It's not a great area but a small apartment building is very appropriate for that site, the neighborhood directly to the north is all apartments and duplexes. I'm not sure whether I'd prefer commercial space there but I certainly wouldn't argue that it's absolutely necessary for that site, I'm content seeing residential there.
I am sure there will be people who don't mind looking at the back end of Meijers . The area is dangerous for pedestrians, the tangle of streets is a mess down there, and overall it is kind of an ugly part of town. Just my opinion no offence to those folks in South Lansing. It is a good sign that a less than ideal spot is being developed for housing.
I noticed the sculpture in Durant Park, it is not very good [IMO]and really looks out of place. I hope it is not a permeant installation, and we are stuck with bad art for the next 30 years like that bad orange sculpture in the "alley" in E.L., to me it always looked like it was left over from some other project.
While Miller is a bit busy and looking a Meijer may not be the best view the neighborhood is nice to get around and it has lots of nearby shops and looks like a good infill project.
My comment regarding the apartment building on Miller was more in regard to the state of the neighborhood to the north of there, specifically the apartments on Orchard and Richwood. When I had friends over that way 10 years ago there were a lot of problems, I know they tore down the worst buildings but it's still not great. As far as access to roads, transit and stores I agree that it's about as good as it gets on the south side.
I don't hate that Lake Trust building as much as I thought I would, I'd obviously like a more significant building on that corner but I can't complain. I really hope that the project at their former headquarters moves forward, I assume that Lake Trust is finally out of there now so maybe there will be some indication of progress.
Thanks for the Forest/Collins info. I've been wondering if they had decided on a roundabout or signal at that intersection. Last weekend I went for a slow "trail run" down the trail segment being constructed between the Beekman Center and Cavanaugh where the trail currently ends. The bulldozer had cleared about a third of the top surface in that section. The rest was either cleared of snow or still snow-covered. It's pretty scenic through there. I can't wait for these trails to be completed so I can run/ride them!
Each one of those is a potentially interesting project. I imagine/hope we'll see something similar to the old Kalamazoo Gateway proposal for that site, I honestly would kinda like if they just reused that design. I have no idea what to expect for the Hillsdale site, I would think that the city would prefer for a low rise apartment, mixed use or office building there. The south Washington property will probably be a small apartment or townhouse complex, if the surrounding neighborhood doesn't mind I think a couple of commercial lots along Washington would be smart.
I am inquisitive as to why the trail does not run on the north side of the road by the university club? In the future, it would be exciting to see a separated path along Forest and Harrison all the way north to link up with the river trail at Kalamazoo.
There is a house on the north side of Forest Rd in front of the Henry Center (3509 Forest Rd). My guess is that it prevented the trail from running on that side of Forest Rd.
That's a good point about the Club. I can't remember where I read it (it was last year I think) but I remember seeing that the trail extension that was planned to run along the east side of 127 from Forest Rd to Mt Hope was having issues because the U Club was putting pickleball courts where the trail was planned.
What the heck is pickleball? all the sudden this last year I hear the name pickle ball! I have never heard of this sport!
Today the lsj.com has some nice shots of the new hotel in the Block 600 building, the rooms are really nice. [subscribers only] The hotel will open Thursday with 122 rooms! The building does not look that big, they noted that there are already reservations for Valentine's Day. I think the hotel will be very popular once we get back to normal.
I go the City Market a lot, it is always so calm and pleasant to shop there. The sushi is excellent and lots of local bake goods are great too. They need a little help with the deli/sandwich stand. I can not really tell what they sell and have never seen any of their sandwiches. I was the head chef for a big very busy deli out east on the Cape selling 600 sandwiches a day in the summer, so I know how to do it!. Having nothing on display except for a plate of cookies and photo copy menus of too many very busy rather expensive sandwiches with poorly written chalk- board specials is not a recipe for success in my opinion. Hey I could be wrong maybe they are doing great! Has anyone bought a sandwich there?
Comments
I noticed the sculpture in Durant Park, it is not very good [IMO]and really looks out of place. I hope it is not a permeant installation, and we are stuck with bad art for the next 30 years like that bad orange sculpture in the "alley" in E.L., to me it always looked like it was left over from some other project.
I don't hate that Lake Trust building as much as I thought I would, I'd obviously like a more significant building on that corner but I can't complain. I really hope that the project at their former headquarters moves forward, I assume that Lake Trust is finally out of there now so maybe there will be some indication of progress.
There is a house on the north side of Forest Rd in front of the Henry Center (3509 Forest Rd). My guess is that it prevented the trail from running on that side of Forest Rd.
Today the lsj.com has some nice shots of the new hotel in the Block 600 building, the rooms are really nice. [subscribers only] The hotel will open Thursday with 122 rooms! The building does not look that big, they noted that there are already reservations for Valentine's Day. I think the hotel will be very popular once we get back to normal.
I go the City Market a lot, it is always so calm and pleasant to shop there. The sushi is excellent and lots of local bake goods are great too. They need a little help with the deli/sandwich stand. I can not really tell what they sell and have never seen any of their sandwiches. I was the head chef for a big very busy deli out east on the Cape selling 600 sandwiches a day in the summer, so I know how to do it!. Having nothing on display except for a plate of cookies and photo copy menus of too many very busy rather expensive sandwiches with poorly written chalk- board specials is not a recipe for success in my opinion. Hey I could be wrong maybe they are doing great! Has anyone bought a sandwich there?