HOTEL in fishtown? ! ? - Page 4 - PhillyBlog

eldondre · #31 (**permalink**) 02-17-2008, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brooke

I'd be interested to see what other items we've not supported on this forum. First, people on this forum are hardly a unified front. Second, we've had enough growth in the neighborhood so we don't have to accept anything that comes our way.... Now, there's SO much interest in Fishtown that we can be selective about what we want.

the question is, why should you have the power? it's not your land.

Quote:

Originally Posted by brooke

There's a lot of things to consider when talking about growth--whether something will be an improvement or not for the community. There are not just implications of if something "sounds cool" or not but draws on local resources, blocking of views, traffic patterns, parking, if something will be sustainable so that we aren't looking at vacant structures 10 years from now when business ideas fail (for instance, KFC in less than 5 years IMO).

why is the FNA more qualified than a bank to determine the sustainability of a project?

MayfairMeat · #32 (**permalink**) 02-17-2008, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eldondre

why is the FNA more qualified than a bank to determine the sustainability of a project?

MayfairMeat · #33 (**permalink**) 02-17-2008, 01:38 PM

Actually, hotels sitting alone in a residential area can do well, as long as it's close enough to transit and transportation.

The Best Western in the Spring Garden neighborhood was a prime example. It wasn't a failing hotel--it was just butt ugly.

In New York, specifically Manhattan, the hipster hotel seems to be the Hotel Pennsylvania, which is a favorite with kiddos and visitors who want a cheap hotel near a train station. I think it's still the 5th or 6th largest hotel in New York City.

Hotel Pennsylvania also accepts pets. Unfortunately, it's under threat of being demolished to make way for an office tower full of suits. There's a hipster-based protest movement to stop the building from being sold and subsequently razed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by moritz391

A 'hipster' hostel/hotel with $50/night rooms and a cool cafe close to public transport would probably do quite well. Development has to be clever in all segments for a city to grow. There have to be interesting options at both ends of the spectrum--whether it means cool coffee shops along with great five-star restaurants or compelling hostel-style hotels to compliment chic boutique facilities desperately needed in Rittenhouse.

Some of my favorite urban neighborhoods internationally have such hotel facilities that bring a diverse crowd of savvy travelers who support cafes and corner bars.

I don't know anything about the proposal, and these guys probably aren't proposing anything too innovative. So I'm not saying it's a great idea. I just would say that residents shouldn't immediately dismiss the concept.

WQstur · #34 (**permalink**) 02-17-2008, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brooke

But naw, Philly's first W Hotel ain't going in Fishtown. No. Libs maybe.

I thought you were in Real Estate? The new W hotel is going in at the southwestern corner of 12th and Arch.

dagmar · #35 (**permalink**) 02-17-2008, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastChestnut

Love this reply.

brooke · #36 (**permalink**) 02-17-2008, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eldondre

the question is, why should you have the power? it's not your land.

I'm totally for neighborhood power to give neighborhood approval or disapproval to a project. We don't have the ultimate zoning veto power at city zoning board level but our thoughts on it do matter.

Quote:

why is the FNA more qualified than a bank to determine the sustainability of a project?

Dude, you should read the proposal. I think anyone would be more qualified than the proposer to determine sustainability of the project. Banks often err...suburban abandoned strip malls are testament to that. Call me crazy for not wanting one of those where I live.

Scoats · #37 (**permalink**) 02-18-2008, 09:17 AM

I think there is demand for a small hotel in Fishtown. For example, Johnny Brendas gets some cult-audience acts that definitely could draw out of towners who would want to make a weekend of it. Not the mention the musical acts themselves.

Many Fishtown houses are rather small. Out of town relatives visiting Fishtown hipsters may prefer the comfort of a hotel rather than sleeping in a cramped quarters.

I saw the Charlie Brown assisted sign while passing through on Saturday. If that building is still owned by the same owner who has been sitting on it for years, then I find the sign especially curious. Lucy is known for constantly thwarting Charile Brown with a football. Will the owner play the part of Lucy, constantly pulling the offer out at the last moment while promising poor Charlie things will be different this time?

stillLife · #38 (**permalink**) 02-18-2008, 09:40 AM

I saw this post, then sure enough, I also received a Flyer.

Additionally, I was in Beer City on Friday, and the flyer is hanging up over the cash register in Beer City.

I don't know why I go in there - that place sucks. I keep forgetting to go to the joint on York.

danroth · #39 (**permalink**) 02-18-2008, 11:00 AM

That is the best response I've seen in years.
Thanks for the best laugh of the day.

seand · #40 (**permalink**) 02-18-2008, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fergie

can I move in with you ? Both the cat and I are house trained.

Question: do you also require use of a litter box?