As the summer turns more sticky in Palm Springs (we have a light monsoon season); heads are turning to Port Lawrence, an upscale loft development, which was supposed to be completed this fall.
Last year the city and developers excused over a dozen tenants from running their businesses in the area so that the classic mid-century modern buildings could be demolished to make room for a new upscale condo development.
The part of town was a busy, new, thriving arts district with galleries, restaurants and gift shops, all of which were destroyed quickly, leaving a barren almost-dozen block area just north of downtown a vast empty lot surrounded by a fence with a pretty sign that advertises Port Lawrence.
The vacant area has great piles of dirt and concrete rubble--not pretty.
Rumor has it that the development is being delayed until the housing market gets better. (The condos are selling for a hefty over 700,000 price tag.)
Other rumors have it that the city wants detailed plans of the entire development before its built.
Pity that our downtown is being held up. Feel free to comment.
Last year the city and developers excused over a dozen tenants from running their businesses in the area so that the classic mid-century modern buildings could be demolished to make room for a new upscale condo development.
The part of town was a busy, new, thriving arts district with galleries, restaurants and gift shops, all of which were destroyed quickly, leaving a barren almost-dozen block area just north of downtown a vast empty lot surrounded by a fence with a pretty sign that advertises Port Lawrence.
The vacant area has great piles of dirt and concrete rubble--not pretty.
Rumor has it that the development is being delayed until the housing market gets better. (The condos are selling for a hefty over 700,000 price tag.)
Other rumors have it that the city wants detailed plans of the entire development before its built.
Pity that our downtown is being held up. Feel free to comment.
What a shame. Exactly the same thoughtless actions happen within our councils over here in the UK too.
ReplyDeleteWe visited Palm Springs a couple of years ago and fell in love with the place. We had just as relaxing a holiday there as we would have had we gone to a beach somewhere. Beautiful.