Massive Riverfront Project

[Rizzo]

I like to say that we should feel honored and privileged that some outsider would come here and consider dropping loads of investment... A lot of people with idle hands could really use some work.

Edit:

I should say anyone who can pour this much money into GR diserves quite the honor.

[albertaresident]

Also on the subject of high-rises, does anyone know how much something around 50 stories would cost? I know it varies based on the type of building. Does the cost of a building increase exponentially in relation to height?

[Rizzo]

I don't think we will be seeing a tower... More like a complex.

Probably the tallest we'll see is 4-5 stories.

[ModSquad]

Ok folks time for a scoop. I have been doing some investigative work. I just met with someone that has signed one of the confidentiality agreements regarding this development. I was very careful to not put tis individual in a position to let the cat out of the bag. However, I did glean some very interesting information.

Here is what I know...

This plan is over 2 years in the works. Some of the confidentiality agreements were signed over 24 months ago while the developer was doing research and due dilligence.

It is not:

• Toyota

• Google

• GM

• or any other suggetion previously listed on UP

It is also not an existing company moving or expanding to GR

It is not related to or associated with any current development here in GR

It will create jobs (but not sure if the 10K figure will hold up).

It will create a huge splash not only in GR but nationally as well

It is extremely outside the box

The developers DO certainly have the money

The individual I met with has assured me that with the project coming to the surface now, it is most likely that it will be a go and when the developer takes off from the green light they will move quickly.

The last comment made to me was this:

"Dave, I know what a creative outside the box thinker and urban planner you are. Believe me even you, in your wildest dreams could not envision what is being planned."

While I appreciate having some of the speculation cleared up...I am now more anxious than ever to find out.

[Rizzo]

Dave, that is indeed a slippery slope...

[Rizzo]

GOOD its not a biosphere thank god!

[twoshort]

[ericnmu]

doh... toyota or google would have been nice.

[GaryP]

Sounds like the project will solve our dilemma and give GR a national rep. I just hope this 'out side box' deal isn't too ridiculous.

[hombre_de_ciudad]

After giving it some thought, I think I'll be disappointed if this project is anything but a new, large corporate presence smack in the middle of GR. Nothing else would have nearly as much potential to make GR a more prosperous place. For example, having Toyota build a NA HQ or a research and development facility would bring thousands of jobs to the area and increase GR's national clout more than anything else I can think of. Not only would it bring a huge economic boost in and of itself, but we could also see expansion in public transportation, airport expansion, increased convention business, and more demand for arts and entertainment.

EDIT: Doh! It seems this thread is moving faster than I can post. So it's not Toyota or another automaker. Oh well...maybe I can still hope for a new company of some sort being started by someone with deep pockets...

[snoogit]

It will create a huge splash not only in GR but nationally as well

Is this something totally unique to not only GR, but to the nation as well?

[Rizzo]

I thought "out of the box" was so 90s... ? I hope this idea isn't so extream that people get so skeptical and run the opposite direction. thats all we need know is people flocking away from Grand Rapids.

[torgo]

Is this something totally unique to not only GR, but to the nation as well?

I think it would have to be a "first of its kind" to be as big as its being made out to be...

[hombre_de_ciudad]

How about something to do with alternative energy? That seems to be all the rage at the moment, and I know people have been talking about wanting to get Michigan out front on it.

[snoogit]

How about something to do with alternative energy? That seems to be all the rage at the moment, and I know people have been talking about wanting to get Michigan out front on it.

Not exclusive enough. Think outside of what the country already has, think of something no one else has. Think of this as something that no one in the entire nation has.

[Rizzo]

Fusion reactor?

No highrises, no retail, no commerical, no residential.

Edit:

Wait, sorry about that I just got done playing some Sim City 3... Fusion dosen't work quite correctly right now.

[HolidayInnExpress]

I still have to ask the question, why Grand Rapids? Is there some sort of demographics that makes Grand Rapids the right choice for this

[GaryP]

I still have to ask the question, why Grand Rapids? Is there some sort of demographics that makes Grand Rapids the right choice for this

[snoogit]

I still have to ask the question, why Grand Rapids? Is there some sort of demographics that makes Grand Rapids the right choice for this

[Rizzo]

I don't want to come off as anti-religious, but that is a valid fear.

Maybe this has something to do with the film industry.

[snoogit]

Maybe this has something to do with the film industry.

NOT EXCLUSIVE ENOUGH.

[GaryP]

I still have to ask the question, why Grand Rapids? Is there some sort of demographics that makes Grand Rapids the right choice for this

[snoogit]

Maybe the answer is that the developer is acutally the Van Andel/DeVos team.

Not to bash Devos/Vanandel, but they are not original enough to come up with something that has national significance

[Rizzo]

Amway?!That was original.

[JimInGR]

Maybe this wacko is actually going to build his town in GR

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11434439/site/newsweek/

I think there's a little difference between building a project like that in the middle of nowhere (or a tomato field) and building in the the middle of a city.