One interesting and important note reported by ELi... the developers are no longer planning a single megabuilding to span the two vacated sites. They are looking at building two separate buildings, and keeping the curvy bit of Evergreen Street intact:
I have to say, I'm in favor of that plan, simply because I think two buildings would provide a much more interesting skyline and pedestrian experience along that part of downtown.
I like the sound of leaving Evergreen and breaking up the block, based on that I'd bet that I'll like the layout of the next proposal better than any of the previous ones over the years. I'm still not betting on this being a significantly downsized proposal either, if anything they may just break it up into more phases, for instance they may only build on the site of the bank initially. If they can swing the financing they're going to build the largest development EL will let them.
This space it trying to shack its jinx, and it is a very good sign that they are not planning some temporary use of that land. I will hope for some contemporary interesting design that will guarantee this development's success and make a bold statement. Next to Capitol Ave.and Michigan Ave. this the most prominent corner in Greater Lansing, we should have a really great building there.
I hope they can come up with something 7 stories or higher for the corner. I'd be OK with seeing 4 stories for the other buildings. East Lansing is growing taller now but doens't need to shoot for the stars. Quality in-fill is still needed first. After this project and Center City, I'd like to see a project proposed on the surface lot behind MSUFCU/Peanut Barrel.
That would be the next great spot to develop in EL.
I was reading about the Peanut Barrel's rehab, and the owner was saying that the building still has parts of the old supermarket that was there in the 60's. My sister would take me there when she went to MSU, the market had this really cool glass eye that would open the door when you passed. It was right at kid eye level and had a green glass orb over the electric eye, so that is why I remember that store. I also remember going to The Peanut Barrel in the 70's when it still had the old storefront facade they really had peanut barrels and everyone threw their peanut shells on the floor. Drunkin college kids falling on their asses after slipping on the peanut shells was also part of the scene! Maybe that's why they don't do that anymore!.
Considering the lost funds (~10M) were only a small part of the total money (~175M?) that was put up for the last project, I'd think the developers could still build a decently tall set of buildings. I'll guess something like 6-10 stories on the old bank site, 4-6 stories at the Thai Hut site, and probably the same, original plan for the condos on the old apartment building site. However, I'd expect all the buildings to be a bit less flashy and sophisticated... for example, perhaps they'll move all the parking for the tall buildings into a single conventional parking ramp.
Comments
I've seen nothing yet, but I would hope that since the holidays are past we'll be seeing something soon.
Actual news now... apparently DRW/Convexity will be submitting a new development plan to EL next month:
http://statenews.com/article/2018/01/el-city-council-meeting-jan-9
One interesting and important note reported by ELi... the developers are no longer planning a single megabuilding to span the two vacated sites. They are looking at building two separate buildings, and keeping the curvy bit of Evergreen Street intact:
http://eastlansinginfo.org/content/new-plans-coming-lots-cleared-downtown-corner
I have to say, I'm in favor of that plan, simply because I think two buildings would provide a much more interesting skyline and pedestrian experience along that part of downtown.
I like the sound of leaving Evergreen and breaking up the block, based on that I'd bet that I'll like the layout of the next proposal better than any of the previous ones over the years. I'm still not betting on this being a significantly downsized proposal either, if anything they may just break it up into more phases, for instance they may only build on the site of the bank initially. If they can swing the financing they're going to build the largest development EL will let them.
This space it trying to shack its jinx, and it is a very good sign that they are not planning some temporary use of that land. I will hope for some contemporary interesting design that will guarantee this development's success and make a bold statement. Next to Capitol Ave.and Michigan Ave. this the most prominent corner in Greater Lansing, we should have a really great building there.
I agree gbd - I sincerely hope they do something special there. I didn't mind the last design too much, but it didn't feel all that special.
I hope they can come up with something 7 stories or higher for the corner. I'd be OK with seeing 4 stories for the other buildings. East Lansing is growing taller now but doens't need to shoot for the stars. Quality in-fill is still needed first. After this project and Center City, I'd like to see a project proposed on the surface lot behind MSUFCU/Peanut Barrel.
That would be the next great spot to develop in EL.
I was reading about the Peanut Barrel's rehab, and the owner was saying that the building still has parts of the old supermarket that was there in the 60's. My sister would take me there when she went to MSU, the market had this really cool glass eye that would open the door when you passed. It was right at kid eye level and had a green glass orb over the electric eye, so that is why I remember that store. I also remember going to The Peanut Barrel in the 70's when it still had the old storefront facade they really had peanut barrels and everyone threw their peanut shells on the floor. Drunkin college kids falling on their asses after slipping on the peanut shells was also part of the scene! Maybe that's why they don't do that anymore!.
Considering the lost funds (~10M) were only a small part of the total money (~175M?) that was put up for the last project, I'd think the developers could still build a decently tall set of buildings. I'll guess something like 6-10 stories on the old bank site, 4-6 stories at the Thai Hut site, and probably the same, original plan for the condos on the old apartment building site. However, I'd expect all the buildings to be a bit less flashy and sophisticated... for example, perhaps they'll move all the parking for the tall buildings into a single conventional parking ramp.
Just a little flashy, please!
I hope so too, we'll just have to wait and see at this point...