Gallery on Fulton

[tamias6]

The guys we represented, Todd Radashaw et al, went on to buy the land at 240 Ionia and try their hand down there with about the same level of success (we were not involved in that one). Interestingly, when we put toghter the program for Fulton & Division we did not think the land was worth more than $1.2MM. When the City accepted RSC & Sam's plan at $2.0MM we were unsure of how those numbers could work and clearly they didn't.

Hopefully, the delay in closing (which essentially gave them 2 years of free carry) the price cut, the parking purchase subsidy, the brownfield and the DDA goodies will make it pan out. At this point, I don't think any of the other 4 players (Radashaw, Wheeler, Tol, Azzar) would step back in. So this may be the city's last best hope for that project for a while.

If things don't work out soon, my guess is that the City will probably just have to do a surface lot for a few years and see what happens next.

DJL

If the project goes south, couldn't the city turn the vacant land into a temporary pocket park. At least something like that would have more positive impact on quality of life during the mean time than an ugly surface lot.

[GRDadof3]

The guys we represented, Todd Radashaw et al, went on to buy the land at 240 Ionia and try their hand down there with about the same level of success (we were not involved in that one). Interestingly, when we put toghter the program for Fulton & Division we did not think the land was worth more than $1.2MM. When the City accepted RSC & Sam's plan at $2.0MM we were unsure of how those numbers could work and clearly they didn't.

Hopefully, the delay in closing (which essentially gave them 2 years of free carry) the price cut, the parking purchase subsidy, the brownfield and the DDA goodies will make it pan out. At this point, I don't think any of the other 4 players (Radashaw, Wheeler, Tol, Azzar) would step back in. So this may be the city's last best hope for that project for a while.

If things don't work out soon, my guess is that the City will probably just have to do a surface lot for a few years and see what happens next.

DJL

Interesting perspective DJL. I think you're right that even if another player had been awarded this project, they would be facing the same challenges. Even though Rockford said they could start "immediately", we all know that if a project is seeking tax incentives or other reimbursements it takes a long time to reach "immediately".

I also got word back from the developer that final renderings are being put together right now to present to the HPC. We'll have to wait a little while longer.

[GRDadof3]

Cummings-UICA project moves forward

Posted by Jim Harger {sodEmoji.|} The Grand Rapids Press January 29, 2008 12:01PM

Categories: Breaking News

GRAND RAPIDS -- Developer Sam Cummings cleared two major hurdles this morning in his quest to build the Gallery on Fulton, a $34 million entertainment, housing and parking project planned for the southwest corner of Fulton Street and Division Avenue.

More at the Press

I can't believe we may actually see this thing a go! And this Spring.

[CK1]

These were the last two "critical" pieces of the puzzle, right? Anything that could still cause the project to be dropped at this stage?

[GRDadof3]

These were the last two "critical" pieces of the puzzle, right? Anything that could still cause the project to be dropped at this stage?

I think they still need an amended Brownfield Tax Credit from the State. But since the cost has gone up so much, I don't see that being a big deal. They have 60 days to close, and since they now have a signed agreement with UICA to actually "buy" the space, and an agreement with the city to "buy" the parking ramp portion, I'd say it looks pretty good.

[GRDadof3]

Here's the new render:

Fire away peeps. Hey, is that Parklex?? For those wondering why the Chia Pet look, here ya go:

New link for the article

Several of the buildings sides will be covered by evergreen plantings aimed at qualifying the project for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. The plantings also will serve to mask the parking ramp, Cummings said.

Before he closes on the deal, the design must meet the approval of the city's Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), which governs building design in the Heartside Historic District.

Despite the project's contemporary design, Cummings said he is optimistic the HPC will embrace the project. "The history of Grand Rapids and West Michigan are in cutting edge design," he said.

Just build it!

[fotoman311]

Here's the new render:

Fire away peeps. Hey, is that Parklex?? For those wondering why the Chia Pet look, here ya go:

New link for the article

Several of the buildings sides will be covered by evergreen plantings aimed at qualifying the project for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. The plantings also will serve to mask the parking ramp, Cummings said.

Before he closes on the deal, the design must meet the approval of the city's Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), which governs building design in the Heartside Historic District.

Despite the project's contemporary design, Cummings said he is optimistic the HPC will embrace the project. "The history of Grand Rapids and West Michigan are in cutting edge design," he said.

Just build it!

I like it. Can it be done by March?

[GaryP]

Fire away peeps. Hey, is that Parklex?? For those wondering why the Chia Pet look, here ya go:

I think I like it. Want to see a few more angles. If the ivy is a big cost saving and winds up looking decent we'll probably start seeing it everywhere...

[suydam]

Does the Heartside historic commission have a history of stonewalling projects like this?

That's an incredibly modern looking building for a traditional historic district.

Don't misunderstand me...I'm in favor of it as-is. I'm just wondering what/how the historic preservers will view it.

[joeDowntown]

I've seen a couple of new buildings with greenery on them and they look fantastic. I think this will be a nice addition. Let's get the shovels out and start digging!

Joe

[AlexPKeaton]

I don't think the HPC would mind so long as the building respects the urban street wall and has a similar scale. I like it too.

[GRDadof3]

I don't think the HPC would mind so long as the building respects the urban street wall and has a similar scale. I like it too.

I agree. The HPC liked 38 Commerce, and it's pretty modern.

I think the building looks pretty cool!

More info on green wall trends

[GR_Urbanist]

Here's the new render:

Nice! I didnt expect to see this coming.

I'm totally digging the green sudo-wall.

The "tower's" east wall is just ok.

[numstead]

The green wall product that I'm familiar with is called green screen

I proposed to use it on my studio project this past semester...

When I was doing some preliminary design work for the project at Commerce & Weston, my "wild card" proposal was to have green screen covering a large portion of one of the buildings with openings for windows. I'd show it, but I don't have a digital version of it at my disposal. The idea must've stuck with Sam a little.

Additionally, Integrated Architecture is using greeen screen on their new tower in Ann Arbor...

[Avocado]

What happens to the greenery during the winter months?

[GRDadof3]

What happens to the greenery during the winter months?

Good question. The articles says it will be an "evergreen" wall. Holly or something? Will this be the first "green wall" on a new building in Michigan?

Cool designs Nate!

[GRguy]

I have had ivy turn all brown and die in severe cold. I hope they have figured that out. I am soooo excited about this, however, ivy can not dim my enthusiasm. 2 theaters!!!That will alter life in downtown for the better.

[Veloise]

What happens to the greenery during the winter months?

In Ann Arbor, it doesn't seem to suffer any impairment. The ivy-covered buildings in which I attended classes (during the Rose Bowl-only era) are still ivy-covered.

This stuff reminds me of the gardener's recipe to get mossy-lined stepping stones very quickly. Something like: mix up some moss, yogurt, and water; brush the mixture onto the desired area.

[GRDadof3]

I did some research and found "sub zero ivy" that stays green year round. Perhaps?

[Avocado]

Can we get the city to cover the police station with that too?

I'm waiting to see a few renderings of the tower before making a verdict, but it looks like there are a number of things to like about the latest design.

[jbr12]

This is the commercial product that is commonly used to create this type of look and is what numstead was referring to above:

http://www.greenscreen.com/

It is a modular system that keeps the vegetation off the building and reduces potential problems with the plant getting into cracks, etc in the building...

[john_denver]

So if a baseball gets lost in it, is it an automatic ground rule double?

I think it's great!

[john_denver]

By the way...regarding UICA and their 2 screens...

Has anyone heard if they will increase the number of movie times?

How many seats per theater?

I assume they will not change their independent movie format...

Edited January 30, 2008 by john_denver

[GRDadof3]

By the way...regarding UICA and their 2 screens...

Has anyone heard if they will increase the number of movie times?

How many seats per theater?

I assume they will not change their independent movie format...

168 seats in the film theater, and 152 seats in the black box theatre.

[mpchicago]

The word is that the HPC has approved the latest "Greenified" plan for this corner. While I like the idea of the green walls, will it really work? I guess we will see.