Just to update, one of the stairwells is compete, and at five floors confirms underground parking. The other stairwell is at a couple floors, so steel should be going up within a few weeks I'd think.
I never did put my two cents in on those latest renderings, I'll just agree that they're really ugly and I'm hoping for no vinyl siding. However, those are really poor (possibly misleading) renderings, the design might not look horrible if high quality materials are used.
I really only assumed underground parking because I cant imagine what else they would do with a half underground first floor in a flood plain. I'm not sure...
I'm usually pretty excited to see the new development occurring when I go back home to Mid-Michigan. That, however, was not the case when I saw this development during my trip this past weekend. I’m sure someone was designing it to be “hip” or “urban”, but unfortunately it looks cheap and obnoxious. Gillespie missed the mark on this one and regrettably the residents of Lansing will be paying for this eyesore for years to come. I’m sure the interiors will be pleasant and it will bring people living downtown, however I’m very disappointed. What a shame.
Texigander, the design is definitely controversial. I get that. But, how will the people of Lansing be paying for it in the future? Are you referring to tax breaks? Repairs? Unsightly architecture? Honestly, I think this development will benefit Lansing, but I would like to hear your reasoning.
I see where he's coming from, the area is headed in a good direction and in the end Midtown will probable be somewhat detrimental to the immediate area. The design is simply a cheap imitation of some colorful buildings the developer saw in their travels, it won't age well and won't contribute much at the street level. The only good thing about it is that it's not a parking lot, vacant land or a single story building. But it's really beating a dead horse at this point, the building is there and it will be there, relatively unchanged, for at least a couple decades.
Driving by there the other day I was pretty disappointed to see how permanent the parking lot looks. It doesn't give much hope for seeing any development in the near term.
Just wanted to pass some news on the project. I spoke with Pat Gillespie a few weeks ago and they hope to begin construction on the second Marketplace building this Fall ('15). The first floor will be dedicated to retail and will include a Starbucks and a gym (for residents) from what I can remember.
Comments
I never did put my two cents in on those latest renderings, I'll just agree that they're really ugly and I'm hoping for no vinyl siding. However, those are really poor (possibly misleading) renderings, the design might not look horrible if high quality materials are used.
Marketplace Lansing
It provides a decent view of the floorplans, etc. I was not able to download the brochure (the link may not have been working).