urbanMSP

Oh, what the hell.. I was curious about the proportions of the Nic on Fifth if it were a much taller building (an issue that has had much hand-wringing about it, even today). So, here's a quick study.

Awesome. Tell 'em to keep building

Looks about the right proportion now. Thanks Avian!

Now that's what I'm looking for!

It's almost twice as tall but looks 10 times better.

Unfortunately , Opus couldn't get the financing for their original 33 story design which was better. I can't fault them for that as lenders were wary and we just were coming out the "Great Recession". However, I do think they should have modified the shorter design so the massing was less boxy and more sophisticated for such a prominent site on Nicollet Mall . They could have been done that fairly easily which a much better aesthetic outcome at 26 stories. My criticism now was both Opus and ESG architects were unimaginative , if not a bit lazy in coming to a better design solution.

Here's an example of an apartment tower proposal that's about 22 stories in Kansas City. Much better design that responds nicely to the urban setting with a little more pizazz (than Nic on Fifth) even though it's also not really tall:

That 49 story version looks about as graceful as the Multifoods tower.

That 49 story version looks about as graceful as the Multifoods tower.

That was my exact thought. One is enough of those.

Unfortunately , Opus couldn't get the financing for their original 33 story design which was better. I can't fault them for that as lenders were wary and we just were coming out the "Great Recession". However, I do think they should have modified the shorter design so the massing was less boxy and more sophisticated for such a prominent site on Nicollet Mall . They could have been done that fairly easily which a much better aesthetic outcome at 26 stories. My criticism now was both Opus and ESG architects were unimaginative , if not a bit lazy in coming to a better design solution.

Here's an example of an apartment tower proposal that's about 22 stories in Kansas City. Much better design that responds nicely to the urban setting with a little more pizazz (than Nic on Fifth) even though it's also not really tall:

I'm having a difficult time understanding why you think this is so much better than Nic on Fifth? It's essentially the same design. And I would even argue that the Nic has more going on at the street level; a much more enhanced pedestrian experience. Do you have any specific recommendations on making the design more imaginative?

^^^Agree , it does resemble Nic on Fifth, but its not so plain. They break up the massing a bit more so its not completely a box and the have a more interesting cantilevered top with different heights. Agree the street level of Nic on Fifth is good. Actually the street level is the redeeming quality that makes Nic a decent project IMO.

That 49 story version looks about as graceful as the Multifoods tower.

That was my exact thought. One is enough of those.

Ha, was mine as well.

Couldn't agree with John more.

I've been thinking that one thing the cities have been missing is a great centrally located outdoor music venue, preferably an amphitheater. So I started playing around with Google Maps and I realized that a great location would be north bank of the Mississippi right next to the end of the Stone Arch Bridge. It would have an amazing view of the river and falls not to mention depending how you exactly orient the seating a great view of the downtown skyline from the new Vikings Stadium all the way to the Carlyle.

I wouldn't think the programing wouldn't be overly difficult either, look at the success that the Music in the Zoo series has had, you could do the same thing there as well.

There actually is a small outdoor stage right there. (We are talking about the St Anthony side right?)

There actually is a small outdoor stage right there. (We are talking about the St Anthony side right?)

Yes, St. Anthony side. I see it now I originally thought it was a gazebo or something. But I'm thinking about something with a much larger capacity.

That was where the Today show set was going to go in my homemade Twin Cities Olympic bid.

I don't think you would be able to see the falls from here, that peninsula with trees is in the way. /nitpick

EMBIGGEN: https://i.imgur.com/s7t2PZx.jpg

- Develop on all existing surface parking
- Develop Downtown East / Elliot Park as a live/play district
- Establish "green" avenues along Nicollet and Hennepin
- Building mini-golf driving range on the roof of Ramp A
- Build parks over I394. Build additional pocket parks to serve as neighborhood anchors

Not sure about the other parts but I really like the parks over 394. Personally, I'd like to see some development over the freeway too, not *all* parks, but parks may be a good first step.

- Develop on all existing surface parking
- Develop Downtown East / Elliot Park as a live/play district
- Establish "green" avenues along Nicollet and Hennepin
- Building mini-golf driving range on the roof of Ramp A
- Build parks over I394. Build additional pocket parks to serve as neighborhood anchors

You forgot:

- Move Downtown St. Paul to the site of the Metrodome.