November 5, 2009 at 3:05pm
Representatives from J. Fiore & Co., the DiMarco Group, and Bergmann Associates pitched a property in the Canal Ponds commercial park to an RBTL selection committee this afternoon - Morgan Management is also involved in the proposal.
The presenters emphasized many benefits of the sites, which straddles the Greece and Gates town line. But one of the biggies was its proximity to a stretch of I-390 that handles an average 90,000 vehicles a day. That, say presenters, would give RBTL a high-profile theater that's easy to get to.
As for amenities: Canal Ponds has 1,300 parking spaces, access and parking for tractor-trailers, trails, and a promenade. It's also surrounded by offices and retail.
Some of the approvals that RBTL would need have already taken place, and the presenters pointed out that a negative declaration is likely during the state environmental review process, which is good from a developer's standpoint.
The company proposes building a hotel and a restaurant on the site as well, and has enlisted the Rochester Riverside Convention Center's Joe Floreano to serve as a restaurant and management consultant. For the theater, they envision a three-tier front lobby faced in glass.
As has been the case with all of these presentations, the developer or RBTL representatives made no mention of how to pay for the theater, or what sort of operating arrangement would be in place. All of those discussions are happening in private.
The Canal Ponds presentation was the third of five being made to RBTL officials. Next up is Webster on Thursday, November 12.
Same old crap you hear from all the networks, try other sources of media for your knowledge. ...
I have heard several comparisons that name the Raleigh-Durham area, which hosts a population...
In April, just before I decided to run for Rochester City Council, I was told by a Democratic...
It’s also a tactic to ”low ball” the construction cost…especially with public sector...
There has been one development, not reported about the PAC that was reinforced in the private...
Comments for "RBTL: Canal Ponds makes its pitch " (3)
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arnie rothschild said on Nov. 07, 2009 at 4:31pm
There has been one development, not reported about the PAC that was reinforced in the private meetings with the developers...that the cost of the theatre is substantially lower than many believed. Both the Farmington and Canal Ponds development team have projected a cost of 40-50million...half or less than the number many projected. The figure makes sense, by the way...the new theatre in Raleigh Durham was 48 million and while some like to use a higher number as a tactic to argue against a new theatre...I for one believe their estimates!
Each of the developers have spent substantial money already on site plans and estimates and have exhibited a willingness to bring their own money to the table as well! arnie
rochester99 said on Nov. 08, 2009 at 5:24pm
It’s also a tactic to ”low ball” the construction cost…especially with public sector capital projects! Then in the middle of construction, the cry for more money! Performing Arts Centers are legendary for going over budget.
There is no doubt that one could build a sterile, rectangular box for less than $100 million…but you get what you pay for! But as stated before, using North Carolina as a basis for cost estimates is extremely problematic. A warm climate vs. a cold climate, substantial Labor cost differentials, and other issues will cause total costs to vary widely. Already, we are cheapening the experience for a Broadway show….inexpensive Theater, in the suburbs with nearby Denny’s and Red Lobster restaurants! Understand that the Theater by itself cannot sustain any one restaurant…they need to utilize what is already available. And don’t get excited about the “big plans” being presented to you (medley center or Canal Ponds Park…etc) ….regarding new restaurants/retail…etc They are selling you a “dream”. It’s not a reality until it gets financing, leases are signed and construction has started.
And regarding “developers spending substantial money for site plans”…with a baseline computer software package, anyone could establish a site plan with minimal costs. Developers do this all the time…it’s a typical package of design proposals they do for any prospective client. Realize that developers are now “desperate” to find development projects….and anything smelling “public sector” will attract most builder/developers.
And finally …again …the reality of obtaining substantial “public funds”. What politician would work to get grants moving a major arts/cultural asset from the city to a suburb. The only remaining industry in the city is the Arts/cultural industry…and the movement of its “primary anchor” will create economic havoc for the city, nearby restaurants and the arts/cultural industry! What politician would do this?
Louis Richards said on Nov. 10, 2009 at 8:28am
I have heard several comparisons that name the Raleigh-Durham area, which hosts a population more than twice the size of Metropolitan Rochester; unlike Rochester, the population of Raleigh-Durham is increasing rather than diminishing.
A Broadway Theater is equally fanciful as the Fast Ferry - but at several times the cost to the taxpayer. When Arnie Rothchild's booking agency reveals a self-supporting plan my interest will increase. Until then, no matter how much grease-paint you apply this pig ain't gonna fly.
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