joeDowntown

Same. But I looked back through GVSU and Stadium threads and couldn't find anything so thought maybe I made it all up. Joe

Darn. I was hoping they'd keep the little one story building. It has a lot of character and a cool facade. But it will be good infill for the area. Joe

Bold! @arcturusput 100% of his chips on Dave's Hot Chicken. LOL. I like to spread my bets around. I lose more than I win. Bold move. LOL

They've now "prioritized" the West Side location for the soccer stadium (instead of it being one of the options): https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/news/economic-development/grand-action-2-0-begins-prioritizing-west-side-property-for-soccer-stadium/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter-BreakingNews-20231220

Agreed. Also, they just had their grand opening (yesterday, the day before at 4pm). Have to give them a little bit of time before we call it. From what I can tell, it looks like they used a lot of decor from Wahlburgers? Maybe they're still tweaking the interior a bit. Joe

I'm pretty sure Van Andel is a sought after venue as shows do well here. I don't know if a venue in Kalamazoo will syphon much traffic from VAA. Joe

GR City Archives has a great Instagram account and recently posted pics of Big Boy. You can see 131 to the side. IIRC, when they tore the old building down for the new, they built the new one in the parking lot so the building moved a bit (but on the same lot). Here's a pic they posted from 1974:

This, along with a hillside park would be amazing for near downtown, and the residents of both Belknap and Monroe North. Ottawa and Division running parallel makes no sense. @whitemice, just guessing here, but I would imagine it won't be too hard to get Division and Ottawa to lineup a bit north (lots of space, no buildings in the way):

I'll come up with mine in the next week or so. 2023 was not a great year for predictions on my part. Woof!

We miss a lot of acts in the summer that can't play indoors as they are setup to play in outdoor venues. So these acts bypass Grand Rapids. I would say it's a complimentary venue. Joe

Personally, I think they've done a really good job keeping it up over the years. It probably needs a renovation somewhat soon as people want a great experience (and VAA has a bit of a concrete canyon vibe). But, if they want to do a full overhaul of the inside of the arena, doing it in the summer and having an amphitheater to offset the revenue (and performances) seems ideal. I wouldn't be surprised to see renovation talks heat up as the amphitheater progresses. Joe

This looks like a big enough deal to break this area off into its own thread. Changing the zoning of this whole area could be huge. It’s a little odd squeezed between the river and 131, but had lots of possibilities. Sounds like nothing will be moved forward in this area (including the proposed development on Front and Leonard) until the zoning change is approved and complete. https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/news/real-estate/grand-rapids-planners-eye-30-acres-of-riverfront-property-for-future-redevelopment/ Joe

Cross posting this from the restaurant thread. Corewell bought the Rocky's property: https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/news/real-estate/rockys-bar-abruptly-closes-as-corewell-health-scoops-up-more-monroe-north-property/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_term=crain's+grand+rapids+business&utm_content=0d572dc6-8409-42c5-a7d6-0cb6e92120d7 So does this mean they learned nothing from the planning commission meeting and plan on doubling down on trying to make this area a terribly unwalkable neighborhood (and probably wanting to tear it down ASAP as they worry about the upkeep of a derelict building). Oof! Joe

Snapped this over the weekend. Shows progress on Sip Shine and the Blue Jay on Bridge/Stocking

Yep.

a little insider info on that one. It hasn't been announced yet but got it from a credible source. Joe

That's awesome! And going into the old Grid 70 restaurant space (what was that place called, Churchhills? Lasted a hot second before it turned into the Meijer kitchen). That'll add a lot a vibrancy and a great new option downtown. There's also the golf simulator bar going in on Ottawa (old Davenport building, where the ArtPrize elephant mural is located). Some pretty entertaining options coming... Joe

I think they main concern is noise pollution in Heartside and neighborhoods across the river. I'm hoping the sound engineers can present some good facts about the level of noise and calm fears. Also, it'll be used mainly from 7-10:30(?) in the summer (and the band may end at 10, people milling around probably aren't nearly as loud from a decibal prespective). I'd think US131 generate much more noise (24/7) than the amphitheater will. And hey, free concert! Joe

I've heard from very good sources that it is definitely USL Championship, and ownership is in place and ready to go. They just need the stadium. I LOVED the rivalry between DCFC and GRFC (so much energy at those games) and can't wait for the North Guard (Detroits rowdy supporters) come rolling into town! Joe

With the 2 new residential buildings, and general growth in that area, I just can't imagine it won't be redeveloped at some point soon. Too cool of a building in too good of a location to sit in mothballs. Joe

I imagine the first design pitch: “it’s like urban housing, but with a cool, dentist office vibe. It’s a totally new concept to this housing market!”. I wonder if the front doors will have built in sensors that go “ding-dong” when visitors enter? Or is that an add-on?

I could see that. I could also see a much more dense development on that site if they started over. It's a decent sized lot (with too much parking for 8 units). It's not the end of the world, but feel like it doesn't the mark. I'm both hoping it's a success to help add to housing supply short-term, and also hoping someone knocks it down ten years from now and build something taller/denser. Joe

They did a fantastic job with the signage on this building. I love how they kept the brick gritty and added the blue band with painted sign on the facade. Very nice! Joe

Found a rendering (it was approved today for ORPA funding): I'd say it's not great / lacking, but we need additional housing, so [shrug]. I don't like feeling like "it sucks, but it fills a need". Seems like we could fill a need, AND do better. Wonder how many people will try to walk in people's front door?!. It looks (and sounds) like a hair salon, or maybe a veterinary clinic [woof]. Joe

That's the one. I was confused about them not tearing the building down, but I kind of worried that is the case. Joe