Latest news with #riverfront
News.com.au
06-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Jawdropping shark-inspired mansion sells for record sum
A jawdropping mansion inspired by the gills of a shark has sold for a new square metre record for Brisbane. Local developer Max Panettiere has accepted an offer in the 'mid-teens' from a buyer recently relocated from Melbourne for his unique concrete and frameless glass home fronting the river in Norman Park. Mr Panettiere designed the home at 52 Wendell Street himself and named it 'Gill House' because of its gill-like side panels, with the glass facade facing the river similar to the mouth or jaws of a shark. Place Estate Agents managing director Sarah Hackett negotiated the sale of the property on a 455 sqm block for a confidential price that represents a new square metre rate record for Brisbane residential land. 'We received five offers during the campaign, with two strong buyers competing in the final stages,' Mrs Hackett said. 'Having lived in two homes on Wendell Street myself, I can truly say this is one of Brisbane's most special pockets.' 'The view never gets old, with both reaches of the river, New Farm Park, and the city skyline rising above the treetops, it's breathtaking every single day.' It comes just weeks after Mr Panettiere settled a legal stoush over the approval of Panettiere Developments' $1.5 billion 'Little Italy' mixed-use project in Newstead. The 1000-apartment, triple-tower project was proposed for a site next to live music venue, the Triffid — owned by Scott Hutchinson of Hutchinson Builders. The project was approved in October last year, but an appeal was subsequently filed by Mr Hutchinson in the Planning and Environment Court that has since been 'amicably resolved and settled'. Mr Panettiere said demolition works would now begin on the 7440 sqm site in November. 'The sale of 'Gill House' marks the beginning of something much bigger — the last step in bringing our vision of Brisbane's own Little Italy to life,' Mr Panettiere said. 'With the planning and environmental appeal now settled, we're excited to move forward with confidence. Bigger and better things are on the horizon.' Spanning four levels, 'Gill House' is the height of luxury with polished concrete, imported marble, wave-inspired ceilings and a dramatic 6.3m-high void in the living room. An entertaining terrace leads out from the open-plan living space, showcasing stunning views of the Brisbane River, city skyline and New Farm Park. The master suite occupies the entire top level, with a covered balcony perfect for drinking in those sublime views. It also has an oversized dressing room and a marble-adorned ensuite with dual rainfall-style showers, and a circular standalone bath with a matching skylight above. The basement has a stacker which can accommodate four cars, with a lift servicing all levels. An infinity pool and a private pontoon complete the offerings, making this property the ultimate Brisbane entertainer. The house nearly didn't go ahead after Brisbane City Council initially rejected the plans, dubbing them to be in 'extreme conflict' to neighbours.
Daily Mail
02-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Photos of the world's first floating McDonald's that locals feared would cheapen iconic Missouri riverfront
The world's first ever floating McDonald's - once met with skepticism over fears it would cheapen Missouri 's scenic waterfront - has resurfaced in the spotlight, thanks to a wave of fascinating photos from its heyday. On March 11, 1980, the first ever floating McDonald's - designed to resemble a 19th-century riverboat - opened for business on the St. Louis riverfront, anchored just south of the iconic Gateway Arch. Built on a repurposed cement barge, the 702-ton boat could seat an impressive 134 diners inside, with room for another 200 on its open-air decks. Executives for the chain had high hopes, predicting the riverboat restaurant would flourish and bring in more than $100,000 in tax revenue annually. 'We have nothing like this in the whole world,' Pat Flynn, a senior vice president for the fast food chain in 1980, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch at the time of its grand opening. On the other hand, locals worried that adding a fast-food chain to the riverfront would make the area look tacky and take away from the charm and natural beauty of the water. Marilyn O'Neill wrote on a Facebook nostalgia post: 'I thought at first McDonald's would make the riverfront look cheap, but it was pretty cool for a while.' Despite the early criticism, the floating McDonald's was a city staple for decades, delighting both locals and tourists - and leaving 80s kids with the magical impression that they were enjoying their favorite greasy meals aboard a yacht. But after 20 years on the water, the iconic McBoat quietly vanished, leaving behind unanswered questions and a wake of nostalgia. All that remains in its once-lively wake are historical photographs - snapshots from a time when spotting the boat was both routine and a whimsical highlight of waterfront trips. The photos, captured in both black-and-white and color, feel like a glimpse into a totally different era. The only clear link to today's modern McDonald's is the iconic red and yellow color scheme that still remains widely recognizable. Its fascinating history began in 1980, when Dr. Benjamin H. Davis Sr. made the floating eatery his fourth McDonald's franchise, according to St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The idea originated the year before, when Samuel Haynes, the company's real estate manager at the time, announced that 'McDonald's is interested in special feeding'. 'If we can find a large group of people together, we should be able to feed them,' Haynes told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch at the time. 'The Arch draws more than 3million people a year.' Initially, the company aimed to purchase space in the museum beneath the Arch, but the government was not willing to lease the space to private enterprises. Built on a repurposed cement barge, the 702-ton boat (pictured) could seat an impressive 134 diners inside, with room for another 200 on its open-air decks 'Then we looked down at the river and saw a lot of people taking advantage of it,' Haynes added. 'So we thought there was no reason why a company as adaptable and progressive as McDonald's couldn't do it.' In 1979, a groundbreaking 25-year lease was signed, launching the very first floating McDonald's - a bold venture that would change the dining landscape. Measuring 185 feet in length and rising 50 feet high, the restaurant was nearly ready to launch with a 200-member crew, each outfitted in unique, custom uniforms designed exclusively for the floating location. For those who experienced it, it became a lasting memory. 'I remember taking my parents to the floating McDonald's when they came to visit me from upstate New York,' author Cameron Collins recalled in his book, Treasures of St. Louis. 'My dad had never seen the Mississippi up close and personal, and tried to wade in it,' he added. 'I have memories of eating a Big Mac and taking in the Arch and hearing my mom yell at my dad, "Peter! Get away from the edge!"' Inside the floating McBoat, 19th-century paintings and murals lined the walls - creating an atmosphere meant to reflect the grandeur of the paddleboat era. Still, for at least the next decade, the floating McDonald's turned heads and won hearts - even among skeptics - eventually becoming a core memory for those who experienced it But as if the stubborn champagne bottle had been a warning from above, the floating McDonald's restaurant officially closed its doors on November 6, 2000 due to its structure - never to be seen in the St. Louis riverfront ever again Staff walked around in custom uniforms that only just enhanced the intended feel of the restaurant. Even Davis donned an admiral's outfit while on board. The floating McDonald's restaurant officially closed its doors on November 6, 2000 - never to be seen in the St. Louis riverfront ever again. McDonald's issued a statement, explaining that the location closed 'because the structure is in need of extensive renovation, which is financially not justifiable at the present'. A further explanation never surfaced, and the attraction quietly disappeared. What became of it after that final day remains undocumented - and shrouded in mystery.
CBC
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
WIFF's outdoor movie screenings to be held mid-June on aquatic centre's front lawn
Social Sharing The Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF) has announced details of its annual Under the Stars outdoor movie screenings. Organizers will hold the event on the front lawn of the city's aquatic centre, near the riverfront. Initially, this was a response to being unable to hold the main festival in 2020 and 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, it will run from June 13 until June 15. "Through continued support from our patrons, community, and partners, we are thrilled to once again be hosting free outdoor screenings at WIFF Under the Stars — the perfect way to celebrate the summer season and great film," said Vincent Georgie, executive director and chief programmer for the festival.
Associated Press
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
A New Jersey church wanted to build a homeless shelter. Now the town might take its property
(RNS) — The mayor of Toms River, New Jersey, says he has a plan to revitalize the town's riverfront and to create a new park for local families who live nearby. He's found the perfect spot— three underused marinas and a large parcel of land with a great parking lot. There's just one problem. A local Episcopal church sits on the 11-acre property and has no interest in selling. Instead, church leaders want to build a shelter for the homeless on the property to expand their ministry in the community. Mayor Daniel Rodrick, a Republican, said God would approve of his plan. 'There's a real need for the local residents up in those neighborhoods to be able to walk somewhere and put their kids on a swing,' said Rodrick in a recent phone interview. 'I just think it's a very positive thing. And I believe Christ would agree.' So far, however, only the Township Council has made a call, narrowly passing a first reading April 30 on a proposal to buy Christ Episcopal Church's property or take it by eminent domain. A second vote is scheduled on May 28. ___ This content is written and produced by Religion News Service and distributed by The Associated Press. RNS and AP partner on some religion news content. RNS is solely responsible for this story. ___ Church leaders say the city's proposal, which came as a surprise, is an attempt to prevent their planned shelter from being built. 'It's just really shocking and surprising and very disappointing,' the Rev. Lisa A. Hoffman, Christ Church's rector, told Episcopal News Service, an official denominational publication, after last week's vote. The dispute appears headed for a long court battle. 'Rest assured; our church campus is not for sale,' Hoffman told church members in a letter posted on the church website. Hoffman, who was out of town, was not available for an interview. 'Should this ordinance pass on the second reading, the church and the diocese are prepared for along court fight to protect our congregation and property from this egregious land grab,' the letter said. The church's shelter has been a matter of public debate since it announced plans last fall to ask for zoning approval. A nonprofit called the Affordable Housing Alliance has operated an outreach program on the church's property since 2023 and hopes to work with the church to build a 17-bed shelter. The town's zoning board, whose meetings about the shelter have turned contentious due to opposition from the church's neighbors, is expected to vote May 22 on the zoning change. 'The answer really is the church is the right place,' Harvey York, an attorney for the church and the Affordable Housing Alliance, told the Asbury Park Press when plans for the shelter were announced. 'There is already counseling there. We are not putting 200 people here. It is 17 beds.' Despite hearing at the last minute of the Township Council's vote on acquiring the church property along with several other parcels, church leaders rallied supporters to attend last week's council meeting. Several members of the council tried to postpone a vote on the proposal but failed after an extended shouting match, according to a recording of the meeting. At one point Thomas Nivison asked fellow council member Lynne O'Toole, who had opposed the motion to table: 'Why, Lynne? You hate church, you hate God, you hate Christ? Obviously, you hate humanity like our mayor.' 'Why don't you pipe down,' O'Toole replied. After the motion failed, council member David Ciccozzi stood and recited the Lord's Prayer, with some in the audience joining in. Townspeople also voiced their opposition to the takeover plan during a public comment section, with some accusing township leaders of attacking religious freedom or trying to harm a local ministry. 'What are we doing? There is a thriving church in this location,' Christ Church member Will Wiencke told council members. 'We're trying to help people.' Before the council meeting, Michael York, another attorney for the firm representing Christ Church in its zoning application, sent a letter to an attorney for Toms River, alleging the town's leaders were acting in bad faith. The letter noted that Rodrick opposed the zoning variance for the shelter and stated that the church property was not for sale. 'It is clear and obvious that the Township and Mayor Rodrick are acting in bad faith and have ulterior motives,' York wrote. 'Clearly, they are not even trying to hide their actions. This attempt to use eminent domain as an excuse to obtain property is not disguised in this instance.' In an interview, Rodrick declined to speak about the zoning issue but denied that he was trying to attack Christ Church's ministry. Instead, he said, he was looking out for the best interest of community members. 'It's not about taking anybody's rights away,' he said. Rodrick said Christ Church is a relatively small congregation with an 11-acre property – and a large parking area — that remains empty most of the week. He hopes that the city would rather buy the property than take it by eminent domain, though he does believe using eminent domain would be legal. Initial drawings for the proposed park included a soccer field and pickleball courts, but Rodrick said nothing is set in stone. He did say that any park would include a large playground. He hopes the dispute with the church can be resolved soon, saying that the congregation could use the funds from any sale to relocate or fund other ministries. 'I would rather come to an amicable settlement,' he said. Episcopal Church leaders seem uninterested in making a deal with the mayor, who has also made headlines for criticizing a charitable restaurant run by rock star Jon Bon Jovi's charity. Hoffman said she plans to meet with Bishop Sally French of the Diocese of New Jersey and a church lawyer next week to discuss the congregation's options. French did not respond to a request for comment but issued a statement of support for Christ Church. 'As a Christian leader and a resident of New Jersey, I am troubled by the township's move to block the faithful ministry of Christ Church, and I am saddened that the mayor and township council are prioritizing pickleball courts over responding to hunger and homelessness,' she said in the statement. 'I ask that Toms River lift the burden these proceedings have placed on our parish and diocese, and I pray that we can move forward in serving our neighbors.'
