The State of Downtown Grand Rapids Retail

[mpchicago]

 

 

This is the earliest facade I've seen.  I'm guessing early 50's. I assume the building is older then that and that the above facade isn't original.  But the storefront entry in the above image may be original to the building. But that storefront is long gone.

 

I have no idea what is behind the existing mansard? Awning? I'm not sure what you call it.

 

Original facade was Italianate, similar to what you see on the corner, and across at the Peck Building. There is a picture floating around right now showing it.  This facade, I would guess, is from the 1930's.  The cars in this pic seem to be from the late 30's early 40's. 

Edited January 27, 2015 by mpchicago

[MJLO]

Is the original facade completely destroyed?  This design definitely isn't going from bad to great.  More like a '60s version of crappy to a modern version of crappy. 

 

I still think it's a big improvement over the current urban renewal. 

[GRDadof3]

There's some design review going on over at The Salon, e.g. someone's pointed out the impracticality of a plate glass window that goes all the way to grade. My guess: this is a beta artist rendition, perhaps sponsored by an athletic shoe company.

 

Don't the new storefronts on Jefferson (Bartertown, et al) go all the way to the ground?

 

Thread moved to this topic in case you're lost.

[GRDadof3]

I still think it's a big improvement over the current urban renewal. 

 

Agreed. Particularly if the original is gone. What would be better? Faux-chitecture?

[mpchicago]

Civitas...  You out there?  What would you do here? 

Edited January 28, 2015 by mpchicago

[GRDadof3]

Civitas...  You out there?  What would you do here? 

 

Considering that he probably did the fronts on Jefferson...

[civitas]

One of the last of the upper floor coverups. 

 

[Paramaribo]

They repainted the facade this summer, so I thought there would be a few more years of the ugliness. I walk past this place several times a week, and a neon sign would tie the entire block together, including UICA and TowerPinkster across the street.

 

A neon sign and Chew's new building? Now we're talking about a retail center. And if the police station left its lights on a night, it would feel downright safe and cozy!  

[ctpgr34]

Good Read

 

http://mibiz.com/news/real-estate/item/22261-retail-segment-turns-to-quality,-new-neighborhoods-as-activity-heats-up

 

[GRDadof3]

Good Read

 

http://mibiz.com/news/real-estate/item/22261-retail-segment-turns-to-quality,-new-neighborhoods-as-activity-heats-up

 

That was a very good read. Interesting that they can't "give away" the old Family Fare at 28th and Cascade.

 

And I'm wondering what is "right across from the new Trader Joe's" that is re-developable. Chuck-E-Cheese?

 

Did anyone else notice that Kilwin's downtown has paper on all the windows? Are they closing?

[ctpgr34]

Kilwin's FB page on 2/17 says they are closed due to water damage and will reopen as soon as possible

[egrguy]

Maybe Its the Toys R Us and the massive parking lot. That's an archaic building that could be bull dozed and more opportunities for newer retail. Article overall is very positive and bullish.

[EastownLeo]

The facade of the Reynolds and Sons is starting to come down. Cant wait to see what this make over looks like compared to the drawings.

 

[sfloria]

Yay!  The ugly stamp of the 60's and 70's is almost completely gone out of downtown now!      (I'm looking at you Post Office)

[MJLO]

When I look at this picture and try and picture the rendering in place I actually think it'll make the area around the city center look pretty chic. 

[GR_Urbanist]

The new facade of Reynolds and Sons looks almost complete. Couldn't snap a photo in time, so if you are in the area be sure to have a look! It really does stand out from its neighbors.

[Veloise]

The new facade of Reynolds and Sons looks almost complete. Couldn't snap a photo in time, so if you are in the area be sure to have a look! It really does stand out from its neighbors.

[MJLO]

With every building on that block updated and the reconfiguration of the park, the City Center could really be another anchor of downtown again.   Especially if the Brookstone and SIBSCO midrises get build

[joeDowntown]

Interesting to see a few new retailers moving into downtown: 

- Reynolds and Sons (not new, but actually looka like a retailer now)

- https://www.ruvilla.com/ (First floor of the Tower-Pinkster building)

- http://www.brothersleathersupply.com/  (opening on Division across from Villa)

Joe

[GVSUChris]

Interesting to see a few new retailers moving into downtown: 

- Reynolds and Sons (not new, but actually looka like a retailer now)

- https://www.ruvilla.com/ (First floor of the Tower-Pinkster building)

- http://www.brothersleathersupply.com/  (opening on Division across from Villa)

Joe

This also moved/opened on Division just recently.

http://www.spreadingthewoosah.com/

 

[GRDadof3]

People will be sad to hear this, but the Jude's Barbershop downtown is being replaced by a sub shop. 

[egrguy]

What sub shop?

[GRDadof3]

What sub shop?

Electric Hero. 

https://www.facebook.com/electricherograndrapids

They have a couple of sandwich shops on the lakeshore. 

[EastownLeo]

Brothers Leather is also setting up shop on Division Just south of the UICA 

http://www.brothersleathersupply.com

[GRDadof3]

Sounds like the majority of Arena Place retail space has been rented, with the last suite planned to be rented in the next few weeks (according to Orion).

http://www.grbj.com/articles/82953?utm_content=buffer47b0c&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

That's interesting that they're providing a ride-share car to residents.