McDonalds coming Downtown

[thelakelander]

It's supposed to be open before the end of the year.

[Dapperdan]

Are there final conceptual drawings anywhere?

[urbanlibertarian]

So the area between State St. and Springfield historic district is a minimum red tape zone?  That could be a plus for economic development there.

[duvaldude08]

i am just happy to see it coming. Can't wait for it to open! They have been busy prepping the site for demolition.

Same here. As a DT worker, I am sick of  BK being the only fast food option. I will go for lunch as soon as it opens  Like the Family Dollar too. Regardless of how they look, they will be very convientent for me. I only have a 45 minute lunch so I can travel to far.

[Tacachale]

So the area between State St. and Springfield historic district is a minimum red tape zone?  That could be a plus for economic development there.

No, it's just a loophole that makes it a suburban planning zone instead of an urban planning zone. Unless you really think car-centric suburban fast food restaurants are positive economic development for an urban core.

[thelakelander]

Here's the site plan.  Family Dollar is on the left and McDonalds, the right.



Also, here is a Family Dollar in development on Orlando's Colonial Drive.  Same style building/scale, etc. but against the sidewalk.



Although Colonial Drive would benefit from a streetscape, you can see how this zero setback development pattern builds a foundation for a walkable commercial corridor on a heavily traveled arterial highway.







Also, here is a typical McDonald's Restaurant building in Louisville's Highland District that you'll find in any city.  Nothing special, but a zoning ordinance with limited setbacks helps it interact with the sidewalk in a pedestrian friendly manner.



^If the one block strip between State and Orange were a part of what the city considers downtown, like the parcels on the south side of State, then you would end up with the Louisville and Orlando examples.

[urbanlibertarian]

So the area between State St. and Springfield historic district is a minimum red tape zone?  That could be a plus for economic development there.

No, it's just a loophole that makes it a suburban planning zone instead of an urban planning zone. Unless you really think car-centric suburban fast food restaurants are positive economic development for an urban core.

Urban and walkable is definitely better than car-centric suburban but would this developer be doing this RIGHT NOW if he had to do urban and walkable and get it reviewed and approved mutiple times by DDRB?  I'm thinking easier and quicker is more likely to happen sooner and I say bring it on.

[Ocklawaha]

i am just happy to see it coming. Can't wait for it to open! They have been busy prepping the site for demolition.

Same here. As a DT worker, I am sick of  BK being the only fast food option. I will go for lunch as soon as it opens  Like the Family Dollar too. Regardless of how they look, they will be very convientent for me. I only have a 45 minute lunch so I can travel to far.

Hell I was hoping for a new Krystal's, I wouldn't mind a couple of the old Stand-N-Snacks too. Greatest of all would be a downtown 'MILLIGANS', have to wonder what that would be like. I'm with you that having Mickey D's downtown IN ANY FORM is an improvement over another vacant lot. There is the 'politician's motto,' "Part of something is better then nothing at all..."

[thelakelander]

Urban and walkable is definitely better than car-centric suburban but would this developer be doing this RIGHT NOW if he had to do urban and walkable and get it reviewed and approved mutiple times by DDRB?

Yes. Just change the zoning regulation, leave the DDRB out of it and you have the same situation. Good design doesn't have to be difficult.

[urbanlibertarian]

Demolition appears to be complete and site prep underway for construction.