Court Avenue Development Efforts

[dmluvr]

Thanks for the pics!!

It's bizzare how we've gone from court ave almost being an afterthought to court ave evolving on a daily basis--lovn it!

[DMRyan]

Loving the pics saddlery, keep them coming.

I'd love to see the view of that last photo in 2010 when Des Moines hopefully has a new courthouse midrise and the large surface parking lot on 4th & Court filled in.

That smithson bar patio shot pretty much sums up that operation.

[dogbo]

According to article in this week's DSM Business Record, not a lot has happened with the Randolph as of late. Not dead, but just nothing new regarding rehab plans.

Sunday, November 19, 2006

No progress on proposal to rehab Randolph Hotel

By Jim Pollock
jimpollock@bpcdm.com
Lots of people have talked about renovating the Randolph Hotel, but the idea seems to have lost momentum.

"There was a proposal that sounded good for both sides," said Joe Coppola of Coppola Properties, the hotel owner. "They took it back to their side, and it hasn't progressed any further."

"There's been no movement, but I believe it's still in play," said Tim Leach of the Downtown Community Alliance. "A couple of developers have been interested and have talked with the owner. They're trying to reach an understanding of how the property might be acquired and used; they're exploring the financial feasibility of it."

George Sherman of Minneapolis appears to be one potential developer of the building. However, his local representative, Jackie Nickolaus, said: "I have not talked to George about the Randolph in quite a while. The last time we had a discussion, John [Ruan] III was going to do some research." Ruan is reportedly interested in being involved with reviving the Randolph, but was not available for comment.

"This hasn't been a top priority for any of us," Nickolaus said. Sherman is filing an application for tax credits to jump-start his proposed Metro Lofts project, and Nickolaus said, "When we get these tax credit applications off the desk, we might circle back to the Randolph."

Coppola said his company hopes to see a proposal reach "at least the option stage" by the end of the year. The owners "are pursuing conversations, looking at historic tax credits and watching to see how the Spaghetti Works fills," referring to the conversion of the nearby building's upper floors into apartments. "We think it will fill immediately," he said.

Coppola said his company also has talked about converting the Randolph into apartments. The hotel currently maintains 85 percent to 90 percent occupancy.

At the other end of the block, Coppola Properties is wrapping up the conversion of the Kirkwood Hotel into condominium units. "It's incredibly tricky and expensive," Coppola said. "When we have a couple months under our belt operating that, we'll refocus our energies."

The Randolph's future affects an adjoining Coppola property and at least partly depends on the fate of a city-owned vacant lot across Court Avenue.

"We sat back and passed on some leases we could have taken in the adjoining building, because [potential developers] indicated that would interfere with their chances for development," Coppola said. "We can't afford to do that too often."

City Manager Rick Clark recently said the city plans to wait for nearby projects to get up and running before making another attempt to start development on its vacant lot on Court.

Coppola said talk of a hotel on that site has limited developers' interest in the Randolph. "Until that's decided," he said, "developers are not going to want to compete with something that would be subsidized [by the city] right next door."

Leach said the DCA has been working with developers to encourage them to move ahead with a Randolph commitment. "It's all about financial feasibility," he said. "Rehabbing historic structures is very expensive, and it comes down to how much debt the project can hold, how much subsidy it needs and how much money in historic tax credits it can bring to the table. The Randolph probably would require New Markets Tax Credits as well. There are a lot of layers of financing that have to be worked through."

[DMRyan]

That was a pretty decent article that talked about the challenges of rehabbing the Randolph Hotel. There was also the part in there about the City being patient with the development of the long-vacant lot across the street. It sounds like the City wants some of the other residential developments to fill up before pushing to introduce potentially more residential to an already crowded market. Hopefully, everyone understands the importance of having this site be more than just a hotel.

[4th&Court]

The Randolph could be a grand hotel or residence, but it needs ALOT of help. Right now, it's not only incredibly outdated inside and out, but it appears that it is being used as a dumping-ground for sex offenders. It must be exactly enough feet from everything it needs to be, because there are alot there given it's a single building downtown. It would take some serious money sunk into that building and probably alot of time as well, but I think it could be a showpiece.

[Ingersoll1978]

The Randolph could be a grand hotel or residence, but it needs ALOT of help. Right now, it's not only incredibly outdated inside and out, but it appears that it is being used ask a dumping-ground for sex offenders. It must be exactly enough feet from everything it needs to be, because there are alot there given it's a single building downtown. It would take some serious money sunk into that building and probably alot of time as well, but I think it could be a showpiece.

The Randolph Hotel is within 2000 ft. of the downtown school. The only sex offenders living there must have been there before the law was passed (the only way to be exempt).

[4th&Court]

Yeah that's possible. It'd make for a very odd scenario though. Why would they want to be there as opposed to other places around town?

[DMRyan]

Ol' Ingy and I were walking down Court Avenue today when we noticed a big, pink sign on the Smithson Bar (Rock's, Tequila Tom's) saying the property was for sale

[dogbo]

Old news Ryan. See my November 6th post.

[DMRyan]

An article about the new 4th Street Theater locating in the Java Joe's annex. Quite the little cultural hub has built itself up on this little street.

Fourth Street Theatre opens
By MICHAEL MORAIN
REGISTER STAFF WRITER

November 30, 2006

Turns out, all the world really isn't a stage. But with a new theater downtown, that's beginning to change.

After years of performances on the cramped stage at Vaudeville Mews, actors will have some breathing room at Fourth Street Theatre, which opened this month in the space next to Java Joe's coffeehouse, 214 Fourth St.

"The performance space is 25 percent bigger," said Amedeo Rossi, one of the co-owners of the Mews who launched the new project. "It seems enormous."

Rossi and his team now rent Java Joe's former game room and are putting the final touches on the space's transformation. They built a 2-foot high stage, installed pipes on the ceiling for new lights and painted everything black. They're working to make the space more soundproof, and they may eventually hang black curtains on front windows to block light from the street.

Although the Mews will continue to host bands, Rossi plans to shift theater performances to the new theater in an effort to ease scheduling problems.

"There was too much traffic" at the Mews, he said. "Theater groups wouldn't ever have enough time to rehearse."

Of course, some of the acts won't need much time to practice. D.I.C.E.Y. the Drake Improv Comedy Experiment Yo! performs at 9 p.m. Friday.

Next week, the theatre hosts a production of "The Santaland Diaries," a solo play adapted from David Sedaris' popular memoir about being an elf at Macy's department store.

These shows are part of what Rossi sees as Des Moines' growing theater scene, which he hopes will support 10 to 15 productions every month at the new theater.

"We're kind of betting that there's a market," he said. "There's a lot of theater going on in different spaces, but there's only a handful of areas that can do what we do."

Rossi emphasized that one of the Fourth Street Theatre's greatest assets is its low overhead cost.

The space may not be as elaborate as the Civic Center's Stoner Studio Theater or a university auditorium, but its affordability puts it within reach of a wide range of independent drama groups.

"A lot of people are really into theater." he said. "There are more theater majors running around than you might imagine."

[butters]

I don't know how their other 2 locations are doing - but this is a pretty similar idea to Dave and Busters - and those aren't necessarily located in high volume areas to be successful. There's on in the promenade in broomfield, CO - which is a movie theatre, couple upscale restaurants, couple fast food/ice cream places, a hotel and and an ice arena with a sports bar overlooking. Its defintely a local hotspot, but its no Vegas or Disney...

Also autographs in Ankeny is doing this same idea on a smaller scale, they have an arcade on one side/bar on the other.

I'm sure there will be lots of people that just go there for the bar/pool/darts/TVs...

For what its worth...The Autographs in Ankeny closed the arcade portion a few months ago. I'll go ahead and predict that the Autographs in Ankeny will close all together within the year.

What do you know...The Autographs in Ankeny will be closing (may already be closed). Feels good when your predictions from months ago are correct...

I think the fact that the "VIP" room here was outfitted with a $10 hollow core door from Menards just summed up the place perfectly. The Autographs in Ankeny was just plain tacky.

[NOG's Wife]

I don't know how their other 2 locations are doing - but this is a pretty similar idea to Dave and Busters - and those aren't necessarily located in high volume areas to be successful. There's on in the promenade in broomfield, CO - which is a movie theatre, couple upscale restaurants, couple fast food/ice cream places, a hotel and and an ice arena with a sports bar overlooking. Its defintely a local hotspot, but its no Vegas or Disney...

Also autographs in Ankeny is doing this same idea on a smaller scale, they have an arcade on one side/bar on the other.

I'm sure there will be lots of people that just go there for the bar/pool/darts/TVs...

For what its worth...The Autographs in Ankeny closed the arcade portion a few months ago. I'll go ahead and predict that the Autographs in Ankeny will close all together within the year.

What do you know...The Autographs in Ankeny will be closing (may already be closed). Feels good when your predictions from months ago are correct...

I think the fact that the "VIP" room here was outfitted with a $10 hollow core door from Menards just summed up the place perfectly. The Autographs in Ankeny was just plain tacky.

It's closing, but McCoy is re-opening it as "Mac Daddy's."

http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs. ... 0/1046/ENT

[dogbo]

Say what you will about Spaghetti Works but you have to admit it is a bit of a Des Moines' (or at least Court Avenue) institution. Vastly underreported is the fact that it is currently closed and appears to be undergoing an extensive renovation. Has anybody read or seen anything on this? I happened to drive by today and noticed the "Grand Reopening" sign indicating February and a lot of activity going on inside (in terms of construction lights and workers).

Probably not a bad strategy to clean and spruce up the place up a bit. It will be interesting to see what (if anything) they do with the large area in the back that used to be the comedy club.

Again…I can't believe I haven't heard anything about this. Does anyone have anymore insight on this project?

[Cyclonefan]

It wasn't closed a couple weeks ago, i ate there christmas week. They have done some renovation inside, new bathrooms and such.

[DMRyan]

Now only if Johnny's Hall of Fame could get remodeled too.

[dogbo]

Now only if Johnny's Hall of Fame could get remodeled too.

I bet it will. I'm sure that was some of the motivation for Hubbell to buy the business so they could have total control over someday updating this very visible space within their building.

[Norwalker]

I'm glad I saw this thread, since we may have come downtown looking for a bite this weekend, and our kids can always pack down a mountain of spaghetti.

According to their website (http://www.spagworks.com):

In order to finish our extensive renovation, we will be closing the restaurant on January 1, 2007 and re-opening on February 12, 2007. Please feel free to call, or use the "contact us" feature of this site to inquire about our new party room that will have a seating capacity of 100.

Apparently the old comedy club area will just be a large party room.

[DMRyan]

A new comedy club for downtown should be on the wish list. I don't know how well two comedy clubs in a city this size would play off from a business standpoint, but a club drawing comedy acts like Funny Bone gets should be something to aim for.

Down the stretch, I'm really looking for something like this to be incorporated into a downtown movie theater (first run and independent) into the final large chunk of land left to build on on Court Avenue. This plot of land should be held off for something more special than just a hotel or just downtown housing.

[DMRyan]

Has anyone been to the new Lounge 101 bar in The Depot Building just east of Hessen Haus? I stopped in recently and it looks like it will be a nice little hangout, especially when the deck gets done if we have warm weather ever again. Since many of the Full Court Press bars are getting pretty crowded on most nights, any new drinking hole will be welcomed.

[ihawk00]

I was in there a couple weeks back. It wasn't very busy, but it was early. There was a DJ setting up for the night. Two of my girlfriends described it as a "gay sports bar" vibe. The happy hour specials were decent as well.

[dogbo]

A few friends and I checked it out after a recent Iowa Stars game. It was a decent place. They have a basketball hoop (a real one, not an arcade game type), so it is kind of fun to play a game or two of pig while downing some beers.

The place will be very cool during the summer. Not only will they have the deck Ryan mentioned, but there's a lot of sliding doors (since this is an old depot) that they'll open up when the weather is nice.

One of the owners even stopped by and talked to us for awhile. That is always a nice touch.

[Shivz]

A few friends and I checked it out after a recent Iowa Stars game. It was a decent place. They have a basketball hoop (a real one, not an arcade game type), so it is kind of fun to play a game or two of pig while downing some beers.

Sounds like Three-Bag, with the real basketball hoop and all.

[dogbo]

A few friends and I checked it out after a recent Iowa Stars game. It was a decent place. They have a basketball hoop (a real one, not an arcade game type), so it is kind of fun to play a game or two of pig while downing some beers.

Sounds like Three-Bag, with the real basketball hoop and all.

Other than the BB hoop, they really aren't similar to each other.

[4th&Court]

It's kind of like El-Bait Shop from what I saw. Alot less beer choices, of course, but that kind of feel.

[Ingersoll1978]

Another bar from Full Court Press?

From Cityview's Civic Skinny:

Skinny also hears that Bruning and his partners at Full Court Press (owners of Des Moines bars Hessen House, El Bait Shop, Royal Mile and others) will soon unearth a “prohibition-era key club” downtown. We hear it is going to be called Shorty’s. Word is that they are trying to keep everything in tact and operate the bar as it was during the era. It may already be open. Nobody knows.

[dogbo]

Another bar from Full Court Press?

From Cityview's Civic Skinny:

Skinny also hears that Bruning and his partners at Full Court Press (owners of Des Moines bars Hessen House, El Bait Shop, Royal Mile and others) will soon unearth a “prohibition-era key club” downtown. We hear it is going to be called Shorty’s. Word is that they are trying to keep everything in tact and operate the bar as it was during the era. It may already be open. Nobody knows.

I'm sure this is the bar they plan to put in the basement of their new grocery store. http://www.absolutedsm.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1922

[The Chain]

I'm pretty sure that's supposed to be just a wine cellar, not really a full fledged bar.

[dogbo]

I'm pretty sure that's supposed to be just a wine cellar, not really a full fledged bar.

From the thread I linked to above regarding the information I learned during the BOA mtg:

A small tavern will be located in the basement off the "wine cellar". The owners are putting this in to help supplement the grocery store's revenues...especially starting out. Described as a hidden treasure that people will be a pleasantly surprised and won't expect to be there and will kind of just "stumble upon".

[DMRyan]

There must be over a dozen restaurants and bars that have announced intentions recently and it's getting hard to keep track. Most of them are in the Court Avenue area, but East Grand Avenue in East Village could really be coming alive soon too.

Once the construction plans get shored up south of the Gateway Park, this could be another dining/drinking hot spot downtown.

[DMRyan]

Not much news here, but it once again cements that the developers of the 4th & Court project are working with the owners of Centro to bring a high-end latin themed restaurant to the first floor of their project. Earlier discussion about this restaurant eluded to this being a type of restaurant that is not currently found in the Des Moines area. The City is providing a loan to get the business off the ground.

From the Council Agenda:

On August 8, 2005, by Roll Call 05-1973, the City Council reaffirmed its direction that the City Manager proceed with negotiating an assistance package for a potential restaurant in the building currently under construction at the SE corner of Court Avenue and 4th Street.



The developer initiated proposal accepted by City Council on August 9, 2004, by Roll Call 04-1693, originally contemplated restaurant/entertainment financial assistance of $945,000 for multiple venues. This portion of the project was determined to be integral to the overall project proposal; however, there were many details yet to be finalized, so specific terms of the assistance package were left to be negotiated at a later date. This component of the project has now been refined to one high-end restaurant proposal. Other potential venues, such as the former Nacho Mamma’s building at 3rd and Court, are being redeveloped by other parties and are no longer considered a part of this project.

The City Manager has negotiated a $350,000 loan with Court Avenue Ventures, L.L.P. (Rick Tollakson, President and CEO, Hubbell Realty Company, 6900 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266). Proceeds will be used for tenant improvements related to an 8,900 square foot, high-end Latin-themed restaurant. Total cost of the restaurant will exceed $1.6 million.