OK, a couple of things going on with today’s N&R front pager on the supposedly ‘breathtaking’ yet still top secret downtown Greensboro development project.
The fact that Mayor Keith Holliday is describing the project as “breathtaking” doesn’t say much to me, simply because Holliday is the eternal optimist in charge (until November, at least) with promoting the city. I’m not knocking it; I’m just saying the way it is. I’ve written before that I often find Holliday’s rosy optimism to be refreshing.
I was also surprised to read that one of the sites under consideration is 201 N. Eugene St, where the Guilford Center now sits. Guilford Center is the local managing entity for mental healthcare in the area, so any deal involving that piece of land would certainly involve its relocation, which some might consider a questionable move considering the state of mental health reform in North Carolina.
But I don’t see any of the sites mentioned in the article as large enough to hold all the amenities mentioned in the project. Three to seven buildings, a luxury hotel, an entertainment venue that could hold 500 to 2,000 people and, of course, residential units. As I read all this, I was reminded of the Jones brothers’ aborted Bellmeade Village project, which promised everything under the sun when it was announced. The lot sits empty today, though it is one of the sites being considered for this ‘breathtaking’ project. and is one under consideration for this project. I live right down the street, so I certainly hope the site is developed in some manner. A nice restaurant-bar with plenty of parking would suit me fine.
All things considered, forgive me for being skeptical.
