OT: New Cotton District Development Looks Big

[TheWorkHersch]

Saw it mentioned somewhere there was a new mixed use development going up in the Cotton District where the BP eyesore currently stands. Couldn't find much recent news on the subject so did some digging on the Starkville Board of Alderman archives. Finally found an overlay rendering from mid-September. Surprised to find this project is much bigger than the BP site. It looks like 5 separate structures that wrap all the way around Hilcrest apartments with the other entrance nearly reaching to campus (image below).

Needles to say, this would be great for the District, but can't help but worry about whether this will actually match the District's aesthetic. Considering the developers appear to be from Tuscaloosa, I doubt they care much. Its name will likely also cause confusion around town: "Veranda at the Cotton District"

Anyone have updates on this? Not sure if it's just student housing but I'd sure love it if they worked in some near-affordable condos in the DC. Link (http://www.cityofstarkville.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/ArchivedAgenda/_09122017-154) to the archive for those interested. Overlay renderings on pages 24-28.

https://i.imgur.com/AmRreBB.png

[Lloyd Christmas]

I’d love to see some renderings of this

[DogsofAnarchy]

Be glad to tell you about it !!

[Liverpooldawg]

I had my first meal in the District last night. It's got a great vibe. It sure is a far cry from what it was back in the early 80's.

[TheWorkHersch]

I’d love to see some renderings of this

Found a rendering from 2015. Not bad. Was worried it’d turn out like the new “Russell Street Flats”

https://i.imgur.com/bLZN55G.png

[PassInterference]

Russell Street flats look like ass. Starkville should have never let that happen.

[TheWorkHersch]

Russell Street flats look like ass. Starkville should have never let that happen.

This.

I'm no conspiracy theorist, but the Russell Street Flats developer [Randall Commercial Group] seems to be staffed solely by Ole Miss grads (http://randallcommercialgroup.com/about-us/about/). If nothing else, I guarantee they put as little work into the Russell Street Flats as humanly possible:

https://i.imgur.com/40jr7Tv.jpg

Edit: Apparently the mayor's not a big fan of RSF either (http://www.cdispatch.com/opinions/article.asp?aid=52002):

"I wish I could say the project was a wonderful addition to the new vision for that area. While I love it is being built in an urban style, I have to confess I deplore the design. I am sure the developers have met the criteria required of them by the city and maybe they think it attractive, but the look is sparse and the result is barren and characterless.

Unfortunately, with the zoning for the "T" Districts, the city never felt there was a public will to adopt design standards that would promote the use of particular materials or require design approval before building permits were issued.

There is a measure of beauty you always hope will accompany new development, particularly when you are creating a sense of place. Sadly this project feels very immediate and opportunistic. It doesn't contribute to a sense of place or provide a feel of lasting value."

[DogsofAnarchy]

I can reassure all of you the new development is first class and there is nothing like it in Starkville. It will help take Starkville and the Cotton district to the next level. It has it all!!

[DawgGlass]

[QUOTE=TheWorkHersch;852955]This.

I'm no conspiracy theorist, but the Russell Street Flats developer [Randall Commercial Group] seems to be staffed solely by Ole Miss grads (http://randallcommercialgroup.com/about-us/about/). If nothing else, I guarantee they put as little work into the Russell Street Flats as humanly possible:

I believe RJ Allen Inc. out of Oxford both built and own RSFlats. Company is run by the son of Blackburn Chevrolet.

[TheWorkHersch]

[QUOTE=TheWorkHersch;852955]This.

I'm no conspiracy theorist, but the Russell Street Flats developer [Randall Commercial Group] seems to be staffed solely by Ole Miss grads (http://randallcommercialgroup.com/about-us/about/). If nothing else, I guarantee they put as little work into the Russell Street Flats as humanly possible:

I believe RJ Allen Inc. out of Oxford both built and own RSFlats. Company is run by the son of Blackburn Chevrolet.

Gotcha. Randall Commercial Group was just the developer/consultant (http://randallcommercialgroup.com/properties/russell-street-flats-student-housing-development/).

Regardless, the Oxford conspiracy to build a Starkville eyesore stands.

[Robburl]

Does it have a website?