OneSweetWorld

June completion? That sounds like an aggressive timeframe..I like it! If someone could keep us updated on what time the wrecking ball is supposed to start swinging, that would be great.

Although small scale, this is a great sign for the market-rate residential industry downtown. A refreshing escape from expensive yuppie lofts and buildings that are income-restricted. Small apartment buildings, affordable enough to house a middle class single or couple, are what help create livable cities, and we should commend small business owners like Mr. Chana for contributing to our city's growth, and encourage more to follow.

If they feel comfortable panhandling all over 28th Street in Cascade, I'm sure they're down for standing around the Market. Then again, who knows if the new-found Cascade beggars are actually homeless....

Suffice it to say after this past week, the downtown flood wall is going nowhere quickly.

I'm going to keep my disappointment to myself because, well, I'll bet we're all thinking the same thing. "Downtown Market" "Oh, you must be talking about the one in Grand Rapids, Michigan!" Originality abounds.

I guess I don't really see how it could turn out great- while cool looking, it appears extremely suburban to me.

Giant armchairs. Joe, I'd like to see some string lights over Ionia Street. Imagine that on a nice summer evening, bouncing from GR Brewing to Hopcat to Mcfaddens.

I'm starting to get seriously worried about the direction Allendale is heading in. Controversial Allendale student housing plans are blocked. As far as I know, the only "controversy" surrounding this project exists between the developers and their competition. And the township is being sucked in. This doesn't seem like any way to plan for a successful city at all.

Thanks for confirming, Knape. Bout time I call something on here.

No, I've worked for a BW3 in the area before and still keep in contact with other employees. I heard this from a manager who was offered a spot. The franchisee you mentioned @MiGuyz is not an operator of BW3 in West MI.

Figured this would be the best topic to post on... There are rumors coming from credible sources of plans for a new Buffalo Wild Wings on Ionia Ave downtown. A single digit address was mentioned (he/she couldn't remember exact number) as was a second story balcony. Multi-floor BW3's are not uncommon in many major cities (like McD's). My only guess is the former Taphouse at 8 Ionia, which was shuttered a year or two ago. That's gotta be the most prime spot on Ionia (also fronts Fulton I believe) and is already set up as a two-story bar space, although I'd expect BW3 to do a full renovation inside. It's quite significant that major restaurant/bar chains are not only seriously considering our new "strip", but are actually considering larger-than-normal spaces like one might see in downtown CHI or NYC. Let's hear it for chains!!

Since the only successful developers in GR these days are the ones focusing on the city's core, PF Chang's may be better off locating along the downtown-Gaslight Village corridor if they're serious about the GR market. Seems like Locus gets stuff done, and they're looking to fill the JA building. Though I'm not sure if their target segment coincides with any of those neighborhoods. Chang's likes to locate in or near malls and movie theaters with high traffic volumes (foot or vehicular, whatever applies). I see potential in some places though. Perhaps the Wealthy/Division project, which will be near the new farmers market and the growing Heartside district; perhaps Fulton/Division corner, which is closer to all the downtown activity. What about Celebration Village? Or Woodland- they've been pretty active building out that outdoor plaza recently. I'll have to spend some time researching market studies of the city's neighborhoods once I'm done with my final exams. I just kind of talked myself out of thinking they might locate downtown.

Heritage Hill Foods- rolls off the tongue like a sweet lullaby. Could perhaps go on the Michigan Street lot that Spartan Stores abandoned. I'll keep that in mind next time I'm lying awake at night dreaming of GR's potential.

I bet you're right. Division anywhere north of Monroe Center is completely unfit for retail in its current state. This announcement just makes the road diet even more appealing. If you define a "magazine" as a booklet of press releases for local restaurants and school districts, then yes. I still have have a few older issues laying around; I'll take a look and see if I find anything.

Along similar lines, Rockford Construction is investing in a renovation of the Peck Building (Monroe Center & Division) to house retail incubators (separate from the DDA's program). My favorite part: "The renovation plans include tearing off the brick wall along N. Division to make way for storefront windows." Includes photos and sketches.