A skybridge! I would love more connections between the buildings downtown too - I don't care if they're above or below ground. I just don't want to go outside when it's -10 out.
I don't have much hope for the casino, but a skybridge is the wrong solution. Basically, by building a skybridge the city is admitting that pedestrian crossings on Cedar St are really dangerous. However, the only people that would be able to cross in this safe, covered structure are people who live in the stadium district/attend the casino.
A better improvement would be to add a pedestrian light for the crossing and slow traffic down through natural means (street narrowing, bike lanes, and more stop lights).
Given the City Council approved this project, it seems like this project is nearly a go, unless there are additional funding or environmental issues that need to be resolved? Council approves Cooley Law School Stadium project
They haven't been totally clear, but from what I understand the project is totally ready to go from the city's point of view. I assume that stadium renovations will begin when baseball's over. As for The Outfield project, they said it will be ready by opening day 2016, which at almost two years away is going to take a bit longer than I expected.
I really want to believe that they'll either find a use for the Dyslexia Institutes house or they'll move it. I can't imagine a sane person tearing it down.
I took some pictures of the demolition last week on Wednesday night. It was dark out, but hopefully you can still see the progress as well as the amount of construction equipment on site.
The Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau posted a link to a page with several new renderings of the apartment building and ballpark renovations: Stadium renovation and development
It would certainly make sense to to build the apartment building in conjunction with or after completion of the renovations. Everything I've heard so far says that the apartments will be ready by the Lugnuts opening day in 2016, but maybe they'll just be ready way before that day.
This is another good step towards revitalizing downtown. I think building up downtown Lansing has to be a regional effort because it is a regional jewel with endless possibilities. Riverfront, parks, shopping, definitely more hotels in future and more overall living options.
Comments
A better improvement would be to add a pedestrian light for the crossing and slow traffic down through natural means (street narrowing, bike lanes, and more stop lights).
Council approves Cooley Law School Stadium project
http://imgur.com/a/BMp7x