  Downtownguy Member Username: Downtownguy Post Number: 95 Registered: 07-2004 |
$25,000,000 for a moving sidewalk? C'mon! | ||
Rocket_city Member Username: Rocket_city Post Number: 474 Registered: 04-2006 |
I just think it is a significant missed opportunity to connect the hustle and bustle streetscape of Monroe/Greektown to Lafayette Park. My dream was to extend the walkable "Greektown vibrancy" over I-375 and into Lafayette Park. Making living over there much more accessible (by walking) to downtown. This is more of a city criticism because I hate how it seems like it is planned that all downtown activity has to stop at the freeways. | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 4007 Registered: 02-2005 |
Very well said, Rocket_city. Could not agree more. I had always viewed the hotel/garage project as something that would make Greektown larger. To this point, I was pretty wrong. I like the hotel; I like the new mark on the skyline. But it could have been better. Who knows. Zoning can change. Stores can be built. The parking garage can be a great thing in terms of decreasing demand for surface parking lots, making their value drop, and getting those lots into the hands of infill developers. | ||
401don Member Username: 401don Post Number: 46 Registered: 11-2007 |
I thought about how it may lead to construction on some surface lots down the line as well. Why would anyone park anywhere other than the garage for a 3-4 block radius? Also, how will they prevent downtown office workers, court visitors, etc. from parking there? You could hop on the people mover and your downtown monthly tab would be 20 bucks. | ||
Warrenite84 Member Username: Warrenite84 Post Number: 173 Registered: 01-2007 |
What would stop Greektown from growing on adjacent Macomb St. between Brush and St. Aubin? How about a future condo tower around there like those in Royal Oak? Personally, I'd like to see more of these pedestrian bridges connecting Lafyette Park, Park Ave., etc. to make it easier for pedestrian travel to the CBD.(like the one planned to re-connect parts of Mexicantown.) | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 4008 Registered: 02-2005 |
Is it that hard to cross a low-speed street? | ||
Ramcharger Member Username: Ramcharger Post Number: 495 Registered: 05-2006 |
Gambling_Man, this is a forum for exchanging opinions, Therefore, I will voice my opinion when and about what I chose. It is not a site for you to shill for your business. So how about you leave your commercial propaganda to yourself. | ||
Warrenite84 Member Username: Warrenite84 Post Number: 174 Registered: 01-2007 |
Mackinaw, No it isn't. The Monroe overpass does see some pretty good volume on the weekends, and is very near a highway on ramp. After taking another look at it, yes it does have a crosswalk, so I stand corrected. | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 4009 Registered: 02-2005 |
I didn't mean to snap at ya. Actually I think I may have read your post wrong. Did you mean highway pedestrian bridges, or bridges like the skywalk at Greektown casino? If we're talking about making more highway overpasses/crossing, then I think it's a good idea. I wasn't sure when you mentioned Park Ave. | ||
Warrenite84 Member Username: Warrenite84 Post Number: 175 Registered: 01-2007 |
The new suspension bridge connecting both parts of Mexicantown over I-75 looks impressive from the drawings. I was thinking others like it would extend downtownaccess a little. Take Park Ave. for example. Once Ilitch makes his choice for a hockey arena, why not put a pedestrian bridge over I-75 to extend that nightlife near the TownPump north on park also. | ||
French777 Member Username: French777 Post Number: 263 Registered: 10-2006 |
The Parking was FREE yesterday at the Tree lighting and the employee's were so so NICE,Kind and helpful. The garage was so easy to get to and well lite and camera's on each floor. | ||
Detroitstar Member Username: Detroitstar Post Number: 805 Registered: 01-2006 |
I live in Lafayette Park and I actually like the fact that there is a less traffic in our neighborhood. I dont know about other residents of the neighborhood, but I am very satisfied with how connected we are to the downtown area thanks to Monroe and Lafayette. just my 2 cents | ||
Darwinism Member Username: Darwinism Post Number: 680 Registered: 06-2005 |
A few words regarding my experiences. First and foremost, kudos to the effort in adding positive momentum to downtown Detroit. The Greektown parking garage is brightly lit, well patrolled by attendants and security personnel, and easy layout. Not too sure about the dual spiral ramps. My family and two other families intended to make a fun Saturday to visit the Campus Martius skating rink, Christmas tree and Greektown. We parked in the new garage, but were not allowed to use the walkway because we have kids ranging in age from 4-14. Instead of having dinner at Pegasus as initially planned, we took our business to the Hard Rock Cafe instead. Yes, we understand that children are not allowed into the casino. However, Greektown needs to also have the bigger picture in mind, that the walkway should allow those who wish to patronize the other businesses within, are able to do so conveniently. My buddies and I were going to go a few rounds on the card tables and the slot machines, while our spouses and kids take their time finishing up their nice meal at Pegasus. All that may not mean much of a dent to Greektown's ledger, but our word of mouth may to some extent. Being forced to walk outside in the light drizzle Saturday (Nov. 17) afternoon/evening around 4:00pm, leaves a sour taste in 3 families' mouths. The bad experience at the walkway didn't damper our evening because the Christmas tree was stunning and the skating rink staff were all very courteous and helpful. Hard Rock Cafe was jam-packed, but our dinner was served promptly. Campus Martius looked spectacular. | ||
Genesyxx Member Username: Genesyxx Post Number: 813 Registered: 02-2004 |
Seriously, how many parking garages does Greektown own? They're littered all over the area. | ||
Bobj Member Username: Bobj Post Number: 2860 Registered: 11-2003 |
It seems like they have too many with that huge new one | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 4029 Registered: 02-2005 |
Can't you enter Pegasus off of the street? I guess the restaurant itself has a no kids policy? If you were going to Campus Martius, it's not as if you could take some magic skywalk the whole way there. I stood outside in the rain for 4 hours on Saturday. If you wanted to hang out at CMP, it sounds like you were going to be out in the rain by definition. Did the people you were with honestly hold that against downtown Detroit (the "sour taste in their mouths")? Monroe St. is possibly the nicest stretch to walk in downtown. Why there would be such a desire to avoid it is beyond me. | ||
Darwinism Member Username: Darwinism Post Number: 681 Registered: 06-2005 |
Mackinaw: Pegasus welcomes kids wholeheartedly. It is not not Pegasus' or any of the other tenants' fault. Monroe St. in Greektown isn't usually a difficult walk. However, with construction going on ..... scaffolding and steel bars everywhere above ..... it becomes quite a hassle splashing over mud and puddles. The sour taste isn't towards downtown Detroit; "The bad experience at the walkway didn't damper our evening because the Christmas tree was stunning and the skating rink staff were all very courteous and helpful. Hard Rock Cafe was jam-packed, but our dinner was served promptly. Campus Martius looked spectacular." Greektown Management's shortsightedness is the issue - because it doesn't make business sense to restrict the brand, new walkway to only those who are 21 and above. After all, there are various other establishments in that building that are family-oriented and children-friendly. | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 4032 Registered: 02-2005 |
I understand why you are mad about the skywalk. It would seem like it would be a public thru-way, but by some law I guess it cannot be. I'm just really surprised that you changed your plans to go to Pegasus because you would have had to use their front door off the street. It sounds trivial...I'm just wondering why having to walk halfway down the block because of a legit regulation left a bad taste in everyone's mouth. Glad that the rest of the evening worked out. I need to get to CMP again. | ||
Gambling_man Member Username: Gambling_man Post Number: 1026 Registered: 11-2003 |
Darwinism, as only the walkway and garage are completed, it does make it difficult to get to street level. You can access street level at the elevator bank for the garage, and walk on Monroe St., as stated above. Eventually, there is an elevator planned in the new "gap" building. So children will be able to travel along that route until you reach the casino floor, then take the elevator to Monroe St., before reaching Security. | ||
Billk Member Username: Billk Post Number: 170 Registered: 09-2005 |
Man, that parking garage on-ramp is kind of steep if you're caught in stop-and-go traffic. Better make sure your brakes are good. | ||
Rbdetsport Member Username: Rbdetsport Post Number: 413 Registered: 11-2005 |
Any new pics of the tower portion? | ||
Detroitstar Member Username: Detroitstar Post Number: 815 Registered: 01-2006 |
Ok, so I had laughed at the radio ads for the parking structure, along with millions of others that heard them. But tonight I just couldnt resist, and I had to go see it for myself. I made the 4 block trip in just under 3 minutes via Rivard, Lafayette, & St. Antoine. This is seriously the most efficient parking structure I've ever used. I was parked on the 5th level, and when I decided to leave, I was out of the ramp in less than 90 seconds from the time I turned the engine on. The signs are well designed and the lighting is sufficient...much more than can be said for Motor City. Although it is just a parking structure, it is the front door to the casino for the majority of visitors. The skywalk, infill building (though ugly from the outside), and casino entrance all flow together very well to make a very warm and exciting welcome! (Message edited by detroitstar on November 29, 2007) | ||
Warrenite84 Member Username: Warrenite84 Post Number: 187 Registered: 01-2007 |
Here's a few pictures I took from the Greektown Garage. Some are a little spotted due to the windows near the hotel tower were dirty. Also, some are odd shaped composite pics compiled from several photos. The views towards downtown are especially nice. Greektown Garage views I also added about 100 pictures to my Indian Village Set. Hope you like them. | ||
Toog05 Member Username: Toog05 Post Number: 161 Registered: 03-2006 |
Good look warrenite. Any significant progress in the last month? What is the current floor count? | ||
Charlottepaul Member Username: Charlottepaul Post Number: 2078 Registered: 10-2006 |
Oh, btw Warrenite84, that church next to the Greektown garage and hotel is not St. Anne's; it is St. Mary's http://www.oldstmarysdetroit.c om/ | ||
Charlottepaul Member Username: Charlottepaul Post Number: 2079 Registered: 10-2006 |
Old St. Mary's to be more precise. | ||
Warrenite84 Member Username: Warrenite84 Post Number: 188 Registered: 01-2007 |
Oops,Sorry! | ||
Gambling_man Member Username: Gambling_man Post Number: 1035 Registered: 11-2003 |
Warrenite, did you take most of these from level 12? The view is awesome in person.... | ||
Warrenite84 Member Username: Warrenite84 Post Number: 192 Registered: 01-2007 |
Gambling_man, yes, level 12. I had hoped to get a rooftop view, but it wasn't open yet. Of the three casinos, I think Greektown will have the best views. When the Penobscot Bldg. stopped Preservation Wayne rooftop access, I discovered the CBD parking garages had good downtown views. I'm sure P.W. would love a downtown peek from the Greektown Casino Hotel roof for it's skyscraper tours... | ||
401don Member Username: 401don Post Number: 173 Registered: 11-2007 |
Just curious as to how tall the hotel tower is at the moment? (That would be 3:41 pm est.) Thanks. |
