Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Kyle Gray busks in front of An Urban Patio on Friday night, March 2, 2012, during First Fridays on Santa Fe Drive. (THE DENVER POST | Seth A. McConnell)

A group of architects has developed a plan for the Santa Fe Arts District that it hopes will spur the city into making the neighborhood more pedestrian friendly.

Improving the walkability along Santa Fe Drive between West Sixth and West 10th avenues would make the neighborhood more appealing to developers, said Mark Raeburn, principal of Hangar 41, an architectural firm formed in 2010 and located in the arts district.

"Art districts tend to be catalysts for development," said Raeburn, who will present the plan at a private event this evening to Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, various city agencies, the Denver Housing Authority and several local developers.

The plan also calls for improvements to 10th Avenue between

Heather Heick takes a moment to look at the paintings on the wall at the Galleries at 501 while exhibiting her work Friday night, March 2, 2012, during First Fridays on Santa Fe Drive. (THE DENVER POST | Seth A. McConnell)

"The connection between the light-rail station and the arts district is seen as a critical element for the neighborhood's success," said Kimball Crangle, project manager for the redevelopment of 10th between Osage and Mariposa streets, which is controlled by the DHA. "Connectivity is something that's not that far out of reach. We envisioned a promenade from 10th and Osage to Mariposa. It makes so much sense to carry it down to Santa Fe. Thoughtful design could really help solidify the effectiveness of the promenade."

NEWSED Community Development owns buildings on 10th and Mariposa. Hangar 41 worked on the vision with the help of NEWSED, which provided various master plans developed for the district dating to 1975, including one from the city in 2010 that suggested making Santa Fe a two-way street.

Though opening Santa Fe to two-way traffic is a good idea, it's not likely to happen because the Colorado Department of Transportation controls the street, Raeburn said.

What Hangar 41 envisions is removing one traffic lane, which would widen the narrow and difficult-to-maneuver sidewalks and calm traffic. If removing a traffic lane isn't possible, Raeburn said a "flex" lane could work, which would allow traffic during rush hour and parking during off-peak travel times.

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Architects push to make Denver's Santa Fe Arts District more pedestrian friendly

Some big changes are coming to two of San Luis Obispo's major retail areas: downtown and the Madonna Plaza shopping center.

Sports Authority, the Denver-based sporting goods company that fills nearly a block on Chorro Street, between Higuera and Marsh, is leaving downtown, according to Sports Authority Operations Manager Sara Jones.

Jones confirmed the store on Chorro is preparing to move into the spot where Borders Books and Music had been in Madonna Plaza, and will also take over spaces formerly occupied by the All That Glitters jewelry store and The Bed Store.

Those retail spaces are undergoing major construction to change them from three separate stores into one 35,000 square-foot retail space.

Jones said the move should be complete sometime in mid-May.

As for what might go into the downtown space now occupied by Sports Authority, it remains to be seen.

We are working on finding a replacement tenant, according to Therese Cron, tenant coordinator for Copeland Properties.

The lease agreement between Sports Authority and Copeland is not up until the end of the year, Cron added.

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Changes coming to major San Luis Obispo retail centers

FOUNTAIN VALLEY A project near the Civic Center with a 127-room hotel, 27 single-family detached homes, 61 townhomes and 2,300 square feet of retail space has gotten its final approval from the City Council despite concerns from residents about increased traffic.

The City Council chamber was filled Tuesday night with residents and community members, with about 25 people standing outside. Nearly 20 residents spoke out against the project - on Brookhurst Street and Slater Avenue - by the Ayres Hotel and Olson Co.

Project rendering of the 127-room Ayres Hotel to be built if approved by the Fountain Valley City Council on March 6.

PHOTO COURTESY OF OLSON CO.

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Most of the speakers cited concerns about increased traffic in an already congested intersection and others were concerned about potential construction issues.

The City Council approved the project 4-0, with Councilman Mark McCurdy, who lives within 500 feet of the project area, abstaining from the vote.

City officials say the hotel would bring in transient occupancy tax for the city and the townhomes would create housing for families and young people who can't afford single-family homes.

Construction for the Fountain Valley Civic Center Specific Plan Project is tentatively set for July 1, Planning and Building Director Andy Perea said after the meeting. The project includes demolition of a vacant SAFECO Insurance building, a building used by Coastline Community College and elimination of storage units used by the police department.

Construction of the hotel is expected to be completed within a year from when construction starts, said Don Ayres, hotel principal in an interview.

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Fountain Valley council OKs hotel, homes

DANBURY -- The city's west side is already home to condominiums and apartment projects. They're now building at the long-dormant Rivington project.

And if things fall into place for Greenwich developer Paul Foley, there will be a new mixed-use center -- with a two-screen movie theater, a rehearsal space, retail shops, cafes, office and dozens of loft apartments -- to serve them all on Old Ridgebury Road.

"The people who live in Rivington won't have to drive down to Mill Plain Road,'' Foley said Wednesday of the busy, strip-mall-line thoroughfare that is the life line of the west side. "They'll be able to just stop here.''

On Tuesday night, Foley's project moved forward when the City Council voted 17-4 to approve selling 13 acres of city-owned land off Old Ridgebury Road for $3.2 million to Foley and his company, Greenwich Development Group.

Foley said he hopes to close on the property by June, and begin construction in the spring of 2013.

Foley told the council Tuesday that the project will be a mixed-use "lifestyle center'' with each use complementing the others.

"There's nothing like it in the city,'' he said.

Foley said Wednesday the development will have a movie theater showing independent films, with two screens: one with about 250 seats, a second with about 300 to 400 seats.

It will also have a rehearsal/performance space that could also be used for film production. Foley said that while the developers will own this space, the city will have full use of it for free.

There will also be retail space for boutiques, offices, restaurants and loft apartments that would appeal to young adults or couples, or empty-nesters, rather than families. Foley was not sure of how many of these units there will be in the development.

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Theaters, lofts, slated for city's westside

Submitted by WWAY on Wed, 03/07/2012 - 2:44pm.READ MORE:

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- The Children's Museum of Wilmington is getting some help taking care of its home.

The Historic Wilmington Foundation is loaning the museum $23,000 for restoration. The money will help the museum make needed repairs to the historic St. John's Masonic Lodge, the former Greek Orthodox Church and the Cowan House that it calls home.

"They're going to be repairing the roof," Historic Wilmington Foundation board member Don Britt said. "As you know, a bad roof will cause more trouble than anything in the world. And I think the total cost of the project is in the neighborhood of $70,000, and I think what was going to happen is, we loan them this money, they'll pay this back."

The loan stipulates that the owners will donate a preservation easement on the buildings to the foundation ensuring their permanent protection.

Disclaimer: Comments posted on this, or any story are opinions of those people posting them, and not the views or opinions of WWAY NewsChannel 3, its management or employees. You can view our comment policy here.

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Historic Wilmington Foundation loans Children's Museum money for restoration

REGINA -- Saskatchewan Party cabinet minister Ken Cheveldayoff has outlined a list of factors he said would be needed to make an NHL franchise in Saskatoon a reality.

"There'll be those that say it can happen, those that'll say that it can't happen, but four things indeed have to happen," said Cheveldayoff, who previously led the province's unfruitful feasibility study into a replacement for Mosaic Stadium in Regina.

"We have to have a building that's NHL ready," he said Monday. "We have to have a business community that's ready to support this initiative. We have to have individuals who are willing to buy season tickets for the long term. And the NHL has to want it to happen."

Cheveldayoff noted efforts by Western Hockey League founder Billy Hunter to bring a team to the city in the 1980s "had the first three, but he didn't have the fourth."

"That's the challenge that's going to be in front of any type of promoter or any type of business group that wants to put this together," the minister said. "We'll provide them with information and we'll try to be as helpful we can, but it will have to be done by the private sector ... It's very early to talk (about whether) there will be a franchise or not."

Cheveldayoff confirmed the government has been approached by a group interested in bringing an NHL team to Saskatoon, but he wouldn't elaborate about who might be involved. The group that has approached government is On Ice Management Inc., which is being led by Toronto-based John Graham, who has brokered a number of successful ventures to bring pre-season NHL games to Saskatoon, a number of sources say.

"The government is not leading this thing in any way, shape or form," Cheveldayoff said. "This is a private-sector-led initiative - people have contacted the government and said they're very interested in putting forward an initiative that involves Saskatoon and the NHL and very recently we all learned that the NHL is interested in the Saskatoon market and is asking a lot of questions."

The resurrection of the Winnipeg Jets and the business model involved with that team "changes things substantially" for Saskatchewan's chances, especially considering the economic boom in the province, he continued.

"I think the NHL is looking across North America and saying, 'Where's the strongest economy?' and they're seeing that it is indeed Saskatchewan," he said.

"I think what's happening in Winnipeg has really changed the economic modelling," he continued.

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Province sets factors for Saskatoon NHL team

Above All Roofing Solutions Inc., a roofing company that serves the San Jose and Bay areas, is currently featuring a special spring roofing offer.

San Jose, CA (PRWEB) March 07, 2012

During this time, our material suppliers are also driving out last years products to make room for new materials, so pricing is at a new low for the season, Matt Llanes, operations manager of Above All Roofing Solutions Inc., said. Call us today for additional information on these products.

Many of the same manufacturers are also unveiling new colors and designs for many of their composition roof shingles.

"We needed a new asphalt shingle roof. I contacted several roofers and ultimately chose Above All Roofing Solutions Inc. based on their competitive bid and list of local references. The entire crew was polite and professional, answering my questions and addressing all my concerns. The crew did a great job cleaning up my yard on a daily basis. Thank you for making this a completely painless and hassle-free project! customer Peter Lee said.

For more information about the promotional discount or any of Above All Roofing Solutions products or services, call 408-514-5310, view the company on the web at http://www.aboveallroofingsolutions.com or visit 700 Northrup St. in San Jose.

About Above All Roofing Solutions Inc.

Above All Roofing Solutions Inc. is an independent Bay Area roofing contractor. It offers products and services for all roofing needs and provides quality work for leak location and repair to complete residential, commercial and industrial re-roofing. The staff features extensive knowledge in many types of roofing systems, including asphalt shingles, wood shakes, built-uproofing, tile and slate.

The Bay Area roofing company's goal is to provide quality workmanship and timely service at a fair price. The company is licensed, bonded and insured, and a long-term member of the Better Business Bureau.

Crystal Belardes Above All Roofing (408) 514-5310 Email Information

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Bay Area Roofing Contractor, Above All Roofing Solutions Inc., Announces Roof Repair Discount

To: ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND NATIONAL EDITORS

Standout line-up features headlining pop, rock, and country performers including Bonnie Raitt, IL DIVO, Barry Manilow, Ben Harper, Norah Jones, Martina McBride and Crosby Stills & Nash; the Annual NSO @ Wolf Trap series featuring Marvin Hamlisch and Idina Menzel; and Don Giovanni and The Rake's Progress by the Wolf Trap Opera Company

***TICKETS AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS NOW; ON SALE TO GENERAL PUBLIC SATURDAY, MARCH 24 AT 10 AM***

VIENNA, Va., March 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts announced yesterday 35 new shows to its summer schedule at the Filene Center at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. The 2012 season features some of the hottest in-demand acts, as well as the innovative repertoire and cast of the Wolf Trap Opera Company. Tickets are on sale now to members and go on sale Saturday, March 24 at 10am to the public.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120307/DC66191)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110414/MM83739LOGO)

Must-see highlights from the latest performance additions include the National Symphony Orchestra returning to Wolf Trap as its summer home with stunning performances for the eyes and ears; a unique new production of Mozart's classic Don Giovanni by the Wolf Trap Opera Company, featuring double-casting of its two lead roles; and some of the brightest names in music making their debut or much anticipated return for entertaining summer evenings under the stars.

NSO @ Wolf Trap Shoots for the Moon with Scores from a Star-crossed Romance, a Legendary Video Game, and a Little Help from NASA!

Wolf Trap welcomes back Emil de Cou as the NSO@Wolf Trap Festival conductor, joined by conductors Eimear Noone and Steven Reineke in guest appearances. National Symphony Orchestra performances include a screening of the iconic West Side Story, featuring the full score conducted by de Cou, and a rendition of Gustav Holst's The Planets, with captivating HD film featuring new NASA images. Reineke, one of the nation's most coveted pops conductors, will conduct the NSO in a performance with Broadway superstar Idina Menzel, a Tony Award-winner for her acclaimed roles in Wicked and Rent. Noone will conduct a spirited performance of music with footage from the legendary video game franchise The Legend of Zelda.

Wolf Trap Opera Company Presents the Country's Most Promising Opera Talents

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Wolf Trap Announces 35 Additions to its Summer 2012 Schedule; 74 Shows Booked to Date

So this is what the final leg of expansion has come to for the Big East, welcoming back a team that was kicked out for terrible performance only eight years ago.

Well, eight years might as well be eight decades considering the way realignment has turned conferences into corporate raiders, all too eager to destroy each other to preserve themselves. At turns, expansion has been part "Lord of the Flies," part Generation Me. But it has completely taken the biggest toll on the Big East -- turning a conference that had already lacked national respect into one that is a collection of teams formerly known as non-automatic qualifiers.

As in most of its other moves in the past four months, the Big East adding Temple to the football fold immediately had a sense of desperation attached. The Big East appeared to have no plan once West Virginia bolted for the Big 12 to the tune of $20 million. Playing with seven members for 2012 was not feasible. The Big East called on Boise State to join a year early. The Broncos thought the financial price too steep.

One-win seasons ended shortly after Big East membership ended. Joining the MAC and hiring Al Golden helped the program turn a necessary corner. Slowly but surely, the Owls began to win. The breakthrough came in 2009, when Golden led Temple to a 9-3 regular season and its first bowl berth since 1979. The following year, the Owls went 8-4 but were passed over for a bowl game.

When Golden left for Miami, the Owls went and hired one of the best assistants in the nation in Florida offensive coordinator Steve Addazio. He led the Owls to a 9-4 season -- Temple's third straight winning season -- and a win over Wyoming in the New Mexico Bowl, which was just the second bowl win in school history.

So perhaps the story today should not be what expansion has done to the Big East. That storyline has been rehashed about as many times as John Marinatto has told us all about the value of expanding the league footprint from coast to coast. Losing Syracuse, Pitt, TCU and West Virginia painted the Big East into this corner. We could play Sunday Morning Quarterback about whether perceived passiveness or ineptitude got the Big East here. Bottom line: Adding Temple had to be done.

Therefore the story today should be the second chance that has been afforded Temple -- much in the same way TCU got its second chance in the Big 12. Like the Owls, TCU was the bottom feeder of the Southwest Conference for years before getting kicked to the curb in 1994. There was little need for yet another Texas school, especially one that had made a habit of winning only a handful of games a season.

TCU worked its way back up, making it to multiple BCS games and securing an invite to the Big East before its true love, the Big 12, came calling last year. Temple has yet to achieve the same success as TCU. For all its improvements, Temple is still in its infancy as a winning program, and never once played for the MAC title -- despite being favored to win its division in 2010.

An added bonus this time around is the inclusion of its entire sports program, giving the Big East a solid hoops power to help make up for the heavy losses it took in that sport. Remember, this is the Big East we are talking about, and basketball has absolutely played a role in the additions of Memphis and Temple.

No matter how this move is perceived on the outside, Temple -- perhaps more than all the others -- must show the Big East made the right call in re-extending an invitation. No more falling back into the 1-10 doldrums, the winless conference seasons. The Big East may look different, but the league is still a step up from the MAC. Have the Owls made enough progress in just a handful of seasons to be a legitimate contender? Or at least a team that can continue to go to bowl games?

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Temple gets second chance in Big East

BIRMINGHAM, England, March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

EcoBuild, 20 - 22 March 2012, ExCel, London Reynaers Aluminium Stand N550

Demonstrating both sustainability and thermal efficiency, Reynaers Aluminium will be showcasing a number of thermally improved systems at EcoBuild 2012 including its market leading window and door system, CS104, ideal for passive construction.

Also featured on the stand will be CF77 Concept Folding sliding doors, CS38 slimline, steel replacement windows, Airmax parallel opening windows, CW50 Hi thermally improved curtain walling and examples of the company's sunscreening products.

A high insulation, triple glazed window system, meeting the exacting passive construction standards, Reynaers CS104 has a market leading Uw value of 0.77 W/mK, for a complete window.

On show for the first time at EcoBuild is the new Reynaers Concept Folding 77, a sliding, folding system with unique features that combine openness with large dimensions while meeting the demands for high insulation. Extremely versatile and easy to use, the system offers two vent profiles and can be used to fully open up internal spaces, while providing three threshold solutions.

Ideal for the replacement of steel windows, Reynaers CS38-SL is a three-chamber window system with excellent technical performance. Its slim lines make it equally attractive for new build applications for all types of side or top hung windows.

The unique parallel opening window Airmax allows air to flow around its entire perimeter facilitating highly efficient ventilation. Its use almost doubles airflow in comparison to traditional top hung windows.

Airmax, in a fully automated version, will also feature on an impressive CW50 Hi curtain walling faade. This high thermally insulated system can achieve a Uw value as low as 1.0 W/mK, providing optimal thermal comfort.

Options of Reynaers Sunscreening systems will also be on show, designed to readily integrate into new or existing buildings to protect against solar heat gain and glare ensuring a comfortable working environment whilst reducing the reliance on air conditioning.

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Sustainability and Thermal Efficiency are Key Themes on the Reynaers Aluminium Stand at Ecobuild 2012