Pamela on 11/26/2008 5:08:14 PM wrote:
the museum looks like the wreck of the flying nun, right smack dab upside of a bridge
no need to say more
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Justafan on 11/18/2008 10:31:16 AM wrote:
Walker is not talking about attracting visitors. If not for the railroad, Roanoke would still be a village called Big Lick.
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rabornj on 11/17/2008 10:36:47 PM wrote:
Walker;
I dont really think the railroad attracts many visitors to the downtown area. Please explain why you think it does.
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Walker on 11/12/2008 4:08:04 PM wrote:
"the best thing that has ever happened to Roanoke"
Huh?
I think the Railroad has the "museum" beat by a mile.
I notice there aren't too many responses on here AFTER the Monorail...er Museum opened.
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rabornj on 10/23/2008 7:26:44 PM wrote:
The museum will be the best thing that has ever happened to Roanoke. We will take pride in it for many decades. Some complain that Roanoke won't do anything 'new', yet when they do, the same crowd is full of criticism. Stop being so negative and ignorant. Enjoy the museum!!!
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sweetmilk on 3/31/2008 3:24:36 PM wrote:
I will be the first to admit that I am wrong and I sure hope that I am wrong but after the initial buzz I don't see the museum visitor numbers being significantly higher than when the museum was in it's old location. I mean, hasn't VF been telling us for the last 13 months that we are seriously lacking in hipness?? Now if we'd just let VF build their cool restaurant on Mill Mountain....
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ziranthia on 3/25/2008 4:03:57 PM wrote:
"I like the blue sky above our city"
Huh? Blue sky? Last time I was in that area, the sky was as dirty as every other place. All those tractor trailers blasting through there contribute to it, I'm quite sure.
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ziranthia on 3/25/2008 1:06:44 PM wrote:
"Southwest Virginia needs to stand up to the naysayers in NoVa and Richmond, and the coast. what We have is pristine"
Says who, honey? Roanoke has brought the negative opinion of naysayers on itself. I would imagine that many of those "naysayers" grew up in Roanoke and moved on to greener pastures. I did that myself, and I'm a naysayer.
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nonenmys on 3/19/2008 4:15:45 PM wrote:
I going on record with my prediction that the museum will fail within 10 years but the design of the building will make for an outstanding NASCAR museum which is more suitable to a building that looks like a car wreck.
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Thumper on 2/23/2008 6:57:09 PM wrote:
Where is the push in the community for the science museum and its programs?
Where are the corporate partners?
Where are the educational partners (colleges and universities)?
Where are the increased local governments' support?
Individuals' support?
Has science (and science education) been pushed to the sidelines? Children need to understand science! We all need to understand science!
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Thumper on 2/23/2008 6:50:51 PM wrote:
I am tired of the who, what, who, who and what of the art museum.
Let's look across the city market to the Science Museum of Western VA! My children have had wonderful experiences at the museum! They have visited the exhibits and participated in summer camps over the past few years! During the school year, they have benefited from the museum educators' presentations to their classrooms. They have come away inspired to ask questions and hey have come away enthused by what they have experienced. (continued...)
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ziranthia on 2/18/2008 12:47:28 PM wrote:
"School kids will not keep it going". A good point, Sweetmilk. Look at The Explore Park. The museum will only have so many repeat visitors who are local, and as you put it, Roanoke is NOT NOVA (and oh how you hit the nail on the head with that one!). I also like the statement about Roanoke not being a bastian of hipness. True. Maybe John Deere could open a museum and have antique Skoal cans on display. You are wise beyond your 25 years, Sweetmilk.
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old_curmudgeon on 2/18/2008 11:53:24 AM wrote:
How about the Rodney Dangerfield Museum of Art. Couse, you know, it don't get no respect.
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sweetmilk on 2/13/2008 10:48:34 AM wrote:
I love the edginess of the architecture and am sure that this package will attract a lot of visitors who would not ordinarily walk throught the doors.My doubts are about the quality of their experience AFTER they walk through those doors.This muesum's collection is not a regional power and let's face it....RoVa is not NoVa and we are hardly a bastion of hipness. Not that there is anything wrong with that, it's just not who we are and this is a BIG museum project. School kids will not keep it going.
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humbleroots on 2/7/2008 7:34:57 PM wrote:
I agree with ekonaor in that there is a lot of negativity when it comes to this town. People here say spend money on the children, yet when the library opened the teens’ room, people responded very negatively. Isn’t the Art Museum for the kids as well? Sure, money could have been dumped into education, but history shows the valley doesn’t support that either. Look at the short-lived charter Mill Mountain School for Girls. An effective new educational experience, that lacked support from the community and fizzled out. The Art Museum will be what the Valley makes it. It may not make sense now, and it may be hard to see, but the greatest oak was once a little nut who held its ground.
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Walker on 2/7/2008 1:58:27 PM wrote:
Who really cares what the name is? Get over it folks. I am quite certain this man didn't ask for them to name it after him.
Maybe we should name it "The Built by the Rich and White, for the Poor and Colored Museum of Downtown Roanoke, Across the railroad Tracks from Historic Gainsboro".
Would that appease everyone?
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toles16 on 2/7/2008 12:00:45 PM wrote:
If any of you knew the Taubmans, you would know that they are gracious, generous, and very down-to-earth people. To characterize Nick Taubman as egotistical is an offense to his character. He has been wildly successful and through hard work and smart decisions grew his family company immensly. Now, he and his family are able to give back to the community. You may not like the Museum design or not appreciate art, but the money that has been donated is not yours, so you have no right to criticize those who have put up the money for a cause they see as worthy.
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Travelguy on 2/7/2008 10:29:38 AM wrote:
I read an article recently in a Canadian newspaper about Roanokes' new art museum. It named it the "Art Museum of Western Va" in Roanoke, WV. If this museum is to gain world-wide significance I think it must have the Roanoke name in it somehow. The Taubmans have been very generous to the valley and I can understand why the patrons would like to see their name on it but I am just thinking about the broader impact.
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esserville on 2/7/2008 10:08:07 AM wrote:
I dont live around Roanoke but I visit quite often.I use to live there but retired and moved away. Some questions:What about the parking? Will it be free after the offices around town go home and free the spaces up?Will this just be a building with pictures on the walls?Will other events be held there?Will other places stay open in the evening to support it?From what I know about downtown the evening will be the only time to vist because during the day it is to crowded with no parking.I hope it is a great addition to downtown and look forward to my first visit after it is finished.
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TripleActionJones on 2/7/2008 9:02:04 AM wrote:
I don't have a huge problem with the name, but I can appreciate what 'gdtaylor' said a few posts down - "the whole naming thing is egotistical and self serving".
Will there be a bronze statue of the couple bathed in soft light at the entrance as well?
;)
There's plenty of plain,rectangular and square buildings left in the city so all you guys bent outta shape over it's design needn't fret so.
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tigerlilly on 2/6/2008 10:16:21 PM wrote:
Salem too smart.
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Walker on 1/2/2008 12:46:22 PM wrote:
Surprisingly enough, no. By NECKCAR, are you referring to Nascar?
Oh, I see... your saying anyone who watches it is a red-neck, I get it. Clever.
No, surprisingly again, I don't watch racing either.
I am interested in seeing how the museum is going to last beyond the initial few months. I think the idea/dream that this is a cultural hub is hilarious.
While I enjoy the occasional trip myself. Museums don't typically fare to well here.
They had better have some big-time stuff going on. Sadly, I'm fairly certain they don't.
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roenoke on 1/2/2008 11:49:03 AM wrote:
Aw, come on Walker, you know you cuddle up on the couch with the Sunday NYTimes and watch NECKCAR
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Walker on 1/2/2008 9:55:11 AM wrote:
I try to avoid the NY Times at all cost. Putrid rag.
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tigerlilly on 1/1/2008 10:57:31 AM wrote:
Here is a link to The New York Times article about the museum. What to you think ... boom or bust ... vote here:
http://savecountryside.blogspot.com/
Article here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/29/us/29roanoke.html
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Travelguy on 6/22/2007 10:53:19 PM wrote:
After the mid 80's disastrous flood in Roanoke, the local citizens thought their missile should be preserved for all to see and enjoy. Sound like the same Victory Stadium folks? I have always thought it was a mistake to stick it downtown in front of the Va. Transportation Museum.
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TripleActionJones on 6/22/2007 2:35:21 PM wrote:
I think the "missile" is actually an old space rocket that was donated to the Transportation Museum,where it sits now.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
It used to be sitting in Wasena Park but it was more irrelevant there
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GeorgiaBoy on 6/22/2007 2:32:49 PM wrote:
Ok..now I am making up words...in an earlier rant...I mean...post...I said 'disconcordant'...no such word...I meant to say 'discordant'....sorry.
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TTrent on 6/22/2007 2:30:00 PM wrote:
I can't believe we have that monstrocity in our quaint, historic downtown. It appears to be a spaceship that unfortunately landed in the middle of the historic district of a small, southern city. But wait, isn't that the opening scene of a sci-fi movie I read about last week?? How do I feel about this out-of-place structure - sad, very sad. It doesn't make Roanoke appear progressive, it makes Roanoke look stupid for allowing the design to compromise the integrity of our city.
What is more disturbing is the same folks who approved the architecture of this eyesore and the raping of Slade Hill are the same ones who will have the final say in allowing yet another mistake - the Inn on Mill Mountain.
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TTrent on 6/22/2007 2:20:40 PM wrote:
I can't believe we have that monstrocity in our quaint, historic downtown. It appears to be a spaceship that unfortunately landed in the middle of the historic district of a small, southern city. But wait, isn't that the opening scene of a sci-fi movie I read about last week?? How do I feel about this out-of-place structure - sad, very sad. It doesn't make Roanoke appear progressive, it makes Roanoke look stupid for allowing the design to compromise the integrity of our city.
What is more disturbing is the same folks who approved the architecture of this eyesore and the raping of Glade Hill are the same ones who will have the final say in allowing yet another mistake - the Inn on Mill Mountain.
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Travelguy on 6/22/2007 12:27:34 PM wrote:
On that same note, I was walking over the Hotel Roanoke overpass to downtown and a couple from Florida asked me "What was that ugly missle doing in front of the Va. Transportation Museum". I said I was not sure why they thought a missle had anything to do with railroads? I have heard tourists saying they liked the outdoor dining around the market as it seemed like European cities they had visited. I have overhead some wonder why there aren't any movie theatres downtown or a planetarium that is only open at 4pm? I think once the Art Museum opens it will bring in more tourists. My biggest concern is will we have another Hotel downtown soon. Lets do it now before the interest rates go up!!
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TripleActionJones on 6/22/2007 12:25:00 PM wrote:
I think most people will like the look of the art museum when it's done,with the exception of those who are diehard against the museum at all.
No structure is anything beautiful to look at when you just see the frame of it with scaffoldings everywhere.When the exterior "shell" is added,I think the difference will be dramatic and look much better.
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GeorgiaBoy on 6/22/2007 11:50:21 AM wrote:
Yesterday, while at the YMCA, I overheard a woman, visiting from Charlotte NC, ask, "what is that big ugly looking shell being constructed downtown?" She was informed of what it was...and replied something to the effect of it 'being a future eyesore'. She also commented on the lack of parking downtown.
I am happy for a new art museum..just not its ugly appearance...yes..Roanoke could stand some changes..but how about a little taste when doing so.
In closing, Roanokers don't monopolize disconcordant views about the museum...others outside the area hold them as well.
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Travelguy on 6/22/2007 9:51:34 AM wrote:
I think when the outer shell of the building of the new Art Museum is finished, Roanokers will be amazed! There has been very little construction of any kind downtown since the Wachovia Tower. Yes, downtown has needed a hotel/condo/office project for many years. Obviously, local developers still favor a "419" address. If the Art Museum takes off I think the City should look at trolleys from the Riverside area to the Art Museum.
I hope native Roanokers can stand so much change. It is encouraging construction is still going on at the Art Museum. Yes, this project is a bit much for Roanoke's taste but we are changing from a gritty southern railroad town whose largest employer left us in the dust.
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old_curmudgeon on 12/1/2006 11:47:08 AM wrote:
Does anyone know if the city still subsidizes the Hotel Roanoke and conference center? If so, how much is the subsidy? The newspaper published this information when the hotel re-opened, and as I recall the subsidy was considerable.
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ANTHONY on 11/13/2006 9:48:41 AM wrote:
Doesn't it seem odd that the "Travel Guy" would bemoan the lack of hotel rooms in downtown, and then complain about the prospect of a hotel/condo/office project in downtown. It's this type of project that might actually be possible and profitable in Roanoke.
Multi use projects increase your base customer and increase your chances of success. Any development in Downtown Roanoke is a positive development. Roanokers have for to long had a "head in the sand" view of the valley and a negative view of themselves.
Roanoke is a great city, if only Roanokers could see it that way, it would be nice.
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benzocaine on 11/11/2006 1:12:39 PM wrote:
What a joke this new museum is. It's not a funny joke though. We could spend out money on much more important things.... like our scools for instance. What a novel idea huh?
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Travelguy on 11/11/2006 12:24:03 PM wrote:
Lets be Positive for a change!! We all hope the Art Museum can transform the downtown area and muster more out of town visitors.
My main concern is the obvious lack of quality hotel space in that part of the City.
I hope Roanoke's "movers and shakers" don't
abandon downtown and instead construct a hotel/condo/office type of development with parking that would complement the new museum and market area. Hotel Roanoke gets enough business and stays booked. Lets get busy!!
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ANTHONY on 11/6/2006 12:41:36 PM wrote:
The problem with Roanoke and the people in it is that they all want to live in the past. The last thing Roanoke needed was another square building.
I think the people who designed the new museum should be very proud, and Roanokers should be even prouder, that someone finally showed some vision in this city.
I am tired of all the people who want things like they are. If Roanoke doesn't make some bold moves, its going to choke. One only has to look at the fact that national publications have already covered the museums design in a positive light, and that just shows that it was the right thing to do. I can't wait, it will change Roanokes view of it's self forever.
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nonenmys on 11/4/2006 6:24:08 PM wrote:
i still cant believe that eyesoar is being built. if the lack of taste required to clash that structure against the pleasant downtown skyline of roanoke is what i can expect to see inside it will be a sad waste of money. i wish the planners would have cared more about the wonderful atmosphere we have downtown and tried to enhance it with the architecture of the museum.
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bloomingboob on 10/17/2006 9:27:42 AM wrote:
I hope this art building will be well worth it when it is finished. It will take some getting used to, I must say.
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bettylou on 10/16/2006 10:58:33 AM wrote:
While I am not totally against having an Art Museum, I wonder if Roanoke needs this elaborate Facility. I think that Roanoke City should be concentrating on Completion of Building Schools, Business to increase Jobs in this area, and giving our young people something to be proud of in this area, and possibly make them want to stay here when they get out of school. What do they have to look forward to?
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RoanokeFound on 10/10/2006 4:18:47 PM wrote:
ROANOKE, VA - Centex Construction will close Norfolk Avenue, SE
(between 3rd Street, SE and Market Street) at 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 23,
until May 2008 to allow for the construction of the art museum.
Well, this should be interesting.
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RoanokeFound on 6/1/2006 4:06:04 PM wrote:
Ah - but theres the rub. The folks behind the Art Museum cannot afford any more construction overruns, cost hikes, or anything else. Actually, the last time anyone heard anything on financing from them - they were 20 million short of the final cost as it was.
Maybe they can get Hometown Bank to float them a loan..
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old_curmudgeon on 6/1/2006 10:36:47 AM wrote:
Whether you like or hate the new museum, chances are this is not the last increase in its construction costs. I am guessing it will end up being double the original estimate.
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ABGPMG on 5/5/2006 1:22:28 AM wrote:
WHERE WILL PEOPLE PARK.DOWNTOWN ROANOKE WILL LOSE HUNDREDS OF PARKING PLACES WITH NO PLANS TO REPLACE ANY.THEY ARE DRIVING OUT ALL SMALL BUISNESS BECAUSE OF THIS.ALL AROUND TOWN PEOPLE SAY THAT THE LACK OF PARKING KEEPS THEM AWAY FROM DOWNTOWN, CIVIC CENTER, GRANDIN ECT...ALL OF THESE LOCATIONS ARE REDUCING STILL THE PARKING.WE DO NOT HAVE A SUBWAY.PEOPLE MUST DRIVE AND PARK.
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transplantedknight on 4/10/2006 1:17:04 PM wrote:
I think what we need to worry about is not so much the design of the new art museum or the situation of Victory Stadium but the fact that we as a community cannot seem to sit down and listen to one another. Are we a community of hate filled egos waiting to unleash our fury?
Do you read these posts? Does this sound like a town you want to be in? There is so much vehement anger towards different opinions. It saddens me that as adults, citizens and leaders we can’t have open communication and listen to one another instead of criticize each other.
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transplantedknight on 4/10/2006 1:16:29 PM wrote:
I think what we need to worry about is not so much the design of the new art museum or the situation of Victory Stadium but the fact that we as a community cannot seem to sit down and listen to one another. Are we a community of hate filled egos waiting to unleash our fury?
Do you read these posts? Does this sound like a town you want to be in? There is so much vehement anger towards different opinions. It saddens me that as adults, citizens and leaders we can’t have open communication and listen to one another instead of criticize each other.
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ziranthia on 4/8/2006 9:50:32 AM wrote:
"Could no longer handle the Victory Stadium message thread?" You are funny. Can YOU handle LIFE? That's the question here.
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RoanokeFound on 4/7/2006 11:34:40 PM wrote:
Z
Could no longer handle the Victory Stadium message thread? Now your going to come and use your NoVa/DC Metro mentality to show us simple 'nokers how dense we are?
Just curious.
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ziranthia on 4/7/2006 10:37:36 PM wrote:
My question is WHY build an art museum of any sort? Roanoke does not have the level of culture needed to support such a project in the first place. An art museum will fail. I'm amazed that the Star still remains on Mill Mountain.
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maryzart7 on 4/6/2006 6:52:05 PM wrote:
Not that it matters. But I feel the same way. I do not understand why they would choose such an odd design for a museum, when nothing else in this city looks remotely close to it. I suppose they want Roanoke to be known for it's forward thinking and progress by making such an odd building.
It would make sense to have a more historical structure that matches the way downtown and surrounding areas look. But I suppose we will just have to accept it. It's ugly, it's too expensive but that's what the rich folks want..that's what they get.
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Justafan on 4/6/2006 6:33:35 PM wrote:
I agree with the fact that the design of the building does not fit in with downtown Roanoke and the Market area specifically. I know in Old Southwest, any property changes or building must be approved to assure it fits in with the Old Southwest area. Evidently, the same type of approvals are not required for the market area. I don't understand why the board of the Art Museum doesn't see that the design of this building will stick out like a sore thumb. I have a feeling that the L.A. architect who designed this monstroity is counting his money and laughing at the design the rubes in Virginia bought.
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PatJ45 on 4/6/2006 12:30:27 PM wrote:
One question for the City leaders: Why did you go outside the Roanoke Va for a designer on the new proposed Art Museum? I would think that a local firm would know the historical area and would be more inclined to design a building that would fit in. This "space ship" that is being proposed just doesn't fit in in downtown. If they are bent on putting such a museum downtown then have a local designer design one that will fit in and accent this historical district and buildings already there.
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majordad24122 on 4/6/2006 2:23:23 AM wrote:
I must say this "new " museum has GOT to be the UGLIEST thing I have ever seen and does NOT belong in my beloved Roanoke, Va and certinally NOT in HISTORIC downtown Roanoke. Why ruin sure a nice place with such an UGLY site as this is and will be
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weillc on 4/5/2006 9:09:17 PM wrote:
Roanoke isnt as bad as some of you make it out to be. SW is a lovely that has its problems, but you can feel safe in the area. The Art Museum has made a great decision in keeping the building in Downtown Roanoke. That is where it belongs. Don't make the city look bad, this is supposdly your city.
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Pamela on 4/5/2006 8:24:39 PM wrote:
The so-called 'art' museum is ridiculous. Why can't this city spend money on things that we REALLY need...like clean up old SW and get rid of the crack whores, the crack dealers, all the crime ridden areas of this city...but oh, my mistake, art museums and traffic-calming money wasters are so much more important...who runs this town anyway and why aren't they paying attention?
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Starcityflyer on 4/5/2006 7:08:57 PM wrote:
One million more for the First Street Bridge to be converted into a memorial for Dr. Martin Luther King. Twenty million more for this most ill conceived Art Museum proposed and put forth by the areas "Movers & Shakers"
Translated - Wealthy, so called social elite with to much time and money on their hands.
You want to see these "Movers & Shakers" running for the hills? Transfer the MLK Bridge funds to the Art Museum and then call it "The Martin Luther King, JR." Art Museum.
The city sponsored Grandin Theater project is failing along with the new O. Winston Link Museum. Seems that the one thing they all have in common are "Enron" bean counters!
E. Duane Howard
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waurikakid on 4/5/2006 10:51:23 AM wrote:
That thing looks like it needs to be in the Twilight Zone. I can't wait until some kids take some loose bricks from Victory Stadium and put them thru all the glass panels in that thing and run up the cost to $100 million. We have some great thinkers here in Roanoke! I just wish we had some down to earth intelligence surfacing somewhere at least, once in a blue moon.
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dontmesswithseth on 4/5/2006 10:28:31 AM wrote:
Another prime example of Roanoke leaders totally missing the mark. This thing is hideous and out of place, and does nothing to reflect the rich archetectural history of Roanoke. It seems like there's a constant push to prove how cool we are by building cliche buildings or institutung predictable programs rather than building off the unigue history of the city. I'm all for supporting art, but I don't believe a 60 million dollar building is the way to do it. If they can find the money for that, why can't they find the money for arts programs in schools? Scale back, build something reasonable and appropriate for the city, and start thinking people up, not top down.
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rnorman on 4/5/2006 8:58:58 AM wrote:
The size and shape of this structure is totally out of place in downtown Roanoke. Move it to the mountain where it will fit in much better with the landscape and won't appear as such an eyesore!
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Mtpleasant on 4/5/2006 8:32:24 AM wrote:
$60 MILLION dollars?!?!? All the rest of the areas charitable orgs are in a hurt locker(like Explore Park), and the giant sucking sound you hear is headed toward the Art Museum's building site. Why not save money on a more modest building design and spend the money on actual ART??
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maryzart7 on 3/7/2006 3:17:36 PM wrote:
I agree with you. Simple decisions cannot even be made on this city on the most simple of subjects.
Yes, that river is disgusting. I used to run along the stretch of road that runs behind Mountain View. There is everything from deer carcasses to crack pipes. I was thinking of ways to organize that project.
Roanoke does seem to be stuck in this very backwards place. Which makes me think, what kind of folks are running the show?
People were protesting having alcoholic beverages served at events at the Roanoke Civic Center. My, that is pathetic!
I went to an event at a venue here and they made us sit in a little room to have a drink. Far from the music you paid to see. Are we in Pleasantville?No wonder the young folks move on.
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JackValley on 3/7/2006 2:24:21 PM wrote:
Mary & RoanokeFound-
Great points to both of you. My preference of the museum's placement is unimportant. I think it will be a great addition to our Valley (regardless of where it goes) and, hopefully, help move us into the 21st century.
My concern is that our valley has become so completely paralyzed regarding economic development by many in the community with a total and often illogical resistance to any and all change.
We're deadlocked about Victory Stadium. We fight high school football stadiums. We oppose cleaning up our disgusting looking river. We haggle over a big-time, futuristic art museum (and even a decrepit building facade beside it). Maybe I'm crazy, but I see a pattern here.
Opposition to everything.
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maryzart7 on 3/7/2006 1:37:02 PM wrote:
Okay, so if you don't like the idea of a museum being placed atop Mill Mountain, then you are some backwards, cave dweller? Yeah, that's logical. The museum atop Mill Mountain itself will not transform Roanoke into an interesting place.If people did venture here by the thousands to see the museum on the mountain, then what else do we have to offer?
First of all, if you want to attract people to the Roanoke Valley, why can't we even have a decent music venue? Go to any other city, they all have one, two or three of them. Ours are disappointing.
I think having more shopping downtown would be a plus as well. I have spoken with several folks that have buisnesses downtown, they say it's slower than ever.
Logically, museum downtown, or within a close range=buisness.
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RoanokeFound on 3/7/2006 10:47:39 AM wrote:
Hey Jack - how about properly marketing Roanoke, instead of the newspaper running stories making it look like trash? That would be a good start.
Proper use of space, business and otherwise would also be a good place to start.
in short, the way the city conducts business needs to change to move Roanoke forward.. The Valley is another matter entirely. Without the city, there is no county - and they county needs to recognize that. They need to start working with the city, instead of independantly of it.
Again, you want ideas? Theyre out there - but in the climate that exists right now - they are not being heard.
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JackValley on 3/7/2006 7:32:01 AM wrote:
Small town thinking. Open your minds. Is it any wonder our city is going backwards and our youth are leaving in droves. How embarrassing.
Anything proposed in Roanoke, no matter how sound the merits, is opposed. The paper referenced the "CAVE" mentality- citizens against virtually everything. It's exhausting and deflating.
As for the art museum on MM- that's not the issue. I do salute Mr. Brock for having the guts to bring up a bold idea. Thankfully, our founding fathers we bold and courageous, our we would still be British citizens.
For all the critics...what do you propose for moving the valley forward? Do tell...
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maryzart7 on 3/5/2006 5:41:08 PM wrote:
I really liked Joe Kennedy's acticle. He is correct in saying that it is a bad idea to put the museum on top of Mill Mountain.
Mill Mountain doesn't need a museum, or shops or anything up there. People go up there to enjoy it for what it is. I think developers just have money on their minds, which is typical in today's society.I suppose people who feel like it's a good idea don't go up there and enjoy it like many people do around here.
I hike up there everyday. You look around and there are hikers, bikers, children, picknickers, ect. I really think more people enjoy the natural beauty of Mill Mountain.
Maybe folks who want Roanoke to be a more progressive city, should just progress on somewhere else.
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barrios on 3/5/2006 12:20:46 PM wrote:
Joe Kennedy, the guy who usually takes Roanokers to task for lacking "bold vision," seems uptight about perhaps Roanoke's boldest vision ever. crashed saucer atop Mill Mountain? *that* is something people would come to Roanoke to see!
http://tdaschel.livejournal.com/
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FormerValleyGirl on 3/5/2006 12:06:46 AM wrote:
I grew up & raised my family in Roanoke until the mid-80's.
I moved to Northern Virginia and have a front row seat to the "smooth-talking developers, who promise us the world. Had they been successful recently, I'd have Disney in my backyard!
I can't believe for one minute that anyone would allow Mill Mountain to be developed any further!
To quote one of the developers interviewed for this article,
"Mill Mountain is the crown jewel in the Roanoke Valley, certainly the most valuable piece of real estate here."
Roanoke if you believe the above statement as I do, Don't allow this to happen!
I look forward to returning and making my home in Roanoke again and want to come home to the beauty I left!
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b_ejohnson on 3/4/2006 3:46:24 PM wrote:
Just another dumb idea presented by a few people to make us something we aren't.
We are a study in contrasts. We want to build a futuristic building ... somewhere yet run a streetcar to it. Humm, how about a monorail around town instead? Isn't that more "forward" thinking?
I have a serious suggestion. Why not build the museum where the new stadium was to be near the Civic Center? The parking lot of the museum could be used for overflow parking at the civic center. The monorail could run from the parking lot to the civic center to downtown. I haven't figured out why the biotech center has to be on any streetcar route, etc. It's not proposed as a tourist attraction.
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lovenrv on 3/4/2006 1:02:48 PM wrote:
It's a shame that people aren't willing to think of positive ideas for the future of Roanoke. So much of what it takes to be a vibrant small city already exists - even though there are 'holes' to fill to make it seamless, exciting, surprising and meaningful for all citizens + visitors. People are right - there is so much great historic architecture Downtown, there are also many vacant lots and deteriorating buldings. The Museum - as modern as it is - stands to be a major catalyst to encourage new apartments, new shops, new business and more full-time Downtown residents. All you need to do is look at cities large + small that have made the confident decisions to move forward - they are thriving, booming and have bright futures. Does Roanoke?
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MsElenaeous on 3/3/2006 7:48:18 PM wrote:
Ralph, I was thinking the same thing...next thing you know they'll be doing a "study" to see if they can work it into Victory Stadium. What I really would like to know is what "art" are they going to put there?
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ralph1937 on 3/3/2006 3:27:24 PM wrote:
Would it look nice in the middle of VS ?
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jimrichards on 3/3/2006 3:03:03 PM wrote:
This is a great idea. Maybe they could site it beyond the ridge so that the ugly thing won't be visible to folks downtown.
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RoanokeFound on 3/3/2006 12:26:40 AM wrote:
Heres a thought. Directly across 581 from downtown is the perfect location for the museum. It would sit high on a ridge, be easily accessable, and stand out against the skyline.
Church Ave. SE. Lots of empty property dirt cheap.
Oh wait, that would require doing something they are unwilling to do.
Pay for the land. Another reason Mill Mountain is not viable. They allready have free land on Salem Ave.
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bturner99 on 3/3/2006 12:17:28 AM wrote:
"Don't build it on Mill Mountain. It's a waste of money and nobody will ever benefit from it."
Imagine if those thoughts prevailed in the late 1940's. Can you imagine Roanoke with no Star?
Personally I think it would be great in both locations, but if placed on Mill Mountain it could create a stunning piece of art. And listen, it's one mountaintop...last time I checked there are over a dozen mountaintops in the Roanoke Valley that have nothing on them.
And for those who want the museum moved, here's an idea...move it to a city with thousands of college kids, a booming economy, a revived downtown, a great shopping scene, and a people who accept change and want their city to grow and prosper and not stagnate...LYNCHBURG!!!
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ziranthia on 3/2/2006 9:21:44 PM wrote:
A museum located in downtown will not generate anything but PARKING TICKETS. There is nowhere to park, except for lots which require you to hand over your car keys to some attendant. I personally think this discourages people from the start. To have a museum located near the Blue Ridge Parkway is an excellent idea for increasing tourist activity. Isn't that the very reason for the parkway in the first place? If people choose to venture downtown, so be it. I think people who come to the Roanoke area on vacation do so for the mountains, NOT for the city, because Roanoke isn't really a "city", but more of a town. If people want to visit a city, there are many, many other options.
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inven104u2 on 3/2/2006 7:33:20 PM wrote:
I think just the mere thought of moving it to Mill Mountain is absurd. I am sure the powers to be here in Roanoke (City Counsel), would have more pressing business to fill their coffers. Besides, why mess with something that is not broke and has been the pride and joy of this Roanoke citizen for 46 years. I have a better idea: Why don't we put the city manager up there for a few weeks to see if she can then cozy up to the idea and let her get used to nature. It's time for the citizens of Roanoke to take back their city from this self- serving city counsel. Election time draws near, and we need some free thinking people to propel our city forward. This current counsel seems to think money grows on trees. It comes from hard working people who can see through the B.S. IMHO. J.N.Smith
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weill_a_valleymetro_rider on 3/2/2006 6:52:51 PM wrote:
I disapprove of this idea, and I look foward to the real groundbreaking this month, possibly.
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lovenrv on 3/2/2006 6:13:55 PM wrote:
Brock's logic doesn't make any sense. The museum atop Mill Mountain will not draw tourists from the Parkway to Downtown - the will never see Downtown except from afar. The vehicular traffic and construction will forever damage Mill Mountain. You need residents, tourists and locals living, shopping and visiting Downtown, not Mill Mountain. In fact, moving the zoo to Explore Park will allow the city to return Mill Mountain to it's natural state - while keeping the Star as heroic icon of the city. Museums are urban places and architecture is how cities grow and evolve. The logic of placing it anywhere but Downtown just doesn't fly. [Victory Stadium, the Museum] These debates scare me as wondering why Roanoke wants to fail?
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misslesleighann on 3/2/2006 6:05:20 PM wrote:
Come on Roanoke, can we realize just once that we need something else special? I think the idea of putting the Art Museum on top of Mill Mountain is a great idea!! I used to live in Roanoke and the star is something great to come home too, why not add something unique to the star? Why we are at it, why not add a resturant as well? Besides living in Atlanta has made me realized that change is good!! Change is needed in Roanoke, we need to add somethings to make our hometown special!! We need to add things to bring people back to Roanoke, not make them stay away! Let's do bring Roanoke into the 21st century!!!
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lovenrv on 3/2/2006 5:59:40 PM wrote:
Roanoke is a wonderful city. The people, the landscape and once upon a time it was an extremely important city. Today, it is not. BUT, many people who love it are trying to make it great, again. By building a world-class museum that will bring locals and tourists to the heart of the community, generate new development, new jobs and a new outlook on the future is one of the steps to placing Roanoke in the eyes of the nation. You'll be surprised how well this sturcutre will fit within the urban fabric of the city - it's quite the opposite of what people fear. Narrow thinking only hurts the city that these folks claim to adore. As for land along the interstate, we should be building loft-style apartments that stretch along the market's edge.
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ziranthia on 3/2/2006 5:43:54 PM wrote:
"Maybe the movers and shakers need to move!" That's the problem. They ARE! Who does that leave? I think putting the museum on Mill Mountain is a GREAT idea. That area is already a tourist attraction, so why not take advantage of it. Who says "movers and shakers" need to leave Roanoke. Maybe everyone else should leave, and let the visionaries redesign the old rustbelt railroad town. Roanoke needs to join the rest of the country in the 21st century!
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brownark on 3/2/2006 4:48:52 PM wrote:
Maybe the movers and shakers need to move!
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lancaster3 on 3/2/2006 4:42:34 PM wrote:
Who is the wise guy that thought of this idea. Why destroy the top of Mill Mountain?
Leave it like it should be, natural. The museum already looks like a spaceship from the Jetsons. Why did we spend millions upgrading Hotel Roanoke? Because people like history, people like old stuff, people like to see how things were.Leave the futuristic buildings for the concrete jungles of Atlanta and other large cities....build a museum that blends in with the city....
Dont destory the top of Mill Mountain.
If anything, put a small diner up there for cozy dinners. But keep it with the landscape. You guys already screwed up Explore park, now you want to mess up the one thing that makes Roanoke the Star City.
Think before you leap. History is art.
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sdance53 on 3/2/2006 3:04:08 PM wrote:
I think that's a great idea, but the down side would be the people in the community who do not have transportation to reach the mountain. If they move it will the city buses run a route in that direction. I currently reside in Georgia, but was raised in Roanoke. I always enjoyed going to the zoo and wished there were more activities up there again moving the art museum is a great idea.
Respectfully,
A Georgia Peach
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sdance53 on 3/2/2006 3:02:11 PM wrote:
I think that a great idea, but the down side would be the people in the community who do not have transportation to reach the mountain. If they move it will the city buses run a route in that direction. I currently reside in Georgia, but was raised in Roanoke. I always enjoyed going to the zoo and wished there were more activities up there again moving the art museum is a great idea.
Respectfully,
A Georgia Peach with a Star City Attitude.
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Pamela on 3/2/2006 12:57:04 PM wrote:
...on 2nd thought, ditch the whole museum idea anyway becasue it will be an embarrassing eyesore...build something with class for gosh sakes !!!
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StarCity on 3/2/2006 12:42:50 PM wrote:
I wasn't sure before but now I am convinced that Larry Vander Maten is the biggest to open his mouth. His buddy Brock only agrees because he is going to have to fill the Art Museum void with something when they move out of the Center in the Square.
If anyone thinks that the Museum is going to move or that it is a good idea on top of Mill Mtn, you are just as idiotic as Vander Maten. He may have snowed the people in Roanoke County but it will not happen in the City of Roanoke.
Folks its a done deal by people who are from Roanoke and have spent their lives giving to this community. You can hate the design or love it, but it will be built and it will be downtown. What sense does it make to move it away from downtown?
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whynotvalid06 on 3/2/2006 11:50:03 AM wrote:
Please, please MOVE the new museum. It does NOT "fit" the downtown area behind Billy's Ritz!!! Don't put it on the mountain either...what a terrible way to destroy a beautiful natural mountain and distract from OUR star! Put the thing down by the railroad tracks beside the interstate! There's just parking lots,garages, and businesses there now..quite the eyesore. There all the the "visitors" that travel I-581 can see it and it also doesn't invade the historic district of the market area very much. What's wrong with that area??....it's the PERFECT place. Consider it!
a loyal Roanoke fan!
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1950bing on 3/2/2006 11:13:14 AM wrote:
It doesn't matter much where you put it. It is very very ugly any way you look at it. It won't get done anyway, you will spend forever talking about it and nothing will get done.
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mclawsdrive on 3/2/2006 11:12:36 AM wrote:
I agree that Mill mountain is a valuable asset that is underutilized. The zoo is not the best use for the top of the mountain. But an art museum isn't the best use either. The goal should be to maximize the mountain's potential for bringing tourists downtown from the Blue Ridge Parkway. A better addition would be a regional visitor's center with a restaurant or two. Visitors coming off the parkway to Mill mountain could take a tram downtown, following the still visible old tram route. The tram would obviously also provide access for those wishing to access mill mountain from below. Any development on mill mountain should attempt to utilize areas that have already been deforested, to minimize the environmental and visual impact.
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traveller1861 on 3/2/2006 11:12:15 AM wrote:
Under Mill Mountain...literally!
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Leeinrva on 3/2/2006 10:54:57 AM wrote:
Think moving the overpriced monstrosity somewhere else is a good idea also. Don't believe Mill Mtn is far enough though
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stone6kids on 3/2/2006 10:42:37 AM wrote:
Great idea, move it someplace other than the market area. I just doesn't fit the architecture surrounding it anyway. Mill Mountain seems a good place if the animals in the Zoo don't mind the traffic
George Stone
Vinton
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maryzart7 on 3/2/2006 10:33:20 AM wrote:
As I picked up my paper this morning I was horrified at this idea. Only yesterday I was strolling up Slyvan Road with my son thinking how beautiful Mill Mountain is. I have some serious doubts about the people that suggested this idea. Like Jim Sears, who says he thinks it will put Roanoke on the map more than anything else. This man needs to step back and think. Mill mountain is a beautiful, peaceful and historical place enjoyed by many. Placing that monstrosity up there would be a very idiotic move.
My guess is the people that thought of this idea think of big dreams of big development. How about preserving a hillside or two? Putting the museum up there will force everyone to look at it, which is horrible!
Here is an idea, just rake off the mountain and stick up another Walmart.
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toles16 on 3/2/2006 9:34:55 AM wrote:
And that is only assuming that the Museum is taking such an idea seriously, which I doubt.
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bclintonb on 3/2/2006 9:34:36 AM wrote:
Moving the Museum anywhere from its now excellent site would be a mistake. Think Paris or New York where people stroll on a Sunday afternoon to have brunch then walk to their favorite museum. For us, we can go to our favorite restaurant downtown, then walk to the Art Museum or the Link Museum.
Let's make the downtown Market more civilized not less so.
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toles16 on 3/2/2006 9:33:26 AM wrote:
The present design, whether you like it or not, was designed for a specific site and to best take advantage of that site--one with highly restrictive boundaries, no particularly impressive view, and one that is level with ready access to sewer lines and other utilities. Any site on Mill Mountain would be the antithesis of that for which the building has been designed. I would venture to guess that it would be highly undesirable, if not impossible, to retrofit the current design to take full advantage of a site on the top of Mill Mountain. The Museum's Board might as well throw away the current design and start from scratch (and the project is already over-budget).
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RoanokeFound on 3/2/2006 8:45:40 AM wrote:
"That building an innovative world-class museum in the heart of the city will signify a community that looks to the future? "
Its not innovative, not world class, basically none of the above.
So tell me again why we should care about a 2nd rate architects direct cloning of his former boss' style?
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lovenrv on 3/2/2006 8:22:00 AM wrote:
Fear is a dangerous thing. What do the "nay-sayers" in Roanoke fear? That building an innovative world-class museum in the heart of the city will signify a community that looks to the future? That national and international press will suddenly know about Roanoke? That new corporations and potential young, intelligent professionals will find downtown Roanoke an interesting, appealing place to live? That new cafes, boutiques and businesses will arrive to cater to the museum's visitors? That these kind of significant projects put otherwise unknown cities on the map and give them high visibility. That this project will only help with the momentum of the Carillon Technology Park near downtown. That this museum will energize the city?
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lovenrv on 3/2/2006 8:11:29 AM wrote:
Moving them museum is the worst possible scenario imaginable. Not only would you be removing all economic benefit to downtown Roanoke [foot traffic, halo effect for area business, possible residential development] that idea would reduce access for many people who would not drive to Mill Mountain to visit. Not to mention the environmental damage done to the mountain to build it and additional auto pollution. Having this museum - even though some question its modernity - is vital to Roanoke's economic health, vital to giving it an image as a community with vision and confidence. Fearing design that is different is a mistake that many cities have shed as they realize new design creates new energy and attracts new people to the city.
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annrkeys on 3/2/2006 8:05:27 AM wrote:
Well, duh!!! The futuristic hulk of a museum certainly would look better on Mill Moutain than in the historic downtown location. I'm not sure that Mill Mountain is the best spot for it, but, please, don't put it on the Market and destroy the ambience of the spot.
Sometimes, there's nothing wrong with traditional architecture.
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bikerjohn on 3/2/2006 7:32:10 AM wrote:
Interesting. I think we should study this innovative concept for about, oh, 20 years, and then form a citizens committee to protest whatever is decided.
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RoanokeFound on 3/2/2006 7:30:57 AM wrote:
Another pathetic attempt at keeping our eyes focused off the fact that its not being built. Moving it to Mill Mountain would raise the construction costs by triple, and put it out of reach of those who do not drive in Roanoke.
Nice try folks - but some of us see this as the pathetic attempt at smoke and mirrors it is.
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Pamela on 3/2/2006 7:22:07 AM wrote:
Terrible idea. Too much mountainous ares already being ruined with developement, see route 220 and thaat ugly hillside that used to be green...not only that, but the museum being planned is so ugly, why ruin beautiful Mill Mtn with a monstrosity like that? Please people, THINK!
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roanokebound on 3/1/2006 5:31:44 PM wrote:
I think that is a great idea. It will revitalize interest in all of Mill Mountain's attributes including the zoo.
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