Elements of Urbanism: Grand Rapids

[thelakelander]

For comparison's sake, the 1 million square foot riverfront Grand Rapids convention center occupies 13 acres.  The courthouse/city hall annex site combined with the Hyatt occupies 13.42 acres.

[civil42806]

I think we should stop looking at the skyway as a viable transportation option, we all know its a blunder and will not be expanded very much more ever if at all.

if you leave it the way it is you're right it's a blunder, but it could and should be extended and a few wise extensions could make it quite valuable

The skyway is not viable unless we find an unlimited source of revenue.  I'll say on this post and every  other one ,2.5 miles for 184 million dollars unadjusted for inflation.

[Keith-N-Jax]

Note to Jacksonville Leaders:
When replanting trees along downtown streets use shade trees (Oaks,Maples,ect)NOT PALM TREES!!! In the summer it is 112 degrees every day.It is too hot to walk in a suit with no shade.JMO

Oaks and Maples drop too many leaves for downtown street trees, that would cause drainge problems, I dont know of any city where you can expect to be in the shade t/o the whole downtown area, also palm tree roots are not aggressive and dont buckle pavement.

[stjohnsguy]

Other cities use them by the thousands so they must have solved those problems.In a recent MetroJax article with video they asked people what attracted people to downtown streets many said the streets with a tree canopy.South Florida has nothing but Palm Trees and concrete unless you are on the beach IMO it is one of the most unattractive areas I have lived in.

[Jason]

IMO, the old JEA southside generating station is no better than where it sits now (save the river view).  It would be much more isolated, no transit connection, and no surrounding ammenities to offer.  At least the Prime Osborne gives conventioneers quick access to the skyway and I95.

the hotels and restaurants there wouldn't be close enough for it?

What's left of the restaraunts would be nice but everything is still separated by a sea of parking.  I'm not saying it wouldn't work but in my opinion, the original plans for mixed use developments on the JEA site and the site next door would be a much better use of the property.

[thelakelander]

The county courthouse/city hall annex site on Bay Street would be a much better location for a convention center.  The Hyatt, Landing and Bay Street Entertainment District are already in place to serve as complementing anchors to a convention center.  Drop the center into that spot and everything is already in place.  Drop it on the JEA site and we still have to spend money to pull the complementing activity next door.  Then when this done, we'll have two areas competing with each other instead of complementing.