31 replies to this topic

[RegalTDP]

SupercityGR, on 31 December 2011 - 11:46 AM, said:

Theres a lee and birch now on ionia. It would be nice to some more shops follow all the way down to where it would interesct monroe center. See some forever21, urban outfitters, and some michigan mile shops line the streets.

I predict GR is close to getting an Urban Outfitters, given that the company just entered the market through a sister label (Anthropologie).  Of all national brands, I think they'd be a good fit for downtown, but I'd put money that they go to Rivertown or Celebration Village first.

As for downtown, totally agree Lee and Birch was a great addition and I dig the location.

[GRDadof3]

Jippy, on 30 December 2011 - 08:12 AM, said:

GRDadof3,  I would love to hear your predictions for 2012!

Ehhhh, OK.  I need to go back and reread my 2011 one's first.

edit, hmm, I was pretty spot on with most of them.


2012:

Beginning of construction work on the BRT stations and the new Amtrak Station
Plans unveiled for some kind of "entertainment" destination in Heartside South of the arena
A massive jump in occupancy of the 100 block of South Division (SoDiv). Unfortunately (or fortunately) it will be mainly office/flex/studio space to begin with, with a smattering of retailers.
Work begun on the old JA Building
Completion of 35 Oakes into another GRid70ish type use, with several new companies to downtown. That's my GUESS based on what has already been reported, btw.
Completion of phase 1 of Wealthy/Division ICCF, with several new retail tenants (basic services, fast food)
Solidified plans for the health sciences development in Belknap
Demolition of the old Press building announced, mountains of speculation of what will take its place
Announcement of the closing of the post office downtown, mountains of speculation of what will take its place
New development announced near Saint Mary's
New development announced for the parking lot used by Lafontsee Galleries in East Hills, facing Eastern
New infill on Wealthy Street. Another renovation project on Wealthy (in addition to the brewery announced earlier this year).

I don't foresee any big office projects announced for downtown for a while. Not with Bridgewater struggling and the moving of several big users to new spaces (Smith Haughey, Plante Moran, etc.).  In other words, don't expect any big skyscrapers soon.  Grand Rapids will continue to grow as one of the best "boutique" downtowns in the Midwest.

[arcturus]

GRDadof3, on 02 January 2012 - 10:26 AM, said:

Announcement of the closing of the post office downtown, mountains of speculation of what will take its place

I've had a PO box for 3 1/2 years at the Monroe Center location next to Tre Cugini. About 3 months ago I received notice that my box might be moved to the main office.     The way things are going who knows, I may be picking up my mail in Comstock Park next.

Any forecast for Morton House?

[SupercityGR]

Make the ceilings from 8 foot to 16 foot lofts

[RegalTDP]

GRDadof3, on 02 January 2012 - 10:26 AM, said:

New development announced near Saint Mary's

Are you referring to something possibly happening on Jefferson & State?

Edited by RegalTDP, 03 January 2012 - 03:16 PM.

[GRDadof3]

arcturus, on 02 January 2012 - 07:54 PM, said:

I've had a PO box for 3 1/2 years at the Monroe Center location next to Tre Cugini. About 3 months ago I received notice that my box might be moved to the main office.     The way things are going who knows, I may be picking up my mail in Comstock Park next.

Any forecast for Morton House?

Haven't heard a peep.

[SupercityGR]

Since the grand rapids portion of Urban planet has been so slow i thought i would bring this back from the dead and see if anyone has any further thoughts on how 2012 will turn out?

[elcelc]

Morton House and Bobville might actually see some progress this year.  Other than paperwork!

I'm personally looking forward to the Urban Market opening too.  Any timeframe on that one?

Will the Cabela's rumors start up again?

[elcelc]

elcelc, on 14 February 2012 - 09:19 PM, said:

Will the Cabela's rumors start up again?

Woo hoo!  Go me!  Next up, a "mystery" project downtown.  

[tSlater]

Faust did make a ridiculous second attempt after his blatant failure the first time.  (Something about a maglev subway network.)  3rd time's the charm?

[joeDowntown]

Intergalactic spaceport?

Joe

tSlater, on 02 March 2012 - 04:17 PM, said:

Faust did make a ridiculous second attempt after his blatant failure the first time.  (Something about a maglev subway network.)  3rd time's the charm?

[jdkacz]

I liked the fact on his second attempt he used graphics out of Sim City 4.