Jippy

The surface parking lots do not worry me too much. As long as new surface parking is not introduced within new development, then it will remain holding land until new university-related buildings are required -- much the way DDA is transferring parking Lots 4 and 5 in preparation for future development. Surface parking becomes problematic when the orientation of existing buildings would make it difficult to eliminate. The parking lots on the west and SW sides of the student apartments across from the main DT GVSU campus are a good (bad) example. I would not be surprised if the next downtown GVSU project is a parking garage in order to free up more increasingly valuable land.

Dearest Regal, resist the urge! Seattle, Portland, Chicago, New York, San Fran are not world renowned cities because they contain chain restaurants. Truly successful cities are in the business of shuttering chains because no one goes there anymore. These chains just perpetuate sodium-filled sprawl. No outsider is ever going to give us cred because "we got our PFs too". That respect comes from bustling urban corridors and unique culture, amenities and businesses.

Has anyone heard any news on this project lately?

To confirm. Is GVSU retrofitting or building new at this location. I think there is conflicting opinions on this thread. If new, will the site layout generally reflect what is there today?

Can anyone point me to the site plan for the new GVSU business school building? While the rendering looks nice, it appears that there is surface parking in front of the building. I am hoping that is not the case for this downtown location. There is sufficient development downtown to ensure all buildings are pedestrian-oriented.