Nantucket North--Post Game

So class let's thanks Stephen Tait for enlightening us about Karp's impact on Nantucket. Seriously, I thought the series had a strong finish.

I was particularly heartened to read that there are downtown merchants who recognize a chain store or two could add to the downtown. I sometimes think ordinances like the ones proposed underestimate the ability of our local merchants to compete against the big guys. These are smart folks who know what they're doing.

Anyway, back to the series. Interesting details on the Beinecke-Karp-Lagasse connection. Kudos again to Stephen for finding the right people to interview, like Ann Oliver, Beinecke's daughter. It added a lot to the story to have someone speaking on the late man's behalf.

So what did we learn? I'll offer some thoughts below. Feel free to add more on the comments.

Nantucketers are a rather arrogant folk. But I suppose people might think the same of us.

The Developer you know is always better than the Developer you don't know.

Karp's undertakings on the island and in Newburyport are very different.

His work on the islands seems to involve rehabbing (or destroying) older properties. Newburyport presents a very different scenario. His projects on Waterside West and, eventually, East will significantly alter the face of the downtown.

The longer I live here the more I realize just how big our downtown really is. Toss up some retail and hotel near the Route 1 bridge and he might spin the downtown off its Market Square axis. This is a big deal that goes beyond rents and hand-written signs in windows.

I'm not sure the chain store ban made a bit of difference in Nantucket. Just as I'm not sure it really would make a huge difference to Newburyport. More on this later.

I'm glad we have the Park Lunch and the Barking Dog.

I'm really thankful I don't live on an island. I think I'd go nuts.

Well, I'm stuck right now. Please join in.

Karp on Karp

Found an interesting little interview Steve Karp gave to Plum TV, a local television show in Nantucket. It ran last month.

The interview centered on Karp's control of Nantucket. The host was no Mike Wallace, but she affably asked Karp about the concerns people have over his ownership of a big stake of the island's downtown. (I'm afraid I don't know the percentage.)

Honestly, she did a decent enough job. And Karp comes off as a very likable and local (by that I mean Boston) fellow.

If I had the technical talent, I'd voice over "NEWBURYPORT" every time Karp or the host said Nantucket because that is how it played in my head. This is EXACTLY the kind of discussion Karp needs to have in Newburyport and once again I offer this blog as his entry into the market. (I have a cell phone WITH video capabilities. We can make this happen.)

Anyway, give a watch. The few interesting elements I jotted notes about:

Early on he talks about how he has honored the style and substance of Nantucket's downtown. He mentions the island does have bylaws dictacting exterior designs, but he suggests any good developer wouldn't stray too far. (My two cents: He sounds genuine, but the more restrictions, the better.)

4:51-He talks about Nantucket having to give the customers want they want. He's specifically talking about the "residence hotels" they opened up on the island to cater to those people who had fled the island for more desirable locales. (2 cents: I'm guessing this is what he has in mind for Waterfront West?)

I need to give this another listen, but he mentions something about a chateau that is drawing European visitors. I'm guessing he is referring to this. I'll update if I have time to listen again.

8:10-He talks a bit about Walter Beinecke's impact on Nantucket. He also credits Beinecke for leading him to Newburyport, which he says shares similarities with Nantucket but isn't quite the same.

For more on the Beinecke-Port connection check out this Boston Magazine article from May 2006 includes a great quote from a former Daily News reporter (not me.)

9:16-The rumor mill is discussed. Surprise, suprise, people with little information are filling in the blanks with their own suggestions. Karp talks specifically about a rumor that he'd be bringing chains to Newbur---oops Nantucket's Main Street. He said it was never the case (and refers, I believe, to a chain-store restriction that was put into place. If someone could enlighten me on this I'd appreciate. I'm sure the Buy Local folks know all about it. Otherwise I'll find something for a future post.)

10:08ish-Karp says if anyone has any questions about what he's up to in Nantucket they should just ask him directly.

So I'm guessing that offers applies to Newburyport as well? So Mr. Karp, what's up? When might we hear the plans for the Watefront?

I'm adding these items to the Stuff About Karp list as well.