Savannah Arena and Canal District News (Atlanta, Louisville: sales, rental, house)

[Airforceguy]

I agree, just build the damn thing already. Also, if the residents of Carver Heights thought that the arena wouldn't bring commercial and residential development to their area, they area naive. With the Arena and Canal District plan, there fate of Carver Village and West Savannah is sealed.

[Airforceguy]

An excellent analysis from this Sunday's City Talk column. As I've stated before, whether the residents of Carver Village and West Savannah at large know it, but that entire area will be one the next gentrification areas once the new arena opens, and if the plans for the Canal District do become reality, it will be one of the hottest areas in the city. Even, the Hudson Hill/Bayview neighborhood is beginning to see new investment.

In recent years, largely due to the extended economic expansion, some of Savannah’s dividing lines have become increasingly blurred, but that doesn’t mean that we have created meeting points. As gentrification and real estate investment impact new areas, we run the risk of displacing longtime residents and creating new dividing lines.

And this brings me around again to the city of Savannah’s planned arena, which will be located in the no man’s land near the historic water works at the northeast corner of West Gwinnett Street and Stiles Avenue.

https://www.savannahnow.com/business...-dividing-line

[pink caddy]

Originally Posted by Airforceguy

Also, if the residents of Carver Heights thought that the arena wouldn't bring commercial and residential development to their area, they area naive.

Hmmmm. I bit harsh don't you think. These are not the Donald Trumps of the world. They don't own. They are mearly part of the "system". They have very little say in the matter but, beware, protest groups and resistance can blow up in situations like this. IMHO depends on red or blue.

[Airforceguy]

Originally Posted by pink caddy

Hmmmm. I bit harsh don't you think. These are not the Donald Trumps of the world. They don't own. They are mearly part of the "system". They have very little say in the matter but, beware, protest groups and resistance can blow up in situations like this. IMHO depends on red or blue.

I know it sounds a bit harsh, but I see the writing on the wall. The Arena and Canal District will be the largest public works development in the city's history. This, along with the fact that all of West Savannah has been designated an Opportunity Zone, will attract potentially millions of dollars in development. I do feel sorry for the citizens of Carver Village because despite their best efforts, I feel that behind the door wheeling and dealing has sealed the fate of this area. Another factor too sealing the fate of the area, is the fact that once the older residents of this area die, I fear their children either won't be able to keep these homes due to the rising real estate values that may come to this area and also due to the fact that many simply may not want to remain in the area if they can afford to leave. I hope I'm wrong, but I have seen this scenario play out in too many cities in this country from Atlanta to Chicago to New York.

[pink caddy]

[quote=Airforceguy;5348327 Another factor too sealing the fate of the area, is the fact that once the older residents of this area die, I fear their children either won't be able to keep these homes due to the rising real estate values that may come to this area and also due to the fact that many simply may not want to remain in the area if they can afford to leave[/quote]

I think you might have some flawed thinking here on "fear they can't keep their homes due to rising real estate values". . .Their expenses don't rise only the value does.(other than a increase in tax evaluation that you can appeal at the tax dept). Why does anyone want to leave that? Secondly, "may not want to remain in the area if they can afford to leave". You're confusing me. LOL. First you said they can't afford to stay, then you say they have money to leave. Which is it?


My opinion: Nobody goes anyplace when they see the possibility of a pot of gold. They can be kicked out. Forced out. Burnt out. Shot. Die. But I don't think they leave without a deal.


Disclosure: I really don't know anything about this deal or what has been proposed so far. My opinions are based on real estate history as I know it.

[Airforceguy]

Originally Posted by pink caddy

I think you might have some flawed thinking here on "fear they can't keep their homes due to rising real estate values". . .Their expenses don't rise only the value does.(other than a increase in tax evaluation that you can appeal at the tax dept). Why does anyone want to leave that? Secondly, "may not want to remain in the area if they can afford to leave". You're confusing me. LOL. First you said they can't afford to stay, then you say they have money to leave. Which is it?


My opinion: Nobody goes anyplace when they see the possibility of a pot of gold. They can be kicked out. Forced out. Burnt out. Shot. Die. But I don't think they leave without a deal.


Disclosure: I really don't know anything about this deal or what has been proposed so far. My opinions are based on real estate history as I know it.

You are right, the way I was trying to express my thoughts came out wrong. What I was trying to say is similar to your response. I believe that if this area does become the next "hot" area of Savannah, certainly developers/real estate interests will offer residents large sums of money for their homes and many would probably take the cash and go. One thing that could be in the residents favor is that the neighborhood association is seeking a historic district status for Carver Village and if it is granted, that certainly would impact what developers would be be able to do in the area.

[pink caddy]

Originally Posted by Airforceguy

You are right, the way I was trying to express my thoughts came out wrong. What I was trying to say is similar to your response. I believe that if this area does become the next "hot" area of Savannah, certainly developers/real estate interests will offer residents large sums of money for their homes and many would probably take the cash and go. One thing that could be in the residents favor is that the neighborhood association is seeking a historic district status for Carver Village and if it is granted, that certainly would impact what developers would be be able to do in the area.

^^^^This. Thanks. Got it.

[Airforceguy]

The three concept designs for the exterior of the arena were unveiled Tuesday night. Personally I like concept two. The final design will be chosen by early 2019. Also the Urban Land Institute unveiled their findings regarding the future of the current Civic Center site and their report stated that the entire site should be demolished and Elbert Square and the street grid restored. I favor this and I hope it becomes a reality one day.
CONCEPT ONE
Savannah Arena Concept-1 by brandon walker, on Flickr

Savannah Arena Concept-1 by brandon walker, on Flickr

CONCEPT TWO
Savannah Arena Concept-2 by brandon walker, on Flickr

Savannah Arena Concept-2 by brandon walker, on Flickr

CONCEPT THREE
Savannah Arena Concept-3 by brandon walker, on Flickr

Savannah Arena Concept-3 by brandon walker, on Flickr

Representatives of Urban Land Institute recommended during the workshop that the the entire Savannah Civic Center be demolished and that aspects of the city’s historic town plan - including Elbert Square - be restored. The potential for additional public space, as well as commercial development and mixed-income residential housing, was touted as a benefit of clearing the site at Montgomery and Liberty streets.

https://www.savannahnow.com/news/201...arena-unveiled

[WanderingImport]

I also favor concept 2 and am happy the report recommends demolishing the entire current civic center site in favor of restoring the grid.

[Newsboy]

I like the FIRST photo in Concept 3

But I'm glad to see all the concepts are MODERN and not the big brick barn looking thing that has been proposed thus far. Savannah NEEDS some really cool modern architecture and the arena / canal district is the perfect place for it.