Novare Looks to Build 23-Story Mixed-Use Project on 6th (Atlanta: apartments, rentals)

[koko339]

Are we all sure that the zoning code doesn't require active uses at the ground level of parking decks? Isn't this what the Midtown Alliance advocates for all day long?

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by koko339

Are we all sure that the zoning code doesn't require active uses at the ground level of parking decks? Isn't this what the Midtown Alliance advocates for all day long?

I thought it did require active uses at street level, but I gather people are saying that isn't the case here for some reason.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by gtcorndog

Did you really just ask this question?

Why do YOU think that developers might resist such moves? I'll let you answer this question, because to me it is ridiculously obvious.

I guess I'm missing the obvious but I'll be the first to admit I don't know anything about real estate development.

My assumption is they have planned the project based on the number of units they think the market will absorb. If that's the case, it seems like you could get about the same number of units in a shorter but wider building. Is that not how it's done?

[ATLTJL]

I'm guessing maybe it is because it is way more expensive.

Maybe if developers have to do this, they won't develop at all. In this market, it's risky to even construct something, so anything that would make generating a profit more difficult might make the development simply not happen.

I don't like visible parking decks either. But I like undeveloped intown land even less. So if it's a choice between having to build a deck or not develop at all, I'd rather have a deck. I really don't have that big of a problem with it when it isn't visible from the main street, like how they did Metropolis.

[chiatldal]

Originally Posted by back2dc

As many of you have pointed out, you're against the above ground parking deck. We're in agreement here.

Above ground parking decks are one of many reasons why Atlanta will never be a walkable city. The parking decks create dead space where there should be another residential or commercial building with retail on the ground level.

Everyone gets uber-defensive when I criticized Atlanta's urban core in another thread, but yet there is agreement that this parking deck is detrimental to creating urban density. Low density also prevents mass transit from realizing its full potential. All of this contributes to a poor urban core.

This complete lack of foresight by the city, caving into developers trying to cut corners and costs, is pathetic.

Does anyone else think the Atlanta urban core isn't that bad at all?

Because whether or not they build the building or how ever they build the building that area is and will still be walkable. Atlanta core zonning is not that off that it isn't walkable. Posters are upset because it could better.

Atlanta - Google Maps

[StAubin]

Buildings could always be renovated in the future if the demand is their. Look at that one building next to 191 downtown, for the longest time it was an unsightly concrete block but it has been renovated with a nice pedestrian friendly facade with street leval retail...and windows.

[cqholt]

Why not compel them to build in such a way that the parking structure is not prominent and street-side (e.g., integrated into the building structure behind street-level retail, or partial underground parking, etc.)?

Perfect example of a parking garage with ground floor retail is the Terminus office complex in Buckhead.terminus - Google Maps

[gtcorndog]

Originally Posted by ATLTJL

I'm guessing maybe it is because it is way more expensive.

Maybe if developers have to do this, they won't develop at all. In this market, it's risky to even construct something, so anything that would make generating a profit more difficult might make the development simply not happen.

Ding ding ding!

Here is something I found on the subject: (How Much Will an Underground Parking Garage Cost? « OpenCdA)

Surface parking costs about $1,500 per space and you can fit 100 to 120 spaces per acre, depending on how generously sized the spaces are. In contrast, the cost of a parking garage runs $8,500 to $10,500 per space and can go as high as $15,000 per space. If you decide to put in an underground garage, count on double to triple that amount.

I agree there can be a better way of integrating parking into the designs, but below ground seems cost prohibitive. However, I agree that something needs to be done to keep Midtown from becoming like downtown.

[back2dc]

Originally Posted by chiatldal

Because whether or not they build the building or how ever they build the building that area is and will still be walkable. Atlanta core zonning is not that off that it isn't walkable. Posters are upset because it could better.

Atlanta - Google Maps

Having parking garages is just like having a parking lot. Both are dead spaces that offer no interaction to passers-by. Dead spaces decrease the walkability score.

Perhaps you go to cities to visit parking lots. People are strange that way.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by gtcorndog

I agree there can be a better way of integrating parking into the designs, but below ground seems cost prohibitive. However, I agree that something needs to be done to keep Midtown from becoming like downtown.

Agreed. If underground parking is cost prohibitive, then I'd vote for above ground decks with active uses at street level. As hilly as this town is, there's ought to be opportunities for using grade differences in creative ways as well.