localtalent
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Posts posted by localtalent
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'The Flaherty & Collins proposal stood out due to its plans for "significant residential" development for a wide range of incomes, as well as its "robust" plans for public green space and open space'
Sounds like a suburban style apartment complex.
No mention of mixed use at all.
Sad.
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13 minutes ago, Pattmost20 said:
Yes. But I'm hearing Affordable housing is what we have in store for us. Not sure which of the other 2 developers it is, I had heard one dropped out, but no word on which one.
1 hour ago, GRDadof3 said:Have you actually seen Rockford's plan? I haven't so I can't speak to it. There were 2 other proposals submitted... I like Rockford as much as the next guy around here but if there was a better proposal?
The others were Flaherty & Collins of Indianapolis and Redico of Southfield, MI., FYI
Anyone know if there is a particular specialty for Flaherty & Collins or Redico?
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I’ve heard information that would imply that very few folks here will be happy with the result.
Hope I’m wrong.
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10 hours ago, GRLaker said:
Glad this got posted, too. Emily has some great perspective on this.
She also runs a kick ass firm.
Still waiting for any ‘official’ effort to move the needle on this. Even if it’s just to grab some positive attention for other relocation candidates...
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https://mibiz.com/item/25156-guest-column-—-an-open-letter-to-jeff-bezos-amazon-needs-grand-rapids
Dear Jeff,
Greetings from beautiful Grand Rapids, Michigan!
As one digital space CEO to another, I am writing to share one of the best decisions I ever made with regard to the health and success of my business. I share this insight in hopes that it might help Amazon attain the next level of success on its continuing march toward its fullest evolution.
Of course, it seems that a lot of folks are writing you letters these days.
Ever since you announced Amazon’s search for the home of its much anticipated HQ2, there has been no shortage of pleas for your attention. And while the major metropolitan hubs have had the luxury of feigning apathy, sure that their names will make the short list, it has been the calls from the “second-tier” targets that have been of interest to me.
Eager to show their competitiveness, they have generally begun with a litany of economic advantages and differentiators, but often seem to pivot toward iterations of economic struggles and poor civic planning that could be remedied, seemingly, if only Amazon would come to town.
This is not that type of letter.
You see, I do not believe Grand Rapids needs Amazon.
But I do believe that Amazon needs Grand Rapids.
Twenty years ago, I realized that there was an unaddressed opportunity in the burgeoning digital space and I left the comfort of my more traditional career path to focus on building something that others couldn’t yet fathom.
Sound familiar?
Looking back, I understand that one of the best decisions I made in that process was choosing the location of my company’s headquarters. In fact, I’d say that the selection of Grand Rapids — and giving myself access to the people and talent of this wonderful city — was more of a blessing than I could possibly have understood at the time.
I am continually amazed by the degree to which this city seems to simultaneously draw from, reflect and amplify the energy of its people. Perhaps nowhere else is the almost cliché concept of “Midwestern values” more palpable. Outgoing, positive and friendly, Grand Rapidians exude a “can do” spirit and embrace of life that is both empowering and contagious.
Living and raising a family among these unique people has convinced me of the power of a community to will itself toward greatness. I have watched this synergistic energy guide and lift my business, the lives and destinies of so many I have come to care for, and the arc overall of the city itself.
And the Grand Rapids area only continues to grow and thrive.
Our business, community and cultural leaders are among the most collaborative you’ll ever see in a mid-sized city. As a community, we are taking early, vital steps to bridge the opportunity gap that so many urban communities face. Our schools are in the midst of a major transformation plan that is already showing incredible results. We have research, medical, manufacturing, technology and education sectors that are rapidly expanding.
In any competition (in this case, for your attention), recognition and awards are often the measure of success. And, while the people of Grand Rapids, Michigan rarely seek this kind of outward acclaim, there are times when a growing din of applause from objective observers simply cannot be ignored.
In the last year, Grand Rapids has seen an almost embarrassment of riches when it comes to those lists that compare cities on any number of bases. Although most city residents would balk at my using these recognitions as boasting points in this open and public communication, I believe that they stand as the appropriate testament to help prove my point to you — that you could make no better choice for the future of your own company than to select Grand Rapids as the home of your new corporate headquarters:
Grand Rapids is consistently at or near the top of Forbes’ annual list of Best Places to Raise a Family, taking the No. 1 position just this year.
This year, U.S. News & World Report listed Grand Rapids among the 20 Best Places to Live in America, citing (in addition to other factors) an exceptional quality of life, a burgeoning job market and net migration, a “booming” health care industry and “incredibly active” neighborhood associations.
Also this year, Matador Network, a social network for travelers, named Grand Rapids one of the Best College Towns in America.
In July, Headlight Data named Grand Rapids the Fastest Growing Large Metro Economy of 2016.
Outside Magazine named Grand Rapids as one of the 25 Best Towns of 2017 and The Best River Town in America, concluding: “To have quality rafting, kayaking, fishing in an urban area, having it running right through downtown is not something many cities have.”
In a true testament to the core values of our citizenry, Expedia named Grand Rapids as “One of 20 of the Greenest Cities in the Nation.”
In summing up, Jeff, my own plea to you is NOT that you ride into Grand Rapids as a savior, delivering a new chance to a deserving city — but rather that you take a moment and consider bringing your corporate headquarters here to give your well-documented vision for the company’s future the best possible chance of becoming a reality.
To this end, I would very much welcome hosting you in a visit. I would be thrilled to introduce you to many of the city’s corporate and civic leaders and to have you come spend time at our own corporate headquarters, where you could meet a representative sample of the people that make Grand Rapids the finest place in the country to grow a forward-leaning business.
We could also, of course, avail ourselves in any number of the countless indie breweries that have resulted in perhaps our greatest honor, being named the Nation’s Best Beer Scene by USA Today!
Thank you in advance for your consideration, and I Iook forward to your visit.
Very best regards,
Scott Brew
Adtegrity
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I believe the references to WeWork are 'oopsies' based on stealing content from the WeWork website.
The entire 342 Market website looks half done.
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- Popular Post
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Heard that Jolly Pumpkin is confirmed for Black Heron site.
There's also apparently a solid plan for Red Lion site.
Both within 12 months.
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10 hours ago, GRLaker said:
My insiders claim every proposal consisted of a cluster of 12 story brown sided boxes.
Not sure we're too cool for a cluster of 12 story brown sided boxes there.
Honestly, that would probably rank 'game changer'.
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3 hours ago, x99 said:
I'm not the the one planning to fund a large charitable effort to revitalize an area. I don't think my money would go nearly far enough.
And it at least sounds like this is not an effort to make money by DeVos/Rockford, but an effort to help people.
My point is that the way "charity" is done to try to "revitalize" often does not make sense because it does relatively little to help the people who actually live in an area, and who need access to a job that offers reasonable pay, medical care, and the potential for building and maintaining wealth. It's certainly not a widely pursued charitable model, but one would think it might be appealing to people like the DeVos family. They built a (reportedly) money-losing hotel to rebuild a downtown. Why not build a business that does the same thing to rebuild a neighborhood? And include the promise that if the business works, the workers who built it will own a share? A $16(?) an hour factory job at a place with benefits, a company doctor, financial counseling, and fat year-end bonuses paid in the form of stock portfolios or mortgage pay downs would be a hot ticket. The cost of any losses would be peanuts compared to what the revitalization otherwise would cost. Done well, the wealth building effects could be transformational for the area and the people who live there.
I think you are accurately describing the motivation and planning behind this effort.
They are trying something more than just putting new buildings in a neighborhood. They are attempting to address the structural barriers to economic success in the area (access to capital, education and job training, etc).
It will be fascinating to watch this evolve as we learn more detail about how they plan to approach the issues.
In the end, I hope they are successful.
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On 5/23/2017 at 0:21 PM, thebeerqueer said:
Care to share any additional information about the sailboat on a roof concept restaurant?
My information is about the restaurant going into the Orion project along the river. I know nothing about the sailboat.
And I can't share details because, according to those involved, 'it's not time for that yet'.
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On 5/4/2017 at 11:14 AM, ctpgr34 said:
Sounds like a cool restaurant will be in here. They want to be open by October.
Yup, will be a great spot. Some serious talent behind it.
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Final portions of 'The Cube' coming down this morning. Harmony Hall looks like it's right next door to Rockford now!
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1 hour ago, thebeerqueer said:
Speculation and rumors are our lifeblood here! Just kidding.
That same representative from a large local developer with a geological reference in their name, mentioned they're finding some interesting and unexpected foundations as they excavate the site.
I was told today that the Meijer site will have 2 months of utility and foundation work before it goes vertical.
And my speculation about Jolly Pumpkin was not tied to the Meijer/'super block' project.-
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On 5/9/2017 at 10:23 AM, mpchicago said:
Any insight as to why this location "at best" is 'on hold'? I don't recall any major issues?
If I were to speculate, which is all I'd be doing, I'd think perhaps a better opportunity opened up for them in the same area?
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My understanding was the the Jolly Pumpkin project was, at best, 'on hold' for that location.
They may be looking at other options now?
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26 minutes ago, joeDowntown said:
Good luck on the move, Scott! Awesome location. Any word on who will be replacing you in 38?
Joe
The space is listed for lease. Nothing to report so far. Let me know if you've got a likely target!
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11 hours ago, GRDadof3 said:
The beer they sell at a "high profit" in their taproom is a very tiny fraction of their sales every year. They've said that as well. They're not going to make a ton of money off of the Detroit one, it's just to have a Detroit presence
Let's go out on a limb and pretend that the taproom here serves 1000 pints of beer a day at $5 a pop, and Detroit will do the same. That's $1.825 Million a year figuring 365 days a year. Let's pretend they make 10% profit off of those sales, because most restaurants/bars make around 5 or 6%, but founders has very little overhead. That's $182,500 a year in profit...... that's peanuts when you have so many investors and owners to pay. $30,000 to you, $30,000 to you, $30,000 to you.
Oh and here's a check for $1.5 Million for your portion of profits off our distribution sales in the state of Wisconsin last year.
I believe your numbers are off...by a lot.
While your premise is true (this won't be a major driver of Founder's overall profit), the taprooms DO make money. And for anyone not named Founders/Bells/New Holland, they are a major component of profitably running a decent sized brewing operation.
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On 4/12/2017 at 9:43 PM, GRDadof3 said:
He used to be on this forum until I scared him off.
Still in counseling.
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On 4/25/2017 at 9:13 AM, EastownLeo said:
Are taprooms, in this situation, a good profit driver?
Or is it mainly the marketing element that adds the value.
I mean GR has its share of outside breweries coming in, but where does the money flow in relation to cost?
When you make the beer and sell it in your own facility, it's WAY more profitable than moving it through a distributor.
Also, Founders doesn't have a very ambitious food menu, so the taproom will be quite inexpensive to operate. -
My understanding is that this is a tear down situation.
And the resulting project will be very cool.
I agree on the sign; it needs to be saved and restored.
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12 hours ago, amylynne said:
Jolly Pumpkin, yes? I heard that a couple days ago from someone else that owns a business in the area.
Yup, that's the one.
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Isn't beer exciting?
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Bridge Street/Red Lion + beer = ?
Has this news hit the Planet yet?
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And it at least sounds like this is not an effort to make money by DeVos/Rockford, but an effort to help people.
RFP - 201 Market
in Grand Rapids
Posted
Yes? :-p
Ok, I will step back from the ledge and put away the pitchforks.