NorthCoast

DMJM did a TOD presentation at the Growing Communities conference a few weeks back. They didn't use this study though. They just gave an example of how TOD developments differ from conventional development.

I think it would help if they reduced the amount of distance the concrete sticks out from the glass. However, I don't know if that would be structurally possible.

I'm sure it will affectionately become to be known as the LIC

Not a huge fan of the design but I'll give it a chance. Just once I'd like to see a modern building that is designed to look warm and inviting. Any one know if they plan to build this where Zumberge currently is? That is sort of a small spot. The tree line they illustrate looks a lot like the tree lines along the sidewalks that lead up to the Cook Carillon Tower and Student Services. There is plenty of greenspace next to Student Services for a project this size. The rendering also illustrates a corner of a building off to the right. This wouldn't make sense on the current site b/c all that is to the right of Zumberge is a walkway, railing, and the ravine. The only other building it could be would be the PAC and for that to be the case they would've had to illustrate the pond in front of the building, which they didn't. Not to get too far ahead of ourselves but since GV seems to really be in the mode of completely overhauling everything, anyone have any opinions what the next big project will be once the library gets built? A couple of my ideas: -Constructing a new indoor sports arena (either an entire new bldg. or replacing the Fieldhouse) -Renovation of the original Lakes buildings -Replacing the original residential halls (Copland, Kistler, etc.) -Expansion of the PAC

It looks like the top portion of the building is eating the bottom portion of the building. Seriously though, I think this would be a nice addition.

I could see them building a big Grad school downtown but as far as really expanding the undergrad operations down there, I just don't see it beyond the business/engineering/health professions. The school has way too much money invested in the Allendale campus. The Allendale campus also affords them a lot of vacant land they can develop without having to demolish any buildings or having to worry about the tighter scrutiny that comes with building in a city. I'm not saying I like it, I think that is just how it is.

It would be nice to see that happen. But for some reason I was always sort of under the impression that GVSU was never going to try to cut into GRCC's presence downtown.

I love this idea. Wish I could say more about it but Rizzo already has it pretty much spelled it out. The only thing left would be to decide where the stations would all be located. I assume we'd be looking at Grandville, Jenison, Hudsonville, Zeeland, and Holland. If propertly located these stations could help to further revitalize the core areas of the communities they serve, reducing the need for sprawl via re-development.

Hailing a cab was illegal? I had no idea.

That Jenison/Grandville exit is going to be such a mess. I'm not looking forward to it at all. Forwarning to anyone from other parts of town that may have to travel through that area, I strongly suggest taking the surface streets or M-6. You'll still be able to get off at M-11/Wilson but even that is going to be very congested and messy. Probably would be better off getting off at the first Chicago Drive exit in Wyoming.

Perhaps into the new parking structure?

If anchor 'Major B' is not a D&W like I had heard, who else with a building that size would need a drive-thru? That structure is almost 60,000 sq. ft. Too big to be a Walgreen's. Maybe I misinterpreted what I heard and D&W is still in play but is ready bolt if the project looks like its going to get held up longer than they'd like?

From one of GRDad's earlier post... "More from the Business Journal: ) Gregory Gilmore, Gilmore Collection CEO, said the project would have a 35,000-square-foot footprint and would feature a below-ground theater

With today's announcement of Gilmore's intention to develop a hotel/entertainment complex next to the BOB along with the continuous construction of condos...one would have to believe that there are going to be a lot of people/tourist looking to spend money (i.e. shop). If Gilmore's plans do come to fruition I think GR gets one step closer to some sort of major downtown retail project.

I'm usually pretty hesitant about architecture but if the project ended up looking something like that I would be pretty pleased. It is very modern and I think would serve as a nice contrast to the old-school brick BOB. I'm also excited about the lighting, Fulton Street sure would start to look pretty glitzy.

hotness

I won't divulge my source b/c I don't know just how 'classified' that information is but I can assure you it was reliable.

From what I've heard...Spartan Stores/D&W Fresh Market has pulled out of the Village of Orchard Hills and switched over to the Knapp's Crossing development.

I've always found the weave/merge lane on westbound 196 between Wilson and Chicago Drive to work very well. It kills me though to see people get on at Wilson just to get off in Jenison.

Well I had a whole reply and than IE froze up due to some stupid Adobe compatability issue with Vista. Anyway, here are some helpful links regarding both the highway project and Non-Motorized Trail plans for Georgetown Township. MDOT I-196/Baldwin Street Study (Environmental Study, Ramp Plans, Dismissed Alternatives) Existing and Proposed Non-Motorized Paths for Georgetown Twp. (GVMC) Ottawa County Grand River Green Way Brief The Bend Area Park Master Plan for Georgetown Township

Adding lanes actually increases traffic problems. The money would be better spent on alternative transportation. And for anyone who traverses the I-196/Chicago Drive interchange area, here is what you have to look forward to for the next few years... http://www.mlive.com/grandvalleyadvance/in..._huge_i196.html

Not really hyping Grand Rapids or anything but the front page article from the GR Press the other day about the man whose search for his biological mother lead him right to the Lowe's Home Improvement store where he worked (Plainfield Twp) was one of the cover story on my AT&T Yahoo! News homepage.

All I know is that they close at 3pm. I don't know when their first day open is...maybe Monday (Nov. 26)?

Don't know if this has been mentioned yet but The Omlette Shop is opening a new location on Michigan Street. I was there today for their test run and the food was really good.

Does anyone have a list and/or pictures of the original Meijer Supermarket locations (pre-supercenter)?