Latest news with #BroadwayPlaza
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Why isn't Rochester's skyline a bit more impressive?
May 31—Dear Answer Man: Why can't Rochester encourage at least some developers to think tall? Verticality shows we have arrived, that we are a place to live and work. Well-designed and architecturally interesting towers can be important landmarks, giving Rochester its own unique skyline and character. Can Rochester get something that truly stands out among its dull downtown buildings? — Disappointed Dan. Dear Disappointed, It seems like you're asking for two things: height and pizzazz. Preferably in the same building. Think New York City's Empire State Building or the Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco, I assume. Well, don't expect something akin to the Burj Khalifa to be built on the old Post Bulletin site. That said, whatever replaces the old Post Bulletin building can only be an improvement. Overall, I think you're being a bit hard on the Med City. First, many of our larger buildings are somewhat utilitarian. The Gonda Building, for example, is a clinical building meant for patient care. That said, considering the purpose, I think it's quite lovely. Want more evidence of a quality skyline? The Plummer Building comes with bona fide 1920s Art Deco style. Broadway Plaza tops off at 29 stories tall. The space-age Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Building is both energy efficient and stylistically forward. But for a bit more context, I reached out to Chris Osmundson, director at Onward Investors, to discuss why tall buildings are not a priority in Rochester. Osmundson said it all comes down to the differences between Type III and Type I construction. Type III — "lumber typically over a pre-cast concrete podium" — can only be built up to 75 feet, up to seven stories. Just one more story would require a different, and much more expensive, construction type. Type I — post-tension concrete — can be build taller, but at a 35% increase in costs per floor. Examples of Type I construction in Rochester would be The Berkman. And while that building got built at 11 stories, it also came with $10.5 million in tax-increment financing funding. Then there's the matter of rents. No one is probably going to pay the rents that would make such a tall building profitable — especially at today's construction prices — in Rochester. "The taller projects that are working to get done or have gotten done in Rochester are trophy assets trying to command rents that they can only get from a small percentage of the population, and also need significant subsidy," Osmundson said. So, dream all you like about a one-third scale model of the Taipei 101 tower (good luck building something so tall and heavy atop our karst geology) in downtown Rochester, but my guess is nothing in the next 10 years will top Broadway Plaza. And, considering how I feel about Rochester's current skyline, Answer Man is OK with that. Send questions to Answer Man at answerman@ .
Travel Daily News
13-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
AC Hotel Wichita Downtown to open July 16 2025
AC Hotel Wichita Downtown opens July 16, 2025, blending European design with historic charm in Kansas' first AC Hotel by Marriott. WICHITA, KS – The much-anticipated AC Hotel Wichita Downtown will open its doors on July 16, 2025, introducing Kansas to its very first AC Hotel, part of Marriott's global lifestyle brand. Located in the heart of downtown, this boutique property brings together timeless European design, exceptional amenities, and the enduring character of the historic Broadway Plaza Building. An Iconic Setting Reimagined Built in 1929, the Brown/Broadway Plaza Building has long been a downtown landmark—a cornerstone of Wichita's commercial district and a symbol of the city's resilience and innovation. Originally a hub for local businesses, and home to the beloved Russell Stover Candy Shop from 1932 until 1987, the building's Art Deco elements, terracotta exterior, and distinctive Classical Revival architectural detailing have been carefully preserved in the hotel's transformation. Today, the 11-story structure has been reimagined into a 118-room boutique hotel that honors its storied past while offering a stylish, modern experience for travelers and locals alike. Purposeful Design and Thoughtful Amenities True to the AC brand ethos, the guest rooms are designed with intentionality – clean lines, open layouts, premium bedding, and walk-in or roll-in showers. Larger rooms and a suite option offer added flexibility with pull-out sofas. The AC Lounge and Restaurant will serve breakfast and dinner daily. In the morning, guests can enjoy a European-style breakfast featuring imported croissants, carved meats and cheeses, Nespresso beverages, Tazo teas, fresh juices, and signature hot items like baked cazuela with egg, cheese, and prosciutto, or open-face toast with scrambled egg, manchego cheese, arugula, and prosciutto. Coffee and Espresso drinks are available throughout the day to enjoy in house or to go. Dinner transforms the space into a lively tapas-style dining experience with small and large plates, artisanal toasts, and craft cocktails – highlighted by signature gin tonics and a full bar. Unmatched Downtown Access and Amenities Located steps from INTRUST Bank Arena, The Orpheum Theatre, Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center, Exploration Place, and the Museum of World Treasures, the hotel is ideally positioned for business travelers, leisure guests, and local explorers alike. It also offers 2,000 square feet of flexible event space ideal for meetings, dinners, social gatherings, and corporate events – all within a modern, sophisticated setting in the heart of Wichita. The property includes a 24-hour fitness center – described as enormous by the hotel staff – featuring state-of-the-art cardio and multi-functional fitness machines, free weights, and ample space to work out, making it one of the most expansive hotel fitness centers in the region. 'We are beyond excited to open the doors of AC Hotel Wichita Downtown on July 16, 2025,' said Jeff Barnett, General Manager of AC Hotel Wichita Downtown. 'This hotel represents more than just a new place to stay – it symbolizes the continued growth and revitalization of our beloved downtown. Nestled within the historic Brown/Broadway Plaza Building, our hotel honors the rich legacy of this iconic structure while introducing modern European sophistication to the heart of Wichita. We look forward to welcoming guests from near and far, offering them a unique experience that reflects the spirit and vibrancy of our community.'
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Luxury designer store in Walnut Creek now closed, lease not renewed
WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (KRON) — The Louis Vuitton store in downtown Walnut Creek is now closed. According to a Broadway Plaza spokesperson, the luxury retailer closed after deciding not to renew its lease that ended in January 2025 The spokesperson added that Louis Vuitton, which opened in the summer of 2023, was in a 'temporary location.' It is unclear whether or not Louis Vuitton plans to relocate elsewhere at Broadway Plaza or the greater downtown Walnut Creek area. KRON4 visited the location last Saturday. Louis Vuitton signage was removed from the storefront. With the closure of the Walnut Creek store, three locations remain in the Bay Area: San Francisco, Santa Clara and Palo Alto. Efforts to reach Louis Vuitton directly have been unsuccessful. The shopping center did not provide a reason for Louis Vuitton's departure from its space at 1211 Broadway Plaza. Up-and-coming SF Filipino brunch spot in Mission District abruptly closes LIST: Union Square newly-opened establishments look to revive downtown SF The Louis Vuitton store opened in June 2023, across the street from the west entrance of Nordstrom. When it opened, the luxury designer brand was on a shorter-term lease — although it was not specified how long that lease was for. Months after its opening, suspects attempted to burglarize the Louis Vuitton store. The retailer was temporarily closed after Walnut Creek police reported that 15 people tried to steal from it. The closure of the Louis Vuitton store may come as a surprise to some as it appears there have been more notable businesses opening in the East Bay suburb than notable closures in the last few months. One Walnut Creek spokesperson told KRON4 in January that the city has seen 'a resurgence of applications' for businesses to open. Taco Bell submitted an application to open its second Walnut Creek location. Hilton is set to open a new hotel this spring on Lawrence Way. San Francisco staples, Original Joe's and Sweet Maple, are also expanding with restaurants to open downtown later this year. Last November, bowling alley and restaurant Pinstripes opened to provide another entertainment for downtown Walnut Creek shoppers. KRON4 reached out to Louis Vuitton's parent company LVMH. We did not hear back in time for publication. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
