CR North Wing Demolition Begins!

[asianway]

As soon as the site prep is done, something is going up. Something big....

 

[kdzgon]

My guess is that they are just preparing the land for future development. It looks like they are adding storm/sewer drainage, and they will leave it at that for awhile.

I am sure we will not get any official word until the AKV's are close to sold out. right now they are not even close to being done. I'm not even sure if they have started on the main Villa complex--they've just recently converted the upper floors of the existing lodge.

Think about how long SS had been up and running before they announced the AK villas.

We'll most likely get the same time line here.

Not to mention the possible DL DVC or Chicago sales office.

 

[crazy4wdw]

Here's some updated pics of the Contemporary construction site posted by webmaster doc on the DVC board:

 

[JWG]

My guess is that they are just preparing the land for future development. It looks like they are adding storm/sewer drainage, and they will leave it at that for awhile.

I am sure we will not get any official word until the AKV's are close to sold out. right now they are not even close to being done. I'm not even sure if they have started on the main Villa complex--they've just recently converted the upper floors of the existing lodge.

Think about how long SS had been up and running before they announced the AK villas.

We'll most likely get the same time line here.

I don't think they'd let that spot sit vacant very long intentionally. That's prime resort real estate, especially so close to the conference center. I have to believe every day those rooms are gone is significant lost revenue. I can't see them delaying very long.

 

[ASilmser]

I don't think they'd let that spot sit vacant very long intentionally. That's prime resort real estate, especially so close to the conference center. I have to believe every day those rooms are gone is significant lost revenue. I can't see them delaying very long.

If this is going to be a regular hotel addition, they would/should put it up right away for all of the reasons you have given. But if it's part of DVC, they will want to control the market so that they don't have too many properties out there for sale. If you can generate demand by decreasing supply, it makes sense for a short time.

Even so, they will announce this as soon as they can. Even with the controversy over the concept and design of the tower (who knows if what we've seen is legit anyway), people are salivating over the prospects of this project. To quote the Fates from Hercules, "DVC Contemporary--It's gonna be big!"

Okay, sort of quote the Fates. . .

Given that the current economy and attendance at WDW remains steady, I would think you would see an announcement soon, but not immediately--less than 18 months for sure, unless there are some major developments in the rumored DVC California project. I would not be surprised, however, if those two projects were announced close together or event simultaneously, since they would be aimed a slightly different market (i.e. west coast vs. east coast).

Again, I go back to my original statement--nothing until AKV is close to being sold. It would not make sense to throw that many rooms into the timeshare market.

I guess what I am trying to say is that you are right--they need to announce ASAP, but they need to wait just a little bit longer.

 

[kdzgon]

...Think about how long SS had been up and running before they announced the AK villas.

We'll most likely get the same time line here.

The big difference here is the tourism rate. SSR was developed and sold during the significantly reduced tourism rates after 9/11. 2006 saw the return of pre-9/11 vacancies and visitor numbers. My guess is we will see more than one DVC project announced well before AKV nears completion. I personally believe CRV will be one of those projects announced but only time will tell.

 

[nbodyhome]

I've been posting Contemporary construction photo updates here: http://www.mousesteps.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=34&Itemid=65

over the last month - I'll probably wait a couple of more weeks to put more up. I personally believe it will be DVC, but we'll see! It's not been terribly noisy when I've been there, which is amazing with as much work as they've been doing.

 

[ASilmser]

The big difference here is the tourism rate. SSR was developed and sold during the significantly reduced tourism rates after 9/11. 2006 saw the return of pre-9/11 vacancies and visitor numbers. My guess is we will see more than one DVC project announced well before AKV nears completion. I personally believe CRV will be one of those projects announced but only time will tell.

Excellent point--almost every postponed project and problem with the expansion and maintenance of WDW is somehow related to the blow that 9/11 dealt the resort. I don't see them sitting with that vacant lot longer than they feel they have to.

However, it should be noted that I said that they won't announce until much of AKV has been SOLD--if that's well before its completion, then they'll go ahead and announce. It's also because of 9/11 that I feel they would be more cautious. I still don't believe that they would flood the market too soon. If AKV sells like hotcakes, they will have no problem going ahead with the contemporary right away.

The question we should be asking is: Does anyone know how AKV sales are progressing?

That would give us a better idea as to how long it might be for Contemporary to start. (If, indeed, it will be a DVC addition).

 

[DVCconvert]

there can't be much asbestos left!!!!

 

[kdzgon]

Excellent point--almost every postponed project and problem with the expansion and maintenance of WDW is somehow related to the blow that 9/11 dealt the resort. I don't see them sitting with that vacant lot longer than they feel they have to.

However, it should be noted that I said that they won't announce until much of AKV has been SOLD--if that's well before its completion, then they'll go ahead and announce. It's also because of 9/11 that I feel they would be more cautious. I still don't believe that they would flood the market too soon. If AKV sells like hotcakes, they will have no problem going ahead with the contemporary right away.

The question we should be asking is: Does anyone know how AKV sales are progressing?

That would give us a better idea as to how long it might be for Contemporary to start. (If, indeed, it will be a DVC addition).

I was actually referring to AKV sales, not construction - sorry for my lack of clarity.

I do believe, however, there will be a shift in strategy back to more options (thus, more properties) available at one time. The increased visitor numbers help facilitate this strategy. Multiple properties will also help increase the "buzz", and any combo of Hawaii, DL DVC and CRV will help create both increased interest and possibly a greater sense of urgency for prospective buyers.

 

[ASilmser]

I was actually referring to AKV sales, not construction - sorry for my lack of clarity.

I do believe, however, there will be a shift in strategy back to more options (thus, more properties) available at one time. The increased visitor numbers help facilitate this strategy. Multiple properties will also help increase the "buzz", and any combo of Hawaii, DL DVC and CRV will help create both increased interest and possibly a greater sense of urgency for prospective buyers.

I hope you are right, except it gives me less time to save $$ to purchase DVC contemporary points!!

 

[mandy200587]

I have some updated pictures from after 6/15 in my link below.

 

[nbodyhome]

I had put up about 20 photos from 6/22, but also - the Contemporary Resort lobby remodel has begun (I took a few photos of that also). The side revolving door is now shut off, as is the bell services desk.

 

[crazy4wdw]

Here are a couple of recent pics (6/15/07) of the Contemporary construction taken by Good Ol Gal on the DVC board:

 

[mitros]

Funny, doesn't look any different since they first cleared the land. All of the pictures show the same cranes, or post hole diggers, or pile drivers, or whatever the heck those things are. No wonder Disney isn't making any formal announcements...........

 

[asianway]

There is progress. Thursday they were digging a trench and laying a sewer pipe from the site towards the tower building. They compacted the earth Friday and now it is covered completely. While it doesnt look like it, stuff is happening.

In other news, they painted over Suites on the Construction Parking sign so now it just says Construction Parking for Disneys Contemporary.

 

[mitros]

I guess I will be convinced something is really happening when the foundation is poured........

 

[crazy4wdw]

A few more pics of the construction at the CR (posted by keishashadow on the DVC Board). Looks like the foundation may be taking shape.

 

[kzoojason76]

Just to add more to this. Both the photographers (DPS) from our wedding/reception, and from our honeymoon photo shoot told us that the construction at CR is for DVC. The funny thing is, the photographer at the wedding said they were building two new towers, and not just one.

It's going to be interesting. Sign me up for DVC

 

[MarkRG]

I've been keep half an eye on this ever since way back when the developer leaked the artists' rendering by accident.

I don't see this developemnt harming the Contemporary in any manner - it'll only be an enhacement.

And I will say I'm far far more excited by the prospect there than the one already further along at AK.