I'm sure the city would be open to it. The big argument for not constricting the roads would be from the state and suburbs as the routes are state thoroughfares and their constriction would likely negatively affect passers through while benefitting the neighborhoods directly adjacent. Even I'm a bit cautious about it as I'd hate to see any negative unforeseen consequences.
I grew up along one of the roads, so I know they are state roads. I have not seen any serious push ever by the city for this, which is where this has to start. I don't think anyone in any position of power, here, has ever even thought it a possibility, which is I guess kind of my main point. We can't even start thinking about talking with MDOT until there is some movement from locals on this.
This City Pulse article mentions an unannounced development going up somewhere along Turner, also, some refurbishment of the fish ladder:
A second development on Turner is in the planning stages and will be announced soon. “Both will bring much needed housing to Old Town.”
Benson also highlighted the fish ladder development coming this year, which will bring a “plug and play venue inside the fish ladder, offering a sort of bandshell for performances of various sorts.”
Sounds encouraging! the hint about new housing in Old Town along with the New Vision development on Turner sounds interesting. One thing that caught my eye was the larger trees that are planned for Michigan Ave. I was sure they would plant skinny little trees to replace the 40-year-old trees they cut down.
Next planning commission includes a site plan for Turner North:
The item is an Act 33 Review, required when selling off city owned land. Site 0.385 acre parcel a block north of the One the Grand row of condos on Turner. The review says the site been vacant since at least 1970 and that the city obtained the site from the DNR in 1994. It's been used informally for parking since.
The site plan shows that the old structures at the Dodge River Drive corner is also included. One is an old commercial unit and the other an old house. The former dates to 1941, the later 1887, and both, unfortunately, have been poorly maintained over the years.
While it seems a shame to tear down such old buildings in "Old Town" especially the house, however these places have really been neglected for many years so making way for new housing is the right thing to do. I would like to see a program that supports homeowners of historic aged houses rehabilitate their buildings. The revival of Old Town and REOtown business districts has not really led to the restoration of many of the old homes that are now over a century old. The city could do its part by repaving the neighborhood streets installing new sidewalks and planting new trees. Over on Clemens which was repaved a few years ago the neighborhood homes look in much better shape than on the nearby streets that are broken and pitted with potholes.
It's nice to see the site plan but slightly disappointing that the building won't be in an L-shape to take up more frontage along Dodge River Dr. All-in-all I still can't complain.
While I'd love to see such a house moved to an empty lot if at all possible, it's not noteworthy enough for me to feel that the issue should pressed. I certainly wouldn't argue for this house staying on such a site: a main street near a shopping district and with a huge street setback. The little commercial building is just single-story with cinder block walls, nothing worth saving at all imo.
I could see the house being part of an entrance to the new building or like in New England they use the street side vintage houses for shops and restaurants, with the newer extensions, apartments or condos above and behind the street side buildings.
Comments
Regarding the fish ladder, it's becoming a "music park" thanks to Capitol Region Community Foundation. I thought I shared that before, I did put it on the Development Rundown thread.
https://ourcommunity.org/leadership-projects/fish-ladder-music-park
The item is an Act 33 Review, required when selling off city owned land. Site 0.385 acre parcel a block north of the One the Grand row of condos on Turner. The review says the site been vacant since at least 1970 and that the city obtained the site from the DNR in 1994. It's been used informally for parking since.
The site plan shows that the old structures at the Dodge River Drive corner is also included. One is an old commercial unit and the other an old house. The former dates to 1941, the later 1887, and both, unfortunately, have been poorly maintained over the years.
While I'd love to see such a house moved to an empty lot if at all possible, it's not noteworthy enough for me to feel that the issue should pressed. I certainly wouldn't argue for this house staying on such a site: a main street near a shopping district and with a huge street setback. The little commercial building is just single-story with cinder block walls, nothing worth saving at all imo.