d8alterego

Obviously this rendering is just to show a transit-oriented development, but I really like how they didn't keep the skywalk. I tend to like buildings better w/o them (I know they have an economical and tourist benefit, but still).

When the building is finished, will you be able to see those old painted adverts on the side of that building? Or will they disappear into the history books yet again?

Hmm, not much of a departure from the cement block that is the original library, but I really like that green roof on the top and the natural lighting. I think if you took away that grid of cement in the front and had pure glass, that would be amazing. With the grid of cement, it kind of reminds me of the 5/3 building DT. I hope they renovate and not tear down the Zumberge Library because, with a little tlc, I think it could have some great potential. I always hated going to Zumberge to study though. When I see "modern" buildings like these, I tend to worry that they'll end up looking dated in 10-15 years. It's something I keep in mind.

I'm no big fan of modern architecture, but I sorta like it. I'm a bit disappointed by the lack of balconies though. Oh, and is that a pill box/gun turret window I see in the dark grey area in the center? I don't get why they design those windows like that.

I'm not so sure I like this idea. I am happy the law was repealed, but if more taxi companies set up shop, would that mean more competition against a streetcar proposal? I really don't want to see the taxi companies fighting against a streetcar line on the basis of running them out of business. Is this a well founded concern or am I just way too worried?

This sounds like a GR program: a public/private partnership that encourages mass transit, environmentally friendly, and is cost-effective. So why is it being installed in Washington DC first? "The bike-sharing programs that have transformed Europeans into two-wheeled travelers are now en route to the U.S. Clear Channel Outdoor, an outdoor advertising company, will launch the country

I think it's interesting that your plan puts the new terminal roughly where the old GR Union Station use to be. It was a rather boring building architecturally (I thought), but it would be nice to have a Union Station again.

so when can we expect to see the ground breaking?

See, that's what I don't understand. Why is the city installing new signals when they're paying to convert them to LED? Sounds like a lack of planning and a waste of resources to me.

I was just talking to my mom about this (she was an American Airlines flight attendent back in the day). She tends to fly a lot these days because she's closer to retirement and has some extra cash. Our discussion was about her moving, once in retirement, so that she could be closer to a big airport (possibly Chicago). For the past few years I've been showcasing GR to her, but she points out that most flights out of GR are small regional ones that have roughly 40 seats to them. She flies mainly stand by, so if the flight books up (which at 40 seats it does) she can't get to or from GR. She rarely flies out of GR currently and ops usually for Dtown.

Sometimes, I feel like those types of signals (ones really close together) don't work as efficiently as they are suppose too. Anyone know the mechanics of traffic controls? I'm sure there are pros and cons to these types of situations.

So I take it MSU will be going vertical very quickly since the foundation's already in place? Or do they have a waiting period for some reason? That'll be something to look forward too if they're jumpin' on it.

Since I'll be heading up to GR tomorrow, I'll try bringing some of our Orlando weather up. I hear it's cold up there. Don't know how much I can pack in my standard 12oz ziplock bag (I think it's 12oz), but i'll do my best.

Wow! I so badly want to express my opinion on Bush in writing (it in no way would be appropriate here), yet I'll settle with an emoticon:

Is that % normal for regional airports that are so close to huge airports like Chicago? I guess I'm asking if it's a geographical problem (which may be unfixable) than anything else.

I figured that a streetcar line going north on Monroe was the obvious choice but my hope was that they'd have at least a future line going East up Health Hill. Anyone know why the choice for that is the BRT?

Is it a foundation or a parking garage? I thought the original renderings had a parking garage or an emergency entrance below it.

You know, I may be way off topic to bring this up here, but I just want to say that I really wish there were more bike racks downtown. This past summer when I was living by Anne and Monroe I would bike downtown for something to do. It was frustrating, however, to lock my bike up because I usually couldn't find a decent pole. On occasion, I had to lock it up against street signs (I'd smirk because I could park when the sign read no parking for cars ). That, and the poles had the possibility of scratching up my pimptastic ride . I'm mentioning this here because, in a way, it relates to transit.

Does anyone have any pics of the developments already under construction? I can understand how it's not a top priority to head out to Allendale for them, but they would be cool!

Yes to both. The parking ramp will have MSU's new medical bldg on top and the Towers will be replaced with a new medical bldg as well.

In various parts of the article it mentions how new transit initiatives are driving development and I thought it could work in this thread. Granted it did talk about high rise buildings, but I found it interesting how Texas (suburb country) was embracing mass transit when us Northerners tend not to. I promise I'll make more of a habit of staying on topic than off GRDad.

Something that astounded me: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-1...icaltexas_N.htm Is it not crazy how Texans (everything's bigger and don't mess with us) are not being themselves Texans? And here we are being Grand Rapidians who are too nervous to take big risks in transit - something us Northerners should be well comfortable with. This amazes me. How can a city such as Dallas, whose planning history revolved around suburbs, be on the leading edge of this trend? It kind of makes me mad. Anyone agree?

I get the feeling that many people are going to see this building from great distances because A) the spire and B) the spire is on top of the Health Hill area.

Not to completely rationalize a horrible blank wall, but admittedly, the wind would probably blow pretty hard and fast through that parking structure with all walls exposed. With no tall building on the west side blocking the wind, in the winter, that would be a bit cold. Having the westward wall covered might just be an added benefit?

Of course the year I graduate they add all these new buildings (including a lab devoted to GIS). Maybe, by the time I get back, they'll have a masters program in GIS. Anyone have some pics of the construction or better pics of the designs?