costrander08

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• Commented on Ellicott Proposes a Strong Mix of Uses for Webster Block
  I see you have said this at least three times. Perhaps you are the only one feeling this way. Technically the RFP process rewards the best/most effective plan. Or, it takes the long way to reward the highest bidder. The...
• Commented on Ellicott Proposes a Strong Mix of Uses for Webster Block
  Based on projects that Paladino has completed (Waterfront Place), this is an exciting step in teh right direction. Having him say they would start construction in May is a good promise to hold him to. Personally, this is a win-win....
• Commented on Sabres and Ellicott Development Face Off for Webster Block
  News flash, there is already plenty of placemake'd, crowdsourced green space across the street at Canalside. At some point *something* needs to be built in or around Canalside. I know that it is a fine and dandy to sit on...
• Commented on ECHDC Selects Public Space Consultant
  Exactly, another handful of months with zero action and another major chunk of money wasted. Kent and the PFP was a complete waste of time and money and it appears as if this will be the same. Unless the signature...
• Commented on Master Plan for Outer Harbor Parcel
  Tim Tielman and Mark Goldman's heads would explode if an amusement park was built down on the water. All you would hear about is historical significance, public access and lighter, quicker, cheaper. I will say that the Houston example is...
• Commented on Construction Watch: 716 Swan Street
  Pretty typical of anything within a stone's throw of Canalside. Pretty pictures and no real action....
• Commented on Construction Watch: 716 Swan Street
  I would love to know how much the apartments in this building and the Schafer Building will go for. I just can't wait for the construction to start on the row houses. I will say they would be well served...
• Commented on Construction Watch: 716 Swan Street
  I don't think anything has come out about the smith shop down on Illinois & South Park. What is the residential midway that you're referring to? Is that something planned for Larkin or the Cobblestone District? I know that one...
• Commented on The Larkin District: Pioneering Perfection
  Glad to see this finished up, can't wait for some more residential opportunities to open up in the area. Larkin District is top on my list to move to. I'm really disappointed with the sign choice they made for the...
• Commented on Demolition of Bethlehem Steel Administration Building Halted
  If they can actually save this thing make it the clubhouse for a links-style course. 36-holes built like Whistling Straits in Wisconsin (look it up). I'm pretty sure that a golf course was a Giambra idea at one time as...
• Commented on Wrecking WNY: Bethlehem Office Building
  BEST comment out of all for this story. Considering the short list of potential re-uses for this property, a links-style golf course would be great. And this would be a gorgeous clubhouse. I understand getting pissed about some (not all)...
• Commented on Construction Watch: Buff State Science and Math Complex
  Townline is one of those guys who short circuits if anything is built or proposed with architecture that is post-1901....
• Commented on Explore-n-More to Begin the Planning Phase for a "Children's Experience"
  I think Polonia is on the right track but took the wrong approach. Canalside was to be a year-round attraction for everyone. Whether Bass Pro was going to actually draw a broad demographic is anyone's guess. I'd say probably not....
• Commented on Explore-n-More to Begin the Planning Phase for a "Children's Experience"
  That's the thing. The Liberty Hound was to open in early spring and has almost been delayed to June. The canals were supposed to start in December and are just breaking ground (thanks Shelly Silver). One Canalside was properly paced...
• Commented on Explore-n-More to Begin the Planning Phase for a "Children's Experience"
  2016 you say? Nothing like dragging their feet on this one. I understand that adequate time needs to be given to fundraise, but at some point Canalside needs to be fast tracked compared to the current pace of development. It...
• Commented on Donovan Makeover Plans Get City OK
  Pepsi really isn't a dump. It is a solid facility, but it does have faults. Ice quality being one and sub-standard locker facilities. The Sabres only use it a handful of times during the year when the arena is occupied....
• Commented on Donovan Makeover Plans Get City OK
  I'm pretty excited about the prospects of the Sabres leading the charge on the Webster Block. Funny enough, I did a peice on the idea of that happening (twointhebox.com). 5to81, I would have to think that the Sabres' proposal would...
• Commented on Full Schedule of Events This Summer- Work to Begin on Outer Harbor Land
  I agree wholeheartedly. I think this looks like a very interesting addition to the waterfront. But if this will be nothing more than more massive greenspace, Canalside will need to adapt. At some point there needs to be more to...
• Commented on Canalside: Quick Fix for Retail Minded
  At some point "lighter, quicker, cheaper" needs to evolve. What my beef with this project is that it perpetuates the silly crowdsourcing train of thought that filling Canalside with pushcart merchants is "the waterfront we deserve". Rolling garage door shops...
• Commented on Canalside: Quick Fix for Retail Minded
  What you're missing is that everyone has their own view for how the retail at Canalside should look. Some want to basically re-create the Galleria, some want an approach like this. So when an idea comes forth, some segment of...
• Commented on Tear Down the Convention Center and Don't Replace It
  Great points. I also pretty much agree wholeheartedely with Nicholas' argument. While I'd like to see the city and BNCVB find a way to create a newer space, it wouldn't be a bad idea to direct focus elsewhere. I really...
• Commented on Benderson Putting Marriott Flag on Donovan Building
  I'd prefer Dino BBQ to have their own building right along one of the canals. Let them build their own space in a building that would fit with the canal-era architecture (if necessary). Let them put in a unique space...
• Commented on Benderson Putting Marriott Flag on Donovan Building
  A great tennant to land for the space. I'm in agreement that putting an anchor hotel on the Webster Block - similar to the Benderson project shot down a few years ago near Waterfront Village - would have been totally...
• Commented on Media Invited to Tour Grain Elevators This Afternoon
  Correct me if I'm wrong, isn't only a portion of the GLF Elevator being torn down? Again, if the entire thing is being ripped up I apologize for my oversight. It was my understanding that the middle portions that were...
• Commented on Lagerhaus 95 - What's not to like?
  I think part of the problem with the overcrowding at the bars on Mississippi St is that there are 10,000 people leaving a game looking for a drink and there are only three choices. I'm really hoping that someone steps...
• Commented on Canisius College and Sabres Discuss Joint Rink Facility
  I actually posted an idea I had shortly before this story broke for an identical facility, just placed downtown. Here is the link: http://2inthebox.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/my-sabres-practice-arena-pipedream/ Nick and I have talked about this quite a bit and we both agree that this...
• Commented on Name this waterfront restaurant
  Esmonde's Eatery...
• Commented on Construction Watch: Larkin Square
  I agree. Besides, cars bring people... That garage is long, but it is low. You really won't notice it, especilly if buidlings keep going up in behind the LCO building. The only negative impact it would have is facing Hydraulic...
• Commented on Plans for Aud Site, Canals and Market Hall Refined
  Yes. Get the party started down there. This vision is much more pleasing than the thought of functional lawns and only green space. Give me somewhere to go walk around, get a bite to eat and enjoy the water. I...
• Commented on Tucker Curtin's Vision of the Outer Harbor
  I hear ya. I was unaware of the cost difference there and was more concerned with producing the proper appearance with future development. I actually think all of the small parking lots near Pilot field off Michigan could be a...