Well it looks like the Ice Skating rink isn't too likely to happen. The LSJ is reporting today of a new sculpture to be placed at what looks like the site of the ice rink. The sculpture is being purchased using private funds and will cost about $275,000. The sculpture should be about 20 feet in height.
This wouldn't be on the site of the ice rink. The ice rink would be right behind where the picture was taken from. I'm assuming this is the result of the sculpture contest earlier this year.
I think that the new sculpture actually increases the possibility of the ice rink being built. OK- maybe it doesn't 'increase the possibility,' but it does point to an increased probability. The city/ committee wouldn't put this sculpture somewhere they didn't think it will be seen. The City Market, this sculpture, the playground area, and whatever moves into the new Ballpark North and Marketplace developments will bring more foot traffic to this section of the river trail. The ice rink would be a major draw, too. This area of the trail seems to be a focal point for development, and I think that's great.
Also, the rendering of the sculpture in the City Pulse and LSJ doesn't place the sculpture between the City Market and the Lansing Center, which is where the LSJ article asserts it will be. The rendering places it just north of the City Market (which is where the ice rink was tentatively slated to be). Anyway- the rink and sculpture would be a nice combination, and that stretch of the RT will portray Lansing as a vibrant and fun place to be (assuming it all comes together).
I'm off to have a beer on the City Market's patio.
I was browsing commercial real estate listings and it seems that they are proposing to add 10,200 sq ft of retail space onto the first floor of One Michigan Ave. They don't have any renderings or details, but this would be a great step towards making North Washington more retail-friendly.
CBRE has market reports on their site, but you need to make an account (just email & password) to sign in. I've tried several different emails and it always says "account blocked." I don't know what's wrong with their system, I sent them an email asking to be unblocked yesterday but I doubt I'll see a response. I put the link below, maybe you or someone else will have better luck getting access:
4Q 2009, central business district: 14.8% overall; 6.1% Class A.
Overall market: 17.7%; 8.9%
When One Michigan Avenue was bought by local investors, I think they realized the potential of the space at the north and south ends of the building to add retail. The south end is now Troppo.
I think the first floor of the building is largely leased. Lobbying firm GCSI has been in the space opposite the lobby from PNC for a couple years now.
The building did have some major vacancy issues for quite some. The state once took up a bunch of space in that building - I think the AG's office? - and they never really started to recover from that loss until the new ownership and bringing Troppo in.
I surprised at the CBD class A vacancy rate. 6.1% is a fairly healthy vacancy rate for even good times, with thing's the way they are now 6.1% is great.
Comments
Here is a story on the sculpture from City Pulse: The road to ´Inspiration´
Also, Potter Park is continuing to open new exhibits: New Eurasian Eagle-Owl Habitat and Exhibit Opens at Potter Park Zoo
Also, the rendering of the sculpture in the City Pulse and LSJ doesn't place the sculpture between the City Market and the Lansing Center, which is where the LSJ article asserts it will be. The rendering places it just north of the City Market (which is where the ice rink was tentatively slated to be). Anyway- the rink and sculpture would be a nice combination, and that stretch of the RT will portray Lansing as a vibrant and fun place to be (assuming it all comes together).
I'm off to have a beer on the City Market's patio.
I was browsing commercial real estate listings and it seems that they are proposing to add 10,200 sq ft of retail space onto the first floor of One Michigan Ave. They don't have any renderings or details, but this would be a great step towards making North Washington more retail-friendly.
CBRE - One Michigan Ave
CBRE Lansing Market Reports
Overall market: 17.7%; 8.9%
When One Michigan Avenue was bought by local investors, I think they realized the potential of the space at the north and south ends of the building to add retail. The south end is now Troppo.
I think the first floor of the building is largely leased. Lobbying firm GCSI has been in the space opposite the lobby from PNC for a couple years now.