Mr. David Agnew, of Civic Square, met with the City of Anderson Council to update members of his plans for developing the Belk Site Downtown.
Among the members attending were the following: Mayor Terrence Roberts, Councilman Steve Kirven, Councilman Buck Roberts, Councilman Tom Dunaway, City Manager John Moore, Assistant City Manager Linda McConnell, City Attorney Frank McClain, and Downtown Manager Arlene Young.
Mr. Agnew original plan, which included condominiums, has changed to reflect the change in the residential market. His updated plan includes the following:
• First floor: A Restaurant, Retail Shops, A Meeting Room, A Bar.
• Second floor: 50 Room Hotel.
• Third floor: A Hotel Bar.
• Basement: 75 Parking Spaces.
Mr. Agnew believes that the success of the project will rely on cooperation of private investors, public partnership with City and County, and the community involvement as a whole. He expressed the view that the Belk Site Development could become the catalyst for establishing Anderson Downtown as a walking destination. He envisioned walking trails to connect Downtown to the Public Library and An/Med. Mr. Agnew also indicated the future need for an additional parking deck to be built on Earle and McDuffie Intersection.
Mr. John Moore believed that this development, with its large meeting room, could attract conventions and corporate meetings to Downtown. Mr. Buck Roberts made the remark that this development could become the best venture Downtown has undertaken in his lifetime.
Mr. Agnew predicts, if the project is approved, construction could start by early 2009, and it could be completed by fall of 2010.
The plan will be presented to the whole City Council during April 14 meeting.
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Belk Site Update
Thanks Art. Did AIM miss this? I read about Microtel, but not about the Belk's site????
I was hoping for more than three floors. Couldn't the building keep the same amount of retail and hotel rooms, but go 5 floors instead of 3
I was hoping for more than three floors. Couldn't the building keep the same amount of retail and hotel rooms, but go 5 floors instead of 3
Two bars in the same small building? Sounds about right for the local bon-ton.
Fifty rooms on one floor - on that footprint? Are guests going to sleep standing?
Thanks Art. Did AIM miss this? I read about Microtel, but not about the Belk's site????
I was hoping for more than three floors. Couldn't the building keep the same amount of retail and hotel rooms, but go 5 floors instead of 3
Since the plan for developing the Belk Site includes only 75 parking spaces, while the project may actually bring hundreds of additional cars to Downtown, the parking squeeze Downtown was brought back to discussion. The following views were expressed:
• Downtown does not have a parking problem, only the perception of one.
• Downtown parking needs change every 90 days, due to new businesses and changing parking patterns.
• The City plans to publish a map and post new signage to assist Downtown drivers in finding parking spaces.
• The future of Downtown will include more walking trails, a shuffle system from various parking lots, and possibly more parking decks.
• City employees, County employees, Downtown business employees may be required in the future to park in the distant parking lots and use the shuffle system to reach their destination.
• Downtown does not have a parking problem, only the perception of one.
• Downtown parking needs change every 90 days, due to new businesses and changing parking patterns.
• The City plans to publish a map and post new signage to assist Downtown drivers in finding parking spaces.
• The future of Downtown will include more walking trails, a shuffle system from various parking lots, and possibly more parking decks.
• City employees, County employees, Downtown business employees may be required in the future to park in the distant parking lots and use the shuffle system to reach their destination.
Troglodyte,
I was somewhat surprised of the idea of having two bars in the same building. However, since many conventions and out-of-town groups may use the Hotel and the Meeting Room, having a relaxed atmosphere bar, on third floor may become sufficiently convenient for after meetings get-together.
- Art Kaldas
I understand the point you would make, Mr. K., but the cold-hard reality is that if there are two bars in the building, both bars will be open for business for as many hours as the law will allow. I don't believe hotel management would keep the 3rd floor relaxed-atmosphere bar closed except whenever there are meetings taking place. Not cost effective.
I understand the point you would make, Mr. K., but the cold-hard reality is that if there are two bars in the building, both bars will be open for business for as many hours as the law will allow. I don't believe hotel management would keep the 3rd floor relaxed-atmosphere bar closed except whenever there are meetings taking place. Not cost effective.- troglodyte
Troglodyte,
Apparently I do not know much about bars. I did not realize that the law limits the number of hours a bar can be open.
Heidi Cenac has written an excellent article in the Independent-Mail about the proposed development of the Belk Site, click here.
One of the issues raised during the discussion of this project was how to allow for Public/Private participation in financing the venture. Should the City of Anderson contribute to this operation? How much? And under what terms?
One of the issues raised during the discussion of this project was how to allow for Public/Private participation in financing the venture. Should the City of Anderson contribute to this operation? How much? And under what terms?
• City employees, County employees, Downtown business employees may be required in the future to park in the distant parking lots and use the shuffle system to reach their destination.
- Art Kaldas
Art I don't think there is enough power/authority in the City of Anderson to tell me where I must park! It may tell me where I can't park (without involving a fine). But it cannot tell me where to park.
They must be putting those distant parking lots quite far away if a shuttle is required to get to your final destination.
Anderson Native,
Mr. David Agnew decided on proposing three floors, 29 feet high, so the building would not up-stars the Historical Court House. In addition, he wants as much connection with the streets, so the project will become a walking destination. Furthermore, when this project fully succeeds, other projects Downtown are expected to follow.
- Art Kaldas
Art,
It won't surprise you to find out that I think the worry about "up-starsing" (is that a word?) the historic courthouse is silly. Actually a slightly taller structure would bring attention to the downtown square even more. And the difference between 3 floors and 5 or even 7 will have no effect on its connection with the street. Actually - my thought of having a smaller footprint, going up two more floors, thereby allowing for some landscaping could actually help the street-level connection AND the focus toward the historic courthouse.
I don't think this building will spin off significant amounts of development. The hotel will (if done well) spin off a few. Agreed that it's a step in the right direction, but it's not the knock out punch that will drive significant amounts of additional investment. We need a substantial corporate citizen downtown to get us moving in that direction.
All in all - I'm pretty pleased with the proposal. I will not be impressed if the city has to poney up a bunch of public funds though. This is a very attractive site. I would think we could get something good there without paying the developer off. Incentives? Yes. Partnership (cash)? No.
Just my two-cents. Take it with a grain of salt. My vision of Anderson's future is probably not mainstream. I'd like to see a much more "smart growth" (i.e. high density, public transportation, etc) oriented direction for Anderson.
Art I don't think there is enough power/authority in the City of Anderson to tell me where I must park! It may tell me where I can't park (without involving a fine). But it cannot tell me where to park.- NomadRon
Nomad Ron,
The City, County, and Downtown business owners may not have the legal authority to tell you where to park, but they may have the persuasive power to make you want to park farther.
Art,
It won't surprise you to find out that I think the worry about "up-starsing" (is that a word?) the historic courthouse is silly. Actually a slightly taller structure would bring attention to the downtown square even more. And the difference between 3 floors and 5 or even 7 will have no effect on its connection with the street. Actually - my thought of having a smaller footprint, going up two more floors, thereby allowing for some landscaping could actually help the street-level connection AND the focus toward the historic courthouse.
I don't think this building will spin off significant amounts of development. The hotel will (if done well) spin off a few. Agreed that it's a step in the right direction, but it's not the knock out punch that will drive significant amounts of additional investment. We need a substantial corporate citizen downtown to get us moving in that direction.
All in all - I'm pretty pleased with the proposal. I will not be impressed if the city has to poney up a bunch of public funds though. This is a very attractive site. I would think we could get something good there without paying the developer off. Incentives? Yes. Partnership (cash)? No.
Just my two-cents. Take it with a grain of salt. My vision of Anderson's future is probably not mainstream. I'd like to see a much more "smart growth" (i.e. high density, public transportation, etc) oriented direction for Anderson.- AndersonNative
Anderson Native,
Mr. David Agnew seems to believe that horizontal growth, rather than vertical, will assist Downtown in becoming a walking destination and a friendlier atmosphere. And since Anderson is his original hometown, he plans to continue assisting the town in achieving this goal.
The Belk Site development itself may not be the knock out punch for lighting Downtown on fire. However, when this project becomes a success, many other developers will become encouraged to join in the movement, not only for financial gains, but also to share in creating a positive impact on the historical district.
Concerning the City government financial participation, I do agree with you that providing incentives is probably a better policy than actual cash contributions.
So NOW we need a hotel downtown!
Let me take you back a few years to when that nice honest couple from Athens Georgia wanted to buy the Chiquola and bring it back to its glory days by refurbishing and making it a grand HOTEL. They were going to put shops on the bottom level with conference rooms to have conventions and a spa (sound familar?). They had done a similar hotel in a town near Augusta that was very successful
Everything was going well until Mayor Shirley and Mr Dunaway (who the city council had given the power to make the decisions) renigged on promises (mainly about parking I think) that they had made to the Todds.
The Todds, being the honest and honorable people that they are, backed off. Mr Todd made a statement later that he felt someone had made Mayor Shirley and Mr Dunaway a "better deal" and wanted them out of the picture.
So now after converting the Chiquola (well over budget) to condos that are well overvalued, someone decides that NOW we need a hotel downtown. Wow what a vision someone had. Just think, we could have had a Grand Hotel downtown with all kind of history to go along with it and NEW condos on the Belk site that are not overvalued and could have been more affordable and would really have brought people to downtown.
Way to go Anderson officials.
Let me take you back a few years to when that nice honest couple from Athens Georgia wanted to buy the Chiquola and bring it back to its glory days by refurbishing and making it a grand HOTEL. They were going to put shops on the bottom level with conference rooms to have conventions and a spa (sound familar?). They had done a similar hotel in a town near Augusta that was very successful
Everything was going well until Mayor Shirley and Mr Dunaway (who the city council had given the power to make the decisions) renigged on promises (mainly about parking I think) that they had made to the Todds.
The Todds, being the honest and honorable people that they are, backed off. Mr Todd made a statement later that he felt someone had made Mayor Shirley and Mr Dunaway a "better deal" and wanted them out of the picture.
So now after converting the Chiquola (well over budget) to condos that are well overvalued, someone decides that NOW we need a hotel downtown. Wow what a vision someone had. Just think, we could have had a Grand Hotel downtown with all kind of history to go along with it and NEW condos on the Belk site that are not overvalued and could have been more affordable and would really have brought people to downtown.
Way to go Anderson officials.
John B,
In the past, the City of Anderson was less open and transparent in its business dealing, compared with the present time. Consequently, many decisions were made without sufficient public debate and close examination. However, we are in a new era, and we have greater opportunity to support good decisions, and hold our officials accountable for decisions that are less than good.
In the past, the City of Anderson was less open and transparent in its business dealing, compared with the present time. Consequently, many decisions were made without sufficient public debate and close examination. However, we are in a new era, and we have greater opportunity to support good decisions, and hold our officials accountable for decisions that are less than good.
This afternoon, I decided to ride to Downtown Anderson, to look at the Belk Site, which is being considered for development, and the Parking Lot at the intersection of Earle and McDuffie Street, which is being considered for building a parking deck. My visit led to the following observations:
• Business and traffic Downtown, on a Saturday afternoon, have increased significantly over what it was just two years ago.
• Parking Downtown is available, but only if you are willing to walk. We clearly need more beautified walking trails, better paved side-roads, and possibly more parking decks close to Downtown Square.
• Matty’s Downtown Restaurant was packed, even on traditionally slow business hours, Saturday 3:00 pm.
• A new shoe repair shop will open soon on Main Street, across from the Police Station.
• The Belk Site is crying for a new development.
• Business and traffic Downtown, on a Saturday afternoon, have increased significantly over what it was just two years ago.
• Parking Downtown is available, but only if you are willing to walk. We clearly need more beautified walking trails, better paved side-roads, and possibly more parking decks close to Downtown Square.
• Matty’s Downtown Restaurant was packed, even on traditionally slow business hours, Saturday 3:00 pm.
• A new shoe repair shop will open soon on Main Street, across from the Police Station.
• The Belk Site is crying for a new development.
Art,
I have never been to Matty's. What is their specialty?
I have never been to Matty's. What is their specialty?
Best burger in town, hands down!!! Chicken Parmesan is also excellent! Great place and very reasonably priced. Fun atmosphere and good service.
Best burger in town, hands down!!! Chicken Parmesan is also excellent! Great place and very reasonably priced. Fun atmosphere and good service.- shrimp
Thanks, I think I'll give it a try next time I'm downtown for lunch. Are they open in the evening and are they child friendly?
Best burger in town, hands down!!! Chicken Parmesan is also excellent! Great place and very reasonably priced. Fun atmosphere and good service.- shrimp
Thanks, I think I'll give it a try next time I'm downtown for lunch. Are they open in the evening and are they child friendly?- Constituent
Constituent,
They are open six days a week Monday–Saturday from 11:00 am to 9:30 pm. As a chicken lover, Matty’s has the best chicken in town, served in a variety of ways. Their service is excellent and children friendly. Their prices are comparable to Applebee’s, and they are smoke free.
