Port Authority Terminal

[statedude3]

I agree. Time for something to replace the Dodge Fountain. Something a little more 2006, and beyond.

[Ramcharger]

Hart Plaza and the Dodge Fountain were designed by Isamu Noguchi, one of the most famous artists of the 20th century. It has been featured in publications worldwide and has graced the cover of Smithsonian Magazine. Only in Detroit would there be talk of destroying something that would be treasured by most every other city in the world.

This brings to light one of Detroit

[Zissou]

"YOUR" Campus Martius? Watch your wording and tone there. You dont want to sound like an angry suburbanite, do you?

I think the Dodge Fountain should remain the focal point of the plaza. It may not be my favorite but things can be done to enhance it and make it more appealing. All of these other monuments that people want to see should be in addition to what we already have, not replacing it.

[Ramcharger]

You dont want to sound like an angry suburbanite

I find this really amusing since I have lived in Detroit my entire life, all 53 years of it! I doubt that many other members of this forum can match that level of commitment.

[Zissou]

I am impressed. But I wouldnt have guessed it based on the tone of the last post.

[RustTown]

I like Dodge Fountain. Apart from its function, it is just as much a landmark as the Spirit of Detroit, or the Fist. And when it does function properly, it adds life to the plaza. Then ag

[andrew.w]

Then ag(ain) what?

I also don't have any problem with Dodge Fountain, as long as the water is flowing (correctly). It makes a fine centerpeice for the plaza.

[RustTown]

I must have typed something else, erased most of it, and left that part, but I can't remember. lol I can assure you it had nothing to do with saying that the fountain should be brought down, though.

[hudkina]

While I don't mind Dodge Fountain, I think Hart Plaza needs a face lift.

[Zissou]

Are the plans still in the works to do that? I thought that along with the riverfront they were going to make Hart Plaza more "green".

[wolverine]

Ramcharger, don't take it that I hate the fountain, but I was saying I'm not impressed for what it is. It's almost always not functioning correctly in the 4 years I've photographed it. If we can get it to be operational, I'd be more impressed. But it fails as being an effective public monument when it doens't do what it is supposed to. The people who are least likely to care about this monument are the ones in charge of running it...the city government. Since you are a concerned resident, why not contact them?

I'm really not impressed with the whole plaza itself. The riverwalk portion is really nice, and so is that cool circular thing, but the ugly brutalist walls and such should be worked into something nicer. I guess I can refer to the Chicago example when I say that their walls and stairways throughout the park are characteristic of the city beautiful movement with decorate railings and ornate masonry. It gives of feeling or richness and grandeur. There is also a well cared for landscape, and lots more greenspace. Hart Plaza gives me a feeling of harshness and the cold hard realities of a declining industrial city. That whole portion looks like it was built to withstand a riot. Not the kind of welcoming plaza you want. Oh and speaking of welcomes, I absolutely hate that sign with the "Mayor Kilpatrick welcomes you to Detroit." It looks cheap and gaudy. Tear it down. Build a decorative wall with an embedded electronic signboard or something.

[bobjgumby]

Yeah I don't hate the fountain either. I just hate the fact that it has never worked right since it has been there. Either fix it or get rid of it. BTW I prefer that they fix it.

[rbdetsport]

Port Authority Terminl Update

Construction is set to start this year. I like how this project was funded. They did it very well. I also like that this building will add some more character to the riverfront. I am sure many people think it is bland, but I think it fits in nicely.

http://www.portdetroit.com/newsevents/rece...dock_render.htm

[Allan]

It's supposed to be completed this year according to the link in the previous post. At the rate we're going, maybe they'll start by 2008 or so....

[tapezord]

better than whats there right now... man does it stink over there when Diamond Jack's dumps off their 'waste.'

[Jasoncw]

I think we should be more worried about all of those transparent people walking around than the design (which looks ok).

I don't get how the boats dock there though.

I'm not really much of a boater, but I don't see where the boats go.

[Allan]

The boats load and unload in the little indentation in the riverwalk. The passengers load and unload from the gate in the railing. The situation seems less than ideal, but definitely doable. I'm no boat captain, but my friend is.

[dtown]

looks pretty cool to me.

[ericsprague]

An update and request for input from John Kerr of the Port Authority:

I'd be happy to continue providing updates, and have no problem with them being posted. I appreciate the passion for Detroit shared on urbanplanet's board.

Well, we were hoping to begin foundation work on 10/24, but things were slowed somewhat due to the process that has been put in place by the feds for projects they fund. We have to go through a pretty elaborate contracting process in order to get our construction contract finalized. Actually, the method we are implementing will be somewhat unique, and considered a national model, at the end of the day, for future projects funded by FHWA.

It remains our plan to get those foundations going asap, and we plan on continuing construction through the winter months. Our Board approved the construction management team, and our discussions with them verify that a May 2007 opening isn't out of the question. But, you might see some additional enhancement phases beyond that date.

I'd love some feedback on what those of you at urbanplanet.org would like to see happen at the new dock and terminal, once built, and beyond the obvious programming. We really want to make this project unique for Detroit!

We do have one idea that is very cool that could be considered a "green" approach to providing energy at the site. More details to come!

As I said, feel free to check back anytime. Or, if you have other questions about the Port Authority, I'd be glad to try and answer.

Regards,

John

http://www.portdetroit.com/contacts/economicdev.htm

[RustTown]

Green power provider, huh? Could this mean some cool solar panel element/structure, or some interesting windmill? That would be so cool! Be sure to pass that on to him. I'm glad we got this update. Thanks, Eric!

[hudkina]

I think an interesting thing would be to incorporate shops along the riverfront side of the terminal. Maybe have a nice sit-down restaurant, an outdoor cafe, a starbucks, a 7-11, a Pure Detroit Outlet, etc.

[dtown]

I think an interesting thing would be to incorporate shops along the riverfront side of the terminal. Maybe have a nice sit-down restaurant, an outdoor cafe, a starbucks, a 7-11, a Pure Detroit Outlet, etc.

[detroitfan]

I think an interesting thing would be to incorporate shops along the riverfront side of the terminal. Maybe have a nice sit-down restaurant, an outdoor cafe, a starbucks, a 7-11, a Pure Detroit Outlet, etc.

[statedude3]

With the dining options inside the Ren Cen just a stones throw away, I'm not sure dining at the Port Authority would survive (or it could go the other way around). However if a residential or office building were built at the Ford Auditorium site, then I could see more dining options working along the riverfront.

I do agree though that something has to be done to give people a reason to visit Hart Plaza and the central riverfront.

[Jasoncw]

I think windmills would look silly. Like others have said here, I don't think shops would do well there either. A really big pamphlet rack would be cool though.

But it's great that the building will be green. It's good for the enivornment and good for everyone's pockets!

I wish I had more to say, but I (and everyone else here) really appreciates you coming to post here. Hopefully you'll stick around and become a regular.