new residential downtown

[ronchamblin]

How about The Hemming Way.   The drinking and books would be for Ernest Hemingway and the extra 'm' in the name for Hemming Plaza. 

Creative edjax ... something to think about .....   However, if we were to relate to an individual, I'm thinking of someone associated less with literature, and more with philosophy, or the struggle for human rights, especially someone who has suffered (banishment, prison, burning at the stake, etc.) as a consequence of writing for human rights.     

[Wacca Pilatka]

Loving these name suggestions.

Building on Cafe Laudonniere (sort of), I'd love to see someone revive the old Ribault Room name for a gathering space.

[finehoe]

The 5 Awesome Apartments article prompted me to dig this up.  What's the latest, Ron?

[ronchamblin]

Actually Finehoe, I just wrote the below on another thread (225 N. Laura: Downtown Core Renovation Project).  But I just realized that I did not say anything about the first floor use ... which is what I have been trying to decide over the months.

First floor:  I've still not decided on the use of it, but I do know that we will at least set it up for a restaurant; that is, plumbing, electrical, grease trap, hood etc., so that in the event that I or someone else want to "do" a restaurant, doing so will require little renovation. 

I still consider using the first floor as a bookstore/salon/cafe ... having expresso, wine, beer ... and also several large round tables around which people could gather for meetings to simply discuss things  The idea would be to provide a place to meet .. business meetings ... or simply casual meetings for people to chat.  Also, we could have presentation or talks by various people about subjects of interest ... having a lectern etc.  The tables could be moved so as to position the speaker properly.

The books would be of the fine hardcover type ... mostly non-fiction ... philosophy, sciences, history, humanities, political science etc.  Although most books would be hardcover ... and nice sets ... many would be the quality trade paperbacks covering various non-fiction subjects.   

I realize that a restaurant would perhaps make more money, but I am thinking that the salon/cafe idea would add a needed cultural plus for the downtown (something different) .. plus fill a need for a place for serious discussions and debates on subjects of interest.  I certainly would not be a speaker or moderator, but I know enough capable and interesting individuals who would add great content to any presentation.  We would of course, have evening hours at this location.     



(The following was today recently put on another thread)

We started demo work in 2013, but I had to pull off the project for a few months to apply money and labor to other things.  And too ... I've been paying down debt, restructuring loans, and paying back taxes ... all so that I can gain the confidence of the banks to lend the $600K to $700K or so I'll need to finish the 225 renovations.  My credit is A+, but I must get my monthly outlay down so as to have room for more debt ... the American Way. 

Even though the architect has already drawn preliminary plans, there has been a little change on the apartment numbers.  My original intention was to reduce the number of apartments from the existing five per level (appropriate for the 1920's) to three per level ... giving a total of six on the two upper floors.  But someone suggested that there would be an advantage to having only two apartments per level, thereby increasing the apartment size to an average of 1,000 sq. ft. each.  But a greater advantage arrives from the fact that instead of having to utilize space for six a/c units, six washer/dryers, six kitchens, six bathrooms etc .. I would contend with only two of these items per level.  Also, I would be dealing with only four tenants instead of six -- leaving me with only four people to not pay the rent.

But a new idea came to me yesterday about the roof ... and I talked about it briefly with the architect today.  The current roof has a white plastic type "membrane" placed over it.  The roof is approximately 30' x 80'.  The membrane I suspect was installed because the roof environment is so deteriorated (I haven't yet crawled up in the attic space), that they simply did not want to rebuild it to accommodate a standard roof.  Upon looking up into the attic/roof area, I noticed evidence of a former fire ... charred wood etc.  So I think that might have something to do with the decision to install the membrane.

But .. back to the new idea.  I'm thinking that instead of replacing the membrane in another ten or fifteen years, I would remove the membrane in the early stages of renovation (late 2015/early 2016) ... before we install anything in the building that can be damaged by water ... and rebuild the entire roof structure to accommodate a strong flat "walkable roof", so that I can have tables and chairs n'stuff on the roof.  In other words, the residents, and perhaps some cafe customers, could have a rooftop environment from which to gaze upon the sun and the park etc etc.  There is no elevator in the building ... a condition that might cause a "code" problem with inviting restaurant customers to the roof. 

In any case, it would be great to have a roof-top lounging setup.  The view of the park and the surrounding area would be beautiful.  And ... the extra cost of the project could be somewhat offset by a slight addendum to the rent ... as some residents might be willing to pay a little extra for having the view available by simply walking up the stairs to the roof. 

Also, in anticipation of future severe economic crashes or depressions, the roof lounge would provide an excellent platform or starting point from which anyone could perform a suicide jump to the sidewalk below.  This convenience however, might be diminished by the proposed large awning below, similar in size to that of the adjacent bookstore.  The awning should be of little concern however, because unless the jumper suffers from immobility, and given that the roof is flat, a good run could prepare one's jump to clear the awning.  In any case, besides providing a gate for the jumper ... as the perimeter must be fenced ... we will provide a sign on the east edge of the building, on the gate perhaps, warning any jumpers that they should consider a little extra oomph to clear the awning.

[InnerCityPressure]

the roof lounge would provide an excellent platform or starting point from which anyone could perform a suicide jump to the sidewalk below.

[ronchamblin]

You are quite welcomed ICP.  I try to entertain when in the mood during my midnight insomnia.   

[Tacachale]

I'm glad you're still thinking of the bookstore-salon concept, Ron. That really would be cool. Here's a pic I took last summer at Asheville's Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar.



This could be us

[UNFurbanist]

So is this still a thing?

[ronchamblin]

UNFurbanist ... you must be psychic.  We were inside today, making plans for the return to the project ..after a long time recovering from some financial doldrums, and just plain being busy.  I will ramble along with the current ideas on the project.

Some might recall that I bought the building in 2012 for $300K ... and almost lost it when I forgot about a $192K balloon note due last June.  I scrambled around for months to borrow cash to save the building, and came up with part of the funds myself ... selling drugs on the side  ... and borrowed the remainder from friends.  I needed help, and usual when you are desperate, banks smile and watch you suffer ... they would have let me lose this building in spite of the fact that in 40 years of business, I've paid every penny I've ever borrowed ... on time.  i don't want sympathy or anything else, but I've worked seven days per week for most of those years to ensure a strong business, and that all debts are paid.  I've takin only three weeks vacation during those 40 years.  What kind of history and security do they want? After seeing what some underwriters do .... and the sometimes absurd decisions they make in the "back" offices ...I find myself wanting to see what these intellectual giants look like.  Banks have no balls, and little common sense.

In any case, two banks have recently offered to "do" the construction loan ($500K ... $700K ... don't know yet) for the project, one having called me just yesterday to inquire about how things were going.  Also, just today, I talked with the general contractor about getting the structural engineer to visit the building to review options on changing the lower floor columns.  Me, the engineer, and the general contractor will meet next week. 

The architect has completed about the 60% of the drawings, and is waiting for us to let him know which of the upper walls are load bearing.
The Hemming Park group, who were using the lower floor for storage (I think for free), have 98% of their material out of the building.  Tomorrow, you will see my truck in the morning, removing boxes of books from the lower floor.  And for the next several weeks you will see us removing demo material from the building.

The concept has changed somewhat.   I am now going to have a total of four apartments, not six ... two apartments on the 2nd floor, and two on the third floor.  Each will be two-bedroom.  The largest will be almost 1,200 sq. ft., and the smallest will be around 850 sq. ft.  Because the stairway rises in the middle of the building, there will be two apartments facing Laura, and two in the rear.  This will allow us to remove the hallways, using the extra space for living.

The lower level is going to be fun.  Basically we are going to fit it out for a restaurant, the kitchen being in the rear, to the left.  The restrooms in the rear, a little to the right of center.  Right in front of the kitchen/restroom area, facing Laura, will be a small stage for live music, poetry, comedy, readings, etc. Also, a prof wants to use it for philosophy group meetings. 

There will hardback books on both the north and south walls ... history, philosophy, humanities, biography, psychology, etc .... and a few round tables throughout.  Although the books will be for sale, the ambience is the objective.  I want to have a soft lighting effect ... giving a warm look to the place.  The sound system must be done by a professional.

There will be a bar up front, on the left, spilling onto a patio, next to the sidewalk.  Although the entry door will be on the right, the architect and me decided to have the entire front wall either drawn upward, or to the side via the accordion method, so that, when opened, anyone walking on the sidewalk can see the stage and hear the music.  (weather permitting) The square footage will allow only 50 people in the place, so the spill out to the sidewalk will be a big plus, especially during art walk etc, or during live music events.  I think it will be great to have a scenario wherein people could walk the sidewalk and feel the invite as they walk by.

Some might remember when the $37,000 or so that I applied for as a grant was sorta approved, but was held up until I determined exactly what I was going to do with the lower floor.  I guess I had better get with them to see if I can provide them with enough firm details so they can let loose the money.  I really don't need it at this point however.  The need will come later this year.

So .... if anyone has any ideas for the lower floor, let me know.  I would like to set upon a good name for the place.  Also, I have not yet set upon a type of food for the restaurant.  Don't want subs... hot dogs ... chicken .. pizza ..  How about comfort food ... simple food.  I don't know.  The bookstore/cafe already does vegan etc.  People like that, but we must arrive at something proper and different for the new place.  Of course, there is the option to simply lease out the restaurant space to someone who knows what they are doing.   

The hours?  I think that, given how much easier it will be to operate the new place, as compared to the bookstore/cafe, we can open longer hours, perhaps every night until nine or so.  The restaurant part could serve breakfast and lunch at least.  And then, depending on what happens, perhaps dinner down the road.  The afternoons and evenings would be for people to visit and do Internet ... talk ...read .... have meetings .... listen to good music etc.   Beer, wine, espresso/coffee and snacks will be available always, as in the evening when the restaurant part is closed.

We must place some sound barrier material between the first and second floors because of the live music on occasion.  Or ... we could simply have 2nd floor tenants who are almost deaf.

In any case, I think the place will be a great addition to the core.  It will provide several good jobs for the core too ... and paying spots for musicians.  And it should be there a while, as I will own the building, and not have to worry about a landlord raising the rent .... pushing me out.

I just reviewed the earlier posts and see where some possible names and menu's have been offered.  Thanks you all for your ideas.  I will read back over and absorb what I can from the earlier posts.

[CCMjax]

Cajun inspired Tapas . . . and beer!

[JaxJersey-licious]

Ya' know the urban core could use a good empanada place, just sayin'...

[InnerCityPressure]

If you opened a Cajun place,  awwwwwwww shiiiiiiit I would like that.

[jaxjags]

Meatloaf, Mac and Cheese, Lasagna, all those good comfort type foods.

[jaxlore]

There is a definitely an abundance of "southern comfort" food places. So whatever it is make sure it has the draw to pull in people from around the core.

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

I like the tapas idea due to my envisioning of the space:  A place to hang out and socialize opposed to a place to sit down and dine.

Personally, I would make like to see north African themed menu, Magrebh (sic) I believe.  Such a wide range of flavors are possible in your mouth-hole when you start mashing up mediterranean and arab cuisines.