937 replies to this topic

[downtownGRguy]

OK, this Original Topic got pretty   lets see if we can pull it back.

I see that the old Two Choppers space has been completely gutted.  I mean down to the framing.  The bathroom in the center completely gone.  Doesn't really seem like something someone would do if there wasn't a tenant lined up or in mind, does it?  Is there something happening here, or would this just be work to make the space more desirable to a potential tenant.

On another note, I see that DeVries put a new access door from the empty former VanHoeks space into the 1st floor elevator lobby in that building.  I suspect this might be just getting the space ready to show (access to restrooms, etc. would need this door)  It did look like I saw Ed showing the space though the other day, so perhaps promising!  Anyone know anything futher.

This is a great corner of downtown, sure would hate to see these two major spaces empty for too long.

[jdkacz]

http://www.mlive.com...s/knapescorner/

An update on this. I would assume with renovations they are priming for a nice main floor tenant. I feel this is a big opportunity for GR to secure some unique retail. Hope it works out.

[tSlater]

I saw today there's a wooden barrier around the former two choppers.  I wonder what's going on?  (haven't checked Knape yet.. i usually check that after UP.  Maybe I should switch the two in my list =p)

[Veloise]

tSlater, on Dec 29 2006, 04:01 AM, said:

I saw today there's a wooden barrier around the former two choppers.  I wonder what's going on?  (haven't checked Knape yet.. i usually check that after UP.  Maybe I should switch the two in my list =p)

The wood wall is decorated with small placards reading Gerald "our" Ford. Maybe someone is borrowing my souvenir stand idea!

[GRDadof3]

Here ya go.  I'm having a hard time remembering what it looked like before, and it's only been a few weeks.

[joeDowntown]

Nicer for sure. The door on the left was the entrance for two choppers. The doorway in the center looks new. Definitely fits the building better than the old two choppers/mustards last stand patchwork of windows.

[tSlater]

Two Choppers always had 2 doors, although I think I remember that centre door being further to the right, but I could be wrong.

[joeDowntown]

Yeah, it was on the Monroe side where the new door seems to be at a 45 degree angle.

tSlater, on Jan 13 2007, 03:04 AM, said:

Two Choppers always had 2 doors, although I think I remember that centre door being further to the right, but I could be wrong.

[GRDadof3]

I love the archway around the new door.  It looks like it's going to be inlaid with tile?

[xopher]

downtownGRguy, on Nov 25 2006, 10:42 PM, said:

OK, this Original Topic got pretty   lets see if we can pull it back.

I see that the old Two Choppers space has been completely gutted.  I mean down to the framing.  The bathroom in the center completely gone.  Doesn't really seem like something someone would do if there wasn't a tenant lined up or in mind, does it?  Is there something happening here, or would this just be work to make the space more desirable to a potential tenant.

On another note, I see that DeVries put a new access door from the empty former VanHoeks space into the 1st floor elevator lobby in that building.  I suspect this might be just getting the space ready to show (access to restrooms, etc. would need this door)  It did look like I saw Ed showing the space though the other day, so perhaps promising!  Anyone know anything futher.

This is a great corner of downtown, sure would hate to see these two major spaces empty for too long.

I know that the facade is being restored to a more historical look.

[GRDadof3]

xopher, on Jan 15 2007, 12:59 PM, said:

I know that the facade is being restored to a more historical look.

Yeah, kinda like post 45 in this very thread.     ^^^^

[xopher]

GRDadof3, on Jan 15 2007, 01:05 PM, said:

Yeah, kinda like post 45 in this very thread.     ^^^^

Ah, but who's counting?

Here's a fun tidbit to make up for that. I had dinner with someone who is involved in the project, and he said that the building was originally constructed with cast iron or wooden support beams, but at the turn of the century they replaced the wooden or cast iron supports with rolled iron. No one is sure why, but it was probably quite a job.

Edited by xopher, 15 January 2007 - 06:26 PM.

[civitas]

I used to own the Karl Building. It was built in the late 1860's (just after the Civil War).

I still have a cup full of old straight cut nails that were removed when we remodeled the 2nd floor.





I was also an owner of the Founder's Building next door.

Compare the 1st floor design from this old photo with the current building.

Edited by civitas, 15 January 2007 - 01:43 PM.

[mpchicago]

Great shots civitas!  I've always loved the Founders Building.  Had no idea they changed the ground floor facade!  I also love the building between The Karl and Steketee's.  Boy, at one point someone did a real hack job on that building.  I looks like crap now (hope you didn't design it)  

[tSlater]

Not only those 2 building, but also notise the other buildings in the background.  The Van Hoeck's building used to have decorative ornamentation along the roofline, and the now glass building next to the old Two Choppers had a really nice facade.

[GRDadof3]

Cool pictures civitas!  It's amazing how many transformations even the smallest of buildings have been through over the years.  The small building where Curves is now located looks like it had a nice bay window on the 2nd and 3rd floors.  Think those are there anymore?  Anyone work in that building?  mp is right, that building is ugly now, and kinda looks like an inverted pyramid.

[civitas]

At the very far right of this photo you can see the TWO story Karl Building with a THIRD floor under construction.



Looking west (towards Blake's Turkey today) you can see the construction materials piled in the street.

[tSlater]

Amazing photos.  It's interesting seeing what was there that isn't there now.  Some changes for the better, a few for the worse.

[snoogit]

Who wouldn't love a fanny farmer store in downtown GR again?

(I know I would, if only for giggles)

[NorthEnder]

snoogit, on Jan 15 2007, 10:56 PM, said:

Who wouldn't love a fanny farmer store in downtown GR again?

(I know I would, if only for giggles)

Still no tenants lined up for the two-choppers building?