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The State of Downtown Grand Rapids Retail

GRDadof3

By GRDadof3
in Grand Rapids

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RiversideGR
RiversideGR

Something cool that I didn’t see in the Crains article but woodtv picked up: “The company adds they are collaborating with the city to install a clock near the intersection at Monroe Center Stree

EastownLeo
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Yes, they are giving a valid reason for the failure of the business, at least to some, but the backlash is also there because they are giving a reason for closing while ignoring their own faults.  Pas

elcelc
elcelc

Since this place seems less hostile, hyperbolic and knee-jerky than every other site on the entire internet, I'll throw my 2 cents here. Original Propaganda owner: Kudos to your concept and produ

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GRDadof3 Ecumenopolis

GRDadof3

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I should also add that you do not have to be a resident of Grand Rapids. If you are passionate about the city, and you love to go downtown vs. the offerings in your area, then you can provide an important aspect of how people in your area view downtown, and the challenges of getting people downtown.

Cmon GRGuy, I see you lurking this thread. :scared:

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Rhino6885 Hamlet

Rhino6885

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A brief into: in '04-05 I worked for Jay Fowler (on a non-DDA project). And he still has me conscripted selling sponsorships for the Bike GR map.

My DT redevelopment class was the best one of my grad school career.

And I know where to find ice cream DT.

I spent a few years in my early college career as a manager of a Cell Phone store. I am wrapping up two BBA's (1 more month!) in Finance and Accounting. As a loan officer, I have dabbled in commercial loans for retail/residential buildings in various parts of the state. Also, I have helped my girlfriend create a business plan for a clothing store, which she is slowly making a reality. But, above all, I love our city, and know that retail can succeed downtown...It's just a matter of figuring out how exactly.

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Veloise City

Veloise

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Sounds like a very good idea id love to sit in when i could and maybe give a few ideas but with my school schedule i dont know but if the dates were given and i was able to atend i would love to.

We're merely mustering in the troops right now, no dates.

Anyone who contributed to this fun: http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.ph...;hl=keep+secret

should step up here.

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CK1 Whistle-Stop

CK1

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I've been absent from posting on this site for a while (although have been keeping tabs on all the going-on's), and this might be something I'd really be interested in at least sitting in on, if not taking a more active role with it. Keep us all posted as the ball gets rolling!

I was talking today here at work with several co-workers that also live in and love this city, and the talk of the casino rumors came up (this isn't the casino, thread, I know)...and while there has been mentioned rumors of the public-private partnership for the casino, as well as all the back and forths on the pro's and con's of a casino in the city, why not vest the time and energy in attractive large retail to downtown?

I agree that I would be against subsidizing retail out in the GR Sprawl, but my tune would likely make a 180 when it comes to subsidizing DOWNTOWN retail. Get a Cabelas or Bass ProShops to come downtown, and have the city / DDA subsidize nearby parking (not exclusive to the one retailer, but to all those in the vacinity). The benefits could be exponential...

Also, while having a casino seems to be for some a "sexy" idea for the city (glitz and glamour galore!), I would be curious what giving GVSU $100mil to expand or bring down a whole new college into the City would do instead...more students, more need for housing / restaurants / grocery stores / drug stores / you name it.

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CK1 Whistle-Stop

CK1

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I'm all for trying to get more businesses downtown, but I'm not sure if I have the necessary expertise to be a member of such a group.

I definitely don't have expertise in this area, but I would like to think that I have similar convictions and desires for the development and vibrancy of downtown as a lot of people. Being the voice of others for what we WANT downtown would hopefully help the movers and shakers who know how to make projects work better tailor development to the appropriate current (and future) desires of the local population.

Who knows better what we want downtown than those of us that frequent it?

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GRDadof3 Ecumenopolis

GRDadof3

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I'm all for trying to get more businesses downtown, but I'm not sure if I have the necessary expertise to be a member of such a group.

If you spent $1 at a retailer last year, if you would rather spend time downtown then on 28th St, and if you can write an email, talk on the phone, and aren't afraid to speak with people you've never met before, you're in like flynn.

Would Saturday morning at 11:00 be too soon to get this rolling?

GRCityPlanner, I'm thrilled that you are interested in hearing more! :)

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Veloise City

Veloise

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If you spent $1 at a retailer last year, if you would rather spend time downtown then on 28th St, and if you can write an email, talk on the phone, and aren't afraid to speak with people you've never met before, you're in like flynn.

Would Saturday morning at 11:00 be too soon to get this rolling?

...

Location: Urban Mill.

[if you have to ask where that is, perhaps you're in the wrong room...]

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Veloise City

Veloise

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Figures...I will be out of town this weekend. Generally, however, Saturday's are great. Weeday evenings would also work very well with me, and Urban Mill sounds great.

(I was extrapolating and piggybacking onto a meeting Jeff's already hosting in/at that location and just before. Will take notes.)

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GRDadof3 Ecumenopolis

GRDadof3

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Saturday at 11:00 it is. Some of us are meeting at 10:00, so we'll just keep ours to an hour.

UP Downtown Retail Task Force Inaugural Meeting

Saturday, March 31st

11:00 AM

Urban Mill Cafe, Downtown GR, Plaza Towers complex next to Kinko's

They do have free wireless so feel free to bring your laptops

All are welcome.

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Veloise City

Veloise

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Saturday at 11:00 it is. Some of us are meeting at 10:00, so we'll just keep ours to an hour.

UP Downtown Retail Task Force Inaugural Meeting

Saturday, March 31st

11:00 AM

Urban Mill Cafe, Downtown GR, Plaza Towers complex next to Kinko's

They do have free wireless so feel free to bring your laptops

All are welcome.

Shall I invite "the boss"? (He no longer reads UP.)

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Rizzo City

Rizzo

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^That doesn't sound good. He probably should have had a top hat and monocle. I think there's a photo that I did of him with the 'accessories' somewhere around this website.

I can probably shoot emails to real estate divisions in retail companies. I'm already on a citizens' action committee so I'm not sure I can work on this with the same fervor.

Edited by Rizzo
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cheshireguy Whistle-Stop

cheshireguy

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I think that I would be interested in voicing opinions and offering ideas. I've often kicked around the idea of organizing a downtown improvement initiative, a small-scale volunteer group to get out on weekend mornings and clean up the city streets, accomplish small-scale yet large-yield projects, and help promote out great town as a wonderful place to be. A side benefit (especially for those of us not blessed with the genes of a Pitt or Depp) would be to get out into the fresh air and exercise a bit. Actually, this could be one of the initiatives for the task force??? I've done projects like this through private donation money (local businesses, etc.) when I was in school at CMU.

I will be in Cinncinnati this weekend, so I won't be able to attend, but if you need anything from ideas to someone to hold a trash bag, let me know!

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