Ideas for Downtown developments in Metro Detroit

[Gangway1111]

On my trip to Denver, I visited the downtown area and found a interesting feature. It is called the 16 st. Mall and it runs right down the middle of DT Denver. This mall runs from the Civic Center to Union Station.

[Jasoncw]

In Toronto they have an urban mall, and I looked at Detroit to see where one would go, but right now there isn't really a spot for one (without destroying a lot of other stuff). But ultimately I don't think a mall downtown would be very good anyway. I don't think Detroit has the shopping numbers to make it anything more than a novelty.

But if I had lots of money I would build a big downtown music/movie/book/media store (like Sam the Record Man, Toronto again). I also think the idea of a downtown movie theater would be cool (people could go to greektown, or the casinos, and catch a movie). But I don't think either of those are especially realistic right now.

[wolverine]

They work okay sometimes.

Santa Monica has a great mall called the 3rd street promenade. Lots of big name stores in nice old historic buildings.

[Gangway1111]

I was specifically thinking about Downtown Royal Oak on Main street though, and here is why

It is mostly Restraunts

Its parking is the less efficent parralell as opposed to diagonole, so not much loss in parking

It has streets on both sides and cross streets to serve as access routes

It has Access to a theatre (Royal Oak Music)

All the restraunts could make great use of more alfresco dinning in the middle of the "street"

There is great access to parking around Main street

There is a great walk way to the library from 3rd street

It would, beacuse of those reasons, and the pedestrian nature of the street, be the strongest candidate for such a move, in my opinion.

Other downtown areas might seem like a good idea, but Downtown Royal Oak's High Density of Restraunts means that the additional alfresco dinning space would be best served (and if covered, could be used all day long, not just in the shade of the buildings).

Thanks Again.

[Jasoncw]

Oh, I didn't read your post very carefully. I assumed you meant a shopping mall, but you mean a mall mall.

I think at one point Woodward south of Grand Circus Park was turned into a pedestrian mall, and that it killed off some business and was generally a failure.

I don't know of any practical reason to turn anything into a mall though. Does anyone know?

What Gangway says about being able to have more outdoor seating is true, but that's all I can think of.

[detwaa84]

In other news.... Sam the Record Man in Toronto has closed. I'm here right now and something vibrant is missing from Yonge.

[Gangway1111]

Just take a look at the picture and yt video I put up and see what I mean, Thanks.