Court Avenue Development Efforts

[downtownlofts]

It's the building at 322 SW 3rd.


http://www.assess.co.polk.ia.us/cgi-bin ... 05001001=1

[Ingersoll1978]

Thanks lofts...

[dogbo]

this is really an interesting building and appears to be in real good shape (at least from the outside) . Most of you would probably recognzie it if the photo was from the side facing MLK Pkwy. It's almost directly accross from SCI. The roofline is lined with white lights that are lite up on most nights.

[Young DSM Social Club]

I love the look of that building for some reason.

[Des Moineser]

It's seems like it was modeled after a castle or something. This could be something very unique if the right people get a hold of this.

[DMRyan]

Holy crow, drove by the Spaghetti Works Building today and there actual work crews gutting the upper floors of the building and delivering construction supplies to the site. Finally, let some major work on Court Avenue begin!

[NOG]

Now its official!!

From the Des Moines Register:

Lofts construction begins at Spaghetti Works
Half of new development reserved for moderate-income dwellers

DONNELLE ELLER
REGISTER STAFF WRITER

February 28, 2006


West Des Moines developer Hubbell Realty Co. officially begins work today on redevelopment of the Spaghetti Works building at 308 Court Ave.

BIG PICTURE: The historic Spaghetti Works building is part of a $31 million Hubbell residential and commercial project along Court Avenue. Hubbell also plans to build 40 condominiums and 52 apartments at Fourth and Court avenues. Half of the apartments will be dedicated to moderate-income residents. Construction begins this spring and is expected to be completed by summer 2007. All three projects are called the Court Avenue Lofts.

RENTS: One-bedroom apartments for moderate-income residents are expected to rent for $676 per month; two bedrooms, $705. Market rents for a one-bedroom apartments will fetch around $725 monthly; two-bedrooms, $1,050. Leasing begins in December. Rachel Flint, a Hubbell spokeswoman, stresses that the rents are preliminary.

INCOME LIMITS: For rent-controlled apartments, incomes are limited to about $28,600 annually for one person; or $40,900 a year for a family of four.

DEVELOPER: Jim Hubbell

WILL THE SPAGHETTI WORKS RESTAURANT BELOW REMAIN OPEN: Yes

[dmluvr]

Right on!!!

Any word though on that lot across the street in regards to when construction will begin and what officially is it going to be??

[NOG's Wife]

In other news, a little birdy told me that they're currently looking into bringing a gaming environment to the second floor above the new Legends downtown...similar to what they have at ESPN Zones. And, they're in the process of contract negotiations to bring a 500-seat live music venue to the third floor above Legends.

[Young DSM Social Club]

I love small birds.

[mistertwister]

They had a brief report last night about the Spaghetti Works conversion. Showed the inside of the space and some design renders. I got to tell you, if I were 24 years old again and looking for an apartment, I'd be ALL over this project. It's going to be great.

They also talked a bit and showed a render of the condo and commercial building going into the lot to the west of the Spaghetti Works building. It's really going to change the face of Court Ave.

[dogbo]

I can't believe no one has commented on Saturday's DSM Register story on eveyone's fav bar owner - Larry Smithson.

This thing is l o n g but well worth the read. There's even a related blog on the Register's site to comment.

Smithson: Court Ave.'s maverick
As downtown's entertainment district grows, Larry Smithson sees himself as a boon to the area, 'the best bar operator' ever. Detractors say he doesn't fit in. At 55, he finds himself at a crossroads.

REID FORGRAVE
REGISTER STAFF WRITER


June 3, 2006

article:

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/p ... 46/archive

blog:

http://blogs.dmregister.com/?p=1701#comments

[dmluvr]

ooooh yes! I remember reading that article. Yeah--total Doy Doy on our part for not getting--thanks dogbo!!

check out the blogs--some interesting post. I like the one from Marion--humorous.

It's a good read and worth taking the time to check out. We could only hope his days are numbered. Like Rossi said(in the article), he has had his hay day and his time has come and gone.
Touche.

Downtown is growing up and moving on. Time for Mr. Smithson to follow suite.

[Ingersoll1978]

We talked about this article when we were camping on Saturday. It's a great read. I can't believe how arrogant Smithson is. He's definitely lying to himself if he see's himself as king of the hill. If he would have joined in the movement to create a better Court Ave, the East Village and District 10 probably wouldn't be so red hot. Getting Smithson & Co. out of there is probably the best thing that could happen to Court Avenue.

Also, anyone know what's going on with the building that used to house Plush? I'd like to see that one torn down and redeveloped.

[the DSMocrat]

Also, anyone know what's going on with the building that used to house Plush? I'd like to see that one torn down and redeveloped.

I heard that the current owner is pricing it too high for a space that would realistically need a humongous makeover. It's a great location, though; it'd be nice if someone--either the current owner or a new one--took it and made it into an upscale lunch-and-dinner restaurant.

[mistertwister]

It's probably owned by the Coppola's and as such will continue to languish in hell because they are completely unrealistic about rents and refuse to sell.

Fortunately it looks like the Coppola's and Smithson's are finally getting squeezed out of the marketplace by people with vision and who are willing to spend a little bit of money to make that vision happen.

[dmluvr]

It's probably owned by the Coppola's and as such will continue to languish in hell because they are completely unrealistic about rents and refuse to sell.

Fortunately it looks like the Coppola's and Smithson's are finally getting squeezed out of the marketplace by people with vision and who are willing to spend a little bit of money to make that vision happen.

amen mister. it's not really a secret.

[Ingersoll1978]

Here are some pics of the newly lighted Polk County Courthouse. It makes a huge difference in night skyline shots. The only criticism I have is that they should illuminate more of the main structure of the building. For the skyline though, it doesn't really matter. It makes a huge diffence on the look of Court Ave. The clock works too! Looks good!

[butters]

Happened to be in the Court Ave area last night and noticed "now hiring" signs posted all over the Surf Shack. Looks like it will be re-opening soon.

On a unrelated yet related topic, I ate dinner for the first time ever at Court Avenue Brewing Company...It was fantastic! The food, the brew, the atmosphere - all five stars out of five! I can't beleive there isn't more of a "buzz" around town about this place. I'll definetly be back.

[dmluvr]

that's because court ave is a built in fixure.....wow butters, I'm surprised you havn't been there b4.....one of dsm's finest.

[dogbo]

I can't tell for sure, but do the Hubbell/Bookey condo buildings along 4th St have street level retail I guess I aways assumed (and hoped so), but can't really tell from these renderings. I would be great to have commercial all the way down 4th to the Hessan Haus.

[DMRyan]

No, they won't have retail all the way down the block. At last glance, there was one large commercial space for Ciudad the restuarant, and one smaller retail space right on the corner of 4th & Court. The restaurant will be large enough that it should take up most of the Court Avenue side.

[DMRyan]

New Spaghetti Works Photos. They are starting to put in the windows now and the brick has been cleaned to remove all of the grime and soot.

[DMRyan]

And another one to show that the long awaited Court Avenue Redevelopment project has finally started construction. The workers are driving sheet piling into the ground and starting on the footings right now.

[dmluvr]

No, they won't have retail all the way down the block. At last glance, there was one large commercial space for Ciudad the restuarant, and one smaller retail space right on the corner of 4th & Court. The restaurant will be large enough that it should take up most of the Court Avenue side.

Huh.....yeah..it appears that it's residential on 4th st. I hope to freaking god that these people buying here will realize this is a upbeat entertainment district and won't whine when they hear music after 10 on a friday night.

well--it's unfort. that it's not street level retail along 4th.....residential is critical--but this really is about being an entertainment/shopping style kind of district--yeah?? no??

[Ingersoll1978]

dmluvr- Do you ever shut up? LOL

[audiored]

Huh.....yeah..it appears that it's residential on 4th st. I hope to freaking god that these people buying here will realize this is a upbeat entertainment district and won't whine when they hear music after 10 on a friday night.

O please, you know some stupid biatch will cause trouble. that is why they should do an overlay zoning district to ensure that amplified outdoor music can be played until 2am and what ever else they need in an entertainment district. So some a$$ wipe can't mess things up later.

[dmluvr]

amen audioread.....

and ingersoll---baby baby baby--you know I love this town too much to shut up!!!!

[brian75]

I just heard an ad on the radio that the Surf Shack is open. Has anyone been there? Is it any good? I don’t know anyone that goes to the Smithson’s bars but I hear plenty about the other bars in that area like HighLife Lounge, El Bait Shop, etc…
I was hoping that he would finally sell that location.

[Philby]

I just heard an ad on the radio that the Surf Shack is open. Has anyone been there? Is it any good? I don’t know anyone that goes to the Smithson’s bars but I hear plenty about the other bars in that area like HighLife Lounge, El Bait Shop, etc…
I was hoping that he would finally sell that location.

I've been to the Surf Shack plenty of times last summer for lunch (i actually really like their lunch menu - everything's the same price and includes a drink - large selection and some of its pretty good!) i would definitely recommend going for lunch.

I've been 1 time on a weekend night - and granted it was like 9 or 9:30 and places don't really get busy til later (with the exception of the bait shop, high life, haus, mile that get busy at 4 and stay busy til close on friday) - but my group was the ONLY people in the bar, we promptly turned around and walked out.

its not a bad setup and could be a decent bar if anyone was there - but the time i went it was dead.