This evening, the City of Anderson conducted a public meeting to allow two competing developers to present their potential plans for the Belk Site.
The first presentation was introduced by a team of developers, Brian Wilson and Bill Marcie, who are presently developing the Chiquola project. Their plan included a combination of a Hotel, Condominiums, Retailing, a Rooftop Restaurant, and a Parking Deck, which would serve both the Chiquola and the Belk Site projects. In addition, they suggested building a bridge to connect the two properties.
The second presentation was made by David Agnew, of Civic Square Development. His plan included a Hotel, Condominiums, Retailing, and a Parking Garage.
The differences between the two plans were the following:
• David Agnew plan did not include a Rooftop Restaurant, a Parking Deck, or a bridge between any properties.
• The philosophies of both developers were somewhat different. David Agnew believed that the project needed to be more horizontal than vertical in order to better connect with the streets at Downtown. He also objected strongly to the idea of building a bridge. He felt that a bridge would keep people in the air, while he is trying to create a community atmosphere by connecting businesses downtown as walking destinations.
It was also very interesting how the City balanced the issue of making the meeting public and protecting the developers need for confidentiality. The Mayor simply gave the option to the developers to make the decision to speak in public or request an executive session for confidential negotiations. Both teams of developers chose the public meeting. It was obvious that they strongly wanted their ideas to be shared with the public and the media.
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The Belk Site
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Art,
Once again you have done a better job in reporting the event than the independent mail. Thanks.
I'm curious what 'vertical' and 'horizontal' mean in the context of this discussion. If B&B; is talking about going higher than 10 floors, I agree that it won't connect well with the rest of the area and will be out of place. But I'd hate to see anything less than 5 floors and I think 7 or 8 would be optimal in terms of fitting in to the area in a way that is progressive and opens the door for the larger structures sure to come someday.
I agree with the idea that the "skybridge" is counter productive. Anderson doesn't have any need for something like that. But adding parking into the mix is important. It doesn't have to connect with Chiquola or the Courthouse.
I'd love to see this pan out with 2 floors parking (one underground and 1 at ground level with a shop or two facing the square buffering the parking from the street. Another level which is a mix between the hotel lobby and retail. 3 levels of hotel. And two levels of condos on top. No need for a nice rooftop restaurant at this point (in my opinion). That's 8 floors, 7 above ground. They city would still build their deck on the other side of the Chiquola. And there definitely would NOT be a skywalk.
Once again you have done a better job in reporting the event than the independent mail. Thanks.
I'm curious what 'vertical' and 'horizontal' mean in the context of this discussion. If B&B; is talking about going higher than 10 floors, I agree that it won't connect well with the rest of the area and will be out of place. But I'd hate to see anything less than 5 floors and I think 7 or 8 would be optimal in terms of fitting in to the area in a way that is progressive and opens the door for the larger structures sure to come someday.
I agree with the idea that the "skybridge" is counter productive. Anderson doesn't have any need for something like that. But adding parking into the mix is important. It doesn't have to connect with Chiquola or the Courthouse.
I'd love to see this pan out with 2 floors parking (one underground and 1 at ground level with a shop or two facing the square buffering the parking from the street. Another level which is a mix between the hotel lobby and retail. 3 levels of hotel. And two levels of condos on top. No need for a nice rooftop restaurant at this point (in my opinion). That's 8 floors, 7 above ground. They city would still build their deck on the other side of the Chiquola. And there definitely would NOT be a skywalk.
Anderson Native,
In explaining his concept of horizontal, rather than vertical, David Agnew expressed his passion for making Downtown a walking destination. In order to achieve this goal, he prefers that developments should not exceed the height of the Courthouse. He also wants to give the residents, living in Downtown or visiting, every reason to walk from building to building and from shop to shop. So, he hopes that Downtown will capitalize on its historical uniqueness and niche retailing, dining, and entertaining.
In explaining his concept of horizontal, rather than vertical, David Agnew expressed his passion for making Downtown a walking destination. In order to achieve this goal, he prefers that developments should not exceed the height of the Courthouse. He also wants to give the residents, living in Downtown or visiting, every reason to walk from building to building and from shop to shop. So, he hopes that Downtown will capitalize on its historical uniqueness and niche retailing, dining, and entertaining.
Anderson Native,
In explaining his concept of horizontal, rather than vertical, David Agnew expressed his passion for making Downtown a walking destination. In order to achieve this goal, he prefers that developments should not exceed the height of the Courthouse. He also wants to give the residents, living in Downtown or visiting, every reason to walk from building to building and from shop to shop. So, he hopes that Downtown will capitalize on its historical uniqueness and niche retailing, dining, and entertaining.
- Art Kaldas
I still think we need a 40 story office complex that can be seen for miles and miles.
BLee,
In order to revitalize Downtown, we need to make it a special destination based on its historical uniqueness and ability to become a living and working community. It has to offer the personal appeal and small town flavor. Downtown should not just become another large urban area with 40 story buildings.
In order to revitalize Downtown, we need to make it a special destination based on its historical uniqueness and ability to become a living and working community. It has to offer the personal appeal and small town flavor. Downtown should not just become another large urban area with 40 story buildings.
In this week’s Anderson Journal, Anna Mitchell wrote an amazing profile on David Agnew, who was chosen to develop the Belk Site. David is a native of Anderson. His father was Harry E. Agnew, the county’s circuit judge from 1966 until 1978. David attended Erskine College, on a full scholarship. At age 18, he was the youngest delegate ever sent to the Democratic National Convention. He also studied at Oxford University in Great Britain and was accepted into Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. David greatest work experience came from working as Chief of Staff for Mayor of Charleston, Joe Riley. Mayor Riley is credited with the successful revitalization of Downtown Charleston through a single project in the 1980s, the Charleston Place Hotel. In 2001, David left the Mayor’s Administration to become a private consultant and developer. He established the firm Civic Square.
In talking with David after his presentation to Anderson City Council meeting about his proposal for developing the Belk Site, I sensed his incredible passion for wanting to make a difference in Downtown Anderson. He wants the Belk Site development to be the start of what he can accomplish, cooperatively with other developers, to make Downtown Anderson the Heart of the Community.
In talking with David after his presentation to Anderson City Council meeting about his proposal for developing the Belk Site, I sensed his incredible passion for wanting to make a difference in Downtown Anderson. He wants the Belk Site development to be the start of what he can accomplish, cooperatively with other developers, to make Downtown Anderson the Heart of the Community.
Art,
As always - thanks for the informative summary and the heads up about the article!
The last part of your post is another reason why choosing Civic Square was a good move. Now we have more than one developer looking to really help downtown Anderson. B&B; is doing great stuff and I trust Civic Square will as well.
I trust David's intentions. I was surprised when a Charleston developer showed interest in the project. Now I know why. He has personal interest. That's always a good thing.
As always - thanks for the informative summary and the heads up about the article!
The last part of your post is another reason why choosing Civic Square was a good move. Now we have more than one developer looking to really help downtown Anderson. B&B; is doing great stuff and I trust Civic Square will as well.
I trust David's intentions. I was surprised when a Charleston developer showed interest in the project. Now I know why. He has personal interest. That's always a good thing.
Again, thanks Art. The more I learn about David, the better I like him. I'm getting more and more excited about what he'll get done with the former Belk's site!
I wonder when we're going to see detailed plans with a rendering....
I wonder when we're going to see detailed plans with a rendering....
David's brother, Paul, is a state representative from Abbeville County. His district includes a small part of Anderson County from the Georgia line up to Starr (but not Iva).
Paul Agnew is the only Democrat in the Anderson County legislative delegation.
Paul Agnew is the only Democrat in the Anderson County legislative delegation.
Wayward,
Thank you for the information about his brother Paul. Apparently, David Agnew and his family have been involved in the Democratic Party for many decades. I’m concerned about the political resistance he may face for being a Democrat working in a Republican dominated community.
Thank you for the information about his brother Paul. Apparently, David Agnew and his family have been involved in the Democratic Party for many decades. I’m concerned about the political resistance he may face for being a Democrat working in a Republican dominated community.
David's brother, Paul, is a state representative from Abbeville County. His district includes a small part of Anderson County from the Georgia line up to Starr (but not Iva).
Paul Agnew is the only Democrat in the Anderson County legislative delegation.
- wayward
Their brother Harry also was in the state house, as was their father. He is now a developer in the Laurens area. They are fine people who have deep Anderson roots and good common sense. And all of the Agnew brothers care about working across political lines. I don't think it will be a problem at all.
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