How about turning the Knapps building into a cinema, possibly for second-run movies? I used to love going to the 99 cent Quad cinema in Saginaw...
Plus, one of the major drawbacks that I see to the Knapps building is its lack of windows. Who wants an office or apartment that the only source of light is through textured glass block? A movie theater, however, wouldn't have a problem with the windows.
With a movie theater, people could really make a night of going downtown: dinner at a restaurant, catch a movie, nightcap at a pub...
What do you all think of that? What would you want the Knapps building to house?
There will most likely need to be a major renovation to the Knapps building to make it functional for today. That might be a good time to replace the windows. I know that there are restrictions on changes to the exterior of the structure with it being on the historical registry, but don't know if that would hinder the change to them. If anybody has info on this, I would be interested.
As far as possible uses. I think the corner section of the first floor and mezzanine scream out major bookstore. The open design with a catwalk surrounding the mezzanine level would fit pretty well, and would also act as an anchor tenant for the building. The remainder of the first floor could be retail/restaurant along washtenaw ave. A mixed use of office and some lofts could round out the upper floors.
It also could be a real nice location for a large grocery store. If the LSD can pull a Meijer or a Kroger downtown, I think prospective residents would make the move. It's nice to hear about the small grocery store on Washington Ave, and a prospective one in the Capitol Club Tower, but being able to compete with Frandor, S. Pennsylvania, and Lake Lansing will be a huge boom for downtown Lansing.
@schurymi, micro said in a post on the General Lansing Development thread:
Recently Capitol Pharmacy changed owners and is now owned by a husband/wife partner. It is no longer a pharmacy and they are trying to build it up as more of a grocery store (now it's called Capitol Convenience). They are staying open till 5:30pm weekdays now, and offering Saturday hours (11am-roughly 2pm). I mentioned I live downtown a couple weeks ago and they have taken suggestions on things we would buy and they gave us their number so if we're coming home but won't be there till 6ish they would stay open till we got there.
One other problem with Knapp's windows is that they are very high up, hugging the ceiling. I do like the idea of a movie theater downtown, but I'm not sure it would be too feasible for Knapps.
What type of movie theater? One like NCG, or like one to see plays?
I never had Knapps but when I drive by it, it appears it may be a expensive resturant and one that may take a hour or so for your meal to be served. I found a interesting article about downtown Lansing development.
You might find it enjoyable to sometimes just read without posting a response. I always try to think about what Im posting before I hit the submit button. That way I can ensure I am contributing to the conversation at hand, as opposed to just posting for postings' sake.
I got on Magic Johnson's Foundation website a couple weeks ago and sent an e-mail basically saying a "Magic Johnson Center for Performing Arts" would be perfect in downtown Lansing given it's his hometown and he targets urban areas for revitalization and the Knapp's building which is available would be perfect for it. I included a couple pics of the Knapp's building...sadly, no response!
Anyway, a movie theater would be cool, but I think it's 50/50 if it would succeed; however I'm totally guessing and am not basing that on any real evidence. At the downtown market study meeting it was mentioned that it would be cool if Lansing could take a building like the Ottawa Power station and make it into a galleria shopping center. Not sure if there are any current available buildings that would work for that though. Something on a smaller scale might work in the Knapp's building, and I think a Walgreens, CVS, or Kroger would work in there and allow a restaurant or living space in there too. Lot's of possibilities, but as I don't have any real knowledge of architecture or engineering, I have no idea what would be feasible.
Comments
Plus, one of the major drawbacks that I see to the Knapps building is its lack of windows. Who wants an office or apartment that the only source of light is through textured glass block? A movie theater, however, wouldn't have a problem with the windows.
With a movie theater, people could really make a night of going downtown: dinner at a restaurant, catch a movie, nightcap at a pub...
What do you all think of that? What would you want the Knapps building to house?
As far as possible uses. I think the corner section of the first floor and mezzanine scream out major bookstore. The open design with a catwalk surrounding the mezzanine level would fit pretty well, and would also act as an anchor tenant for the building. The remainder of the first floor could be retail/restaurant along washtenaw ave. A mixed use of office and some lofts could round out the upper floors.
It's between the Pita Pit and The Peanut Shop.
I never had Knapps but when I drive by it, it appears it may be a expensive resturant and one that may take a hour or so for your meal to be served. I found a interesting article about downtown Lansing development.
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20090108/NEWS01/901080328/1002/NEWS01
http://www.lansingcitypulse.com/lansing/article-2472-newsmaker-pat-gillespie.html
You might find it enjoyable to sometimes just read without posting a response. I always try to think about what Im posting before I hit the submit button. That way I can ensure I am contributing to the conversation at hand, as opposed to just posting for postings' sake.
Anyway, a movie theater would be cool, but I think it's 50/50 if it would succeed; however I'm totally guessing and am not basing that on any real evidence. At the downtown market study meeting it was mentioned that it would be cool if Lansing could take a building like the Ottawa Power station and make it into a galleria shopping center. Not sure if there are any current available buildings that would work for that though. Something on a smaller scale might work in the Knapp's building, and I think a Walgreens, CVS, or Kroger would work in there and allow a restaurant or living space in there too. Lot's of possibilities, but as I don't have any real knowledge of architecture or engineering, I have no idea what would be feasible.