Discuss Detroit » Archives - Beginning July 2006 » Asian Village Detroit « Previous Next »
Top of pageBottom of page

Bibs
Member
Username: Bibs

Post Number: 508
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 198.208.159.18
Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 2:44 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Salivating at the thought of eating some fine chinese food.
http://www.myasianvillage.com/ index1.htm
Top of pageBottom of page

Eastsidedog
Member
Username: Eastsidedog

Post Number: 577
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 12.47.224.8
Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 2:54 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

POSITIVE THREAD!!!!!!!!!!
Top of pageBottom of page

Funkycarrie
Member
Username: Funkycarrie

Post Number: 260
Registered: 02-2004
Posted From: 69.209.138.56
Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 2:55 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

you people have no clue about what real fine chinese food tastes like.
But I'll give these guys a shot...I still wish they'd post a menu online.
Top of pageBottom of page

Designut
Member
Username: Designut

Post Number: 10
Registered: 05-2006
Posted From: 65.123.68.93
Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 3:02 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I look forward to tryin' this out...is it really a village though?...it looks an aweful lot like a parking structure to me - Isn't that sorta like calling the closed asian restaurants on cass, Chinatown?
In all seriousness though, thanks for the positive thread Bibs, its always great to see new businesses!

(Message edited by Designut on June 23, 2006)
Top of pageBottom of page

Rjlj
Member
Username: Rjlj

Post Number: 81
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 63.171.81.130
Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 3:12 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I hate to be negative about this but as was mentioned previously, it looks like a parking garage with the only thing making it look nice are the banners. It is not aesthetically pleasing whatsoever. What is going to drive the suburbanites to come downtown when they pass P.F. Chang’s, and a multitude of other Asian restaurants and markets in the suburbs on the way down? I think a little more creativity could have been put into this project if this is the final version. Regardless, I hope it works out.
Top of pageBottom of page

Detroit313
Member
Username: Detroit313

Post Number: 91
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 72.229.136.103
Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 3:25 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Positve thread but what's so hard about thrownig a couple of condos that face the river above the restaurants for a couple of hundred thousand a pop? I don't understand why Detroit continues to build and place parking on the very attractive water front. If i'm not mistaken, a parked park can enjoy the ships and water recreation more than people?!? WTF. P.S. WTF 313
Top of pageBottom of page

Ndavies
Member
Username: Ndavies

Post Number: 1950
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 129.9.163.106
Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 3:37 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Where else would you put this needed parking for the Ren-cen? That parking deck frees up the multitude of surface lots that currently occupy that area of downtown riverfront. Now that that deck has been built we can have those buildings you were looking for along the river.

(Message edited by ndavies on June 23, 2006)
Top of pageBottom of page

Boo
Member
Username: Boo

Post Number: 140
Registered: 01-2004
Posted From: 63.117.185.99
Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 3:59 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

as far as parking decks go, it is probably the nicest looking one in the city. if you compare it to the new bcbs deck, the horrid greektown casino deck on beaubien, or the cvs deck on woodward then i think asian village is definitely a winner.

besides, it does have its location along the river going for it, assuming that new condos or another deck will not block the view.
Top of pageBottom of page

Detroit313
Member
Username: Detroit313

Post Number: 93
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 72.229.136.103
Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 4:17 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

What so hard about parking and riding. If you park at another garage and WALK to work it wouldn't kill you. It hasn't killed New Yorkers or Washingtonites. Look I know it's the Motor City and car is KING, but work with me on this one, the formula is (don't quote me I read it in The Building Of The Empire State Building) for every car you need 120 sq ft. The city should keep the river, just the river, car free. I wouldn't mind walking to the river from Jefferson. It's only 3 blocks! 313
Top of pageBottom of page

Tkelly1986
Member
Username: Tkelly1986

Post Number: 87
Registered: 01-2004
Posted From: 68.251.56.124
Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 6:03 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

is that an artist's rendering? Or is that already built?
Top of pageBottom of page

Iheartthed
Member
Username: Iheartthed

Post Number: 116
Registered: 04-2006
Posted From: 64.131.176.232
Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 6:56 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Isn't that the parking structure that's already sitting down there? The one that GM said it was gonna tear down for development? Either way, enough with the damn parking structures already.
Top of pageBottom of page

Jjw
Member
Username: Jjw

Post Number: 123
Registered: 10-2005
Posted From: 68.33.56.156
Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 7:02 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

wow--imagine what it would look like if they rebuilt some of those apartment buildings there and created the Asian Village on the first floors of them----outstanding--plus they would be guaranteed customers with all of those people living about it!!!
Top of pageBottom of page

Bibs
Member
Username: Bibs

Post Number: 510
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 205.188.116.137
Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 10:18 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I think this parking garage was built by the Port Authority. It is almost 100% complete and it is located just East of the Renaissance Center. GM is leasing parking spaces from the Port Authority. Some of the parking will be reserved for the Port Authority when it builts the new cruise ship terminal just West of the RenCen along the river where Bates ST and Atwater ST intersect.
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/m ap.adp?formtype=address&addtoh istory=&address=Bates%20St%20% 26%20Atwater%20St&city=Detroit &state=MI&zipcode=48226&countr y=US&geodiff=1

Keep in mind that the parcels just East of this new garage will be developed in the next year and these people are going to need parking and places to eat. I think that I read that GM is either going to announce the developer or the type of projects for these sites. Can't remember which.
Top of pageBottom of page

Smogboy
Member
Username: Smogboy

Post Number: 3204
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 69.47.100.44
Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 11:21 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I know this might sound kinda strange but where does it say any of these places even serve up Chinese food?? Authentic or otherwise?? It seems to me that all of these places are serving up food for the American palette with some mild regard to Asian cooking.
Top of pageBottom of page

Mackinaw
Member
Username: Mackinaw

Post Number: 1801
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 69.221.37.150
Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 11:23 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Ndavies said it right.

A lot of developments, even landmark ones, are built into parking structures. Best example coming to mind is Pointe Plaza on 7 mile.
Top of pageBottom of page

Smogboy
Member
Username: Smogboy

Post Number: 3216
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 69.47.100.44
Posted on Saturday, June 24, 2006 - 12:55 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Funkycarrie- what makes you such the Chinese food connoisseur? That's mighty condescending of you considering you hardly know any of us and our palettes.
Top of pageBottom of page

Lmichigan
Member
Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 3911
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 24.11.154.56
Posted on Saturday, June 24, 2006 - 4:44 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I've said this before, but one can only hope that an actual "Asian Village" actually builds up around the garage as part of RiverEast, though that's just hoping on hope. The idea of a parking garage being another one of Detroit's "towns" is just laughable, and kind of insulting.

Just a few details to clear up some misconceptions some may have...

Before Dominic Pangborn became the leasholder of the retail portion of the structure, the Port Authority had simply labeled the garage and its retail space as "Beaubien Place." It was Pangborn that later envisioned this as "Asian Village." Very Disneyesque if you ask me.

Hopefully, despite being so incredibly inorganic, it can eventually develop into a catalyst to spur a real district nearby. But, I REALLY have my doubts as the Free Press reported (2/21/2006) right as Pangborn announced this project that if it succeeded in Detroit, he'd be looking to build 50 more of these "Asian Villages" all around the country. Ugh...it would be like a McDonalds, everyon would have their own parking garage/Asian Village.

(Message edited by lmichigan on June 24, 2006)
Top of pageBottom of page

Danny
Member
Username: Danny

Post Number: 4396
Registered: 02-2004
Posted From: 141.217.174.229
Posted on Saturday, June 24, 2006 - 9:20 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

HAHAHAA!!! What a pseudo Chinatown that is. Do you think that a faka Asian community would be built on Detroit's river front. Kind of reminds me of a proposed Africantown. GM and other planners have to do better than that.
Top of pageBottom of page

Evelyn
Member
Username: Evelyn

Post Number: 18
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 211.136.152.98
Posted on Saturday, June 24, 2006 - 11:19 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

aside from vacationing in Shanghai, I'm no expert on Chinese cuisine... but "Asian Fusion" doesn't sound that authentic to me. Still, anyplace that serves sushi and makes good use of Detroit's riverfront is ok by me.
Top of pageBottom of page

Downtown_dave
Member
Username: Downtown_dave

Post Number: 75
Registered: 07-2005
Posted From: 63.77.247.130
Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 1:56 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

There's nothing authentic about P.F. Chang's either, but they've sure figured out how to market a hybrid/"dumbed down" (choose your version) "Oriental cuisine" that people will and do buy. (133 "bistros" in 34 states, according to the Web site.) Pangborn is a good marketer of his own products, so let's give him a chance with packaging something downtown Detroit lacks and can use. More "people activity" is needed where Asian Village sits. So, bring it on, I say. The fact that parking is above it will make it only more convenient to those who have grown tired of P.F's - and will drive to find something new. Or if you live in the residential area there - and to come - surrounding the place, you can pad on over in your slippers and pick up a morning "Polynesian" coffee. For mine, hold the coconut milk, please...
Top of pageBottom of page

Lmichigan
Member
Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 3915
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 24.11.154.56
Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 2:05 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I guess we should built the entire east riverfront in that fashion, huh? You know, build a parking garage on every parcel of RiverEast for suburbanites, but make sure it includes a retail and/or housing on the first floor. lol Seriously, hopefully this project is a fluke, and the rest of RiverEast can be developed something more as a suburban, Southfield-esque village were people drive down to get a quick fix of P.F. Changs or Red Lobster or...in a quasi-urban "life-style" center-type shopping district. lol The idea that the city should be trying to attract or cater to a small group of disenfrancized P.F. Changs customers by building parking garage with retail on prime, urban, riverfront real estate is an insult to what Detroit is currently doing in downtown revitalization, and its potential.
Top of pageBottom of page

Funkycarrie
Member
Username: Funkycarrie

Post Number: 265
Registered: 02-2004
Posted From: 69.209.138.56
Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 2:14 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

smogboy...I spent almost a month in China this past spring (Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Lhasa, Tibet). The Chinese food served in this country isn't close to what is served there. I should've phrased that differently (ax the "you people"), but it's what I typed, sorry for the offense!

Someone suggested Hong Hua in Farmington, I have yet to get there and try it though. But PF Changs IS NOT CHINESE FOOD.
:-)
Top of pageBottom of page

Downtown_dave
Member
Username: Downtown_dave

Post Number: 77
Registered: 07-2005
Posted From: 63.77.247.130
Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 2:24 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Any change has the potential to be a fluke, Lmi. "What Detroit is currently doing in downtown revitalization" depends on the contributions from well-organized dreamers who pull together the investors willing to take a chance. Pangborn is one of them. You can push for your aesthetics with your own group of investors. And there's room for it all in Detroit -- and not just on the East riverfront.
Top of pageBottom of page

Lmichigan
Member
Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 3918
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 24.11.154.56
Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 2:31 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I meant fluke in a bad way, as in, I hope this doesn't happen again, and aesthetics have very little do with anything. We're talking about building urban communities in city centers. There is room enough in Detroit for suburban development...where it fits. Trying to fit a square peg into a circular whole isn't going to work for central Detroit. I'm not sure I understood much of your post, at all, though.
Top of pageBottom of page

Hamtramck_steve
Member
Username: Hamtramck_steve

Post Number: 3038
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 136.181.195.17
Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 2:45 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I think everybody needs to reread Eastsidedog's post. This is supposed to be a POSITIVE THREAD, and the recent comments are anything but positive.
Top of pageBottom of page

1953
Member
Username: 1953

Post Number: 901
Registered: 12-2004
Posted From: 209.104.146.146
Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 2:58 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

This is the first development in Detroit history in which I'm not the least bit interested.
Top of pageBottom of page

Smogboy
Member
Username: Smogboy

Post Number: 3274
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 69.47.100.44
Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 3:41 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Funkycarrie...most of the "Chinese food" that they serve over here is a derived from mostly Cantonese Chinese. The food that you had up there (Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Lhasa, Tibet) is based mainly upon Mandarin cooking where they rely more on red meats and sauces. Outside of a few places in Windsor where they only have a small sampling of any authentic Chinese cuisine (Mandarin or Cantonese), I have yet to experience a realistic full blown down to earth Chinese meal here.

And personally I'd prefer the authentic Cantonese dining where they rely more on fish and the food's natural flavorings as opposed to heavier meat & sauce Mandarin dishes.
Top of pageBottom of page

Funkycarrie
Member
Username: Funkycarrie

Post Number: 270
Registered: 02-2004
Posted From: 69.209.138.56
Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 3:53 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Chengdu is actually a Szechuan style of cooking, not Northern...and America hasn't grasped the flavors that are available over there. It was definitely my favorite. Tibet has it's own fare (that I adore) that is completely different from the other areas, you can really taste the indian influence in the preparation. They rely less on veggies, and have a heavy yak influence on their food.
I do like the Northern style that I had on the trip, which did include a lot of fish. But I'm well aware that I need to get to the south and relish in the food there.
I've been told by most, that the USA Chinese Food is still a weak version of what is available in China. I'm hoping to find a comparable Peking Duck here, hopefully Hong Hua will do.
Have you eaten there? Can you suggest some places in Windsor?
Top of pageBottom of page

Dabirch
Member
Username: Dabirch

Post Number: 1608
Registered: 06-2004
Posted From: 208.44.117.10
Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 4:01 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

This is funny. We finally get that dreamed of "Groud Floor Retail" that everybody has been clamoring for, and everybody thinks it sucks.

I am at a loss for words. What the hell do you all want?

Forbget about it being a Village -- it is what is supposed to be a high end Asian fusion restaurant (think mon jin lau) and an Asian market. Excellent!

And it happens to have one of the best views in the city. Cool.

And it frees up tons of old surface lot for development. Win.

You are correct, it is not going transform the face of the riverfront -- but a good Asian restaurant downtown? Let us count our blessings.

Way to set the tone ESD -- even I followed it.
Top of pageBottom of page

Designut
Member
Username: Designut

Post Number: 14
Registered: 05-2006
Posted From: 69.246.46.45
Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 12:00 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Dabirch-
Agreed, this is a very welcome addition to the riverfront area, especially because we need the parking to free up surface lots. My only point was that the name seems a little cheesy...

I wish them well
Top of pageBottom of page

Detroit313
Member
Username: Detroit313

Post Number: 105
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 12.45.2.184
Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 12:28 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I don't want to come off as being negative, but we shouldn't just settle for any little thing that pops up. Downtown should be exclusive. Parking should not be on the river.....PERIOD. That is good news that there is a new Asian village on the river, but I just don't invision people walking along the river to get to the new restaurants when all you have to do is park and walk down to it.

There is more parking structures in Downtown Detroit than Manhattan!

When is it going to end?

Understand that I do love cars, in fact I had a car since I was 15 all the way til last year when I move to New York, and I love the freedom of having a car when you just want to get away.

But when it comes to a $10 million dollar development on the Detroit River (one of the city's largest assets)that was used to store cars, I just don't understand the logic nor the developmental path of the city.

That's not develpoment, that's a garage....on the river!313 :-(
Top of pageBottom of page

Erikd
Member
Username: Erikd

Post Number: 664
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 69.242.214.106
Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 12:33 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


quote:

you people have no clue about what real fine chinese food tastes like.




That may be true, but those Chinese people have no clue about what real American Chinese food (ordered by number and served in a styrofoam container) tastes like.

Add in the fancy placemat with the Chinese Zodiac printed on it, and you have a dining experience that simply can't be equaled by anything in China.
Top of pageBottom of page

Royce
Member
Username: Royce

Post Number: 1661
Registered: 07-2004
Posted From: 75.9.243.171
Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 12:57 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Dabirch, if GM continues with its plans for the RiverEast development, there will be other buildings south of Atwater. These buildings will block any views of the river from the Asian Village.

Detroit313, there aren't enough parking structures in downtown Detroit for my money. When parking structures replace surface parking lots, then we won't have to worry about having too many parking structures.
Top of pageBottom of page

Lmichigan
Member
Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 3925
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 24.11.154.56
Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 1:25 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Royce, you make a good point in that Beaubien Place/Asian Village will be covered up from the riverview by a small parcel across the street. That's a little more comforting.
Top of pageBottom of page

Dabirch
Member
Username: Dabirch

Post Number: 1610
Registered: 06-2004
Posted From: 208.44.117.10
Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 8:32 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Actually, if you look at the picture, what appears to be the Asian Village garage has a direct view of the river.


River East Picture

And besides, that wasn't the point. The point was that everybody has been bitching about ground floor retail, and now we are getting ground floor retail in a parking garage, and everybody is still bitching. We are getting what is purported to be a nice, new restaurant and a market downtown, something we do not have, in an area that for decades has been nothing but surface lots, and we are still bitching.



(Message edited by dabirch on June 27, 2006)
Top of pageBottom of page

E_hemingway
Member
Username: E_hemingway

Post Number: 792
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 69.242.215.8
Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 9:45 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Ya know, if that parking garage opens up all of the surface lots for development, I'll take it. It's not ideal, but it's much better than what is there.
Top of pageBottom of page

Phaggood
Member
Username: Phaggood

Post Number: 4
Registered: 01-2006
Posted From: 69.244.180.120
Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 9:49 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

> Authentic chinese food

Well, if you're looking for the *real* stuff, thie Taiwain Buffet in Madison Heights isn't a bad choice. There's the regular "chinese buffet" stuff like the sugared-rolls (??) and Egg-Foo Yuck, but to the left there's a steam table of un-labelled items that assume that if you gotta ask, you probably should leave this alone. *That's* the real treasure in this restaurant - eat and learn.
Top of pageBottom of page

Dialh4hipster
Member
Username: Dialh4hipster

Post Number: 1687
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 68.250.205.35
Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 9:56 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Beaubien Place is an attractive structure, and it does pretty much go right up to the water.

There is an odd-shaped lot, currently used for parking or construction staging or something, right across Atwater. It's not huge so it'll be interesting to see what it ends up being used for - probably not a building though.

From a street-level perspective, and this is what people are forgetting or ignoring, it feels very much like a regular building. It has all the qualities everyone here seems to desire in a building. As more development takes place in the area, it will be a nice transition between GM world hq and the residential further east. Because admit it, living directly next to the Ren Cen might be a little difficult.

Additionally, entirely half the top level (the portion facing the river) is not parking but an outdoor event space, with turfed areas and restrooms. GM has given up a significant number of potential parking spaces (there and on the ground floor) in order to make sure the structure feels active and contributes to the area.

Seriously, considering this building in the context of what is to come in that area, it makes a lot of sense. All this "I'll take it but it's not ideal" stuff is plain stupid. Yeah, you'll take it, because outside of the strange myopic utopia of this forum, it makes total sense.
Top of pageBottom of page

Designut
Member
Username: Designut

Post Number: 16
Registered: 05-2006
Posted From: 65.123.68.93
Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 10:55 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thanks hipster - I think some of us need to do our homework
:-)
Top of pageBottom of page

Lmichigan
Member
Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 3929
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 24.11.154.56
Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 7:30 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Dabirch, there is a small riverfront parcel in front of Beaubien Place that will be developed, south of Atwater, as residential/retail and that can be seen in an overview of RiverEast, and in that rendering you posted. It will block the view of most of the structure (fortunately), which from a design points will be good from a view from the river.

Dial, I was wondering, and I'm not trying to be facetious, but how many people do they expect to use the parking garage as an observation deck? I could see it being used for fireworks and such, but I just can't imagine much use beyond that which would seem to be a waste. I could see this being successful on an office or residential building as you'd have a lot more potential customers, or even a restaurant on top of a parking garage. It's a nice touch, I guess, but at the end of the day it's an observation platform on top of a parking garage.

(Message edited by lmichigan on June 27, 2006)
Top of pageBottom of page

Dialh4hipster
Member
Username: Dialh4hipster

Post Number: 1691
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 68.61.187.234
Posted on Wednesday, June 28, 2006 - 3:27 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

At the end of the day it's a great rooftop party space that can hold around 600 people for events. And trust me, if you have ever tried looking for a creative, large-ish venue in this town then you would know something like this is a welcome addition. There is one major Detroit event scheduled to be held there later this year, although details have not yet been released.

Also it is connected to the Ren Cen by a walkway, so it is accessible to the office workers there as an outdoor space.

This is like saying the riverwalk in front of GM is just an extended patio in front of an office building. Ultimately, it's a thoughtful touch added to something that was a necessity, and it makes something very prosaic contribute a bit more to its surroundings.

(Message edited by dialh4hipster on June 28, 2006)
Top of pageBottom of page

Dougw
Member
Username: Dougw

Post Number: 1205
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 68.252.124.43
Posted on Wednesday, June 28, 2006 - 11:40 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Speaking of rooftop party spaces, I saw this ad on metrotimes.com: http://www.metrotimes.com/ads/ asianvillage/asianvillage.htm The party should be going strong right about now.
Top of pageBottom of page

93typhoon
Member
Username: 93typhoon

Post Number: 7
Registered: 04-2006
Posted From: 192.85.50.1
Posted on Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 7:51 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I look at this lot every day - it was needed to get everyone out of the big surface lots on both sides of atwater. there will be development accross from the new structure between the river walk and atwater, I saw a couple guys out there last week with drawings - but i could not get a good look at what they looked like.
Top of pageBottom of page

Fnemecek
Member
Username: Fnemecek

Post Number: 1710
Registered: 12-2004
Posted From: 69.212.60.63
Posted on Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 11:03 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


quote:

From a street-level perspective, and this is what people are forgetting or ignoring, it feels very much like a regular building. It has all the qualities everyone here seems to desire in a building.



I disagree with you, DialH. In my opinion, Asian Village feels more like a fortress than a regular building. There simply aren't enough peditrian access points (read "doors") that would enable someone to enter from the street. The building has one such door at its southeastern corner but that's it.

All other access is either from the parking structure or the RenCen walkway, which again leads visitors in through the parking structure. If you're going to have a facility that is this focused on access by automobile, you may as well do away with the dining area and serve everyone in their cars.

Calling this "ground floor retail" is a lot like calling Britney Spears or Ashlee Simpson a "singer".

However, on a positive note, the roof top deck is an amazing place from which to watched the fireworks - even if the management is cloddish enough to have a cash bar on top of a $60 - $100 cover charge.
Top of pageBottom of page

Dialh4hipster
Member
Username: Dialh4hipster

Post Number: 1699
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 68.250.205.35
Posted on Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 11:12 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Of course you disagree with me, F! It's pre-ordained. ;)

First off, when it actually has something in it, it will feel different. And later, too, when it has other development around it. And a SE entry point actually works well to orient away from parking and toward the mixed use development coming for that area.

I mean, yes, it is a parking structure and I think people are putting a little too much analysis into it. But for what it is, it is done very well, and ultimately I think people will be relatively happy with it.
Top of pageBottom of page

Fnemecek
Member
Username: Fnemecek

Post Number: 1711
Registered: 12-2004
Posted From: 69.212.60.63
Posted on Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 1:41 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Well, okay - as long as we're each following our respective destinies by disagreeing with each other. LOL!
Top of pageBottom of page

Downtown_dave
Member
Username: Downtown_dave

Post Number: 79
Registered: 07-2005
Posted From: 63.77.247.130
Posted on Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 3:21 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

It's amusing how some here can pick a business apart before there's one stick of furniture or bit of product or a single customer inside. Maybe by design there's supposed to be a limited number of access points -- for cash registers, host stations or whatever. Others more knowledgeable inside this project have no doubt given these factors careful consideration. The rest of us just need to wait a bit.

After the grand opening, more learned opinions can -- and no doubt will -- be expressed. But right now, it's just speculation. What is certain it that this space IS ground floor retail. Now, let's let the developer finish it.

A good business will "evolve" with the neighborhood, and certainly this neighborhood is a work in progress. Asian Village seems to me to be a good start.
Top of pageBottom of page

Fnemecek
Member
Username: Fnemecek

Post Number: 1713
Registered: 12-2004
Posted From: 69.212.60.63
Posted on Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 4:33 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


quote:

It's amusing how some here can pick a business apart before there's one stick of furniture or bit of product or a single customer inside.



Full disclosure: I did wait to express my opinion until after I got a chance go around inside the place and confined my thoughts to those areas where I have first-hand knowledge of.

So there.

And I even played nice and didn't rip them apart for their so-called "food."
Top of pageBottom of page

Bibs
Member
Username: Bibs

Post Number: 513
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 152.163.100.8
Posted on Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 7:26 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

There is a chinese restaurant on 12 mile just on the South side of the GM Tech Center called Golden Harvest. I believe this is probably one of the most authentic Chinese restaurants in the area. How do I know? We were given a menu in Chinese and only the matre d spoke English. They had to search for a menu in English. When I asked him if they could make General Tsao chicken, he politely informed me that it is not a Chinese dish but an American dish. I ended up getting Peking Pork which has a red sauce.
I believe that this restaurant exists and thrives due to the amount of collaborative work going on between GM and GM Shanghai. My hope is that one of the restaurants in this Asian Village will have authentic chinese cuisine due to this relationship. I'm sure one or more will have the Americanized Chinese food that I'm accustomed to.
Top of pageBottom of page

Funkycarrie
Member
Username: Funkycarrie

Post Number: 313
Registered: 02-2004
Posted From: 68.249.241.80
Posted on Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 7:57 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Bibs...thanks so much for that info, I'll add that to the list with Hong Hua...happen to notice any peking duck?!
Top of pageBottom of page

Smogboy
Member
Username: Smogboy

Post Number: 3323
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 69.47.100.44
Posted on Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 9:22 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Funkycarrie- if you want great Peking Duck you'll have to make the dash over to Windsor. I'm told on Friday mornings over at Hoa Viet, a Chinese grocery store- they have freshly cooked Peking Duck driven in from a Toronto BBQ place for about $16 apiece. They go fast and are usually gone by early afternoon so if you're truly hankering for an authentic Peking Duck, that's the place to go.

There's also a place called Dynasty and several other Chinese BBQ places over in Windsor that make Peking Duck on weekends but I'm told they're not as good as the ones they ship in from Toronto.

Be sure to have a good meat cleaver too because these ducks come with the pre-requisite head & feet attached. Have fun dining there Funkycarrie!
Top of pageBottom of page

Funkycarrie
Member
Username: Funkycarrie

Post Number: 314
Registered: 02-2004
Posted From: 68.249.241.80
Posted on Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 9:28 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

its not peking duck without the head and feet!
I'll seriously have to check that out, I've been craving it for weeks.
Thanks!
Top of pageBottom of page

Smogboy
Member
Username: Smogboy

Post Number: 3332
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 69.47.100.44
Posted on Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 9:32 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Funkycarrie, if you're hell bent on getting something immediate, I'm also told a place at 14 Mile & Dequindre also carries Peking Duck but it's supposedly dry in comparison to the ones I mentioned above. The ones they ship in from Toronto are supposedly still full of the juices so beware of splashes and all that finger licking good stuff that comes with that meal.
Top of pageBottom of page

Smogboy
Member
Username: Smogboy

Post Number: 3333
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 69.47.100.44
Posted on Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 9:33 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Tomorrow's Friday too... good timing to make the jump over to Windsor too!
Top of pageBottom of page

Detroit313
Member
Username: Detroit313

Post Number: 110
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 12.45.2.184
Posted on Sunday, July 02, 2006 - 5:25 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Apartment Building He is a picture of a Luxury Apartment Building in Manhattan. The Marc. You can't see it from the pictures but there is a 6 level parking structure at the bottom with a ground floor CVS. There is enough parking for 1,800 cars. Should we really care if the view of a parking structure is blocked. 313
Top of pageBottom of page

Lmichigan
Member
Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 3952
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 24.11.154.56
Posted on Sunday, July 02, 2006 - 8:00 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yes, especially considering it is on the river. I don't even know how you came up with that comparison.
Top of pageBottom of page

Detroit313
Member
Username: Detroit313

Post Number: 114
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 12.45.2.184
Posted on Monday, July 03, 2006 - 6:39 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yes, especially considering it is on the river. I don't even know how you came up with that comparison

You have to be kidding. So let me get this right........YOU would rather have a parking garage on the river, that a residential building....like most other cities??? That is poor city planning. It seems like Windsor has their stuff straight. 313
Top of pageBottom of page

Lmichigan
Member
Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 3962
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 24.11.154.56
Posted on Monday, July 03, 2006 - 7:15 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Huh? No, I'm saying it's great that there is a small parcel right in front of Asian Village that will be filled with a residential building which will at least block part of the garage.

(Message edited by lmichigan on July 03, 2006)
Top of pageBottom of page

Detroit313
Member
Username: Detroit313

Post Number: 115
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 12.45.2.184
Posted on Monday, July 03, 2006 - 7:52 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Oh. Ok. We are on the same page. 313
Top of pageBottom of page

Detroiternthemist
Member
Username: Detroiternthemist

Post Number: 68
Registered: 01-2006
Posted From: 68.252.71.140
Posted on Monday, July 03, 2006 - 11:45 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I believe that GM owns that land and parking lots. So that would be poor planning on them and the sad part is they've built 3 parking lots along the river.
Top of pageBottom of page

Smogboy
Member
Username: Smogboy

Post Number: 3390
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 69.47.100.44
Posted on Wednesday, July 05, 2006 - 2:44 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I was hoping to find out if Funkycarrie got her Peking Duck!
Top of pageBottom of page

Royce
Member
Username: Royce

Post Number: 1677
Registered: 07-2004
Posted From: 75.9.244.48
Posted on Wednesday, July 05, 2006 - 4:05 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The parking decks are a necessary evil to free up room for development on the remaining surface parking lots along the east riverfront. The Asian Village could have gone on the ground floor of future residential developments, but it didn't. Other businesses will go there. The complaints about the parking decks along the riverfront would be less so if one understands the history of Detroit's riverfront.

The desire to make money in Detroit sealed the fate of Detroit's riverfront. Before the car, business owners used the river to transport the raw materials they needed to make their products here(The cement companies were the last vestige from that era).Warehouses along the riverfront took up several blocks before one got to Detroit's main southern artery: Jefferson.

Now you have the world's largest corporation(GM) headquartered on the riverfront. The company needs parking for its 5000+ employees that work at this headquarters. Where else are they going to park?

Personally, I think GM is doing a great job in revitalizing the riverfront around their world headquarters. They realize that taking up so much riverfront property for parking is a waste. The parking garages along with future residential developments are designed to eliminate this waste of space. The Asian Village at Beaubien Place is just the beginning of their design to improve the riverfront's space.

If past development along the riverfront had not gone as it did, the need for parking structures along the riverfront today wouldn't be an issue. However, history can't be changed, so let's just hope that the way GM and the city go about rectifying past mistakes along the river improves the riverfront to the best possible scenario that we can have.
Top of pageBottom of page

Fnemecek
Member
Username: Fnemecek

Post Number: 1725
Registered: 12-2004
Posted From: 70.227.12.6
Posted on Wednesday, July 05, 2006 - 11:16 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


quote:

The parking decks are a necessary evil to free up room for development on the remaining surface parking lots along the east riverfront.



Parking decks are necessary. Bad design isn't.

quote:

Now you have the world's largest corporation(GM) headquartered on the riverfront. The company needs parking for its 5000+ employees that work at this headquarters. Where else are they going to park?




Again, parking isn't the issue. It's design.

quote:

The Asian Village at Beaubien Place is just the beginning of their design to improve the riverfront's space.



Actually, the Riverwalk was the beginning. As for what comes next, let's just hope they find an architect who knows the difference between military barracks and a restaurant.
Top of pageBottom of page

Royce
Member
Username: Royce

Post Number: 1678
Registered: 07-2004
Posted From: 75.9.241.133
Posted on Wednesday, July 05, 2006 - 12:57 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Fnemecek, I understand some of your angst with Asian Village. I'm disappointed that the design of the parking deck doesn't allow for outdoor seating along Atwater. Is this the kind of problem that you have with its design?

Again, the parking decks are a necessary evil along the riverfront. At least this one for the Asian Village blocks the view of the one behind it. That one was hideous.

BTW, the RiverEast parking deck is the most aesthetically pleasing parking deck downtown. The Miller parking deck is the ugliest. Any parking deck that doesn't show its ramping has my approval.
Top of pageBottom of page

Fnemecek
Member
Username: Fnemecek

Post Number: 1728
Registered: 12-2004
Posted From: 70.236.177.156
Posted on Wednesday, July 05, 2006 - 5:13 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


quote:

Fnemecek, I understand some of your angst with Asian Village. I'm disappointed that the design of the parking deck doesn't allow for outdoor seating along Atwater. Is this the kind of problem that you have with its design?



You're in the right direction. That and the fact there's not much of a way into the place if you're not driving. There's one door at the SE corner; all other access takes you through the parking facility.

In my opinion, if you're going to have a place that is that focused on the automobile then you may as well serve people dinner in their cars.

If people choose to spend their whole lives in their cars, that's their right. I just don't think architecture should encourage it.

(Message edited by fnemecek on July 05, 2006)
Top of pageBottom of page

Lmichigan
Member
Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 3967
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 24.11.154.56
Posted on Wednesday, July 05, 2006 - 6:02 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

A little off subject, but how many more years do you think the Miller Garage to the west of the RenCen will last? That's one that I'd really like to see go.
Top of pageBottom of page

Detroitstar
Member
Username: Detroitstar

Post Number: 78
Registered: 01-2006
Posted From: 65.42.16.138
Posted on Wednesday, July 05, 2006 - 6:23 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

LMich, I've wondered this for quite a while. It is definately a prime location that is being wasted right now.
Top of pageBottom of page

Brandonz
Member
Username: Brandonz

Post Number: 31
Registered: 04-2005
Posted From: 68.40.195.29
Posted on Wednesday, July 05, 2006 - 7:11 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

"There is one major Detroit event scheduled to be held there later this year, although details have not yet been released."

Please tell me the Rock City Festival is returning.
Top of pageBottom of page

Lmichigan
Member
Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 3968
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 24.11.154.56
Posted on Wednesday, July 05, 2006 - 7:13 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yeah, I'd say even more prime than anything in that would go up at RiverEast. I really wonder what going to happen as the whole Hart Plaza area is reconfigured. The Miller Garage site would be a great connector development either as an extension of Hart Plaza or some other type of development.
Top of pageBottom of page

Royce
Member
Username: Royce

Post Number: 1681
Registered: 07-2004
Posted From: 75.9.241.133
Posted on Wednesday, July 05, 2006 - 8:00 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Lmichigan, the Miller Garage goes over the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel site. Can't see the garage site being anything more than a garage. If you remove the garage in order to connect the area to Hart Plaza, what would you put there?

As much as I dislike the configuration of the Miller Garage, a garage is necessary in that location for RenCen and Marriot Hotel parking. If the tunnel wasn't there, then maybe you could build an underground garage to service the RenCen and Marriot Hotel and use the above ground for a park, extension of Hart Plaza or as an amphitheater.

However, this is a moot point since the tunnel is there for eternity. Too bad they didn't build the RenCen a little further east. Being next to the tunnel has limited what the RenCen/GM can do with its ajacent property.
Top of pageBottom of page

Detroitplanner
Member
Username: Detroitplanner

Post Number: 9
Registered: 04-2006
Posted From: 63.85.13.248
Posted on Thursday, July 06, 2006 - 8:42 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Too bad they built the rencen at all, that sucked the life out of downtown streets.
Top of pageBottom of page

Detroit313
Member
Username: Detroit313

Post Number: 120
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 67.38.3.10
Posted on Thursday, July 06, 2006 - 9:34 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

It shouldn't be hard to figure it out. Why is it that you (pro-garage/riverfront)can't walk from Jefferson to the Detroit River?

Is it just me (and the rest of the anti-garage/riverfront group) that has a better vision for the Detroit River?

I don't mean build a nicer looking garage, I meant build something else. If you build parking for 5,ooo, employees of GM, fine but be more creative, and use the exsisting city infrastructure.

(other parking structures around the Rencen)

And use shuttle buses to get the employees to work.

Offer incentives to carpool to work.

This is a great opportunity to reshape the waterfront.

That's reshape!!! i.e. parking was there already! 313
Top of pageBottom of page

Funkycarrie
Member
Username: Funkycarrie

Post Number: 317
Registered: 02-2004
Posted From: 69.209.138.56
Posted on Thursday, July 06, 2006 - 10:56 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

smogboy...I'm going to have to wait on this one, I was away this past weekend and I'm getting my wisdom teeth out soon...but I'll let you know when I do!
Top of pageBottom of page

Royce
Member
Username: Royce

Post Number: 1684
Registered: 07-2004
Posted From: 69.209.151.93
Posted on Thursday, July 06, 2006 - 3:22 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Detroit313, we, pro-garage/riverfront folks, don't want to see parking garages on the riverfront. It's just that they are a necessary evil in order to eliminate the surface parking lots for development. If future plans go forward for GM properties along the riverfront, you will barely be able to see these parking decks from Windsor because they'll be behind residential/commercial buildings.

Detroit313, where do you propose that the 5000 workers at GM's headquarters park? Where do the guests for the Marriot Hotel park? Where would shuttles pick up GM workers and hotel guests from?

Sure it would be great to not have parking decks along the riverfront, but where would the cut-off line be? If Jefferson was right up on the riverfront like Riverside Drive in Windsor we know that any parking decks would be north of Jefferson, but that's not our reality. Maybe in 500 years the residents of these shores can get it right.
Top of pageBottom of page

Chris_rohn
Member
Username: Chris_rohn

Post Number: 253
Registered: 04-2005
Posted From: 69.212.35.215
Posted on Thursday, July 06, 2006 - 3:50 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

So who's going to jump in the DeLorean and stop Bill Ford from building the RenCen on the riverfront in the first place?

;)
Top of pageBottom of page

Lmichigan
Member
Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 3970
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 24.11.154.56
Posted on Thursday, July 06, 2006 - 4:23 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Royce,

It's really not hard, concerning the Miller Garage. Grass it over and connected it more with Hart Plaza. I think GM is banking on a measurable amount of its employees to live in the RiverEast thus reducing the need for parking. The Miller wouldn't have to be replaced, and with it being ontop of the tunnel wouldn't be an issue if it was developed as an extension of a park or plaza. Thing is that garages do have a self-life, and the Central Parking will have to decided, eventually, if they want to do a pricey renovation, replace the garage, altogether, or give up the location. You make it sounds as if there has to be a parking garage at that particular location, and there doesn't have to be.
Top of pageBottom of page

Royce
Member
Username: Royce

Post Number: 1685
Registered: 07-2004
Posted From: 69.209.151.93
Posted on Thursday, July 06, 2006 - 6:13 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yes, I am saying that there has to be a garage there, Lmichigan. The Miller Garage acts as a barrier for keeping smugglers or terrorists from getting to the tunnel. To open it up to the public as an extention of Hart Plaza or whatever might be a security risk.

There also needs to be a garage there for the hotel guests and patrons of the restaurants. Where would all of their vehicles go if the Miller Garage wasn't there? Again, the tunnel and RenCen next to each other creates these parking problems. It will be 500 years before someone can rectify this situation.
Top of pageBottom of page

Lmichigan
Member
Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 3972
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 24.11.154.56
Posted on Thursday, July 06, 2006 - 9:51 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I really think you're wrong about this, but I've already layed out what I think about the Miller Garage and its location. The whole "terrorist" excuse is simply ridiculous (and far too overused these days), as the garage is already open to the public. A parking garage doesn't have to be at that location, and the tunnel has nothing to do with it.
Top of pageBottom of page

Royce
Member
Username: Royce

Post Number: 1686
Registered: 07-2004
Posted From: 69.209.151.93
Posted on Friday, July 07, 2006 - 1:20 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Lmichigan, you still haven't answered this question: "Where are the hotel guests and patrons of the restaurants going to park?"
Top of pageBottom of page

Lmichigan
Member
Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 3973
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 24.11.154.56
Posted on Friday, July 07, 2006 - 3:36 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

To answer your question, I'd first need to know how many parking spaces the RenCen had prior to renovation and the creation of RiverEast, how many they think they need (i.e. one for every employee, hotel room, visitors to the center...), how many spaces where consolidated in the creation of Beaubien Place, Franklin Street Garage, RiverEast Garage, Port Atwater Garage, Towers 500 and 600 garage, how many public spaces the Millender has for parking...? There are so many questions I'd need answered, but my leaning is that the Miller Garage may not even be essential for an effective functioning of the complex. I surely hope they don't think they need, for instance, a parking space for every hotel room. How many spaces does the Miller Garage hold?

(Message edited by lmichigan on July 07, 2006)
Top of pageBottom of page

Royce
Member
Username: Royce

Post Number: 1687
Registered: 07-2004
Posted From: 69.209.151.93
Posted on Friday, July 07, 2006 - 8:11 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The Marriot Hotel has over 1300 rooms. The Miller Garage has been around since the beginning of the RenCen I believe. Parking existed in the back of the RenCen in areas where the Wintergarden is located and south of Atwater where the new GM Riverfront Plaza is now located.

Proximity to the hotel entrance is why the Miller Garage or any garage for that matter is needed in that area. Every hotel downtown has room for parking, either underground, on a lot, or in a parking structure. With the Marriot being the largest hotel downtown, it will need more spaces than other hotels. Also, for restaurants like Seldom Blues and Andiamo, the parking structure is needed for valet parking and self-parking.

The question again, Lmichigan, is: "Where are the hotel and restaurant patrons going to park?
Top of pageBottom of page

Lmichigan
Member
Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 3975
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 24.11.154.56
Posted on Friday, July 07, 2006 - 9:01 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Ok, I found out by emailing the owners of the Miller Garage that it has 1,275 spaces. The RenCen has 1,298 guestrooms. Beaubien Place, at 1,174-spaces, added quite a few more spaces as it took the place of a surface lot... You can figure in quite a few visitors that fly in for conventions that don't use the parking, but add in visitors to the retail part of the center...I'm really trying to figure out where to start with this calculation, but I'll find a way. I still have to find the number of spaces in the Port Atwater Parking Garage, the RiverEast Parking Garage, the Franklin Street Parking Garage, and the parking garage beneath towers 500 and 600.

Royce, as for your question, it's not a simple one, and it's not going to be a simple answer. I need more time to research.
Top of pageBottom of page

Erikd
Member
Username: Erikd

Post Number: 678
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 69.242.214.106
Posted on Saturday, July 08, 2006 - 2:28 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I have to agree with Royce on this one.

It isn't realistic to eliminate parking between Jefferson and the river. The endless sea of surface parking lots that used to fill the riverfront were awful. Building a few parking garages set back from the riverfront, and using the old surface lots for the riverwalk and future buildings, is a great solution.

Until metro Detroit builds a great mass transit system, it isn't realistic to have no parking in the riverfront area.

As long as the riverfront is built out in an urban style, the garages are not a problem. If the transit situation in Detroit improves, and these garages are no longer needed, they can easily be demolished and replaced with buildings.
Top of pageBottom of page

Lmichigan
Member
Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 3978
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 24.11.154.56
Posted on Saturday, July 08, 2006 - 2:39 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I'm talking about the Miller Garage, in specific, right now. I'm going to contact my Hines contact to see if they've even done a parking inventory of the General Motors Renaissance Center. I wouldn't be surprised if they hadn't. I don't feel comfortable just glossy over the subject by simply believing or accepting that all of the parking around the RenCen is necessary. I want to look into this a bit more.
Top of pageBottom of page

Detourdetroit
Member
Username: Detourdetroit

Post Number: 225
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 152.163.100.8
Posted on Saturday, July 08, 2006 - 10:31 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

parking is evil. the inventor of the curb cut is burning in hell right now.
Top of pageBottom of page

Docmo
Member
Username: Docmo

Post Number: 61
Registered: 10-2005
Posted From: 170.232.128.10
Posted on Saturday, July 08, 2006 - 11:50 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

This from an evil suburbanite who must park when he frequents the Marriott for charity events and Seldom Blues for tasty treats. As much as I agree the Miller garage is ugly and huge detriment to the riverfront skyline, this garage is, by far, the most convenient to the Marriott lobby, the convention rooms and to Seldom Blues. Sure, there is valet parking. That valet may also not be very convenient, especially at the end of an evening and an entire charity event of 500 people stream out of the Marriott to find themselves in a 45 minute wait for their valet car delivery. The smart people just walk across the street to the Miller garage and drive off to suburbatopia. Taking this extremely useful garage away from the Marriott and Seldom Blues would be very foolish.

I don't buy Lmichigan's argument that just grassing it over is all you need to do. I suggest everyone just wait for the conclusion of the RiverWalk and Cruise Ship Terminal.

Right now, to walk from Hart Plaza to the GM promenade, we all have to walk by the ugly Miller Garage. Soon enough, we will be able to do this beautiful stroll straight down the Riverwalk and when we scan our eyes up toward the ugly Miller garage, we will soon primarily see the Port Authority Cruise Ship terminal. This terminal project will not eliminate a visual of the Miller Garage from the waterfront, but it should definitely divert our eyes away from it.
docmo
Top of pageBottom of page

Dialh4hipster
Member
Username: Dialh4hipster

Post Number: 1706
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 68.61.187.234
Posted on Saturday, July 08, 2006 - 1:43 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


quote:

I'm talking about the Miller Garage, in specific, right now. I'm going to contact my Hines contact to see if they've even done a parking inventory of the General Motors Renaissance Center. I wouldn't be surprised if they hadn't. I don't feel comfortable just glossy over the subject by simply believing or accepting that all of the parking around the RenCen is necessary. I want to look into this a bit more.




Why?

Seriously, what do you hope to accomplish?
Top of pageBottom of page

Lmichigan
Member
Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 3980
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 24.11.154.56
Posted on Saturday, July 08, 2006 - 4:25 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I don't think I could have possibly been more clear. I want to find if the property managers and/or owners have done a comprehensive parking study on the complex, or at least an inventory of all the parking adjacent and near to the center. It's really not that strange or bizzare of a request. lol In fact, it's a basic fact about the complex the managers should know.
Top of pageBottom of page

Dialh4hipster
Member
Username: Dialh4hipster

Post Number: 1708
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 68.61.187.234
Posted on Saturday, July 08, 2006 - 6:59 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

And then when you get all the information and make your expert assessment ... what then? You post it on the internet and hope someone sees it and takes your qualified opinion and changes the east riverfront plan?
Top of pageBottom of page

Detroit313
Member
Username: Detroit313

Post Number: 123
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 12.45.2.184
Posted on Saturday, July 08, 2006 - 7:48 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Does the east riverfront plan call for all the parking structures? 313
Top of pageBottom of page

Lmichigan
Member
Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 3981
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 24.11.154.56
Posted on Saturday, July 08, 2006 - 9:47 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Dial,

If you're really worried about my research, so much, I'll make sure you're the first to know to outcome since you're obvioulsy more interested in it than anyone here. If you don't care for it, in fact, than maybe you need to go get on someone else's dick.
Top of pageBottom of page

Detroit313
Member
Username: Detroit313

Post Number: 124
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 72.229.136.103
Posted on Saturday, July 08, 2006 - 11:02 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Lmichigan,

I am very interested in your research, please countiue and post it.

It seems like Detroit wants to provide parking ON THE RIVER for each and every citizen.

Build more parking away from the river. There is no need for so much.

And Royce,

as far as 500 years from now, the city sure doesn't seem to care about tomorrow.

The city's grand plan (at least for the river) should include easy public acess to the river, starting yesterday, that way in 500 years Detroit's riverfront will look and feel beautiful, full of open green spaces, parks and cafe's, not a car-lot.

Tell me, why do you want that for Detroit. If you really want Detroit to be it's best, all of that parking on the river is not the way to go. 313
Top of pageBottom of page

Erikd
Member
Username: Erikd

Post Number: 680
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 69.242.214.106
Posted on Sunday, July 09, 2006 - 6:09 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


quote:

It seems like Detroit wants to provide parking ON THE RIVER for each and every citizen.




That is one of the most ignorant statements I have ever read. Have you ever been to the riverfront near the RenCen? Do you have any idea of what it looked like ten years ago?

Before the construction of these new garages, the riverfront was a vast sea of surface parking lots. There was no public access to river in this area. The cars were parked right up to the guard rail on the edge of the river.

The construction of these parking garages has enabled the riverfront to be opened to the public.

The sea of surface parking lots along the riverfront has now been transformed into a walkway along the river, and a beautiful public space with fountains, benches, trees, and concerts.


quote:

Build more parking away from the river.




You may not realize it, but that is exactly what they have been doing. The new 'Asian Village" garage is on Atwater, but the other new garages are located a few blocks away from the river, near Jefferson.
Top of pageBottom of page

Detroit313
Member
Username: Detroit313

Post Number: 128
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 72.229.136.103
Posted on Sunday, July 09, 2006 - 12:25 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Erikd,

If you thought that was an ignorant statement, then you must not read a lot.

Have you ever left Detroit?

Have you ever studied arthitecture and city planning?

Have you ever been to Paris, Chicago, London, New York,......hell even Los Angeles?

If so then you would get a small idea of what I'm talking about. Those city have great parks, where people can enjoy what once made those city flourish.

Chicago for it's Chicago River, and Lake front, and so on.

Los Angeles has three times as many cars as Detroit but you don't see parking garages on Venice beach! Think about that!

I have seem the Detroit River ten years ago and I do remember the vast sea of parking lots.

Well now they are drying up and are forming parking structures.

That is not an improvement that is more parking.

But I think I have made my point in the earlier statements. If not I will tell you again. I am not against parking nor parking structures, just not on the river.

I just visited the river on the 5th and I saw new construction on both sides of the river.....

On the Canadian side I saw a new residential tower going up a little down river.

On the U.S. side a 150' park with a huge parking structure.

The sad thing is that in 500 years (as Royce mentioned) Windsor's riverfront will look much better than Detroit, buildings or not. 313
Top of pageBottom of page

Motorcitymayor2026
Member
Username: Motorcitymayor2026

Post Number: 999
Registered: 10-2005
Posted From: 24.231.189.137
Posted on Sunday, July 09, 2006 - 9:53 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Well, Detroit is making massive changes, positive ones, to its riverfront, and Detroit313 there will be residential towers going up, many have been announced and are slated to begin...
Top of pageBottom of page

Dialh4hipster
Member
Username: Dialh4hipster

Post Number: 1710
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 68.61.187.234
Posted on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 11:12 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

This city has, what, 139 square miles, and tons of riverfront land, and you all are getting your panties in a bunch over 1/2 mile of riverfront.

Just wanted to point that out. It seems to me there is a problem seeing the forest for the trees.
Top of pageBottom of page

Royce
Member
Username: Royce

Post Number: 1689
Registered: 07-2004
Posted From: 69.220.37.181
Posted on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 2:00 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yeah, DialH, most of the riverfront is open to the public. Think for a second, DialH, how much of the 139 square miles of Detroit is riverfront acreage? The argument here is about where to put parking structures on the little riverfront land that is accessible to the public.

If you're not interested in the topic, DialH, why bother to say anything at all. Your comments add nothing to the conversation.
Top of pageBottom of page

Detroit313
Member
Username: Detroit313

Post Number: 132
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 72.229.136.103
Posted on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 2:40 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Exactly!

Detroit doesn't have 139 sq mi of riverfront. The city only touches the water for only about 12 miles maybe. (from Zug Island to the residential east-side).

I bet you this.......you will see a parking structure on the Uniroyal site.

And with all of that prime-blighted real estate north of Jefferson, city planners won't even think twice to build parking there.

Is it too hard to park somewhere and walk a block or two? 313
Top of pageBottom of page

Detroit313
Member
Username: Detroit313

Post Number: 133
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 72.229.136.103
Posted on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 3:04 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

For the life of me I don't know why Detroit's system (engineers, architectes, landscapers, planners, ect.) seem so far behind other cities. Not cities like (no disrespect) Cleveland, or even San Diego, But major cities with great public civic centers, like Chicago, and San Francisco.

I mean take a look at the Compuware build. An awsome looking build............from the front, but what happened to the back?

Rossetti is a great firm but that build will never win awards like the Fisher and Guardian Building.

This new firm however, I can't remember their name; starts with a K! They had a proposal for the Hudson block that totally blew me away. I said to myself the city should comission them to design the waterfront because they seem to know how to fully utilize a space. 313
Top of pageBottom of page

Dialh4hipster
Member
Username: Dialh4hipster

Post Number: 1711
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 68.250.205.35
Posted on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 3:11 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I actually WAS interested in the original thread topic, but you are right, at this point I should say nothing.

It's just ... it's all so unbelievable.
Top of pageBottom of page

Dabirch
Member
Username: Dabirch

Post Number: 1649
Registered: 06-2004
Posted From: 208.44.117.10
Posted on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 3:20 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I am with you DialH. But after a while, is it really unbelievable? Or to be expected?
Top of pageBottom of page

Detroit313
Member
Username: Detroit313

Post Number: 134
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 72.229.136.103
Posted on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 3:48 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

So unbelievable that a topic about progress in the city has lasted so long on a thread? 313
Top of pageBottom of page

Detroitplanner
Member
Username: Detroitplanner

Post Number: 15
Registered: 04-2006
Posted From: 63.85.13.248
Posted on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 4:02 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

"And with all of that prime-blighted real estate north of Jefferson, city planners won't even think twice to build parking there."

Planners would rather put the parking underground and leave the surface a park at uniroyal and develop everythin N of Jefferson into Mid rise housing. This of course will never happen as the market forces that dictate where things go will only allow us to plan for little bits at a time. I think its great that we have the pathway and that that it will connect with the current ladnscape, expand the current parks with tricentenial and the dequinre cut, and lay out a pattern for future growth. I only wish we were able to be more expansive and do this similar to a Lincoln/Grant Park CConcept (Chicago) or even a Windsor.

What most fail to understand is that land is a commodity. The City does not own, and cannot afford to condem property for parks. The Kelo Decision made by your current supreme court has hamstrung land takings even more by private developers in an effort to provide a public good.

Before you go blaming the Architect, planners and engineers for all the ills of the cities consider that these are professionals who care deeply about what they do. Most planners and Civil engineers are in it to provide a better living environment for everyone; irrespective of class, race or gender. We want to improve the quality of life for everyone.
Top of pageBottom of page

Detroit313
Member
Username: Detroit313

Post Number: 136
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 72.229.136.103
Posted on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 4:48 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Great statement.

I'm not blaming the planners and architects, but by comparisons they just don't build like they used to.

Detroit has the best opportunity of any city for development and planning.

What does the city have......some 40,000 parcels that it owns?

Google earth the land N. of Jefferson.

A lot of land to play with. 313
Top of pageBottom of page

Hamtramck_steve
Member
Username: Hamtramck_steve

Post Number: 3075
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 68.252.125.198
Posted on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 6:31 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


quote:

The Kelo Decision made by your current supreme court has hamstrung land takings even more by private developers in an effort to provide a public good.




Bullshit. The decision doesn't impact land takings by private developers one single iota.

It prevents governments from acting as the private developers' bitch.
Top of pageBottom of page

Erikd
Member
Username: Erikd

Post Number: 683
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 69.242.214.106
Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 2:32 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


quote:

I have seem the Detroit River ten years ago and I do remember the vast sea of parking lots.

Well now they are drying up and are forming parking structures.

That is not an improvement that is more parking.




How is this not an improvement? All of the parking lots along the river have been replaced with new public spaces. The parking has now been condensed into a few garages set back from the river. This is a MAJOR improvement.

You seem to be calling for the total elimination of parking between Jefferson and the river, and that is not realistic with the current situation.


quote:

Have you ever been to Paris, Chicago, London, New York,......hell even Los Angeles! Los Angeles has three times as many cars as Detroit but you don't see parking garages on Venice beach!




If you haven't noticed, the mass transit system in Detroit isn't quite up to Paris-Chicago-London-New York standards. These cities feature some of the best transit systems in the world, and Detroit has one of the worst.

I don't know how Venice Beach compares to this situation. Does Venice Beach have a 7 tower office/hotel complex (home to one of the largest companies in the world), located on the shoreline, with no parking?


quote:

It shouldn't be hard to figure it out. Why is it that you (pro-garage/riverfront)can't walk from Jefferson to the Detroit River?

I don't mean build a nicer looking garage, I meant build something else. If you build parking for 5,ooo, employees of GM, fine but be more creative, and use the exsisting city infrastructure.




It is obvious that us 'pro-garage/riverfront" people don't have a clue, but you seem to have all the answers.

Could you please enlighten us with your brilliant plan to locate all of the RenCen/riverfront parking on the other side of Jefferson?
Top of pageBottom of page

Jams
Member
Username: Jams

Post Number: 3504
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 68.21.42.128
Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 3:09 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

TEAR DOWN THAT SCHITT!!!

Let's make St. Antoine, Beaubien, and Brush streets north of Jefferson even more a solid line of parking structures, so a few businesses that have held on by their fingernails cease to exist.

Those employees should have known not to take jobs when parking and walking to the Riverfront is a better use of the land than a business giving them jobs.

How many of you taken the time to realize most of the riverfront lands you lament for residential, retail, bars, restaurants, etc. were industrial sites with all of those pollutants that made the best use of Riverfront land, PARKING GARAGES, without the very expensive remediation required for other uses.
Top of pageBottom of page

Detroitplanner
Member
Username: Detroitplanner

Post Number: 20
Registered: 04-2006
Posted From: 63.85.13.248
Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 8:59 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Ham Steve said "It prevents governments from acting as the private developers' bitch."

Kelo essentially made it okay at the federal level for Cities to work with private developers to take others land and develop it for what it wants.

I suggest you remember your history and watch Poletown: a community betrayed, or remember what a boondoggle the Jefferson Assembly Plant was. Detroit was doing this sort of stuff before everyone else was - takings in the name of economic development. How do you think a nice sized park or other public uses can be developed there under this carte blanche to the developers from the feds?
Top of pageBottom of page

Danny
Member
Username: Danny

Post Number: 4532
Registered: 02-2004
Posted From: 141.217.84.91
Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 10:12 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

You know what fellas.

To make a good ethnic village requires family, job source and preserving the culture and language. If it works than expand but make it evolutionized to the national foriegn liking for "it" would ethnically wash your culture and language to the point that your ethnic community doesn't exists as one race and nation but it exists as promotional junk.









1. If this Asian Village in Detroit's lower east side riverfront possible, would it include apartments, housing, community cultural center, and religious and charitable orgazations?



2. If this Asian Village survive against common eevryday crime, bickering from other folks and city corruption. Will it expand to other communities in Detroit?





3 Since this Asian Community had expanded to other Detroit ghettohoods and increase its population far more than Blacks, Whites and Hispanics. Will it hold political power to the city? Or will it head to suburbs letting somebody else take over?





Let's hope this new and improve Asian community work in Detroit if it doesn't it would be dead as Chinatown in the Cass Corridor.
Top of pageBottom of page

Dialh4hipster
Member
Username: Dialh4hipster

Post Number: 1718
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 68.61.187.234
Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 10:42 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Holy shit, that was great!
Top of pageBottom of page

Hamtramck_steve
Member
Username: Hamtramck_steve

Post Number: 3084
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 136.181.195.17
Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 11:06 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Detroitplanner, you're partially correct. I was in a rush and switched around the Kelo decisions versus the state ruling.

Kelo allowed for states to have stricter conditions, and the Michigan supreme court reversed Poletown, effectively tightening the controls.

However, your last comment, "How do you think a nice sized park or other public uses can be developed there under this carte blanche to the developers from the feds?" does not comport with the Michigan court ruling.

A park or truly public uses (city halls, other municipal buildings) are still allowed under Michigan law.
Top of pageBottom of page

Detroitplanner
Member
Username: Detroitplanner

Post Number: 21
Registered: 04-2006
Posted From: 63.85.13.248
Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 11:23 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The whole concept I was orginally dealing with was how the land costs near the water are inheirently higher. Therefore, the Developer will trump the public work everytime.

One only needs to look to Tornoto so see what a 'privatised' waterfront looks like: a whole bunch of towers built as close to the water as possible. Its not pretty and it walls off the water from the rest of the City.

In order to put together the park that many planners would like to replace places like Uniroyal and other large parcels (some of which are not under public control) you would need to be able to compete with the developers for the land. The City is in no position to compete or say no to developers. The City is in no position to be the lead dog on Uniroyal as it does not have the funds to remidiate the site and use it for parkland. My intention for 'public use' was to be parks, marinias, and other areas that would be publicly owned and compatible with the river, that would allow for the redevelopment of areas surrounding the park; therefore expanding the redveloped area. Most folks would love to live on a park, or on the water. I belive that this would be an easier sell to developers, however; we need to plan realistically.

I can plan pie in the sky as much as I want, but its the little things that make cities work. We already have great parks that are not being maintained.

BTW Danny great post. I don't know if folks got the maps fully. Are you showing growth areas, or are those areas with growing minority populations (non-black?)

(Message edited by Detroitplanner on July 12, 2006)
Top of pageBottom of page

Detroit313
Member
Username: Detroit313

Post Number: 138
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 72.229.136.103
Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 11:59 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Erikd,

As a matter of fact yes I do have a vision for the river that does'nt include a parking garage.

I will sketch something up in the coming weeks and post it for you. 313
Top of pageBottom of page

Danny
Member
Username: Danny

Post Number: 4543
Registered: 02-2004
Posted From: 141.217.84.91
Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 1:04 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

A corporate developed small Asian community doesn't need another oversized parking garage. It makes the landscape very ugly. It need lofts, condos and housing to fill the riverfront. Tell these developers to change the plan.
Top of pageBottom of page

Detroitplanner
Member
Username: Detroitplanner

Post Number: 22
Registered: 04-2006
Posted From: 63.85.13.248
Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 2:29 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

One parking garage does not a plan make, notice the block between asian village and this structure is now open for development as a result of the garage.

With the walkway and the waterfront; it will be easy to put implement a more consistent building with what we all want.
Top of pageBottom of page

Lmichigan
Member
Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 3986
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 71.197.17.144
Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 7:00 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Danny, GREAT post! And coming from me, you know it must have been really great to get me to say something. You were actually coherent and asked some VERY good questions.

I really do have my doubts that an authentic Asian Village can form at that location, as you have pointed out, the name is a development ploy by Mr. Pangborn. I have a feeling that if anything "Asian" springs up, it will be a Disneyfied "Asian Village." I'd have much rather GM would have tried to downplay the Disney-like theme of the area, and let it develop more organically. It will be quite interesting to see what becomes of RiverEast, though, I do not see an authentic Asian village in it's future, as I do not think it's possible.
Top of pageBottom of page

Detroit313
Member
Username: Detroit313

Post Number: 139
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 72.229.136.103
Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 10:40 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Right again Lmichigan and Danny,

What is a really small piece of lot going to do Detroitplanner?
You might as well built another parking garage on that on too.
That land is only about 100' by 200" .313
Top of pageBottom of page

Downtown_dave
Member
Username: Downtown_dave

Post Number: 81
Registered: 07-2005
Posted From: 63.77.247.130
Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 9:57 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

"Asian Village" is the name of the development - a collection of food, catering and entertainment venues in one facility. It's not the start of a town or a population resettlement or the building of an "ethnic village" any more than the Chin Tiki or Moana Loa or P.F. Chang's could be considered "villages."

Not sure what those maps and arrows were telling me about the subject of this thread.
Top of pageBottom of page

Danny
Member
Username: Danny

Post Number: 4548
Registered: 02-2004
Posted From: 141.217.173.162
Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 10:14 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Downtown_dave,

An Asian Village is fine with me as long as it doesn't look like Disneyland. with American letters on top of the awning. Saying " KUNG FOOD RESTAURANT!" If I see any streotypes in thar community I'm not eating there. I want to see ethnic Asian Culture in that corporate business district.
Top of pageBottom of page

Downtown_dave
Member
Username: Downtown_dave

Post Number: 83
Registered: 07-2005
Posted From: 63.77.247.130
Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 11:02 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Unfortunately, the model for corporate food success IS "Disneyland." I'd prefer not to see it either, Danny (I regularly choose small family-owned places for the best ethnic eats) but take a look at the "restaurant row" on Haggerty between 6 and 8 Mile in Livonia: P.F. Chang's, Macaroni Grill, Bahama Breeze, Pizza Uno Chicago Grill, and Buca Di Beppo a bit off Haggerty nearby - and especially the "Ethnic Epcot" that has outdoor dining for three BIG restaurants - The Claddagh, Bravo Cucina and Mitchell's Fish Market - spilling into each other. Plus there's the "sport's bar category" Champp's, Alexander's, etc. All seem to be doing quite well.

While perhaps being Disney-like, I'm hoping we'll see some authenticity in the menus at Asian Village, and that those who normally choose formula restaurant chains will be prompted to spend some of their food/entertainment bucks downtown.

It doesn't bode well that Pangborn has indicated he'd like to open other Asian Villages in other cities. Hopefully, he'll find the right formula and stop with one unique place here.
Top of pageBottom of page

Detroitplanner
Member
Username: Detroitplanner

Post Number: 25
Registered: 04-2006
Posted From: 63.85.13.248
Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 2:08 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Ethnic Epcot of Haggerty Road... I love that as much as I love 'its a food court for drunkn yuppies! (Royal Oak, Ann Arbor, W Dearborn... others)
Top of pageBottom of page

Downtown_dave
Member
Username: Downtown_dave

Post Number: 85
Registered: 07-2005
Posted From: 63.77.247.130
Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 3:16 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yeah, it's just so funny how "stuff happens" sometimes. In Europe, cafes set up tables on the streets so diners can be part of the "parade" passing by - while the street gets to gawk at what's served on the plate and who's eating it.

Here, we get ringside seats to view the traffic on Haggerty Road.
Top of pageBottom of page

Lmichigan
Member
Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 3988
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 24.11.208.227
Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 3:53 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

For anyone who's interested, I was able to get in contact with the Director of Parking for the Renaissance Center complex.

While, I'm still awaiting details, he was able to tell me that the center regularly does supply and demand studies for parking, and that at the current time the complex and RiverEast have an large excess of parking, which is why you see the garages around the center giving out discounted prices and early arrival specials. He said that was much more rare two years ago.

He also said that Beaubien Place, which still currently sits well below full occupancy in terms of parking, was built in anticipation to also serve the developments that will occur on Parcels E1 and E2 next spring. If they (E1 & E2) build their own garages, though (below, and/or under), the center may still have an excess of parking.

I'm awaiting more details, but that's what I've been able to get so far. I'm rather comforted to see that there are studies going on and that parking is not just being built willy-nilly with no regards to actual supply or demand.
Top of pageBottom of page

Detroit313
Member
Username: Detroit313

Post Number: 145
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 72.229.136.103
Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 11:21 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

If want you say is true......amen

You just put to rest my gut feeling that it is too much parking on the river.

Thank you. 313
Top of pageBottom of page

Lmichigan
Member
Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 3995
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 24.11.208.227
Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 11:30 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

There is too much parking, but at least it's built in anticipation of something, and not built just to be built.
Top of pageBottom of page

Danny
Member
Username: Danny

Post Number: 4558
Registered: 02-2004
Posted From: 141.217.173.178
Posted on Friday, July 14, 2006 - 10:13 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Since Asian Village is comming soon to Detroit What about a controversial AFRICANTOWN community? Despite recently protests claiming that AFRICANTOWN is racist causing other small ethnic oasis communities in Detroit to be left out, The city "CLOWNSIL" approve the the proposal. So where is the new Paradise Valley is going to be at?







Can this AFRICANTOWN be at the Dexter Ave. from Joy Rd. to Davison Ave?



Or could this AFRICANTOWN community be at old Polonia neighborhood?

Whatever the developers put it, lots is urban sacrifices had to be made for a new Black community. Maybe Mexicantown could be torn be down for a new AFROCENTRIC community. Black folks in Detroit are still the dominance and control.

Later in my prejection AFRICANTOWN is made to promote ethnic African/Carribean/Creole providing a "BLACKS ONLY" enviroment filled with "BLACKS ONLY" business. However its not going to last. Today a average black business in Detroit can only last 5 years. After that they would close down. Same goes with Afrocentric businesses in AFRICANTOWN replacing it with ordinary black business destined to shut down within 5 years.

What about the other ethnic oasis communities in Detroit?

Chinatown came and gone.





So did The ethnic Jews from Paradise Valley to the NW side.







But the ethnic Arab Muslims are doing a excellent job expanding their communities in Detroit.



That includes all of Warrendale



And around the Conant and Mt. Elliot area. Near the borders of Hamtramck. That includes Chaldeantown.





Little Italy has dissapeared.







And Coleman Young, his cronies and GM destoyed all of Poletown.





The best way for the ethnic community to survive in a U.S. major city is Job source and family unity. Detroit is one of those cities that lack a good ethnic diversed conglomerate communities. XENOPHOBIA, SEGREGATION, DEMARCATION, LACK OF EMPLOYMENT, AND THE GROWING BLACK COMMUNITIES destoyed Detroit's chance for a good ethnic diverse communities. Only the Ethnic Mexicans, Hispanics, and Arab Muslims and Chaldeans communities stood stong. And supporting the growing Detroit Black communities to this day.

(Message edited by DANNY on July 14, 2006)
Top of pageBottom of page

Lmichigan
Member
Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 3998
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 24.11.208.227
Posted on Friday, July 14, 2006 - 6:45 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Danny, it would be best to start another thread.
Top of pageBottom of page

Erikd
Member
Username: Erikd

Post Number: 684
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 69.242.214.106
Posted on Saturday, July 15, 2006 - 4:45 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


quote:

He also said that Beaubien Place, which still currently sits well below full occupancy in terms of parking, was built in anticipation to also serve the developments that will occur on Parcels E1 and E2 next spring.




This has been the plan from day one. The new parking garages, new water and sewer lines, new streets, new sidewalks, new streetlights, and the new Riverwalk, are just the first phase of the overall riverfront development.

Some of the posters on this thread seem to think that these new parking garages are the only development that is planned for the riverfront area. You can't write off the entire development just because the parking garages have been built during the first stage.

Every time a big project starts construction on the garage before the building, there are a handful of people on this forum bitching about it. We heard the same complaints about the Ellington and One Kennedy Square. When the parking garages were constructed before the buildings, there was plenty of consternation and outrage from the people who couldn't see past the first phase of the project. Now that these projects are nearing completion, the buildings have beome the focal point, and the parking garages have faded into the background. The same thing will happen as the riverfront development continues.


quote:

There is too much parking, but at least it's built in anticipation of something, and not built just to be built.




I don't know why you had any doubts about this. Developers do not spend tens of millions on new parking garages just for shits and giggles.

The current excess of parking is no accident. It was built to support the future developments along the riverfront.

If you wonder why the parking is built first, the answer is simple...

Nobody wants a new condo or office space without parking.

If you think that new office buildings and condos on the riverfront should be occupied before any new parking garages are constructed, I would like to hear how you can fill these new buildings without any parking in the area.
Top of pageBottom of page

Lmichigan
Member
Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 4006
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 24.11.208.227
Posted on Saturday, July 15, 2006 - 5:02 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Don't patronize me. I was fully aware that Beaubien Place was being built in participation of the rest RiverEast. That's plain and simple commonsense. I was mulling a much more general question to see how much they have overbuilt, and if they had a comprehensive and thorough parking plan. It never hurts to get the details. Perhaps you are mistaking me with others, here, or I didn't make myself clear enough. Without effective mass transit, massive amounts of parking will always need to be built, and that's a given. My interest was in the details, which are slowly coming in to me.

Anyone that's looking at Rossetti's design concept for RiverEast can see the general layout of how Riverfront Holdings, Inc. plans to develop the 8-block area. I'm not sure if you understand how much research I'm doing for this.

(Message edited by lmichigan on July 15, 2006)
Top of pageBottom of page

Danny
Member
Username: Danny

Post Number: 4561
Registered: 02-2004
Posted From: 141.217.173.164
Posted on Saturday, July 15, 2006 - 10:41 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Lmichigan,

What I did is added other once Detroit ethnic communties. And what it did to support Detroit. Now most of it is long gone and new ethnic communities are started to sprang up. Like the Bengladeshi/ East Indian/ Sri Lanki community on Carpeter Rd. between Joseph Campeau and Conant and up to E. Davison. Asian Village will be a good opportunity to expand throughout the Detroit lower east side and beyond as long as it keep up with ecomony, community policing to prevent petty thefts and fight city corruption.
Top of pageBottom of page

Downtown_dave
Member
Username: Downtown_dave

Post Number: 88
Registered: 07-2005
Posted From: 63.77.247.130
Posted on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 11:15 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Interesting to find that parking garages were an issue even in 1914. See Fig. 13 in "Detroit's City Beautiful and the Problem of Commerce," from the Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians, September 1988: http://epsilon3.georgetown.edu /~coventrm/asa2000/panel5/blue stone.html

Add Your Message Here
Posting is currently disabled in this topic. Contact your discussion moderator for more information.