IF it happens [[emphasis on IF), I like the 20 story high-rise concept if built in the correct location.
A bad location would be the wedge block south of Adams, next to Grand Circus Park [[site #1 on the illustration posted previously). I could see them doing it because then they would have 20 stories of apartments looking into the stadium, which would be easy to market. I hate the idea though because it would kill the skyline view from the ballpark, even worse than the Camden Yards Hilton did in Baltimore.
A great location would be on the block between Elizabeth and Columbia, or better yet on the south side of Elizabeth using the half block with Chelis & Central United Methodist Church.
Truthfully, I would love to see the block between Columbia and Montcalm remain open, ideally as a plaza, but even as a surface lot. I think leaving that block open provides a lot of great views, and as downtown rebounds, I think an effort has to be made to keep the great vistas in place. Obviously it would be great if development was built north of Montcalm and south of Columbia to surround this block, but a plaza there could be a really great addition to the city.
Bookmarks