Ronald Rule outside the restored Brandon Engine House. He was born and grew up on Brandon Park estate and remebers learning how to use tools in the engine house. He is holding a framed piston ring which was used by his father. Picture: Rebecca Murphy

Archant

Email this article to a friend

To send a link to this page you must be logged in.

Ronald Rule, 90, said returning to Brandon Engine House at Brandon Country Park brought back vivid memories of when it provided water and power to Brandon Park House and the estate buildings.

During the 1920s Mr Rues family moved onto the estate, where his father was the chauffeur for the estate owners and looked after the vehicles and engine house machinery, and lived there until he was nine.

He first revisited the building, which is believed to have been built between 1883 and 1900, 11 years ago and it was falling into a state of disrepair.

Highlighted as one of the Breaking New Ground Landscape Partnerships (BNG) flagship projects, restoration works, funded by a Heritage Lottery Fund grant of 200,000, began in January this year.

The engine house and an adjacent building known as the Bothy will now be used as a multi-functional community facility.

Mr Rule, who lives in Cringleford, said: Being here brings back so many memories for me. This building was the beating heart of the estate.

They have done an incredible job. Restoration is a very difficult thing but they have managed to have a good facility for modern use but still retaining the old feel.

The engine room will be used as dirty space for practical workshops and a new extension links it to the Bothy which can be used as a conference room. The building will be available to community groups, organisations and businesses.

Some of the original features, including old machinery and the 150ft deep well, are still in place.

Interpretation boards celebrating the history of the park and buildings have also been installed.

Nick Dickson, BNG project manager, said: It was about saving the building and the unusual thing about this is the machines were still in place. That is what was most exciting as a lot of these buildings have been restored as holiday lets.

The heritage of the building has been saved and brought back to life and can be for modern use. It is a community space for the community.

History of the Brandon Engine House

The Engine House, also known as the Pump room, has quite a history.

It was built some decades after Brandon Park House, which was constructed in 1826.

The building generated electricity to power the house and water was pumped to feed the grounds - and the estate was the first part of Brandon to have electricity.

The park was sold to the Forestry Commission in 1936 who then began to re-plant much of the estate as part of Thetford Forest.

It was requisitioned during the Second World War and part of the park was used as a training ground for the Home Guard.

The Bothy probably housed ammunition and similar supplies.

More recently the building was used for storage, as a kennels and workshop, while slowly deteriorating through lack of maintenance.

In 2012 BNG was established and funding secured.

BNG is hosted by Suffolk County Council. The facility, owned BNG partners the Forestry Commission, will be leased and managed by the team at Brandon Country Park.

See the rest here:
Historic engine house at Brandon Country Park officially opened after restoration works by 90-year-old whose family ... - Norfolk Eastern Daily Press

The Roanoke City Council has agreed to sell its historic Compton-Bateman House and surrounding 3.4 acres to a small nonprofit that wants to lease the building to a program that serves youth.

Isabel Thorntons Restoration Housing will buy the house for $1 but will be required to spend $868,000 on renovations. Thornton said the money will come from $234,000 in insurance proceeds the city received after a 2011 fire at the house, tax credits from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources and various grants for which she has yet to apply.

The circa-1827 house, off Lafayette Boulevard in northwest Roanoke, for decades served as the Villa Heights recreation center but was seriously damaged in the 2011 fire and has been on the market for several years. The council is partial to Thorntons idea to lease the house to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia, benefiting the community while preserving the houses history.

This is a true win, win, win for everybody, council member John Garland said. Its a win for the old house, its a win for the users of the house and its a win for the community.

While Thornton is still in preliminary discussions with the Boys and Girls Clubs, she said theyve discussed working together with the architect so the house meets the groups needs.

Were both optimistic and hopeful that the partnership will work, Thornton said. Theyre an ideal tenant for the use of the building. They want to serve the community around Villa Heights.

Roanoke Councilwoman Michelle Dykstra is the Boys and Girls Clubs executive director, so she recused herself from participating in the citys vote.

Under the contract, Thornton must begin construction within 12 months of closing, but she said she wont know until March whether she will receive the tax credits.

Construction ideally would begin next summer, according to Thornton, who said she is thankful for how supportive the council has been through the process.

Historic property in northwest Roanoke is just as deserving of preservation and restoration as historic property in any other part of Roanoke, council member Bill Bestpitch said.

Here is the original post:
Roanoke City Council agrees to sell historic home to nonprofit - Roanoke Times

By CLIFF HIGHTOWER

The Franklin Board of Mayor and Aldermen are still mulling over three proposals for a 54-acre plot of land along Mack Hatcher Parkway near Spencer Creek Road.

Weve got a difficult choice, said Alderman Clyde Barnhill.

The city accepted letters of interest from potential developers on the property located along the Harpeth River and three developers responded.

Cheekwood Golf Course wants to expand its golf course across Mack Hatcher Parkway, the Discovery Center in Murfreesboro wants to build a childrens museum and the Franklin Housing Commission wants to build affordable or workforce housing on the site.

A month ago, all three parties presented plans to the board; over the weekend, they met with the board on site to hear once again about proposals.

City staff put together a chart listing all the different selling points of the proposals.

We recognize the board has three very well-thought-out, good proposals, said City Administrator Eric Stuckey.

One key point was the staff presented potential costs and revenues about each property, as well as if the city sold the property or if the city kept it.

Creekwood Golf Course had agreed to pay $72,900 a month for the lease, the Discovery Center proposed a $1 a year lease and the Franklin Housing Commission proposed not paying. But, the housing commission has proposed that property taxes would be assessed on the houses, not the land because it is city owned.

According to the city, the golf course would bring in $2.6 million in revenue, while the city is projected to lose about $2 million if the childrens museum were developed and it could lose anywhere from $1.7 million to $3.6 million with housing.

Bob Ries, a Franklin resident, pointed that out.

When you go to the bottom line, you only have one paying you any money, he said.

But, Stuckey, and other city staff warned not to only look at city revenue. It did not take into consideration any other potential economic development that could happen because of those other properties.

Lets be careful about painting it as a picture of anything, he said.

The board is expected to vote on the proposals within the upcoming months.

Barnhill said it may end up being two of the three get to share the property, or as he called it one-and-half.

It wont be everyone satisfied with our decision, he said.

HIRAM LODGE UPDATES

Representatives of Hiram Masonic Lodge #7, located at115 2nd Ave South,appeared before the board Tuesday during its work session to talk about upcoming restoration on the property.

Jim Patterson, chairman of the lodges board, told the Franklin board they are in the midst of diversifying their board and getting more community involvement.

We are a part of this community, Patterson said.

He said right now there has been a protective barrier put on the building and they hope to start doing a restoration within months.

The building was constructed in 1823 and is the oldest public building in Franklin. In 1830, President Andrew Jackson met with leaders of the Chickasaw nation to negotiate the Treaty of Franklin at the site.

Its been underused and underexposed as a historic place in our city, said Alderman Pearl Bransford.

Alderman Mike Skinner asked about specifics.

Do you know how far out before you do the restoration? he asked.

The next three weeks well have a better understanding, Guil Ezell, president of the lodges board, replied.

Patterson told the Franklin board the building is still in pretty good condition.

Theres no deterioration, he said.

Cliff Hightower can be reached at cliff.hightower@franklinhomepage or follow him on Twitter @FranklinHomePage.

View original post here:
Franklin board hears more on Mack Hatcher proposals - Franklin Home Page

QR Code Link to This Post

I am looking for a roommate to live in this semi-furnished room which is available for occupancy August 1st. The price is $745 a month, which includes heat, water, electricity, Cable TV Service and Wireless internet access.

It is a large size 13'x13' size room. The window lets in plenty of sunlight. It also contains a closet and some furnishings such as Queen bed, rug, dresser, mirror, long table, chair, recessed lighting with a dimmer in middle of ceiling. The bedroom door has a lock for your privacy and you will be given a key. Smoking is permitted. This is a gay & lesbian friendly environment. The shared common spaces in this home are a kitchen which includes the refrigerator, coffee maker, oven, microwave and dishes that you can use. Also, there's a shared bathroom.

This Bronx neighborhood is quiet and safe and close to a shopping mall along with lots of convenience stores in the area which are in walking distance. It is also close to the following bus's 50, 12, 38, 30, 23, 26, 28, & Bxm7 Manhattan Express as well as the 2, 5, 6 train lines.

Living here are two responsible, busy, clean, female adults in our 30's. We work and I go to school. There are two adorable cats also living here. I am looking for one responsible, single individual that works on the books to move in. You should want to move in here in a long term living arrangement of at least six months or more. Please have pay check stubs available to show.

To move in is $745 for the first months rent and in addition is a security deposit of $745 which in total comes out to $1,490.

Read this article:
Large Furnished Room & Utilities August 1st - rooms ...

Place Name Address Phone Distance Show on map Olympia Grill 100 21st St, Galveston, TX 77550 5.83 Show on map

Head to Pier 21 for the freshest foods made from treasured traditional family recipes.

Closed on Monday's. Bring your own bottle.

Local eatery featuring a large menu of south-of-the-border favorites accompanied by gulf views.

Blue Water Grill is a surrealistic restaurant/circus/lighthouse filled with loving-kindness where the continent ends. A quiet revolution that will not be televised. Claiming to have the best cheeseburger in the central time zone, Blue Water Grill's delectable pizza is made with high butterfat mozzarella and olive oil in the marinara sauce. Their salads are original creations, all with unique homemade dressings pushed to the edge. Blue Water Grill delivers in fall & winter, and sometimes in spring. Come and enjoy the view! Blue Water Grill is easily accessible just off of San Luis Pass Road.

Shearn's Seafood and Prime Steaks is one of only 11 Houston/Galveston area restaurants to receive AAAs Four Diamond Award of Excellence and has done so each year since 2004. Located on the ninth floor, Shearn's Seafood and Prime Steaks is Galveston's finest restaurant unsurpassed both in cuisine and service with an upscale ambiance. Local Galvestonians flock to this Island oasis to enjoy signature dishes including Shrimp Dejong and Lobster Bisque. Open Tuesday through Saturday for Dinner. Dressy casual attire required. No rompers, jeans, shorts, swimwear, cutoffs, tank tops or hats allowed in the dining area. Collared shirts and sandals are acceptable. Shearn's Lounge is the perfect setting for afternoon and evening cocktails surrounded by truly spectacular views of the stunning Pyramids of Moody Gardens and the sunsets over Galveston Bay. Open Tuesday through Saturday in the evenings. Dressy casual attire.

Busy eatery with cafe eats & a weekend breakfast buffet in a bright space, plus patio seating.

Sit down and enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in the open, airy environment, or sip a cup of your favorite Starbucks coffee and relax. Open from 6:30am to 10 pm daily, take a seat and enjoy a three egg omelet from the breakfast menu, Caf in the Park burger from the lunch menu or fried jumbo Gulf shrimp from the dinner menu.

Refined chophouse & seafood specialist on the marina, with terrace seating & water views.

Los Primos offers delicious, authentic Mexican breakfasts and lunches at affordable prices.

The Himalayan Taste as the name itself suggests, brings you the fine taste of the great Himalayas, which have been the home to ancient civilizations and culture. The Himalayan region boasts the unique blend of different ethnic and cultural groups that brings variety in the taste of the delicacies it offers. We at The Himalayan Taste feel privileged to be the cultural ambassador of the Himalayan region through the food we serve.

Local eatery serving classic hibachi & sushi plus creative maki rolls in a warm, mellow atmosphere.

Casual stop-off for Italian fare, pies, subs & a bargain-priced lunch buffet on weekdays.

Family-owned & -operated landmark serving Italian food in elegant, old-school environs since 1967.

Longtime local shack serving smoked-meat sandwiches & platters plus sides, desserts, beer & wine.

Basic family-owned & -operated restaurant featuring Italian favorites & pizza, plus free delivery.

Fried seafood, hushpuppies & gumbo fill the menu at this cozy seafood spot with a shady patio.

A longtime joint known for breakfast burritos with hot sauce served from early morning till noon.

No-nonsense restaurant offering homestyle Mexican breakfast & lunch dishes in an understated space.

Southern breakfast staples, burgers & Cajun-Creole seafood dishes served in modern, laid-back digs.

This casual chain branch offers a seafood-leaning Mexican menu in environs with an ocean view.

Elevated sandwiches, soups & salads, plus beer & wine, presented in a cozy, contemporary space.

Counter-serve beer & burger joint with beach-themed decor, a laid-back island vibe & outdoor deck.

This elegant seafood restaurant, opened in 1911, offers Gulf views and has a nautical theme.

Chill spot for American grub including burgers & wings with open-air deck seating & Gulf views.

Casual chain pizzeria serving brick-oven-fired pies along with soups, sandwiches & pastas.

Onetime private supper club, now an upscale American eatery with Prohibition-era cocktails.

Cajun butcher/restaurant offering meat & parts by the pound plus gumbo, sandwiches & plate lunches.

Here on Galveston Island, hidden downtown and neatly tucked away, there sits a little piece of European flavor just begging to be experienced. Ladislav Klos hails from Czechoslovakia. His Courtyard Cafe, which sits on Market Street, was built by hand, starting back in the '90s. There is a courtyard out front so that you may enjoy the nice evenings outdoors. As you walk into the restaurant, it feels more like the kitchen of a European home, rather than a Galveston eatery. Tables and chairs are spread about, but are not uniform in style, adding to the eclectic look and feel of the place. A chalk board hangs on the left hand side, telling customers what to expect for the night's menu. As you walk around, you can hear the chefs (Mr. Klos and his wife) banging away on fresh meats, mixing homemade salad dressing, and shuffling around in the kitchen. Hours of Operation Wednesday thru Saturday: 5:30pm - 9:30pm Note: Hours may be seasonal and subject to change.

Pho Tai specializes in various recipes of pho, a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup, rice dishes, and homemade egg rolls. Favorites also include spring rolls made of shrimp, fresh lettuce, and rice vermicelli. There are also a number of delectable vermicelli entrees, featuring marinated grilled beef, pork, chicken, and shrimp. Rounding out the menu are a variety of steamed and fried rice plates, featuring grilled pork, honey glazed chicken, flame broiled marinated mignon beef, grilled salmon, and more. Hours of Operation Monday thru Friday: 11am - 8pm Saturday: 11am - 5pm Closed Sunday Note: Hours may be seasonal and subject to change.

Nick's is serving up the freshest seafood, juiciest burgers and fattest po'boys on Galveston Island! With the best beer selection on the seawall, the freshest ingredients, live music and an ideal seaside location, youll want to take the bait and get hooked.

Ready for the ultimate in comfort food? Mel's Blue-plate Diner serves up some of the very best! Featuring favorites like burgers, chicken fried steak, chicken fried chicken, fresh veggies, daily lunch specials, and much more, Mel's is the family-friendly spot you've been looking for! Think about it! Fork-tender chicken fried steak, real mashed potatoes, good old fashioned, un-trendy green peas and onions, a homemade cornbread muffin, a red velvet cake cupcake with real cream cheese frosting, and a retro orange soda. THAT's dining! Mel's is located on 38th Street, one block north of Broadway. It's only open for lunch from 10 am to 3pm, with some brunch hours on the weekends. Be warned: the word is out and they literally run out of some of their favorites some days. Hours of Operation Monday thru Thursday: 10am - 3pm Friday & Saturday: 8am - 3pm Sunday: Closed Note: Hours may be seasonal and subject to change.

BBQ Barn & Burgers, formerly known as Roadhouse BBQ, is a locally owned restaurant serving up authentic Texas barbecue. Newly remodeled to capture the essence of southern cuisine, they offer a selection of smoked meats including brisket, turkey, ribs and sausage. Enjoy Happy Hour Monday thru Friday from 3pm to 7pm, with $1 Lone Star drafts and $2 domestic bottles. Hours of Operation Sunday thru Thursday: 11am - 10pm Friday & Saturday: 11am - 11pm Note: Hours may be seasonal and subject to change.

This longtime neighborhood bar & grill serves burgers, sandwiches, gumbo & more in simple surrounds.

Slick brewpub offering creative American bar bites & unique craft brews in warmly-lit surrounds.

The original Mama Teresa's opened back in the 80s in Crystal Beach on the Bolivar Peninsula. Patrons to that restaurant enjoyed 25 years of delectable Italian fare and hand-tossed pizzas. That venue was lost to Hurricane Ike, but they've now reopened in downtown Galveston, near the corner of Postoffice and 21st Streets. From crowd favorites like crispy calamari; to delectable entrees like chicken and pasta with olive oil and garlic and shrimp fettucine alfredo; to some of finest pizza you'll ever enjoy, Mama's is back - better and more authentic than ever. Hours of Operation Tuesday thru Thursday: 4pm - 10pm Friday: 4pm - 11pm Saturday: 11am - 11pm Sunday: 11am - 10pm Note: Hours may be seasonal and subject to change.

Modern sports-pub chain boasting recliners plus high-concept bar food & a huge selection of beer.

Board Game Island has a library of over 500 board games, card games, and puzzles that are open and ready for play. The friendly staff of gametenders can help you select and learn a game before taking your order for food and drinks. In addition to their library of games, Board Game Island also serves good food, as well as domestic and craft beers, and wines. They offer a caf style menu with a variety of soft drinks, coffee and espresso, smoothies, hot and cold sandwiches, pizzas, and baked goods. Board Game Island also has a retail section dealing in popular boxed games, gift quality classic games, and an assortment of puzzles and brain teasers. Hours of Operation Monday: Closed Tuesday thru Thursday: Noon - 10pm Friday & Saturday: Noon - Midnight Sunday: Noon - 10pm Note: Hours may be seasonal and subject to change.

general map menu diningdiva reviews Galvestonian Rudy Betancourt - famous for other successful ventures including The Press Box and Safari - presents The Black Pearl. The restaurant focuses on its oyster bar, but is equally lauded for its grilled specialties, fresh-from-the-Gulf seafood, and tantalizing steaks. Oysters at The Black Pearl are available via Oysters Rockafeller with spinach cream cheese; Oysters Haelen topped with crab meat, cheddar, and bacon; and Oysters Diablo with spicy diablo sauce, shrimp, and cheddar. Po-boys and sandwiches - along with a variety of garden-fresh salads - are perfect for those visiting for lunch. Specialties include barbecue shrimp, crab cakes, fish tacos, and crawfish etouffee. For meat lovers, ribeyes and pork chops are grilled to perfection. Fried seafood platters are hand-battered and fried to a golden brown, while fresh fish offerings include flounder, snapper, salmon, ahi tuna, talapia, and catfish. Hours of Operation Monday thru Saturday: 11am - 10pm Sunday: Noon - 10pm Note: Hours may be seasonal and subject to change.

Easygoing hangout with a roomy tree-shaded patio for pub grub, local draft beer & clever cocktails.

Riondos Ristorante is located in the heart of historic downtown in Galveston Island, TX. Proprietors Don McClaughtery and Chef Rico Caminos offer Northern Italian cuisine crafted from generations of family recipes and are known for their Farm to Fork and Sea to Table values.

Diverse American fare & weekend brunch are the draws at this counter-order cafe.

Sophisticated option with harborfront seating creating seafood, grilled meat & Greek specialties.

Family style cafe' serving American & Scottish cuisine, located on the east side of Galveston Island. Experience the laid back local hot spot for all-American burgers and tacos, with a pinch of Scottish cuisine located in the heart of Galveston Island. Ordering is at the window, pick your seat and your order is delivered to you by their friendly staff. Casual atmosphere, kid-friendly. Hours of Operation Monday thru Saturday: 6am - 8pm Sunday: 8am - 4pm Note: Hours may be seasonal and subject to change.

Trattoria La Vigna is your very own little slice of Italy in Downtown Galveston. We offer delicious lunch specials, fresh pasta made daily, homemade desserts, and much more!

ZaZa Bar & Bites features "Indo fusion," serving fine, contemporary Indian cuisine with locally-sourced meats and vegetables. Along with meat entrees, ZaZa also offers a great selection of vegan - no meat, dairy, or animal byproducts - recipes, as well popular Paleo-friendly offerings. ZaZa is also quickly becoming famous for its happy hour, featuring a full bar. Hours of Operation Weekdays: 4pm - 11pm Weekends: 4pm - 1am Note: Hours may be seasonal and subject to change.

Seafood eatery & bar overlooking Galveston Bay with ample outdoor seating & a low-key vibe.

Beachfront spot with a relaxed vibe, outdoor seating & eats such as catfish, shrimp & burgers.

Located on Galveston's West End next door to Premiere Cinemas, Magic Carpet Golf has been wowing kids and families for years. Featuring two colorful, fun-filled 18-hole courses for your enjoyment, Magic Carpet Golf is loaded with animated twists, turns, and trickery that'll keep you entertained for hours. Hours of Operation Sunday thru Saturday: 9am - 10pm Weather permitting Note: Hours may be seasonal and subject to change.

Go here to read the rest:
Galveston Hotel | Moody Gardens Hotel

417 CHOWNING CIRCLE, KETTERING

Walk-out lower level, kitchen, baths updated

Hidden under a dropped roof-line of this home is 5,100 square feet of living space and renovations that started with a main-level great addition, a redesign of the original floor plan and updates to the kitchen, bathrooms and walk-out lower level.

Listed for $475,000 by Irongate Inc. Realtors, the brick tri-level at 417 Chowning Circle in Kettering sits on a 1.31-acre, corner lot with a three-car garage and a courtyard patio with a pergola and retractable awning.

Formal entry opens from glass doors into a foyer with high ceilings, ceramic-tile flooring and refinished hardwood staircases. To the right is the entrance to the main social areas, including a living room with gas fireplace flanked by built-in bookcases. Fluted, arched walkways and cutouts are accented by wainscoting and provide access to the formal dining room, which has built-in cabinetry surrounding a granite buffet counter.

The great room addition has a cathedral ceiling, two window seats that flank an oversized, gas fireplace. Flooring treatment divides the room as there is an island bar and wall cabinetry. Patio doors open to the courtyard patio, which is surrounded by a brick wall.

Tucked off the living room is the kitchen, which has light cabinetry, including a buffet counter and island. There are also granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances, including a six-burn gas stove, wood-paneled sub-zero refrigerator and a breakfast nook with bench seating. Access to the garage is off the kitchen.

Three bedrooms and two full bathrooms are upstairs. The main bedroom has an updated bathroom with a tall double-sink vanity, whirlpool tub, glass-block, dual-head shower and an L-shaped walk-in closet with several built-in organizers. A second bedroom has a private bath that features a ceramic-tile surround walk-in shower with glass door and a single-sink vanity. The third bedroom is off the loft and is currently being used as an office. There is also a half bathroom on the second level.

The lower level could possibly be used as a guest suite as it has a single-door entrance off the back of the house. The staircase leads down to a family room with a full wall of built-in bookcases surrounding a gas fireplace. Tucked into one corner is a wet bar with glass and bottle racks. A hallway leads to a full bathroom with shower and single-sink vanity and laundry room with wash tub, two folding counters and access to a storage closet. A fourth bedroom has a double-door closet and a walk-in closet as well as a daylight window.

Open house: Aug. 6, 1-4 p.m.

Directions: West Stroop to north on Overland Trail to left on Chowning Circle

Home highlights: About 5,100 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 1 half bath, 3 gas fireplace, cathedral ceilings, walk-out lower level, wet bar, updated kitchen, 3-car garage, dual HVAC systems, courtyard patio, retractable awning, updated roof 2015, 1.31-acre corner lot.

Follow this link:
Great room addition redesigns floor plan - Dayton Daily News

The owner of the Sheraton at the Falls Hotel in Niagara Falls says he needs tax incentives to make his $20 million water park feasible.

That's why MichaelDiCienzo applied to theNiagara County Industrial Development Agency for a 12-year reduction on property taxes that would be assessed on the planned 150,000-square-foot, two-story facility.

The package also would include an exemption from paying sales taxes on the building materials and the equipment and furnishings for the water park. The NCIDA staff estimated that the incentives would save DiCienzo's company $6.6 million over the 12-year period.

"There's a lot more risks with attractions. It is needed to make the project successful," DiCienzo said after the NCIDA board agreed to schedule a public hearing on his request. A vote is likely when the board meets Sept. 13.

The Niagara Daredevil Waterpark, as the hotel calls it, would operate indoors year-round in an addition to the hotel and create 30 new full-time jobs and 20 part-time jobs,according to the company's application.

The water park would be built on a vacant lot owned by the City of Niagara Falls. In October 2015, the City Council agreed to sell the land to DiCienzo's firm for $189,262. However, the city's planning director, Thomas DeSantis, said Wednesday the sale has not yet closed.

DiCienzo told the NCIDA board that Niagara Daredevil would take about a year to build.

"It's close to shovel-ready," he said.

"It's great to have a family-friendly recreational project like that," said William L. Ross, the former Niagara County Legislature chairman, who serves on the NCIDA board.

DiCienzo said his water park would give his hotel and others a chance to lure more guests in the off-season.

"The hotels are busy for 100 days," he said. "It's a fantastic attraction and it's much needed. ... It brings new people in and keeps them here longer."

The incentive application, made in the name of NFNY Hotel Management,makes no mention of a $50 million, 200-roomaddition to the top of the hotel, which also was part of an expansion plan NFNY unveiled May 1.

DiCienzo said that would be the second phase of the expansion project at the Sheraton. DeSantis said the city Planning Board already has given conditional approval to the hotel addition, but if the project encroaches on the city's Third Street right of way, DiCienzo would have to take the hotel addition back before the Planning Board and the Council.

When the proposal was announced, Niagara Falls Mayor Paul A. Dyster was unenthusiastic about the Niagara Daredevil proposal.

Itwould be close to another proposed water park, Uniland Development's Wonder Falls project, which is supposed to be built in the unused portion of the old Rainbow Centre Mall at Rainbow Boulevard and Niagara Street.

Uniland was chosen by USA Niagara, the local arm of Empire State Development, to reuse that property. The Niagara County Community College Culinary Institute occupies the rest of the old mall.

DiCienzo said Empire State Development has declined to offer him any incentives for his project because it would compete with Wonder Falls.

"We have been unsuccessful. It's very disappointing," DiCienzo said of his approaches to Empire State Development. "We're looking for other possibilities."

The DiCienzo family owns hotels on both sides of the international border. Awater park operates on the roof of the parking garage that serves their Sheraton and Crowne Plaza hotels near Casino Niagara in Niagara Falls, Ont.

Read the original post:
Niagara Falls hotel seeks IDA tax break on planned $20 million water park - Buffalo News

A proposed addition to the Isle of Palms Recreation Center will make its way to full town council next month. If approved the recreation department building will feature a new state-of-the-art workout facility.

The designer for this project is a southeast architectural firm known as LS3P, located in Charleston, who specialize ininteriors, planning, and historic preservation services to a wide variety of clients nationwide.

The proposed fitness room specifies a 2,443 square foot addition at an initial estimate of $200 per square foot. The design includes a mirror wall, stretching area, bench, cubbies and new machinery according to the LS3P conceptual plan.

"All we have right now is cardio equipment, what I recommendputting in a fitness room is resistance equipment, for the upper body, lower body, legs, pecks, abs, etc." said Isle of Palms Recreation Director Norma Jean Page

The size of the addition is based on an occupancy of less than 50 people and therefore only one exit is required. Along with a double glass door with glazing for easy monitoring and movement of equipment. However, a full code analysis has not yet been completed and still needs to verify that the existingegress width and plumbing fixture count are compliantwith the additional occupant load, according to LS3P principal and public sector leader David Burt.

The totality of the project's expenditures will cost approximately $700,000, including the $100,000 of commercial grade fitness equipment from Carolina Specialty Fitness and an estimated annual additional utility cost of $6,422, according to city treasurer Debbie Sugg's financial analytics.

"I know that island people don't like to leave the island and we have quite a few folks that are members at O2 Fitness and other fitness centers and I think this would be a good alternative and they would join this as opposed to going across the bridge," Page said.

Important to note that all trees in the vicinitywill be preservedand no such removal will be necessaryfor the project's building plan, according to City Council.

City Council will hear first reading of the proposal after Labor Day weekend on Wednesday Sept. 6 at 11 a.m. located at 1207 Palm Blvd. Isle of Palms, SC.

Read the rest here:
Town Crier - IOP Rec. Center proposes additional fitness room - Moultrie News

Rodney FergusonChief operating officer, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

Ferguson

In 2014, the Forest County Potawatomi tribe opened a 381-room hotel at its casino in the Menomonee Valley. It is one of the largest hotels in Milwaukee. Now, three years later, the tribe says it plans to expand the hotel with a 119-room and suite addition, which will bring its total room number up to 500.

The project will also include the addition of 15,000 square feet of meeting space, bringing the total meeting space at the hotel and casino to about 65,000 square feet.

Construction for the $80 million project is expected to begin this fall and be complete in the spring of 2019.

In a recent interview with BizTimes Milwaukee editor Andrew Weiland, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino chief operating officer Rodney Ferguson explained the hotel expansion plans.

The reason we built the initial hotel was because there was a demand from our standpoint to satisfy our market. Typically if you have a casino without a hotel, you can extend the stay of your guests by adding some accommodations for them. We have been increasing our guest counts on a regular basis as a result of the hotel. Over the past three years, our attendance levels have skyrocketed. We went from 4 million in attendance (the year prior to the hotel opening) to over 6 million last year. We also knew when we built the first hotel, we didnt have enough suites. Thats something our guests really like. So we decided to add on another 59, which will quadruple the number of suites that we have.

Another thing we learned from talking to our guests they wanted some additional amenities, other than the restaurants and shows. So, we decided to have a spa and salon where you can get a manicure, pedicure, facials, haircuts. Another reason (for the hotel expansion) is, of course when we built the hotel we had some meeting space. We didnt have enough space in the casino and as we added the hotel we added more meeting rooms, as well, and that still hasnt been enough. We will be adding on some additional space for additional meetings.

It will take about 18 months (to build the hotel addition) from start to finish. Fortunately, we designed the property with the possibility of expanding, so we dont have to do the level of pilings that we did for the first project. So, it will be much easier to start and complete this project.

Rodney FergusonChief operating officer, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

In 2014, the Forest County Potawatomi tribe opened a 381-room hotel at its casino in the Menomonee Valley. It is one of the largest hotels in Milwaukee. Now, three years later, the tribe says it plans to expand the hotel with a 119-room and suite addition, which will bring its total room number up to 500.

The project will also include the addition of 15,000 square feet of meeting space, bringing the total meeting space at the hotel and casino to about 65,000 square feet.

Construction for the $80 million project is expected to begin this fall and be complete in the spring of 2019.

In a recent interview with BizTimes Milwaukee editor Andrew Weiland, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino chief operating officer Rodney Ferguson explained the hotel expansion plans.

The reason we built the initial hotel was because there was a demand from our standpoint to satisfy our market. Typically if you have a casino without a hotel, you can extend the stay of your guests by adding some accommodations for them. We have been increasing our guest counts on a regular basis as a result of the hotel. Over the past three years, our attendance levels have skyrocketed. We went from 4 million in attendance (the year prior to the hotel opening) to over 6 million last year. We also knew when we built the first hotel, we didnt have enough suites. Thats something our guests really like. So we decided to add on another 59, which will quadruple the number of suites that we have.

Another thing we learned from talking to our guests they wanted some additional amenities, other than the restaurants and shows. So, we decided to have a spa and salon where you can get a manicure, pedicure, facials, haircuts. Another reason (for the hotel expansion) is, of course when we built the hotel we had some meeting space. We didnt have enough space in the casino and as we added the hotel we added more meeting rooms, as well, and that still hasnt been enough. We will be adding on some additional space for additional meetings.

It will take about 18 months (to build the hotel addition) from start to finish. Fortunately, we designed the property with the possibility of expanding, so we dont have to do the level of pilings that we did for the first project. So, it will be much easier to start and complete this project.

Read the rest here:
5 minutes with Rodney Ferguson - BizTimes.com (Milwaukee)

The 2017 Summer Learning Program has just ended and we are thrilled to announce we had a record-breaking year with more than 1,000 children county-wide signing up to participate.

I believe the overwhelming response this year was due to the changes made to our usual summer program. First of all, we changed the name from Summer Reading to Summer Learning because, in addition to reading, we wanted to encourage families to explore their community. To support this goal, we changed the reward system so that when children finished their 10-book challenge, they received a custom-designed t-shirt. During July, when the children wore their t-shirts to participating businesses, they received special reading rewards, such as free ice cream, pizza, etc.

If you noticed lots of green T-shirts around town, now you know why. Parents and children have told us they had a great time visiting the generous businesses who partnered with us to offer reading rewards. They include Benny Adelinas, the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum, Dairy Queen of Rocky Mount and Ferrum, Daylight Donuts, Homestead Creamery, McDonalds of Rocky Mount, Rocky Mount Bowling Center, TNT Auto Body Repair and Service Centers, Westlake Cinema, The Whole Bean Coffeehouse and The Zone Family Fun Center. Parents and children alike appreciated the support given by these local businesses and they greatly enjoyed the rewards of the program.

Dairy Queen, The Zone Family Fun Center, and TNT Auto Body Repair and Service also hosted Bookmobile visits. In addition to the rewards offered by each business, the bookmobile offered activities and crafts for children and the opportunity to check in and out books.

And if exploring the community and reading rewards were not enough, we had special programming at both the Main and Westlake libraries throughout the summer. The Friends of the Franklin County Library provided the funding for great events such as Craft Day, Larsens Amazing Lizards, Red Herring Puppets, and Jonathan Austins Juggling and Magic Show. Our Main Library annual Carnival Day was made even better this year with the contribution of balloons by Jimmy Russell State Farm and the donation of personal pan pizza coupons by Pizza Hut. Mugsy, the mascot of the Salem Red Sox, even came to join the festivities.

It has been wonderful to see the community support childrens literacy this summer. So many businesses were excited to partner with us and we thank them for such a successful year.

Here at the Main Library we have also been enjoying our newly created Teen Room where we offer special programming for patrons aged 13-17. In June and July, teens participated in our journaling workshop as well as FAN Club. This summers FAN Club themes included Board Games, Comic Books, Middle Earth and Doctor Who. At each of these meetings we enjoyed snacks, themed activities, and encouraged teens to play as their favorite characters. We hope to take advantage of the momentum of such a great summer by continuing to hold FAN Club meetings during the school year--the first of which will be held Saturday, Sept. 9, from 2-3 p.m. Teens are invited to come join the fun and be a part of planning future FAN Club themes.

Many other popular programs such as art classes and Lego Club will also be returning this fall. Be sure to pick up our monthly event calendar or check our website at library.franklincountyva.gov to find out whats happening.

Thank you library staff, Friends groups, local businesses and patrons for making this one of the best Summer Learning Programs ever!

Read the original:
Summer programs included new Teen Room - Franklin News Post