38 Commerce Development

[localtalent]

So is the project being treated as two separate buildings then? I'm assuming the same Architect but will they be built together or ramp first, the building?

[GRDadof3]

Three separate buildings: ramp, office/restaurant, residential/retail.

I'd imagine they'll be built as if it was a single project, but I don't think that's a requirement. Some of it just depends on the city choosing a contractor for the ramp.

I don't really have any info on contractors or the city's progress on bidding the thing out.

[localtalent]

http://www.ci.grand-rapids.mi.us/download_...ec3ef13daa5.pdf

[GRDadof3]

But that's just the authorization of the bond issuance (another important step).

It doesn't directly relate to the schedule they are required to follow for bidding out the actual construction/contractor, does it?

[RenZone]

I'm not sure, but I think they put the parking ramp out for bid almost a year ago. Not sure where they are in the bidding process though.

[John E]

Bringing in demolition rig. Photo taken from roof of 21 Weston.

Start of demoliton from roof of 50 Weston.

More photos in the 38 Commerce album set of my Flickr Photos.

I also uploaded a five and a half minute video to YouTube:

They started just after 4 PM and were planning on working on it for about an hour but had to stop due to cutting one of the hydralic lines. They will be going full speed ahead on Monday December first.

Best and Blessings Always,

~John

[John E]

Oh I just remembered that the construction people said that they are going to save some of the brick to use in the new structure.

~John

[ironyisadeadscene]

this is exciting. seems i moved to GR just at the right time alot of activity going on near my place of work.

[GRDadof3]

Bringing in demolition rig. Photo taken from roof of 21 Weston.

Start of demoliton from roof of 50 Weston.

More photos in the 38 Commerce album set of my Flickr Photos.

I also uploaded a five and a half minute video to YouTube:

They started just after 4 PM and were planning on working on it for about an hour but had to stop due to cutting one of the hydralic lines. They will be going full speed ahead on Monday December first.

Best and Blessings Always,

~John

[John E]

I daught it as they are still taking down the Towers building.

I'm wondering if they are going to have construction webcams like they have for other projects. I'm sure Dwelling Place would be pleased to allow them.

~John

[RenZone]

I daught it as they are still taking down the Towers building.

I'm wondering if they are going to have construction webcams like they have for other projects. I'm sure Dwelling Place would be pleased to allow them.

~John

[GRDadof3]

Here are some photos from some of us "non-Super Hero" types.

[joeDowntown]

Between this, the Towers building and the old Commercial Printing building there is a lot to keep the demolition guys busy these days!

Joe

[John E]

Here are a couple pictures from this mornings demolition:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/johne777/3074...57610149404257/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/johne777/3074950702/sizes/l/

For more go to the 38 Commerce album set of my Flickr Photos.

Best always,

~John

[GRDadof3]

Here are a couple pictures from this mornings demolition:

For more go to the 38 Commerce album set of my Flickr Photos.

Best always,

~John

[John E]

That was at lunch time. At 4 PM they had half the building down:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/johne777/3074...57610149404257/

~John

[ironyisadeadscene]

That was at lunch time. At 4 PM they had half the building down:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/johne777/3074...57610149404257/

~John

[John E]

I believe they are going to start building right away and should be done within 18 to 24 months. Others may have more info. I'm sure it will be forth coming.

~John

[einsteinrig]

I believe they are going to start building right away and should be done within 18 to 24 months. Others may have more info. I'm sure it will be forth coming.

~John

[towermart]

Have they closed on the adjoining parking lot yet?

good morning all - i've been lurking for a few months, time to check in.

i'm working on the architecture side of the project. i don't think it's betraying any secrets to say that the project is out for bids as we speak...bids are due in a couple weeks, with construction to begin as soon thereafter as humanly possible.

the building permit is in hand - having "city-approved plans" was the last thing holding up demolition of the existing building - and both pioneer and locus are raring to go. i'd be very surprised if we didn't see concrete and site crews out there very soon.

[einsteinrig]

Have they closed on the adjoining parking lot yet?

[GRDadof3]

good morning all - i've been lurking for a few months, time to check in.

i'm working on the architecture side of the project. i don't think it's betraying any secrets to say that the project is out for bids as we speak...bids are due in a couple weeks, with construction to begin as soon thereafter as humanly possible.

the building permit is in hand - having "city-approved plans" was the last thing holding up demolition of the existing building - and both pioneer and locus are raring to go. i'd be very surprised if we didn't see concrete and site crews out there very soon.

[John E]

Not much happened this morning. They mostly were moving out debris. I took this picture around 4:15 PM:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/johne777/3078633292/sizes/l/

~John

[John E]

The building is now down:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/johne777/3081...57610149404257/

They had a problem with the wall falling onto Commerce two times. The last time was today with the corner going out almost damaging a parking meter and a fire hydrant. One of the workers said the building almost came down on it's own. It was in real bad shape.

You can see more demolition pictures in the 38 Commerce album set of my Flickr Photos:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/johne777

Quite an exciting day with the building coming down, the crane being set up behind 21 Weston for the Gallery On Fulton project and seeing a machine blow an hydralic line while hammering at the concrete of the old parking ramp. I also got a zoomed in shot from the roof of 21 Weston of the top of the VAI Phase II building while a few workers where up there.

~John

[John E]

whats the time table on this project, anyways? i hope they dont tear the building down and let the lot sit vacant for a while.