We posted a link to this video last week in the Evening News Roundup, but have since seen it pop up all over the Internet. These street bike moves demonstrating parkour, the art of movement, are simply amazing and we wanted to make sure everyone had ample chance to see it.
What If The West End Were The Green End?
Big plans in Chicago for solar energy got us thinking about Louisville. TreeHugger reported today that Chicago’s South Side is installing the largest urban solar power plant in the United States.
Evening News Roundup
- Grant allows anyone to ride TARC free after 6pm on Friday (C-J)
- Good news for High Speed Rail in Congress (the transport politic)
- LaHood looking for ‘opportunities for people to get out of their cars’ (Infrastructurist)
Arena Mayhem: Scaffolding Collapses, Three Injured
A portion of scaffolding at the arena construction site along River Road collapsed today sending three workers to the hospital. Some time between 10:18 and 10:31 this morning, crews were working to pour a concrete slab for the main concourse when the temporary substructure gave way. Two workers suffered minor scrapes and abrasions while rebar punctured another’s arm. The construction site has been shut down while firefighters and federal OSHA inspectors take a look at the problem.
Tiny orange dots in photos above from the Louisville Arena Authority‘s construction cam represent workers pouring concrete. The added weight apparently caused the collapse, but no official cause has been released. Calls were referred to general contractor M.A. Mortenson Co’s corporate office, and we couldn’t get through today. The collapse does not affect the structural integrity of the arena itself and construction is still reportedly on schedule.
The scene on River Road today was a waterfall of rebar over a main construction entrance. From the sidewalk, you can see remnants of concrete that had already been poured, but much of the concrete in the area of the collapse has likely already fallen away. A wooden safety rail hangs idly over the collapse.
- Louisville Arena Authority (Official Site)
- More coverage of the arena construction from Broken Sidewalk
Demo Watch: Carmichael Building Tumbling Down
The old Omer Carmichael Building on the corner of Muhammad Ali Boulevard and Hancock Street is nearly gone. Demolition got underway last week and was abruptly stopped when workers hit a water main causing flooding in the area. The adjacent James Graham Brown Cancer Center had to be closed down after flooding damaged electrical equipment.
Evening News Roundup
- America needs a clear infrastructure plan (citiwire via StreetsBlog)
- Essay covering many biking issues in the city (StreetsBlog)
- More on the new bike racks placed around town (C-J)
West Oak Street Corridor To See New Life
An old commercial building near the corner of Seventh & Oak Streets is about to see new life with the help of a $40,000 low-interest METCO loan from Louisville Metro Government. Plans call for installing new windows, tuckpointing the two-story brick building, installing a new wrought iron fence around the corner parking lot, landscaping, and a fresh coat of paint.
Lee Jones, owner of Oak Street Hardware currently on the corner of Second and Oak had originally planned to move his business to the new location, but is considering leasing the space for retail use. He still likes the convenience of his current location and doesn’t want to abandon his regular walk-in traffic. Plans are still evolving, though. Jones explained that the building is in an odd site: it’s neither Old Louisville nor Limerick. Instead, it sits in a small pocket with several other commercial buildings that Jones refers to as the West Oak Street Corridor.
The building targeted for redevelopment, 617 Oak Street, is a sturdy brick building but in need of repair. A coat of plaster was applied to the front facade, and Jones is currently determining whether to completely remove it and restore the brick. An original cornice has begun to separate from the building and will be completely restored. Jones says he will likely paint the restored building in a similar color palette as the Oak Street Hardware building: muted red, green, and yellow.
There is other development activity in the area as well. On the same block, the Stuart Apartments were recently renovated along with nearby Sixth & Oak building. One block to the north, Shine Properties has been renovating another commercial building. Whether Oak Street Hardware relocates or a new retail spot is created, hopefully this project will help tip the area into the western anchor of the Oak Street commercial district. There is no current timetable on the project, but Jones hopes to get started soon after the loan is finalized.
- Limerick Seeing Rebirth One Building At A Time (Broken Sidewalk)
New Details On Baxter Avenue Burger Joint
We told you about the new “Bunz” restaurant on Baxter Avenue a couple weeks ago, but didn’t know any details besides the interior was small and had a sort of retro diner feel. A few new details emerged on the Louisville Hotbytes Forum today offering a glimpse at the new establishment.
If you know the space, then you know it is very small, so there is limited refrigeration area. So, at this point there will only be hamburgers, french fries & beer. The space has been majorly renovated. They hope to be open in a week or so, but it is taking a back seat to Brownings for the moment. The plan is to be open 11-11pm, and possibly later on weekends. Applications are being accepted at Brownings, 515-0172.
Restauranteur Anoosh Shariat who is reopening Browning’s at Slugger Field is behind the new burger joint. It looks like this one will be a good fit for the neighborhood.