Saturday, October 16, 2010

PI Update: Renovation Projects Continue

Being the lily-white boy that I am, I try not to miss an opportunity to get some color. So with temps in the mid-80's and nary a cloud in the sky, what better place to catch some rays than beautiful Pleasure Island!
Dragon boat races will be taking place later today on Village Lake. Vendor tents are set up beyond House of Blues. Sassagoula River ferry service between Downtown Disney and resorts to the north is suspended from 10am to 5:30pm due to the races.
The Motion door was open so was able to grab this shot. Looks like things were being moved out. Nothing else going on inside the club.
Work continues on the No.1 Bridge from Marketplace to Pleasure Island.
Motivational sign from Downtown Disney Leadership to construction workers.
Construction also continues in that small area outside Portobello and Fulton's where niche musical groups used to perform. I have no idea what they're doing in there. But if you recall the often-repeated rumor that they're making a new wide walkway that will cross the No.1 bridge and then come to the main section of PI (Hill Street) via the space now occupied by Motion, then perhaps this area in in the way and it must be removed? We'll watch closely to see if this is a remodeling or a demolishing! Also, notice another walled area to the rear against the Waterfront. This is new.
Renovation continues near the fountain outside the AMC Pleasure Island 24 Theaters. Seems like brick pavers are coming out, replaced with colored concrete slabs.
Repainting work in the Planet Hollywood waiting area is finished and they did a beautiful job!

6 comments:

Joe said...

"if you recall the often-repeated rumor that they're making a new wide walkway that will cross the No.1 bridge and then come to the main section of PI (Hill Street) via the space now occupied by Motion"

The only issue with this rumor is that path will eliminate much of the backstage area behind Raglan Road and Portobello. If you've ever been behind a restaurant, you know it's kinda disgusting.
...not to say they couldn't come up with some sort of creative solution to hide and/or move some of the refrigerated storage, waste receptacles and general loading dock / storage behind these places.

KingBob said...

You are correct about that alleged pathway having to traverse through the rear areas of those two restaurants. I don't know how they would deal with that. And it would cause the majority of foot traffic to bypass Raglan Road. I think that's an issue. And it would entail Motion being demolished which also makes little sense. But it is one of the persistent rumors.

Joe said...

I wouldn't doubt the "stage" in from of Fulton's/Portobello is being leveled to "improve Guest flow".

Currently, the path from PI to MP is kind awkward. Plus, removing the stage would improve the view of Fulton's from PI or Portobello from MP (which could drive a little more traffic to the location)

I guess we'll see what the geniuses have up their sleeve next for PI.

Jeff - Gainesville said...

Thanks for the update KingBob. Wait and see, I suppose.......

Keep the news and great photos coming!

Anonymous said...

This is terrible all that construction and you still don't really know what's going on.
Maybe, who knows, it may be for more people coming to PI for the clubs if they should reopen them, if they ever do, hopefully they will.

KingBob said...

I'd ask if I ever ran into any of the PI managers....but I rarely do. I passed Erin when I was out there Friday but she was carrying a heavy load out of Motion so I did not want to interrupt her progress.