Holt: One Year Later

[Swordmaster]

That was a nice run. I enjoy the variety I've seen here. Good night pics, good highrise layout, but the best part is probably your suburban development. One thing I've been missing is green space, though.


Cheers
Willy

[metarvo]

The stunning night shots are a good swan song for a successful month in OSITM.  All good things must end, but I'm sure you'll be back in there in no time if this update is any indication.  Nice work, Sim_link.

[sim_link]

4 new massive projects have been approved in 4 locations. As to what they are, and where they are, you will have to wait and see. But for now, you do get to see the sites themselved. Any guesses as to what each one is, and where each site is? Props if you can figure all 4 out - not all of them have been previously mentioned.


Project 1:




Project 2:




Project 3:




Project 4:


What and where could these projects be? Stay tuned to find out...
and if you have any guesses, feel free to take a stab at where/what all 4 are. If you can do it, props!


On a side note, sorry for the lack of activity here recently. RL has kept me busy, as has helping to launch a new look for Simmania, one of the sites Holt District is published on. Coding, designing and everything that goes into making a new website look has kept me busy, as has studying, eating and you know, sleeping.

Replies (hopefully) this weekend!



boldnewhd.weebly.com

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[sim_link]

Darkness continues to swirl through HD - and beyond...

Our mystery character is a whistle blower. He alerted the HDRPS about the corruption and plan hatched by the insurer, vice regional chair and developer. And then, only a few days later, he suffered a blackout during an announcement where the vice-chair was present. Could these events be related? Find out right now...






19.1 | I began to slowly wake up... I heard door shutting. The doors of the mysterious van I was in swung open and the cold air flooded in. We certainly weren't in Holt District anymore, it was snowing. It almost never snows in Holt District. The masked people grabbed me and I saw where they were taking me - a delapitated looking house that seemed to be surrounded by a swamp. It was cold out and was snowing heavily.






19.2 | The area was definitely a swamp land - and it looked fairly isolated. That worried me... would anybody find me? What was going to happen to me... who were these people? My mind was racing and my heart was pounding. Was this the end? Or... were they going to rough me up into not saying a word? Was going to the police the wrong thing to do? So many questions raced in my mind...






19.3 | They took me inside, sat me down and tied me to the chair. The room was dark, cold and woefully ugly. Despite the situation I was in, the first thing that came to mind was how dated the wood panelling is. They began to walk away from me into the kitchen area. I was getting worried again as I ran out of things to distract myself with. They tied me really tight, I don't think I'm getting out of this chair...






19.4 | I began wondering what kind of person could go to the kitchen and start cooking while a hostage sat in their living room. Then it hit me - they were gone. The car doors outside slammed. And that bacon smell was turning to burnt meat and wood that's on fire - there's a glow and embers coming from the kitchen. Uhoh. This isn't going to end well, is it? The smoke detector went off...











19.5 | That same moment, the HDRPS in assosciation with the Orchidsen Police Service (OPS) stormed and raided the Holt District regional offices. By order of the Province of Orchidsen government, the building was to be turned upside down as part of a corruption investigation. The scheme is falling, as is the Holt District government...








vortex
Oops, thanks for pointing that out. That last figure was supposed to be 483539, my bad. Glad you liked the growth - and 500 sims was once upon a boom for me as well. More industry will be popping up in the future!

Swordmaster
Thanks. The sprawl is certainly getting larger and larger, and it isn't going anywhere anytime soon. And thanks - hopefully HD does well in its new home!

noahclem
Thanks - it was a really goof quarter for HD! This one may be slower, lots more RL going on.

sunv123
Glad you like them. I like your suggestion for the different taglines - I'll see how they turn out. As for your quote suggestion, I really like that once, that is very possible.
Townhomes... I think those are from the LEX. I want to say SimGoober, but I am not entirely sure. I'll try to get that link for you, but I'm horrible with finding stuff - especially if it isn't in my downloads history.

Mr. Lin
Glad you think so!

M4346
I need a bit of a twist once in a while, glad you like it as well!

art128
Thanks! I like to change it up once in a while. Since there is weather, corruption, etc. in real life, I figured I should incorporate that into HD.

vortex
Yea, someone was bound to take advantage of the booming economy. Hopefully when this blows up (as it probably will) it doesn't damage HD's reputation - this could have significant consequences.

RickD
Some people have no feelings, I suppose. Or they're just cold. That defines these people well I'd think...

Benedict
Thanks - it was a lot of fun to do and to give insight about where I get my insipiration.

noahclem
Thanks!

Swordmaster
Glad you enjoyed the run, I did as well. It was a lot of fun going through OSITM, coming up with new ideas for OSITM-exclusives. Oddly enough, a greenspace development is on the docket. Fore!

metarvo
Thanks, metarvo! I thought they'd be a fitting end to OSITM - sort of the light going of on a stage production was the inspiration. I hope ot be back someday, it'd certainly be an honour.

[Dantes]

Seso dark I can not see anything, no seriously great shots.  Too bad I can read English very poor and do not understand everything. 

[sim_link]

PARTS OF HD ARE IN FREEFALL... BUT WHICH ONES?
ECONOMY? HOUSING PRICES? POLITICAL STABILITY?
STAY TUNED...

[RickD]

Uh oh. Is it that bad? 

[sim_link]

KUHAN STIRRINGS TEASER


This site in Kuhan seems innocent enough. Nothing major happening here... right? Just infrastructure in the middle of nowhere...
Though some say something "fun" is coming this way...

And hey! That doesn't look like the regular Holt District logo... what's up with that?



Stay tuned to find out what exactly is going on here in Kuhan.
...And for more of the new look - launching soon!

[sim_link]

NAME THAT AMUSEMENT PARK!

Now is your chance to name an amusement park! Wicked Parks is seeking names for its new park in Holt District! Located in Kuhan, the park is nearing completion. To submit your name, merely post here! You have 24 hours to do so. After which time, a winner will be announced and whoever suggests the winning name, as selected by Wicked Parks, will get an exclusive sneak peek of the park!

Wicked is currently known for naming its parks "Wicked [City Name]", but wants to try something different. As such, "Wicked Holt District" and "Wicked Kuhan" aren't viable submissions.

Get it? Sound good? Get naming! Feel free to submit more than one.
If duplicate names are suggested the first person to have suggested a specified name gets the sneak peek.
This applies to all versions of HD (ST, SC4D, Simopsis, Simmania) - not just the version you post in.

Wicked looks forward to your suggestions!

[sim_link]

BEAUTIFUL NIGHT IN THE CITY

It's a beautiful night in the city. The bright city lights shine and the towers soar to the sky. But...





...does that say this picture is from Kuhan?! Since when does Kuhan have skyscrapers?!
Things are changing in Holt District.



NAME THAT AMUSEMENT PARK: RESULTS!

I am please to announced the winner of the "Name That Amusement Park" contest. WRANER wins with the suggestion "Everest Peak"
Wraner will get a sneak peek of the entire park before it is shown in an Holt District update!

Wicked Parks has already made up the logo for the park:



The park will be opening soon. Stay tuned for the update the covers it.

[sim_link]

Everest Peaks Amusement Park

A lot has been happening in Holt District beyond the swirling darkness, and today we're taking a look at one of those projects. Poking our heads up above the clouds we are visiting Everest Peaks Amusement Park. Located in Kuhan, this park was completed under the BOLDNEWHD plan. Constructed and operated by Wicked Parks, this large amusement park will draw people from Holt District for a day (or two!) of twisting fun. The park, as you will notice, is not the only thing out in that area. Some land owned by Wicked Parks was developed into residential housing, very spawly-residentaial housing. So let's get a move on and take a look.
This update also marks the debut of the new Holt District update look and official retirement of the rectangle logo. You treated us well, Rectangular Logo! But it's time for a fresh new look.






20.1 | We start off with a bird's eye view of the park and surrounding area. The park is filled with vendor booths, rides and roller coasters. And if you're looking for a parking spot, it should be easy in the parks expansive, newly paved parking lot!






20.2 | Zooming into the parking lot you will notice a rail line. This rail line now has its first commuter rail stop in Holt District here at Everest Peaks. Despite being the home to the Provincial Capital, to this point Holt District hasn't been service by Government of Orchidsen Transit, or GO. It is now, though!
You will also notice the private broadcaster OTV's local broadcast studios here. It houses studios of OTV Holt District and several OTV-produced television shows' sound stages.






20.3 | Moving to where the real action is, Everest Peak's main entrance. The line ups are long to get in, today. Perhaps one of the cashiers that's supposed to be at the main entrance is in the maintenance building snoozing...






20.4 | We move on to the water park portion of Everest Peaks. It's not open today since it's a bit chilly, but will be full of hustle and bustle come the summer.






20.5 | This coaster, CYCLONE, is a transplant from one of Wicked Parks older properties. That property is in the process of being reconstructed from the ground up and it was decided this coaster would be moved here to Everest Peaks.






20.6 | Here we have the SPEEDWAY gokarting course. Rubber tires (somewhat ) cushion those who crash mid-way through the race.






20.7 | This area houses some general attractions, including bumper cars, and a smaller roller coaster suitable for those who aren't ready to tackle the hypercoasters quite yet.






20.8| ThunderRun is another popular attraction - something about going through that hoop twice is thrilling. That and going backwards. That's pretty cool.






20.9 | And of course there is SkyScreamer. You may be able to see your house from the top, though you probably won't be up there long enough to notice. Or your eyes will be closed.






20.10 | And to end of the update, a little teaser. I mentioned that not only a park developed our in rural Kuhan. That wasn't a lie. Suburban sprawl has struck the area in a big way. We'll look at it a little more in depth next update.







Dantes
Thanks for stopping by! Basically, bad stuff has/is happening. But glad you enjoyed the update despite the language barrier!

RickD
Sometimes things aren't as bad as they're portrayed...

[vortext]

Looks like a nice day out is provided for! 

The new logo is great, too!

[sunv123]

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's what I'm like when I go on roller-coasters. Geico Pig, anyone?

And those houses packed together look a lot like the ones in Toronto, Mississauga, Etobicoke, Brampton, and pretty much a big portion of suburban Toronto. I don't know If Kuhan is based on the greater Toronto area though.

[metarvo]

Although I haven't been to that many amusement parks, I do take advantage of the food and wild rides when they show up at local fairs and the like.  The thing is, these kind of roller coasters don't show up there, so I have to settle for the rides that flip, spin, and go up and down really fast.    The idea of an amusement park group having suburban sprawl built on its land is interesting.  Already, I can see the shopping centers being built.

Nice update! 

[RickD]

I love amusement parks but I hate standing in line for the attractions. Everest Peak looks very realistic. I see you have build sufficient parking. Maybe a hotel will be built next to the park?

[sim_link]

IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN!






And of course, it just wouldn't be an advertisement for the next census without an obscure region view!

[sim_link]

MARCH 2013 CENSUS

It's that time again! Another quarter has passed which means it is time for another census here in Holt District. A lot has happened this most recent quarter: the region has been booming under BoldNewHD, faced its first significant natural disaster in years and faced some, shall we say, "interesting" political mess formed. As usual, this census will feature update population figures for all municipalities for the region, including commercial and industrial statistics, and an updated region view. Growth boomed again this quarter, and the region hit a pretty massive milestone this time. Let's scroll down to see what it might be...






If you've never seen a census before, the data below is presented in a pretty format, since I like doing things that way. As mentioned, a major milestone was reached this past quarter - and furthermore there was a shakeup in the order of municipality size in terms of population. Manatee has fallen from second place after sitting there for its entire existence, and the regions existence. 2 towns are dueling for growth rate supremacy while the remainder of the list saw significant shake ups as well. This text blurb is also here so you get to see the pretty banner for the census, in addition to the pretty normal banners. Seriously.







We begin the census with statistics for the overall region. Holt District passed a major milestone this census - it surpassed the 1 000 000 in population mark for the first time. Overall the region grew by approximately 30% due in large part to suburban sprawl in the western parts of the region.









We move to the first municipality: Sherkston, which holds on to the title of largest city in Holt District. More condominium construction and several new single-family housing developments kept Sherkston on the growth train for yet another quarter.







Moving into second place after unseating Manatee is Kuhan. Kuhan more than doubled in size again this quarter. The town has grown thanks to huge amounts of single-family homes constructed and several condominiums near Everest Peaks. Kuhan did not, however, win the growth rate supremacy contest this quarter...






Falling to third place is Manatee. Manatee grew by a tiny 0.9% this quarter. This is a fair grwoth rate, especially after the destruction caused by the tornado which left approximately 5000 homeless.






Booming up to 4th place is the former Township of Saltfield - now the Town of Flynn! Flynn was the fastest growing municipality in Holt District this past quarter. The construction scene in the background is the new large-format arena being constructed as part of BoldNewHD.






Dofino put up solid numbers again this quarter, due in large part because of lower land price and new, affordable condos available close to its charming downtown core.







Shorecoast is reaching for 100 000 in population with these 2 large residential towers. The increase in population in the town is due nearly in all part from these towers. They provide excellent photo-taking opportunities...






Midport continues to grow after a modest decline in the first census that was published here. Growing by 25% the town continues to be a hotbed for single family homes and condominiums over looking the water.






To Norecount, we go! Norecount is facing sprawl, pushing its population up nearly 8%. In the background photo you can see the sprawl meeting an established neighbourhood.







We finish the statistical portion of this quarter's census update in Old Port which grew very modestly this quarter. With the developer of the planned community pre-occupied with sprawl in Kuhan and Flynn only a section of phase 3 was completed this quarter.







Of course, that's not the only part of this census update. It's time for an updated region view! Below are 2 region views - one displaying the region in all its awesomeness () and another with labels highlighting projects under construction as part of BoldNewHD. You will notice the region continues to sprawl out at a rapid pace. Especially in the west, where Everest Peaks and the surrounding development now grace the landscape. In the more developed portions of the region surrounding Manatee and Sherkston the region continues to fill out nicely.

Region View #1






Region View #2







That's it for this quarter's census! I hope you enjoyed the census and looking at the conitnuing growth of Holt District. Come back in late-June for another census update! What will happen this quarter? Nobody knows yet, but guessing continued growth wouldn't be a bad start.




vortex
It would have been a great day to go to an amusement park here (in RL land ) today, oddly enough. Glad you like the new logos, I thought it was time for a change and sprucing up.

sunv123
Haven't seen the GEICO pig, but I can image. That area of Kuhan actually was based on the Brampton/Richmond Hill/Milton areas, or the GTA in general. Nice eye!

metarvo
The "local" amusement park isn't all that convenient for me, at least an hour or two, depending on traffic. If traffic is bad it's even longer. We don't have a local fair with rides unfortunately anymore. The local spot for the fair is being turned into housing.  And the shopping centre is very possible. Afterall, it's one of the aims of BoldNewHD...

RickD
I'm on the hunt for the right hotel to be constructed there! And parking is a must for any amusement park.
The lines are brutal, especially on hot days. It's always hot when I go to the park close-ish to me. Go figure.

[M4346]

I love Census Time! Well done on yet another great census and amazing presentation! I look forward to seeing a lot more of Hold, especially of all those interesting projects underway.

[nbvc]

Nice update and the amusement park was also great.

[sim_link]

HOLT UNIVERSITY TEASER

Holt District has been quiet recently, and will continue to be as I wrap up another semester.
So what could be more appropriate than a sneak peek of the future Holt University?



This is a memorial marker on the future campus, dedicated to the Holt Family who largely built this region in the beginning.






This is one of the many lecture hall complexes. Soon these will be filled with students glaring at their professors as they ramble on about... something.
Nobody quite knows what.






This is another complex, consisting of smaller classrooms for tutorials, seminars as well as several faculty offices. There are also, again, some lecture halls.
Currently the faculties of the Sciences, Engineering and Business School are being considered for this space as the major tenant.





...how many more quiet nights this campus will see remains unseen. But with students arriving this coming fall...
...and that's all we have for now. Thanks for sticking with Holt District during this quiet period. I hope to have activity pick up once again in a few weeks!