PEORIA -- Any big event has the potential to tie up traffic or make parking a nightmare, but that was not the case at the Museum Block opening.

Visitors tell us they're pleasantly surprised at the parking situation downtown.

The new underground garage is now open and available for daily parking.

Streets surrounding the museum block have also been rebuilt to have pull in spots.

Visitors said these additions are making their experience less stressful.

Visitor Mary Cameron said, "Parking was fine. There's not really anything too crazy over here. There's something else going on by the Gateway building so I thought that was part of this so I parked way far out of the way for no reason. There's no line, everything's good."

Visitor Mindy Gudat said, "It wasn't bad. I didn't look to see where to go so I came in the back entrance but it looks like the parking garage is going to be plenty of space."

To use the garage - you have to pay $6 for the day of 75 cents per half hour.

You'll also have to start paying to use the pull-in spots starting Monday.

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Museum Visitors Say Downtown Parking Not A Problem

The venerable Surf Club, among the last of the grand jazz-age Miami-area private clubs, is on the verge of a transformation that would restore the faded luster of its historic Mediterranean Revival building and crown it with a trio of crystalline hotel and condo towers.

The fast-moving plan, which goes to a vote at the Surfside Commission on Monday, comes months after the club afflicted by shrinking membership and growing maintenance costs agreed to a $116 million buyout by the Koc Group, a Turkish conglomerate.

In public hearings and forums leading up to Mondays vote, Koc and its local partners pledged to open the club and its facilities to the public for the first time. Their project also promises a fiscal windfall to Surfside, a once-sleepy beach town north of Miami Beach that is undergoing a wave of upscale beachfront development.

The ambitious plan has been embraced by preservationists, town leaders and the Surf Clubs 122 remaining owner-members in part because it would embark on a radical renovation of the landmark 1929 building. The developers propose to strip away substantial and unsympathetic later additions, including an entire service wing and a long wall along Collins Avenue that hides the club from view, and restore or recreate original murals, light fixtures and doors.

By the end, they say, the building will appear much as pioneering Miami architect Russell Pancoast designed it, both inside and out. Architect Kobi Karp, whose firm is handling both the restoration and the design of the new buildings, said the process was aided by the availability of Pancoasts original plans, which elucidate details as minute as moldings and doorknobs.

At the same time, the developer proposes to add significantly less building density to the 6-acre club property, which spans both sides of Collins, than allowed by Surfsides code, so that neither the historic building nor its low-scale Surfside neighbors will be overwhelmed by the new structures, supporters say.

The scale of the additions has nonetheless taken some long-time residents aback, and residents of an eight-story condo directly to the south, the Surf House, are mounting a last-minute campaign objecting to a service and garage entrance at 90th Street that would face their buildings front entrance. But there has been little public opposition to the project.

This deal was designed backward we really considered the relationship to the community and the members first, said Robert Zarco, an equity Surf Club member who, as its general counsel, negotiated what he described as a complex transaction with the developers. This group was the most amenable to preserving the history and heritage of the club.

That history has been long and colorful. The club, which opened in 1930, predates the founding of Surfside and was designed by Pancoast in the highly ornate, and authentically detailed and proportioned, high-Mediterranean style then in vogue, with high beamed and vaulted ceilings, majestic colonnades and massive fireplaces.

Though it lacked a golf course, it boasted a broad stretch of virgin beach and quickly established itself as an exclusive center of social activity, beach lounging, and dining and dancing for local grandees and equally grand winter visitors, including the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and, later, stars like Elizabeth Taylor. But its most famous guest, in 1946, indisputably was Winston Churchill, who spent his time at the club painting seascapes.

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Renovation of Surf Club, where Winston Churchill painted, goes to Surfside Commission Monday

By Alex Ward

PUBLISHED: 14:24 EST, 13 October 2012 | UPDATED: 15:34 EST, 13 October 2012

A stay-at-home mother has won $200,000 (124,450) for her huge 40 foot mural done entirely with pencil.

Adonna Khare, 32, spent more than three weeks finishing off her mural of animals in the gallery as people came to view the artworks in competition ArtPrize at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Ms Khare of Burbank, California, created the 8x35 foot mural in her garage and said the animals reflected her life and the people in it.

Prize for pencil: Adonna Khare sits under her mural, 13x40ft, done entirely by pencil which won the people's choice award and $200,000 in prize money at ArtPrize

She then hung the mural in the gallery for the competition on September 9 and made additions to it as people passed by until it grew to 13 feet high and 40 feet long.

The emerging artist and elementary school art teacher had taken three years off at the birth of her daughter Kinsey who is now three-years-old.

According to theLos Angeles Times she said: I needed a goal, and I wanted to experience ArtPrize.

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Massive PENCIL Mural Wins $200,000 ArtPrize

WOODSTOCK A historical but dilapidated garage behind the Old Courthouse soon will be demolished.

The Woodstock Historic Preservation Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness to end the life of the 1920s-born building with no roof, boarded-up windows and cracks in the walls.

At the same Sept. 24 meeting, the commission decided to model Old Courthouse restoration on the buildings appearance in 1905.

Restoring the former McHenry County sheriffs garage would have cost more than $60,000, the city estimated in asking for the certificate.

From my standpoint, it really was kind of an agonizing decision, Historic Preservation Commission Chairman Allen Stebbins said. We need to do what we can do to preserve our historic structures, and it is a historic structure. ... But I really had to go back to where would the money be best spent.

The city also cited a leaky water main behind the garage as a reason to take down the structure. The leak is costing the city more than $2,000 a year, Stebbins said.

Some commissioners thought the city could have explored other options for the garage, Stebbins said, but only Erica Wilson voted against the citys request to demolish it.

The garage was built by jail inmates, including Dapper Dan McCarthy and Hymie Weiss members of the Prohibition-era Dion OBanion gang.

After the demolition expected to take place before winter hits the city will turn its attention to courthouse restoration. The decision to model the building on its 1905 self gives a first glimpse of what the finished product might look like.

Additions to the courthouse were built in 1904 and 1905, which was a major factor in the commissions decision.

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Old McHenry County sheriff's garage about to be history

Twice a week, The Chronicle features a local home on the market that caught our eye for its architecture, history or character. See more photos at http://www.sfgate.com/columns/walkthrough.

Address: 107 Prospect Ave., Sausalito.

Asking price: $2.15 million.

Description: This three-story Sausalito home, 3 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, features new additions including Swisspearl exterior siding, a cement fiberboard rain-screen system and a two-car garage. The house opens to a spacious living room with a custom-designed fireplace. A sliding NanaWall expands the living room to 1,400 square feet of indoor/outdoor space on a deck built atop the new garage. The main level also includes a dining room, kitchen and full bathroom. A stairway enclosed in glass and decorated with modern lighting leads down to a media room, a playroom, a bedroom, a full bathroom and the garage. The top floor features three bedrooms and an additional two full bathrooms.

Don't miss: The views of Angel Island, San Francisco and the water spanning Belvedere to Alcatraz from the deck and several of the bedrooms.

Built: 1935.

Size: Four bedrooms, four bathrooms in 2,519 square feet of living space.

For more information: Helen Luttemo, Marin Modern Real Estate, (415) 244-4414, 107prospect.com.

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Sausalito home with vast views

Cequent Consumer Products exhibits at 2012 AAPEX Show in Las Vegas Oct.30 - Nov.1st. announcing new innovative products and brands as main attractions for the exhibit during Automotive Industry Week in Vegas.

Solon, OH (PRWEB) October 08, 2012

Retail buyers, automotive industry professionals, manufacturers and industry media make this the biggest show for the automotive aftermarket each year. Cequent Consumer Products announces that their exhibit will be at the same location as last year in booth # 3616.

Cequents AAPEX exhibit planning begins in July for the October/November show. This year we will have many new additions and updates to our booth including a new double decker conference room, a new in-booth product showcase, the new and newly branded Laitner product line and some unique displays from Reese Towpowers latest innovation, said Francis Bernart, Cequent Consumer Products, VP of Marketing and Business Development.

Expect REESE Towpower to be one of the main attractions of the exhibit this year, said Eric Yukich, Marketing Director, Towing line, Cequent Consumer Products. REESE Towpower continues market leadership for Towing and Trailering products and we will be unveiling a new Reese Towpower product that will change the towing products industry.

The AAPEX show is a great opportunity for Cequent to showcase the latest products and take advantage of quality time with key account buyers. Cequent is anticipating many new visitors to this years exhibit with the NEW line of Laitner products. Laitner quality cleaning tools, a company Cequent Consumer Products bought in January 2012, has already been recognized with an award for its Innovative brooms and brushes by the home improvement industry.

Besides traditional towing products and new cleaning tools, Cequent Consumer Products has been developing new products for cargo securing and organizing. At the booth this year including a new bike rack from SportWing and expanded lines from Reese Power Sports and Highland.

We are excited to announce that we have extended our Marine product line under the Reese Power Sports brand, said Cynthia Eubank Marketing Director, Cargo Securing and Management lines. Reese Power Sports Marine will now consist of Tie Downs, Winches, Jacks, Boat Guides, and Accessories. We are dedicated to providing consumers with quality products to ensure that their boats make it to the water and back safely.

Cequent also is thrilled to present Reese Power Sports Extreme. Reese Power Sports Extreme consists of products specifically designed and engineered for the Power Sports enthusiast. One of the featured products is the Adjustable Motorcycle Chock which provides the perfect solution to securely support a motorcycle in an upright position in the garage or on a trailer.

New from our bike rack line is our SportWing 2 Bike Trunk mount rack. SportWing Bike Carriers provide a simple solution for transporting bicycles. The innovative design supports bikes by their wheels, rather than by their frames. Foam padding protects the bicycles and the vehicle from damage. The SportWing eliminates the need for adapter bars and is ideal for any active family. SportWing is also available in a hitch mounted two and four bike carrier option.

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New Brands, New Innovations Make Auto Aftermarket Leader Cequent Consumer Products the Must See Exhibit at the 2012 ...

Published: 2:00 AM - 10/06/12

WAWARSING The new owners of the Nevele have already spent about $750,000 trying to bring gambling to the 564-acre resort.

Michael Treanor has sunk $500,000 into redevelopment everything from architects to consultants to lobbyists and paid as much as $250,000 in town, county and school taxes since spring.

That doesn't include the $1.63 million Treanor spent in April purchasing the faded jewel at the foot of the Shawangunks. The Nevele has been closed since 2009.

But that's a pittance compared with the overall price of rebuilding a modern resort and casino: $400 million. The project will be finished only if the state awards a casino permit to the Nevele. There's just a 50 percent chance of that happening, Treanor has said.

The Nevele is competing alongside two Sullivan County plans for up to seven gambling permits statewide. State legislators must first pass a resolution, then voters have their say in a referendum.

A revitalized Nevele with 450 hotel rooms, a 150,000-square-foot casino and 1,500 full- and part-time employees would change the face of Wawarsing, a project impact study found. "(The study) has identified several potential large impacts with a high probability of potential impacts occurring," the town's evaluation concluded.

The town's population, annual budget and energy usage would likely grow by more than 5 percent as a result of the project, according to the study.

A resort and casino could result in major traffic problems along Route 209. And additions such as a seven-deck parking garage, ballroom and indoor water park could ruin majestic views from the Shawangunk Ridge. Treanor has promised a "green" roof for the garage to help it fit into the landscape.

Residents can comment in a public session at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at Wawarsing Town Hall. Written comments will also be accepted until Oct. 25.

Continue reading here:
Nevele expenses hit $750K

ASUs 2012 Master Plan proposes future additions for parking, including new garages and surface lots on the outer edges of campus.

One garage would be placed behind the Carl R. Reng Student Union in place of the International Student Center. The plan proposes different services to be added to the garage such as a parking office and other ground floor uses.

A new lot near the Armory has also been proposed. This addition would bring about the demolition of the Faculty and Academic Circle housing.

According to the plan, ASU wants to increase walkability of campus and decrease unnecessary automobile trips.

Al Stoverink was unavailable for further information on the proposed plans, but David Handwork, director of planning, design and construction, said in an email that these ideas are not definite yet.

Other than these future plans, several changes in parking have occurred since the beginning of the semester.

Lot N-5E in NorthPark Quads (NPQ) has undergone such modifications. These spaces were previously designated for students, but Vera Forrest, customer service manager of Parking Services, said that last week these spots were given back to visitors.

The initial transition to student parking came about because of a shortage of resident parking.

After surveying NPQ and Red Wolf Den parking lots this year, the lot was reassigned back to visitor parking, Forrest said.

By switching these spots, 25 residence spots were lost to visitors.

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Parking still causes problems

So this is it, Temple. You are now officially in the Big East.

Welcome back!

How does everything look to you from the outside? Shiny and new?

Well, come take a look inside.

They said they wanted a bigger place to stretch their legs -- like 100 yards and not 94 feet. Yes, all that comes with just a teensy bit more money in their pockets. But none of it comes with the rivalries they built and forged in this house. Or with the friends they made. Or with loyalty or camaraderie. Sigh. It is so tempting to say good riddance for the way they turned their backs on family. But all that bravado hides the truth.

Losing them hurts. Badly.

But onward and upward, right? They were old fuddy-duddies, anyway. Out with the old guard, in with the new guard! Change is good! Reinventing yourself is even better! No sense in looking backward. Plus, there would be no room for you in the house if they were still here. And everybody is so thrilled to have you back. You do look so much better than you did eight years ago. Reinvigorated. You have a healthy, winning glow.

So, let's begin the tour. Put on this construction hat. Ignore the jackhammering. Watch that "Pardon Our Dust" sign. And the other that says, "Set to be completed: July 2015." Ah, the sights and sounds of expansion.

Good news, as you can see. The framework of the house is still standing. Check that. The framework of the house is BIGGER and still standing. What do they say in Texas, again? Right! Bigger is better. In this case, seven additions are being put into the house. Seven! Really strong ones, too, from places like Boise, Houston, Orlando, Dallas, San Diego and Memphis. Combine that with what is already in place, and you have a house made of championship-grade material.

Seriously!

The rest is here:
Welcome back, Temple!

The following is the May list of building permit recipients, contractors when applicable, property addresses, job descriptions and cost of the planned improvements: McLaughlin, 262 North End Blvd., vinyl siding, $16,000 Pare, 466 North End Blvd., mechanical heating and a/c, $10,950 Godbout, 54 Locust St., windows, $2,600 Twoomey, 53 Dock Lane, renovation, $20,000 Fortin, 75 Main St., sign, $2,400 Moran, 9 Schoolhouse Lane, replace door, $3,000 Ct. Beach Bums, 15 Vermont St., remodel, $8,500 Holmes, 9 Commercial Ave., siding, $1,750 Godfrey, 15 Common. Ave., roof porch, $2,950 Bridges, 65 Folly Mill Road, roof, $4,500 Sullivan, 457 North End Blvd., addition/decks, $240,000 Town of Salisbury, Broadway, pergolas on islands, $10,000 Bonheur, 118 Cable Ave., roof, $6,900 Keiley, 229 North End Blvd., bath remodel, $2,740 Buttaro, 8 Souther Lane, solar, $29,148 Winners Circle, 211 Elm St., commercial sprinkler system, $5,560 Fortin, 131 Rabbit Road, demo, $3,500 Splash, 3 Broadway, sign, $1,200 Smith, 3 Broadway, condo renovation, $35,000 Twomley, 14A Vermont St., 2nd egress, $800 Twomely, 14B Vermont St., 2nd egress, $500 Bistany, 124 Cable Ave., windows/doors/deck rep., $18,000 Blais, 71 Rabbit Road, window replacements, $4,400 Dragon, 22 Forest Road, remodel, $25,000 Coates, 11 Rabbit Road, single family, $55,000 Casey, 100 Cable Ave., roof, $5,200 Sass, 187 Folly Mill Road, deck, $2,700 Langmaid, 7 Short Lane, repairs, $2,000 Gertein, 322 North End Blvd., repairs, $800 Avery, 22 Gerrish Road, garage, $25,000 MacDonald, 194 No. 27N Lafayette Road, deck, $1,950 Marino, 60 Central Ave., roof, $10,375 Painter, 32 Ferry Road, roof, $5,000 Petryk, 1 Wolperts Way, roof, $15,000 Desjardin, 40 Main St., garage existing foundation, $8,000 Medeiros, 17 Rabbit Road, additions, $80,000 Valerio, 15 Main St., handicapped bath, $5,700 English, 131 North End Blvd., roof, $12,000 North End Blvd., 595 North End Blvd., sprinkler, $14,700 Cleary, 8 Vermont St., bath basement, $11,600

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Salisbury building permits