joeDowntown

Forgot that I took pics of The Current early last week. I think people will love or hate the facade, but I personally found it interesting in person. And hopefully we’ll get a “twin” soon on Bridge Street. Joe

I’ve read a few articles that have said cities should focus on residential, and office users (whether it’s co-working or full company relocations) will follow to attract talent, live off the vibrancy of what a downtown brings. This is a total 180 from the old way of thinking (think about how many downtowns “close” at 5pm, and how that’s been further impacted since COVID). I think GR is doing a decent job of this (live downtown, close to new amenities) and if they continue pushing, and converting office space (that is convertible) to residential/mixed use, and the branch will gain momentum. We just need to bring several big projects to fruition. Joe

I’m really shocked to see they dropped the Nashville concept in lieu of a sports bar concept. While I personally loathe the country music scene, I thought they nailed it with a Nashville bar style sports bars are a dime a two dozen. Super surprised by this (beer, spirits, wine, moonshine all fit the Nashville vibe). Crain’s article: https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/news/restaurants-1/bridge-street-bar-drops-nashville-inspired-theme-in-favor-of-sports-bar-concept/ Joe

Thought this was a cool progress shot of the Amphitheater site (found on Downtown GR's Linkedin):

The Backlot, Bridge Street Bar and the permanent food truck on Wealthy Street were all approved yesterday.

Does CWD own this property. As I’ve said before, they laid the foundation for buildings on wealthy street back in 2006-2008. The recession hit, they sat with footings, sand and Construction debris for a while, and they eventually ripped them out and paved it over again. I’m sure that would still be a goal for whoever did it the first time. Joe

Funding for a pedestrian bridge across the river is in the works. Crossing my fingers here as I think an east-west connection to the amphitheater would be a great addition to the park and also to connect to developments on the west side. https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2024/06/pedestrian-bridge-crossing-grand-river-envisioned-for-grand-rapids-amphitheater.html

Yeah, this is huge. Looks like they will be removing the "lady parts" sculpture, and the fountain as part of the project.

Back in the day, Brann’s was a “fancy place to eat”. I think a lot of people have fond memories and it’s a beautiful old building. I really hope they save the facade as a nod to the history of that location. Joe

To me, it sounds like this is all in the early stages, so they haven’t gone before the planning commission, etc. the only thing happening for sure is the restaurant is closing on Friday. Everything else will be scrutinized when they come up with a plan. Joe

One interesting thing about saving the facade. The architecture company did the Corner Bar building after it burned down. Not saying someone will have the foresight to save it, but the architecture firm has experience with using an old facade. Joe

Brann's on Leonard is closing on Friday. They plan to raze the current building (which makes me sad) and build a 4-5 story $30M mixed use building w/ 170 parking spots . Doesn't say how many apartments. Also doesn't seem like they have a firm start date in mind. https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/news/restaurants-1/owners-to-raze-johnny-branns-steakhouse-for-new-30m-mixed-use-development/ https://www.woodtv.com/news/grand-rapids/report-johnny-branns-set-to-be-demolished-replaced-with-development/

Not really. Like tropical smoothie mixed with a fast food vibe. Reminds me of something you’d see in a shopping mall food court.

Wasn't that removed when they relocated everything under market street a few years ago? Or is there another large pipe/sewer line? Joe

A couple of buildings that have always fascinated me are up for sale on the westside (335 & 348 Indiana (cross street is Douglas) for $480,000. I always knew it was part of an older brewery, but according to the listing they were built in 1870 as the ice house and carriage house for the Peter Weirich Brewing Company. Would love to see someone save it, it definitely could be quite a unique development. https://www.commercialexchange.com/search/[email protected],-85.68843967934922,15/6610179c6ac7754acd1b198a[66101f18acdc2461f02ed020]/details?bounds=42.98276897628653,-85.67309744378403,42.96119676168646,-85.7037819149144