Cookin_peacocks

The building GRBC is in just caught fire. Saw flames coming out the roof.

Looks like the tower crane is about to come down. Godspeed.. hopefully you're up somewhere new soon.

Does this project take up the whole plot? Or is the Division corner going to be a parking lot with potential for future development?

I think you hit the nail on the head, it's not going to happen. But the idea of a new build on the Kent County site is more realistic. Of course, the best option might be the large Ellis lot on Ionia. And undo some of the urban renewal between Ionia and Ottawa.

I really wish they would just raze the Kent County Building, or part of it and incorporate half of it into a newer, denser project. But, as it stands, the reimagined version should help pull some of the activity of south/west downtown Eastward and northward.

As a sports fan, the idea of a downtown stadium is exciting, even if soccer isn't my jam. That said, I feel like unless this part of a bigger project (retail, housing, ect) it's somewhat of a miss for such a great location and size of land.. However, it appears that this is going to include those things, so, let's go. Also, maybe this brings in a professional lacrosse team as well. That would be rad as hail.

Looks good

Charleys Crab is either half down or maybe even gone now. https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2024/01/demolition-underway-on-charleys-crab-in-downtown-grand-rapids.html?utm_campaign=grandrapidspress_sf&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR3cGyz7oX0I-8bcfrxOiKQF6Hw2P7wajSVV8MxlGxjhPtOHKXrDBPgnPOU

I had envisioned the city and county building one building, about 20 stories on the Plaza. Guess that's not the future. But if it gets the Ionia/Fountain building redeveloped, I'm all for it. Especially if something taller takes it's place.

That's awesome news. That stretch is kinda dead at times, and between this and the new restaurant, hopefully it makes Commerce more active.

I'm not familiar with Meritage, but apparently they are hated by many.

According to Reddit, Stan's Taco on Ottawa has closed. https://wgrd.com/stans-tacos-closes-downtown-location-only-one-left/?fbclid=IwAR390IemjSbN0TQoBFF9hNerF59HvEixg6wHI_1Dk9mrLkcDBSHfF-pTa1Y

Is the Wealthy street Subway dead? I haven't seen it open in weeks and these notices were taped on the door.

Hey, number 2 was my idea! I definitely think Ellis will build there and include a residential tower.

While I'm excited something is going in on this corner, I can't help but to think they should have aimed higher and gone after something more dense. I feel like this corner is severely underutilized and this just plays into that. Something I've said about 5 times this thread now. Sorry I'm so redundant.

Got an update on some projects on the hill for yas.

Good to hear. Perhaps the peeps at Reddit jumped the gun, and I did by regurgitating it.

Van andel was envisioned to host an NHL Franchise when it was built. But the NHL moved away from the regional sport to a national sport and that idea died.

I think billing themselves a dive is the wrong thing to do. You're a downtown restaurant in a high traffic part of the city. Lean into that.

It's going to be much smaller. Maybe some of the lesser demand shows the arena gets, but I wouldn't imagine it gets much at all. I am bummed Kalamazoo is getting a shiny new arena while VAA ages very.... Ungracefully.

Well, the Foolery is getting roasted online. Apparently their prices are absurd (24 bucks for a personal pizza) and people say the place just tries too hard.

https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2023/12/bike-path-pedestrian-walkway-would-replace-this-downtown-grand-rapids-road.html?utm_campaign=grandrapidspress_sf&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR3fW-W0HyZ-vbyLriBb3oheCkNRHYWBdu3tqVOEWzltDIm3jlK2fawRMLo Looks like they are tearing a half mile stretch of Division out and turning it into a bike path while reconfiguring Ionia to carry that traffic.

I only was right on two of these. Yikes. I'm bad at this. Welp, here we go! 1. This one is a tap in putt. But the amphitheatre project breaks ground. 2. I was very wrong about this one, so I'll go against my 23 guess. But the soccer stadium breaks ground and a team is announced. 3. Library parking lot ramp is resurrected. 4. Aquarium conversation continues to trend in the right direction. 5. A top golf clone is built at Indian Trails. 6. Convention center hotel continues to progress and renderings are released. 7. The first plans for the worst kept secret in GR are released for the Market/Fulton lot. Anchored by an Acrisure tower. 8. Ellis gets a jump on the amphitheatre project and announces a mixed use ramp for the lot on Weston/Market/Cesar Chavez. Similar to Arena Place, but taller. The ramp will serve both the amphitheatre and arena. 9. A chain pharmacy announces a downtown location. 10. Due to pressure and bad press, Corewell announces a residential highrise near its new headquarters.

Funny you mention this, this is a point of contention of my favorite sports team.. ownership has let the team rot and the facility they play in. Depending on the league, many arenas from the arena boom from the 90s are undergoing either massive MASSIVE renovations, or flat out being replaced. The AHL, on the other hand.... State of the are facilities aren't as necessary. Still, a major renovation is probably needed sooner rather than later.

The Foolery is going to open Monday. https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2023/12/social-misfits-new-sibling-restaurant-the-foolery-sets-opening-date-in-downtown-grand-rapids.html?utm_campaign=grandrapidspress_sf&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR1cMRMyMLaKb7tMr4f4CPlwgJNvUzX5mpvux523l2mjd61t8QAIM3mudEw