Ummm...."this project" meaning the thread topic.

Secondly, hasn't lack of sales also been the issue with this project? Even if Novare did join Tony G., which I seriously doubt, they can't magically make people buy the units. Novare builds condos to sell them and make a profit, not just for the sake of building a tower. Is there a source other than an internet forum?

No, I don't know that sales has been the problem for Signature. And the source has been right on other counts. And if Novare is involved, then I could certainly understand the developer's confidence in this area ?

You seem a little on edge about Signature Tower.

^^So, is that a yes? :lol:

^^So, is that a yes? :lol:

'yes' about what ?

^^To this project moving forward.

^^To this project moving forward.

yes

^^So, how come the people on UP are all being naysayers about it then? :poke:

^^So, how come the people on UP are all being naysayers about it then? :poke:

To be fair to UP, it's only two of three that I can tell. One in particular has been unrelenting in that regard, and I can't speak to his psychology.

I don't think everyone at UP is negative about this project but a select and vocal few seem to question everything about it. That's their right though and most seem reasonably fair about it. My guess is that some people aren't "negative" per se but expect to see more substantial signs of progress and others probably just don't want this project to happen for whatever reasons. This is all just my opinion from reading the very active thread there since its' inception.

I'm sure few people that read these development boards, if any, know what precisely is going on behind the scenes with Signature. And, if they do, they probably are understandably going to remain tight-lipped about it. I guess we'll all have to be a little more patient.

It's possible, I suppose, that some naysay because the developer has not kept them abreast of every signifcant development along the way. as if he were obligated to do so.

The competition in Nashville for new condos is fierce. There are a few projects underconstruction and the population can only support so many. Nashville is not Atlanta or even Charlotte. I love this tower and hope it happens, but it is going to be tough and I would fully suspect delays with this thing, even if it does happen.

No, I don't know that sales has been the problem for Signature. And the source has been right on other counts. And if Novare is involved, then I could certainly understand the developer's confidence in this area ?

You seem a little on edge about Signature Tower.

If making a couple of comments on message board makes one on edge then I guess I'm on edge.

But you seem to have been following this project a lot more than me. If it were selling well, I would think there would be little doubts about whether or not it gets built. So is it selling well or not?

If making a couple of comments on message board makes one on edge then I guess I'm on edge.

But you seem to have been following this project a lot more than me. If it were selling well, I would think there would be little doubts about whether or not it gets built. So is it selling well or not?

I have no idea as to the developer's goals for sales. I do know it's supposed to break ground this month.

The competition in Nashville for new condos is fierce. There are a few projects underconstruction and the population can only support so many. Nashville is not Atlanta or even Charlotte. I love this tower and hope it happens, but it is going to be tough and I would fully suspect delays with this thing, even if it does happen.

Why delays ? This is not Market Square.

Why delays ? This is not Market Square.

Nor do I claim it to be. BUT, there will be something U/C within the year on that site.

A project of this size in a city the size of Nashville has to expect delays. NOW, if this were the only condo option going up in Nashville, I would not think this way, but it isn't and I do.

Nor do I claim it to be. BUT, there will be something U/C within the year on that site.

A project of this size in a city the size of Nashville has to expect delays. NOW, if this were the only condo option going up in Nashville, I would not think this way, but it isn't and I do.

We're about to find out.

All I hear is :blahblah: There is this thing called "contact us" on the website. Use that.

Gp over to the Signature thread on UP to observe a sterling example of Stockholm Syndrome.

I don't think everyone at UP is negative about this project but a select and vocal few seem to question everything about it. That's their right though and most seem reasonably fair about it. My guess is that some people aren't "negative" per se but expect to see more substantial signs of progress and others probably just don't want this project to happen for whatever reasons. This is all just my opinion from reading the very active thread there since its' inception.

I'm sure few people that read these development boards, if any, know what precisely is going on behind the scenes with Signature. And, if they do, they probably are understandably going to remain tight-lipped about it. I guess we'll all have to be a little more patient.

The vast, vast majority are still very confident in this project. The fact is that the extremely vocal naysayers have turned off many of the posters on the thread to the point that they don't even bother anymore. I happen to know they are still confident....if anything, more confident than ever. It's been amazing see what's happened. The moderator of the thread, who happens to be from Charlotte, NC has either suspended or banned about half a dozen forumers due to posts on the thread. Everyone that has been banned are confident of the project going forward. Guess who is one the the bigger naysayers?

There are several with inside information that are supremly confident, yet they aren't posting any more. The whole thing is a big mess.

The vast, vast majority are still very confident in this project. The fact is that the extremely vocal naysayers have turned off many of the posters on the thread to the point that they don't even bother anymore. I happen to know they are still confident....if anything, more confident than ever. It's been amazing see what's happened. The moderator of the thread, who happens to be from Charlotte, NC has either suspended or banned about half a dozen forumers due to posts on the thread. Everyone that has been banned are confident of the project going forward. Guess who is one the the bigger naysayers?

There are several with inside information that are supremly confident, yet they aren't posting any more. The whole thing is a big mess.

I must second this. I've participated in forums on which the moderators were fairly stringent, but never in a forum on which the moderator is so antagonistic.

Sounds like metro'm is the one who banned them. That guy is :nuts:

It is indeed an odd situation. I'm among those who still feel confident that this building will happen. It's part faith, part early evidence and part wishful thinking, but signs at this point are still positive and I'm holding on to those and holding on the the experience, drive, charisma and talent of the developer. He is truly a gentleman, has attended our forum meetings, hosted us at his sales center and office...and it's not like ANY of us can afford a unit, but we're treated with respect, dignity, friendliness and as people who matter and whose opinions are important to him. It's hard to describe; I wish everyone on this board could experience what we get to experience with this project (and Tony himself)...before one shovel is turned.

There seems to be multiple sets of rules at UP that are regional in nature. Nashville is one of the few places that is actually doing the "Charlotte thing" on some level and some just can't handle that. Tall buildings, talk of Nordstroms and Neimans and such, billions of bucks in development, burgeoning population and still one helluva fun place to be just isn't taken well in some circles. That, itself, is a bit funny, and a bit telling. Banning/suspending people is running a bit rampant, sometimes just for a quick one-liner funny. Someone is taking this whole thing way to seriously imo. The world will not stop if this building isn't built. Nashville looks like a mini-Dubai right now (well...... ;) ) with all the cranes, so we have plenty to watch anyway. It's fun.

I miss the exchanges we used to have on UP. Our forumers were interspersed with architects, major developers and representatives, experts in animations and renderings, urban planners and landscapers, zoning experts and then there was just us, those who get freaky over things people build. All the experts have stopped wasting their time as they were often being spoken to as though they were out of control kindergartners. It was very rude and disrepectful to some of the great minds in Nashville development. It's been childish, immature and on the verge of being impossible to forgive and never to forget. Our gang still gets together as we've become friends over the years and we have great meets. We just can't communicate much in the forum ... but he can't shut down our phones or our enthusiasm. Luckily, Nashville has its own alternative forum, but sometimes they get a bit technical and more advanced than I'm able to keep up with, but I find the comments and opinions fascinating reads.

That's my take. Thanks SSC for letting us vent a little bit. I'm sure we're not alone in the world. I've seen it in other places. I think somebody needs a day at the beach. I can understand the difficulty in operating a forum, but sometimes the heavy-handedness is just uncalled for.

I'd invite all who thirst for freedom to return to SSC. Sure, Nasvillians will take some potshots from Atlantans and Charlotteans. But at least you'll enjoy the latitude of firing back a bit without being likened to a Nazi and possibly banned.

Come into the light, children! All are welcome! ALL are welcome!

I think that we should change our forum meeting from the Nashville UP forum meetings to the Nashville SkyscraperCity committee meeting. It is become so hard to support UP after the negative responses we get on any post that doesn't fall in line with some peoples thinking. I am just glad to see post from some of my Nashville UP friends on this site, Lets get the word out that SkyscraperCity is the place to be.

I would love to see more Nashville dialogue over here. As a former resident, it's fun to see the updates. I was just driving through the city and the amount of cranes inbetween downtown and Vanderbilt is incredible. You all should definitely migrate over here.

Sounds like metro'm is the one who banned them. That guy is :nuts:

Aye, Metro, I got banned for saying;

"Does Greensboro really think they will become the biggest metro in the Carolinas? ha ha ha, are we not counting Charlotte?"

:) Was not the first time I was banned because of somthing stupid.

Aye, Metro, I got banned for saying;

"Does Greensboro really think they will become the biggest metro in the Carolinas? ha ha ha, are we not counting Charlotte?"

:) Was not the first time I was banned because of somthing stupid.

I think it's all a part of metro's nefarious plan to have UP for himself.

I was suspended a couple times on UP as well. I live near Atlanta but grew up in Tennessee. Atlanta gets 600+ footers all the time to the point of a 400 footer being a yawwwwwwn. So I spend 90% of my time on the Nashville threads boosting Signature Tower (even if you guys do whip our BOA).

The moderator actually made a thread on UP chastising the Nashville forumers as if they were children. I do believe he takes the forum way, way, way, way, more seriously than it can ever be. It is a good way to discuss development but outside the circle of few on UP, who on earth knows it even exists.

His being from Charlotte has a LOT to do with why he passes out suspensions like candy. The Charlotte / Nashville competition is fun. Ribbing and jabbing are part of the fun. Both cities are very equal in many ways with Charlotte having a slight edge in buildings and population. But if one dares to cause even slight thread drift as in a joke or something, get ready to have him come in and wipe out three days of postings.

Oh well, it's his ballpark. If you play in his park, you gotta obey his rules. That's why so many have abandoned that ballpark. IF it keeps up, I'll be next.

Why don't you pack up and come over here in any case ?

dont worry, i already have abandoned that ballpark! his ways of running that site are ridiculous. it almost seems like he just runs that thing from home and its like a 15 year old or something. i cant stand that site, ssc is so much better than up

I don't do UP, but I read it occasionally. I didn't know that the guy is from Charlotte. That explains a lot of the reason he seems to be eyeing the Signature Tower thread like a hawk. It's like he's hoping the thing isn't built to surpass his hometown's tallest. Just my perception, but that guy is a tool. OK, back to the topic at hand.

Back to the topic indeed. Is there any truth to the rumor that Novare may partner with Tony G. on Sig ?

I don't do UP, but I read it occasionally. I didn't know that the guy is from Charlotte. That explains a lot of the reason he seems to be eyeing the Signature Tower thread like a hawk. It's like he's hoping the thing isn't built to surpass his hometown's tallest. Just my perception, but that guy is a tool. OK, back to the topic at hand.

I don't think he does it just b/c you guys are from Nashville. Heck, I got banned back in the day and I'm from Charlotte. Alot of other Charlotte people have been banned as well. It seems that he likes to play devils advocate alot and is highly skeptical of many of Charlotte's projects. If you don't disagree with him publicly then you don't have to worry about being banned. Just don't think he bans you because you are from a city that competes with Charlotte, because he bans people all around just for disagreeing with him.

There are rumors that Tony has dropped the height to 720' and the floor count to 50.......


KIDDING!!! Now put your hearts back in your body again.

Actually I did hear the height is dropped a smidgeon to 1,030'. Still a mammoth supertall for a city that size (and for most American cities) and still number one outside the big two (for now). Plus he is only apparently dropping the crown a few feet and not the floor count or height of the heated portions. This is not substantiated yet but look for the announcement soon.

This could actually be construed as good news since the reservations had dropped from 140 to 98 due to the conversion to sales but now have climbed back up to 116 with most being on the lower floors. The lower floors are the ones he needs to get this thing launched so I have faith the trend will continue and Nashville will get a monster skyscraper. With this sales activity and the height adjustment this would indicate moving forward.

Liftoff should be soon.

Good, at 1030' it won't stand out so much. ;)

Good, at 1030' it won't stand out so much. ;)
Yes, that is muuuuucccchhhhh more proportionate.

Reservations back up to 124 now. If you go to the website and click on the all new "sales office" icon you will get a nice drawing of the tower looking like blue glass. Also the crown has noticable accents along the ridges. It would be awesome if those ridges lit up along with the tip. With those lit accents it would fit well in Philly next to Comcast Center.

That virtual tour "Living the Dream" is hilarious. Where did they get the actors/actresses?

^^
Hah! I know!
I've always thought that this project is in dire need of a new promotional approach.
"Oh in'it beautiful?"
"It's perfIct, baby. Absolutely perfIct."
The accents are my favorite. I can relate to the characters better. :lol:

^^
Hah! I know!
I've always thought that this project is in dire need of a new promotional approach.
"Oh in'it beautiful?"
"It's perfIct, baby. Absolutely perfIct."
The accents are my favorite. I can relate to the characters better. :lol:

I was told by Charles Gaushell, the producer of that ad that it was targeted to the "empty nester" over 50 age group that is looking for a special elegant place to live. Unless you fit that demographic, the ad may not be that attractive to you.

You HAVE watched it , haven't you? Asside from the music and lines being very cheezy, the actors are dreadful. I think that it is the exact demographic that they should cater to, but it doesn't change the fact that their approach is a bit over-the-top and out-right silly.

So is this still going to break ground this month or has that been pushed back again?

You HAVE watched it , haven't you? Asside from the music and lines being very cheezy, the actors are dreadful. I think that it is the exact demographic that they should cater to, but it doesn't change the fact that their approach is a bit over-the-top and out-right silly.

Agreed 180%. Geez, Gaushell, why these bumpkins? I know a lot of sixty-somethings who are well-polished. In fact, they're people I'd even not mind living in the same building with. :ohno:

So are these the commercials running on TV? On that note, I understand targeting an exclusive segment, but I'll be hardpressed to find a whole lot of advertising locally for this project. Maybe I'm way off base, and that's not how to move a project such as this.

Uptownliving, I believe we can all assume this thing will not break ground until there is some flashy media event that people under rocks will even hear about. It certainly will not happen this July. Frankly, I have not heard a thing on this project. I got tired of waiting/asking about this one a long time ago.

Television wouldn't be a wise use of ad funds for this. Regular folks like us aren't exposed much to the marketing efforts. Why would we be?

This is not a mass media product.

So are these the commercials running on TV? On that note, I understand targeting an exclusive segment, but I'll be hardpressed to find a whole lot of advertising locally for this project. Maybe I'm way off base, and that's not how to move a project such as this.

Uptownliving, I believe we can all assume this thing will not break ground until there is some flashy media event that people under rocks will even hear about. It certainly will not happen this July. Frankly, I have not heard a thing on this project. I got tired of waiting/asking about this one a long time ago.

I thought you were an optimist on Sig Tower ?

Has construction started yet?

Yes, the raw materials that will eventually be bought to build this tower have most likely been made and the dirt moving equipment has been built at the heavy equipment factories.

With that I guess you could say it is nearly done. :lol:

Yes, the raw materials that will eventually be bought to build this tower have most likely been made and the dirt moving equipment has been built at the heavy equipment factories.

With that I guess you could say it is nearly done. :lol:

More done than the towers proposed for here. :lol:

I thought you were an optimist on Sig Tower ?

I think I'm more of a realist. Certainly, I think it would be great if this building is built. However, right from the start I saw this as a long-shot. It's ultraluxurious and so damn tall --- it reflects Mr. Giarratana's flair for doing such things in a gigantic way --- that other towers in other cities (and even here in Nashville) have gone from conception to being already under construction. It's ambitious, and the skeptics have spoken. I personally think that so many factors have to go just-perfectly to pave the way for this one. So far, I haven't seen or heard of any show stoppers. Also, obviously Giarratana is not in a great hurry either. However, I acknowledge that he is one of the few people in the country who can pull this off.

I sometimes wonder if he had proposed a 45-50 story sibling to the Viridian here then would he already have this thing going up... but he didn't. He's got ambition, and that's how the great ones become "Great". So, yes, I wish him the best... but I'm also realistic enough to know that it's still a long shot. On the other hand, I don't take a lack of info on this project as dismally as many others on this forum and UP.

Dave said that this is the type of project that doesn't use TV to advertise... and he's got a point. However, there are certain shows that are watched by those in this segment... and the TV market area here extends to lots of wealthy people who reside in places like Portland (where I know several horse ranchers), southern KY, White House where I know a widower who farms cattle and just sold lots of acreage to a developer for a new Kroger there, and still he commutes to downtown N'ville every weekday. If I know just these handful of people and I haven't been here two years yet, there's got to be lots of dough in the surrounding towns and cities. As far as I know, those people are not looking to move into Nashville, but you can't say for sure that they aren't either. Just an observation.

Are the 140 reservations *in addition to* hard contracts already secured ?

Are the 140 reservations *in addition to* hard contracts already secured ?

That's the total including sales contracts. He is still listing everything as reserved even though we have heard from an actual buyer in the tower that he does have hard contracts in hand.

Interesting you say what you say, Insighter. Tony's lately been pushing some units as strictly second/or more homes for those who might want a weekend in the city before heading back to the castles in Brentwood or wherever. They even have a catchy little French word for the units, but as senility creeps in, I can't recall it. Some of that promotion has been in print. I'm guessing that you may be right and some targeted media buys might be forthcoming. I'm still of the impression that many of the contacts are made personally or strictly through agents respresenting a wide swath of the wealthy. I can see large entertainment companies buying units to house corporate guests or entertainers during extended visits to record or film. I can also see how many entertainers might buy into this as "housing" for any number of reasons. Sheryl Crow might not want to drive all the way to Williamson after a night out. Tim and Faith might want to escape the kids. Keith and Nicole might just want to escape. Donna Summer might want to spin her disco ball on Floor 62, who knows. The celebrity population in this town is mind boggling. Hell, Oprah might need one of these things when she comes home for Christmas and didn't want to stay with dear ol' dad. Lol. I would if I could. All these rich athletes might be tired of the only options for opulence being in the suburbs. With these, they can party and not end up splashed on the news with a blood alcohol content over the limit.

I just have an itchy kind of feeling something grand is going on this site, and soon.

The resident naysayer on UP is becoming increasingly strident. He says that almost every realtor in Nashville is skeptical about ST and that it has become known as "Tony's Folly".

The "French" word you are looking for is pied-à-terre.

The resident naysayer on UP is becoming increasingly strident. He says that almost every realtor in Nashville is skeptical about ST and that it has become known as "Tony's Folly".

He's gotten so strident that our "favorite" administrator over there at UP...Ha Ha!...has suspended him. That was long overdue and one suspension that I support.

^ The world has turned upside-down. Long live the Queen!

The resident naysayer on UP is becoming increasingly strident. He says that almost every realtor in Nashville is skeptical about ST and that it has become known as "Tony's Folly".

Folk's Folly steakhouse in Memphis was named by Folk's friends who thought it was a big waste of time and money. Now it is one of the most successful steakhouses in the country.

Folk's Folly steakhouse in Memphis was named by Folk's friends who thought it was a big waste of time and money. Now it is one of the most successful steakhouses in the country.

I was just going to point that out.

Well, it's been delayed, per the Nashville Business Journal. Saw it over on UP.

If someone is willing to pay the $1.50 for the Nashville Journal they could get it today and let the rest of us know the details of the article.

Tony G submitted for a building permit for the Signature Tower a month and a half ago according to the Nashville Kiva website. It usually takes a couple months for a building of this size and scope to get approval after the application is submitted. To get to this point Tony would of had to have spent millions on just the architectural designs alone. If you were going to delay a building you usually do that before you submit for the building permits. Something has changed from the time he submitted his building permit application to now for him to announce a delay in ground breaking.

Tony G submitted for a building permit for the Signature Tower a month and a half ago according to the Nashville Kiva website. It usually takes a couple months for a building of this size and scope to get approval after the application is submitted. To get to this point Tony would of had to have spent millions on just the architectural designs alone. If you were going to delay a building you usually do that before you submit for the building permits. Something has changed from the time he submitted his building permit application to now for him to announce a delay in ground breaking.

Over on SSP they are saying that it is indeed a permitting issue.

There's a rumor on UP that Tony G. has lost his contractor.

There's a rumor on UP that Tony G. has lost his contractor.

Fantastic. :banana: :lol:

There's a rumor on UP that Tony G. has lost his contractor.

I've checked the website of every Nashville TV station (WTVF, WSMV, WKRN, and their Fox channel) and found nothing. I also clicked "news" on the Google homepage and then entered "Signature Tower Nashville" and only a hotel article came up. I then clicked the Fox news website (as stated by the guy on UP) and found nothing.

Sounds like balogna to me unless someone finds something.

Fantastic. :banana: :lol:
??????

??????

It's just human nature. A study was done recently in which a group of people were given money. Now, they could opt to acheive, through a certain means, $5, or something like that. The other option was that they could take $1 away from others. They preferred the latter.

I think it's base. But there you have it.

here is an article i found, so things are moving forward

http://www.hdmag.com/hospitalitydesign/content_display/industry-news/e3i7cab8c49b16e1840f33369774a5324b5?imw=Y


Interior Design Unveiled for Nashville's Hotel Palomar
Aug 24, 2007

Atlanta-based CMMI has presented its final interior design concepts for Nashville's Hotel Palomar. The full-service boutique hotel will be part of Signature Tower, a 70-story structure that will also house 400 condos and commercial and retail space.

The Hotel Palomar will occupy 12 floors within the building and will include 199 guestrooms and suites, 5,100 square feet of conference and ballroom space, a full-service spa, a gourmet restaurant, and an outdoor pool deck with a lounge and cafe. The Hotel Palomar will also provide services and amenities for the residents of Signature Tower.

Design details of the Hotel Palomar include cherry and burled walnut millwork; a marble fireplace with backlit bronze glass mesh around the hood, along with stone floors, in the lobby; and oversized guest bathrooms with French gray glass tiles.

Hotel Palomar, which will aim for LEED certification, will be operated by Kimpton Hotels. The hotel is scheduled to open with Signature Tower in 2010.

^^Awesome. I was kidding earlier when I said fantastic about it being delayed. :)

I believe things will move forward but somebody on UP told me to look on Fox 17 again under the videos section and sure enough there is a video where Mr. Giarratanna states that he released his contractor. I justs missed it on the first pass.

It looks like October at the earliest for a real groundbreaking. :nuts:

Evidentally, based on the report, Tony G. did cite the market as a reason for the delay.

Translation: he's struggling with sales, just as the naysayers predicted.

Evidentally, based on the report, Tony G. did cite the market as a reason for the delay.

Translation: he's struggling with sales, just as the naysayers predicted.

Yep. Also I believe if this thing doesn't start soon, he will loose the contracts he has. I can't see those who signed contracts as waiting in perpeteual limbo on a building that apparently isn't a done deal and continually gets pushed forward month by month. Additionally I would bet there is a time limit on the contracts upon which time they become null and void and he has to pay back any deposits. I would even bet the contracts become void if he scales the project back. A 55 story-850' building with a penthouse 650 up is way different than a 70 story-1,057' building with a penthouse 850' up. Once the design changes, it becomes for all intents and purposes a different building and he would have to renegotiate the contracts.

I've been a big booster for this but even I'm beginning to smell death for this project if something doesn't happen soon.

Well from William's article, we do know he has 100 hard sales contracts. He is halfway to his self-imposed benchmark. That part is some good news because even with the high mark of 142 reservations we all wondered how many were actual sales. Now (if his numbers are true) we know he has 100.

Here is the link; http://www.nashvillepost.com/news/2007/8/3...eral_contractor

So IMO it will be all or nothing unless he has a stipulation in the contracts allowing significant design changes without voiding the contracts.

If per the article in October he still has made no progress then even I, an almost ridiculous booster, will lose a lot of faith. If, on the other hand, he has landed a new contractor and sales are going forward (even if not 200) then I would say TG's perseverance will pay off.

It's a wait and see game now.

Okay, that's encouraging. Although I remember Tony say he was breaking ground, come, what may, at the end of July, and that 100 hard contracts was his goal by that point.

So what's the word (if any) on who broke up the arrangement with Giarratana and his contractor (Bovis?)? I'm revealing my true ignorance about this project.

So what's the word (if any) on who broke up the arrangement with Giarratana and his contractor (Bovis?)? I'm revealing my true ignorance about this project.
What broke them up is a 5 million dollar shortfall in the budget. Tony and Turner couldn't get together on the price.

IF TG doesn't get this thing of the ground soon, it will be a goner.

i've got a question for anybody who knows, since signature tower is a mixed use project, will giarratana retain ownership of the building as a whole? i had been told by someone close to giarratana that they did retain ownership of viridian. I'm just not sure how that works with the homeowner's association of the condo owners and the hotel. In this case will the owner's of the condo's just own the interiors of the units and not have a collected ownership of all common areas and the exterior of the building. If you have a clue, let me know. thanks.

I hate to hear this, but in today's market, this is going to happen with a lot of simialr projects. I hope this gets pulled off as it is a GORGEOUS building, but things don't seem to be looking good.

What broke them up is a 5 million dollar shortfall in the budget. Tony and Turner couldn't get together on the price.

IF TG doesn't get this thing of the ground soon, it will be a goner.

Best guesses are that it will take Giarratana about a month to secure a new contractor for the project. With the financing sector in relative disarray at the moment, Tony does not plan to try to secure financing for a couple of months. He does have at least 100 solid sales contracts in hand and based on earlier conversations I've had with him, I will boldly predict that he will go ahead a break ground on this project not too long after he signs with a new contractor and nails down the construction costs. He stated earlier to me, without any hesitation, that he was willing to invest his own money to excavate the site. I predict groundbreaking in around two more months, as long as financial markets are beginning to show signs of stabilization by then. Excavation will take about five months because the site is solid rock and the hole will be about 100 feet deep. During that time, Tony is confident he will get the necessary sales he needs to secure financing. He is still very confident that this project will be built. With him, failure is just not an option.

Best guesses are that it will take Giarratana about a month to secure a new contractor for the project. With the financing sector in relative disarray at the moment, Tony does not plan to try to secure financing for a couple of months. He does have at least 100 solid sales contracts in hand and based on earlier conversations I've had with him, I will boldly predict that he will go ahead a break ground on this project not too long after he signs with a new contractor and nails down the construction costs. He stated earlier to me, without any hesitation, that he was willing to invest his own money to excavate the site. I predict groundbreaking in around two more months, as long as financial markets are beginning to show signs of stabilization by then. Excavation will take about five months because the site is solid rock and the hole will be about 100 feet deep. During that time, Tony is confident he will get the necessary sales he needs to secure financing. He is still very confident that this project will be built. With him, failure is just not an option.
I like your optimism. As you know my belief is these units will sell like gangbusters once solid construction begins. My only fear is the timeframe being crucial to breaking the contracts he already has. Once the parking lot is closed and excavation equipment move in the sales will accellerate because then many potential buyers who have been waiting in the wings will believe it is real and will go ahead and sign up.

All this talk about the Nashville market not being able to support 400 condos is ludicrous. 400 condos in a large city that has only a few hundred downtown is nothing. Nobody would say a thing if Tony was buiding four seperate small condo buidings of 100 units each.

I was driving through DT Atlanta yesterday afternoon and looked off to the west and saw the Buckhead skyline. It is already nearly the size of Nashville's itself but with eight more 40 story twin condo towers going up (all of them almost 500 footers), it will be huge city unto itself. My point being is Atlanta can support tower after tower, Nashville should certainly be able to fly with this one supertower.

^^
Tony can delay the project up to January 1, 2008 and then he still has an option to extend another 90 days and keep the contracts that he has in force. After that, sale contracts would no longer be binding on the buyers.

^^
Tony can delay the project up to January 1, 2008 and then he still has an option to extend another 90 days and keep the contracts that he has in force. After that, sale contracts would no longer be binding on the buyers.

Wow...thanks for solid information. What else do you know?

I like your optimism. As you know my belief is these units will sell like gangbusters once solid construction begins. My only fear is the timeframe being crucial to breaking the contracts he already has. Once the parking lot is closed and excavation equipment move in the sales will accellerate because then many potential buyers who have been waiting in the wings will believe it is real and will go ahead and sign up.

All this talk about the Nashville market not being able to support 400 condos is ludicrous. 400 condos in a large city that has only a few hundred downtown is nothing. Nobody would say a thing if Tony was buiding four seperate small condo buidings of 100 units each.

I was driving through DT Atlanta yesterday afternoon and looked off to the west and saw the Buckhead skyline. It is already nearly the size of Nashville's itself but with eight more 40 story twin condo towers going up (all of them almost 500 footers), it will be huge city unto itself. My point being is Atlanta can support tower after tower, Nashville should certainly be able to fly with this one supertower.


But there aren't tower after tower of condos at this price point. In fact, the projects that are in this price range are all exactly around 100 units or less.

But there aren't tower after tower of condos at this price point. In fact, the projects that are in this price range are all exactly around 100 units or less.

Have you looked at the range of prices in Signature Tower? They start in the 400,000-750,000 range for the bottom 2/3 of the floors. My point is nobody would say a word about two condo projects in Nashville with the same price range and 200 units or even four condo projects with 100 units in the same range.

Wow...thanks for solid information. What else do you know?

Only reason I know that was because I almost signed a contract on the dotted line for a unit a few weeks ago and read it carefully.

Only reason I know that was because I almost signed a contract on the dotted line for a unit a few weeks ago and read it carefully.

OH...so YOU'RE the holdup. Sign the contract so we can get this thing moving.

Have you looked at the range of prices in Signature Tower? They start in the 400,000-750,000 range for the bottom 2/3 of the floors. My point is nobody would say a word about two condo projects in Nashville with the same price range and 200 units or even four condo projects with 100 units in the same range.

Cost per sq ft is the standard for housing. From what I've read, Signature is pretty pricey by that standard.

I guess that we're just waiting until October for any new news. I heard that Tony was preparing a new ad campaign that will somehow be connected with the Nashville predators but I don't know the specifics. Nothing new is going on at Urban Planet either. The naysayers are still saying nay and they're becoming more and more right with each passing month. I still have faith in this project though.

I don't know much about this project, but the marketing has been dismal. So I wonder about the management of the whole thing. I'll be surprised to see this go up.

i passed by the tower site today on my way to the downtown library, they have taken the signage down, and it is a normal old looking parking lot once again. anyone know why they took the signage down?

To get the bulldozers in?

Hmmmm. We can hope.

anyone know why they took the signage down?

all signs are pointing to this building not being constructed. it is all adding up against the building. hopefully this will allow other projects in the market to happen since such a large building is not happening.

The sign is still there. It was not taken down. No need for all the jerking of the knees.

Ah, so all signs are *not* pointing to the demise of this project.

The sign is still there. It was not taken down. No need for all the jerking of the knees.

they must have put it back up next day, it was down on monday, nothing on the site but parking, not signature tower signage anywhere:bash:

Everyone should just forget about this project until such time that its fate becomes much, much clearer.

I was watching the local news awhile back, this was something I found interesting.


go to www.wztv.com scroll down in the FOX 17 News Video section. look for the article Signature Tower Interview

this gives some info on the project :)

they must have put it back up next day, it was down on monday, nothing on the site but parking, not signature tower signage anywhere:bash:

nope, its still down, went by again today. when was the last time you were by, they are all gone.

Gosh, this is such a nice tower, I hope it goes up. It is better to build a signature tower and then build around it, than building up to a signature tower.

nope, its still down, went by again today. when was the last time you were by, they are all gone.

What is your problem? :poke: You are either trying to stir up trouble or you are looking at the wrong lot. My girlfriend lives at The Cumberland and I was there tonight. The fence is there. It was not taken down. Still has the same coffee stains from some bum on it.

one im not trying to start anything! it was a question since i WAS THERE TODAY TOO!!!! i was asking why they were taken down, and i have talked with several other people from the forums and they have seen no signs too!!!! i am one of the biggest proponents of this tower being built! i have been for this tower since day one. its sad that people on this site have to explain themselves because of people like you. IT WAS A QUESTION!!!!!

Seriously, how hard is it for Nashvillians to determine whether the signs have been taken down or not ?

nope, its still down, went by again today. when was the last time you were by, they are all gone.

This looks like a STATEMENT to me. Where is the pertinent question? What is sad is, this confusion about the signs and why people keep saying they're down. We are talking about the same Signature Tower, right? 5th and Church? You know the lot where the signs are still up.?

Seriously, how hard is it for Nashvillians to determine whether the signs have been taken down or not ?

Seriously hard, Dale. Seriously. :nuts:

so nobody from nashville owns a camera? take a freakin picture of the site!!!

Well, it was indeed a bold idea.

Looks like the rumor was started by the mischievous spouse of a poster from another site.

"The information I had received was incorrect - hearsay from my wife. I believe she was just messing with me. I will let Bill know. My mistake for posting before verifying."

:cheers:

^^Thank you for the clear up.

I posted pictures of the site a while ago in the supertalls thread. It can be found here.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=344831&page=17

As for the signage being taken down, I must have missed it but it's back now anyway. Ta.

i was in nashville tueday and the sign was definitely up on a fence. there was no activity at the site. I must say i am very impressed with all the action in downtown nashville from music row infill to the gulch to downtown proper. i keep saying how impressive louisville is for me, but the development in nashville is even more impressive. and i think the tourist staples on broadway keep good pedestrain activity even on random weeknights.

Latest Signature Tower rendering in The Avenue (http://www.theavenuemagazine.com/currentissue.htm)

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/ariesjow/Places/SignaturePic.gif

Some pics of the Signature site from Tuesday Courtesy of elquapo731 at Nashville Charrette (http://www.nashvillecharrette.com/). Tony must have either landed another sale and/or potential buyers were shown the view from their floor. Note that the signs are still up in the background of the photos.

http://www.discovermusiccity.com/urban/siggyballoon1.jpg

http://www.discovermusiccity.com/urban/siggyballoon2.jpg

http://www.discovermusiccity.com/urban/siggyballoon3.jpg

http://www.discovermusiccity.com/urban/siggyballoon4.jpg

More Signature news in The Tennessean (http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007709300378).

Planning Commission approves the redesign to the final redesign of Signature. The final plan made the base of the tower "more consistent" with the rest of the tower. Tony can now obtain building permits.

More Signature news in The Tennessean (http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007709300378).

Planning Commission approves the redesign to the final redesign of Signature. The final plan made the base of the tower "more consistent" with the rest of the tower. Tony can now obtain building permits.

Thats great news....I have been following this one from afar.:cheers:

BUILD IT!!!!:okay:

FAA can stuff it then shove it. :bash:

Signature Tower would be too tall, FAA says
It wants skyscraper's height cut by half for airliner safety

By KATE HOWARD
Staff Writer

The 1,057-foot skyscraper meant to tower over Nashville and outshine every building in the Southeast could end up in the shadows of the Batman building.

The federal government has put the developer on notice that the staggering height of the Signature Tower will pose a hazard to airplanes and should be taken down a notch — actually, taken down by half.

Developer Tony Giarratana said there's no way he's changing his plans, because working with the Federal Aviation Administration is a matter of course when you're in the business of building skyscrapers.

The project, not yet under construction, has sailed through approvals from the Metro Council and Planning Commission, but the proposed tower, already giving the rest of the region's buildings a Napoleon complex, got a new designation after a study from the FAA: "presumed hazard."

Giarratana said the Metro Nashville Airport Authority has promised its support, and is looking into ways to alter their flight patterns to accommodate the tower at its planned stature.

"The bottom line … is that Metro and the FAA are working with us to solve any issues that exist, and that Signature Tower will get developed as planned," Giarratana said.

In September, the airport authority sent a letter to the Metro codes department — the last agency the project must clear — saying it planned to help make the changes necessary to meet FAA regulations well in advance of the building's completion.

Flight paths are concern-

A notice filed by the FAA on Oct. 25 says that the Signature Tower needs to be "reduced in height so as not to exceed 433 feet above ground level."

Not only would stealing Atlanta's skyscraper glory be out of the question, but the Signature Tower at that height would be nearly 200 feet shorter than the AT&T (formerly BellSouth) headquarters with the Batman silhouette, just a few blocks away.

"Every location is unique," FAA spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen said. "We study every building, every cell tower based on the exact latitude and longitude, proximity to the airport, and the location regarding flight paths into and out of the airport."

The lot is about four and a half miles from the end of Runway 31 at Nashville International Airport and four miles from the Cornelia Fort Airpark, according to the FAA. Bergen said the staff calculates how many feet, vertically and horizontally, need to be kept clear for climbing planes, and the tower falls into that area.

Bergen said Giarratana Development LLC submitted the required request for a study in November, and the FAA deemed the tower to be a hazard in February. Another study was commissioned in August with the same results, prompting last week's notice, Bergen said.

Giarratana said he has not received the October notice, but he, his consultants and airport officials have been working with the FAA since it told him in February the height might be a problem. Research is under way to figure out what flight-pattern changes would accommodate the tower, he said.

Giarratana has until Christmas to submit a request for further study of the building at the same height or revised plans that meet the FAA's recommendations. Bergen said changes to the approaches and departure routes of an airport require noise and environmental studies and approval from the FAA.

The air agency can't force Giarratana to meet its recommendations, but ignoring it could carry consequences.

"We cannot legally block a proponent from building, but our determinations carry a lot with insurance companies and local agencies," Bergen said.

In Arlington, Va., a 390-foot office tower was deemed a presumed hazard for planes approaching from Reagan International Airport, although the FAA approved the twin residential tower next door that was one story shorter. A Las Vegas developer, shooting for the tallest structure in the Western Hemisphere, scaled back plans for a 1,888-foot hotel this fall after getting an FAA notice it was too high.

Signature Tower is planned to be 70 stories, with 400 condos and 197 hotel rooms.

Video: http://wkrn.com/nashville/news/signature-towers-too-tall-faa-says/126787.htm#top

So the FAA doesn't actually have a say in a buildings height? So is it the city that sets height restrictions? Louisville has one at 750' and I've always wondered who sets them, the airport is also roughly the same distance from the airport. Hopefully they can work around it and build the tower as planned.

I hope FAA exaggerates the risk because it would be a shame if this tower doesn't get built as tall as proposed, or near that. A couple of towers, instead, wouldn't be bad, but it would not be the same. Some people actually want to live 700, 800, 900, or even 1000 feet above ground. If the risk is real, however, it would make sense to scale down and build two towers instead - in two phases and two separate lots. Best of luck!!!

Ummm...Sig Tower is just now getting around to dealing with the FAA????

Ummm...Sig Tower is just now getting around to dealing with the FAA????

It's more like the FAA is just getting around to trying to screw Sig Tower.

Ummm...Sig Tower is just now getting around to dealing with the FAA????

I was thinking the same thing. That doesn't make ANY sense.

I was thinking the same thing. That doesn't make ANY sense.

The reason it doesn't make any sense is because it is simply not the case. Generally - and this is the way the FAA works - the FAA waits until they see a developer loading those gold shovels in his SUV, for the ceremonial groundbreaking. Then without warning, they appear, in black suits, to deliver a Citation of Hazard to the developer.

The reason it doesn't make any sense is because it is simply not the case. Generally - and this is the way the FAA works - the FAA waits until they see a developer loading those gold shovels in his SUV, for the ceremonial groundbreaking. Then without warning, they appear, in black suits, to deliver a Citation of Hazard to the developer.

Did you read the article? It says that "the FAA deemed the tower to be a hazard in February".

Did you read the article? It says that "the FAA deemed the tower to be a hazard in February".


Yeah. Sorry, but no, based on my experience with highrise towers (granted I only approved one that got built during my time as a planner in Indy) one of the req's before any permits are issued is to have all other approvals from the feds, state, and any other jurisdiction. Seems like someone has dropped the ball or this is propaganda to explain why the tower is never built. When you plan a 1,000+' tall tower, I would guess the FAA is one of the very first groups you speak with.

This does seem like an easy out. Not saying the tower wont get built, but the FAA saying you cant build a tower that tall will be a lot better for Tonys rep than not being able to get enough sales. Im hoping this is nothing and the paper is just behind the times, but the timing of this is interesting.

Did you read the article? It says that "the FAA deemed the tower to be a hazard in February".

Yes, I read the article. Tony has had a thousand-footer planned for two years. Further, where is this evidence that Tony has been dithering with the FAA ?

Oh, and at least a 700-footer for three or four years. It's the FAA who are the foot-draggers here. Remember, it is the function of gubmint to make things miserable for folks trying to get stuff done.

The height of the building was announced for the world in May of 2006 and TG has worked directly with the FAA in this matter from day one. Now 18 months later the FAA comes to the stunning revelation that Signature Tower might be marginally taller than the 400-500 foot buildings surrounding it. :lol: The ball is in the FAA court to work around it.

The height of the building was announced for the world in May of 2006 and TG has worked directly with the FAA in this matter from day one. Now 18 months later the FAA comes to the stunning revelation that Signature Tower might be marginally taller than the 400-500 foot buildings surrounding it. :lol: The ball is in the FAA court to work around it.

And I for one would like to imagine that Tony is the developer with the cojones to stare them down.

Remember, it is the function of gubmint to make things miserable for folks trying to get stuff done.


That is absolutely right Dale. It is their ONLY function.

The FAA can declare the Sig a hazard until the're blue in the face because Congress did not give them the authority to stop a project.

As long as Tony has city and local permits in hand, he can build.

The city can also tell the FAA to go fly a kite by issuing a Major Use Special Permit (MUSP).

Yeah. Sorry, but no, based on my experience with highrise towers (granted I only approved one that got built during my time as a planner in Indy) one of the req's before any permits are issued is to have all other approvals from the feds, state, and any other jurisdiction. Seems like someone has dropped the ball or this is propaganda to explain why the tower is never built. When you plan a 1,000+' tall tower, I would guess the FAA is one of the very first groups you speak with.

Wouldn't surprise at all to learn that he's worked with the FAA from the beginning, and that the FAA has only roused itself since FEb, given the FAA.

The lot is about four and a half miles from the end of Runway 31 at Nashville International Airport and four miles from the Cornelia Fort Airpark, according to the FAA.

Sounds like plenty of room to get up in the air, but what do I know?

Why don't the planes just fly around it? The building isn't that wide, is it? :nuts:

Why not turn it into a crazy design where the building splits like a tuning fork, and the planes can fly THROUGH the building? :crazy:

Yes, I read the article. Tony has had a thousand-footer planned for two years. Further, where is this evidence that Tony has been dithering with the FAA ?

The responsibility is on the developer/builder/citizen to secure all the necessary permits and approval to build anything. To hear that there is some discussion about this being too tall at this stage makes me wonder if all the groundbreaking talk earlier this year was just blowing smoke.

The responsibility is on the developer/builder/citizen to secure all the necessary permits and approval to build anything. To hear that there is some discussion about this being too tall at this stage makes me wonder if all the groundbreaking talk earlier this year was just blowing smoke.


exactly. Considering the news I have been hearing about slow sales, possibility of a reduction in size, and now this! Much like a project that failed here in Indy (albeit much smaller), there seems to a lot more bad news lately than good.

The responsibility is on the developer/builder/citizen to secure all the necessary permits and approval to build anything. To hear that there is some discussion about this being too tall at this stage makes me wonder if all the groundbreaking talk earlier this year was just blowing smoke.

It almost seems you're browbeating folks who are on Tony's side.

exactly. Considering the news I have been hearing about slow sales, possibility of a reduction in size, and now this! Much like a project that failed here in Indy (albeit much smaller), there seems to a lot more bad news lately than good.

Are you a conspiratorialist ? Why can't it be the case that the FAA is the laggard here ? Indeed, the FAA is a foot-dragger. I would say a knuckle-dragger, actually.

Are you a conspiratorialist ? Why can't it be the case that the FAA is the laggard here ? Indeed, the FAA is a foot-dragger. I would say a knuckle-dragger, actually.

Again, the FAA knew the height of this tower when it was announced in May of 2006. Now 18 months later long after many hard contracts are signed they suddenly come to the shocking revelation that the tower at 1,057' might be marginally taller than the surrounding 400-500 footers. :lol: Additionally, Mr. G. hasn't been ignoring or avoiding them but in fact has been working with them since day one and they've had a long time to issue ridiculous "warnings". Even if they knew in February as some reports suggest, that is still far, far, too long a time to wait to bring it up.

This is non-news and based upon the mollasses pace of this pseudo news, the FAA will have to make other flight plans.

I hear that excavation will start before the end of this year and last five months. Then it's straight up. The permit was pulled today.

I hear that excavation will start before the end of this year and last five months. Then it's straight up. The permit was pulled today.

This is going to make a lot of naysayers very unhappy.

It almost seems you're browbeating folks who are on Tony's side.

You responded to my post and I responed to yours. Its called a discussion. :dunno:

You responded to my post and I responed to yours. Its called a discussion. :dunno:

Discussion ? Hell, no! This is the Signature Tower we're talking about! This is war! :bash::)

Anyone know what construction company Tony has lined up to build the scraper? (I am under the impression that he had dropped Turner Construction).

3:57 PM CST Wednesday

Permits pulled for Giarratana's Signature

Tony Giarratana has pulled the master permit on his planned $250 million Signature Tower condominium project, and the Nashville developer hopes to begin pre-construction by the end of the year.

Civil Construction has been lined up to do excavation, a job Giarratana says will last five months.

Giarratana says the Signature Tower's master permit indicates all government approvals have been given. But there is still one government agency with a few questions.

The Federal Aviation Administration has been in talks with Giarratana for nine months, he says, because the tower will stretch 1,030 feet into the sky. (The tower's spire was scaled back, leaving it to stand 27 feet shorter than planned.)

The height would make the tower the 27th tallest building in the world.

The FAA calls the tower a "presumed hazard" given the relative proximity to the Nashville International Airport.

"This is an unprecedented tower," says Giarratana. "We have to deal with unprecedented issues."

Yet Giarratana says Nashville should not be singled out, and has the right to have a skyline.

"Imagine Atlanta not being able to build tall buildings," says Giarratana. "Imagine Charlotte, N.C."

Spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen of the FAA says a tower at the Signature site would create a presumed hazard. Bergen says an October study found that a proper maximum height would be 433 feet, which would not violate FAA standards.

The proposed tower would affect departures at Runway 31 at the airport, Bergen says, while also affecting some airport arrivals, and even the helicopter approaches at the Vanderbilt Medical Center.

"This is not a final determination," says Bergen.

In fact, the FAA cannot enforce its standards. But Bergen says the FAA's determination has impact on insurance rates and local governments' issuances of local building permits.

The Signature Tower, its lot located at the southwest corner of Church and Fifth streets, is planned to be 70 stories, with 400 condos and a 200-room Kimpton hotel at the base.

If Tony has acquired all his permits from the city, then Nashville has already gone beyond what many cities would do. Many cities will simply not approve a project that the FAA has not approved. This is indeed the case with Las Vegas, for instance.

The airport can change its damned flight patterns.

If Tony has acquired all his permits from the city, then Nashville has already gone beyond what many cities would do. Many cities will simply not approve a project that the FAA has not approved. This is indeed the case with Las Vegas, for instance.

The airport can change its damned flight patterns.

You live in Orlando. What do you care if it gets built or not?

You live in Orlando. What do you care if it gets built or not?

Why do you care why an Orlandoan cares about a project in Nashville ?

Why do you care why an Orlandoan cares about a project in Nashville ?

Because I want to know why you care about this project if you don't live there. Duh. :nuts:

Because I want to know why you care about this project if you don't live there. Duh. :nuts:

I wasn't aware that you were a Nashvillian, you're being over here on this thread. From now on, I'm calling you n-man. :nuts::)

^^I was just posting news on the building that nobody else had posted here yet. I don't care if it gets built or not. I am having a hard time though figuring out why you want it built if you don't even live there.

^^I was just posting news on the building that nobody else had posted here yet. I don't care if it gets built or not. I am having a hard time though figuring out why you want it built if you don't even live there.

It's a spectacular building. Why should it be considered odd that other than Nasvillians would be pulling for it to get started ? After all, aren't we big skyscraper fans ?

^^I was just posting news on the building that nobody else had posted here yet. I don't care if it gets built or not. I am having a hard time though figuring out why you want it built if you don't even live there.

Why wouldn't he want it built? I live in Atlanta metro area and this is my current favorite project in America. Yes it will be slightly taller than our tallest but who cares?

I believe the idea of a city like Nashville proposing a building of New York or Chicago magnitude makes it extra appealing to people like me and makes it ridiculous to others. To some it is "bold" and "groundbreaking" to others it would be called "audacity". One thing is for certain in that it is attracting attention.

It's a spectacular building. Why should it be considered odd that other than Nasvillians would be pulling for it to get started ? After all, aren't we big skyscraper fans ?


I am a big sky scraper fan too, but if a building will cause problems with air traffic then I said the FAA wins out. I would hate to see a plane crash into it or crash somewhere else because of this building. This should have been looked at when they started plans for this project.

I do not think Atlanta or Charlotte have buildings that would interfere with air traffic.

If you want to see a problem with a structure at the end of a runway, go to San Diego. There is a parking garage at the west end of the run way. One of these days I an afraid that it will cause a bad accident.

I am a big sky scraper fan too, but if a building will cause problems with air traffic then I said the FAA wins out. I would hate to see a plane crash into it or crash somewhere else because of this building. This should have been looked at when they started plans for this project.

I do not think Atlanta or Charlotte have buildings that would interfere with air traffic.

If you want to see a problem with a structure at the end of a runway, go to San Diego. There is a parking garage at the west end of the run way. One of these days I an afraid that it will cause a bad accident.

My point is why is everyone so quick to assume that the developer has been dragging his feet as opposed to the government ? I tend to assume the government, because foot-dragging and making people miserable is what it does as a matter-of-course.

My point is why is everyone so quick to assume that the developer has been dragging his feet as opposed to the government ? I tend to assume the government, because foot-dragging and making people miserable is what it does as a matter-of-course.

time is money after all right?

One of the Charlottean urchins over on UP is stating that Tony has still only sold 110 units. Can any of you Nashvillians verify ?

One of the Charlottean urchins over on UP is stating that Tony has still only sold 110 units. Can any of you Nashvillians verify ?

I hope this isn't the case but if it is it's time to

:fiddle: sing the swan song.

That's a BIG IF though. I would think if it were a dead duck he would not be hot and heavy with the advertising.

Honestly, I really really believe with the condo and DT living only barely beginning for Nashville that if some brave investor would put up enough to get it started the sales would escalate exponentially. I believe what is holding up his sales is all the doubt surrounding the project. Once a hole gets dug I would venture that the doubt would end and the many who have no doubt been watching and waiting will sign on the dottedl line.

Again...400 condos just isn't that many for a market so untouched even with the upper floors being a hefty price. There are certainly enough affluent people in and around the city and even from other cities interested enough to invest in a unit if they can be assured of it being built.

Goodbye to all my friends in Nashville. I am moving to Austin due to a great career opportunity. I am moving with a heavy heart after the first of the year. Austin has some great developments going on, but my soul will always by in Nashville. Anyone that posts on UP, please tell them all I had a great time meeting all of them at the Forum meetings and will miss the lively discussions. Take care and I will still be checking back to see what is going on in Nashville. PS Tony G. I hope you get the Signature Tower built!!! Scott

The only possible true problem I can find that would give the FAA and Nashville Int'l a reason to be concerned would be the inbound ILS (instrument landing system) approaches on runway 13. This would only be used on days with poor visibility and/or at night. Even then the path is still around 1.5 miles from downtown. They could use runway 13 only for departures, have inbounds come in on 31 (the opposite end) or use one of the other 6 possible approach paths to the other runways. Let them land in crosswinds, they can do it! I'd be more concerned about Cornelia's air traffic than anything if I was them. Nash Int'l has been wanting to expand and make changes, let this be an invitation.


The only other option I would like to see happen is a retractable skyscraper. That would just be freakin awesome. :lol:

Build it!............Build it!................Build it! .....................

Tony, if you break ground people will buy.

This thread is not very active, but I figured I would copy and paste what I wrote in the Nashville developement thread anyway.

Well here is the news on Signature Tower. Adding hotel rooms and subtracting condos. The hotel could go from 198 rooms to 330, and the amount of condos could drop from 400 to 340.

http://nashvillecitypaper.com/news.php?viewStory=58521

Here's a no-news news clip from the local fox news channel on Signature. Basically, it says that there's been no movement on this project (duh!). However, Tony G. says he'll be delayed a year on it (open maybe 2011). I know nothing about this project, but here's the archive.

http://www.wztv.com/newsroom/top_stories/vid_1572.shtml

Some takeaways from the video:
1. $24M already invested
2. $340M total project investment
3. Sales have stagnated since last summer at 105 (200 required to start)
4. No mention of the marketing push that was supposed to occur this spring
5. IMO, the project appears tabled indefinitely

Thanks, I kind of wondered what had happened to the project.

Similar situation with Museum Plaza...

MP wont be built

ST probably wont be built, and if it does there will be a major size reduction.

^^ :cry: A crying shame. To awesome towers that need to be built. :cry:

MP wont be built

Well, for the record, MP is still on hold and the developers claim as recently as this past week that they are still fully committed to seeing the building go up. They're waiting for the credit situation to improve... you can take that for what it's worth. It's just the word of the developers, but I'd say if all chance of it being built were gone, then they'd have fessed up by now. I think MP still has life yet.

That's actually what Mr. Giarratana has said too, but nobody believes him. Allegedly, it's being redesigned to be a "little shorter", whatever that means. However, I don't know anyone who is holding his breath on this one. It's a great site, and I don't think Giarratana is in danger of losing it to pay off debts, as he's pretty sound at the moment. He has always been a lean developer from what I understand. I expect him to bring another project up in about 3-5 years, and it could be a new tallest for Nashville. However, I don't expect it to be predominantly residential, nor 70 stories tall. I'd expect something like a 40-50 story tower with mostly office. It's a great site, and downtown was averaging about 500K net absorption before the 2008. When it gets back on that track, and or when the existing stock of buildings are deemed obsolete, he'll probably retain control of this property. He is an experienced developer, and it will be something tall. Signature, no!

^^ I loved the ST the way it was. :cry: It was awesome!!! :mad: It must go up!!! :rant:

That's actually what Mr. Giarratana has said too, but nobody believes him. Allegedly, it's being redesigned to be a "little shorter", whatever that means. However, I don't know anyone who is holding his breath on this one. It's a great site, and I don't think Giarratana is in danger of losing it to pay off debts, as he's pretty sound at the moment. He has always been a lean developer from what I understand. I expect him to bring another project up in about 3-5 years, and it could be a new tallest for Nashville. However, I don't expect it to be predominantly residential, nor 70 stories tall. I'd expect something like a 40-50 story tower with mostly office. It's a great site, and downtown was averaging about 500K net absorption before the 2008. When it gets back on that track, and or when the existing stock of buildings are deemed obsolete, he'll probably retain control of this property. He is an experienced developer, and it will be something tall. Signature, no!

Not without a major redesign would we see Siggy change over to Office. The floor plate size is unrealistic for office space. Also in this market Siggy only becomes office with a major tenant signing on immediately. Signature Tower was a product of a unrealistic time, a time that wont come again for any years to come.

Okay, let me see if I can go through this again s-l-o-w-l-y. Read the last sentence of my post. "Signature, no!"

In my humble opinion, Signature is D-E-A-D, while not officially declared as such. The most logical conclusion to draw from my comments (once again, IMHO) is that I believe there will be no Siggy... as in no pointy lotus design... no tallest in the southeast... no floorplate, etc. It was all a nice dream. This economy has killed any chance that it will rise, and I don't expect things to improve for at least 3 years (more likely 5 years). By then there should be ample pent-up demand for more office downtown. As my post above mentions, the site is a prominent location that (once again, IMHO) is well-suited to office. At such time (once again IMHO) this site will be ripe for a completely new project, but not this building or a redesign of such.

Getting back to Mr. Giarratana's pressers regarding Siggy. Basically, I never believe the public announcements from developers. Part of their job is marketing, and I've worked with too many of them to believe their public announcements, least of all taking them at face value. Regarding this project (per se), I don't think people of tremendous means really want to live on Church Street. For comparison, they would prefer a slight distance from downtown with a skyline view from every floor. (Remember, at Siggy, the top floors looked down on air conditioner units on every other building in downtown). As I've said on this forum before, (very unlikely but...) if Mr. Palmer and Mr. Giarratana were ever to join forces and be ready for the upswing in the business cycle, they could have a successful (possibly tallest) at Palmer's site on West End. I don't think that will ever happen.

I do not expect Siggy to see the light of day. It was an attractive design (yes), but I'd urge all of you guys to settle down about this one. If it is ever built, even as a remotely similar type project, I'll run naked up Church Street.

I do not expect Siggy to see the light of day. It was an attractive design (yes), but I'd urge all of you guys to settle down about this one. If it is ever built, even as a remotely similar type project, I'll run naked up Church Street.

:eek2: :eek2: :eek2: :eek2: :eek2: The quote of the week goes to.... :lol:

new info on the building?? from the "skyscraper" section on the main page...

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=36134696#post36134696

Interesting. It would be nice to see it built.

nice project, and interesting design

Any more news on this thing? is it dead? On hold? more height reductions?

Any more news on this thing? is it dead? On hold? more height reductions?

Plans abandoned altoigether by Giarratana and the site is now being marketed as 505CST, a 605 ft mixed use tower. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/505_CST


The new thread for 505CST is here: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1513343




Signature Tower Is Dead