Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Friday, March 23, 2007
News
Urban Land (Feb): 20-somethings changing China; workforce housing case studies; megaresorts; resorts; Atlantic City, NJ; golf courses as features of redevelopment; Olympic infrastructure; HI sustainable community development; U.S.-Mexico border as retail market; TOD -- Union Station, Denver, CO; FL resorts and development; regional spotlight on the Gulf Coast
San Diego Business Journal (3/12): condo-office tower with views into new stadium (Petco Park)
Nevada (Apr): Trump's Strip condo tower
New Orleans City Business (3/12): film industry problems over labor shortage in N.O.; NCAA basketball tournie in N.O.;
Los Angeles Business Journal (3/19): Hollywood parcel (corner of Sunset and Western) for sale
New Urban News (Mar): TOD Rockville Town Center, MD; smart growth market; compact growth; Ventura, CA; Texas A&M anchor for neighborhood development
M&C (Mar): auxiliary facilities (ergonomic conference rooms, conference-specific dining facilities, etc.) controlling conference center market; case studies of downtown revitalization (including L.A., Detroit, Albuquerque, N.O., and Kansas City and St. Louis, MO); destination guides on: Las Vegas and the Mid-Atlantic
World Waterpark (Mar): Waterville (Russia); Six Flags Great Escape (NY); Aqualand (Canary Islands); Huck's Harbor (IO)
Planning (Mar): feature on Montgomery County, MD; eminent domain and Kelo; TIF; smart growth; unified plan for N.O.
San Diego Business Journal (3/12): condo-office tower with views into new stadium (Petco Park)
Nevada (Apr): Trump's Strip condo tower
New Orleans City Business (3/12): film industry problems over labor shortage in N.O.; NCAA basketball tournie in N.O.;
Los Angeles Business Journal (3/19): Hollywood parcel (corner of Sunset and Western) for sale
New Urban News (Mar): TOD Rockville Town Center, MD; smart growth market; compact growth; Ventura, CA; Texas A&M anchor for neighborhood development
M&C (Mar): auxiliary facilities (ergonomic conference rooms, conference-specific dining facilities, etc.) controlling conference center market; case studies of downtown revitalization (including L.A., Detroit, Albuquerque, N.O., and Kansas City and St. Louis, MO); destination guides on: Las Vegas and the Mid-Atlantic
World Waterpark (Mar): Waterville (Russia); Six Flags Great Escape (NY); Aqualand (Canary Islands); Huck's Harbor (IO)
Planning (Mar): feature on Montgomery County, MD; eminent domain and Kelo; TIF; smart growth; unified plan for N.O.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
New Books
Some new titles are in and will be online soon--
Tourism in National Parks:
Growth and Convergence in Metro America; Paths and Pitfalls -- older retail districts:
Planning reform; Tomorrow's cities:
Adventure tourism:
Making places:
Main street developments:
Parks:
Tourism in National Parks:
Growth and Convergence in Metro America; Paths and Pitfalls -- older retail districts:
Planning reform; Tomorrow's cities:
Adventure tourism:
Making places:
Main street developments:
Parks:
Indian gaming
From Reznet News 3/21/2007
Gaming Games
Associated Press story by Felicia Fonseca
"ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Navajo Nation Council delegates are threatening to amend tribal laws to set up another way to establish gaming if the tribe's executive branch fails to deliver a comprehensive gaming plan to the council.
Forty-eight of the council's 88 delegates signed a letter Thursday and delivered it to President Joe Shirley Jr. It gives the president two months to present a plan and a timeline, which delegates say they've been waiting years for." ...
"The council met in a special session Thursday in Window Rock, Ariz., to consider overriding two presidential vetoes that kept the To'hajiilee and Shiprock chapters in New Mexico from establishing local gaming boards. The measures failed 46-35 and 43-39, respectively." ...
"The tribal council voted in January to approve gaming boards for the Shiprock and To'hajiilee chapters, a day after it overrode a presidential veto aimed at stopping the Tse' Daa' Kaan Chapter in northwestern New Mexico from developing its own gaming board. The Navajo Nation Gaming Ordinance of 2001 allows individual chapter houses to pursue gaming, but that law was approved before the tribe signed compacts with Arizona and New Mexico.
The ordinance also makes it impossible for multiple gaming enterprises to obtain the licenses needed to operate, Navajo Attorney General Louis Denetsosie and chief legislative counsel Raymond Etcitty said in a joint opinion released Thursday.
They warned delegates about approving any more local gaming enterprises because they said those violate gaming compacts with Arizona and New Mexico, a point Shirley repeatedly has emphasized.
Shirley also has stressed that local gaming boards would hurt the tribe's ability to maximize revenue." ....
"The tribal council approved the central Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise last September to oversee and manage any casinos that might be built on Navajo land in the future. The appointment of the members and a chief executive officer are pending background checks, which Shirley said could be complete this month." ....
Gaming Games
Catawbas Lose Court Ruling
By The Associated Press
"COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Catawba Indian Nation's push to expand its gambling business took a hit Monday when the South Carolina Supreme Court ruled that a state ban on video poker also applies to its only federally recognized tribe.
The Catawbas argued their 1993 land deal with the state allowed them to use the video poker machines, which were outlawed statewide in 2000, on their reservation.
The state contends that the land deal means the tribe's reservation falls under state, not federal, gambling laws. State Attorney General Henry McMaster, who appealed a lower court's decision in favor of the tribe, said the higher court made "a sound decision." ....
"The tribe has said it doesn't necessarily want to put video gambling machines on its reservation in northwest South Carolina. But the Catawbas had hoped to use a favorable court ruling as a bargaining chip to build a high-stakes bingo parlor south of Columbia along Interstate 95.
The Catawbas say a new bingo parlor is critical to their future. The tribe's York County bingo hall began losing money after the state lottery started in 2002, they say. The Catawbas were forced to shut down the operation and have since sold the hall and the surrounding property near the North Carolina line." ...
for complete articles see: http://www.reznetnews.org/news/070320_navajo_gaming/
Gaming Games
Associated Press story by Felicia Fonseca
"ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Navajo Nation Council delegates are threatening to amend tribal laws to set up another way to establish gaming if the tribe's executive branch fails to deliver a comprehensive gaming plan to the council.
Forty-eight of the council's 88 delegates signed a letter Thursday and delivered it to President Joe Shirley Jr. It gives the president two months to present a plan and a timeline, which delegates say they've been waiting years for." ...
"The council met in a special session Thursday in Window Rock, Ariz., to consider overriding two presidential vetoes that kept the To'hajiilee and Shiprock chapters in New Mexico from establishing local gaming boards. The measures failed 46-35 and 43-39, respectively." ...
"The tribal council voted in January to approve gaming boards for the Shiprock and To'hajiilee chapters, a day after it overrode a presidential veto aimed at stopping the Tse' Daa' Kaan Chapter in northwestern New Mexico from developing its own gaming board. The Navajo Nation Gaming Ordinance of 2001 allows individual chapter houses to pursue gaming, but that law was approved before the tribe signed compacts with Arizona and New Mexico.
The ordinance also makes it impossible for multiple gaming enterprises to obtain the licenses needed to operate, Navajo Attorney General Louis Denetsosie and chief legislative counsel Raymond Etcitty said in a joint opinion released Thursday.
They warned delegates about approving any more local gaming enterprises because they said those violate gaming compacts with Arizona and New Mexico, a point Shirley repeatedly has emphasized.
Shirley also has stressed that local gaming boards would hurt the tribe's ability to maximize revenue." ....
"The tribal council approved the central Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise last September to oversee and manage any casinos that might be built on Navajo land in the future. The appointment of the members and a chief executive officer are pending background checks, which Shirley said could be complete this month." ....
Gaming Games
Catawbas Lose Court Ruling
By The Associated Press
"COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Catawba Indian Nation's push to expand its gambling business took a hit Monday when the South Carolina Supreme Court ruled that a state ban on video poker also applies to its only federally recognized tribe.
The Catawbas argued their 1993 land deal with the state allowed them to use the video poker machines, which were outlawed statewide in 2000, on their reservation.
The state contends that the land deal means the tribe's reservation falls under state, not federal, gambling laws. State Attorney General Henry McMaster, who appealed a lower court's decision in favor of the tribe, said the higher court made "a sound decision." ....
"The tribe has said it doesn't necessarily want to put video gambling machines on its reservation in northwest South Carolina. But the Catawbas had hoped to use a favorable court ruling as a bargaining chip to build a high-stakes bingo parlor south of Columbia along Interstate 95.
The Catawbas say a new bingo parlor is critical to their future. The tribe's York County bingo hall began losing money after the state lottery started in 2002, they say. The Catawbas were forced to shut down the operation and have since sold the hall and the surrounding property near the North Carolina line." ...
for complete articles see: http://www.reznetnews.org/news/070320_navajo_gaming/
Grand Canyon Skywalk pre-opening
From the Arizona Republic/Reznet News 3/21/2007
Leap of Faith
AP Photo/The Arizona Republic, Rob Schumacher
Hualapai tribal members make the ceremonial first walk on Grand Canyon Skywalk.
Associated story by Chris Kahn
"HUALAPAI INDIAN RESERVATION, Ariz. — Walking gingerly across the translucent surface, visitors hear the glass layers creak. Far below, directly underfoot, they see the Colorado River as a pea-green ribbon." ...
"The Hualapai Indian tribe invited Aldrin, fellow former astronaut John Herrington and others to the unveiling of the horseshoe-shaped deck Tuesday in advance of a public opening planned for March 28."....
"The massive deck is anchored deep into a limestone cliff. As people walk across it, the glass layers creak and the deck wobbles almost imperceptibly. When the wind blows, only the most daring visitors resist grabbing the steel rail to steady their knees." ....
"Tour packages with deck access will range in price from $49.95 to $199. The deck, which juts 70 feet beyond the canyon's edge, will accommodate up to 120 guests at a time and offer a bone-chilling vantage point more than twice as high as the world's tallest buildings.
Architect Mark Johnson said the Skywalk can support the weight of a few hundred people and will withstand wind up to 100 mph. The observation deck has a 3-inch-thick glass bottom and has been equipped with shock absorbers to keep it from bouncing like a diving board as people walk on it.
Tribal leaders are betting people will flock here, braving the rugged terrain — including a twisty ride through unpaved roads — to walk its transparent surface. The tribe expects Skywalk to become the centerpiece of a budding tourism industry that includes helicopter tours, river rafting, a cowboy town and a museum of Native American replica homes.
Robert Bravo Jr., operations manager of the Hualapai tourist attractions called Grand Canyon West, said he hopes the Skywalk will double tourist traffic to the reservation to about 600,000 visitors this year and 1 million tourists later." ....
"Construction crews spent two years building the walkway. They drilled steel anchors 46 feet into the limestone rim to hold the deck in place. Earlier this month, they welded the Skywalk to the anchors after pushing it past the edge using four tractor trailers and an elaborate system of pulleys.
The Hualapai (pronounced WALL-uh-pie) allowed Las Vegas developer David Jin to build the Skywalk. Jin fronted the money to build the $30 million structure and will give it to the Hualapai in exchange for a share of the profits, the tribe said.
"The terms are confidential, but David will profit for the next 25 years from the Skywalk," said Steve Beattie, chief financial officer of the Grand Canyon Resort Corp., which oversees the tribe's tourist businesses." ...
For full article see: http://www.reznetnews.org/news/070321_skywalk/
Leap of Faith
AP Photo/The Arizona Republic, Rob Schumacher
Hualapai tribal members make the ceremonial first walk on Grand Canyon Skywalk.
Associated story by Chris Kahn
"HUALAPAI INDIAN RESERVATION, Ariz. — Walking gingerly across the translucent surface, visitors hear the glass layers creak. Far below, directly underfoot, they see the Colorado River as a pea-green ribbon." ...
"The Hualapai Indian tribe invited Aldrin, fellow former astronaut John Herrington and others to the unveiling of the horseshoe-shaped deck Tuesday in advance of a public opening planned for March 28."....
"The massive deck is anchored deep into a limestone cliff. As people walk across it, the glass layers creak and the deck wobbles almost imperceptibly. When the wind blows, only the most daring visitors resist grabbing the steel rail to steady their knees." ....
"Tour packages with deck access will range in price from $49.95 to $199. The deck, which juts 70 feet beyond the canyon's edge, will accommodate up to 120 guests at a time and offer a bone-chilling vantage point more than twice as high as the world's tallest buildings.
Architect Mark Johnson said the Skywalk can support the weight of a few hundred people and will withstand wind up to 100 mph. The observation deck has a 3-inch-thick glass bottom and has been equipped with shock absorbers to keep it from bouncing like a diving board as people walk on it.
Tribal leaders are betting people will flock here, braving the rugged terrain — including a twisty ride through unpaved roads — to walk its transparent surface. The tribe expects Skywalk to become the centerpiece of a budding tourism industry that includes helicopter tours, river rafting, a cowboy town and a museum of Native American replica homes.
Robert Bravo Jr., operations manager of the Hualapai tourist attractions called Grand Canyon West, said he hopes the Skywalk will double tourist traffic to the reservation to about 600,000 visitors this year and 1 million tourists later." ....
"Construction crews spent two years building the walkway. They drilled steel anchors 46 feet into the limestone rim to hold the deck in place. Earlier this month, they welded the Skywalk to the anchors after pushing it past the edge using four tractor trailers and an elaborate system of pulleys.
The Hualapai (pronounced WALL-uh-pie) allowed Las Vegas developer David Jin to build the Skywalk. Jin fronted the money to build the $30 million structure and will give it to the Hualapai in exchange for a share of the profits, the tribe said.
"The terms are confidential, but David will profit for the next 25 years from the Skywalk," said Steve Beattie, chief financial officer of the Grand Canyon Resort Corp., which oversees the tribe's tourist businesses." ...
For full article see: http://www.reznetnews.org/news/070321_skywalk/
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Monday, March 19, 2007
ERA in Idaho news
Jack Haeseler draws your attention to ERA (spelled incorrectly) in the press.....
from the Idaho Business Review 3/19/2007
Nampa unveils big plan for downtown redevelopment
Posted: Monday, March 19, 2007
"It is, to say the least, an ambitious set of goals. The City of Nampa has formally announced its plans for downtown redevelopment.
Many of the projects already were publicly discussed as part of an urban-renewal plan Nampa finalized in December. But this is the first time the scope of the project has been made public." ...
"The phased plan for downtown Nampa, according to a statement from the city, calls for a 90,000-square-foot urban park with ice rink and concert area, a new library of 80,000 square feet, a public-safety / police building of 60,000 square feet, a new City Hall of 120,000 square feet, and an entertainment district. The entertainment district would consist of restaurants, a cinema, retail and office space, lodging, and owner-occupied and rental housing.
Nampa officials said the plan aims to create a new Nampa city center where people can work at well-paying jobs, live and recreate." ...
"In April and May, the city plans to circulate requests for qualifications from interested developers, according to the city-issued statement. After the requests are reviewed and scored, the city plans to develop a short list. In August, the city aims to release a request for proposals (RFP) and work toward selecting a developer for a 2008 construction start." ...
"The first phase of construction, from 2008 to 2010, encompasses $111,142,250 of development – including the library and police buildings, the park and $63 million in private development. The private development would include residential and commercial space, and four public parking structures in the downtown core.
The second phase, 2010-12, calls for $121,113, 250 in development, according to the city. It encompasses a new city hall and urban cinema project, two more parking structures, and $81 million in residential and commercial space.
Nampa officials said in the statement that private development dollars will help pay for the urban park and city hall projects.
More than $190,024,500 of private development would be reserved for future phases, and more than $422,280,000 of development would occur downtown between next year and 2018, the city said.
A steering committee of Nampa community members began planning a revitalized downtown in 2002, and adopted a Central Nampa Revitalization Blueprint in 2004. The Central Nampa Development Commission last year finalized the plan with help from consultants Steinback Public Private Real Estate, Economic Research Associates and the Carter Burgess urban design and planning firm.
Vallivue School District in late January sued Nampa over its urban renewal district and plan. Property taxes generated after improvements within an urban renewal district are usually collected by the district rather than by public agencies, such as school district." ....
For the complete story see: http://www.idahobusiness.net/archive.htm/2007/03/19/Nampa-unveils-big-plan-for-downtown-redevelopment
from the Idaho Business Review 3/19/2007
Nampa unveils big plan for downtown redevelopment
Posted: Monday, March 19, 2007
"It is, to say the least, an ambitious set of goals. The City of Nampa has formally announced its plans for downtown redevelopment.
Many of the projects already were publicly discussed as part of an urban-renewal plan Nampa finalized in December. But this is the first time the scope of the project has been made public." ...
"The phased plan for downtown Nampa, according to a statement from the city, calls for a 90,000-square-foot urban park with ice rink and concert area, a new library of 80,000 square feet, a public-safety / police building of 60,000 square feet, a new City Hall of 120,000 square feet, and an entertainment district. The entertainment district would consist of restaurants, a cinema, retail and office space, lodging, and owner-occupied and rental housing.
Nampa officials said the plan aims to create a new Nampa city center where people can work at well-paying jobs, live and recreate." ...
"In April and May, the city plans to circulate requests for qualifications from interested developers, according to the city-issued statement. After the requests are reviewed and scored, the city plans to develop a short list. In August, the city aims to release a request for proposals (RFP) and work toward selecting a developer for a 2008 construction start." ...
"The first phase of construction, from 2008 to 2010, encompasses $111,142,250 of development – including the library and police buildings, the park and $63 million in private development. The private development would include residential and commercial space, and four public parking structures in the downtown core.
The second phase, 2010-12, calls for $121,113, 250 in development, according to the city. It encompasses a new city hall and urban cinema project, two more parking structures, and $81 million in residential and commercial space.
Nampa officials said in the statement that private development dollars will help pay for the urban park and city hall projects.
More than $190,024,500 of private development would be reserved for future phases, and more than $422,280,000 of development would occur downtown between next year and 2018, the city said.
A steering committee of Nampa community members began planning a revitalized downtown in 2002, and adopted a Central Nampa Revitalization Blueprint in 2004. The Central Nampa Development Commission last year finalized the plan with help from consultants Steinback Public Private Real Estate, Economic Research Associates and the Carter Burgess urban design and planning firm.
Vallivue School District in late January sued Nampa over its urban renewal district and plan. Property taxes generated after improvements within an urban renewal district are usually collected by the district rather than by public agencies, such as school district." ....
For the complete story see: http://www.idahobusiness.net/archive.htm/2007/03/19/Nampa-unveils-big-plan-for-downtown-redevelopment
Saturday, March 17, 2007
News O'the World
Fortune (3/19): Tunica, MS gaming and redevelopment; Abu Dhabi the richest city in the world
Shopping Center Business (Mar): Spokane, WA mixed-use retail redevelopment; college-town retail and mixed-use developments
American Indian Report (Mar): tribal touirsm industry
The Economist (3/17): New Orleans recovery; Olympic costs in London
National Real Estate Investor (Mar): Baton Rouge mixed-use development surge; luxury senior housing; Asian REITs; city feature on Cleveland, OH
Business Week (3/26): Indian gaming expansion and its detractors
Kiplinger CA (3/7): Ontario, CA's new arena
Tourist Attractions and Parks (Feb/Mar): large park report on live shows; museum as a host of "edutainment;" Noah's Ark (WI Dells); food service -- aquariums and theme parks
CP&DR (Mar): TOD Union City; Dixon Downs horse race track going to voters in April
Retail Traffic (Mar): Simon buying Mills; brief bio of Chicago's The Metropolis development; special feature collection on mixed-use; area features on NC and SC; malls and teen curfews
IGWB (Mar): Machester regional casino expecting huge returns; table games drive Macau gaming market; study commissioned by CA shows 1:33 Californians have gambling problem
Street and Smith's Sports Business Journal (3/5): MLB ticket sales may set another record; Neon Garage NASCAR speedway attraction opening in Las Vegas; WUSA (US women's pro soccer league) is reborn with 8 teams; NJ Devils close to closing a $120 million loan deal for its arena schelduled to open later in 2007
New Orleans City Business (3/5): LA ports booming; airport incentives
Orange County Business Journal (3/5): twin condo towers proposed for One Broadway Plaza
Orange County Business Journal (3/12): condos and retail booming in Garden Grove; first Santa Ana office-condo conversion planned; 3-base (Barksdale, LA; Langley, VA; and Bolling, DC) deal for Air Force housing
Los Angeles Business Journal (3/12): Disney cruises; San Pedro push for waterfront revitalization; L.A. Co. Museum of Art upgrading and renewing its digs
California Real Estate Journal (3/12): advertising special feature on Ontario, CA especially on their new arena; San Diego selling city-owned parcels; makeover of the Beverly Connection mall planned; L.A. Live feature; Ontario, CA winery becoming mixed-use development; Hollywood's Fox Theater sold
Shopping Center Business (Mar): Spokane, WA mixed-use retail redevelopment; college-town retail and mixed-use developments
American Indian Report (Mar): tribal touirsm industry
The Economist (3/17): New Orleans recovery; Olympic costs in London
National Real Estate Investor (Mar): Baton Rouge mixed-use development surge; luxury senior housing; Asian REITs; city feature on Cleveland, OH
Business Week (3/26): Indian gaming expansion and its detractors
Kiplinger CA (3/7): Ontario, CA's new arena
Tourist Attractions and Parks (Feb/Mar): large park report on live shows; museum as a host of "edutainment;" Noah's Ark (WI Dells); food service -- aquariums and theme parks
CP&DR (Mar): TOD Union City; Dixon Downs horse race track going to voters in April
Retail Traffic (Mar): Simon buying Mills; brief bio of Chicago's The Metropolis development; special feature collection on mixed-use; area features on NC and SC; malls and teen curfews
IGWB (Mar): Machester regional casino expecting huge returns; table games drive Macau gaming market; study commissioned by CA shows 1:33 Californians have gambling problem
Street and Smith's Sports Business Journal (3/5): MLB ticket sales may set another record; Neon Garage NASCAR speedway attraction opening in Las Vegas; WUSA (US women's pro soccer league) is reborn with 8 teams; NJ Devils close to closing a $120 million loan deal for its arena schelduled to open later in 2007
New Orleans City Business (3/5): LA ports booming; airport incentives
Orange County Business Journal (3/5): twin condo towers proposed for One Broadway Plaza
Orange County Business Journal (3/12): condos and retail booming in Garden Grove; first Santa Ana office-condo conversion planned; 3-base (Barksdale, LA; Langley, VA; and Bolling, DC) deal for Air Force housing
Los Angeles Business Journal (3/12): Disney cruises; San Pedro push for waterfront revitalization; L.A. Co. Museum of Art upgrading and renewing its digs
California Real Estate Journal (3/12): advertising special feature on Ontario, CA especially on their new arena; San Diego selling city-owned parcels; makeover of the Beverly Connection mall planned; L.A. Live feature; Ontario, CA winery becoming mixed-use development; Hollywood's Fox Theater sold
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Scottish tourism sees record numbers
from the Scotsman enews 3/14/2007
Historic day as sites pull in 3 million visitors
TIM CORNWELL ARTS CORRESPONDENT
".... paying visitor numbers at Historic Scotland's properties have risen across the board in the year 2006-7, the heritage agency said yesterday, breaking the three-million mark for the first time - a 6 per cent rise on the previous year.
Programmes such as the BBC's Restoration series may have helped put UK residents on the trail of Scotland's castles, abbeys and standing stones. But the increase may also reflect Historic Scotland's award-winning, two-week TV campaign last year to promote its annual "free weekend" and get visitors to try its properties for free. It was the first time it has run television adverts.
The growing number of Asian and eastern European visitors to Scotland are also affecting the figures, it is thought. They are now outnumbering the traditional American influx.
Last July, ten per cent of visitors to Edinburgh Castle were Asian, with 39 per cent from Europe, compared to 20 per cent from North America." ....
for complete story see: http://news.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=398052007
Historic day as sites pull in 3 million visitors
TIM CORNWELL ARTS CORRESPONDENT
".... paying visitor numbers at Historic Scotland's properties have risen across the board in the year 2006-7, the heritage agency said yesterday, breaking the three-million mark for the first time - a 6 per cent rise on the previous year.
Programmes such as the BBC's Restoration series may have helped put UK residents on the trail of Scotland's castles, abbeys and standing stones. But the increase may also reflect Historic Scotland's award-winning, two-week TV campaign last year to promote its annual "free weekend" and get visitors to try its properties for free. It was the first time it has run television adverts.
The growing number of Asian and eastern European visitors to Scotland are also affecting the figures, it is thought. They are now outnumbering the traditional American influx.
Last July, ten per cent of visitors to Edinburgh Castle were Asian, with 39 per cent from Europe, compared to 20 per cent from North America." ....
for complete story see: http://news.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=398052007
Penguins' new arena deal
From GlobeSt.com's enews 3/14/2007
Penguins Sign 30-Year, $290M Arena Deal
By Marita Thomas
"PITTSBURGH-Long-sought plans to keep the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team here after the team’s lease at Mellon Arena expires this June have reached fruition. The deal calls for construction of a new arena along Centre and Fifth avenues, across from the existing one, at an estimated cost of $290 million. It is expected to open in time for the 2009-2010 season.
....
The Sports & Exhibition Authority, a joint Pittsburgh and Allegheny County agency, will own the arena, and the Penguins will operate it under a 29.5-year lease that begins when it opens. The team will pay SEA $4.2 million a year for 30 years, which includes $600,000 from parking lot revenues. It will seek to offset costs by obtaining naming rights.
.....
Don Barden, the Detroit owner of Majestic Star Casino LLC, which has obtained Pittsburgh’s sole gaming license, has agreed to pay $7.5 million a year. Another $7.5 million a year will come from the State Gaming Tourism and Economic Development Fund. " ...
for the complete story see: http://www.globest.com/news/862_862/pittsburgh/158862-1.html
Penguins Sign 30-Year, $290M Arena Deal
By Marita Thomas
"PITTSBURGH-Long-sought plans to keep the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team here after the team’s lease at Mellon Arena expires this June have reached fruition. The deal calls for construction of a new arena along Centre and Fifth avenues, across from the existing one, at an estimated cost of $290 million. It is expected to open in time for the 2009-2010 season.
....
The Sports & Exhibition Authority, a joint Pittsburgh and Allegheny County agency, will own the arena, and the Penguins will operate it under a 29.5-year lease that begins when it opens. The team will pay SEA $4.2 million a year for 30 years, which includes $600,000 from parking lot revenues. It will seek to offset costs by obtaining naming rights.
.....
Don Barden, the Detroit owner of Majestic Star Casino LLC, which has obtained Pittsburgh’s sole gaming license, has agreed to pay $7.5 million a year. Another $7.5 million a year will come from the State Gaming Tourism and Economic Development Fund. " ...
for the complete story see: http://www.globest.com/news/862_862/pittsburgh/158862-1.html
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Mohegan Sun area property values soar
From Fort Wayne News-Sentinel 3/11/2007:
Property values near Mohegan Sun take off
DAVID FALCHEK
Scranton Times-Tribune
"WILKES-BARRE, Pa. - Don't blink when driving on Route 315 between Pittston and Plains Township. You might miss something.
In drawing gamblers since opening last year, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs has sucked traffic from exits off Interstate 81 through exits at Pittston and Plains townships and jump-started development and redevelopment on the state road.
Asking prices on some properties near the casino are close to $1 million per acre, making it some of the most expensive real estate in Northeastern Pennsylvania. As the weather warms and Mohegan continues in earnest on its $150 million slots hall and commercial complex, landowners and landlords in the area expect the nibbles they've been seeing to turn into bites.
In time, some businesses that now appear out of place, such as equipment dealers and an auto salvage yard, will likely be replaced.
"I keep telling my kids to look around here," said Charles Adonizio III, a real estate agent and property owner on the road.
"In two years, this will all look entirely different."
But the development of the strip is limited. A swath of the east side of Route 315 runs so close to Interstate 81 that it leaves no space for development. Other sections are burdened by rock outcroppings or owned by unlikely sellers, such as the Oblates of St. Joseph, a major landowner. Parts of the strip have few or even no services, lacking natural gas, sewer or storm drainage. Nevertheless, the speculation has begun.
In commercial real estate, implicit in the well-worn mantra "location, location, location," is "traffic, traffic, traffic." Longtime business owners on the road saw an immediate impact once the slots started humming and cars started passing.
According to the state Department of Transportation, average daily traffic on the route near Jumper Road was about 7,500 cars per day in 2006, the year Mohegan Sun purchased the Pocono Downs. That's expected to increase as Mohegan Sun expands, although PennDOT has no current figure, and the Mohegan Sun is working on a traffic study.
Property values, or at least asking prices, have soared." .....
For complete story see: http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/16879885.htm
Property values near Mohegan Sun take off
DAVID FALCHEK
Scranton Times-Tribune
"WILKES-BARRE, Pa. - Don't blink when driving on Route 315 between Pittston and Plains Township. You might miss something.
In drawing gamblers since opening last year, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs has sucked traffic from exits off Interstate 81 through exits at Pittston and Plains townships and jump-started development and redevelopment on the state road.
Asking prices on some properties near the casino are close to $1 million per acre, making it some of the most expensive real estate in Northeastern Pennsylvania. As the weather warms and Mohegan continues in earnest on its $150 million slots hall and commercial complex, landowners and landlords in the area expect the nibbles they've been seeing to turn into bites.
In time, some businesses that now appear out of place, such as equipment dealers and an auto salvage yard, will likely be replaced.
"I keep telling my kids to look around here," said Charles Adonizio III, a real estate agent and property owner on the road.
"In two years, this will all look entirely different."
But the development of the strip is limited. A swath of the east side of Route 315 runs so close to Interstate 81 that it leaves no space for development. Other sections are burdened by rock outcroppings or owned by unlikely sellers, such as the Oblates of St. Joseph, a major landowner. Parts of the strip have few or even no services, lacking natural gas, sewer or storm drainage. Nevertheless, the speculation has begun.
In commercial real estate, implicit in the well-worn mantra "location, location, location," is "traffic, traffic, traffic." Longtime business owners on the road saw an immediate impact once the slots started humming and cars started passing.
According to the state Department of Transportation, average daily traffic on the route near Jumper Road was about 7,500 cars per day in 2006, the year Mohegan Sun purchased the Pocono Downs. That's expected to increase as Mohegan Sun expands, although PennDOT has no current figure, and the Mohegan Sun is working on a traffic study.
Property values, or at least asking prices, have soared." .....
For complete story see: http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/16879885.htm
Grand Canyon Skywalk
From USA Today 3/8/2007:
Another wonder for Grand Canyon?
By Jayne Clark, USA TODAY
"GRAND CANYON WEST, Ariz. — An elderly spiritual leader shook a gourd rattle and sang prayers as dozens of news crews, some from as far away as Korea, jockeyed for position behind a cordon of yellow caution tape Wednesday. They were there to watch a 2-million-pound deck being inched into position off a limestone cliff 4,000 feet above the Grand Canyon floor." ...
For the full article see: http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2007-03-08-grand-canyon-skywalk_N.htm?csp=34
Another wonder for Grand Canyon?
By Jayne Clark, USA TODAY
"GRAND CANYON WEST, Ariz. — An elderly spiritual leader shook a gourd rattle and sang prayers as dozens of news crews, some from as far away as Korea, jockeyed for position behind a cordon of yellow caution tape Wednesday. They were there to watch a 2-million-pound deck being inched into position off a limestone cliff 4,000 feet above the Grand Canyon floor." ...
For the full article see: http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2007-03-08-grand-canyon-skywalk_N.htm?csp=34
In other news
Tradeshow Week (3/5): MGM/Boyd show 13% increase in 4th quarter gaming revenue and 8% in hotel revenue
Business Week (3/19): has a lengthy feature on the problems blocking growth in India
California Real Estate Journal (2/26): San Diego retail moving to mixed use and redevelopment over new centers; Sacramento brownfield; mixed-use golf housing in Brea, CA; L.A. retail adapting; Inland Empire retail; Sacramento retail; hotel forecast for 2007
Business Week (3/19): has a lengthy feature on the problems blocking growth in India
California Real Estate Journal (2/26): San Diego retail moving to mixed use and redevelopment over new centers; Sacramento brownfield; mixed-use golf housing in Brea, CA; L.A. retail adapting; Inland Empire retail; Sacramento retail; hotel forecast for 2007
The News Continues
Preservation (Mar/Apr): New Orleans urban renewal
World Waterpark (Feb): Wave-die Woergler Wasserwelt, Austria; Breakwater Beach, NJ; St. Mary's Aquatic Center, GA
Golf Industry Report (1st qtr): closures outpacing openings in 2006
California Real Estate Journal (3/5); college construction projects canceled; Grand Ave changes
Street and Smith's Business Journal (2/26); record number of new facilities; feature on Lawrence, KS; NCAA basketball
San Diego Business Journal (3/6): special feature on tourism; list of top hotels
World Waterpark (Feb): Wave-die Woergler Wasserwelt, Austria; Breakwater Beach, NJ; St. Mary's Aquatic Center, GA
Golf Industry Report (1st qtr): closures outpacing openings in 2006
California Real Estate Journal (3/5); college construction projects canceled; Grand Ave changes
Street and Smith's Business Journal (2/26); record number of new facilities; feature on Lawrence, KS; NCAA basketball
San Diego Business Journal (3/6): special feature on tourism; list of top hotels
Guess what? More news!
Indian Country Today (3/7); anti-casino suit denied (MI); NY gaming
Indian Country Today (2/14): San Manuel Band building retail center; plans for national portfolio for lending on large Native projects; gaming NY and AL
Los Angeles Business Journal (3/5): Pacific Design Center's new building
Street and Smith's Sports Business Journal (2/5): X Games; Yankees and Mets planning overseas moves; NJ new arena; retail sales for team merchandise
Street and Smith's Sports Business Journal (2/19): Braves planned sale; NASCAR Hall of Fame; country spotlight on Brazil
Street and Smith's Sports Business Journal (2/12/): in-depth on NASCAR
Los Angeles Times (2/11): Grand Canyon Skywalk
Western City (Feb): Riverside (CA) infrastructure improvement plan
New Orleans City Business (2/5); N.O. musicians and the economy; too many condos on market; infrastructure improvements to refineries
Indian Country Today (2/14): San Manuel Band building retail center; plans for national portfolio for lending on large Native projects; gaming NY and AL
Los Angeles Business Journal (3/5): Pacific Design Center's new building
Street and Smith's Sports Business Journal (2/5): X Games; Yankees and Mets planning overseas moves; NJ new arena; retail sales for team merchandise
Street and Smith's Sports Business Journal (2/19): Braves planned sale; NASCAR Hall of Fame; country spotlight on Brazil
Street and Smith's Sports Business Journal (2/12/): in-depth on NASCAR
Los Angeles Times (2/11): Grand Canyon Skywalk
Western City (Feb): Riverside (CA) infrastructure improvement plan
New Orleans City Business (2/5); N.O. musicians and the economy; too many condos on market; infrastructure improvements to refineries
Monday, March 5, 2007
Los Angeles Children's Museum
From this afternoon's SFBJ newsflash:
Children’s Museum Names CEO
By - 3/5/2007
San Fernando Valley Business Journal Staff
"Children’s Museum of Los Angeles has appointed Cecilia Aguilera Glassman as its CEO"....
Construction on the building, a 57,000-square foot facility in Hansen Dam, is due to be completed this summer."....
for complete story see: http://sfvbj.com/enews_article.asp?aID=04689689.1360433.1442740.405511.972535.582&aID2=110971&lid=16&sid=&cID=Z
Children’s Museum Names CEO
By - 3/5/2007
San Fernando Valley Business Journal Staff
"Children’s Museum of Los Angeles has appointed Cecilia Aguilera Glassman as its CEO"....
Construction on the building, a 57,000-square foot facility in Hansen Dam, is due to be completed this summer."....
for complete story see: http://sfvbj.com/enews_article.asp?aID=04689689.1360433.1442740.405511.972535.582&aID2=110971&lid=16&sid=&cID=Z
Disney World expansion plans
from LABJ's news flash 3/2/2007:
Disney Expanding Disney World
By ALLEN P. ROBERTS Jr.
"Walt Disney Co. is planning two expansions to its Walt Disney World theme park in Orlando, Fla., including a 900-acre luxury resort and a commercial district just outside the entrance, the company announced Friday.
Disney said the resort will be a Four Seasons hotel and will feature a golf course and vacation condos. Work on the resort should begin this year, with the hotel expected to open in 2010..."
"Disney also plans to build a pedestrian-friendly development with hotels, stores and restaurants on the resort property. The development, which will center on a retail village, will be built in phases over the next eight to 10 years...."
for complete article see: http://labusinessjournal.com/enews_article.asp?aID=27031031.5854961.1440582.101586.2510093.147&aID2=110805&lid=37&sid=&cID=Z
Disney Expanding Disney World
By ALLEN P. ROBERTS Jr.
"Walt Disney Co. is planning two expansions to its Walt Disney World theme park in Orlando, Fla., including a 900-acre luxury resort and a commercial district just outside the entrance, the company announced Friday.
Disney said the resort will be a Four Seasons hotel and will feature a golf course and vacation condos. Work on the resort should begin this year, with the hotel expected to open in 2010..."
"Disney also plans to build a pedestrian-friendly development with hotels, stores and restaurants on the resort property. The development, which will center on a retail village, will be built in phases over the next eight to 10 years...."
for complete article see: http://labusinessjournal.com/enews_article.asp?aID=27031031.5854961.1440582.101586.2510093.147&aID2=110805&lid=37&sid=&cID=Z
Sunday, March 4, 2007
More news
Funworld (Mar): Hersheypark adding world's larest play structure; Gatorland (Orlando) opening despiute fire damage; Legoland is rebuilding Las Vegas in Carlsbad; Nut Tree family park reopening; Bruce Lee theme park planned for Chunde near Hong Kong; Vancouver Aquarium expanding; Cold War museum planned for secret bunker in Germany; features on Kidzania fec in Monterrey, Mexico and Rainbow's End fec in New Zealand; Columbus Zoo director profiled; Circus World museum back from bankruptcy
Fortune (2/19): Midway Airport up for sale; online real estate valuation
Funworld (Feb): Civil Rights museum planned for donated Atlanta land; BRC selected to redsign the VA and LA State Capitol visitors centers; Astroland sold; Columbus Zoo to reopen waterpark in 2008; UAE developing world's largest indoor waterpark
National Real Estate Investor (Feb): senior housing developments; senior housing and college towns; city reviews of San Diego and Tokyo; new retail developments
Retail Traffic (Feb): Mills Corp buyout deal reaching deadline
California Real Estate Journal (2/20): major industrial development in Perris; Sacramento industrial real estate forecast
Los Angeles Business Journal (2/19): Grand Ave; L.A. Olympic preparation; American Golf as meeting planners; performing arts centers list
Los Angeles Business Journal (1/15): Washington Blvd. project and transit problems
Tradeshow Week (2/26): top domestic donations for corporate travel
Tradeshow Week (2/12); new resort with meeting space opening in 2008 in Chicago; Hyatt New Orleans reopens; Mexico market tradeshows
Tradeshow Week (2/19): tradeshow attendance up slightly in 4th quarter
Fortune (2/19): Midway Airport up for sale; online real estate valuation
Funworld (Feb): Civil Rights museum planned for donated Atlanta land; BRC selected to redsign the VA and LA State Capitol visitors centers; Astroland sold; Columbus Zoo to reopen waterpark in 2008; UAE developing world's largest indoor waterpark
National Real Estate Investor (Feb): senior housing developments; senior housing and college towns; city reviews of San Diego and Tokyo; new retail developments
Retail Traffic (Feb): Mills Corp buyout deal reaching deadline
California Real Estate Journal (2/20): major industrial development in Perris; Sacramento industrial real estate forecast
Los Angeles Business Journal (2/19): Grand Ave; L.A. Olympic preparation; American Golf as meeting planners; performing arts centers list
Los Angeles Business Journal (1/15): Washington Blvd. project and transit problems
Tradeshow Week (2/26): top domestic donations for corporate travel
Tradeshow Week (2/12); new resort with meeting space opening in 2008 in Chicago; Hyatt New Orleans reopens; Mexico market tradeshows
Tradeshow Week (2/19): tradeshow attendance up slightly in 4th quarter
News! Come and get your news....
Appraisal Journal (winter 2007): appraising residential real estate; liquidation valuation of transport corridors
Hotels (Feb): short feature on indoor waterparks; international trends-- highlighting Moscow; spa feature on W Retreat in the Maldives
California Planner (Jan-Feb): downtowns and form-based codes
Forbes (Feb 26): feature on Vernon, CA
CP&DR (Feb): UC's long-range planning
Golf Business and Real Estate (2/12): Could American Golf be planning to sell?
New Orleans City Business (2/12): feature on soaring apartment rents
Los Angeles Business Journal (2/12): special feature on adaptive reuse
New Orleans City Business (1/29): Mardi Gras attendance projections; Canal Street redevelopment; LA Children's Museum reopens; major demographic shifts post-Katrina
San Diego Business Journal (2/5): military's financial impact on SD estimated at $12 billion; expansion of Sycuan Indian casino; building boom downtown; financing options for Balboa Park
California Real Estate Journal (2/12): slow in area condo conversions and growth in apartment market
San Diego Business Journal (2/12): condo conversions slowing as sales slump; National City seek approval for Chargers' stadium
Shopping Centers Today (Feb): Chicago's American Girl Place moving to new digs at Watertower Place; Sunset and Vine BID created; Gulf Coast aiming at new urbanist redevelopment; sustainable/green development; Dublin's waterfront redevelopment
IGWB (Feb): suits threatening Hark Rock's sale to Seminoles; MGM expanding internationally in coalition with the Mashantucket Pequots by moving to develop in China; KS considering expanding gaming; feature on PA gaming; Harrah's buyout
San Fernando Valley Business Journal (2/19): commercial real estate feature (condo slowdown, Fashion Square redevelopment, affordable housing)
Hotels (Feb): short feature on indoor waterparks; international trends-- highlighting Moscow; spa feature on W Retreat in the Maldives
California Planner (Jan-Feb): downtowns and form-based codes
Forbes (Feb 26): feature on Vernon, CA
CP&DR (Feb): UC's long-range planning
Golf Business and Real Estate (2/12): Could American Golf be planning to sell?
New Orleans City Business (2/12): feature on soaring apartment rents
Los Angeles Business Journal (2/12): special feature on adaptive reuse
New Orleans City Business (1/29): Mardi Gras attendance projections; Canal Street redevelopment; LA Children's Museum reopens; major demographic shifts post-Katrina
San Diego Business Journal (2/5): military's financial impact on SD estimated at $12 billion; expansion of Sycuan Indian casino; building boom downtown; financing options for Balboa Park
California Real Estate Journal (2/12): slow in area condo conversions and growth in apartment market
San Diego Business Journal (2/12): condo conversions slowing as sales slump; National City seek approval for Chargers' stadium
Shopping Centers Today (Feb): Chicago's American Girl Place moving to new digs at Watertower Place; Sunset and Vine BID created; Gulf Coast aiming at new urbanist redevelopment; sustainable/green development; Dublin's waterfront redevelopment
IGWB (Feb): suits threatening Hark Rock's sale to Seminoles; MGM expanding internationally in coalition with the Mashantucket Pequots by moving to develop in China; KS considering expanding gaming; feature on PA gaming; Harrah's buyout
San Fernando Valley Business Journal (2/19): commercial real estate feature (condo slowdown, Fashion Square redevelopment, affordable housing)
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