✈️ Travel Tales, Talk & Tips
#threadcast 99
Wed 20-Nov-24
ℹ️ This is the #travelcast where we chat all things #travel
💬 Talk about your trips, discuss adventures and enjoy the world's delights!
- Where have you been, and where would you like to go?
- Post pics/vids, articles, tips, news and anything else related to travel
- Tag #leotravel and join the LeoTravel community
Bon voyage! 🧳 🛫
!summarize
Part 1/8:
The Rise and Fall of Bloomfield Park: A Billion-Dollar New Urbanism Dream Abandoned
The 2008 recession hit many industries hard, and Detroit's real estate market was no exception. Even to this day, the effects of the downturn can still be felt. However, during this tumultuous time, a project was underway that aimed to bring a thriving community of new urbanism to the Detroit suburbs.
Modeled after communities like Seaside and Celebration, Florida, Bloomfield Park was set to be the first project of its kind in Michigan. Envisioned by developer Craig Schubiner, this billion-dollar development was poised to showcase what a walkable, modern community could look like. But instead of setting an example, it was left completely abandoned halfway through construction.
Part 2/8:
The Beginnings of Bloomfield Park
The area of the future Bloomfield Park site didn't start growing until the post-war boom of the 1950s. It saw the development of small, single-family residential homes and a drive-in theater. In the 1970s, the primary road it was situated along expanded, and the area as a whole densified.
It wasn't until 1983 that Schubiner began buying up different parcels of land in the area, envisioning a massive, mixed-use development in the Detroit suburbs. The land just outside the city of Pontiac was the perfect spot for his vision.
Bringing New Urbanism to Michigan
Part 3/8:
In the 1990s, a new wave of urban design was sweeping through America, known as new urbanism. This concept took elements that made European cities successful, like mixed-use, walkable communities and pleasing architecture, and adapted them for North American communities. Schubiner wanted to expand his development to fit this concept, and he commissioned the leading new urbanism design firm, DPZ, to draft up the plan for Bloomfield Park.
Part 4/8:
DPZ's first concepts, completed in 1999, called for upscale living across over 1,600 condos with high-quality amenities. This was paired with over 2.7 million square feet of office space and 470,000 square feet of commercial retail. The new "downtown" area would feature a health club, movie theater, lavish parks, green space, and beautiful architecture, all tied together in a community residents and workers could walk through and enjoy.
Overcoming Obstacles
Part 5/8:
When Schubiner took his idea to the public in 2000, seeking approval to get the development started, there were immediate problems. The city of Bloomfield had concerns about the development, from their inability to fight fires in structures over 15 stories (even though the towers would have sprinklers) to the fact that the city wouldn't have enough police to handle the increased traffic and density.
Citizens also echoed objections, saying the project would disturb the character of the area. Additionally, the aesthetic appeal of Bloomfield Park had declined, straying away from the handsome architecture originally drafted by DPZ. There were also concerns about whether the tax revenue the city would collect each year would be sufficient to offset the increase in municipal services.
Part 6/8:
Annexation and Scaling Down
Unwilling to wait around for the city of Bloomfield's decision, which could take up to 24 months, Schubiner and his team found a solution. The property was technically in Bloomfield, but it was also on the border of the city of Pontiac. Pontiac, a once-great city known for auto manufacturing, had fallen on hard times and was eager for the tax income a $2 billion development could generate.
In 2001, Pontiac voted to annex the land, and the city of Bloomfield struck a deal to take in some tax income while enforcing an eight-story height restriction. This forced the developers to scale down and rework their project, bringing in a new architecture firm to adapt the development.
Construction Begins, but the Recession Hits
Part 7/8:
Finally, in 2004, the project was approved by the city of Pontiac, and construction began. The developers opened a sales center and launched a website, pre-selling units ranging from $350,000 to over $1 million. By 2005, more than $20 million in real estate had already been sold.
However, the 2008 recession hit, and the project's future was put into question. A major funding partner was unable to continue, and the developers were inundated with over 60 lawsuits claiming they owed over $20 million. Construction was paused, and the partially finished structures began to deteriorate.
Foreclosure and Redevelopment
Part 8/8:
By 2011, the property was foreclosed upon by Wells Fargo, and the bank took ownership of the site. After a few failed bids, the property was sold to a local developer, REO, in 2014. REO assessed the site and determined that a mixed-use development would not be feasible, opting instead for a smaller, more commercial and low-density residential project.
In 2017, the majority of the existing Bloomfield Park structures were demolished, and a new development, The Village at Bloomfield, began to take shape. This new project, while more modest in scope, serves as a reminder of the ambitious yet ill-fated Bloomfield Park, a failed attempt to bring new urbanism to the Detroit suburbs.
!summarize
Part 1/5:
Lookout Key at Lighthouse Point: Disney Cruise Line's New Private Island Experience
A Mixed Bag of Hits and Misses
Disney Cruise Line has long been known for its exceptional private island experience, Castaway Cay. But with the expansion of the Disney fleet, the company sought to create a new private destination - Lookout Key at Lighthouse Point.
The Long Journey to a New Private Island
Disney Cruise Line launched in 1988 with the Disney Magic and Castaway Cay, a unique private island experience. After years of success with Castaway Cay, Disney began searching for a new island destination in the mid-2000s. This search ultimately led them to Lighthouse Point on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas.
Part 2/5:
The development of Lookout Key was not without controversy, as local environmental groups voiced concerns over the impact on the island's natural habitats. However, Disney emphasized their commitment to sustainability and allocated portions of the land for public use, including a conservation center.
A Mixed Bag of Experiences
Upon arrival at Lookout Key, guests are met with both hits and misses. The long pier, while necessary to minimize disturbance to the underwater terrain, is a point of contention for many. The entrance plaza and buildings feel somewhat generic, lacking the depth and theming that characterizes Disney's other destinations.
Part 3/5:
However, the beaches on the eastern end of the property are truly spectacular, with soft pink sand and crystal-clear blue waters. The family beach area offers ample seating, though the lack of shade and reports of fly infestations are concerning.
The Goom Cultural Center and the twice-daily Junkanoo celebration are highlights, showcasing the authentic Bahamian culture that Disney has aimed to represent. The original characters and theming throughout the property are also well-executed.
Comparing to Castaway Cay
When comparing Lookout Key to Disney's long-established Castaway Cay, the differences are stark. Castaway Cay has had over 26 years to evolve and refine its theming, with a depth of detail and character that is currently lacking at Lookout Key.
Part 4/5:
The author notes that the small details, such as textured surfaces, themed props, and architectural depth, are what truly elevate the guest experience at Castaway Cay. These elements seem to be missing or simplified in the current iteration of Lookout Key, likely due to budget cuts and time constraints.
A Work in Progress
Despite its shortcomings, the author doesn't dislike Lookout Key. The property has the potential to grow and improve over time, and the author has grown more fond of the overall concept and representation of Bahamian culture.
Part 5/5:
Ultimately, Lookout Key is a mixed bag, with the stunning beaches and cultural elements balancing out the logistical issues and lack of theming depth. The author suggests that with time and continued investment, Lookout Key could become a worthy addition to Disney's cruise line offerings, though Castaway Cay remains the superior private island experience.
Welcome to the Wednesday TravelCast! Share all your adventures and whatnot right here...
Yesterday's edition:
https://inleo.io/threads/view/adambarratt/re-leothreads-gtezmb7y
15 destinations travellers are being warned not to go to in 2025
Article via The Independent
Best books of 2024 — Food, Drink and Travel
Article via Financial Times
Britons in Italy urged to heed new guidance as disruption looms- 'your journey may be impacted'
Article via GB News
It Pays To 'Bleisure' Travel. Here's What To Know About The Latest Travel Trend.
Article via HuffPost
Travel and tourism ‘finally’ on the agenda at COP29
Article via BTM
Worldpay Partners with Mastercard to Introduce Virtual Card Program for Travel Agents
Article via Fintech Finance
Travel editor Sofia de la Cruz’s gift guide for the discerning globetrotter
Artilcle via Wallpaper
News Details - Air New Zealand ‘planning UK flights’
Article via Travel Gossip
Ranked: Which European countries speak the best and worst English?
Article via Euronews
GBTA poll identifies barriers to sustainable business travel
Article via BTM
Uber’s New Features Reduce The Stress Of Holiday Travel
Article via Forbes
Travel review: Luxury weekend on the outskirts of Dublin will knock your socks off
Article via Belfast Telegraph
British Airways passengers given compensation advice after flights delayed and cancelled
Article via Express
Americans Pay Twice for Travel Disruptions: Once in Dollars, Once in Time
Article via Business Wire
No Need to Travel Light With UberXXL
Article via PCMag
Holiday travel can break the bank. Here’s how to manage expectations.
Article via Vox
Tube hit with severe delays with rest of UK facing snow travel chaos
Article via Metro
https://inleo.io/threads/view/fermionico/re-leothreads-bfvjr8pg?referral=fermionico
📍 Tirana, Albania 🇦🇱
👉 What to do in the Albanian capital?
🎞️ World Wild Hearts YouTube channel give their top 8 tips!
🎥 VIDEO CHAPTERS:
📍 Vancouver, Canada 🇨🇦
👉 What to do in this bustling west coast seaport in British Columbia?
🎞️ Must Do Canada YouTube channel give their top 12 tips!
More in replies...
3 day plan | Laila Travels
Vancouver: 11 Things to Know Before You Go - Yellow Productions
Table of Contents:
TOP 10 Things to do in Vancouver - Hungry Passport
CHAPTERS:
https://inleo.io/@adambarratt/welcome-to-leotravel-whos-up-for-an-adventure
Join Chain chatter man
https://x.com/i/spaces/1LyxBgQZbEMKN