You might be right reversiblehatt, but I still hope that it is only on hold for 6mos-1year. A development with some residents on the southern side would really balance things out and show growth radiating out instead of just going north from Mich Ave.
Also, having something like this would make the area a little nicer/more welcoming and would support things like that rental boat/kyak/barbeque business that is hopefully opening up in that area in the next month. I was at common ground tonight (packed in spite of earlier rains!) and that boat rental business would have made some money...there were alot of boats on the river next to the park listening to the music (for free). Although that business is far enough south they would have only benefitted if they advertise market effectively so people know it's down there.
I haven't heard anything about the Kalamazoo Gateway lately. Although there have been a empty lot for a long time off of West Kalmazoo and Martin Luther King Blvd. There seem to be a construction plan there (advertise by somesort of poster), anyone know what they have plan there?
This project was pulled by Gene because had bad business dealing with “Printer Row”, which was going to prevent him from qualifying for EDC funding help.
Gene does not seem to need the same help with the Ottawa and Butler Project. However, you might want to watch the changes he is asking to make in regards to the residential vs. commercial zoning. I am concerned that he may not get this one off the ground at this time time either.
Do not be surprised if Mayor Bernero wins re-election he begins to push to have a New City Hall built on the 7-block site (economic stimulus project). It is not a far fetched idea, with the Eyde’s family connection growing ever closer to the current Mayor through Pat and Scott Gillespie.
Welcome to the site Q. Do you think that if City Hall is proposed for a new location, the current one would be converted to office? It seems that the added office space would make it harder for the Lenewee to come in.
This is not the first time I have been here, but it has been some time since I wrote last.
I will protect my sources as much as I can to keep the information coming. I will stop by and update with anything I do not see posted.
I would not say the Gateway is dead, but your contact at the EDC was not as forthcoming as they could have been. I know divulging a developer’s economic situation can create a problem, but if I know about the financial issues resulting from “Printers Row” other do as well.
A New City Hall has been a back burner issue for this administration, and probably for the Hollister administration. The big catch is money, but with Obama’s shovel ready projects this makes the project an interesting opportunity. Also on the drawing board for the Bernero staff is a combined police department and combined fire stations 7 and 3. All of these projects appear to have the dust brushed off of them at this time.
I do not know that much about the Lenawee project since its début last summer. However, the State Senate could use/would like new or renovated office space. The current City Hall is attached to the House Building, which makes it conveniently located.
I can understand any of the projects beyond MarketPlace getting put on hold...I just hope that ones like the Gateway are just on HOLD and not cancelled permanently.
Townsend had a partnership that did the Printer's Row project. That partnership dissolved - and it's rare that a business partnership (like a divorce) ends without some disputes (although I'm not sure exactly what those are in this case). Regardless of that, Gateway was a complex project to pull off from its announcement.
Gateway faced a financing gap (cash + approved loans/investors + tax incentives were just shy of project cost) from the beginning (or at least pretty near to it, based on my conversations with the developer). That's common for an urban redevelopment project, and that scenario will only get worse with the credit markets in turmoil. Add to that working out a deal with the cab company and there are some big obstacles to getting Gateway done in the short term.
Ottawa-Butler would be easier to get financed because it can be done in smaller, less expensive phases. So that's the type of project to face better odds of moving forward right now.
Comments
Also, having something like this would make the area a little nicer/more welcoming and would support things like that rental boat/kyak/barbeque business that is hopefully opening up in that area in the next month. I was at common ground tonight (packed in spite of earlier rains!) and that boat rental business would have made some money...there were alot of boats on the river next to the park listening to the music (for free). Although that business is far enough south they would have only benefitted if they advertise market effectively so people know it's down there.
Gene does not seem to need the same help with the Ottawa and Butler Project. However, you might want to watch the changes he is asking to make in regards to the residential vs. commercial zoning. I am concerned that he may not get this one off the ground at this time time either.
Do not be surprised if Mayor Bernero wins re-election he begins to push to have a New City Hall built on the 7-block site (economic stimulus project). It is not a far fetched idea, with the Eyde’s family connection growing ever closer to the current Mayor through Pat and Scott Gillespie.
I'm sad to hear that Kazoo gateway is dead, it that basically for-sure, at least from what you know?
I love the idea of a new city hall and I think 7-block is a very good location, I hope to hear more on this.
This is not the first time I have been here, but it has been some time since I wrote last.
I will protect my sources as much as I can to keep the information coming. I will stop by and update with anything I do not see posted.
I would not say the Gateway is dead, but your contact at the EDC was not as forthcoming as they could have been. I know divulging a developer’s economic situation can create a problem, but if I know about the financial issues resulting from “Printers Row” other do as well.
A New City Hall has been a back burner issue for this administration, and probably for the Hollister administration. The big catch is money, but with Obama’s shovel ready projects this makes the project an interesting opportunity. Also on the drawing board for the Bernero staff is a combined police department and combined fire stations 7 and 3. All of these projects appear to have the dust brushed off of them at this time.
I do not know that much about the Lenawee project since its début last summer. However, the State Senate could use/would like new or renovated office space. The current City Hall is attached to the House Building, which makes it conveniently located.
I can understand any of the projects beyond MarketPlace getting put on hold...I just hope that ones like the Gateway are just on HOLD and not cancelled permanently.
Gateway faced a financing gap (cash + approved loans/investors + tax incentives were just shy of project cost) from the beginning (or at least pretty near to it, based on my conversations with the developer). That's common for an urban redevelopment project, and that scenario will only get worse with the credit markets in turmoil. Add to that working out a deal with the cab company and there are some big obstacles to getting Gateway done in the short term.
Ottawa-Butler would be easier to get financed because it can be done in smaller, less expensive phases. So that's the type of project to face better odds of moving forward right now.