ModSquad

I think we can watch for more and more of this type of thing happening in our revitalizing central city neighborhoods. There are a lot of non-profit/social service agencies and even churches that have operated in these neighborhoods for years and most of them own their own building. I believe the market has reached a tipping point in may of these neighborhoods where it makes economic sense for the organization to "cash in" on their real estate and then relocate in a less expensive area netting the remaining proceeds to help with an ever shrinking revenue stream. Bethel Church has sold, it looks like Project Rehab is following suit, and I know of at least two additional organizations in similar neighborhoods looking to do the same.

The article praises 3 Floyds in Munster, Indiana (my old stomping grounds). If you have never been there, it is absolutely a MUST try. The best beer and brewery I have ever experienced! Beer enthusiasts, it is a must try!

Wow - I have not been on this for awhile. Wing Heaven had all of their equipment repossessed. Can't work with no equipment. The bad thing is that Lighthouse paid for the build out including the VERY expensive hood and exhaust system along with other equipment specifically for a restaurant. If anyone knows of someone looking to start a small restaurant I'm sure Lighthouse would be ready to deal. It would be a great place for a simple sandwich shop, or quick lunch place.

Don't know if I ever did post that here. They are taking the corner unit on Diamond. The work is ongoing right now for the build out. They are simply moving down the street. They needed a bigger place with more waiting and cooking room. It is being vented straight up through all three floors and out the top. We just need to stay on top of them with the bones that tend to be littered along Wealthy.

Wing Heaven is being built out and should be ready to go by the end of the month. We have gotten a lot of interest in the other spaces but no one willing to the next step. Currently still in communication with a day care provider, a law office, and a few other retail stores. It seems that either the leasee is interested but cannot get financing, or they have the financing and are really moving slowly on signing. I am not telling you all anything, but it is a tough economy out there right now and everyone is being careful, business owners and banks. It should help once we get a few businesses in there. The residential units are going well. I think we only have 6 of 24 left. We have to be full by year's end, and don't think we will have a problem. As far as the old Mc D's goes, it is a REAL weird deal. Only the front portion of the project has been foreclosed on, the part that used to be McD's. Roosevelt Tillman still owns the back portion.

Thanks for the clarification. I think I actually understand what you are talking about here.

Ted, I hope you did not take offense to my comment stating, "If they passed the town home project on Diamond...." I love your project! I simply think that it is very different from anything currently in any Historic District thus proving the Commission's willingness to accept to approve cutting edge projects. I do agree with you and had not thought about the fact that there is a significant difference between existing buildings and in fill new construction. This would pose a significant barrier on the property Tamias did in sketch up.

Very well spoken. Needless to say I very much agree. Unfortunately I have not seen any sign of wiggle room ever given by the Historic Preservation Comission in Grand Rapids, i.e. the way they have handled lead hazard remediation issues.

Don't know but that would make sense considering the size and prominence of the sanctuary in the building.

The sanctuary of that church is impressive. Many years ago my organization held an event there. I agree that this would be an awesome building to do a conversion of some sort, but the sanctuary would have to be saved and it takes a lot of space, basically the entire core of the building. What is the history of this building...what school was it?

I am not sure what you are talking about when you say beotchized traditionalism and traditional styled stuff that looks like it belongs in a suburban monoplex. Can you explain that to me? Or point out some examples. I would like to know what you mean.

I am not so sure about it not passing historic preservation...if they passed the town home project on Diamond they may pass something like this. I think it is really impressive. We have been in regular conversation with the owners of this building trying to help them with the disposition of it. Can't say too much but let me say that in all my days of doing real estate development I have never seen a bigger legal nightmare in regard to who owns this land legally and rightfully. We continue to walk slowly with the owners to try and sort it out. But it is going to take time.

Lighthouse Communities is celebrating our 5 year anniversary. March 1, 2007 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts 41 Sheldon Blvd SE Grand Rapids, MI A film retrospective by Plastic Sons Productions will highlight Lighthouse's accomplishments The night will be charmed by live jazz music provided by the Silver Knights Jazz Ensemble Chef Tommy Fitzgerald will delight you with his special culinary offerings You will enjoy varied beer, wine, & champagne provided by Art of the Table A silent auction of unique items and packages will be held throughout the night Also on display will be "Life in My Neighborhood!" a photo journal done by neighborhood youth. All photos will be auctioned off at the end of the evening. Tickets are $50 and available at the door.

Especially after a few beers!

It looks like some it is near Keeler Brass of Godfrey

KK is horrible, however, Urban Beanery does sell baked goods which are most likely about as bad for you as KK. Oh well, at least it is not on the beltline.

I am sitting at the Urban Beanery Cafe (1151 Madison Ave SE) sipping on some really fine coffee and surfing the net on their high speed wireless. Check it out everyone. Shannon (the owner) has really raised the bar in this/my neighborhood. For those of you that do not know, I live above the Urban Beanery, and own the building. I think I will have to change my morning routine. Living above a coffee shop could be dangerous for me.

Yep...High speed DSL

I should add to this discussion that the Coffee House below my place at 1153 Madison will be open in about 2 weeks. Urban Beanery Cafe. I hope he can be successful. Shannon, the owner has done things right. It looks great in there. Similar fare to the Wealthy Bakery. In fact David La Grand fro the Bakery has been giving Shannon a lot of advice.