Douglas J/Aveda Institute - 138 Commerce

[grcitydog]

I don't know anything official, but if they plan on being open by the end of December, they have a LOT to do in a short amount of time.

[GRDadof3]

Another reason why the old should be reused:

...Other facade renovations include a patio seating area with landscaping and lighting, new front steps off Commerce Street, a revolving front door, and glass sectional garage doors to replace a portion of the west wall.

[GRDadof3]

Preservation pays off - Grand Rapid Business Journal (membership required)

Score one for the HPC. I can't imagine that area with a big parking lot at that corner.

They're saying Turner Construction will turn over the building complete by Feb. 8th at the latest.

[GRDadof3]

Looking good! They did quite a nice job on the North wall (that used to be all open).

I assume they'll paint the rail to match?

[joeDowntown]

Wow, this is looking great compared to the "burned out parking shell" it was just a few months ago!

[AlexPKeaton]

I was always kind of fond of the burned out parking shell in a really sad sort of way. But, I also enjoy driving though Gary, IN to see all the rusty old industrial buildings, so maybe I'm weird.

[Klondike5]

I used to work in the United Way center and had to park in this structure when I drove to work. The ceiling came down on cars on a fairly regular basis. I was under the understanding that it couldn't be touched since it was a historical building. Looking forward to seeing the final renovation though. Great transition from parking to structure.

[GaryP]

Isn't this supposed to be done by the end of the month?

[GRDadof3]

Isn't this supposed to be done by the end of the month?

[GaryP]

Feb. 8th says Turner Construction.

[starrfish]

Word on the street is that they're opening on Tuesday 2/6 -- that explains a lot! I've heard that when they opened the school in East Lansing and the one in Ann Arbor it was the round the clock work up until the doors opened.

[GRDadof3]

What's the date today? Man, talk about cutting it close. Still a few punchlist items, but looks great though! Note: these pictures are not an effort to take the topic off of homeless issues, just that it's a nice day out today.

[GaryP]

What's the date today? Man, talk about cutting it close. Still a few punchlist items, but looks great though!

[joeDowntown]

That has to be one of the fastest turn-arounds from burned out bunker to usable space I have ever seen. It's amazing!

Joe

[Avocado]

That has to be one of the fastest turn-arounds from burned out bunker to usable space I have ever seen. It's amazing!

Joe

[GRDadof3]

No kidding. I used to walk by that garage all the time. Does anyone have a 'before' photo for comparison? Thanks.

[quoteme3]

That has to be one of the fastest turn-arounds from burned out bunker to usable space I have ever seen. It's amazing!

Joe

[GRDadof3]

They've now installed the cool "garage doors" on the Western glass wall. According to RapidGrowth, they'll be operable in the warmer months to open up the inside to the outdoor patio. I'll try to get pictures when I'm in that area again.

[starrfish]

I stopped in to check out the interior over the weekend (and to buy some hair products!) and the inside is pretty spare, but cool! The classrooms will also have garage doors that close the class off from the salon/clinic floor. The main salon area seems like it's going to be quite loud what with the open, tall celing situation. There's a spa area on the north side of the building that's more private and quiet. It was fun to be in there remembering what a shell it was just a few months ago.

Check it out if you have a chance - the employees were nice and willing to give tours!

[GRDadof3]

Final product, and the Commerce area:

[Eridony]

[grrwymg]

I know it's just the stitching together of photos, but that building in the middle looks like it's falling down!

[GRDadof3]

That was the first thing that popped into my head too. I knew there wasn't anything that odd in G.R.

[joeDowntown]

They still have the orange warning fence up. That happened about a year ago. I can't believe the city hasn't gotten on their ass about it yet.

Isn't the crazy stitched building a Rockford Construction project that is "supposed to start" in this year?

Joe

[Prankster]

They still have the orange warning fence up. That happened about a year ago. I can't believe the city hasn't gotten on their ass about it yet.

Isn't the crazy stitched building a Rockford Construction project that is "supposed to start" in this year?

Joe