There are some great ideas here, I personally like the one which turns the MCD into a semi-ruin folded into a park-like setting. A large low ground-fountain in the park in front, flower beds, perhaps a large botanical garden, stands of trees, the elimination of the tower portion of the station- all could make a creative and economical re-invention of the site.
And definitely let the Metropark system handle the maintenance. In fact, turn the entire project over to them with a nationally known landscape architect in charge, and throw in Belle Isle to sweeten the deal.
Bookmarks