Arena Mayhem: Skinning The Giant

Nov 4, 2009

So the arena has been moving so fast lately, these pictures from my visit a couple weeks ago are probably long past descriptive, but I figured I should get them online sooner rather than later. The big news on the construction front? Bleacher decks are being installed and the structure’s exterior skin is beginning to show.

Bleacher decks are installed on the upper tiers. (Branden Klayko / Broken Sidewalk)

Beginning on the northwest corner of the arena site, crews have been installing grey precast concrete panels with inset horizontal bands marking the first applied skin to be installed. Below the precast, poured-in-place concrete, presumably part of the floodwall, has been visible since the early days of construction.

Also interesting are several cantilevers extending progressively northward (seen on the left side of the photo above). Eventually, a dramatic curve extending to the roof structure will cover this section. It’s designers, HOK Sport, had hoped to evoke the Falls of the Ohio with this large gesture.

Inside the arena bowl, the first concrete risers on which seats will eventually be mounted have been installed on massive structural piers. At the time, a parking lot in Waterfront Park at the site of the old Stop Lite Liquors appeared to be serving as a holding ground for these large concrete pieces.

Here’s a bit more news since the last time we checked in with the arena (don’t forget you can see all our arena coverage here):

Three new corporate sponsors were signed in late September to join Norton Healthcare. Stock Yards Bank, Hilliard Lyons, and Kentucky Employers’ Mutual Insurance (KEMI) will contribute a combined $8.6 million.
In 2012, the arena will host games in the first two rounds of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship. We’ve known for some time that the facility will also host the 2012 NCAA Women’s Volleyball Finals.
The first of the structural steel is supposed to be going up now, marking a milestone in the project’s construction history. The Arena Authority claims progress is a full ten days ahead of schedule. I haven’t heard if they have adjusted the countdown clock on Second and Main Streets.
Reportedly, about 350 workers are on site currently. That number is expected to increase to about 600 daily workers in the Spring once the structure is fully enclosed.
A economic impact report issued recently is also linking most construction activity Downtown to arena construction. Anything from a renovation at the Seelbach to the rebuilding of the world’s largest White Castle to the developments undergoing or proposed in adjacent blocks are listed in the report as benefiting from the arena (more from Biz First).
Check out the arena’s live webcam here to stay up-to-date with construction progress.

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Everyone’s Doing The Pedestrian Scramble

By Branden Klayko -

Nov 4, 2009

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Up above is a video showing the changes that were recently implemented on a major intersection in London called the Oxford Circus. Besides the traffic calming measures of reconfiguring the lane widths and alignments, the major change here is the implementation of what’s referred to as the “pedestrian scramble” where all vehicular traffic is stopped and the intersection is turned over to pedestrians to cross at any angle.

While this device is most commonly used for intersections with very high pedestrian volumes, such as this London intersection or the famous scramble in Japan at Hachik Square in Shibuya, Tokyo, it has been used in less major cities as well. Wikipedia reported (without citation) that the first such intersection was implemented in the 1940s in Kansas City and Vancouver and has since been found in many other cities around the world. Tom Vanderbilt at How We Drive notes that the first occurrence could have been in Denver.

Louisville has its own pedestrian scramble of sorts without knowing it. Next time you’re at the intersection of Fifth Street and Main Street, notice how for a time all traffic is stopped and pedestrians can cross at all crosswalks (and no turns are allowed on red), meaning it should technically be safe to cross diagonally. That’s very similar to the scramble without diagonal movements codified. Below is the same intersection drawn with scramble markings. I am not sure why the intersection behaves this way without being a true scramble or if it’s legal to cross diagonally, but it’s an interesting part of Downtown.

[Movie via How We Drive.]

Korean Pavilion Shows Real-Time Air Quality Information

By Branden Klayko -

Nov 4, 2009

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This pavilion in Seoul, Korea displays dynamic information about air quality in the city and responds to user input via social media. I first heard news of the project in May when I posted a link to the news roundup, but now it’s finally built and quite impressive.

Designed by David Benjamin and Soo-in Yang of New York who comprise the firm The Living, the permanent installation called Living Light depicts a large map of Seoul divided up into 27 neighborhood regions corresponding to existing air monitoring stations that glow or flicker to reflect air quality information. A panel is lit if its air quality has improved from the previous year or if someone requests air quality information about a segment via SMS. Additionally, every 15 minutes, the entire display goes dark and is illuminated sequentially by neighborhood air quality from best to worst.

The installation seeks to explore the dynamic building facade of the future, but its shape also brings to mind a bus stop. Imagine the possibilities for real-time information display built into the architecture of transit stops based on this model.

For more on how the project was designed, built, and functions, make sure you check out the Living Light web site which acts as a slideshow using the Next button on the top of the page. [Via Information Aesthetics.]

Video: The Chaotic Beauty of Traffic

Transportation

By Branden Klayko -

Nov 3, 2009

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We’re going with a video theme here, but they’re each worth a watch. This video called 8min20sec shows traffic in Paris recorded by design firm Fl@33 and will soon appear at a London Transport Museum exhibition. There’s definitely something beautiful about the chaos yet continuous flow of traffic looping through each frame. The music begins about 1.5 minutes into the video. According to the artists, “The original DV footage was recorded in Paris at the Place Charles de Gaulle from the top of the Arc de Triomphe that offers a bird’s-eye view to the exceptionally busy roundabout below in which the Arc stands.” [Via Creative Review.]

Video: What A Green Metropolis Could Look Like

By Branden Klayko -

Nov 3, 2009

0

Check out this video titled Infrastructure In An Ecological Age of a theoretical Manchester, England after it has undergone a sustainability overhaul. The video was made by engineering firm Arup and shows how light rail, streetcars, and high speed rail will work to create pockets of density, how plentiful trees, landscaping, and green roofs will make city living more like garden living, and how other ideas from increasing local food and power production to making the bus more efficient will green the cities of tomorrow. [Via TreeHugger.]

Tuesday News Roundup

By Broken Sidewalk -

Nov 3, 2009

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Congratulations to Barturtle, Michael, and Jeff Noble for correctly identifying last Wednesday’s sidewalk photo. Here’s a new photo ready for your guesses.

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Ramping Up Construction At The Big Four Bridge

By Branden Klayko -

Oct 30, 2009

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About two weeks ago, I had a chance to tour the construction site at the Big Four Bridge and snap a few photos of construction progress at the final phase of Waterfront Park. Work has been moving along steadily, weather permitting, since these photos were taken, and additional pieces of the ramp structure have been lifted into place.

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Phoenix Lofts Nearly Complete, Welcomes First Buyer

By Branden Klayko -

Oct 30, 2009

6

Inside the Phoenix Lofts (Courtesy Phoenix Lofts)

Located on the corner of Rubel Avenue and East Broadway in the Original Highlands, a row of modern townhomes dubbed the Phoenix Lofts are finishing up with construction and one sold unit is already occupied. I recently had a chance to tour a model at the five-unit development and was pleasantly surprised by the modern quality of the interiors.

Phoenix Lofts on Rubel Avenue. (Branden Klayko / Broken Sidewalk)

Developed by Marian Development Group, the Phoenix Lofts have been designed to bring a modern sensibility to a traditional urban form and neighborhood. Four two-bedroom units and one single-bedroom unit now occupy a corner parcel that previously housed a gas station. Environmental remediation took place before the site was considered. Kimberly Stephenson of L & J Constructors explains that the site was chosen for its proximity to downtown and the Highlands.

The building’s exterior is divided into five vertical masses clad in black brick and limestone to delineate individual townhouse units. Entry into the building is on the second floor placing the main living spaces in the center of each residence. An open floor plan creates a loft-like space that is also open to the first floor. The top level contains bedrooms, two bathrooms, a laundry, and a balcony facing Rubel Avenue provides views of the surrounding neighborhood.

Stephenson says the development process has gone smoothly as the parcel was zoned appropriately for the infill project. One setback occurred last year as the development team struggled with the death of of a partner, causing a hiatus in construction. Stephenson says the neighborhood has been supportive of the project but admits some were startled by the choice of black brick who preferred a more traditional red brick exterior. In the end, the contrast of dark brick and light detailing creates a sleek, modern appearance.

Inside the kitchen. (Photo courtesy Phoenix Lofts)

Interior spaces at the Phoenix Lofts were designed to create a big-city feel yet offer more living space than can be found in cities larger than Louisville. The kitchen, dining room, and great room feature a warm wooden ceiling with beams and bamboo floor meant to evoke construction of historic warehouse spaces. Exposed ductwork, metal railings, and dark cabinetry help reinforce an industrial feel. The modern kitchen is complete with stainless steel appliances and details, intricate tile work, and hand selected granite counters.

Justin O’dell of Keller Williams who is representing the development said the four remaining units range from 1,300 to 1,570 square feet with prices from $269,000 to $339,000. A parking space is included and two bedroom units have their own garage. Condo fees range from $150 to $180 per month. A corner two-bedroom unit features extra windows and is marketed at the same price as other units. Interiors of three units have been shelled and await the custom build-out of future owners.

Phoenix Lofts (Official Site)
Development Watch: Phoenix Lofts (Broken Sidewalk)
Development Watch: Phoenix Lofts In The Original Highlands (Broken Sidewalk)

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Scaffold Watch: Kentucky Opera Building Under Renovation

Development

By Branden Klayko -

Oct 30, 2009

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Kentucky Opera Building During Renovation

Long for sale on the corner of West Main Street and Eighth Street Downtown, the Kentucky Opera Building has found a buyer and is currently under renovation. Law firm Thompson, Miller & Simpson purchased the five-story building from Louis & Henry Group Architects this summer and plans to relocate to the building from 600 West Main Street when construction is complete in December.

Laura Cassaro of Thompson, Miller & Simpson said the firm will occupy the building’s top three floors. Louis & Henry will remain on the second floor and several new tenants will be added to the first floor including the Museum District Business Center, a copy service for Downtown businesses, two attorneys’ offices, and Video Court Reporting Services.

The structure is currently covered in scaffolding and undergoing tuck pointing to restore the building’s 1890 masonry facade as well as replace crumbling window sills. Work on the first floor is largely complete but construction continues on an enlarged lobby.

Bill Weyland of City Properties Group purchased the building in 1989 after it had fallen into disrepair. His firm restored the structure and converted it into an office building. In 2008, the Kentucky Opera Building was a candidate for a planned museum, genealogical library, and headquarters for the Sons of the American Revolution who eventually opted to purchase the nearby Fulton Conway Building on West Main Street.

Additional information can be found in a Business First report from July 2009.