torgo

That's what I was thinkin. Have they ever tried putting a couple dozen tables out and tried to get some hot dog carts out there? That might be kinda cool

That's strange that you mention that, GRdad. Yesterday I was thinking what if they built a huge high-rise on the current Rosa Parks circle area at Monroe and Monroe Ctr/Pearl, and "moved" Rosa Parks circle to the area in front of the TGIF building. Heck, it might even be all right it they tore down that Custer office building standing there all by itself and brought the park out to Ottawa. Alternatively, you could also leave Rosa Parks where it is and build something in the TGIF parking lot too. Maybe that would be a better idea. That way you could leave the Custer bldg alone. And I agree that the amphitheathre is poorly designed. There is too much dead space there. It's good for ice skating and concerts, but there isn't much going on there the rest of the time. Hopefully, as downtown gets more lively, it will get more use.

The building itself is kinda ugly in my opinion, but in the pic it looks like the street-level facade is really cool. It would be an sweet project to have in GR, thats for sure.

Well if it's a dorm-type thing, like GVSU's secchia hall, students (or their parents) can afford it...GVSU's units are far frm empty. Lots of students have money from mom and dad. But, for optimal sucess, it would probably have to be some kind of university-sanctioned deal like secchia hall, as opposed to a regular apartment. I'm all for a drink! Although I will not reveal at this time which establishment I will be patronizing... :shifty:

Exactly. There are probably a fair amount of out-of-towners too. The colleges provide an enormous opportunity for students to live downtown, but for some reason, this has not been capitalized on very well. Wouldn't it be cool if there were townhomes or dorms like GVSU's along Market by Charleys? Or along Ionia by that new bank behind the arena? It would be great!

Gosh dangit you young whippersnappers! Git offa the sidewalk! Yer clutterin' up the street! I was wondering how long it would be before we heard someone whine about "too many people" downtown...now we know. Not very long! Thanks GrDad.

Yeah, and the food was fantastic. I had a huge steak and fancy-pants mashed potatoes. Its a good place to take your wife/girlfriend for a romantic evening. But be prepared to spend over $100 on just the two of you

Are any of these threads still alive on this board?

I suppose I should've added my favorites in here too: Cottage Bar, One Trick Pony, Morado Sushi, Tacos El Ganadero in Stockbridge is the best Mexican place in town.

^^That is awesome. On another subject, what is everyone's favorite restaurant in GR? It doesn't hafta be downtown, just GR in general. I'm always lookin' for something new. Oh, and cheap is always a plus . Thanks in advance!

I agree..the Grand River is almost totally ignored. Unfortunately, our buildings downtown were built with their backs turned to the river. Plaza Towers went and built a big parking ramp facing the river. I would love to see that area made into a big pedestrian boardwalk-type thing with lots of retail and little park-like features here and there. Just because the river is dirty (it is) doesnt mean we have to ignore it. This is one of the issues addressed in the 2002 Master PLan, so hopefully the city will try to take advantage of it at some point in the (near) future.