Gallery on Fulton

[Nitro]

I heard that the chances of UICA being able to find the funds to move are slim to none.

I think this is accurate. They are just on the upswing from their last captial campaign putting the other building together. It may be a little tough to convince their donors to start handing out again.

[Allison Slater]

That building should go anyways, but unfortunately the HPS is putting up such a fight over it.

I really don't see why. It's not really much of a fascinating building.

[snoogit]

It would be a disappointment for Division and Fulton to go back to stage 1. That would mean a prime piece of land would sit idle for at least another year or two. What would be cool though is the building on the south east corner of the intersection be ripped out and the intersection of Division and Fulton be turned into a grand European style round about with some kind of monument and gardens in the center. That would really mark the center of the city.

You are talking about the JA building correct?

the reason the HPC is putting a big fight for it is because I think its one of the few Art Deco buildings left in the city.

[gvsusean]

why doesnt someone build an art deco building then????

I like them

[egrguy]

One of the proposals was to use the fulton site as a type of building site to build the Parkview Condos by Rob Tol, which at the time was 14 stories I think. But that project got smaller and smaller and then... poof.

But for the JA site to get developed along with Fulton/Division would really add some density. IF they ever get built.

[GRDadof3]

We've discussed that Tol project here ad nauseum. That project is dead.

[GRDadof3]

Update on Fulton & Division

His blog entry says that UICA is close to a deal on selling their current location.

Chris also mentions in his 3rd entry today what I've heard, that there's a hotel operator looking at building another hotel downtown. 16 story all suite would be nice addition. But at this point, until there's a shovel in the ground, it's pure speculation.

I didn't know that Hinman was also kicking around the idea of a hotel at their lot on 10 Ionia.

[joeDowntown]

Good to see things are moving along. I also like the idea of apartments on the City Center Ramp site. The core needs some good apartments as it seems many of the hip ones have been condo'd in the last 2 years.

Joe

[egrguy]

I've had my eyes on this property since it was announced. I love its location and am personally bummed that they will be going condo. Although, as said above, this building being apartments, will really be good for the city. Plus, if they can lock up the UICA as a tenant, then I think we could actually see some real plans here by there Jan 31 deadline.

[twoshort]

Apparently apartments are the new, hip thing downtown eh?

[GaryP]

Is this why Sam was complaining about Rooks apartment deal's Ren Zone extension?

[GRDadof3]

Oyyy!

Delay sought for apartment, retail complex

Should this extension be granted? Is UICA the right tenant for this crucial corner? Keep in mind that RSC/Second Story Properties partnership was chosen in May 2005 (1 1/2 years ago) to develop this property, and won a competition against two other developers who had an interest in redeveloping this site.

[egrguy]

I don't think they should be granted the extension. I don't see how after a 1yr and a half with little progress they should expect to get one, however, I feel with Sam Cummings asking, the city will grant his wish.

[JimInGR]

I don't think they should be given an extension either. In my opinion it's rediculous. Why should this stop them from starting construction on the underground parking ramp and apartments anyway.

[tamias6]

Oh Heavenly Urban Gods, I pray this won't turn into River Grand or 50 Monroe, let there be something built there soon, Amen.

[joeDowntown]

It seems like after 1 1/2 years, they at least need to put some money on the table to make it hurt a little more if they can't come up with something in siz months.

Since there were 2 other offers on the table, not just a weed filled lot with a for sale sign (wait, isn't that what it is now?), the city should not just accept the status quo. I still hope the project goes through, but come on. 2 years is a long time to wait when Rockford (my least favorite proposal) said they could have started immediately.

Joe

[dragt]

While it's seems far too convenient to blame it on "having to be patient with UICA"... it does seem a bit ridiculous that they're just now figuring out that they need to switch from condos to apts.

Still I do agree that the UICA on that corner would be pretty cool, I'm always surpirsed by how many people haven't a clue how to get to the current sheldon location (you mean there's a street between division and jefferson??!! duh, there's two even.) And can see how working with UICA would be a bit time consuming

Edited December 15, 2006 by dragt

[torgo]

Well if the City doesn't grant the extension, then what? Is the project going to end up dead, resulting in another 2 years of RFPs, bids, designing, and hang-wringing?

[Mark Miller]

I do not see any reason why they should not get the extension. This is an important corner, and as such, making sure that it doesn't go off half-cocked is a priority. Deals like this take a long time to come together and frankly Second Story has earned the benefit of the doubt on this one. We are not talking about Tol or Molk here.

[GR_Urbanist]

Oyyy!

Delay sought for apartment, retail complex

Should this extension be granted? Is UICA the right tenant for this crucial corner? Keep in mind that RSC/Second Story Properties partnership was chosen in May 2005 (1 1/2 years ago) to develop this property, and won a competition against two other developers who had an interest in redeveloping this site.

No extensions PERIOD.

These guys had plenty of time to pull this off and two years latter we have an empty lot with zilch activity.

A request was put out to serious developers to bid on this site, not people that would need extensions into the next decade.

Offer it to either of the other two developers. Stop wasting time with these guys.

[mpchicago]

I would grant Second Story an extension, just based on the fact they have always put together quality projects. However, it would appear that the UCIA really has no business moving to this spot. From what I understand they don

[Yankee Fan]

I say that we dump a whole bunch of construction dirt in there, grade it to enhance the slope, and then get our snowboards out and put it to use!

Okay, we'll need it to snow, but...

Anyone game?!

Edited December 15, 2006 by Yankee Fan

[twoshort]

I think (know) a lot of us who voice our opinions are not developers and honestly have no clue how long it takes to pull something like this together. Comments like 'they've had PLENTY of time' should only be coming from seasoned developers and real estate professionals. Sure, you can say 'this sucks' or 'man this is taking forever,' but to ridicule SSP for taking their time and suggest starting over from scratch is ridiculous.

Just my opinion.

[Rizzo]

Yah, that's find and dandy when you're on your own time schedule. What about the schedule of the city? If you're not up for the job don't ask for it. I agree though I don't know a thing about development, but I would give SSP an extension just because they appear to be a stakeholder in downtown. I just think this appears to be down because of UICA. It's going to be a while.

Edited December 15, 2006 by Rizzo

[GR_Urbanist]

They are on OUR time.

Apparently they dont even know what it's like to pull something like this together.

Too many times this city babies these developers along until the whole thing falls apart. If they cant get it together then we should move on. I dont feel sorry for them at all.