urbanMSP

two things.
1. Holy cow! I clicked the link not noticing that it would take me to Star Tribune. The ads are outrageous. First a full page, then top, left and right, then a pop out. No wonder the internet is slow. #STisgarbage
2. I feel like it's strange to say they begin construction today when there has been work on the site for a while. Sure they have been doing demolition, but to me that is the beginning of construction. #semantics

I take it you've never visited the Business Journal's website? #tangent

So is the Strib not mentioning the hotel portion of this project because it is already under construction. There were footing already poured near the Eagle Grill over a week ago.Or is this another reporter that does not do their homework on what is a part of this project?

I debated trying to get out on the deck level of Cossetta's but didn't when I passed by today. Here's a shot from ground level on the opposite corner -- not a whole lot to see yet, aside from some concrete structures on the northeast edge of the site:


_mg_0349 by Michael Hicks, on Flickr

Poking through a gap in the fencing:


_mg_0351 by Michael Hicks, on Flickr

There's an interesting feature in the concrete structure -- apparently a walkway sandwiched between the new building and the existing structure next door. I kind of feel like this will lead to a stairway down to a lower level behind, but I'm not sure:


_mg_0352 by Michael Hicks, on Flickr

Most likely there for fire codes of what ever sort.

https://www.opus-group.com/OurWork/Sain ... evelopment

Anyone have a clue why this is being called "OXBO"?

Named OXBŌ, referencing the u-shaped bend in the Mississippi River as it flows through downtown Saint Paul,

Plus, it's short, foreign sounding, and edgy like all the other apartment names.

When did the Hotel portion get spun off to Weis Builders? I hadn't noticed that before

The northeastern part of this is topped put now. No siding up yet, but there do appear to be cornices.

The southwestern part, on the footprint of the old 7 Corners Hardware, is still only one story tall (concrete on that level).

The river facing side (i.e. south) of the Hampton Inn.

*yawn*

One color would have been better even. Yikes.

I am trying to remember a recent Opus project I have been impressed by, and drawing a blank. They seem even more driven by economics than the other (already economically driven) developers in town. Too bad.

Campbell Mithun?

The Hampton Inn is getting close to opening -- I believe they're having their first guests in November. They were finishing up the flexible tubing for the heated sidewalk when my bus went by on Friday morning.

I mentioned this in the St. Paul Restaurants thread already, but New Bohemia is opening at this location (I think in the OXBO building next door to the Hampton Inn, but the article isn't exactly clear on that):

http://www.twincities.com/2016/10/21/sa ... n-st-paul/