a significant percentage of the parking needs it's expected to generate.
MorningThunder 3 years, 7 months ago
actually, the City of Lawrence code does not require additional parking for buildings built downtown.
blindrabbit 3 years, 7 months ago
Require them to park on the top (open) level of the garage; it is never fully utilized.
Ricky_Vaughn 3 years, 7 months ago
Does Doug Compton remind anyone else of Brad Wesley?
garyr 3 years, 7 months ago
Hilarious!!!! Watch out for his Polar Bears!!!!
gccs14r 3 years, 7 months ago
Absolutely. I've thought that for years.
jchristine2 3 years, 7 months ago
I have an idea.....lets leave the lot alone, and plant some trees, shrubs, etc. Maybe a few nice park benches. What ever happened to having a little bit of nature? Just because there is an open lot, doesnt mean that you need to instantly think about building something on it.
areyouserious 3 years, 7 months ago
typical downtowner...................Go to clinton lake for nature
jchristine2 3 years, 7 months ago
I do go to the lake just about every weekend! It would be nice to see nature all around, not just in certain locations. And, in a downtown setting full of cars and buildings, one little tiny square of nature, green grass and trees is not a bad idea in my opinion. Most developers don't like it because they see a vacant lot sitting there and they could make money off of it. It seems like its always about money.
HalsteadHawk 3 years, 7 months ago
You know there is a nice sized park on the other side of Mass, right?
Jeff Cuttell 3 years, 7 months ago
It is about money. Either the developers can make money by building lofts, offices, and shops or, like you want, the drug dealers and homeless have a great spot built there to do their business.
Meatwad 3 years, 7 months ago
Trees are great, I agree. But you could also use your legs and walk 2 blocks to South Park or 3 blocks to Watson Park. The design appears to include trees and that is good too.
Thinking_Out_Loud 3 years, 7 months ago
That was Friday nights, Pywacket. I used to get off early on Fridays (there was a benefit to being a peon who pushed paper all day--didn't matter whether my day started at 9 a.m. or 6 a.m., and I had a boss who would let me come in early on Fridays and start my weekend early). I hadn't met Mrs. Thoughtful, yet, and would take my dates downtown to eat crawdads and listen to jazz through the late afternoon and early evenings.
Right now, it's graveled over for parking. The garden was a better use, IMO.
orbiter 3 years, 7 months ago
lack of greenspace in downtown lawrence? Say what? Southpark, Watson Park, Japanese Garden, trees planted up and down Mass., planters, the River right there. not to mention you can bike from 9th and Mass to farmland in minutes.
There is more of a proportion of public green space in and around downtown Lawrence than the central business districts of most small Kansas towns, let alone a larger city.
gccs14r 3 years, 7 months ago
Does Compton own everything?
This project should have to provide its own parking, rather than piggyback on the city garage. Taxpayer dollars should not be subsidizing this project any more than they should have subsidized The Oread.
jafs 3 years, 7 months ago
Well, not that you care but, things like libraries and public transportation are generally services for all taxpayers/residents.
That's the justification for using public money for them.
gl0ck0wn3r 3 years, 7 months ago
I'm not a fan of his, but I'd bet he generates more taxes per year for the city than you have in your entire life.
50YearResident 3 years, 7 months ago
It will be nice for the homeless to have a walkway from the garage into a nice warm rental area in the winter.
Free Parking Space, I doubt it, when the City Hall has to lease spaces in the other garage for their employees Compton should not get any "Free Parking" for his renters.
trvlronda 3 years, 7 months ago
what?? A SEVEN story building? What happens when it looks like all the other rental properties in town? Main floor will have a coffee shop and wine bar? Wow, we don't have enough of those in downtown. Lawrence is supposed to be a town/village. Why is there this big fascination with tall buildings?
I love downtown living, but look at taylor hobbs--only for people with money and they don't even have that building full.
Wonder how the city will feel about the structure 5 years after the project is completed? Will Compton be responsible for taking it back down and maybe putting in green space?
I think Compton has plenty of empty buildings already, without adding 7 more stores at the heart of downtown.
Thinking_Out_Loud 3 years, 7 months ago
If the market will bear one more coffee shop and one more wine bar, then no, trvlronda, we don't have enough downtown. For Lawrence to qualify as a town or village, I think you would have to reduce its population to less than 50K. Certainly a 90+K incorporated and organized city won't qualify as a village, and by hardly any U.S.-centric standard will even qualify as a town. For that kind of feel, you might consider Salina, Emporia, Garden City, Dodge City, Pittsburg, Fort Scott.... Cities evolve, and part of that is adding new buildings sometimes. They add new apartments in places people want to live, and they add new retail services.
jafs 3 years, 7 months ago
And overbuild, so that we have many vacant residential and commercial spaces.
And give businesses all sorts of tax breaks, so that the tax base never gets balanced.
And build infrastructure in anticipation of growth that doesn't occur.
And fail to maintain the streets adequately.
BigAl 3 years, 7 months ago
Oh yeah, it must be terrible that the project owned by Doug Compton would be providing jobs for several people in Lawrence, including work for sub-contractors and suppliers all over the city. ALL of these people pay taxes. In case some of you haven't noticed, we are in a recession. For a lot of people, a project like this is GREAT news.
A lot of people on here whine and complain while Doug Compton is investing locally and providing much needed jobs and supporting local suppliers.
Meatwad 3 years, 7 months ago
This will be great for our downtown and great for Lawrence. I much prefer sustainable, vertical, in-fill growth instead of just more and more suburban sprawl. I'm sure the free movie series (which I enjoy too) can find another spot. Regarding the homeless shelter being there-- I'm sure that will never happen, thankfully. Can you imagine the uproar from the neighbors (myself included). That shelter needs to be in a less rewarding locale, so that it doesn't just function to enable people who are addicts. The shelter should be nowhere near prime downtown real estate. I'm so glad it's moving and I'm sure everyone who enjoys our downtown is also.
spaceshipearth 3 years, 7 months ago
Hey Treanor, design something that is attractive for once.
Steve Jacob 3 years, 7 months ago
Just curious, how full are the Hobbs lofts? I kind of like the idea of downtown lofts, but Hobbs prices are crazy.
Bassetlover 3 years, 7 months ago
It was great to see Doug Compton in front of the camera last night on 6 News explaining this project. He rarely seen or heard from. I think it will be a huge benefit to our downtown district!
Noweigh 3 years, 7 months ago
Love the nay-saying here. Let's try it the nay-say way. Compton, don't build this project. Take it somewhere else that deserves it and appreciates it more than downtown Lawrence. Had the nay-sayers had their way a few years ago, the entire west side of the 600 block would still be an absolute eyesore and dump. So would the east side of that street. Go ahead and let downtown rely completely on the true free market economy to work its will. That means allowing strong, powerful and very popular nationwide retailing to develop in areas far away from downtown. Keep new projects like Compton's and real spendable dollars away from downtown and see how long it lasts. Latte's and imported beers are nice but they don't pay the real bills and keep the area vibrant. Someone please get real here.
DeMontfort 3 years, 7 months ago
I thought he looked Botoxed at the very least. Possibly a few nips and tucks as well.
Lindsey Buscher 3 years, 7 months ago
"Compton said the project will be geared to attract a variety of tenant types, including retirees, young professionals, graduate students and downtown employees."
I like the idea of downtown living and this project will go nicely with the revamped Dillons on 18th and Mass, a nice little urban revitalization going on in east-central Lawrence, which is very good for the town. I am still concerned about vacancy though because Compton is just a marketing mouthpiece, trying to say the things people want to hear.
Young professionals won't work in Lawrence because there are no jobs for them or the higher-paying jobs are in the KC-metro. Most grad students cannot afford to live downtown. Most downtown jobs are in the service industry and those types of employees also cannot afford to live downtown. Retirees may appreciate downtown living, but not in a college town with the darned kids and their rap music.
slang4d 3 years, 7 months ago
I'm assuming this place will be overpriced so why live there when you can live 2 blocks away in a HOUSE? I lived in a place like this and hated it. I hated living in a cramped apartment building with no yard or driveway and I hated using a parking garage every day. This kind of thing only makes sense when the downtown is so large and sprawling it takes effort to get there from the normal neighborhoods.
Truthspeaker 3 years, 7 months ago
Well now, if YOU hated, I guess that means everyone else will hate it too, hmm? Some people don't need a yard or want the hassel of taking care of one. Some people don't have a problem with not having a driveway.
Lindsey Buscher 3 years, 7 months ago
Noweigh, does that moniker describe the weight of your brain?
The "nay-sayers" are the problem? Yes, Compton is an advocate for the latte / import beer elitists, which is why he built the second Malwart in Lawrence.
And we are all still waiting for the "free market" to work its will on the vacant commercial space in the adjacent parking garage. I prefer new development, even if it's a chain to occur downtown as opposed to northwest Lawrence, but this seems like a bit of a far-reaching project.
Lindsey Buscher 3 years, 7 months ago
I'm in favor just so long as Compton can finance it with anything and everything that isn't public money. No tax breaks or incentives, no property tax abatements, nothing like that.
chocolateplease 3 years, 7 months ago
This sounds like an exciting idea, not counting the parking issue which we don't have enough information about. I've often thought it would be great to live downtown, except that I wouldn't want to live in one of the typically older, run-down, or college-partyville places.
I sure hope this will be a nicer apartment building than what is typically found around town. The sound-proofing should be a high priority, I'd imagine. If Compton makes this a high quality project, and maintains it as such, then I imagine many of the single professional people in town will flock to it. This can only be good for the other businesses downtown, right?
kantubek 3 years, 7 months ago
i hope this building isnt as ugly as the eyesoread, sheeeesh
kthxbi 3 years, 7 months ago
Here Here!
BigAl 3 years, 7 months ago
rockchalk. I am a democrat and I support this 100%. Doug Compton is one of the few developers in Lawrence that is trying to provide jobs and promote the city. There are plenty of your Republican buddies that whine and cry about Compton. (and sit around drinking coffee) Besides, to me, this issue isn't political.
Every democrat that I know and have talked with this morning are supporting this building project.
BigAl 3 years, 7 months ago
Uh....no. I pointed out that this isn't political. rockchalk was basically saying that lib/dems were against this.
Let me be more clear.... THIS ISN'T A DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN issue.....!!!
igby 3 years, 7 months ago
Mexican labor is not jobs, it's illegal.
BigAl 3 years, 7 months ago
I absolutely agree with this. I was pointing out that rockchalk insinuated that democrats were against this. In fact, I said it wasn't a political issue..
Boog Highberger 3 years, 7 months ago
Regardless of who is behind it, this is a good project. If downtown is going to remain the heart of the city, it has to grow as the city grows, and if we don't build up then we have to build out into the neighborhoods, which nobody wants. If downtown is going to thrive, we need more people living downtown, and it looks like this project will have quite a few units that will be affordable for people who work downtown. The parking garage is currently underutilized, and was built to provide parking for people who shop and live downtown-- this seems like a perfect fit to me. It is my understanding that the lot where the building is going was part of the TIF district that was supposed to pay for the parking garage. I would be curious to know whether the tax revenues from this project will pay into the parking garage TIF .
FieldTested 3 years, 7 months ago
Hear, hear. Keeping development in downtown helps the city. And if you want a vibrant retail area, residents within walking distance are a great addition.
irvan moore 3 years, 7 months ago
i like infill development, think Doug employs a lot of people and helps our economy. what about the property next to the arts center? wasn't there going to be a hotel there? I don't really care what they do as long as they don't create traffic problems.
Bossa_Nova 3 years, 7 months ago
Boog and Areyouserious' comments make sense. this is good for our city.
Bob_Keeshan 3 years, 7 months ago
I think the parking garage issue is moot anyway.
I've got $5 that says Compton "accidentally" burns it down.
igby 3 years, 7 months ago
These are temp jobs at the tax payers expense. We will be watching for all the Mexican illegal labor, their planning to use and Chris Kobach, will hold a press conference when the raid and seziure of this building goes down. Lol.
Take_a_letter_Maria 3 years, 7 months ago
"igby (anonymous) replies… These are temp jobs at the tax payers expense."
I didn't realize this project was being funded with stimulus dollars. :-)
Kash_Encarri 3 years, 7 months ago
+1
BigAl 3 years, 7 months ago
gvnobas.... are you serious? Do you think this building will be built by robots? Do you think that local suppliers will NOT want to sell material for this project?
Evidence? Drive by any project being built by First Management and you will see sub-contractor work trucks. Hang around awhile and you will see delivery trucks from local supply houses. Are you really this stupid????? Wow.......
tomatogrower 3 years, 7 months ago
Like the idea, but I don't trust Compton. He is letting the old Masonic Lodge run down, and several other properties. Didn't the city pay for the parking lot at what use to be the Riverfront Mall, and now you can't park in most of the lot, because it's for hotel guests only. Seems like our taxes pay for a lot of private development.
jafs 3 years, 7 months ago
Thank you!
areyouserious 3 years, 7 months ago
you people have no clue about finances for a local government. Do you suppose that you pay more in taxes in a single year to the city than the Hotel on the riverfront? The city doesn't need you nearly as bad as they need that hotel to operate and provide service. thats why they get parking spaces. its a win win for the community. hopefully someday you get it!
jafs 3 years, 7 months ago
It's a win for the private business that gets the advantage of a taxpayer-funded parking lot.
It may be advantageous for the city if they receive tax revenue from the hotel.
It's certainly not advantageous for residents, who have contributed to a parking lot that they're now unable to use.
Amy Heeter 3 years, 7 months ago
The mall was over priced from the start. Few could afford the high rent there. That is what happened to the mall. It was never at full capacity from the start. The Marriot simply grabbed the chance to get over on the tax payers by bogarting the parking.
igby 3 years, 7 months ago
The city should make this guy clean up his other messes like the Masonic lodge that's laying in ruin all boarded up at 10th and Mass. before they let him dig another hole in the cities downtown area and make another eye sore. It just make good business sense to not let a spoiled brat kid like Compton, continue to make messes when he can't seem to keep his rooms cleaned up. Lawrence really doesn't need any more retail, office or apartments in the downtown area. Over half the spaces now are vacant or going vacant.
igby 3 years, 7 months ago
Something tells me that this is more than just a building. It's become a race between Fritzel and Compton now on who can out build each other and milk the city and the tax payers dry.
he_who_knows_all 3 years, 7 months ago
As of right now I think the Fritzels are winning but only because there are more of them and they've lived in Lawrence a lot longer.
Danimal 3 years, 7 months ago
This is another sad day for Lawrence. Lawrence tax payers seem to be handling a large portion of development costs through tax deferments and allowing private developers free reign over public facilities. In fairness to the developers though, it's the fault of the citizens of Lawrence for allowing this hogwash time and time again.
This is doubly sad because this is where movies are shown outdoors in the summer. Additionally, this site was where quite a few Union recruits were massacred by Quantrill's raiders.
I guess the saddest part is seeing Lawrence sell its soul to developers to help build another yuppie condo high-rise in downtown. It's not like the apartments in this building will be at all reasonably priced so as to be available to the average citizen. I'm not saying that Lawrence shouldn't grow, or that growth is bad, I'm just tired of seeing the same people haphazardly throw up eyesores all over town. Seriously, these buildings look like the same cookie-cutter crap that everyone else in America is building. If you're going to ruin downtown, at least do something interesting looking.
Thinking_Out_Loud 3 years, 7 months ago
The Union recruits weren't massacred that far north, Danimal. It was closer to South Park.
BruceWayne 3 years, 7 months ago
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
he_who_knows_all 3 years, 7 months ago
Me too. I envision it will be ecologically built and have adequate drainage.
he_who_knows_all 3 years, 7 months ago
It should also have field turf.
jayhawklawrence 3 years, 7 months ago
This is the best news I have heard in awhile.
Potentially a home run for the city of Lawrence.
pizzapete 3 years, 7 months ago
This is great for small business. Great job taking over downtown buildings, doubling the rents and leaving the buildings vacant until a frachise moves in. We sure need more expensive apartments and more health clubs in Larry. This thing is going to be awesome.
jafs 3 years, 7 months ago
I'm sure he won't at all.
The general argument is that the project will generate some revenue for the city in the form of taxes and increased use of downtown businesses.
Flap Doodle 3 years, 7 months ago
Save the Stump!
blindrabbit 3 years, 7 months ago
Sounds good to me but how long will development like this succeed in the downtown area with shootings, beatings, vagrancies, robberies, assaults, sex crimes and panhandling being reported almost on a weekly basis. The flowers add ambiance but the business owners and City need to do a better job with street and sidewalk cleanliness; butts, gum and trash everywhere.
igby 3 years, 7 months ago
Now that Olin's retiring, hope we can get a police chief that will enforce the law, rather than respond to crime in a passive just keeping the peace woozzy kind of presents.
blindrabbit 3 years, 7 months ago
Igby: Ditto that, wish the Police pursued crime with the same fervor as when writing parking tickets on KU football game days.
jafs 3 years, 7 months ago
Well, not to be a jerk, but...
Aren't you supposed to have the new tag on by the 1st of the month?
Kash_Encarri 3 years, 7 months ago
But, but, that's not the point. She had intended to mail the registration earlier it just got missed somehow so she took care of it as soon as she could get around to it. It's not her fault. Besides, those laws only apply to people that are more than a couple of days late, not those people that are just a little late.
tubs_of_love 3 years, 7 months ago
I kinda like it, but you know, eventually Lawrence and Topeka will connect, don't cha think? What blindrabbit said.
tubs_of_love 3 years, 7 months ago
About crime and such. What part of Giant City are you from? Oh, the Lawrence area.
tubs_of_love 3 years, 7 months ago
Not to mention, don't they have plans to make Wakarusa street the new main street, with a Dane and Busters and what not?
corduroypants 3 years, 7 months ago
I absolutely believe there's a shortage of rentals for professionals, especially if you want to live downtown. I relocated here from Dallas almost three years ago and found that if you want something that's a little nicer and close to downtown, your choices are slim. Hell, to be across the street from the Pig and have covered parking? Those apartments will be leased in no time.
Richard Heckler 3 years, 7 months ago
All empty buildings and houses cost tax payers money. Why?
All structures and their owners have demands on city hall/infrastructure. These demands are figured into the city budgets. Personal property taxes do not cover the entire cost of services that which are demanded of city hall.
Yes Compton has many vacancies downtown also throughout Lawrence. Many residential rentals as well. Add these to all other vacancies by other property owners I would say Lawrence,Kansas has a glut of vacancies = nobody in them to pay sales taxes,trash service,water rates etc etc and to cover the cost of all other demands on city hall means increased cost to the rest of us.
For all we know property owner/managers may not be paying property taxes on their vacant locations.
Richard Heckler 3 years, 7 months ago
It would be nice to know if there is a cap on available corporate welfare aka the free lunch paid for by taxpayers aka tax dollar subsidies which comes from OUR tax dollar wallets?
"Free Lunch: How the Wealthiest Americans Enrich Themselves at Government Expense (And Stick You with the Bill)"
http://www.democracynow.org/2008/1/18/free_lunch_how_the_wealthiest_americans
The more educated we become on reckless tax dollar spending the better we can approach city government as to why it is not fiscally responsible. The answer should most always be take the cost of an entire profit making project to the bank NOT to we taxpayers.
Richard Heckler 3 years, 7 months ago
Who will fill those bedrooms?
This list was impressive but it just might be students. The competition for "golden agers" in Lawrence,Kansas is stiff to say the least mostly because the retirement community is not rushing to Lawrence,Kansas.... it's mostly rhetoric. Downtown bar traffic may not be the winning ticket?
lucy1 3 years, 7 months ago
If you are looking for lost revenue, go back a few years to the pervious city commission and/or the owners of this lot. When Borders and the lofts were built, this lot was to be developed. If not developed by a certain date then a monthly fine was to be imposed. This never happened. It seems now this land will producing taxes, instead of movies and popcorn.
seriouscat 3 years, 7 months ago
When the heck are you people who say the parking garage is empty going downtown and/or checking every floor in there to see if it's full?
Just the last few times I have used it it was full all the way to and including the top floor. One can still easily find a spot in there because people are in and out and not parking there all day since it is, and should be, a short term lot for downtown shoppers and Art Center patrons. That's what the public agree to pay for is it not?
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