Discuss Detroit » Archives - Beginning July 2006 » Tiger Stadium To Be Demolished... finally a decision « Previous Next »
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Genesyxx
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Username: Genesyxx

Post Number: 522
Registered: 02-2004
Posted From: 71.159.22.4
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 8:46 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Itsjeff
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Username: Itsjeff

Post Number: 6125
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 208.27.111.125
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 8:48 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I'm guessing that this thread will go maybe 3 posts.... 4 tops.
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Andyguard73
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Username: Andyguard73

Post Number: 92
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 68.42.80.245
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 9:13 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Here's three for you Itsjeff.
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Fnemecek
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Username: Fnemecek

Post Number: 1696
Registered: 12-2004
Posted From: 69.213.205.227
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 9:22 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yeah, I'm all in favor of posting several times, just to prove Jeff wrong.
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Drm
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Username: Drm

Post Number: 977
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 69.212.49.149
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 9:26 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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)?
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E_hemingway
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Username: E_hemingway

Post Number: 761
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 68.42.176.123
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 9:29 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Detroit to announce Tiger Stadium plan soon

www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ article?AID=/20060615/UPDATE/6 06150453
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Rrl
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Username: Rrl

Post Number: 530
Registered: 12-2003
Posted From: 209.181.212.60
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 9:30 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Danindc
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Username: Danindc

Post Number: 1541
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 67.100.158.10
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 9:40 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Dialh4hipster
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Username: Dialh4hipster

Post Number: 1665
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 68.61.187.234
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 9:43 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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."
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Neilr
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Username: Neilr

Post Number: 265
Registered: 06-2005
Posted From: 69.242.223.67
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 9:44 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Dialh4hipster
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Username: Dialh4hipster

Post Number: 1666
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 68.61.187.234
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 9:51 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Lowell
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Username: Lowell

Post Number: 2703
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 66.167.210.191
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 9:57 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


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.
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Danindc
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Username: Danindc

Post Number: 1543
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 67.100.158.10
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 10:09 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

God, I hope so.

Sorry for the cynicism. The City Council and recent mayoral administrations haven't exactly been beacons of inspiration.
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Danny
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Username: Danny

Post Number: 4292
Registered: 02-2004
Posted From: 141.217.174.229
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 10:23 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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?
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Fnemecek
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Username: Fnemecek

Post Number: 1697
Registered: 12-2004
Posted From: 69.213.205.227
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 10:35 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


quote:

My little birdies are singing a different song. Standby for some positive news.



I think your birdies have been talking to my birdies.
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Dialh4hipster
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Username: Dialh4hipster

Post Number: 1667
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 68.61.187.234
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 10:38 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


quote:

I think your birdies have been talking to my birdies.




Jesus, it's a fucking Disney movie in here!
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Matt
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Username: Matt

Post Number: 1061
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 208.49.95.12
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 10:39 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Let's hope everyone's birdies aren't gobbled up by a big, grinning cat.
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Bvos
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Username: Bvos

Post Number: 1519
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 66.238.170.40
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 10:42 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Kimmiann
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Username: Kimmiann

Post Number: 46
Registered: 10-2005
Posted From: 155.139.40.51
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 10:49 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Lowell & Fnemecek, I must point out that you are both terrible teases! No fair!
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Kimmiann
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Username: Kimmiann

Post Number: 47
Registered: 10-2005
Posted From: 155.139.40.51
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 10:52 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Lowell & Fnemecek - you two are terrible teases! No fair!
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Spacemonkey
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Username: Spacemonkey

Post Number: 31
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 63.102.87.27
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 10:55 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I hope they build an auto racing track where Tiger Stadium is. That would be good.
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Supersport
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Username: Supersport

Post Number: 10181
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 64.118.137.226
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 11:10 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


quote:

My little birdies are singing a different song. Standby for some positive news.




Methinks our birds and feathers be flockin' together.
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Supersport
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Username: Supersport

Post Number: 10182
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 64.118.137.226
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 11:13 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


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)
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Matt
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Username: Matt

Post Number: 1065
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 208.49.95.12
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 11:18 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Mackinaw
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Username: Mackinaw

Post Number: 1748
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 69.221.95.23
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 11:31 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Supersport
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Username: Supersport

Post Number: 10184
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 64.118.137.226
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 12:03 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Bvos
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Username: Bvos

Post Number: 1526
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 66.238.170.40
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 12:10 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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
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Dialh4hipster
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Username: Dialh4hipster

Post Number: 1669
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 68.250.205.35
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 12:22 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Ha ha Itsjeff, this thread went on way past 4 posts!

Oh wait, you were being sarcastic.
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Oldredfordette
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Username: Oldredfordette

Post Number: 902
Registered: 02-2004
Posted From: 68.60.177.56
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 12:29 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Josh
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Username: Josh

Post Number: 806
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 69.209.139.153
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 12:38 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Tigersfan9
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Username: Tigersfan9

Post Number: 44
Registered: 03-2005
Posted From: 64.118.151.178
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 12:39 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Nobody wants to play Dr. Doolittle and let us know what the birdies are talking about?
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E_hemingway
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Username: E_hemingway

Post Number: 763
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 68.42.176.123
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 12:51 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I don't believe any news that doesn't come directly from at least three street prophets.
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Thedownriviera
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Username: Thedownriviera

Post Number: 3
Registered: 06-2006
Posted From: 68.61.202.250
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 12:58 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Bvos
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Username: Bvos

Post Number: 1530
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 66.238.170.34
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 1:05 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Reetz12
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Username: Reetz12

Post Number: 60
Registered: 09-2005
Posted From: 216.144.213.130
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 1:13 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Elwoodp
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Username: Elwoodp

Post Number: 2
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 64.6.190.66
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 1:22 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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
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Gistok
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Username: Gistok

Post Number: 2317
Registered: 08-2004
Posted From: 4.229.90.21
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 2:54 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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....
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Rustic
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Username: Rustic

Post Number: 2555
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 128.36.14.154
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 3:00 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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)
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Mind_field
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Username: Mind_field

Post Number: 578
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 75.10.3.92
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 3:43 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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?
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Itsjeff
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Username: Itsjeff

Post Number: 6129
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 208.27.111.125
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 3:58 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Mind_field, no.

Hey, weren't you the one who predicted that the Book Cadillac deal will never go forward?
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1953
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Username: 1953

Post Number: 880
Registered: 12-2004
Posted From: 209.104.146.146
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 3:59 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I hope its not a no-bid agreement for $5 million.
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Focusonthed
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Username: Focusonthed

Post Number: 263
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 209.220.229.254
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 4:11 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Tiger Stadium will become a city-owned golf course.
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Morena
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Username: Morena

Post Number: 428
Registered: 08-2004
Posted From: 216.45.5.114
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 4:13 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Darwinism
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Username: Darwinism

Post Number: 518
Registered: 06-2005
Posted From: 69.208.112.116
Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 4:28 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Pdtpuck
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Username: Pdtpuck

Post Number: 57
Registered: 01-2006
Posted From: 208.251.168.194
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 2:08 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

by the sounds of this thread, it looks like it will be turned into an aviary....

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
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Drm
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Username: Drm

Post Number: 979
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 69.212.55.181
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 5:33 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll /article?AID=2006606160443
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Dnvn522
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Username: Dnvn522

Post Number: 122
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 204.24.64.25
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 7:24 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

"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.
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Drm
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Username: Drm

Post Number: 980
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 69.212.55.181
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 7:31 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


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?
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Merchantgander
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Username: Merchantgander

Post Number: 1901
Registered: 01-2005
Posted From: 150.198.150.244
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 7:32 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pb cs.dll/article?AID=/20060616/M ETRO/606160341
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Dialh4hipster
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Username: Dialh4hipster

Post Number: 1672
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 68.61.187.234
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 7:37 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I'd also like to point out this announcement was made on exactly the day it was supposed to be made.
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Drm
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Username: Drm

Post Number: 981
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Posted From: 69.212.55.181
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 7:41 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


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.
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Drm
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Username: Drm

Post Number: 982
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Posted From: 69.212.55.181
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 7:42 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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!
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Merchantgander
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Username: Merchantgander

Post Number: 1902
Registered: 01-2005
Posted From: 150.198.150.244
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 8:11 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


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.
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Dialh4hipster
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Username: Dialh4hipster

Post Number: 1673
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 68.61.187.234
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 8:16 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Itsjeff
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Username: Itsjeff

Post Number: 6131
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 208.27.111.125
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 8:26 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

<---slapping DialH, calling him a whore.
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Bvos
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Username: Bvos

Post Number: 1537
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 66.238.170.38
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 8:33 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Rjk
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Username: Rjk

Post Number: 347
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 68.41.145.5
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 8:42 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

"...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.
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Tetsua
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Username: Tetsua

Post Number: 661
Registered: 01-2004
Posted From: 68.61.194.237
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 9:37 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The condo prospects are getting really interesting in the D. I still have my heart set on getting one on the river though.
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Mackinaw
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Username: Mackinaw

Post Number: 1763
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 70.141.78.3
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 10:24 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Smogboy
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Username: Smogboy

Post Number: 3061
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 69.47.100.44
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 10:28 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Susanarosa
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Username: Susanarosa

Post Number: 908
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 208.39.170.90
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 10:35 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Just what I've always wanted, a condo overlooking a bunch of snot-nosed brats playing little league.
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Mackinaw
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Username: Mackinaw

Post Number: 1764
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 70.141.78.3
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 10:41 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Supersport
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Username: Supersport

Post Number: 10187
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 24.12.55.203
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 10:46 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Danny
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Username: Danny

Post Number: 4315
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Posted From: 141.217.174.223
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 10:49 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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."
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Bvos
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Username: Bvos

Post Number: 1549
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 66.238.170.38
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 10:53 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

"Nolan Finley is such a hack in his column..."

Nolan Finley is a hack pretty much all the time.
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Swingline
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Username: Swingline

Post Number: 519
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 172.149.5.252
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 11:14 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Mackinaw
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Username: Mackinaw

Post Number: 1765
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 70.141.78.3
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 11:16 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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)
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Dougw
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Username: Dougw

Post Number: 1182
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Posted From: 136.1.1.33
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 11:27 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Swingline
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Username: Swingline

Post Number: 521
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 172.149.5.252
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 11:59 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


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.
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Harpernottingham
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Username: Harpernottingham

Post Number: 68
Registered: 04-2006
Posted From: 66.178.227.202
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 12:09 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Itsjeff
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Username: Itsjeff

Post Number: 6135
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 208.27.111.125
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 12:34 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Perhaps an attempt to prevent smiting?
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Andyguard73
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Username: Andyguard73

Post Number: 97
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 141.209.33.145
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 2:10 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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?
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Jelk
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Username: Jelk

Post Number: 3798
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 69.209.148.99
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 2:32 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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)
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Danindc
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Username: Danindc

Post Number: 1544
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 67.100.158.10
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 2:47 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


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.
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Apbest
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Username: Apbest

Post Number: 116
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 68.40.65.66
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 4:02 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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
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Tkelly1986
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Username: Tkelly1986

Post Number: 82
Registered: 01-2004
Posted From: 69.212.0.154
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 4:05 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

does anybody have a rending of the 1999 proposal? I remember seeing one
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Lowell
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Username: Lowell

Post Number: 2706
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 66.167.210.191
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 7:26 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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!
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Supersport
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Username: Supersport

Post Number: 10188
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 24.12.55.203
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 8:06 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Douglasm
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Username: Douglasm

Post Number: 571
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 66.189.188.28
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 8:09 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Fnemecek
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Username: Fnemecek

Post Number: 1698
Registered: 12-2004
Posted From: 69.212.209.22
Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 11:13 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


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.
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Jenniferl
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Username: Jenniferl

Post Number: 282
Registered: 03-2004
Posted From: 4.229.57.18
Posted on Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 12:56 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Drm
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Username: Drm

Post Number: 983
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 69.212.38.210
Posted on Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 3:31 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


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.
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Jelk
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Username: Jelk

Post Number: 3799
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 66.208.233.74
Posted on Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 3:29 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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)
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Haydenth
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Username: Haydenth

Post Number: 159
Registered: 05-2005
Posted From: 68.73.204.88
Posted on Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 3:38 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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).
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Tayshaun22
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Username: Tayshaun22

Post Number: 242
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 69.14.101.116
Posted on Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 9:20 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I knew Sport didn't know what he was talking about once he mentioned "Wriggley".
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Pdtpuck
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Username: Pdtpuck

Post Number: 65
Registered: 01-2006
Posted From: 208.251.168.194
Posted on Sunday, June 18, 2006 - 2:16 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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)
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Lmichigan
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Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 3884
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 24.11.154.56
Posted on Sunday, June 18, 2006 - 4:21 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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56packman
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Username: 56packman

Post Number: 392
Registered: 12-2005
Posted From: 65.185.132.134
Posted on Sunday, June 18, 2006 - 1:36 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Rbdetsport
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Username: Rbdetsport

Post Number: 118
Registered: 11-2005
Posted From: 68.61.11.146
Posted on Sunday, June 18, 2006 - 1:43 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Ptdpuck, how young are you? I experienced Tiger Stadium and I am pretty young compared to most people on this forum.
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Pdtpuck
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Username: Pdtpuck

Post Number: 66
Registered: 01-2006
Posted From: 208.251.168.194
Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 12:25 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


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)
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Pete
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Username: Pete

Post Number: 59
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 68.73.55.174
Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 6:03 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Rasputin
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Username: Rasputin

Post Number: 3641
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 72.49.253.203
Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 7:55 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yayyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!

TEAR that SCHITT DOWN!!!!!


Black-atcha .....
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Burnsie
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Username: Burnsie

Post Number: 454
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 141.216.1.4
Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 9:13 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Genesyxx
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Username: Genesyxx

Post Number: 525
Registered: 02-2004
Posted From: 71.159.22.4
Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 9:55 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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!
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Danny
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Username: Danny

Post Number: 4325
Registered: 02-2004
Posted From: 141.217.173.16
Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 9:59 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Can anyone in this forum dicuss their fond memories of Tiger Stadium.
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Baltgar
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Username: Baltgar

Post Number: 1
Registered: 06-2006
Posted From: 67.38.83.5
Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 11:32 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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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:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Well I WANT Irish-owned business in that area.

(Message edited by danny on June 19, 2006)
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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:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Burnsie
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Username: Burnsie

Post Number: 456
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 141.216.1.4
Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 12:03 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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E_hemingway
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Username: E_hemingway

Post Number: 770
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 69.242.215.8
Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 12:03 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Prediction on what stores will occupy those storefronts:

Starbucks
Kinkos
Coney Island
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Spacemonkey
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Username: Spacemonkey

Post Number: 36
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 63.102.87.27
Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 12:39 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Itsjeff
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Username: Itsjeff

Post Number: 6151
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 208.27.111.125
Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 12:43 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Uh, Baltgar, is that really how you wanted to make your debut here? With a bitchy, uninformed rant?
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56packman
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Username: 56packman

Post Number: 403
Registered: 12-2005
Posted From: 129.9.163.105
Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 12:53 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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
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Burnsie
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Username: Burnsie

Post Number: 458
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 141.216.1.4
Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 12:55 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

"...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!
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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:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yes, but has the Noob ever even been to Corktown?? He might not be making such a statement if he has....
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Harpernottingham
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Username: Harpernottingham

Post Number: 69
Registered: 04-2006
Posted From: 66.178.227.202
Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 12:59 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

In case you missed Neal Rubin's column today ...

http://tinyurl.com/qmr4z
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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:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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!
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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:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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?
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E_hemingway
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Username: E_hemingway

Post Number: 772
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 69.242.215.8
Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 3:09 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


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...
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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:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Jelk
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Username: Jelk

Post Number: 3800
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 69.209.166.114
Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 3:40 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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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:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Well Ravine, meguesses you'll be 1 sad, long faced, pouty mouthed MoFo for a long time!! Jerry

Black-atcha ....
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Ravine
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Username: Ravine

Post Number: 167
Registered: 01-2006
Posted From: 69.220.62.66
Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 4:04 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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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:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I vote for all middle- and high-end retail/restaurant personally. We seem to have low-end locked in around here.
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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:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Old Tiger Stadium is set IN a neighborhood. Let's keep the neighborhood feel if the place has to be revamped.
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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:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yes, let's do.
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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:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I'm against a "neighborhood feel." I want sleek and high-tech at the corner.
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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:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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
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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:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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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:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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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:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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?
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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:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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."
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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:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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Taj920
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Username: Taj920

Post Number: 107
Registered: 01-2004
Posted From: 68.42.252.205
Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 9:59 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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?
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Lmichigan
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Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 3896
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 24.11.154.56
Posted on Monday, June 19, 2006 - 10:29 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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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:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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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:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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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:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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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:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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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:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.

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