@Lymon89 It kinda hurts to hear stories like that about the developer trying to cut costs to the absolute bone, it's much appreciated insight once again though. I guess at some point it's really the buyer's/lessee's responsibility to have higher expectations, if someone can churn out trash at minimal cost and make a fortune it's hard to argue with their logic.
I do figure at some point we'll see some higher quality projects in the core, there's certainly plenty of suitable sites along Washington, Grand and even Capitol. I hope to at least see one of the projects I've hear about come to the surface this year, possibly something significant to go along with the performing arts center or maybe the local venture capital guys high rise. I do agree that these projects are better than blighted land I just wish they'd invest a little more in the design, even Block 600 is decent enough to shut me up, I think that level of design and quality should be attainable.
One of the Red Cedar buildings almost finished is the senior building on the southwest side which was built with steel bricks and cement, and I think that it looks of a higher quality in design. The hotels so far, steel and cement are being used, it could be for a parking deck? I am hoping for just a bit of flair in the designs of those two buildings. One recent apartment building that looks better than it has to, in terms of design is the Walnut Park Apartments, on Willow. I would like to see this type of quality in downtown projects. Some places do impose an architectural design review of projects, that would have been a good thing over at the Disneyland like carwash being built at the Waverly golf course site. Maybe they wanted to start at a very low bar so the rest will seem nicer!
@gbdinlansing As far as I know there will be no parking in the structure of the hotels there, I'm pretty sure these are just going to be a concrete first floor with mostly wood construction on the upper floors. Agreed on Walnut Park, that's my go-to example for a cheap building that looks good and will age well.
I don't hate that new car wash too much, it looks interesting and seems well built. A lot better than the traditional cinder block tunnel that car washes typically are. I honestly don't even hate to see suburban style commercial designs along Saginaw there in general, my beef with that project is the poor use of the overall site in their early site plan, not so much commercial stuff fronting Saginaw. I don't think it would be even remotely realistic to expect urban-style or mixed use development along that stretch anyhow, nor would it really benefit anyone or anything. I would like to see the inward facing aspects of the development take on a more urban/neighborhood feel, I do think that would be beneficial for all involved.
I read about an entertainment venue being developed in the building at 224 S Washington Sq. which the LSJ points out is the site of the original Knapp's Store built in 1915. I have to say I did not know this was the address of the first Knapp's, I wonder if much of the original build is still behind the false facade? It sounds like these folks are for real about this and are planning a first-class venue. I would be happy with anything that looks better than the present storefront.
It looks like Lansing is closer to getting the new GM battery plant as funds have been approved for some of the costs to develop the site. I wonder why they did not consider any of the huge pieces of GM owned land already in the city of Lansing, with all the utilities roads rails etc. in place? In the words of our former mayor "what's so great about Delta?":}
I looks like it's official now, they started their press conference at 11am. I'm just curious as to when they'll start work now, I'd imagine they'd have to get moving quickly to see the plant operational before the end of 2024 as they've proposed.
Regarding why not the GM land in Lansing, GM doesn't own most of that land anymore and given the environmental clean up necessary and the incomplete demolitions, they aren't shovel ready. As far as I know GM did retain the former metal stamping plant site between Saginaw and Willow but you still have the other issues, and the fact that it would be a tight site to work with for what they want to build. Out at Delta they do already have utilities and rail along with enough land to further expand operations in the future. Besides, it's not like putting a factory next to neighborhoods is optimal, if it were feasible I'd prefer to see the Verlinden/Craft Center site largely become single family housing.
Oh, yeah I forgot about investment in the assembly plants, $500+ million is a ton of money to essentially be the side note.
On the subject of the west side, I was over there today and drove by the new power plant, which looks complete from the outside but I don't remember reading any updates as to when it goes operational. The new Amazon warehouse is sprawling and they're still not done with the steel but I imagine they're close. The new (tall) Meijer warehouse at that intersection also recently completed a modest addition and it looks like the new Auto Owners office building is possibly complete.
I understand why they chose the west side site, just a little humor at Delta's expense! For most folks the whole area called Lansing! I would love to see a new neighborhood built on the Verlinden site, I was thinking it could be mixed use with small industry near the tracks and housing near the neighborhoods. I wonder what use they can find for the riverside MLK area? It would be nice if they pulled up all the cement and greened the area until someone finds a use for that land. The new plant is great news for our community!
@gbdinlansing, as someone who drives through that area of MLK frequently, and a nearby resident, I would love to see them do something a little more visually pleasing. Given the fact the railroad is right along the riverbank makes me think that they aren't going to pretty up the space, green it up or doing anything other than car storage. GM has really left that area such a desolate wasteland.
I also don't see GM doing anything with the bulk of their land near the Grand River Plant besides reserving it for factory expansion and parking lots. I do wonder if they'd consider parting with any of the land west of MLK if nudged by the city or if they'd consider beautifying the streetscape a little, I'd still love to see them find a use for the old Oldsmobile HQ as well. Regardless, I can't complain too much when they just announced over $3b in investment.
Comments
I do figure at some point we'll see some higher quality projects in the core, there's certainly plenty of suitable sites along Washington, Grand and even Capitol. I hope to at least see one of the projects I've hear about come to the surface this year, possibly something significant to go along with the performing arts center or maybe the local venture capital guys high rise. I do agree that these projects are better than blighted land I just wish they'd invest a little more in the design, even Block 600 is decent enough to shut me up, I think that level of design and quality should be attainable.
I don't hate that new car wash too much, it looks interesting and seems well built. A lot better than the traditional cinder block tunnel that car washes typically are. I honestly don't even hate to see suburban style commercial designs along Saginaw there in general, my beef with that project is the poor use of the overall site in their early site plan, not so much commercial stuff fronting Saginaw. I don't think it would be even remotely realistic to expect urban-style or mixed use development along that stretch anyhow, nor would it really benefit anyone or anything. I would like to see the inward facing aspects of the development take on a more urban/neighborhood feel, I do think that would be beneficial for all involved.
Regarding why not the GM land in Lansing, GM doesn't own most of that land anymore and given the environmental clean up necessary and the incomplete demolitions, they aren't shovel ready. As far as I know GM did retain the former metal stamping plant site between Saginaw and Willow but you still have the other issues, and the fact that it would be a tight site to work with for what they want to build. Out at Delta they do already have utilities and rail along with enough land to further expand operations in the future. Besides, it's not like putting a factory next to neighborhoods is optimal, if it were feasible I'd prefer to see the Verlinden/Craft Center site largely become single family housing.
On the subject of the west side, I was over there today and drove by the new power plant, which looks complete from the outside but I don't remember reading any updates as to when it goes operational. The new Amazon warehouse is sprawling and they're still not done with the steel but I imagine they're close. The new (tall) Meijer warehouse at that intersection also recently completed a modest addition and it looks like the new Auto Owners office building is possibly complete.