More news from nowhere

Thanks to those who admonished me for not posting and/or to those who encouraged me to start up regular posting. This will be the first of more to come. I promise.

First, news of the building
Well, there's nothing much new to post. We are still awaiting State and Federal approval on the design. I desperately want to start hearing hammers. They call to me. But, the windows, storefront and new (old) window cut-outs have to be first. And, without State approval on the plans I might either 1) need to redo work or 2) lose out on tax credit opportunity. I'm not so much interested in either; so no meaningful construction right now.

I have uncovered a potential way for me to get capital and a real-estate professional to lower their tax burden. If you know of anyone in the real-estate business that wants to make about 20% on their money......send them my way.

Next, ramblings about nothing (most of you can stop reading)
I still love living in an urban environment. Sunday brunch, coffee and NY Times reading has become a regular event for me and friends at Parker and Otis. I continue to meet people who live in the downtown core and are excited by the potential, while remaining challenged by ways to integrate smartly. The Durham Station opened on Monday. A very European style transportation facility makes me excited about Durham's future and vision. There's talk of a "circular route" for short trips around the Duke/Downtown core. I would love to take the bus for a grocery run. Count me as one who would use the service.

One of my favorite bloggers took part in an urban design and planning exercise in Raleigh with leaders from the Triangle urban and rural centers. This was one of my favorite reads in a long while (including the NY Times articles on how crappy our economy is and will be). You must check it out, especially if you live in the area (defined by Burlington to Zebulon). It also has interesting principles about the challenges of collaboration. Speaking of Cisco.........

Work is going excellent. I (we) are succeeding on a project that I've been working for the last 6 months. But mostly, I'm learning just how challenging it is to work collaboratively. I'm too stubborn at times and at others I should be even more stubborn. I must find ways highlight the important areas and let go of the chaff. 'Tis hard for me though, because caring brings passion and then even the little stuff matters. So, because work is hard it is good. And, I'm thankful to have meaningful work right now.

I hope this for all of us.

Ciao.

So Many New Toys

Will gave me the drawings in PDF form and a cool application that lets me take virtual tours of the building's interior. Both great toys, but I'm too stupid to figure a way to share the information. For now, I'll make do showing this mock-up of the storefront.

My entrance will be the one on the right and the retail space will be on the left. I really like the relationship the store windows have with the sidewalk. I hope my future tenant likes it also.

Curb Appeal

(click images to expand)

Here is the current design plan for the new storefront. Ideas of interest to me:

• Downstairs storefront extended out to walkway, opposed to recessed in current design
• Symmetrical and clean appeal
• Offers maximum natural light into the downstairs space

Ideas worth exploring:

• Large area of windows may create maintenance challenges
• What awning, window shading is appropriate
• Offers maximum natural light into the downstairs space (is it too much?)

I'm a fan of the old-school awnings that roll out/retrack with a hand crank. Of course, I won't be responsible for that daily task. Would my street level tenants want the flexibility to affect the amount of light, while accepting the responsibility to move the raise/lower the awning as appropriate?

If it takes a village to raise a child, maybe that can apply to my building. I'd like your thoughts on the storefront. Please feel free to use the comment button and provide me yours.......