blueradon

Thank you - it's a start really - I couldn't decide which store on google earth to use so I'm actually using the rockford store on this one...particularly because I like the round parking lot shape - I think that should be incorporated into all the store parking lots. I think the old alpine store is on there which is smaller - maybe I'll try a smaller store since that appears to be what meijer has been doing lately. I'm starting to think now that it's looking a little too busy. Maybe not. The one adjustment that I am thinking of doing is to move the bike racks over to the bus station and put it all in one. Or swap the mobile transit with the bistro. I dunno I'll play around with it some more My next fun project will be to try a downtown store. Any suggestions for any elements that should be in a downtown store as far as bus stations, looks, parking, etc...

And notice I added the bike ramps I did that just for you

So I've been extremely bored the last couple days and thought I'd like to make a sketchup of what I'd like to see a Meijer store look like. Feel free to comment or criticize - I just do it for fun It's not entirely finished I wanted to make a point about improving the parking lot but haven't figured out exactly how to do that yet. My main goal was to not have a meijer store look like a big blank wall with two stacks of glass. Oh, and more greenery Oh and for anyone that's asking - the fred's bistro thing was my idea of bring the deli to the front of the store in conjunction with the purple cow and have an outdoor cafe

Another idea that always made me wonder -- Meijer pretty much is split up into some good areas that could serve their purpose for urban markets. Examples - Meijer Toy Store - Meijer Hardware Store - Meijer Furniture Store - Meijer Pet Store - Meijer Grocery Store - Meijer Electronics Store - Meijer Garden Store - Meijer Craft Store - Meijer Bakery/Deli Store It always makes me wonder why they don't go into other states and get into the big towns and put up some competition. Especially with the idea of a downtown grocery/market (minus the toys and hardware and what not). I know Walmart has those Neighborhood Market stores that do the similar thing. I think honestly that'd be the key to Meijer if they wanted to really expand in a good way. Then once people find out what Meijer is really all about - maybe they'll want them to build a bigger store.

Awesome point... And if it would get Fred's attention back here in Greenville (which he was here last Monday touring the new phase of our city trail (he donated a few million for it)) he would talk to the new United Solar plant here in town and see if they can cut Meijer a deal on some solar panels for their stores. Expensive as they are - he's got the money to do it for sure. I don't think they need an entire 200,000 sq ft solar panels. At the same time - they should also think about getting a green roof or some skylights to bring in more natural light to the store and they could dim their lights down during the day when needed. I am also very excited about those bags - I'm going to see if the Greenville store has any yet. May go today. Would also be nice for urban areas with public transit and ruralish towns with Dial-A-Ride's to have a station off the store for pickup and drop off. Integrated into the side of the building or in between the two entrances.

When they're done talking to Ottawa County - I'm sure Muskegon County will be next if they haven't already been discussing. Don't forget us North-Easterners too! Montcalm/Ionia County plays somewhat of a role here for regional transportation - but I know it's not AS great as the Kent-Ottawa-Muskegon ordeal. <insert $0.02> Better yet - make a highway from GR to Mount Pleasant and I'll be even happier -- I know that's not the answer though. But we have unused rail that goes from Stanton (maybe farther) to Lowell that is not used anymore. Of course it'll be a crapload of money especially if they'd have to lay new rail...

Ok so I decided to email Meijer with a suggestion and asked them a question - whether I receive a response or not is unknown. I suggested to them that they should take a bold and "greener" approach as a retail leader by removing all light bulbs from shelves that are not LED's or Energy-Efficient light bulbs. Adding to that, maybe every Earth Day or a random day out of the month they could lower the prices of the bulbs to make them more affordable, and providing a mini-billboard to let customers know why they are only selling energy efficient bulbs and educate them on saving energy. I also questioned them on if they use energy efficient light bulbs in their stores and if not, why. I also made a mention about their favorite competition (Wallyworld!) that in the store here in Greenville they will shut a few lights off in the stores throughout the day because they have a numerous amount of skylights that filter in light. They also shut some lights off at night when there are not that many people there. And then my picky suggestion - add more greenery/landscaping on the outside of the store. The parking lots are so cold looking, it needs a more inviting approach. I think they need to re-design their parking lots altogether...maybe throw in a couple roundabouts to give it some appeal and to keep stupid ppl from flying across the aisles. Some pedestrian-friendly sidewalks to walk up to the store all the way from the back would be a nice touch as well (and of course making them handicap accessible) I didn't mention this but I am thinking of putting it in another email - what is up with Meijer store designs not having windows besides a tiny strip in the entrance. Natural light could easily be added at the tops of the buildings to filter in more natural light and they can cut off lights where needed - only keeping them on in the centralized locations of the store. I think Meijer should make their next store greener and should try going for a LEED status. Would they be the first retail store to do so? I'm sure all this would take more money in building - but you know it would have a big payoff in the long run and not to mention further enhancing our status in Michigan for being a leader in LEED.

Yeah I know but the one in Greenville is a little bit bigger if you know what I mean

There is a montage somewhere in meijer that shows a picture of the first meijer store that opened in Greenville (that later burned down) Probably can't take a picture of it - sure it's on the internets somewhere... I went to Meijer @ Cascade today. I was very impressed with the layout, didn't find it hard to find anything at all. And I am now a proud owner of bacon salt - I splurged and bought like 6 of them to stock up LOL

The horsecar would be a really good idea for christmas light tours - maybe if ppl in heritage hill have a christmas light competition of sorts and ppl could ride through every night to see all the houses lit up. Just a thought...

I think if the side facing west had a bit more glass to it rather than the small windows with the little "bumps" - I'd be more okay with it. But not too much glass like the older rendering where it looks like it eats up the whole building... Although at the same time if the whole west side kind of had an arch popping out (like GVSU's building) and had all transparent glass - that would have been cool too. Know what I mean?

I think the only thing that will be really green about this building is the grass slope next to it and the MSU signage. I think the new design is okay - the only thing I liked about the old rendering was all the glass - kinda separated itself from the other tower buildings - now it just looks like they're in sync with the rest of the buildings - but I guess the roof is the only thing that stands itself out. I dunno - I have mixed feelings about it - and what's up with the windows with little concrete stubs sticking out in between them - I don't care for that. I think it's one of those buildings where I could still see improvements - but I'm ok with it at the same time.

And the sad part is some of the parents probably don't care what comes out of their mouths

Grocery stores here in Raleigh will let you do all of your grocery shopping online and either have it ready at the front desk or they'll deliver it to you (at a charge of course) Wonder if Meijer would get into this kind of market...would create a lot newer jobs if needed.

that's unfortunate that they can't get together to do what the other cities are doing...

I thought Fresh Market was going on 28th by Target? or is that not a done deal yet?

I love CB - I wish they had a CB2 store - or if that will be incorporated in anyway I love my CB2 catalogs (www.cb2.com) Looks like CB2 is only in chicago - darnitall Their buildings look cool on their site though

Crate and Barrel?!?!?!?!?!

103 room hotel could generate quite a bit of retail - the comment from the press may sound a little overrated...but we just opened a 70 room 3 story hotel in greenville and immediately after opening I noticed two 15+ acre lots that went up for sale, and another sign for a new retail center across the street. So - I think hotels definitely carry some baggage. HAH

Yes it is still there. The most recent rumors I have heard is Lowe's wanting to go there - but I can't imagine that when there are multiple lots on the west side each about 15+ acres for sale. Meijer still owns it and they don't want to sell the building to "competition." Also when the building does someday get sold, Meijer will still own the out lots in front (basically chunks of the parking lot in front of M-91. The gas station there is still up and running.

Yeah that is strange - we had a remodel here a couple years ago they gutted the whole interior - reorganized everything and added on to the building - it looks like the rockford store somewhat. But I was like, "geez another renovation again? what's the deal?" But I guess I'll know when I know...

Has anybody else's Meijer stores (besides the Alpine/Plainfield/Knapp stores) seeing any renovations going on inside. I know that Alpine is getting their remodel on - but my Meijer here in Greenville is getting a little interior renovation itself. The picture studio disappeared, they're gutting the deli and bakery...and I just went in last night and noticed new bakery shelves and lighting (looks very much like Knapp's bakery) and they got rid of the infamous salad bar and put in some extra shelving for cheeses and such...the deli seciton is a mess but there's no indication of what is going on it just says on the signs "Pardon our dust while we bring you a better Meijer..." And over by the dairy/cold items they have installed a new jelly belly jelly bean station (YES!) Now I know that some stores will be getting those free clinics, but I didn't see anything in the front of the store being remodeled other than the purple cow and the picture studio being gone meaning extra lease space!!! hmmm starbucks? I'm thinking just the Greenville store is getting some attention because of walmart a half mile down the road - ever since they came this Meijer store has dropped prices dramatically on a lot of things - and I can tell because when I go to the Rockford Meijer I see the difference in my receipts as Greenville's Meijer being cheaper. By the way, for those that didn't know...when Walmart just finished their store here in Greenville a couple years ago, right thereafter Meijer installed 4 pretty large signs on all sides of town that says "Welcome to Greenville: Birthplace of Meijer." We all got such a kick out of that...it was sort of them saying "In your face Wallyworld, yer on my turf." Although shocking, the Walmart here 2 years later is still clean! Parking lot is another story though.

That's surprisingly pretty cost worthy and looks kinda cool - I don't care for the whole airplane-ish look, but I just can't see this thing flying down Division street I showed everyone another concept on here sort of similar to that and everyone shot it down I thought it was a good idea http://www.cprt.org/default.htm and see, Minneapolis is even considering using it! If you look at the map you can see how this system is WAY more effective than BRT and can cover a broader range. Also claims on the website that it can move freight....very interesting. The best pro about this situation (given that there are enough cars to do so) is that you never have to wait for the train to come, you just get in, pick your selection, and start riding without frequent stops...the cars can merge into lanes like an expressway and they're programmed to not run into each other...I think it's the perfect solution...and I'm still sticking to it gosh darnit

While that's a good thought - what would happen to the Lakers sports teams that do so well?

I'd have a phobia of the spire dropping on my car...but at least there will be an ER nearby