:banana: :banana: (Scroll to bottom of article for pics)

Museum Plaza gets state aid
By Joseph Gerth
jgerth@courier-journal.com
The Courier-Journal
Monday, March 12, 2007

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Museum Plaza project for downtown Louisville cleared a major hurdle today when the General Assembly passed legislation authorizing the use of $130.million in state and local tax revenue for road, floodwall and other improvements in connection with the $465.million project.

“Museum Plaza will be built,” said Craig Greenberg, a member of the project’s development team, which was waiting for approval of the legislation as the last piece of the economic puzzle for the 62-story riverfront structure at Seventh Street and River Road in Louisville. “We will definitely have shovels in the ground later this year.”

Final passage came after the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee made changes in House Bill 549 to allow such tax benefits for similar large-scale projects throughout the state.

The bill passed the Senate 35-1. The House approved Senate changes 85-11. And Jodi Whitaker, spokeswoman for Gov. Ernie Fletcher, said he will sign the bill.

“I’m tickled to death,” said House Speaker Pro Tem Larry Clark, the Louisville
Democrat who shepherded the bill through the House. “It’s the biggest project that will ever be built in Jefferson County using private and public money. I’m just glad it’s done.”

Saying the bill would help people in Kentucky “build buildings that can be seen from the moon,” Senate President David Williams urged passage of the legislation in the Republican-controlled Senate.

“This is a great day for the Kentucky Senate and a great day for business,” said Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ed Worley, who worked with Williams and others over the weekend to hammer out a final version of the bill.

Read more in Friday’s Courier-Journal and at courier-journal.com
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http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070312/NEWS0101/70312061

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Thats the most amazing building I have ever seen. The physics of it is mind boggling.

That red cat in the second picture scares the shit out of me! I hope they don't put that in the public area, I'll have to avoid that room. Other than that I can't wait to drive under that thing, I know it's going to get a lot of WTF? But thats the whole beauty of it, it will strike up curiosity in all those who see it, especially in person. Whether they like it or not, won't matter as much, the important thing is it will stir the imagination in everybody who comes in contact with it.

^^ I love that cat, it is the Chinese/Japanese Money Cat!! I love this tower, it Louisville don't build it, Austin will take it in a second.

You either love it or hate it.

I love it :banana:

Congratulations.

:eek2: WoW!!!!!!! Amazing :cheers:

impressive design, can't wait to see it in reality

You either love it or hate it.

I love it :banana:

Congratulations.

Man, I love it too, it looks incredible, different, really pushing the envelope in design I think, unlike many other skyscraper proposals out there.

here are pics of the model i took.

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581426/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581428/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581430/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581434/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581435/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581437/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581439/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581441/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581443/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581445/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581446/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581448/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581450/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581452/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581453/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581455/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581457/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581459/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581461/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581462/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581464/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581466/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581628/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581629/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581630/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581631/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581632/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581633/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581635/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581636/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581637/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581638/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581639/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581640/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581641/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581642/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581643/original.jpg

I'm still conflicted about this tower. I love it's audacity, but the design still seems so cold. I wouldn't go so far as to call it ugly, but couldn't it have been attractive as well as cutting edge and audacious? It's a bunch of boring boxes arranged in a very interesting way..

I'll reserve judgement on the museum "island" til I see how well the elevator/eascalator thingy interacts with the street. It simply has to be easily pedestrian accessible. If they hide the entrance in a structure or something, or don't make it feel inviting, the museum will be a bust.

It's an interesting design nevertheless. Although I'm not sure how well it fits into the established urban environment. I guess I will just leave that statement to the locals who have a better understanding of the area.

check this out, its a 3d interactive model....gives you a perspective of how it will fit in. just double click the red dots on the model..

http://www.museumplaza.net/discover/tour.htm

i imagine consruction of this thing is going to be some seriously tricky business, they should have modernised the design more, it just looks like a load of old skyscrapers plonked on top of each other in some random fashion

The distance between office and condo towers are so close? Privacy issues...

it reminds me this WTC proposal by United Architects

http://www.renewnyc.com/plan_des_dev/wtc_site/new_design_plans/firm_f/slides/images/Slide10.jpg

i imagine consruction of this thing is going to be some seriously tricky business, they should have modernised the design more, it just looks like a load of old skyscrapers plonked on top of each other in some random fashion

actually its pretty simple...check the video.(this video is before some of the design tweaks, the building looks a little different now, but this is how they will build it)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9H-qhbIIMyk


and check out this video for a lecture on museum plaza by the architect himself, his name is Joshua Prince Ramus....he doesn't get to museum plaza untill like the 15 minute mark though..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsyuyQ1bel0

Cool for Louisville :)
I want to see the building site, it will be very interesting.

Cool for Louisville :)
I want to see the building site, it will be very interesting.

your wish is my command..these are all videos of the site


http://youtube.com/watch?v=CvXuXK9DM-g

http://youtube.com/watch?v=gq9c85aM8V8

http://youtube.com/watch?v=4Px5SxWBroo

http://youtube.com/watch?v=e71fnMB0G2Q

http://youtube.com/watch?v=spdDDVcUzIQ

Lol, I badly expressed myself. I wanted to say that I impatiently wait to see the building site when the tower has his hole, and also, some floors. But thank you also for these video :)

......they should have modernised the design more, it just looks like a load of old skyscrapers plonked on top of each other in some random fashionlol, yes, I can see that, but I happen to like older scrapers. Just going by the renders, models etc. reminscent of Richard Rogers work in a way. Get rid of the diagonal though.

There are hints of interesting lighting effects in the vids.

yes I agree. Foul in the extreme.

Good concept but poor execution. Don't like the finished product.

This is cool as hell. I would definitely drive to Louisville just to see this.

I love this project! It is very interesting and unique. I've driven by the site a couple of times and it is hard to imagine this building in the spot, it seems so small. This will be one of the most unique buildings in the USA, the only thing I don't like is the facade but I can live with it. :)

This is cool as hell. I would definitely drive to Louisville just to see this.


I have heard multiple people say this and I highly doubt that anybody is going to completely avoid the city since MP is going to be there so for that reason alone I will go ahead and say I like the building. I have gone back and forth on this project, but I do like the little design tweaks they have made to it and Im starting to like it more and more now. Can actually say Im looking forward to seeing this thing.

It shouldn't work at all but it just does! Awesome project

I'll have to go back to Louisville to see that amazing project! :eek:

I think it's great.

wow i cant wait for this thing to rise, looks like site prep has begun and the steel will start to rise by the late fall. also may i add how cool the construction photos will be. in their plan, they are going to build the bottom four legs first. then they are going to construct the center island at ground level and raise it up the four legs! then i think they are building the 3 towers atop the middle island after that, very cool stuff.

This building will have a huge impact on achitecture worldwide.

This is such a strange proposal... But, I really really like it. It's modern, different, and just plain sweet.

I friggin love this project!

This will truly put Louisville on the map......It's what skyscrapers are all about.

Astounding.

Build it....and I will come (to see).

Wow, I really like it, just plain different :)

Now that the bill passed, is MP definately going to rise or are there still big things that need to be cleared in order for this building to go ahead with construction?

It will really be a large addition to Louisville's skyline and it looks exciting, but I must admit it is not beautiful. It is like 60s futurism.

Strange, but unique, looks like a deformed oil rig in skyscraper form!

What's with the slanting lattice tower?

It's an elevator that is connects to Main Street.

hmmm..

its horrid and im sad :(

^^
That's a shame.

I think this is a great building, and will look so different from every angle and view :banana: ! Complex and sophisticated and not just a single boring 450foot glass box !

Is this building 1,140 feet from ground level ?

Is this building 1,140 feet from ground level ?

Where do you see 1140 feet?

Am I the only one who seems to find these two pictures similar?:

http://www.fromform.net/archives/louisville.jpg
Louisville

http://www.kevinbauman.com/images/Skyline-from-Windsor2lg.jpg
Detroit

Alright, I couldnt find a clearer pics, but still, you get the idea. I just find a lot of similarities that could be drawn between the two. Just saying...

Wo, your right they look simular, theres older buildings that are bunched to gether, then on the right a huge complex that dominates.

The RenCen comparison, while compelling, is BS. The Detroit complex is MASSIVE. Even if the city's skyline built out to it, it will always look huge, bulky, and overbearing, where as MP is much more in-tune with the scale of the current skyline.
Secondly, the Humana building, the last building to the west in the main skyline cluster, is a mere two blocks away from Museum Plaza. The RenCen appears to be far more than a few blocks from the main skyline. The gaps look comparible, but Louisville is on a much smaller scale than Detroit, and filling the gap is a possibility, and is very likely.

Note the surface lot in the lower left. Twould be a prime spot for a tower that would situate right between the two entities.

http://www.pbase.com/soulbrotha4620/image/57263852/original.jpg

Where do you see 1140 feet?

markie saw it right...but its 1,140 feet above sea level, not ground level.
http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581457.jpg

The RenCen comparison, while compelling, is BS. The Detroit complex is MASSIVE. Even if the city's skyline built out to it, it will always look huge, bulky, and overbearing, where as MP is much more in-tune with the scale of the current skyline.
Secondly, the Humana building, the last building to the west in the main skyline cluster, is a mere two blocks away from Museum Plaza. The RenCen appears to be far more than a few blocks from the main skyline. The gaps look comparible, but Louisville is on a much smaller scale than Detroit, and filling the gap is a possibility, and is very likely.

Note the surface lot in the lower left. Twould be a prime spot for a tower that would situate right between the two entities.

]


yeah, i agree...this updated model shows how museum plaza is just a hop skip and jump from main street.
http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581448.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581630.jpg

the most obvious difference between museum plaza and the ren center, is that museum plaza is a single building, the ren cen is not..(from what i can see)

here i see five seperate buildings with five seperate bases....
http://www.photography-plus.com/images/Detroit/RenCen072803_12V.jpg

if you take away those four buildings surrounding the one in the middle all you have is the westin peachtree building in Atlanta...which isn't a bad looking building at all...

http://www.skyscraperpicture.com/atlanta17.jpg]

here i see one base...
http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581640.jpg

markie saw it right...but its 1,140 feet above sea level, not ground level.
http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581457.jpg

Yes that's right Soulbrotha ! But this design is still gonna look mighty impressive at 700+ feet :)

Fair Enough, and Good Points.

Just when I saw the riverfront pic, the Ren Cen came to mind. But as I see now, the comparisons mostly end beyond that.

I think a better historical comparison to this building is John Hancock in Chicago. When it was unveiled in the late 60's it faced heavy oppostion (much more than MP) due to it's location on the far Northern edge of downtown and a lack of height in that are. It also outraged purists who felt that the latest 'fads' in modern design would only diminish the importance of the beautiful art deco buildings such as the Palmolive Building.

A lot of similar concerns have been raised regarding Museum Plaza. And the similarities continue....

Both buildings use shocking and unique forms to stand out. They both celebrate the technology behind skyscraper design and place that at the forefront of their aesthetics. And they were designed to be a focal point of an active street scene.

What exactly does Reanaissance center have in common with any of this? The design itself wasn't really even that unique. Or was it helping to create an active street scene? lol!

Yes, from that ONE angle there appears to be a similar vibe. But that's precisely where the similarites end between these two projects.

This building will look SO different in every direction. I remember a render (i can't recall the location) which made the building almost look like two really tall towers (reminescent of the old Twins, in relation to the other buildings in downtown). One thing about the latest design for this building I do not like at all is the facade on South facing side. It reminds me a lot of the PNC building, and that building makes me want to vomit profusely. I really hope it doesn't turn out that way.

you are right, it does look a lot like the twin towers frpm certain angles...

was it this view? (this is before they altered the design)
http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/56133659.jpg

The one I'm talking about was at street level, the island and the cube on top seemed to blend in with the other buildings along the street, and some of the building was hidden by trees so it made the two towers look incredibly tall, and completely seperate buildings. I think a lot of it had to do with the different heights of those two towers, which makes it seem like one is closer than the other. You can see it a little in that picture.

Actually, alone this is a really cool tower in a retro kind of way.

http://www.skyscraperpicture.com/atlanta17.jpg

These towers will become instant icons.

^^
They are definately going to re-brand Louisville.

http://www.auralab.com/galerie01/OMA-L02.jpg

http://www.auralab.com/galerie01/OMA-L01.jpg

http://img.slate.com/media/1/123125/2079215/2133224/2139697/2139698/8_Museum-Plaza.jpg

I really love this tower. To me, it's got a bit of a hopped up Dutch aesthetic. Quite nice, really. Fingers crossed that it's built.

Very huge stuff indeed

Ouch.
Sorry, but while this building may make a bold statement with its imagination, it is butt ugly. Despite the height, I would not want it in my skyline. I suppose time will tell what sort of impact this thing has on Louisville, but I don't like it. Nope. :ohno:

Ouch.
Sorry, but while this building may make a bold statement with its imagination, it is butt ugly. Despite the height, I would not want it in my skyline. I suppose time will tell what sort of impact this thing has on Louisville, but I don't like it. Nope. :ohno:

If your people don't want it, we'll take it. :okay:

i just dont see anything outstanding about this building...its provocative...but not attractive at all

i just dont see anything outstanding about this building...its provocative...but not attractive at all

well did u read all the componets of this bldg its crazy how much it will have

^yeah, its got a lot, which is cool, and the design is wild...but its too wild IMO...

^ Not if you're a Louisvillian! ;)

i'd take that in a second man! looks dope

This building's legacy will live and die by its maintenance budget imo...

If your people don't want it, we'll take it. :okay:

Yeah, this building would fit in Madison nicely...as it seems to lean to the left. But, alas, my Madtown friend, buildings cannot be taller than the state capitol.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v67/ver2go/mp1.jpg

Awesome.

This building's legacy will live and die by its maintenance budget imo...


Doubt it...

This is a unique project in so many ways. The developers are billionaires and they're not even into this to make a profit. Unlike most projects, money has never really been an issue here.


Besides, the mixed use concept was integrated as way of helping to redistribute costs. Basically a way of not putting all the eggs in one basket.

I doubt that the architects were striving for 'pretty'.

I think it's great myself.

I hope the "floating island" really lights up in red at night, that would be pretty damn awesome. Especially if it was some huge red screen shown in those pictures, but I'm not sure if it would work.

I am so glad this thing is going up....downtown louisville is really exciting right now

Does anyone have any updates on the constructionof this symbolic structure

As a Trekkie, it looks like something from the Borg Collective.....are robots living here or something??

Does anyone have any updates on the constructionof this symbolic structure

well they are doing site work rite now, and rehabbing the facades of some old buildings that will serve as the buildings entrance on main street. I think they are doing some other infrastructure work on the site too. i think groundbreaking on the actual skyscraper will occur by December. They are targeting 2010 for completion, put I would not be surprised if it end up being 2011.

well they are doing site work rite now, and rehabbing the facades of some old buildings that will serve as the buildings entrance on main street. I think they are doing some other infrastructure work on the site too. i think groundbreaking on the actual skyscraper will occur by December. They are targeting 2010 for completion, put I would not be surprised if it end up being 2011.




actually, it will breakground in SEPTEMBER of this year. And if you watch the lecture by Ramus on youtube i posted a few pages ago, you will see that construction is going to be a pretty simple and quick process.. So i don't see why it would take an additonal year to complete.

actually, it will breakground in SEPTEMBER of this year. And if you watch the lecture by Ramus on youtube i posted a few pages ago, you will see that construction is going to be a pretty simple and quick process.. So i don't see why it would take an additonal year to complete.

lol sorry, that was just my opinion that it will be finished later. You are right though, they did mention september as the ground breaking. We will see how construction progresses, its just that many times these condo things open later than expected, just look at some other ones around town. anyways i hope u take pics of construction soul! do u know how the main street facades look now?

Fletcher signs bill allowing improvements for Museum Plaza area
Fox41 News
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Link to Article (http://www.fox41.com/article/view/11412/?tf=wdrbarticleview.tpl)

With a stroke of a pen Wednesday, Governor Ernie Fletcher did the state's part to make Louisville's $460 million Museum Plaza a reality. Governor Fletcher signed a bill that will allow public land around the huge project to be improved so the skyscraper can be built.

Museum Plaza developers offered a deal that sounded too good to be true. They would build the $330 million multi-use project if the city would spend $130 millon for a floodwall, street improvements, and other infrastructure. But for a time it looked like state lawmakers would not accept the offer.

Steve Wilson, Museum Plaza Developer, said Wednesday, "This is a moment that my wife and I and our partners have dreamed of for almost two years now." That moment -- the signing of a bill giving tax breaks to help Museum Plaza get built -- almost didn't happen.

Developer Craig Greenburg explains, "We've invested approximately $14 million on this project, so far, and this legislation was critical to make this project reality."

Developers proposed using part of the room tax from a Museum Plaza hotel to help pay for public improvements around the development. Since room tax money is used to promote tourism, state tourism officials objected and a big fight broke out during the legislative session.

Governor Fletcher acknoledges, "This was one of the pieces of legislation that made it through kind of a controversial session." He and others credit a united front and hard work by local leaders and legislators for the approval of the tax breaks on the last day of the session.

Now attention can turn to actual construction. As Mayor Jerry Abramson puts it, "I just think they are just all concerned about how and which lanes we are going on close on which streets for all of this construction."

Museum Plaza's "front door" on Main Street has been preserved. Next up -- work by fall to move an LG&E tower and dig a foundation for the world class project which will bring offices and shops, condos, great art, and great interest to Louisville.




State Senator Julie Denton, a Louisville Republican, says, "I see this as changing the whole culture of Louisville. Putting a whole new face on our city. This changes things economically, culturally, educationally, as well as a tourist attraction and recreationally."

With Museum Plaza, a new arena, and a new retail complex all scheduled to open in 2010, Governor Fletcher is offering a new nickname for Main Street. He says Chicago has its Million Dollar Mile and New York has 5th Avenue and Louisville will soon have it's "Billion Dollar Block."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I think I like "Billion Dollar Block.":nuts:

:omg: well wow i am just so impressed with all tghis. i mean, louisville has good job growth now, but do u think all this development will help attract more big fortune 500 companies? i remember seeing a new fortune 1000 will locat here soon, so thats good. i was thinking about it and i think thats all that is holding back louisville from growing as fast as charlotte or atlanta or polaces like that ya know? like if there wqas more bank jobs like charlotte or more big companies like atlanta wow louisville is sure building the amenities to attract the very creative types, as richard florida talks about in his book.

As a Trekkie, it looks like something from the Borg Collective.....are robots living here or something??
Who knows? I hope so.

One thing I am a bit worried about is companies trying to tack their names on the building. That would sorta ruin things, I think.

That would be completely gross if a company did something like that. Could you imagine having a big "PNC Plaza" or "PNC Museum Plaza" (insert any company) at the entrance?

obviously there will be a westin logo somewhere on this building

Who knows? I hope so.

One thing I am a bit worried about is companies trying to tack their names on the building. That would sorta ruin things, I think.

One of the early flythrough type videos had silver C-3PO type humanoid figures walking around the building.. I can't find it. Can you?

APPROVED!!! Dope. I love this thing so much...

One of the early flythrough type videos had silver C-3PO type humanoid figures walking around the building.. I can't find it. Can you?

Here (http://youtube.com/watch?v=9H-qhbIIMyk) it is, but I'm not sure what that has to do with company names.:dunno:

^^
No no. Hah, its in reference to the statement about robots in the building. And in that video, it certainly looks like there are robots in there.

Oh, I get it now :lol:. I'd be pissed if that building was for robots.
Anyway, I can see one of these
:dance:
taking place in/on the island!

Here (http://youtube.com/watch?v=9H-qhbIIMyk) it is, but I'm not sure what that has to do with company names.:dunno:

Woot! Robots running amuck in the Museum Plaza!

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w315/oingyboingy/untitled2.jpg

Am I the only one who seems to find these two pictures similar?:

http://www.fromform.net/archives/louisville.jpg
Louisville

http://www.kevinbauman.com/images/Skyline-from-Windsor2lg.jpg
Detroit

Alright, I couldnt find a clearer pics, but still, you get the idea. I just find a lot of similarities that could be drawn between the two. Just saying...

If this were to happen, would the skyline be fixed? There is a parking lot in the exact spot of the gap which could have a large tower built on it.

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n127/WeezerChips/Skyline18.jpg

It's amazing how someone with such a poor understanding of correct grammer posted about a region being full of "rednecks". It just goes to show you how much time a great deal of Americans take to learn about places, cities, regions other than their own.:ohno:

Anyway, when you look at the renderings, does anybody else notice that the Louisville skyline very faintly resembles the shape of the state? If there was a skyscraper similar to the one in your pic Eweezerinc it definately would make out the top border of the state. :rofl:

^^ what building is that a rendering Eweezerinc? I know it's not Louisville's but it looks sorta interesting.

Its 1180 Peachtree in Atlanta. I'm terribly fond of the tower, so I wanted to see if it fit in Louisville's skyline, and I think it looks pretty decent. I also threw in a random tower from Minneapolis between MP and Peachtree just as filler.

http://www.hines.com/toolkit_images/Project%20Photos/1180%20Peachtree/1180%20Peachtree%20Exterior_lres_web.jpg

Its 1180 Peachtree in Atlanta. I'm terribly fond of the tower, so I wanted to see if it fit in Louisville's skyline, and I think it looks pretty decent. I also threw in a random tower from Minneapolis between MP and Peachtree just as filler.

http://www.hines.com/toolkit_images/Project%20Photos/1180%20Peachtree/1180%20Peachtree%20Exterior_lres_web.jpg
I noticed you made 1180 shorter than Aegon and the other tall one or is that just a trick of the eye based on distance?

Actually if 1180 Peachtree were in Louisville it would be a new tallest until MP is built. In fact at 660' tall it would only be 41 feet shorter than MP and almost unnoticeable.

Ok Ok I'm being picky. But I do think you did a great job of photoshopping those in.

Yeah, he was just using a couple of buildings to fill in that little gap between MP and Humana.

Yeah, he was just using a couple of buildings to fill in that little gap between MP and Humana.
My wife's aunt worked in the Humana building until about eight years ago. She retired. They live in Breckinridge County.

I have issues with that building. When I was little, those fountains caused me to get lost and freak out during the "City Fair" they used to have downtown lol.

nice

I noticed you made 1180 shorter than Aegon and the other tall one or is that just a trick of the eye based on distance?

Actually if 1180 Peachtree were in Louisville it would be a new tallest until MP is built. In fact at 660' tall it would only be 41 feet shorter than MP and almost unnoticeable.

Ok Ok I'm being picky. But I do think you did a great job of photoshopping those in.
Hah yes you are correct. I was trying to make it to-scale but then decided that any available lot to put the building on would be several blocks from the river and Museum Plaza, so I just decided to put it way back there. It was much too large and didn't have the effect on the skyline I wanted when it was up close.

The Groundbreaking is set for September.

http://louisville.bizjournals.com/louisville/stories/2007/04/16/daily25.html?jst=b_ln_hl

SWEEETTT!!!

Imagine, we'll probably be able to party and watch this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FW3Au1nGsec) from Museum Plaza, even if we have to fork over $150!

whoa....too bad i didn't get to go. I couldn't even get half way downtown because of traffic. i guess i left out too late.

It was amazing, the show was definately bigger than ever before. We got downtown at 5pm friday, and waited for waterfront park to open saturday. The crowd was definately as big as last year, if not more.

The crowd was huge. It was definately the largest yet. It was much more packed in areas like around and past the Kennedy bridge than in previous years. I got there at about 5pm and we were fortunate enough to come across an un-occupied bench on a trail right next to the river, between the Clark and Kennedy. The view was literally PERFECT and we saw every bit of the bridge.

Unfortunately, I did not have a camera on me, so I didnt get shots of the crowd or the show. I was hoping someone else did, but I suppose not. Too bad.

Damn, that is awesome. It's very unique, very odd too.

Strange design, but i think it will be very nice when completed.

http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/1000%20Rex%20Riverside%20Museum%20Plaza.jpg

:dance: :pepper: :guns1: :dj: :lock: :eek2: :applause: :banana2: :banana:


AMAZING

Beautiful building!!!

impressive project

I wish this building was in Chicago...

Here is a great video of the most recent models:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r853IN_aOI0

Screenshots of flight simulator
yeah...and if you play flight simulator x, like me, you can get MP mods in the game...
i think it might be the old model of the rendering, but it's sooooo cool

http://fs1.flightsim.com/cgi/zview?cm=view&fn=84/loux1mr.zip&an=Documentation/LouR01.jpg

http://fs1.flightsim.com/cgi/zview?cm=view&fn=84/loux1mr.zip&an=Documentation/LouR03.jpg

http://fs1.flightsim.com/cgi/zview?cm=view&fn=84/loux0r.zip&an=LouX.0R/DocLouX.0/LouX.0-04.jpg

http://fs1.flightsim.com/cgi/zview?cm=view&fn=84/loux0r.zip&an=LouX.0R/DocLouX.0/LouX.0-07.jpg

http://fs1.flightsim.com/cgi/zview?cm=view&fn=84/loux0r.zip&an=LouX.0R/DocLouX.0/LouX.0-17.jpg

http://fs1.flightsim.com/cgi/zview?cm=view&fn=84/loux0r.zip&an=LouX.0R/DocLouX.0/LouX.0-16.jpg

http://fs1.flightsim.com/cgi/zview?cm=view&fn=84/loux0r.zip&an=LouX.0R/DocLouX.0/LouX.0-18.jpg

http://fs1.flightsim.com/cgi/zview?cm=view&fn=63/lou10_2r.zip&an=Doc10.2-R/City2.jpg

From the SE development forum
from CJ...Museum Plaza's Sales office

http://cmsimg.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Avis=B2&Dato=20070914&Kategori=NEWS01&Lopenr=709140805&Ref=PH&Item=1&MaxH=400
Jesse Calhoun handed equipment down to Matt Schmitz after Calhoun installed trim molding in the lobby of the new sales office for the Museum Plaza. The office is at 7th and Main streets, and the image on the wall replicates a view from the 25th floor of the upcoming Museum Plaza. (Photos by Sam Upshaw Jr., The Courier-Journal)

http://cmsimg.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Avis=B2&Dato=20070914&Kategori=NEWS01&Lopenr=709140805&Ref=PH&Item=2&MaxW=455

http://cmsimg.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Avis=B2&Dato=20070914&Kategori=NEWS01&Lopenr=709140805&Ref=PH&Item=3&MaxW=455

http://cmsimg.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Avis=B2&Dato=20070914&Kategori=NEWS01&Lopenr=709140805&Ref=PH&Item=5&MaxW=455
The new sales office for Museum Plaza is at 7th and Main streets.

http://cmsimg.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Avis=B2&Dato=20070914&Kategori=NEWS01&Lopenr=709140805&Ref=PH&Item=9&MaxW=455

http://cmsimg.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Avis=B2&Dato=20070914&Kategori=NEWS01&Lopenr=709140805&Ref=PH&Item=10&MaxW=455

State accepts Museum Plaza's application for TIF district
The Kentucky TIF Commission has accepted Museum Plaza's application for tax-increment financing on its public infrastructure.

Negotiations now will begin among Museum Plaza developers and local and state government officials to work out the details of the project grant agreement.

The agreement will return to the TIF Commission for approval before the project can get started. The TIF Commission is set to meet Oct. 16 to consider the project grant agreement, according to a news release.

Jill Midkiff, a spokeswoman for the Kentucky Finance Department, said she could not disclose how much the developers seek the TIF district to generate because that information is confidential taxpayer information.

Museum Plaza is planned as a 62-story complex with a contemporary art museum, a Westin hotel, office space, retail shops and residential condominiums. It will be located at Seventh Street and River Road in downtown Louisville and is expected to cost $490 million.

The project is slated to break ground in late October and to be completed in late 2010.

ALRIGHT! This Thursday, the new sales center opens up at 4pm, and then shortly after, at 5:30......

GROUND BREAKING

Which is really just a formal little shovel in the ground, but HEY, then the work BEGINS. Holy smokes. This is gonna be fun. Watching this tower rise will be incredible. Get ready for it!
http://proxy.mi.vresp.com/5e5cfa0e5/www.museumplaza.net/verticalresponse/images/Eblast_02.jpg
http://proxy.mi.vresp.com/a351384af/www.museumplaza.net/verticalresponse/images/Eblast_04.jpg

Oh im counting down for this to be built is this on the river?

^^
Yes. The only thing between it and the river is a floodwall and I-64.

From the thread in the Southeast section:
Museum Plaza to start with flair
The Courier-Journal

Developers of the Museum Plaza skyscraper plan to leave a mark on traditional groundbreaking ceremonies when they announce the start of construction Thursday.

The first 500 people in attendance will get free barbecue and commemorative hard hats. A helicopter hovering 703 feet above the street will beam live footage to screens on the ground — offering a glimpse of views from a height equivalent to the skyscraper’s top floor.

“We really wanted it to be community celebration,” said Louisville attorney Craig Greenberg, one of the project’s four developers.

“Museum Plaza has always been a community project. It’s always been a public-private partnership and it’s been a project that’s evolved based on the input of the entire community,” he said.

The University of Louisville’s pep band is scheduled to perform, and ground will be broken by a 20-foot-long, 400-pound shovel hanging from a 200-foot crane.

Starting at 4 p.m., Museum Plaza will have an open house at its sales and design center at 707 W. Main St., which features renderings of views from the building’s 25th floor and portions of bathrooms and kitchens built to scale. The groundbreaking ceremony will follow at 5:40 p.m.

Some streets near the project site at Seventh Street and River Road will be closed much of Thursday. From 6 a.m. until 11:30 p.m., traffic won’t be allowed on:

Seventh Street north of Main Street.

River Road west of Sixth Street.

Washington Street between Sixth and Eighth streets.

Museum Plaza, a 62-story skyscraper, is scheduled to be complete by late 2010. It is being developed by Greenberg, Louisville businessman Steve Poe and local couple Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson.

I love it. Anyone who doesn't like it just because it seems 'boxy' should be shot in the face with a shotgun multiple times.

you have to do updates from the otherside of the river when it starts to rise its gonna be so cool I will go to Louisville for sure just to see it

Ebola, totally agree!

I will definately be getting shots from all over once things get rolling! Too bad I won't make groundbreaking. :(

I would like the world to note the change in title. :okay:

OMG!! Really! Yay! So glad its under construction! Louisvilles skyline will be a changin! and for the better too!

Hey Indy, Louisville just passed you right up!

OMG that is so kick-a$$ awesome. The center part looks like a BORG CUBE!!! This has to be the most amazing building I have ever seen!!! and it is U/C!!!!!!

I thought I'd update it with some of the most recent construction updates. I forgot that there are two seperate MP threads....Anywho, onto some photos I took.

Around the end of November
http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/1373/dscf0625ff1.jpg
^left side of site.
http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/4641/dscf0626rd3.jpg
^right side of site.

December 12th
http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/2718/dscf0676cp8.jpg
^left side of site. The rest are of the right side (where the most action is happening.)
http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/8590/dscf0678do7.jpg
http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/1284/dscf0679nj9.jpg
http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/3623/dscf0680ii6.jpg
http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/3126/dscf0681pu0.jpg

Just thought I'd update for some that were unaware of the other thread.:cheers:

Thank you for the updates! :okay:

No problem! I thought about taking pics today, but I decided to give it another week. I will probably have another quick update for everyone next wednesday or thursday...weather/life permitting. :cheers:

Museum Plaza bonds OK'd
Council ratifies $47 million issue

By Marcus Green
magreen@courier-journal.com
The Courier-Journal



Louisville will issue $47 million in bonds to help pay for public improvements at the Museum Plaza skyscraper -- the final government approval needed for the downtown project to advance.

The Louisville Metro Council voted 21-5 last night in favor of the bond issue, which caught members off guard when they learned of the proposal last month.



"The fact that this was approved now allows us to go forward and obtain a construction loan, and we had to have this done for that to happen," Steve Poe, one of four investors in Museum Plaza, said after the vote.

Besides the bonds and the developers' own money, a construction loan would be used to pay for the $490 million complex at Seventh Street and River Road. Poe said developers hope to obtain a loan within the next month.

The council turned back an amendment by Councilman Hal Heiner that would have given the city a 10 percent share of any profit if Museum Plaza is sold, reflecting the extent of the city's investment from the general fund.

Heiner described his plan as fair to Louisville taxpayers and said it would send a message that the council should be actively involved with developments seeking general fund money for public infrastructure.

"This amendment is a step toward protecting the public," said Heiner, R-19th District.

Councilman Kelly Downard, R-16th, argued that the city was setting a precedent that other developers could follow, and he said that the profit-sharing amendment wouldn't affect the project's cost.

But the measure was defeated 17-9. Opponents, like Councilman Tom Owen, compared the amendment to "rolling the dice" and said it could kill the project. He said the developers already had made compromises during negotiations with the city.

"This project could be at risk if we push, push, push this last measure," said Owen, D-8th.

In a telephone interview after the vote, Poe said Heiner's amendment would have put the project at risk.

Poe said the skyscraper will be "cross-collateralized" with the construction lender. In the event that the developers sell the hotel, for example, the lender would take most of the proceeds to pay down debt on the rest of the project.

"If we said that we had to pledge those proceeds to the city, I doubt that any construction lender would make that loan," he said.

Earlier this month, the council approved the issuance of $130 million in bonds for the project. That money, along with the $47 million bond, will be used to pay for sidewalks, new streets, a public plaza, floodwalls and other infrastructure related to the project. It will be repaid through a portion of future taxes generated at Museum Plaza.

If the tax revenues aren't enough to pay debt on the $47 million issuance, the city would be responsible for the payments. The city is not guaranteeing the $130 million in bonds.

Plans call for a 62-story skyscraper that includes lofts, condos, a contemporary art center, office and retail space, and a Westin hotel. Officials broke ground this fall, and plans call for Museum Plaza to open by 2011.

Reporter Marcus Green can be reached at (502) 582-4675.
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/...NESS/712210467

I thought this project would only be a vision.
The building has a very good concept,but I don't know what to say about the shape.It's an oil rig for me :)

Most people thought it would be just a vision.....I also thought of an oil rig when I saw it on the front page of our Newspaper, but that only enhanced my love for the concept and design. MP is so much more than a bunch of blocks stacked together, I love it! It will be one of the most unique towers here in the USA! :banana:

I really hope they leave the island (both inside and the outside portion on top) open for Thunder over Louisville! That would be an absolutely amazing vantage point.

Somehow some organization needs take place, there are two threads for Museum Plaza this one which is one level down from the main page and this one Louisville Museum Plaza (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=316119&highlight=Louisville) which is which is six levels down from the main page.

It seems like this thread has better visibility for people outside of the area to find it so maybe it's better to concentrate online resources for the project in this one?

Maybe the administrators need to make the decision since I'm sure contributors can't agree on it. It doesn't matter to me which one remains but I'm sure that it will make it easier for people to follow the construction if it's all in one thread.:bash:

I think the other one started first, I'm not too sure though. I like it this way right now. The other thread consists mostly of people in the region, or people who know a little more about Louisville and that makes it easier to talk about some of the things going on. This thread is good because, as you stated, this one is seen by more people, and it's neat to get their input. The way I see it, the other thread isn't populated by as many opinions and we're able to focus a little more on what's currently going on. Now once construction really starts taking place, I could see them either merging the other thread into this one or something similar, then it'd be easier to post updates and keep everyone....updated lol without having to look through both threads for updates. I think it'd be fine to keep the two threads for the time being, but it's all up to the mods in the end scheme of things. :cheers:

I decided to go to the site today to bring you all a christmas update. A bunch has happened since the last time I was down there, most noticable being new equipment, and materials on the left side of the site. They are also beginning to remove portions of 7th street. The right side of the site is still the action spot as you can see in the photos.

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/6294/dscf0710ev0.jpg
^Backside of the standing facades on Main.
http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/9759/dscf0703tr9.jpg
^What you see when you walk past 7th street. The left side of the site.
http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/9944/dscf0704zc5.jpg
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/6654/dscf0705yj5.jpg
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/3112/dscf0709vv2.jpg
^New equipment and materials are starting to fill up the site.
http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/3474/dscf0707ab7.jpg
^Ripping up 7th street.
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/459/dscf0708li2.jpg
http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/2150/dscf0722im3.jpg
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/6330/dscf0723ws6.jpg
^Main spot of activity.
http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/7875/20854725lt7.jpg
Merry Christmas!

I feel proud to live in Rotterdam - this must be one of the best architects in the world and their head office is here! Louisville, congratulations with such a groundbreaking tower.

Very interesting project. It will look good.

This is one of the most unique and spectacular projects currently underway in the USA. Bravo Louisvillle!!!

Nothing against Louisville, but this just seems like it doens't belong there, I would have thought louisville would have been more laid back about it.

I'm not totally sure I understand what you're saying. Louisville is laid back, but the city also has a very rich arts culture, and this building expresses it. I think my signature says it all lol.

Well, Louisville doesn't seem like the city to contruct something like this, it looks like it could go in NYC, Seattle, Miami, Toronto, maybe even L.A. Theres my point, and Louisville doens't match any of those cities.

To me it just seems like it doesn't belong in Kentucky. Sorry.

I personally think that Louisville is perfect location for this masterpiece. Imagine driving south on I65 and seeing this beauty rise on the banks of the Ohio river. Bravo to L-ville for having the balls to build such a beautiful bulding. It shows the world that the US is culturally deeper than NYC, Chicago and LA.

I personally think that Louisville is perfect location for this masterpiece. Imagine driving south on I65 and seeing this beauty rise on the banks of the Ohio river. Bravo to L-ville for having the balls to build such a beautiful bulding. It shows the world that the US is culturally deeper than NYC, Chicago and LA.

yeah it's all great but i'm just saying my viewpoint on it, don't want to make anyone angry. I just think it's daring for louisville to do this.

Louisville is pretty much nothing like to rest of Kentucky, the city as a whole seems a little out of place to me lol. Your comment doesn't make me angry personally, I see your viewpoint (I get it a lot working the phones). I don't blame you, I find it funny that everyone has this certain "perception" about Louisville...too bad many are still stuck in the "it's in Kentucky" mindset. I mean look how many people still think the largest firework show in America is on July 4th in NYC? :lol:

lol all true. I mean it's great, but yeah.. lol

I personally think that Louisville is perfect location for this masterpiece. Imagine driving south on I65 and seeing this beauty rise on the banks of the Ohio river. Bravo to L-ville for having the balls to build such a beautiful bulding. It shows the world that the US is culturally deeper than NYC, Chicago and LA.
Or coming in on 64 going east... That's going to be so cool because you get glimpses of the skyline coming in through the knobs in So Indiana, and then you'll basically get to drive under the island as you pass DT along the river.

To give you an idea:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b200/eweezerinc/vfiles23000.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b200/eweezerinc/vfiles24223.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b200/eweezerinc/DowntownLouisvilleFromI64East.jpg

I still think this building looks amazing do you think if this were to be built theyre would be a great deal of construction that would follow it or is that already happening?

haha! So true, Louisville's nothing like the rest of KY. I think Louisvilles awesome and I think this project is perfect for the city and i think Louisville is a great place for projects like this!
BTW, is there any plans to rip up that highway in front of the city? I think parks or more skyscrpaers would be much better!

^^
Well, there is a group that is pushing like hell to get it removed, and they are starting to get some serious support, but honestly it is just not feasible. This is their website: 8664.org

^^ eh, it won't matter.

To me it just seems like it doesn't belong in Kentucky. Sorry.

Thats like me saying I dont think the NBA belongs in Oklahoma, it should be in Seattle, Kansas City, or someplace like that. Its just dumb and doesnt make any sense to say something like that.

If Louisville decides to build it then it belongs there.

Thats like me saying I dont think the NBA belongs in Oklahoma, it should be in Seattle, Kansas City, or someplace like that. Its just dumb and doesnt make any sense to say something like that.

If Louisville decides to build it then it belongs there.

Oh, excuse me.

If you noticed I did say it's great and all. It's my point of view, I admitted I still have a different image of Kentucky in my head. Back off dude.

Once again, I think this is great for Louisville. It will add nicely to the skyline, my biggest problem is that I don't really like the design of it, something could be a little different and it's really daring, but cool.

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581439/original.jpg

Actually, now that I look at this picture, I kind of like it, I just had a bad perspective originally.

I think mudvayneimn's signature says it the best......"If you have never experienced Louisville, Kentucky, you'll never understand Museum Plaza"

Louisville has had a poor perception for such a long time. Louisville may not be as progressive as some other metros, but is rich in culture and has it's own identity. This building could be built nowhere but Louisville. Just come visit us some time, I promise it will fall in love and come back.

Nice triple post Giggles ^^.

Yeah haha.. every time i forgot something... o well.

^ There's an EDIT button for that...

yea i know that, it just didn't come to mind at the time.

http://www.pbase.com/abdulsharif/image/73581439/original.jpg

Actually, now that I look at this picture, I kind of like it, I just had a bad perspective originally.

Well, that is basically the final design, so hopefully it turns out as handsome as the model looks from this angle. While not traditionally pretty, I think that this is not only a cool looking tower, but a very handsome tower. Handsome in the same respect Sears and Hancock are. Clean-lines, broad-shoulders handsome. :cheers:

One thing I do wonder about is if there will actually be color to MP or if the facade will be in black like the models. In the video rendering, MP had a colorful facade and I'm wondering if that was just the animation or if that is actually how it'd be. :dunno:

I also have wondered if the glass will have any tint to it or not.

^Yes, that model actually makes the design look pretty decent now.

This is kind of off the wall, but if they found a way to incorporate translucent concrete (http://uaddit.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=554) into the design aesthetics of this building...well, it would be F'N Amazing!:nuts:

It's design looks interesting, but a little strange...

I just looked at that pic of the model and it like that final "floor" is open. Is there any information on if the tops of towers will be open/accesible to the public and/or the owners of the top floor lol? I'm aware that there is an open plaza on top of the island itself. Maybe it's just the angle making it look like the very top is open, and it's been so long since I had been to the MP exhibit to be sure. Maybe someone could offer a little insight?

And I will be taking a trip out Wednesday to take pics of the construction site. Till' then I suppose.:cheers:

Usually OMA buildings have a public space in the top...

I think what you are seeing at the very top of the building are actually just walls that hide the elevator penthouse. There would be no public access there.

I haven't heard whether or not the top floors of the the towers would be public spaces or penthouses. Even if they were open spaces I don't think the general public would be allowed up there. It would just be for the residents and their guests.

Well, that is basically the final design, so hopefully it turns out as handsome as the model looks from this angle. While not traditionally pretty, I think that this is not only a cool looking tower, but a very handsome tower. Handsome in the same respect Sears and Hancock are. Clean-lines, broad-shoulders handsome. :cheers:

It's looks absolutely amazing in this pic. Now one thing, it looks superb at night... but at day, that's what got me.. I'm not feeling it during daylight lol..when the lights are on at night it'll look great

Hey Everybody! I went down to the site today to get a few pictures. Work is continuing quite nicely. As someone mentioned, the railroad bridge has been taken down and is pretty much sitting across 7th. Here they are, enjoy!

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/9483/dscf0731hr5.jpg
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/9630/dscf0733qe5.jpg
http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/5281/dscf0736jn5.jpg
http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/6215/dscf0738hv7.jpg
http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/4378/dscf0739xd1.jpg
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/7213/dscf0740kd6.jpg
http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/772/dscf0742jl5.jpg
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/3540/dscf0747bx0.jpg
:cheers:

What an ugly eyesore of a monstrocity. In time Louisville citizens will regret looking at this "thing" on a daily basis. I don't know what the guy got for designing this mess but if you ask me he ought to have gotten Life. Somebody get a rope fast and organize a mob.

^To each his own. ;)

Some see monstrosity, others see the enginuity and the functionality of this building. Most of those people belong to Louisville, Chicago, and New York. :lol:

Some people like monsters. Sheesh. I love our little monstrocity a bit more every day. The real work is about to start!

You know, the same thing happened to me. I've always like the design and idea of this tower, but as time goes on my love for this building gets stronger and stronger! :lol:

Alright, alright maybe I'm too harsh with my words. I should wait to see the finished product before I shoot my mouth off. It is an interesting project anyway you see it. :)

I truly believe that this the most creative and artistic project currently being built outside of Chicago. Bravo Louisville!!!!!!!

Alright, alright maybe I'm too harsh with my words. I should wait to see the finished product before I shoot my mouth off. It is an interesting project anyway you see it. :)

I also learned that very quickly on this thread. :lol:

I truly believe that this the most creative and artistic project currently being built outside of Chicago. Bravo Louisville!!!!!!!
I agree, I believe this building will become an american icon. By the way I think one of the overlooked features of Museum Plaza is the island. I can't remember if any of the public space is going to be outside? If so, does anyone know of another city with a public park 23 stories above the ground?

the island IS Museum Plaza. With all of the controversy surrounding this project it's easy to overlook the fact that this is first and foremost a contemporary art museum. Modern art is typically not pretty in a traditional sense. Instead, it engages the viewer and makes them think. In that respect, the building is an extension of that function.

Also, a portion of the museum will have an outdoor space on the roof of the island.

I agree, I believe this building will become an american icon. By the way I think one of the overlooked features of Museum Plaza is the island. I can't remember if any of the public space is going to be outside? If so, does anyone know of another city with a public park 23 stories above the ground?


None of the specifications Or writeups I've seen show any outside public areas other than at ground level. It certainly would be neat to have a rooftop garden on top of the island as you suggest, maybe the designers will read your thread and pick up on your idea.

A rooftop garden has been a component of the project. I don't know if it has been dropped but there have been renderings and media presentations showing art exhibits on the roof of the building.

^^ As I am aware, it is still part of the design. Like cardpooch said, you can see it in the renderings and presentations. You can also see it through a virtual tour here (http://www.rex-ny.com/work/museum-plaza/tour). When you get to the page click on "view tour" under the picture on the right side.:cheers:

The elevator shaft structure is unattractive. I've personally never warmed up to it, even slightly, during this past year and a half. It really doesn't fit. The rest of the building is OK. Not the usual in the Unites States here. They seem to like these designs in places like Spain and The Netherlands. I'm still surprised this is going in a place like Louisville. Cities in the upper south/midwest are pretty tame architecturally (alright, BellSouth as one of the few exceptions).

Yeah south/midwest usually are tame. Louisville isn't one of them. ;)

If you've never been here and you travel, this would definately be a city you'd want to visit. Oh and since you're from New York, you'd want to visit April 12th...we've got something to one up NYC with lol.

I'm not sure if many of our World Development thread onlookers have seen this video, but here is the animation video which shows how they will construct the tower. It's very interesting to see it. It's also done in a really nice fashion.

9H-qhbIIMyk

Note: This animation is from the first unveiling of the project to the public. Since then, there have been some design changes (most noticable is the size/height of the office "block", just look at the model picture compared to the video to see what I'm talking about). Also in one point of this video you can see a color scheme other than black or grey...but it could just be for the animation or part of the original design, as the actual building model does not have these features.

Anyway, I might be able to take a trip downtown this Wednesday to get some more photos. Till then I suppose.:cheers:

Hope to see those pics soon mud.

Sorry it took so long to get these uploaded (I've been working some overtime at my money maker) but here are the pics I took of the construction site on the 16th. I actually went into the Muhammad Ali Center and got a few peeks from the main Lobby. It is going to be something else to see MP towering over it in a few years. Anyway, the main thing I noticed down at the site was the bridge is completely gone now and the single caisson liner from the last few updates is completely in the ground.

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/8399/dscf0783ac8.jpg
^Still working on 7th Street
http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/9643/dscf0786dk9.jpg
http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/4707/dscf0787xt0.jpg
^Caisson Liner in the Ground
http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/5295/dscf0788nk9.jpg
http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/4872/dscf0789sn0.jpg
^Took a detour on the way to the Muhammad Ali Center, and captured a shot of the facades. Seems they are starting to remove the concrete.
http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/102/dscf0791mo8.jpg
http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/6379/dscf0792ci1.jpg
http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/2116/dscf0794zf5.jpg
^From the Muhammad Ali Center Parking Garage. Notice the Railroad bridge is without a trace.
http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/9492/dscf0798wp8.jpg
^View from inside the Muhammad Ali Center Lobby.
http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/6462/dscf0801fv5.jpg
^What you see as you pass 7th on Main.

Well, I should be able to make it back down to the site Wednesday to get some more pics. Until then enjoy!:cheers:

great update:okay:

Thanks! I should have another update by Thursday for everybody on here.

When did they say they expect this to be completed?

Well the last I heard was mid-late 2010, very very early 2011. It was held back a month or three from it's initial start date.

i dont know. I guess it's good.

The University of Louisville now plans to not only house its Master of fine arts program in Museum Plaza, but also its business school:

http://business.louisville.edu/images/stories/Current%20News/Museum%20Tower-washington-street.jpg

http://business.louisville.edu/images/stories/Current%20News/Museum%20Tower-main-street.jpg

http://business.louisville.edu/images/stories/Current%20News/Museum%20Tower-classroom.jpg

http://www.kendall-heaton.com/large%20images/MP_1.jpg

I'm loving the new renders! :banana:. I saw a piece on the news last night about UofL's school of Business going into MP. This is some exciting stuff right here.

Uhm.. I have to say I hate this. The whole tower complex is so weird. All the pillars are different and unsymmetric under the horizontal box. Then there's the top. The two highest towers look nice, but what's up with the third one? It looks like someone has designed many different boxes and then put them into a messy pile with no thinking what so ever.

That's a monster and the designer must've been high when he draw that.

I like the University's involvement with Museum Plaza. Nice renders.

:eek2: WoW!!!!!!! Amazing
i can't wait to see it in reality

Very cool design. Very different. This will be great for the city and it's image.

Uhm.. I have to say I hate this. The whole tower complex is so weird. All the pillars are different and unsymmetric under the horizontal box. Then there's the top. The two highest towers look nice, but what's up with the third one? It looks like someone has designed many different boxes and then put them into a messy pile with no thinking what so ever.

That's a monster and the designer must've been high when he draw that.

agreed, so un-appealing.

judge all you want guys...but don't be convinced until you see it built. i have feelings that say it's gonna be quite weird, but renderings...don't really tell the story.

Be prepared to fight. I stated my opinion on how I don't see Louisville getting something this unique (my views of this have changed since then so don't start attacking me) and I pretty much was chewed by most Louisville residents and such.

^ Well I feel that we've got to start waking people up to the fact that Louisville, KY residents aren't all barefoot and missing teeth! :lol:

Haha, true, true.

I think it's a very unique building, I hope one day Tulsa or OKC can have something unique as this.

judge all you want guys...but don't be convinced until you see it built. i have feelings that say it's gonna be quite weird, but renderings...don't really tell the story.

Renderings do a pretty damn good job.

Uhm.. I have to say I hate this. The whole tower complex is so weird. All the pillars are different and unsymmetric under the horizontal box. Then there's the top. The two highest towers look nice, but what's up with the third one? It looks like someone has designed many different boxes and then put them into a messy pile with no thinking what so ever.

That's a monster and the designer must've been high when he draw that.

Beware to all armchair critics. You can call it weird or asymmetric all you wish (and really, why is asymmetric bad? We're a century removed from beaux-arts ideals of symmetry and "harmony.") But never, never accuse architects of not thinking about their design until it is clear you have done research into the building. Just look up material on REX and Museum Plaza. The whole process is a bit out there but the intent for each component is very well justified. In fact, this building is far more developed and thought out than about 99% of architecture going up in the states. The team had to come up with numerous innovations to seamlessly combine a museum, a hotel, offices, residences, and educational facilities and make them all interact with one another without intruding. The museum is laid out in a flexible manner to accommodate a range of exhibits, the boxes atop the museum can be adjusted +/- ten floors during the construction process based on market demands, the architects forced steel manufacturers to lower their prices on window paneling by inventing a new system from reinforced concrete, etc. There is a lot that went into this building.

I'm not saying you have to love it simply because it was designed in a more avante, less formulaic manner. Hate it, by all means for its slightly ungainly proportions and isolation in the skyline. But save your accusations of thoughtless, idiotic architects for the Arabs designing Dubai. The entire team at REX have degrees from Harvard, Yale, Columbia, MIT, the Arch. Association, etc. They certainly all think about their designs.

nice..
but not that cool...

^^Burn! And that's not even from a Louisville resident! ;)

What a great post Samoen, you couldn't have said it any better.

O M G! How can somebody not like it?? So weird. It's so beautiful! That video, it's just breathtaking, and those new pictures!! Wow, realy impressive! Sure gonna follow this construction!

BTW, what is 703ft in meters??:)

^214.2 meters.

From a few weeks ago.
http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/7758/dscf0802ot1.jpg
http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/3694/dscf0803ry2.jpg
http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/5724/dscf0804qi2.jpg
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/8825/dscf0805uf4.jpg

02-15-08.
http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/5300/dscf0808mn8.jpg

Beware to all armchair critics. You can call it weird or asymmetric all you wish (and really, why is asymmetric bad? We're a century removed from beaux-arts ideals of symmetry and "harmony.") But never, never accuse architects of not thinking about their design until it is clear you have done research into the building. Just look up material on REX and Museum Plaza. The whole process is a bit out there but the intent for each component is very well justified. In fact, this building is far more developed and thought out than about 99% of architecture going up in the states. The team had to come up with numerous innovations to seamlessly combine a museum, a hotel, offices, residences, and educational facilities and make them all interact with one another without intruding. The museum is laid out in a flexible manner to accommodate a range of exhibits, the boxes atop the museum can be adjusted +/- ten floors during the construction process based on market demands, the architects forced steel manufacturers to lower their prices on window paneling by inventing a new system from reinforced concrete, etc. There is a lot that went into this building.

I'm not saying you have to love it simply because it was designed in a more avante, less formulaic manner. Hate it, by all means for its slightly ungainly proportions and isolation in the skyline. But save your accusations of thoughtless, idiotic architects for the Arabs designing Dubai. The entire team at REX have degrees from Harvard, Yale, Columbia, MIT, the Arch. Association, etc. They certainly all think about their designs.

I just looked at the project web site and it did not amaze me to learn that the architects are all ex OMA.
(Office for Metropolitan Architecture). This is a typical OMA style building.

^^

So? This is one of the most dynamic projects happening in the USA. I say... BRAVO Louisville! You've got balls and you're showing them!!!!!

Am I the only one who seems to find these two pictures similar?:

http://www.fromform.net/archives/louisville.jpg
Louisville

http://www.kevinbauman.com/images/Skyline-from-Windsor2lg.jpg
Detroit

Alright, I couldnt find a clearer pics, but still, you get the idea. I just find a lot of similarities that could be drawn between the two. Just saying...
yeah, gibson.....VERY similiar!:okay:

Am I the only person that thinks that this thing is ugly and clearly a Demolition Project?I Guess I'm being too pesamisitic.

It's honestly remarkable, just with a little odd looking.

everybody that says "am I the only person (insert a negative remark here)..."
Let me guess, NO YOU AREN'T THE ONLY PERSON! Seriously, it takes an aspiring art student, or Louisville resident or just any somewhat liberal person to understand this building, by looking past what it looks like.
It is going to transform my city, not just by the way that it looks. We have a new icon, a new Churchill Downs, if you will. It may not be as pretty, to some people (although it is to me).
I am tired of all of the negative talk from people who don't look past what it looks like. I respect your opinion, but if your going to be like that, atleast look into it.
I was just 13 or 14 when the project first came out, now I am 16, and it has made me want to become an architect.

everybody that says "am I the only person (insert a negative remark here)..."
Let me guess, NO YOU AREN'T THE ONLY PERSON! Seriously, it takes an aspiring art student, or Louisville resident or just any somewhat liberal person to understand this building, by looking past what it looks like.
It is going to transform my city, not just by the way that it looks. We have a new icon, a new Churchill Downs, if you will. It may not be as pretty, to some people (although it is to me).
I am tired of all of the negative talk from people who don't look past what it looks like. I respect your opinion, but if your going to be like that, atleast look into it.
I was just 13 or 14 when the project first came out, now I am 16, and it has made me want to become an architect.

Sorry but im 17 soon to be 18 in 2 and a half months and I think this thing will jus be an eyesore.We all have different opinions but I think this thing looks a little too weird.I Mean, if you like it, than thats your opinion but this site is actually made for people's opinions.If You like it, than good for you.

I'm not surprised by the love/hate reactions this tower has caused. IMO that only proves it's a successful design...

First and foremost, this is a contemporary art museum. That was the purpose of this project from the start. In many cases, modern art is not meant to be attractive in the traditional sense. Instead, it is intended to cause a response from the viewer and encourage discussion. I'd have to say that this building has definitely done that. Architecture is more than just a shell. It should serve as an extention of the functions that occur within that shell. Isn't that what all GREAT architecture is supposed to do?

Here's a link to a camera feed for construction on Museum Plaza and the Arena.

http://www.gotolouisville.com/network-cameras.aspx

what is that arena?

^^Thanks for that link! :banana: Now it's easier to see instead of going down there every wednesday!

The New Downtown Arena that will house primarily the UofL basketball team. It's also scheduled for completion in 2010. The buildings in the block the Arena will occupy are scheduled to be demolished starting in spring.

I hope you still give us some photo updates from time to time Mud.

The New Downtown Arena that will house the UofL basketball team. It's also scheduled for completion in 2010. The buildings in the block the Arena will occupy are scheduled to be demolished starting in spring.

I'm glad somebody else but me doesn't buy into the Mayor's sugar coated concept that the Arena is going to be used over 100 nights the year! The arena is going to cost Louisville taxpayers an awful lot of money. Of course if we weren't spending $100,000,000 extra on a $275,000,000 arena just to relocate what was where it's being built it might break even. The location selected may look nice but was economically the wrong location! :bash:

^^^ I respectfully disagree.

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Sent: Friday, February 08, 2008 10:50 AM
To:
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It was announced today that construction on this project has temporarily stopped due two vibrations from the construction equipment potentially causing damage to nearby historic buildings. All heavy cranes have been removed from the site and according to officials other types of equipment will be brought in. Not sure what other type of equipment can be used for caissons though. I wonder if there's maybe some other reason for the construction stoppage?

Here's a link to the article" FOX 41 story (http://www.fox41.com/article/view/16656/?tf=wdrbarticleview.tpl)

^^^ I respectfully disagree.

And I respectfully agree with your disagreement. :cheers:

Construction vibration delays work on Museum Plaza
Drilling caused major vibration
By Marcus Green
magreen@courier-journal.com
The Courier-Journal

Construction on Museum Plaza has been delayed indefinitely after workers installing the skyscraper's foundation created strong vibrations along Main Street.

In January, a subcontractor drilling into bedrock at the site "created an unacceptable level of vibration, and so we very quickly stopped that method," said Craig Greenberg, one of the project's four developers.



Greenberg said the setback doesn't jeopardize the project. Despite the delay, developers expect construction to finish on schedule in early 2011 with no increase in the $490 million price tag.

Engineers are evaluating two techniques to anchor the foundation -- embedding smaller concrete pillars or using a corkscrew-type drill to reduce the vibrations.

"There are other methods where we can ultimately get to the same place and have … the most solid and stable foundation that's required for the project," Greenberg said. "There should be no concerns about that."

Work will resume "in the near future," he said, declining to elaborate.

The vibrations occurred twice, Greenberg said. The first lasted for several seconds; the second for as much as a minute.

At the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft at 715 W. Main St., Executive Director Kevin O'Brien said he was with a visitor from California when they felt a noticeable vibration for two to three seconds.

"She gave me that earthquake look," O'Brien said.

Museum Plaza officials contacted the craft museum about damage, but neither the building nor any exhibits were affected, he said.

The skyscraper is to include a Westin hotel, dozens of luxury condominiums and lofts, retail and office space, a contemporary art gallery, and a 140,000-square-foot park and plaza. The 62-story building would be the tallest in Kentucky.

It is being developed by Louisville businessman Steve Poe; arts patrons Laura Lee Brown and her husband, Steve Wilson; and Greenberg, a Louisville attorney.

Greenberg declined to name the affected subcontractor, although he said the company is a regional firm not based in Louisville. Jessica Brennan, a spokeswoman for general contractor Mortenson Construction of Minneapolis, declined to comment.

Greenberg also would not say whether project officials anticipated the vibration problem, but he said the soil and rock conditions were known to every subcontractor who bid on the job.

Greenberg declined to say whether the drilling firm violated any terms of its contract, or how much money developers paid the company.

But he said the delay may have a silver lining. Developers hope to be able to rein in some construction costs, similar to how Louisville Arena Authority officials announced recently that the cost of their project at Second and Main streets has dropped by $5 million, in part because of competitive bids on steel and concrete.

"We are seeking to take advantage of those opportunities that might exist in today's marketplace," Greenberg said.

Reporter Marcus Green can be reached at (502) 582-4675.


Anybody out there know a solution to this problem?

Hey everyone I stopped by the MP sales office today and they were open. They told me that 22 of 150 residential units have been purchased. They didn't know about the commercial space. They also said that construction would resume "soon".
Took some pics while down there enjoy.




http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd39/chefjeff28/PICT2104.jpg
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd39/chefjeff28/PICT2102.jpg
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd39/chefjeff28/PICT2099.jpg
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd39/chefjeff28/PICT2096.jpg
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd39/chefjeff28/PICT2092.jpg
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd39/chefjeff28/PICT2088.jpg

Wow! that's all they'd done before having to stop ?

Yea, I think they got 3 of the 4 caisson liners in before the vibration was severe enough that it could potentially damage buildings on Main. The developers say there bringing in new equipment that will resolve the issue.

Gotcha.

According to a report yesterday on WDRB the developers of Museum Plaza have stopped looking for financing. They claim that high interest rates are a deterrent. Interesting though that overall interest rates have been falling recently so I'm not so sure this is a valid claim. With the stopped construction and this delay we've got to start to wonder if this project will actually be completed.

Here's a link to this story: WDRB story (http://www.fox41.com/article/view/16887/?tf=wdrbarticleview.tpl)

Our project here in lexington may start before yours, but i expect some delays on centre point too:)

Sorry MP has already started, just been stopped. It's not going to be any easier in Lexington to keep a big project going.

Sorry MP has already started, just been stopped. It's not going to be any easier in Lexington to keep a big project going.

I'm not sure 3 Caissons constitute starting! Actually little more than site cleanup has been done. Oh, I forgot they also tore down the backs of the historic buildings facing Main Street last year. :bash:

It's a start compared to the rendering in Lexington. Things were looking really good in January, and frankly Im worried about Louisville reverting back to never getting the job done. This is a huge project for Louisville and I would be extremely jealous if Lexington can pull off a big project before Louisville.

Our project here in lexington may start before yours, but i expect some delays on centre point too:)

Errrrrrrr..... No. That's unlikely. :lol:
Point is, Museum Plaza has broken ground; the foundation has begun, whereas Centre Point still has to get permission to demolish buildings before it can even begin site prep. MP demolished its Main Street buildings a long time ago.

D.amn lol i thot i said somthin right. Would steel at centre point maybe go up b4 mp? because apparently they have been planning this project for 10 years.

does anyone know when the project is going to be started again. I really hope they will finish this building

any update?

this should never be started up again, all photos, designs and descriptions of this should be gathered up and destroyed and the Architects and engineers involved should be shot and put in a mass grave.

^^ :lol: Don't hold back now, tell US how You really feel!

does anyone know when the project is going to be started again. I really hope they will finish this building

NEVER?

NEVER?

I 2nd that

this should never be started up again, all photos, designs and descriptions of this should be gathered up and destroyed and the Architects and engineers involved should be shot and put in a mass grave.

damn.

I'm guessing your firm lost the bid on some kinda work on this project?

Just thought I'd update and say they are still waiting for more favorable financial conditions........... ugh........... but currently they are doing infrastructure and utility work for the site, so we'll be ready to dive head-first back into construction once things are settled.

I love Louisville! and this is a cool tower... but i just dont think it is right for the city. the proposed skyline just doesnt look right. (and hasnt ever since they turned off the fountain.) i think something like philadelphia's comcast center would look much better. but i guess i hope they build it, its better than nothin...

Why is there a small building in the terraced house lot linked by the huge lattice beam to the tower?

Why is there a small building in the terraced house lot linked by the huge lattice beam to the tower?

That's the entrance for main street and its facade on main street is actually that of the original buildings on the site. It was done partially to appease preservationists and also to provide an interesting entrance to the elevator (what's inside the lattice beam).

I don't know if anyone ever saw this, but there are some pictures of the mock-up for MP's facade on the REX site (http://www.rex-ny.com/work/museum-plaza/construction). Thought I'd share it.


http://www.rex-ny.com/media/20081217035729_MP_Dec%202008_Nov%204.jpg
http://www.rex-ny.com/media/20081217035729_MP_Dec%202008_Nov%201.jpg
http://www.rex-ny.com/media/20081217035729_MP_Dec%202008_Nov%203.jpg

There are a few others pics on the site as well. :cheers: