Genesyxx Member Username: Genesyxx
Post Number: 522 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 71.159.22.4
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 8:46 am: | |
Probably the wrong one, but.... from ClickOnDetroit.com Tiger Stadium Could Soon Be Demolished Announcement Expected Next Week POSTED: 8:25 am EDT June 15, 2006 Tiger Stadium could soon be demolished. There are reports Thursday morning that the old baseball stadium at Michigan Avenue and Trumbull may be torn down, Local 4 reported. An announcement is expected next week. Contractors have previously said that it will cost between $2 million and $6 million to demolish the ball park, according to Local 4 reports. Originally, the city wanted to convert Tiger Stadium into a residential and entertainment center. So far, no developer capable of raising the money has come forward. The city has continued to look for a developer, according to Local 4 reports. The Detroit Tigers played their final game at Tiger Stadium on Sept. 27, 1999. Their new home is at Comerica Park, located on Woodward Avenue. |
Itsjeff
Member Username: Itsjeff
Post Number: 6125 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 208.27.111.125
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 8:48 am: | |
I'm guessing that this thread will go maybe 3 posts.... 4 tops. |
Andyguard73 Member Username: Andyguard73
Post Number: 92 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 68.42.80.245
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 9:13 am: | |
Here's three for you Itsjeff. |
Fnemecek
Member Username: Fnemecek
Post Number: 1696 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 69.213.205.227
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 9:22 am: | |
Yeah, I'm all in favor of posting several times, just to prove Jeff wrong. |
Drm Member Username: Drm
Post Number: 977 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.212.49.149
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 9:26 am: | |
Since when is Comerica Park located on Woodward Avenue? It's amazing how unfamiliar our local media are with our city. And hasn't Local 4 been reporting that the stadium would be demolished since at least 2001 (see link at the bottom of the story)? |
E_hemingway Member Username: E_hemingway
Post Number: 761 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 68.42.176.123
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 9:29 am: | |
Detroit to announce Tiger Stadium plan soon www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ article?AID=/20060615/UPDATE/6 06150453 |
Rrl Member Username: Rrl
Post Number: 530 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 209.181.212.60
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 9:30 am: | |
Copa's address is a Woodward address, even though it's a block away. Amazing the schitt you can get when you have the City wrapped around your finger. |
Danindc Member Username: Danindc
Post Number: 1541 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.100.158.10
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 9:40 am: | |
After years of neglect, the City is going to demolish a historic structure and hope that something will be built on the site. What a shocker. |
Dialh4hipster Member Username: Dialh4hipster
Post Number: 1665 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 68.61.187.234
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 9:43 am: | |
OH cripes Dan, it is entirely possible there will be more to the announcement than just demolition. How about we wait and see how it goes before we throw up our hands and say "typical." |
Neilr Member Username: Neilr
Post Number: 265 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 69.242.223.67
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 9:44 am: | |
As an aside to this thread:
quote:Copa's address is a Woodward address, even though it's a block away. Amazing the schitt you can get when you have the City wrapped around your finger.
In New York City, an address on Fifth Avenue is considered to be an enormous asset. A number of years ago, when the old Adams Hotel on East 86th Street was rehabed into high priced condos, the developer was able to secure a Fifth Ave. address, 1049 Fifth Avenue, by purchasing the air rights to the neighboring townhouse at 1048 Fifth Ave which is on the corner of 5th and 86. |
Dialh4hipster Member Username: Dialh4hipster
Post Number: 1666 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 68.61.187.234
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 9:51 am: | |
Um, who cares if it has a Woodward address? What, did it steal the address from something useful? Oh no, wait, there's NOTHING THERE. I think anyone who resents the Ilitches *that much* needs to look into therapy. Or maybe you're just trying to earn some credibility on the forum. Who knows. |
Lowell Board Administrator Username: Lowell
Post Number: 2703 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 66.167.210.191
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 9:57 am: | |
quote:After years of neglect, the City is going to demolish a historic structure and hope that something will be built on the site. What a shocker.
My little birdies are singing a different song. Standby for some positive news. |
Danindc Member Username: Danindc
Post Number: 1543 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.100.158.10
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 10:09 am: | |
God, I hope so. Sorry for the cynicism. The City Council and recent mayoral administrations haven't exactly been beacons of inspiration. |
Danny Member Username: Danny
Post Number: 4292 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 141.217.174.229
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 10:23 am: | |
Adieu, Tiger Stadium and Thanks for 88 years of service. Mr.Illeetch didn't like the conditions of Tiger Stadium is shaping so He wants a NEW STADIUM to be built at his proposed " Illitchville" (as known as Fox Town) fancier and better then ever and he asked the benefactors of Comerica Back to do it. When Illeetch took the Tigers away to Illitchville all the businesses long the Michigan Corridor at Corktown had been closed down except for Nemo's Bar and Grill whick it offers a bus shuttle service for Tiger and Lion fans. What new business would be in place after Tiger Stadium dissapears? Could it be a new Sprawl-Mart or a just another one big gravel lot that would be Corktown's greatest eyesore ever? |
Fnemecek
Member Username: Fnemecek
Post Number: 1697 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 69.213.205.227
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 10:35 am: | |
quote:My little birdies are singing a different song. Standby for some positive news.
I think your birdies have been talking to my birdies. |
Dialh4hipster Member Username: Dialh4hipster
Post Number: 1667 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 68.61.187.234
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 10:38 am: | |
quote:I think your birdies have been talking to my birdies.
Jesus, it's a fucking Disney movie in here! |
Matt Member Username: Matt
Post Number: 1061 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 208.49.95.12
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 10:39 am: | |
Let's hope everyone's birdies aren't gobbled up by a big, grinning cat. |
Bvos Member Username: Bvos
Post Number: 1519 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 66.238.170.40
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 10:42 am: | |
No, that's Warner Bros. There's always a happy ending in a Disney movie. So 18 posts later, here's egg in your eye Itsjeff. |
Kimmiann Member Username: Kimmiann
Post Number: 46 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 155.139.40.51
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 10:49 am: | |
Lowell & Fnemecek, I must point out that you are both terrible teases! No fair! |
Kimmiann Member Username: Kimmiann
Post Number: 47 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 155.139.40.51
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 10:52 am: | |
Lowell & Fnemecek - you two are terrible teases! No fair! |
Spacemonkey Member Username: Spacemonkey
Post Number: 31 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 63.102.87.27
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 10:55 am: | |
I hope they build an auto racing track where Tiger Stadium is. That would be good. |
Supersport Member Username: Supersport
Post Number: 10181 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 64.118.137.226
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 11:10 am: | |
quote:My little birdies are singing a different song. Standby for some positive news.
Methinks our birds and feathers be flockin' together. |
Supersport Member Username: Supersport
Post Number: 10182 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 64.118.137.226
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 11:13 am: | |
quote:Let's hope everyone's birdies aren't gobbled up by a big, grinning cat.
That cat you are referring to, is it named "SBT?" (one more post, just to dispise ItsJeff and his secret picnicking society) |
Matt Member Username: Matt
Post Number: 1065 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 208.49.95.12
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 11:18 am: | |
Yeah, but if what the republicans say is true, that kitty cat shouldn't be a problem... unless that was just in regard to the Book Cadillac deal. |
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw
Post Number: 1748 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 69.221.95.23
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 11:31 am: | |
I think we are in for a suprise when the announcement is made, but I don't have any hard facts (I mean birds) like Lowell and Nemecek have. The Channel 4 reporting is sooo crappy. Compare that blurb to the newspaper story. One says announcement next week, the other says 2 to 3 weeks. The channel 4 story insinuates that the ballpark will definitly be torn down. The constant delays in the City's announcement has convinced me that a preservation plan is being hashed out. |
Supersport Member Username: Supersport
Post Number: 10184 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 64.118.137.226
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 12:03 pm: | |
I won't be surprised by any means. I wouldn't have been surprised if it were announced last fall either. Some of us are just diehard bird watchers (listeners?) so to speak. |
Bvos Member Username: Bvos
Post Number: 1526 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 66.238.170.40
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 12:10 pm: | |
Here's the latest from the Freep which almost states without stating that a real deal to preserve at least part of the stadium is being reached: http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll /article?AID=/20060615/NEWS99/ 606150464 |
Dialh4hipster Member Username: Dialh4hipster
Post Number: 1669 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 68.250.205.35
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 12:22 pm: | |
Ha ha Itsjeff, this thread went on way past 4 posts! Oh wait, you were being sarcastic. |
Oldredfordette Member Username: Oldredfordette
Post Number: 902 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 68.60.177.56
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 12:29 pm: | |
Is this where we point out that Channel 4 "news" is entirely without credibility? From news to weather, whatever they report, you can count on the opposite. |
Josh Member Username: Josh
Post Number: 806 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 69.209.139.153
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 12:38 pm: | |
they just had a report on the Sports Inferno that the announcement will include plans on a mix use facility with condos on the second level and retail on the bottom. Field will be kept in tact. |
Tigersfan9 Member Username: Tigersfan9
Post Number: 44 Registered: 03-2005 Posted From: 64.118.151.178
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 12:39 pm: | |
Nobody wants to play Dr. Doolittle and let us know what the birdies are talking about? |
E_hemingway Member Username: E_hemingway
Post Number: 763 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 68.42.176.123
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 12:51 pm: | |
I don't believe any news that doesn't come directly from at least three street prophets. |
Thedownriviera Member Username: Thedownriviera
Post Number: 3 Registered: 06-2006 Posted From: 68.61.202.250
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 12:58 pm: | |
I apologize for being off topic, but I agree Oldredfordette. Channel 4 reporters remind me of the "infotainment" reporters on E! Television. They seem more interested in a theatrical telling of a story than in the actual story. I wonder how many of them are even from Michigan, let alone currently live in Detroit. |
Bvos Member Username: Bvos
Post Number: 1530 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 66.238.170.34
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 1:05 pm: | |
I wonder how many of them have Journalism degrees versus Communications or other sorts of degrees that don't lend themselves to real news. I believe Carmen Harlan and Devan Skillian (sp?) are about the only ones with genuine credentials there and all they really do is read a teleprompter. |
Reetz12 Member Username: Reetz12
Post Number: 60 Registered: 09-2005 Posted From: 216.144.213.130
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 1:13 pm: | |
Just drove by on lunch break, channel 7 was interviewing someone in the maxies deli parking lot with Tiger Stadium in the background...lets see what report they give on when an announcement will b made. |
Elwoodp Member Username: Elwoodp
Post Number: 2 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 64.6.190.66
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 1:22 pm: | |
People who have seen one of the latest plans for the stadium said it would be mixed use and only a small part of the stadium would be preserved. Bill Dow, Tiger Stadium Fan Club, said, "The plan that I saw had street level stores and on top of those stores would be living quarters, like lofts on top of that basically--with a conservancy of the field. But the plan I saw was under the Bennet Park Field which was only used here for 15 of the 104 seasons." WXYZ.com http://www.wxyz.com/wxyz/nw_lo cal_news/article/0,2132,WXYZ_1 5924_4776909,00.html |
Gistok Member Username: Gistok
Post Number: 2317 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 4.229.90.21
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 2:54 pm: | |
Boy this is one of the crankiest threads I have ever seen on this forum.... looks like somebody forgot to take their meds this morning.... |
Rustic Member Username: Rustic
Post Number: 2555 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 128.36.14.154
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 3:00 pm: | |
all these birdies atwitter ... golly let's hope we avoid a west nile outbreak or there will be nothing to not talk about on this thread ... :P ... memories of BC birdsong in my head as I type this ... (Message edited by rustic on June 15, 2006) |
Mind_field Member Username: Mind_field
Post Number: 578 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 75.10.3.92
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 3:43 pm: | |
Expect an announcement in 2-3 weeks? HAHAHAHA, this is Detroit. I will not be waiting for an announcement anytime soon. Maybe sometime in 2007. And is this the major project that ErikD hinted at in his most recent Downtown Development thread? |
Itsjeff
Member Username: Itsjeff
Post Number: 6129 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 208.27.111.125
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 3:58 pm: | |
Mind_field, no. Hey, weren't you the one who predicted that the Book Cadillac deal will never go forward? |
1953 Member Username: 1953
Post Number: 880 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 209.104.146.146
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 3:59 pm: | |
I hope its not a no-bid agreement for $5 million. |
Focusonthed Member Username: Focusonthed
Post Number: 263 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 209.220.229.254
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 4:11 pm: | |
Tiger Stadium will become a city-owned golf course. |
Morena Member Username: Morena
Post Number: 428 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 216.45.5.114
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 4:13 pm: | |
The Mayor went to visit Bobby in jail and they talked well into the early morning hours about Tiger Stadium. The reason why we have to wait another week or two is because the Mayor has to wait until Bobby can get released from his cell to complete the demolition work. This also gives Bobby enough time to calculate how much in cost-overruns he's going to charge for the job. |
Darwinism Member Username: Darwinism
Post Number: 518 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 69.208.112.116
| Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 4:28 pm: | |
Where is Histeric's plan in this regard ? I was under the impression that the Corktown organization has the best plan in place for the Tiger Stadium site. Perhaps those 'birdies' being mentioned above refer to the Corktown neighborhood's proposal. |
Pdtpuck Member Username: Pdtpuck
Post Number: 57 Registered: 01-2006 Posted From: 208.251.168.194
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 2:08 am: | |
by the sounds of this thread, it looks like it will be turned into an aviary.... HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! |
Drm Member Username: Drm
Post Number: 979 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.212.55.181
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 5:33 am: | |
http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll /article?AID=2006606160443 |
Dnvn522 Member Username: Dnvn522
Post Number: 122 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 204.24.64.25
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 7:24 am: | |
"We joined in partnership with the ________ community to take the necessary steps to move our city forward," Kilpatrick said. I wonder how many times he's uttered almost those exact same words. |
Drm Member Username: Drm
Post Number: 980 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.212.55.181
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 7:31 am: | |
quote:I wonder how many times he's uttered almost those exact same words.
Don't know. But it's certainly true this time. Now, where are all the know-it-alls who have been posting to this Forum saying that the city wasn't doing anything with the Tiger Stadium site? |
Merchantgander Member Username: Merchantgander
Post Number: 1901 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 150.198.150.244
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 7:32 am: | |
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pb cs.dll/article?AID=/20060616/M ETRO/606160341 |
Dialh4hipster Member Username: Dialh4hipster
Post Number: 1672 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 68.61.187.234
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 7:37 am: | |
I'd also like to point out this announcement was made on exactly the day it was supposed to be made. |
Drm Member Username: Drm
Post Number: 981 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.212.55.181
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 7:41 am: | |
quote:I'd also like to point out this announcement was made on exactly the day it was supposed to be made.
No, it was supposed to have been made next Friday, but people can't keep their damn mouths shut. |
Drm Member Username: Drm
Post Number: 982 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.212.55.181
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 7:42 am: | |
Also, note that Joel Kurth's article in the Detroit News contains nothing but speculation. John Gallagher's article is the actual information from the Mayor himself. Sorry to keep posting on this thread so much, but this is an exciting day for Corktown! |
Merchantgander Member Username: Merchantgander
Post Number: 1902 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 150.198.150.244
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 8:11 am: | |
quote:Sorry to keep posting on this thread so much, but this is an exciting day for Corktown!
I would be more excited when a developer is picked and they close on their financing so construction can start. The best thing about this is that finally all the surface lots can be built on because there is no need to hold on to them. |
Dialh4hipster Member Username: Dialh4hipster
Post Number: 1673 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 68.61.187.234
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 8:16 am: | |
Well slap my face and call me a whore, you are right DRM. I'm happy for the Corktown community and for Detroit in general, this is going to be really great. |
Itsjeff
Member Username: Itsjeff
Post Number: 6131 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 208.27.111.125
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 8:26 am: | |
<---slapping DialH, calling him a whore. |
Bvos Member Username: Bvos
Post Number: 1537 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 66.238.170.38
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 8:33 am: | |
I've found many of Joel Kurth's articles to be factually wrong and/or have poor sources. John Gallagher on the other hand is a top notch journalist with real sources to get real facts. Did I see Skulker talking in the Freep article about tearing down another historic property??? Seriously though, I think this plan is the most realistic and respectful plan for Tiger Stadium. Skulker really knows his stuff and hopefully will be getting a lot less flak if he ever comes back here. While it would be great to save the whole stadium, it has to be recognized that it's just not financially possible to do so. Saving the core of the stadium and selling off other parts of the stadium (I wonder how much those urinals will go for?) to those who will appreciate the history of what they bought is about the best that can be hoped for. Do folks really think that there is a market for a stadium that large? Most importantly this plan has the most respect for the Corktown neighborhood. They're getting exactly what they wanted for the stadium, are getting a huge economic boost for the neighborhood, will likely be getting a lot of great new stores (let's hope the dollar stores and beauty supply places can't afford it), and those pesky empty lots/parking lots will finally start going away. This is indeed huge news for Corktown and Detroit. Drm, the reason folks were saying the city isn't doing anything with Tiger Stadium is because they weren't. The only reason this deal happened is because folks in Corktown pulled out all the stops and bugged the hell out of the city, even in the face of threats of total demolition, Wal-Marts, etc. |
Rjk Member Username: Rjk
Post Number: 347 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 68.41.145.5
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 8:42 am: | |
"...atop 40-50 retail shops on the 8.5-acre site." Huh? The prospects for retail in the city are much better than I thought. |
Tetsua Member Username: Tetsua
Post Number: 661 Registered: 01-2004 Posted From: 68.61.194.237
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 9:37 am: | |
The condo prospects are getting really interesting in the D. I still have my heart set on getting one on the river though. |
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw
Post Number: 1763 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 70.141.78.3
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 10:24 am: | |
This is a good plan. I am a preservationist, but I am not in favor of preserving something which can no longer be used as intended or cost-effectively adapted for different use; I am also a baseball nut, and I am glad that a small portion of the stadium and the field will be preserved--that is enough for me. Mixed-use districts are the best solution for economic redevelopment in the city. Those that envisioned taking 100 percent of the current crumbling stadium structure and converting it in retail and condos, etc., were dreaming. There is no use for the grandstands anymore. There is no use for the concourses. There is no demand to use to structure for concerts and baseball events because we only have one pro team, and we have a ton of other venues for other events. |
Smogboy Member Username: Smogboy
Post Number: 3061 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 69.47.100.44
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 10:28 am: | |
Strike up the souvenir bus. We's going collectin' for scraps & memories of the ol' ball park soon (I just want a brick). It'll still be sad to see that place torn down regardless of what goes up there. |
Susanarosa Member Username: Susanarosa
Post Number: 908 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 208.39.170.90
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 10:35 am: | |
Just what I've always wanted, a condo overlooking a bunch of snot-nosed brats playing little league. |
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw
Post Number: 1764 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 70.141.78.3
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 10:41 am: | |
Nolan Finley is such a hack in his column, which starts out well enough, but then says: "We've allowed our downtown skyline to remain filled with dozens of abandoned hotels and office buildings, beautiful for sure, but unsuited for renovation." Obviously he hasn't been keeping up on downtown development news. Obviously, he could care less. Let's see, Book-Cadillac Deal pending, Fort-Shelby the same, with prep work already occurring, Broderick Tower: close to happening, Vinton Building: underway, Dime Building: done, Merchant's Row: done. The only buildings that really justify his statement are the Free Press Building, Lafayette Building, and a handful of smaller buildings. And, it's funny, he insinuated that Compuware HQ was a replacement for the Hudson's Building--again, he doesn't know squat and doesn't seem to care. Basically, Finley turned his column into an indictment of all preservationists, and shame on him for that. |
Supersport Member Username: Supersport
Post Number: 10187 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 24.12.55.203
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 10:46 am: | |
Could Peter Comstock move on? Seriously, this is by far the best development plan possible! Corktown has sat on this rotting hulk for nearly a decade. The parking lots that once served Tiger Stadium has also sat vacant, awaiting a plan securing the fate of the stadium. Until something happened, these lots would continue to sit vacant. Now Corktown will FINALLY be able to move on. MLB would have NEVER been played there again. Preservation of the stadium as a whole would have simply retained the existance of lots throughout the neighborhood for parking, whether it were for a museum or for minor league baseball. The fact that the Stadium will essentially be turned back to it's 100 year old roots, simply an open ball park with a handful of stands, means a lot if you ask me. Kids, the ones who will be discovering a love for the game, will have the coolest diamond in the country to play on. Mr Comstock, please put your bitterness aside, give something back to the kids this time. You have your memories of the ballpark, as do many thousands more. Now let's have a whole new generation of kids dream about the likes of Babe Ruth knocking one outta the park when they step up to the plate. Then there is the impact of a significant amount of retail being anchored that. 40-50 stores could very well rival even downtown's retail, creating one of Detroit's only truly self sufficient neighborhoods, something that most every other big city has. The battle is over for saving Tiger Stadium, put down the hatchet, and let progress take place. Mr Kilpatrick, Mr Martin, and all of Corktown. Congrats on a job well done! It's projects like this, the Riverfront, and restoration of some key buildings downtown that will continue to aid Detroit in turning that corner and getting over that hump. |
Danny Member Username: Danny
Post Number: 4315 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 141.217.174.223
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 10:49 am: | |
At least Like KING KWAME will say to the City "CLOWNSIL" like he some representative from the Corktown Business Association, " Corktown today is dire straits, it's a historic Irish community that need help. The people of Corktown are tired of looking at urban eyesore from the Michigan Central Station to Tiger Stadium. Corktown has one of best revitilized nieghborhoods, but it lacks a retail business corridor, especially along Michigan Ave. from Lodge FWY. to I-75 exchage. Tiger Stadium on the corner of Michigan and Trumbull has been seving the Tigers baseball team for over 88 years, until Mr. Illitch decided to move the team to their new stadium at Comerica Park at the Fox Town District of Downtown Detroit in 1999. From that period until this year in 2006, Tiger Stadium is now a vacant lot overgrowning with weeds and its structure slowly crumbling apart. For the name of the citizens of Corktown, The People of the City of Detroit and the Corktown Business Association want to demolish Tiger Stadium and build a new retail businesses, housing and little league baseball park to preseve the legacy of Tiger Stadium. I'm asking the city council to reconsider the proposal and YES on this new project for the citizens of Corktown and People of Detroit needs a excellent shopping district and housing for their satisfaction." |
Bvos Member Username: Bvos
Post Number: 1549 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 66.238.170.38
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 10:53 am: | |
"Nolan Finley is such a hack in his column..." Nolan Finley is a hack pretty much all the time. |
Swingline Member Username: Swingline
Post Number: 519 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 172.149.5.252
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 11:14 am: | |
The "vision" of the city and the Corktown parties definitely holds the most potential for Corktown as a neighborhood. While it's obvious that market conditions exert a lot of control over the timeline of these types of projects, I hope that the city and DEGC can do their part quickly. That means formulating and executing a salvage plan as soon as possible. That means securing funding for the demolition and scheduling it as soon as possible. That means preparing and issuing RFPs in the next few months, not in 2008. Quick action like this indicates to the private market that the city intends to implement the vision, not just talk about it. After that, I hope that the private development occurs as envisioned. Corktown may just flourish. |
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw
Post Number: 1765 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 70.141.78.3
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 11:16 am: | |
Finley needs to stick to his wishy-washy pseudo-conservative, aimed-at-surburbanite areas of expertise, and not get involved in city matters. Since when do our newspapers care about the city? You can see the innaccuracies that his column purveys, since he obviously doesn't know much. Good posts SS and Danny. The baseball heritage will still be alive and well at the Corner, so in a way, it will still be used as it has for the last century. (Message edited by mackinaw on June 16, 2006) |
Dougw Member Username: Dougw
Post Number: 1182 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 136.1.1.33
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 11:27 am: | |
Great news! (although it's certainly been hinted at on this forum for some time) Congrats to everyone who worked on this proposal. Good article by John Gallagher, although he could have played up the angle that this sort of partial preservation is unique among major league stadiums across the country. Are there any other MLB stadiums in the U.S. which have been abandoned but have had the field and some parts preserved as this one has? Usually an old stadium is just torn down with nothing left. |
Swingline Member Username: Swingline
Post Number: 521 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 172.149.5.252
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 11:59 am: | |
quote:Are there any other MLB stadiums in the U.S. which have been abandoned but have had the field and some parts preserved as this one has?
In Pittsburgh, a few hundred feet of the brick outfield wall at Forbes Field still remains as part of a park on the Pitt campus. It's only there as a monument, not as some kind of re-use project. |
Harpernottingham Member Username: Harpernottingham
Post Number: 68 Registered: 04-2006 Posted From: 66.178.227.202
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 12:09 pm: | |
Kwame and Scott Martin holding a press conference momentarily. Oddly, they're holding it at the Northwest Unity Missionary Baptist Church. Seems like a strange place to hold a press conference about Tiger Stadium. |
Itsjeff
Member Username: Itsjeff
Post Number: 6135 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 208.27.111.125
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 12:34 pm: | |
Perhaps an attempt to prevent smiting? |
Andyguard73 Member Username: Andyguard73
Post Number: 97 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 141.209.33.145
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 2:10 pm: | |
Does anyone know if the sketch at the top of the news article is one released by the city, as far as what they want, or just one that was created for a proposal? |
Jelk
Member Username: Jelk
Post Number: 3798 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.209.148.99
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 2:32 pm: | |
Seems like a good plan, other things considered. The minor league at the Corner idea would only be viable if the Tigers ownership was on board and clearly, that wasn't going to happen. Mike Ilitch can't even keep the Comerica Park scoreboard working. Even if that concept was practical, I'm not sure it would have been ideal. Actually, I lost any enthusiasm for that idea when I heard a Tiger Stadium Fan Club official say he wasn't ever in favor of the 1999 re-use proposal, which was in my mind the paragon of adaptive re-use for Tiger Stadium. Talk about lack of vision! I had lunch at Casey's this afternoon and was once again blown away by the amount of wasted space just west of the ballpark reserved for parking. Major League Baseball left the corner of Michigan and Trumbull in 1999. Given that reality, maybe the best thing is for something other than pro baseball to go on at the Corner. Moving out of Tiger Stadium wasn't a surprise; both the Tigers ownership and MLB wanted a new stadium. There have been something like 15 new stadiums built since Bud Selig became commissioner. I don't think he will leave that post until every team except the Cubs, Red Sox, and Yankees construct a new ballpark. And I suspect the Yankees will either build new or gut and redo Yankee Stadium yet again. It is too bad the Tigers and Major League Baseball didn’t choose to remain at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull. I would have loved to see that but they didn’t and I can’t fault the city or the Corktown neighborhood for practical use for this site. As I've said, I thought the best concept for Tiger Stadium was the plan from 1999 which would have reused the structure, converting it into lofts, offices, and stores. I guess that was too big, too risky of a project to get off the ground. That happens; this seems like a very good Plan B. There is baseball and no big box. What more can we really ask for? An outlaw league team with a roster of has-beens and never-will-be’s drawing 2000 fans a game? I’ve read Jim Bouton’s book about the Pittsfield, MA stadium. Outlaw league ball makes sense in Pittsfield, MA (population 44285) not Detroit. The history of Bennett Park/Navin Field/Briggs Stadium/Tiger Stadium will be afforded proper respect and new development will enrich the local community. As a baseball fan, I can live with that...happily. I'm a third generation Detroit Tigers fan. My maternal grandfather told stories of meeting Ty Cobb outside the ballpark and, with a gaggle of other kids, following Babe Ruth from Navin Field to Hudson’s after a game to watch him be fitted for a new suit. My paternal grandfather was a charter member of the Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association, founded because local broadcasters felt they weren't receiving equal treatment with writers in the Briggs press box. My mother witnessed Denny McLain's 30th win and two games of the 1968 series. And I can't count the number of Whittaker-Trammell double plays, of Chet Lemon Gold Glove catches I saw at Tiger Stadium. I was there for the final game as well. So my Tiger Stadium roots run deep. I look forward to someday taking batting practice on the re-developed field. And I'm excited the Bennett Park era will get some acknowledgment. A little obscure baseball history for you...the minor league, Western League was founded in Detroit on November 20, 1893. That league would be renamed the American League in 1900 and in 1901 the AL declared itself a major league directly challenging the National League. Of the original Western League franchises, only one still exists in its original city...the Detroit Tigers. If nothing else, I'm thrilled that this obscure, but very cool bit of baseball history, will have a chance to be brought to light by this plan. This is very good news for baseball history buffs. And I would love to live in a loft with a Cochrane Street address and back porch overlooking the field. Sunday afternoon B-B-Q and softball game, hey let's play two! What baseball fan wouldn't? (Message edited by jelk on June 16, 2006) |
Danindc Member Username: Danindc
Post Number: 1544 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.100.158.10
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 2:47 pm: | |
quote:Are there any other MLB stadiums in the U.S. which have been abandoned but have had the field and some parts preserved as this one has?
American League Park in Cleveland was converted into a city park after it closed. The ticket booth, field, and a portion of the stands were preserved. Over the past few decades, the park (still called League Park) has fallen into disrepair, but the City of Cleveland has plans to fix it up. I think that preserving a small, historic portion of Tiger Stadium, along with the field, is the best compromise we could hope for. I'm just not sold that 150 condos plus the existing Corktown neighborhood could support 40-50 retail outlets in such a small area. Can't wait to see renderings, though. One comment, though. A lot of people have referred to Tiger Stadium as a "decrepit" or "decaying" structure. To my knowledge, the structure was never an issue. The place as-is could use a little paint, but to imply it's in danger of imminent collapse is just sensational. |
Apbest Member Username: Apbest
Post Number: 116 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 68.40.65.66
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 4:02 pm: | |
a quick note on an earlier post..Lafayette has a condo deal that is pretty solid, and set to start development sometime this summer, a credible company (Peebles corp) of Flrodai is converting it into condos |
Tkelly1986 Member Username: Tkelly1986
Post Number: 82 Registered: 01-2004 Posted From: 69.212.0.154
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 4:05 pm: | |
does anybody have a rending of the 1999 proposal? I remember seeing one |
Lowell Board Administrator Username: Lowell
Post Number: 2706 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 66.167.210.191
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 7:26 pm: | |
Great news and congrats to the all the great energetic folks in Corktown who through hard and tireless effort pulled off this neighborhood generated and neighbhorhood sensitive project -- a project that keeps and respects the past while moving on to the future. Bravo! ...and chirp, chirp, chrip! |
Supersport Member Username: Supersport
Post Number: 10188 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 24.12.55.203
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 8:06 pm: | |
Just came from Wriggley, and I gotta say, I'm sorry, but stadiums like Wriggley and Tiger Stadium have out lived their usefullness. While it was fun watching the Tigers play here, the fact that they had some old school scoreboard that guys hung the score on, as well as a coulple of electronic boards that seriously lacked the info I was looking for, made the whole experience way less than pleasant. I'm sorry, but the view from Comerica Park is one of the best you get of the city. Plus, it's right in the heart of downtown, so when people leave, they tend to patronize downtown. The places they park aren't some vacant lot in the middle of some neighborhood, a la Corktown, preventing development because parking is way more profitable. Yeah, old stadiums have history and all, but let's face it, this is a technology based era. People wanna have a clear line of site from every seat, people wanna know every stat on a player when they come up to the plate, and people would prefer to have a view of the city they are in as opposed to feeling enlosed in a compound, such as Tiger Stadium. That's just my two cents, and I realize many will disagree, but I'm just happy as hell that Tiger Stadium will remain a diamond, a diamond in which hopefully some day my kids can swing a bat at. The reality is it's either this, or the whole damn place get plowed under with ZERO preservation of anything. I don't think I've ever been so happy to hear a project officially announcd. To me, this trumps the Book Cadillac project by a long shot. I wanna start hearing neighborhood project such as this taking place, as opposed to everthing being focused downtown. Only then will the city start rebounding as a whole, as development spreads beyond just the CBD. |
Douglasm Member Username: Douglasm
Post Number: 571 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 66.189.188.28
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 8:09 pm: | |
Someone asked if other MLB ballparks were preserved in one form or another. I believe there were plans for the preservation of Sportsman's Park in St. Louis after Busch Stadium was built, but I don't know if they ever came to anything. The flagpole, a part of the Left Field wall (where Mazeroski hit his homer to win the '60 series) and home plate (in its proper position from Forbes Field in Pittsburgh still exist. |
Fnemecek
Member Username: Fnemecek
Post Number: 1698 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 69.212.209.22
| Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 11:13 pm: | |
quote:Lowell & Fnemecek, I must point out that you are both terrible teases! No fair!
Yeah, I used to date a stripper. We only lasted a few weeks, but she taught me a lot about teasing. |
Jenniferl Member Username: Jenniferl
Post Number: 282 Registered: 03-2004 Posted From: 4.229.57.18
| Posted on Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 12:56 am: | |
The plan sounds good to me. I'm sure the Corktown folks will see to it that the new condos and shops will look nice and fit in with the character of the neighborhood. I like the idea of saving the baseball diamond for the Little Leaguers. I've seen kids playing sandlot ball in North Corktown, just across the freeway. It will be such a joy for those same kids to be able to play on the old Tigers field. |
Drm Member Username: Drm
Post Number: 983 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.212.38.210
| Posted on Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 3:31 am: | |
quote:Does anyone know if the sketch at the top of the news article is one released by the city, as far as what they want, or just one that was created for a proposal?
It's just an idea, one person's vision. |
Jelk
Member Username: Jelk
Post Number: 3799 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 66.208.233.74
| Posted on Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 3:29 pm: | |
I realize this is something of an academic argument when it comes to Tiger Stadium but Supersport couldn't be more wrong about old ballparks' viability as Major League venues. On the face, it is absurd to say that parks like Wrigley and Fenway have outlived their usefulness. Cubs and Red Sox games remain among the best attended in baseball. Fans from around the world flock to Boston and Chicago to witness a game in those historic parks. Tiger Stadium had that kind of draw as well, though our historic park was never marketed as the historic baseball destination as Wrigley and Fenway. As far as the old hand operated scoreboard, I can, as a stat dork, see his point but that's arguably a small concession for the charm of a classic ballpark. And at least a hand operated scoreboard never breaks down, more than I can say for that abortion of a scoreboard at Comerica Park. Take away the pretty green frame and the main board is essentially the same scoreboard that was at Tiger Stadium. And the two secondary screens are rendered useless by a lack of content. You want to see a great scoreboard go to Jacobs Field in Cleveland. Look at the scoreboard at the Jake and you'll see replays, both line-ups, individual stats galore, Comerica Park's scoreboard is bush league by comparison. Many of the issues relating to Tiger Stadium and the Corktown neighborhood could have been addressed in a full-scale renovation effort. Parking decks, for instance, would have rendered the lot issues moot. And just west of the Fox Theatre, there is an exact replica of the parking lot blight that was the problem at Tiger Stadium. Wrigley Field sits in a non-downtown neighborhood that isn't hindered by parking the way Corktown was, the El train might have something to do with that go figure. And as far as Comerica Park, I think a mediocre Major League park. Forget Tiger Stadium, compare the CoPa to Camden Yards, Jacobs Field, the Ballpark at Arlington, ATT Park and they all blow the CoPa out of the water. Mike Ilitch built a Chevy, those other teams build Cadillacs. The setback upper deck at Comerica Park has more in common with the cookie cutter parks of the 1960's and 1970's that cities are falling over themselves to tear down then it does with the "neo-classic" ballparks that have been built in the last decade. The view of Detroit's skyline is well and good but I prefer to have a better view of the BASEBALL GAME. If you want to gaze lovingly at the city's skyline build an observation tower. If you want to watch a baseball game, go to a ballpark. From much of the CoPa's upper deck, fans are excessively far away from the action. Of course on of the charms of Tiger Stadium was the way the upper deck seemed to float over the field. Comerica Park is bland. It lacks the intimacy of the great ballparks. It reminds me more of the Richmond Braves park than the great Major League parks, modern or classic. The "unique" aspects of the CoPa are tacked on, the tiger sculptures, the ferris wheel, the "Tiger den" seats, the fountain. With great ballparks, the charm isn't in the bells and whistles added on but in the way the design of the ballpark facilitates watching a baseball game. Tiger Stadium did that and many of the newer parks copied aspects of Tiger Stadium's design. With Comerica Park, the Tigers threw away that legacy. And finally, as far as the obstructed view seats at Tiger Stadium go, there were 50,000+ seats at the old park whereas the CoPa have about 42,000. Take out the obstructed view seats, just rip them out, and suddenly both parks have 40,000-45,000 seats unobstructed by pillars and posts. Obstructed view seats was the mother of all red herrings in the stadium battle. So no, I don't think the old parks have out-lived their usefulness as Major League venues and I think Detroit's baseball fans would have been better served in the Tigers remained in a renovated Tiger Stadium, with better parking and traffic plans. That's water under the bridge at this point and props to Corktown for finding a constructive way to write another chapter for that site. However, people like Supersport needn't re-write history because they never experienced the greatness that was Tiger Stadium or because the truth doesn't neatly fit into their Campus Crusade for Detroit testimony. (Message edited by jelk on June 17, 2006) |
Haydenth Member Username: Haydenth
Post Number: 159 Registered: 05-2005 Posted From: 68.73.204.88
| Posted on Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 3:38 pm: | |
May I add - the secondary scoreboards are very valuable if you sit in the drunktank.. I mean section 345. You can't see the full scoreboard from there because you're too close to it (and/or too drunk). |
Tayshaun22 Member Username: Tayshaun22
Post Number: 242 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 69.14.101.116
| Posted on Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 9:20 pm: | |
I knew Sport didn't know what he was talking about once he mentioned "Wriggley". |
Pdtpuck Member Username: Pdtpuck
Post Number: 65 Registered: 01-2006 Posted From: 208.251.168.194
| Posted on Sunday, June 18, 2006 - 2:16 am: | |
It saddens me that I was born too late to witness a game at Tiger Stadium, or the Olympia, or Chicago Stadium, or Maple Leaf Gardens, or Boston Garden, or.......(ad infinitum) |
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan
Post Number: 3884 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 24.11.154.56
| Posted on Sunday, June 18, 2006 - 4:21 am: | |
Not being big baseball fans, my dad only took me one Tiger's game (sometime in the early 90's). I remember even as a little kid thinking how great Tiger Stadium was. As has been said to death, it really offered a more intimate setting with attention on the game, rather than on all of the extra little "perks." In that regard, Comerica will never match up. With that said, Tiger Stadium served its purpose well, and it's time for it to leave before its dignity is further diminished by another decade of decay. |
56packman Member Username: 56packman
Post Number: 392 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 65.185.132.134
| Posted on Sunday, June 18, 2006 - 1:36 pm: | |
ptdpuck--it is indeed a shame that you never got to experience Olympia stadium. The Long escalator ride up to the top of the upper seating area was way cool. The best thing is that the "cheap seats" up in the upper balcony were so close to the ice n' action that you never felt like a second-class citizen. I've been in the top of the bowl at the Joe, and the game seems like it's in another county. |
Rbdetsport Member Username: Rbdetsport
Post Number: 118 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 68.61.11.146
| Posted on Sunday, June 18, 2006 - 1:43 pm: | |
Ptdpuck, how young are you? I experienced Tiger Stadium and I am pretty young compared to most people on this forum. |
Pdtpuck Member Username: Pdtpuck
Post Number: 66 Registered: 01-2006 Posted From: 208.251.168.194
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 12:25 am: | |
quote:Ptdpuck, how young are you? I experienced Tiger Stadium and I am pretty young compared to most people on this forum.
well, I'm 37, but I live 9 hours away from Detroit, 3 from Chicago & St. Louis (I forgot to mention the old Arena!), but I never thought of taking road trips when I was young enough not to have to worry about job, family, etc. I took in my first Red Wings home game in '00, and I barely missed an opportunity to see the last game @ Maple Leaf Gardens! Plus, it helps I'm a history buff anyway, so seeing pics and hearing stories from people who went to those venues makes me wish I would've been brazen enough to get off my ass earlier than I did!!! Maybe I should've said BOLD enough to go to those places...I mean, TS went in '99, MLG in '99, Chic.Stad. in what...'94? Plenty old enough to cross the street w/o my parents permission, but not "crazy" enough for a road trip (I was quite the stoner in high school, so road trips amounted to nothing more than driving around in the country, doing far more stupid things than taking in a harmless sports road trip! How lame was I?!?). (Message edited by pdtpuck on June 19, 2006) |
Pete Member Username: Pete
Post Number: 59 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.73.55.174
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 6:03 am: | |
As far as reuse of other MLB parks around the country goes, I believe that the old Boston Braves Park was converted to use as Boston College's football stadium (still in use today). They may have shared at the time, too, but today there are still some features of the old park present as part of the current football stadium. |
Rasputin Member Username: Rasputin
Post Number: 3641 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 72.49.253.203
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 7:55 am: | |
Yayyyyyyyyyyyy!!!! TEAR that SCHITT DOWN!!!!! Black-atcha ..... |
Burnsie Member Username: Burnsie
Post Number: 454 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 141.216.1.4
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 9:13 am: | |
I echo Jelk's comments above. I was lucky enough to go to several games at Tiger Stadium with my dad in '96, '97 and '99. The sense of anticipation was outstanding at TS-- seeing the stadium way down Michigan Ave. with pennants waving, like a ship off in the distance. Walking through the long dark ramps and stairs, catching glimpses of the field, hearing the crowd. Then finally, walking up the last few stairs to our upper-deck section, and suddenly seeing the whole stadium and emerald-green field. It was enough to take your breath away. If baseball is a religion, then Tiger Stadium was a cathedral. It was its own glorious, self-contained world. Views of the skyline, a fancy scoreboard and silly tacked-on diversions weren't necessary. Sure I realize that Tiger Stadium isn't coming back, but Comerica Park will always be inferior to it. |
Genesyxx Member Username: Genesyxx
Post Number: 525 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 71.159.22.4
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 9:55 am: | |
I'm kind of on the fence about the lofts that will be added, but I'm all for this project if it happens. It sounds like a mighty ambitious project, and therefore unlikely by former KK plans, but the idea of a open field with lots of street-level shopping would push Corktown even more... maybe even past Midtown. Plus they'll finally work on Michigan Ave. Horray! |
Danny Member Username: Danny
Post Number: 4325 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 141.217.173.16
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 9:59 am: | |
Can anyone in this forum dicuss their fond memories of Tiger Stadium. |
Baltgar Member Username: Baltgar
Post Number: 1 Registered: 06-2006 Posted From: 67.38.83.5
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 11:32 am: | |
First time, long time. Can't wait for all those dollar stores, hair/nail shops, cell phone, check cashing and party stores to fill the 40-50 retailers. Some more concrete plans would be nice, instead of empty promises. Typical Detroit politics. I think someone needs to start an Illitch haters group. I am glad they are saving the field. Community amenities are what make great neighborhoods. |
Danny Member Username: Danny
Post Number: 4342 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 141.217.173.16
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 11:47 am: | |
Well I WANT Irish-owned business in that area. (Message edited by danny on June 19, 2006) |
Dialh4hipster Member Username: Dialh4hipster
Post Number: 1677 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 68.250.205.35
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 11:54 am: | |
Wow, Baltgar, welcome to the forum and thanks for that incredibly constructive and informative post! If there is one thing you can say about Corktown, it is that it's not full of dollar stores, hair/nail shops, cell phone, check cashing and party stores, so I think assuming those would be moving in is a bit (a) unoriginal and (b), well, let's stick with unoriginal. |
Burnsie Member Username: Burnsie
Post Number: 456 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 141.216.1.4
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 12:03 pm: | |
Somehow I doubt that the *entire* field will survive the redevelopment-- maybe they're just planning to save the diamond and some infield? It's not clear. |
E_hemingway Member Username: E_hemingway
Post Number: 770 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 69.242.215.8
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 12:03 pm: | |
Prediction on what stores will occupy those storefronts: Starbucks Kinkos Coney Island |
Spacemonkey Member Username: Spacemonkey
Post Number: 36 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 63.102.87.27
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 12:39 pm: | |
A friend of mine was an usher at old Tiger stadium. At one point when the ushers got new Tiger's jackets to wear, management said the workers could help themselves to the closet full of old, orange wool jackets. She gave me one of the jackets. It's real old. Think it'll be worth anything on ebay? It's a pretty rare find for a sports fan who'd want it. |
Itsjeff
Member Username: Itsjeff
Post Number: 6151 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 208.27.111.125
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 12:43 pm: | |
Uh, Baltgar, is that really how you wanted to make your debut here? With a bitchy, uninformed rant? |
56packman Member Username: 56packman
Post Number: 403 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 129.9.163.105
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 12:53 pm: | |
Danny: scene from Mel Brooks' "Blazing Saddles" "Well, I guess the N______S and Chinks can stay, but lets get one thing straight--right now-- NO IRISH!" (followed by grunts of uniform approval) I got a kick out of that, sure 'an begorrah, me Moothers maiden name was Kelly, don' you know |
Burnsie Member Username: Burnsie
Post Number: 458 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 141.216.1.4
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 12:55 pm: | |
"...is that really how you wanted to make your debut here? With a bitchy, uninformed rant?" Why not? That's what so many of the posts are like anyway. Might as well start early! |
Gistok Member Username: Gistok
Post Number: 2325 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 4.229.81.78
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 12:59 pm: | |
Yes, but has the Noob ever even been to Corktown?? He might not be making such a statement if he has.... |
Harpernottingham Member Username: Harpernottingham
Post Number: 69 Registered: 04-2006 Posted From: 66.178.227.202
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 12:59 pm: | |
In case you missed Neal Rubin's column today ... http://tinyurl.com/qmr4z |
Frank_c Member Username: Frank_c
Post Number: 570 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 24.13.13.14
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 1:37 pm: | |
Sport you really have perception problems, pour another, we were at the same field same game/s and you see shit and I see nirvana.......whoa......... yeah Detroit! |
Pmardo Member Username: Pmardo
Post Number: 13 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 141.211.173.244
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 1:59 pm: | |
Let's all hope that the retail that comes is not just dollar and liquor stores, but also that it is not solely high end clothing stores that are not affordable to Detroiters at large. How about a mix of low-end, high-end, and everything in between including (gasp) a grocery store?!? Also, let's hope that whatever is built at the corner is integrated with the surrounding neighborhoods in a grid-type pattern and not fenced off like a fortress. And who knows, maybe ven a new transit station could be placed there in the future for a future light-rail line or our current bus service? |
E_hemingway Member Username: E_hemingway
Post Number: 772 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 69.242.215.8
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 3:09 pm: | |
quote:Also, let's hope that whatever is built at the corner is integrated with the surrounding neighborhoods in a grid-type pattern and not fenced off like a fortress. And who knows, maybe ven a new transit station could be placed there in the future for a future light-rail line or our current bus service?
Ahhhh dreams... So close, yet so far away... |
Ravine Member Username: Ravine
Post Number: 166 Registered: 01-2006 Posted From: 69.220.62.66
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 3:30 pm: | |
Rasputin, the only way I will derive any joy from the razing of Tiger Stadium is if I am 100% convinced that you are trapped inside. |
Jelk
Member Username: Jelk
Post Number: 3800 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.209.166.114
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 3:40 pm: | |
I does seem unfortunate that the opponents of this plan refuse to acknowledge that the Corktown development organization has a pretty good track record of tackling projects they can actually complete and respecting the history of the neighborhood they are developing in. It is fair to say you wouldn't see those guys clear-cutting several blocks of land and houses to put up suburban style gated-condo communities at the expense of existing residents, for instance. Of course the devil will be in the details and it is up to everyone with strong feelings about Tiger Stadium to make sure Corktown keeps its word about their plans, that's what active citizenry is all about, but nothing in the Corktown organizations history suggests to me they will pimp out the corner to liquor stores and whip shops or back away from their promise to maintain the field as part of the development. |
Rasputin Member Username: Rasputin
Post Number: 3647 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 72.49.253.203
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 3:53 pm: | |
Well Ravine, meguesses you'll be 1 sad, long faced, pouty mouthed MoFo for a long time!! Black-atcha .... |
Ravine Member Username: Ravine
Post Number: 167 Registered: 01-2006 Posted From: 69.220.62.66
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 4:04 pm: | |
Damn!! Still, despite my love for the place, it is, indeed, time that we face the fact that, since it is no longer in use, it has to come down. Despite our differences, let's cross our fingers that the result is a positive one, ie. no f***ing non-union Wal-Mart kind of shit. I like Corktown a lot, and the residents deserve for something good to come outr of this, as do we all, for that matter. |
Dialh4hipster Member Username: Dialh4hipster
Post Number: 1678 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 68.250.205.35
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 4:14 pm: | |
I vote for all middle- and high-end retail/restaurant personally. We seem to have low-end locked in around here. |
Smogboy Member Username: Smogboy
Post Number: 3106 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 69.47.100.44
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 4:23 pm: | |
Old Tiger Stadium is set IN a neighborhood. Let's keep the neighborhood feel if the place has to be revamped. |
Dialh4hipster Member Username: Dialh4hipster
Post Number: 1679 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 68.250.205.35
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 4:46 pm: | |
Yes, let's do. |
Itsjeff
Member Username: Itsjeff
Post Number: 6153 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 208.27.111.125
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 4:51 pm: | |
I'm against a "neighborhood feel." I want sleek and high-tech at the corner. |
Detroit313 Member Username: Detroit313
Post Number: 79 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 72.229.136.103
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 4:57 pm: | |
I like the artist rendering. Lets keep it a neighborhood feel, but a little high-tech in the mix. That is a large piece of land to develope. 313 |
Jelk
Member Username: Jelk
Post Number: 3802 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.209.166.114
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 4:59 pm: | |
Let's add some puppies while were add it. And vanilla iced cream. Comments that offer nothing more than "let's keep the neighborhood feel" make this site read like Larry King's USA Today column. |
Ravine Member Username: Ravine
Post Number: 171 Registered: 01-2006 Posted From: 69.220.62.66
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 5:00 pm: | |
Screw "sleek and high-tech." I want something more mid-range. I'd hate to see it turn into a venue where the only involvement enjoyed by area residents is the opportunity to let people park on their lawns. |
Andyguard73 Member Username: Andyguard73
Post Number: 101 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 141.209.33.164
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 5:14 pm: | |
What do you think will be more likely for the development as far as parking goes? I see 3 things happening. 1) They purchase some of the surface lots and make them permanent (probably landscaped)2)They purchase one or two and build parking garages, or 3) they build an underground lot underneath the new complex. What do you guys think will happen? |
Llyn
Member Username: Llyn
Post Number: 1567 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 68.61.197.206
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 8:00 pm: | |
I'm against the sleek and high tech and the neighborhood feel. I definitely want a parking lot. An historic parking lot. With a sign that says "this is where Ty Cobb and al Kaline parked." |
Brian Member Username: Brian
Post Number: 3317 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.250.9.16
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 8:50 pm: | |
Noting that Tiger Stadium is outside of the CBD and therefore does not have access to DDA funds, this project has a skeptical success rate. The city can afford to demolish the stadium, but it will probably sit like the emtpy lot where Hudson's used to be. More than likely this is an attempt to tear it down without having too many protests and questions about the money. This project will have to be financed with private funds and the track record is weak under KK on private financed development. Even GM and CPWR got government loans. Although this project has a stronger chance of success than the BC, I predict that this will not get off the ground. (Like the BC.) Also, if Corktown had a potential to generate revenue from a business district, there would be a business district in that area. Again, government cannot force a business district without a market in the area. They have tried to do so in the CBD and have not been succesful. |
Taj920 Member Username: Taj920
Post Number: 107 Registered: 01-2004 Posted From: 68.42.252.205
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 9:59 pm: | |
I hope it works, but a question looms: If GM can't lease all the retail space in Renaissance Center with a daytime population of 10,000 people, can Corktown's 300 households (being generous here) support new retail at the Corner? |
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan
Post Number: 3896 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 24.11.154.56
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 10:29 pm: | |
The square footage of retail will obviously be quite a bit different between the two, won't it? There has not been a formal proposal for the site, as bids still need to be put out from what I understand. This thing is far from being over, but why paint it as being DOA? It seems quite obvious that the retail will be neighborhood oriented, and if Corktown can't make this work, than just about no neighborhood can. Let's be cautiously optimistic, instead of chronically pessimistic. |
Drm Member Username: Drm
Post Number: 986 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 70.236.165.58
| Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 11:19 pm: | |
Yay, Brian chimed in. Good to see you're still alive there, old pal. I actually don't blame people for being skeptical, but this time will be different. We'll let the results speak for themselves. |
Royce Member Username: Royce
Post Number: 1644 Registered: 07-2004 Posted From: 75.9.241.133
| Posted on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 3:18 am: | |
Regarding the 40-50 shops, what kind of stores do Corktown residents want? Hair salons and check cashing shops only exist if there is a demand for them. If Corktown residents demand these services, then wouldn't it make sense that out of the number of shops being proposed, that these businesses would go there? Those of us who aren't Corktown residents can't dictate what businesses go on the TS site simply because we don't find some businesses agreeable to our TASTES. Corktown residents get the final say. Be happy that they want to preserve some of the field. |
Corktownmark Member Username: Corktownmark
Post Number: 191 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 69.246.27.152
| Posted on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 7:37 am: | |
The project is supposed to have 40+ housing units. Corktown and north corktown do need more housing units of all types, lofts, condos and infill housing. |
E_hemingway Member Username: E_hemingway
Post Number: 774 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 69.242.215.8
| Posted on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 8:38 am: | |
Something to keep in mind. Although the stadium will probably be torn down all at once, the development of the land it is on will probably take place in phases over an extended peroid of time, say 10 years. That is how large development projects anywhere usually take place. Look at Crosswinds in Brush Park as an example. My gut feeling is the developers will do the entrance, downsize the field and then develop the parcel on Michigan Avenue. Thus only a handful of those 50 storefronts and 150 condos will come online at once. After those are filled and sold, expect one of the other sections, say the one on Trumbull, to be developed and so on. It will be eased into the neighborhood, so it's not like all of those storefronts and condos will just magically appear and stand empty. Also keep in mind that as this is being developed, a lot of those gravel parking lots will start to slowly fill in with development, especially after Michigan Avenue is redone in the next few years. It won't change overnight, but this development has the potential to reverse a lot of currents and set many projects in motion. If and when Tiger Stadium is torn down, you'll see a significant difference in the neighborhood in five or 10 years. |
Brian Member Username: Brian
Post Number: 3318 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.37.83.20
| Posted on Saturday, June 24, 2006 - 11:26 pm: | |
Then this project is really a ten year look ahead, a forecast when the housing market improves and the economy is expected to be stronger. If projects like the BC are not intended to make a profit for five years then perhaps that is a more likely scenario. This would fit in with the market data that exists today. But its not what is being told to CC or the those tax payers. Will Corktown be willing to wait ten years to see this project, and perhaps others, succeed? Then how does this fit in with KK's philosphy of a shrinking Detroit? More housing units won't shrink the city. Then the mayors plans are short term for the current low population. Unless the mayor and planners are looking at a further flight out of the city and are expecting some areas to be totally bare. Too much conflicting promises and statements by these pseudo public agencies and government spokes people. It might not be lying but its not the whole truth.(hence my heavy skepticism.) I I lived in corktown I would protest those commercial property owners who are allowing their property to sit vacant and look awful while they speculate on what the future might bring. This plan may just be a way for them to get out from under as opposed to the local residents seeing their property values improve. |