Holt: One Year Later

[coolwiththecool2 827]

wow nice light rail system missed that one, and this plan looks promising, one question though...

did something happen to this page because I went to the top and only 1 person is following the cj, before it was more than 10...

[simlink 1,098]

 

LRT TAKES SHAPE

 

Beginning in the City of Manatee, the new Holt District LRT system is beginning to take shape. Its inaugural line is well under construction, with track laid and now station construction beginning to take shape. Although not earth-shatteringly long, this is the beginning of what will eventually become a region-wide, massive transit system. It will get closer to residents than any other type of transit before it in the region, perhaps besides busses of course. We also see the beginning of the transformation of the EL-Rail system in Holt District to the LRT system. A small segment in Manatee will be the start, connecting the new LRT line to the existing EL-Rail system. So let's get moving (pun not intended ) and see what's taking shape where! 

 

 

 

 

 

24.1 | We start our update on the edge of Manatee, bordering Norecount. While one day the LRT will extend to Norcount (along with the completion of the new 4-lane road) for phase 1 of this first line it ends here.

 

 

 

 

 

24.2 | Moving north towards Downtown Manatee we reach this familiar scene. In our last full update, where "X" marks the spot, a station is now under construction. This will open transit to one of the most poorly-accessible areas in the region. This area has often lagged due to poor road infrastructure. Now a new LRT line and large avenue service the area.

 

 

 

 

 

24.3 | As we creep ever closer to Downtown, we reach the first major intersection this line encounters. Here we see the line snake to what was the once landscaped median of this avenue, right before a large shopping centre. Due to space constraints the LRT moves to roadtop here. No stations are yet present, but will be soon along this stretch.

 

 

 

 

 

24.4 | Traffic is getting used to the lanes being slightly more offset to the edge of the roadway. Although no LRT trains yet run through here, so it should be interesting for the first while as people get used to the LRT running between directions of traffic. A station will likely make its way here. For road-top stations the stations are being trucked in pieces and will be assembled on site. Think flat-pack Ikea furniture. Though the directions will be a bit more clear.

 

 

 

 

 

24.5 | The scene many of you are probably waiting for, the area around Shorerock Shopping Centre. This scene is the future station and station+mall parking. All offices and houses formerly on this site have been demolished and the 2 massive parking garages have just started construction. The roadway through the station can be seen as well. The small crane by the track is working on the station platforms itself. We once again see the track curve off the road.

 

 

 

 

 

24.6 | The first segment of mall parking lot has been torn up, creating a bit of a confusing maze in the parking lot. Large blue panels keep motorists from going where they shouldn't be. This particular area will eventually be a pedestrian bridge over the road so people can easily get from parking garage to the mall. The area currently torn up will be turned to a walkway with possible landscaping.

 

 

 

 

 

24.7 | Looking at the tracks a little more in detail, you will notice they go underground. Because of the busy nature of this road, transit planners decided it would be best to have the LRT go underground while travelling East (left) towards the shore and the eastern EL-Rail Line, which will partially be converted to LRT in this phase. Motorists applaud this decision, and transit riders are happy this connection was cancelled alltogether, which was a potential option.

 

 

 

 

 

24.8 | While the LRT still runs underground at this point, it doesn't mean this large office building and surrounding residential community won't be able to access the system easily. Although close to the Shorerock LRT Station, it was decided to have a large station in this area because of the many people who work in the office building, which suffers from a chronic lack of available parking. Since many of the people who work in the building will live along the LRT system at some point in the mid-term future, a station was easily approved. A local architecture student won the design contest help for the street-level design of the station.

 

 

 

 

 

24.9 | Further east we once again see where the tracks will come back above ground. The tracks haven't been laid here yet, but you can see where they soon will be. The EL-Rail line in this vicinity will be converted to LRT during this phase of expansion, though not the line's entire length through Manatee. Just enough for the junction and larger, relocated station.

 

 

 

 

 

24.10 | For the final picture today you see the site of the future LRT station in the area. It will be replacing the station next to Save-On-Foods. A building was purchased and demolished for a new entrance off the main road. It will be a signalized entrance. The 3 houses abutting the future ground-level line have been offered by the region to have their houses and land purchased. The purchase is conditional on all 3 accepting. The region wishes to install sound walls, and also feels these homeowners won't like a ground level-trail passing directly next to them. So far 1 has accepted, with the other 2 still mulling the offer over...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patricus Maximus

Getting back to those office buildings and stadium are on the docket of upcoming updates! Glad you liked the census as well. Another is coming up at the end of June.

 

Schulmanator

Indeed, and some progress in advancement construction as well.

 

SimCoug

Thanks for stopping by! 

 

TayMay27

They may be simmilar just because of the lotsizes and my plugins, but they'll be newer story wise.

 

nathanthemayor

Nice to see you again! Glad you think the updates are stunning. A lot more planning and thought is going into Holt District vs. Windemere (pre-relaunch). The stadium project completion is on the docket of things to look at soon!

 

89James89

Exactly. The area will be rebuilt better than ever thanks to this. Also glad you like the mass transit developments, as well. 

 

Benedict

You see the beginning phases of change today. If plans materialize correctly, there will be lots more progress next update!

 

TayMay27

Glad you like the plan! As for the followers, the thread had to be reset, which is why its URL is different. Hamish kindly moved every post manually due to an odd glitch with the Groups plugin. As such that number, and views, was reset. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Schulmanator 5,807]

Woo hoo! Awesome progress being made!

[coolwiththecool2 827]

very nice progress. and did you put some kinda burn effects on the pics, because they look darker than normal pics (it actually looks nicer though). and smart idea with the pedestrian bridges.

[Samerton 833]

Great update as usual, Link! I like CJs where there is careful planning and constant improvements on the city's transit; this is a fine example of one. Looking forward to more! 

[SimCoug 5,976]

Great construction scenes!  

[simlink 1,098]

 

CONSTRUCTION & TRANSIT IN MANATEE

 

If you've been following updates recently you'll know that Holt District is in the process of building a new, state-of-the-art LRT system. Including new lines and the existing EL-RAIL system, the vision is to not only serve as transport along major corridors, but have secondary/feeder lines into the majour neighbourhoods all over the region. Today's update takes the tour of the first completed line: In Manatee. We're also going to see some construction along the line's main station, mainly the redevelopment of a portion of the Shorerock Shopping Centre's western parking lots. So let's get a move on and into the update!

 

 

 

 

25.1 | We begin in South Manatee, where the line nears the border with Norecount. This station, located in the heart of the area that was devastated by the Manatee Tornado, is now open. This early in the morning it doesn't see much activity, with a mostly empty parking lot. The station is gaining traction in the weeks after officially opening to riders.

 

 

 

 

 

25.2 | The area hit hard by the tornado is recovering very nicely, with many new homes completed and others well under construction. As part of the LRT line and avenue extension projects, sound walls and treescapes were installed/planted here. It adds a nice touch, perhaps better than backing onto a grass strip.

 

 

 

 

 

25.3 | As we move north to downtown we come accross the first in-road station, right by Lowe's and Pine Place Centre, both popular destinations. This also serves residents nearby, and to those working at the HD Police station in the bottom right of this image.

 

 

 

 

 

25.4 | On the outer limits of downtown we come accross another station, this one directly in front a large and busy office complexe. This also currently servers as one of two downtown stations, although they're not in the heart of downtown. 

 

 

 

 

 

25.5 | We now reach the line's main station, across from Shorerock Shopping Centre. The station, which features 2 large parking garages (which also allow mall parking) has a large glass-covered platform. This station also marks where the line begins travelling underground for a short distance. You can also see parking lot redevelopment at the mall from here.

 

 

 

 

 

25.6 | The station is nicely landscaped to help break up the large mass of parking garage that's now gracing the landscape. This station is often quite busy, usually the busiest on the line because of its location in the centre of the line, close to the mall, offices, schools and residences. The regional school board is contemplating a switch to LRT transit for some students once the lines pass closer to schools. This would help reduce bussing expenses and redirect funds to educational programs.

 

 

 

 

 

25.7 | The first of 2 west-side parking lots have been ripped and have begun being redeveloped at Shorerock. The parking lots will house new office and residential towers and additional retail space. Construction has just begun, so there is still a fair amount to do. 

 

 

 

 

 

25.8 | With another view of the construction you can notice the now-open pedestrian walkway to the mall. The original plan called for a bridge, but the designer did not account for the train platform in their design, and as such a light was installed instead. The walkway materials will be used on another project. This sometimes causes traffic problems, but the lights have been re-synchronized in the area to ease this congestion.

 

 

 

 

 

25.9 | As we head east, towards the water, we reach where the LRT line comes back above ground and intersect with the former EL-RAIL line. Most of the line remains EL-RAIL, however a small portion was converted to LRT to allow integration of the new line with the el-rail system. The old station was demolised and moved north (down in this image) to a large locale.

 

 

 

 

 

25.10 | The new station features ample parking for the surrounding areas, and occupies formerly empty land. A building was demolished to allow entry from the main avenue in the area, however unlike the original plan the main entrance was located off the residential road, upgraded to include a signalled intersecion.

 

 

 

 

 

25.11 | As night falls, we head back west a litle to view the large under-ground station featuring a beautiful glass atrium. The design has been a hit with residents and has really changed the once dull intersection.

 

 

 

 

 

25.12 | As we finish this update, a view of downtown Manatee. This area may, one day, have an LRT line of its own running through it...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schulmanator

Thanks! Holt District always seems to be moving forward, Manatee now no exception!

 

TayMay27

I adjust the colour hues and the contrast levels slightly on my photos time to time, and with this updated decided to vary it with each photo, making each scene a little more unique. I also did it this time. I find it makes the pics pop a little more, glad you think they do to!

 

Samerton

Thanks, Samerton! This is the first time I've ever done something like this on a regional level - I used to do it with individual cities back before CJing. It's a challenge, and I'm glad you're liking it!

 

SimCoug

Thanks!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Dazzyls 576]

In one word: WOW!

[tshirt23 75]

Beautiful City.  I like the feel of your suburbs.

[coolwiththecool2 827]

love it, the tower and station in the 11th pic defines nice

and its good to see the area recovering from the storm

[Benedict 3,119]

Ah, right up my alley. I am a sucker for a good transit update.

[simlink 1,098]

 

SPRAWL MOVES OUTWARD

 

 

Taking a break from the game-changing LRT system, we're moving to one of the more rural areas of the region, part of the Town of Flynn. This small village had not seen a lot of change up until recently, that is until HDHIP resulted in a massive resulted in a highway running nearby. At first sprawl was concentrated along the highway ROW, but it is now moving in directly next to town. Today we capture a quick glimpse of what the area was like, and what some of the changes coming its way are...

 

 

 

 

 

26.1 | Many years ago, the rural area wasn't home to much. A few wind turbines, surprisingly large buildings in its downtown core, houses and a school. The area saw little change during the 90s and early 2000s, save for the wind turbines. The last major change were the construction of new buildings in the downtown area in the 80s.

 

 

 

 

 

26.2 | This small residential area is the main area for homes in the rural area, or at least was. A quiet area during the time of this photo, it was known for its frequent street parties and neighbourly atmosphere, with everyone largely knowing everyone.

 

 

 

 

 

26.3 | Some people were even lucky enough to be able to live near this body of water, a quiet area further back from the main road in town, and close enough to the perfect spot to go skating when the water occasionally froze over.

 

 

 

 

 

26.4 | It wasn't until this, Highway 82, that things began to change. Now with easy access things began to change, including the construction of this travel centre. An exit leads to the town, although it is not the main road through town. The highway began to bring a lot of traffic to the area which was once sleepy due to its distance from the developed portions of Holt District.

 

 

 

 

 

26.5 | Soon after the highway was constructed this industrial area popped up, thanks to cheap real estate since land in this area was, and still is, abundant. Plas are already underway to construct an expansion to this park.

 

 

 

 

 

26.6 | Just to the south (left in this and the above photo) this residential development popped up. It houses people from both the people who work in the industrial park nearby and again from people seeking cheaper real estate. Houses in this area are, for now, about 10-20% cheaper than comparable locations in the region - this discount not including houses like this in Sherkston and Manatee proper.

 

 

 

 

 

26.7 | However, residential development is now not just occurring on the outskirts and near the highway. The Town of Flynn recently approved a massive development that will eventually engulf the small village. Construction has already begun, as this photo shows. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ultimate727

Thanks!

 

tshirt23

Thanks - suburbs are one of my favourite things to build. Glad you like them!

 

TayMay27

Thanks. I thought the station may be a nice start to something I'm planning for that area possibly.

 

Benedict

special edit for you, posted this right as you replied! Glad you liked it! Transit is slowly moving into my wheelhouse of having fun with again. There hasn't nearly been enough here yet... that will change!

 

 

 

 

 

[coolwiththecool2 827]

more sprawl! hd is growing every day! and that industrial area is very nice.

[SimCoug 5,976]

Sprawl and construction - I love it!  Those neighborhood construction pics are especially nice.  Great work.

[Bdub01 201]

I love the older looking, grainy pictures.  That gives it a rather small town look, almost like I would lve to have lived there back in the day.  Awesome!!!

[simlink 1,098]

 

 

WHEN THE CRANES FADE AWAY...

 

 

...ARENAS COME OUT TO PLAY.

Next time in Holt District.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Schulmanator 5,807]

 

It'll be a thing of beauty!!

 

 

WOO HOO!

[coolwiththecool2 827]

cant wait!

[simlink 1,098]

 

 

SHERKSTON BOOM

 

Some of you may have noticed the census is coming in Holt District. I was actually supposed to be writing that update right now - everything is ready to go! But, as it turns out, I managed to never publish update 27 (d'oh!) which explains the lack of much happening here in the last 2 weeks. So before the census comes out, we have this update! I'd delay it to after the census, but I lost the original images and these are already stamped with 27.x - and census counts as an update number. So, as a result, this update will have to serve your appetite. Besides, this signals something about the upcoming census. And you know how I love to tease you all. As of now the census should come out on Friday, so in about 2 days, barring unforseen circumstances. 

 

As for this update itself, we find ourselves in an almost unrecognisable portion of Sherkston. This area, which was grasslands once before, is now a dizzying sea of skyscrapers and open grass parks, and home to a whole heck of a lot of trees and people. Welcome, folks, to the intensification zone. Mentioned a few updates back, you not get to see what that really means... [Fun fact: this update acts as a tour through the area at varying times of day, an excuse for me to play with photo effects! )

 

 

 

 

 

 

27.1 | We find ourselves waking up in this sea of residential condo towers. Developments like this are found throughout the developed portions of the intensification zone. Lots of people have moved into the area very quickly, including ourselves. But enough chit-chat, we're late to work and need to get moving!

 

 

 

 

 

27.2 | We eventually got to work - 5 minutes late - but the boss was late too so we didn't have to listen to their rant about "company time" again. It never seems to change, kind of like they're a robot. Heh... maybe they are! They seem to have this thing for grey clothes... Lucky for us it's our lunch break, so we head out for some fresh air and the warmth of the mid-afternoon sun. 

 

 

 

 

 

27.3 | Just about as we're going to get off work, we get the assignment of delivering yet another file to our affiliate company across the area. Certainly not the thing we wanted to do right now, but at least we get to look into the fancy store Samsung Mobile has at the base of their regional office... the sky looks warm as the sun begins to set. Buildings like this have cropped up like this all across the area the region is calling the "intensification zone" - but luckily all the buildings don't block out the sky... usually. There's usually enough space between buildings to allow glimpses of the sky.

 

 

 

 

 

27.4 | Unfortunately part of the drive back home is not so fortunate. This collossal building you see with all the balconies is Sherkston La Mode... overpriced, tiny shoebox condos without a view. Not sure who thought they were luxury, if they were on the water I'd understand. But here, it just doesn't make sense. The other buildings are a little more reasonably priced, but still expensive.

 

 

 

 

 

27.5 | After a quick shower and small bite to eat we're off to meet up with a group of friends as we go out for the night. The sun is really setting now, and this part of town looks great with an orange glow. The buildings here are a little more upscale, but still maintain the awesome greenspace between all the buildings. They somehow managed to keep the grass under that canopy of trees more manicured than my neighbour's growing up... I wonder how they do that...

 

 

 

 

 

27.6 | Its pitch black when we begin to head back to our end of town. Immediately surrounding Highway 40 a massive development consisting of identical towers went up. Reports of people entering the wrong building at night were high for the first while, but they've declined to I suppose people are getting used to the mass-sameness of the development. It's almost freaky...

 

 

 

 

 

27.7 | And as we fall asleep on this night, lights that are still on are scattered throughout the city. The light pollution is rising as more skyscrapers and people find their way here. This area would have been a dark field not all that long ago... 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TayMay27

It certainly is. You'll see by how much in the census coming (possibly!) Friday.

It was actually supposed to be right now, but I found a lost update...

 

SimCoug

Thank you! Photos get a little more glamour now... I think the results are usually pretty good.

 

Bdub01

Thanks - that's exactly what I was aiming for. Glad is did cause that feeling.

 

Schulmanator

It really is a gorgeous stadium!

 

TayMay27

We have a few things to look at before we get there - hope you can wait!

 

 

 

 

 

[wwetom1 831]

Wow, all of those high-rises and condos look great!

[vinlabsc3k 127]

Good shots!!
 
Is the LRT finished or not?

[simlink 1,098]

 

IT'S CENSUS TIME!

 

 

The second quarter of 2013 has wound up, which means it's time for another census here in Holt District. Find out whether the region continued its climb up in population, or if the region declined this quarter. As usual, this census provides population data for the region and each of its 9 municipalities. This includes the % change in population, and counts for Residential, commercial and industrial. It is, of course, presented in pretty image format.

 

 

 

 

 

This second quarter was a big one in Holt District. The region continued its path to creating a Bold New Holt District. The HD LRT system was announced and began construction and operation. The school board was busy keeping up with demand and couldn't build schools fast enough. The provincial Ministry of Health found itself announcing a new healthcare facility what seemed like every other week... things continue to boom in Holt District!

 

 

 

 

 

We start off with stats for the region. The region boomed as a whole again this quarter, exceeding 25% growth for yet another quarter. Driven by strong growth in Sherkston and Flynn, the region population find itself being propelled up. Several new transit initiatives, infrastructure projects and more are helping in opening more land to development.

 

 

 

 

 

In a surprising turn of events, the fastest growing region in terms of % growth was Sherkston - a big feat considering it is the largest municipality meaning it has more growth to do to reach that title. Fuelled by development in the Intensification zone, Sherkston's population swelled by more than 60%.

 

 

 

 

 

Flynn was the second fastest growing municipality this past quarter, catapulting it to the status of second largest municipality in the region. It has come a long way from when it was the smallest, having a population of under 3000. The town is now home to the largest arena in not only Holt District, but the Province of Orchidsen. Development around it is likely to take off in the 3rd quarter.

 

 

 

 

 

Dropping to 3rd place is Kuhan. Kuhan's growth was tremendously slower than previous quarters. This was, in large part, caused by the town reaching its limits on water service and waste water sevices. The region is undertaking a huge expansion of the network in Kuhan, with development already beginning to pick up again. Nonetheless, Kuhan still experienced good growth and like Flynn has come a long way since its days of a town of 4000.

 

 

 

 

 

Up next we have Manatee, which continues to be the slowest growing municipality in the region. Fuelled in part by council's focus on helping those who lost everything in the Manatee tornado, no new developments outside those surrounding the new LRT line were approved. Developers are, however, chomping at the bit to develop the municipality. Could Q3 2013 finally show massive growth in Manatee?

 

 

 

 

 

We now find ourselved in Dofino, north of Sherkston. The sprawl bug has firmly latched onto Dofino. New houses with no yard to speak of are popping up everywhere, fuelling the massive expansion of the town. Dofino council is considering planning a new "uptown" shopping district to help control development a little more and encourage high and medium density development, much to an uproar of the downtown merchants and long-time residents.

 

 

 

 

 

Heading out to the shoreline we come to Shorecoast. Shorecoast had 2 new condo towers pop up this past quarter, which were responsible for the majority of the population gains this past quarter. With limited land Shorecoast is never the huge happening location in the region, but it does have space for one last massive condo development which will push its population over 100 000.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Heading to Norecount, we are. Some large sprawl developments and medium-density buildings along the LRT line extending from Manatee helped Norecount's population climb at a fair clip this quarter - rising more than 25%. Norecount has plenty of open land, and developers of both residential, office and industry are salivating at the thought of it becoming open for development...

 

 

 

 

 

As we reach our final municipalities on the list, we head to the last 2 coastal communities. We first find ourselves in Midport, which saw a modest gain of about 5% this quarter. Some new compact single-family units helped the population climb.

 

 

 

 

 

And last, as has been the recent trend, is Old Port. The developer developing the planned community wants to change the plans to be more compact, but Old Port council is not happy with that idea. So development of the planned community was once again on hold, with a new neighbourhood on its northern border contributing most of the growth this quarter.

 

 

 

And to finish off, the moment you've likely been waiting for... the region view! A lot has changed this quarter.

Nice dirt roads in the intensification zone... you know what that means: lots of new roads = more development...

 

 

MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS COMING IN Q3 2013

 

Highway 40 Refurbishment

The Region of Holt District and Province of Orchidsen are co-operating on the completed rebuild of Highway 40. Current plans call for widening along its entire width through HD to 8 lanes from 4. Every interchange will also be reconstructed. The Region is also working with the region on routes that have exits, evaluating if they need to be widened, and placing input to interchange design. It is unknown if it will complted this quarter, but will likely be started in Q3 at the very least.

 

Kuhan and Flynn Infrastructure Improvement - Water/Power/Waster Water

The water utilities in the above municipalities are reaching maximum capacity, to the point where it has reduced pace of development in Kuhan. The region is undertaking huge improvements in these areas which will allow the continuation of development to the Kuhan CBD in particular.

 

Intensification Zone

Work on approving projects in this designated high-density area will continue, and may increase in pace.

 

 

 

wwetom1

Thanks! There will be soon lots more where that came from.

 

vinlabsc3k

Nope, the LRT system is still being planned, and we will have some more updates featuring construction soon possibly.

Many new routes are still being planned. The first line in Manatee is merely complete, is all.

 

 

 

HOPE YOU ENJOYED THE CENSUS!

 

 

 

 

[wwetom1 831]

Wow! Sherkston really grew! The region view looks great, and I can't wait for the development 

[vinlabsc3k 127]

Good Census!!

[Benedict 3,119]

You know I love a good census! 

 

I think you do a great job in the way you present this - great graphic design.

[Snugies 91]

Very planned looking. Kinda of freaky pleasant ville kinda feeling I get. Looks a bit too calm and ordered. If that is what you had in mind then job well done!

[simlink 1,098]

 

 

 

 

 

[coolwiththecool2 827]

season 2! seems like somethings gonna happen!

[simlink 1,098]

 

...AND SO IS HD'S FIRST BIRTHDAY! HD TURNS 1 TOMORROW! 

 

To celebrate a great first year of Holt District and the "second season" launching, a reflective update and look to the future will be posted to celebrate, along with some stats from the region itself and the CJ.

This update will sadly come a day or 2 after its official birthday. BUT, good things come to those who wait... and you'll love the anniversary update.

 

And you never know. Maybe there will be a surprise tomorrow too.

[Benedict 3,119]

Happy Birthday, HD!