Tuesday, June 28, 2011

PI Update: Pathway To Nowhere!

Numerous lightning strikes in the area this evening have brought ferry boat and tether balloon service to a halt. But hey, what better place to feel the electricity than beautiful Pleasure Island!
As a followup to last week's story, a close up of the new inset construction wall that was installed in the area where those railings used to wrap around Rock'n'Roll Beach Club.
But here is today's headline news. The pathway that was supposed to lead from the Hub area to the Lily Pad area by cutting through the current service area between Raglan Road and Portobello has been stubbed! The path was supposed to make a right turn and continue through the area blocked by that construction wall pictured above. The blueprints leaked here on the Blog in March showed at least one retail shop going into that service area space as well as another in that green area to the right of the path.
Remember that two dance clubs gave their lives for this pathway!  Apparently it's now on indefinite hold along with the officially announced amphitheater.
Over on the West Side, Harley's new location is quickly taking shape and is supposed to open this summer. The building is painted, signs are up and glass is installed.
Back on the Island, they will be vacating this space located at the Hub. That large metal stair tower brings back memories from two years ago when PI management had that "big duh" moment. No longer needing the PI Live dj booth and the lighting catwalk that connected it to the stair tower pictured above, plans were allegedly made to take it all down. Down went the booth and down went the catwalk. And that's when Harley supposedly told PI, "You're not taking down our signs!"  Demolition came to a halt while PI tried to figure their way out of the situation. Ultimately the unused stair tower had to remain in place to hold up Harley's signs. This likely is part of the reason Harley is moving out. Expect that stair tower to finally get demolished!

Elsewhere on the Island, numerous large planters have been added and help take up empty space and distract pedestrians from all the empty buildings.
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13 comments:

  1. MunchiesJune 28, 2011 at 6:42 PM

    Bob, nothing new to report about possible rumors? Its killing me. I would like to move back if PI reopens!

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  2. AnonymousJune 28, 2011 at 9:24 PM

    yawn........

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  3. JoeJune 28, 2011 at 10:45 PM

    Thanks, Bob.
    Even though the news isn't that exciting, I appreciate you keeping informed about the progress (or lack thereof).

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  4. AnonymousJune 28, 2011 at 11:20 PM

    LOL........

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  5. AnonymousJune 29, 2011 at 12:25 AM

    You know what would be a perfect use for that lawn and mulch???...a mini golf course themed to (Pinocchio's) Pleasure Island!!..hmm hmm...no? Does Harley vacating that corner make anybody nervous about the ultimate fate of the building behind it?

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  6. KingBobJune 29, 2011 at 7:02 AM

    Sorry if the news isn't that exciting. Locals can go visit the Island any time and check it out but many of our readers are scattered throughout the state, country and world. Even the mundane can be interesting.

    Harley vacating that corner just makes that entire building "available" for something. While it can be heavily renovated, it cannot be torn down since the Island's power grid originates from there.

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  7. MillzJune 29, 2011 at 9:47 AM

    Bob,

    I have a wedding there in October, in your hearts of hearts will there be any clubs reopened? as there is 30 of us going for 2 weeks and will need to party.

    Millz

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  8. zulemaraJune 29, 2011 at 10:33 AM

    not likely, better reserve a shuttle to citywalk or downtown orlando

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  9. Jeff - GainesvilleJune 29, 2011 at 12:44 PM

    KingBob, your title "Pathway to Nowhere" is entirely inaccurate. In fact, the pathway leads from one side of generic stores and food to another wonderful side with more genric stores and food, something that Orlando certainly does not have.

    One exception - the Lego Store, of course. That place is golden!

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  10. AnonymousJune 29, 2011 at 8:32 PM

    still yawning......

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  11. KingBobJune 30, 2011 at 6:57 AM

    Millz, I don't see them opening/reopening anything as early as October. Sorry.

    Jeff from Gainesville, right now that path does not connect anything so I think the title appropriately describes it. :-)

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  12. MillzJuly 1, 2011 at 6:51 PM

    Kingbob,

    Best places for my Stag Party/Batchelor Party? Coming all the way from the UK and having it the night before the wedding? need to make sure its a good night.

    Millz

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  13. KingBobJuly 1, 2011 at 7:23 PM

    Millz, click on VIEW MY COMPLETE PROFILE to get my email address and write me. I'll respond via email.

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