Hoeks

Below are some photos of the new addition taken this past weekend. Hard to describe, but this is a drastic change to how the airport feels. It used to feel very small walking up the low, dark ramp and right to the gates. This makes the airport seem much larger, and not so regional. I've gone through a couple times now, and each time, travelers were commenting. It was also busier one of the days, and they opened an additional security checkpoint (they can open or close doors visible in picture 1). Not that it is ever hard to get through security, but passenger throughput is improved. There is a dedicated TSA PreCheck lane, which is convenient. The new starbucks after security is a nice addition, and will not replace the existing location. There is ample room/seating after security to put on shoes/belts/etc. I did not go into the Grand Rapids gift shop, and the restaurant/brewery is still under construction.

Flying in & out of GRR is very convenient. And it's biggest advantage vs a major hubs. A direct ramp/road would make it feel bigger, however the bigger impact would be inside. It is small and feels small. functionality over features. The terminals have 12 ft? drop ceilings. Bag drops right in front of concourse (thought they were being moved). Guess the general thought is that instead is spending on a ramp, make the actual airport more medium/big city.

Well done video of Kansas City's new streetcar that launched recently (Although twice the size + of GR). They've made quite the push to being known as a smart city. Pick up at a large, free parking lot(s) for commuters to then get brought into DT by the streetcar. http://kcstreetcar.org/#

I've stayed at 1717 Broadway in Manhattan. It houses two brands for 600+ rooms. Courtyard floors 6-33, and Residence Inn 37-65. Could be an opportunity to get two new brands with a similar format (albeit different scope)?

I like aspects of all three! I would lean toward Urban Living Room, and add a few features from the other two designs. The food truck plaza of Modernist Lines makes more sense to me than using the center of the plaza for something temporary in time. In place of where the food trucks would've been, would be a good location for a water feature, or something to break up the larger expanse just south of the sculpture. I like the restaurant, but also include the lighted biergarten. If not, placing it next to the event lawn space. That way groups could enjoy biergarten, lawn space and food trucks, all in one close proximity. White birch would also look great as featured in the concept imagery of Sculpture Grove. Pick and choose might not be an option, but just my thoughts.

Last week from the tarmac.

I will be in Boston the first week of August, and plan to check this park out (near Seaport District). Sorry the video is a testimony for a marketing company, but it does show the types of activities/events being held. Movies, games, workout classes, concerts, etc. https://signatureboston.com/lawn-on-d

That was quick! GRR to DCA non-stop beginning January 4th, 2012. "Introductory rates of $49 each way" http://www.mlive.com...ll_add_non.html

I will be excited to see what comes of this! Locus could be a front runner for this property. 38 is definitely a demonstrated downtown success and it incorporated a parking structure. "The purchaser must present a proposal for a mixed-use office and retail development, detail a history of successful downtown projects and pledge a minimum investment of $15 million while committing to a multi-story, 75,000-square-foot building completed within three years of the purchase." http://www.mlive.com..._rapids_pa.html

Sneak peak was in the headline. I don't do Facebook, but thanks for the warm welcome to the site on my first post.

Pure Michigan post online sneak peak of GR Commercial! http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2011/04/pure_michigan_posts_online_sne.html