Well it's a start

[DvlsAdvc8]

Originally Posted by Reactionary

friday13 - I think that the Constellation hotel was restricted more by money than height. People can already build higher than they do (for the most part), IMO they don't because the market isn't there.

This.

Also, its cheaper to sprawl even though its more expensive to society as a whole when transportation/infrastructure costs to gov and individuals are factored in over the long run. Downtown high rise space has to compete with cheaper space further out. Its only when we reach a critical mass of commute distance that we start going up again.

[friday13]

Originally Posted by djmaxwell

One possibility is the limitations of the city's rescue equipment.

I don't expect the Empire State Bldg., but as tall as the other taller buidings in town. Maybe Constellation looks that way because it's not finished.

Money isn't there? Market? Then why we had another developer for a VBC hotel? I understand they couldn't reach a deal with the City for the land/location, but there was another developer showing interest in a hotel.
http://blog.al.com/breaking/2011/04/...n_idea_of.html

[AuburnAL]

The old Times building downtown is pretty tall and the upper floors look vacant if you get up on top of a parking garage and look inside. I think you'd probably need to fill out existing tall buildings before more are built.

[denofhc]

There seems to be an energy growing around downtown and this is a very good thing indeed!

[419]

I think this is great! I would love to live in a vibrant downtown with a walkable lifestyle.