Development behind Van Andel Arena

[GRDadof3]

In case there are some plans being drawn up for an entertainment development behind the arena, let's all get our ideas on the table of what to do and what NOT TO DO in that area, in case the powers that be are monitoring our discussions. And if you guys can find pictures to help, that would be great!

If indeed a movie theater complex is being planned, here is what NOT TO DO (not the brand, but the design)!!:

Please do not surround it in a sea of parking lot

No

No

No

Please make it urban. Please bury the parking.

Better

Good

Nice

Nice

If you guys can find more HERE, post em

[john_denver]

Excellent topic GRDad. I agree with your thoughts all the way. No cheap looking stuff and no surface parking lots.

[torgo]

In case there are some plans being drawn up for an entertainment development behind the arena, let's all get our ideas on the table of what to do and what NOT TO DO in that area, in case the powers that be are monitoring our discussions. And if you guys can find pictures to help, that would be great!

If indeed a movie theater complex is being planned, here is what NOT TO DO (not the brand, but the design)!!:

Don't build it in a manner that results in a big blank box. I know the theaters cant be full of windows, but design it so the theaters are on the interior, or on another floor. The LAST thing we need downtown is another blank wall at street level.

[Greedo]

The Century Theater's in Evanston, IL is a great example of a well-used mixed-use development. The space is along Church St. and sandwiched between the Metra rail and the El.

Century built a 18-screen theater complex (six screens show independant films), street-level includes shopping, including a Wolfgang Puck's Cafe, Urban Outfitters, Cold Stone Creamery, Chili's, Sprint Store, etc.

It's success can be attributed to design, but also to it's proximity to public transportation (bus, Metra, El). Parking was in an adjacant lot. It spurred development across the street with a Borders Books & Music as well as high-rise multi-family residential.

[dbrok]

Great 3 screen theater in Milwaukee from the 20s that shows mostly independent films:

[dbrok]

It's too bad this photo is so small (and annoying), but this might be a way to tie in the skywalks:

[Prankster]

I would rather have the area stay the way it is than to have a suburban looking movie complex built there. At least with the parking lots now, you know something will eventually get built there. If a suburban complex is built, it is there for the long haul and totally disrupts the synergy downtown.

[twoshort]

If we start losing all the lots to the south of the Van, wouldn't we run into a parking issue for events? Or is there enough room in the local garages after like 530pm to hold a capacity crowd? Just wonderin, I have no idea.

EDIT: doh.

[GR_Urbanist]

Make it nice. But make it AFFORDABLE. People already see it as a pain to come DT on a regular day. If a theater cost 20.00 for one person, then people wont make the "extra" effort when a 5 minute drive on the highway can get them to an existing movie house.

[GRDadof3]

I'm with Prankster. If it is economically not viable to do it without going suburban big box with parking lot, DON'T DO IT! Wait until it is viable. I'd rather see it as it is ILO another Star Theater on Alpine.

[torgo]

I agree. Either do it right or don't bother. It doesn't have to be some fancy-pants place, just something that contributes positively to the urban environment and enhances the urban fabric. No blank walls, no huge parking lots, build the buildings out to the street, etc.

As for parking, I suspect a garage would be built.

[Rizzo]

I am curious, what lot is in question?

[superNOVA]

It's a dying industry - why bother.

[gvsusean]

I dont know where they are p[lanning to put the theatre... but please leave room to expand the VAA.

[twoshort]

No ones answering me. Is there enough parking for a big weekend opener at the theatre and a top bill artist at the Van?

[GRDadof3]

All the lots behind the arena are owned by the city now, so if this is true, it must be tied into the city's plans to build a parking ramp at the corner of Ionia and Oakes. Maybe they will sell off some of the surface lots when that happens? Who knows. Great ideas guys!

[snoogit]

hmmm I thought that a residential project was going in there too?

[PBJ]

hmmm I thought that a residential project was going in there too?

That would be true, on Ionia actually just south east of the arena in the Parking lot

[snoogit]

so like this perhaps?

[twoshort]

so like this perhaps?

Looks good, then expand the arena south.

[snoogit]

Looks good, then expand the arena south.

Im just trying to grasp how this might work now, not plan for the arena's future

[GaryP]

I hope the theater is on Ionia and the parking lot gets put next to the highway.

[PBJ]

I hope the theater is on Ionia and the parking lot gets put next to the highway.

I think, based on another thread, there's already been talk of putting a massive structure where it's pictured on our "blue prints "

[JP9]

I hope they still leave room for the arena to expand. I feel that that is an important thing that should happen. It is afterall what supposeably kick started the cities major growth.

[snoogit]

I hope they still leave room for the arena to expand. I feel that that is an important thing that should happen. It is afterall what supposeably kick started the cities major growth.

I think that the parkinglot just south will be where the arena expands, and right now its a good staging area for big things to enter the arena. I cant imagine a development going in that area,