Medical Mile/Michigan Street Developments

[designcritic]

It looks dramatically different, more like the rest of the complex. Bigger too. Wonder what happend?

The south elevation (at street edge) has stayed pretty much the same. The rendered elevation doesn't do it justice in regard to what areas are closer and what areas are set back. There is still the stepping feature as before on the south side. You can barely make out the steps in the elevation. The north elevation is much different due to the fact that the building no longer steps on that side. The main reason for the change was the need for more square footage.

[GaryP]

[GRDadof3]

[grandmabetty78]

The rendering looks great! Does anyone know if MSU is in fact working with an architect?

[GRDadof3]

I don't believe they have called for proposals or started formal interviews yet.

Are you an architect or developer, gmb78?

[civitas]

Based on all the land-grabbing that VAI is doing along Division (Al & Sons, the old Mercantile location), and the connection to the Med School, I'm going to place a wager that the new Med School will be there. I drew up a little rendering for you guys.

Yes, that is a parking ramp to the right. If they own all that land, I can't see them spending the money to go UG parking. It's also very "academic" looking, but my skills are pretty limited (so far).

I don't know, these buildings are pretty old and should probably be preserved.

A few years ago I almost bought the little green roof building on Cresent. Its obvious now that I should have.

A few old VAI model shots...

[Kayak1]

Hey-I am new here but wanted to let you know that RFQ's have been sent to contractors. I do not know about architects. I can only assume so.

[DwntwnGeo]

Hey-I am new here but wanted to let you know that RFQ's have been sent to contractors. I do not know about architects. I can only assume so.

Kayak,

Thanks for the update. New members are always welcome

[GRDadof3]

I don't know, these buildings are pretty old and should probably be preserved.

So are you for or against historic preservation civitas? The building in your photo does have a lot of character to it, despite the strange additions that were made to it. I doubt it has any historic significance to it though. It was probably one of hundreds of commercial buildings built along Division back in the day.

I added a little more flair to my rendering:

The endcaps would be glass stair/elevator atriums. If anyone with Sketchup wants to play around with this file, send me a PM and I'll email it to you.

[DwntwnGeo]

The endcaps would be glass stair/elevator atriums. If anyone with Sketchup wants to play around with this file, send me a PM and I'll email it to you.

GRDad,

The southern endcap is leaning a little. Did you want to bring in some European attributes with the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

Just joking with ya. Thanks for taking the time to draw one up. Would like to make some time and dabble around with sketchup myself sometime.

[civitas]

So are you for or against historic preservation civitas? The building in your photo does have a lot of character to it, despite the strange additions that were made to it. I doubt it has any historic significance to it though. It was probably one of hundreds of commercial buildings built along Division back in the day.

I'm generally for the preservation of significant buildings, but I'm against the preservation of run-of-the-mill old buildings that stand in the way of meaningful advancements. For instance, a new downtown medical school would justify the demolition of any building on this block (except, of course, for the church). The greater good far outweighs the loss of these buildings.

Nice job with SketchUp. You're going to become dangerous to the architectural profession .

[mpchicago]

A few years ago I almost bought the little green roof building on Cresent. Its obvious now that I should have.

A few old VAI model shots...

I know the family that owns the green building, it's Harwood's Printing. It's been their forever. Apparently they don't own the land on which their building stands.

I think Division Crescent corner would be the best spot for the new med school.

[Prankster]

I added a little more flair to my rendering:

Any more "flair" and it could be the next location for a Flingers Restaurant.

[GRDadof3]

GRDad,

The southern endcap is leaning a little. Did you want to bring in some European attributes with the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

Just joking with ya. Thanks for taking the time to draw one up. Would like to make some time and dabble around with sketchup myself sometime.

Actually, they both lean out over the street. It's just from that angle, you can't see the other one's lean.

I agree with you civitas. I DON"T think it should be black and white: "everything old must stay".

[DwntwnGeo]

Actually, they both lean out over the street. It's just from that angle, you can't see the other one's lean.

My appologies I should have looked at the sketch a little closer.

[Khorasaurus]

I think Division Crescent corner would be the best spot for the new med school.

What about the ITP/Ellis lot across the street? Would that work as a possible location. It's a giant surface lot and it wouldn't require tearing anything else down.

[GRDadof3]

What about the ITP/Ellis lot across the street? Would that work as a possible location. It's a giant surface lot and it wouldn't require tearing anything else down.

That would be nice, but there's no indication that it will go on the Ellis lot. I'm just guessing here since VAI has purcased land/buildings along Division recently.

Here's my last sketchup. Can you tell I like Cook Devos Center?

[designcritic]

UPDATE:

If the weather holds out the tower crane for the West construction area will be going up on Sunday.

[GRDadof3]

UPDATE:

If the weather holds out the tower crane for the West construction area will be going up on Sunday.

Thanks again designcritic! Can't wait to see two tower cranes working on the Hill.

[Kayak1]

It is great to see so many tower cranes up. We look like a "real city". Has Grand Rapids ever had this many up at once? The last one that I remember was for the south parking ramp at Spectrum.

[Rizzo]

We have always been a real city

[MJLO]

forgive the lingo of the newbie

[Rizzo]

I forgot the sarcasm icons ooops.. UP-GR has 'lingo?' Cool!

sorry 'bout that.

Edited May 17, 2006 by Rizzo

[torgo]

I gotta say, that tower crane looks pretty dang sweet driving/walking/riding east on Michigan towards the site. Can't wait till there are 2 cranes!

[designcritic]

The new one will be the same height but with a slightly shorter reach.