46 replies to this topic

[GRDadof3]

Great news!  I love that building. The top floor has killer views up and down Commerce and Oakes.

[SupercityGR]

Its always good to reuse an old building. It will be nice to see floor plans for the units. Is there going to be 1 bed, 2 bed, studio? It would also be nice to have wood floors and granit counter tops, or be just like hf

[joeDowntown]

When I first read the article, I thought they were demolishing the building. I almost flipped. Then I realized they were talking about internal demolition. I love the quirkiness of this building (mismatched brick, an obvious additional floor, etc.).

Joe

[RegalTDP]

joeDowntown, on 26 December 2011 - 10:02 AM, said:

When I first read the article, I thought they were demolishing the building. I almost flipped. Then I realized they were talking about internal demolition. I love the quirkiness of this building (mismatched brick, an obvious additional floor, etc.).

Don't forget the bay windows!  I hope those don't get lost in the renovation...

[joeDowntown]

I was downtown and thought I'd grab a "before" photo.



Joe

[SupercityGR]

Thats always been one of those buildings that never really caught my eye. Next time im by it ill take the time to really look at it.

[tSlater]

I'm glad this building is finally getting some love.

[SupercityGR]

Does anyone know if the exterior is going to get a face lift? Something like grid70 because it came out beautiful.

[joeDowntown]

Seriously? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder I guess... Also, GRiD 70 is a new building, not a renovation (at least not the current GRiD 70).

I hope they restore 100 Commerce without messing with the exterior.

Joe

[GR_Urbanist]

It is a sure bet that it will need some exterior work.

There are some nice opportunities on the Commerce side to open up some of those partially bricked-in windows at least.

[tSlater]

As long as the brickwork, the quirky conflicting architectural styles, and the wood bay windows are preserved in some fashion.

[SupercityGR]

It would be nice to see some fitzgerald style terraces.

[andrew.w]

SupercityGR, on 29 December 2011 - 07:01 AM, said:

It would be nice to see some fitzgerald style terraces.

Seeing that these are likely to be student apartments, I don't think that you will see anything particularly flashy for this renovation (including balconies).  Also, I would expect the historic preservation commission to deny any major alterations to the character of this building (note that the Fitzgerald balconies are on the side and back to preserve the street faces).

[GRDadof3]

I say leave the building as is. HPC will probably say the same.  I'm sure it will get some new exterior treatments and moulding, and maybe some of the lower floor opened up for the coffee shop (which is needed in that area).

Thanks for the pic Joe!

[SupercityGR]

How about some chicago style ground floor windows?

[sfloria]

This is one of my favorite buildings.  Such a variety of things going on.  I always hoped it would turn into something fun.  I guess apartments will do.  I love that downtown is running out of buildings that have been neglected and turned around.

[SupercityGR]

I wonder if they could fit a walgreens type store on the ground floor

[GRDadof3]

SupercityGR, on 29 December 2011 - 11:36 AM, said:

How about some chicago style ground floor windows?

Please define...

[joeDowntown]

Agreed. That's what I meant when I said as is. restore it, open up bricked up windows, but leave it with the same quirky vibe it has. It's another great piece of the puzzle in that area.

Joe

GRDadof3, on 29 December 2011 - 09:43 AM, said:

I say leave the building as is. HPC will probably say the same.  I'm sure it will get some new exterior treatments and moulding, and maybe some of the lower floor opened up for the coffee shop (which is needed in that area).

[LoveGR]

I'm glad to see everyone is excited about this construction!  There are going to be 31 apartments in "Grand Central Lofts" consisting of studio, one bedroom and two bedroom units.  The downtown loft feel is going to strongly stay at Grand Central including wood flooring, exposed bricks, large historic windows - yet it will have all the modern upgrades we have all come to expect.  A website is in the works that will detail exactly what you can all expect to see, along with some updated pictures of the construction to visually show you how things are going behind closed doors.  Grand Central should be open for new residents by late summer!