21 replies to this topic

[wolverine]

Quote

"Keelor said she would like to see more grassy areas and trees in downtown.
"I would like to see it set up as a children's play area."

Thank God we have planners in this world since there are people like this that lack vision and creativity for their downtowns.  Just look at an aerial view of Flint and you will see a tremendous amounts of greenspace and trees that are not even used.  Actually, look no further than behind her office where new greenspace with trees appeared when two historic buildings were knocked down a month ago.  In fact, if that space doesn't even get utilized for relaxation and recreation in the heart of downtown, no future open greenspace should ever be brought up as an idea for downtown Flint ever again.  Saginaw already learned this lesson the hard way and has decades of experience creating boring open grassy areas.

Unfortunately, it also seems the DDA is interested in building yet another parking structure with one already under construction a block away.  Maybe more floors should be added, or perhaps the decaying parking structures nearby should be upgraded and expanded as well.  

Flint DOES have a parking problem, way too much of it, and not enough cars to fill those space.  Probably because when you replace buildings within greenspace or parking, you've locked out the potential for the land being used for housing or providing places for people to work.  


I like the idea of a mixed use building though.  I don't mind how tall it is, just as long as it can contribute well to Flint's urban environment.

Edited by wolverine, 04 November 2008 - 12:06 AM.

[Lmichigan]

One thing is for sure, if Genesee Towers is to come down any time soon, there will be absolutely no demand for anything even close to the size of Genesee Towers save for perhaps a new corporation coming downtown.  On a very superficial scale, if it comes down, now, there won't be anything to replace it that would be anywhere near as tall as the tower.  I can't think of a city that's lost its tallest building.

I wish so badly that it was worth salvaging, but even if only half of what is said about the building is true, and given the terrible office market in most Michigan cities, there really isn't any good reason to save it beyond the superficial points.  It'd be something if the city and county could get away with making it their new city and county hall, but the voters would never let them get away with something as costly as that.