New Parking Garage on Exchange

[clevezip]

Here is a pretty good image of the deck!

http://img180.imageshack.us/i/img0629k.jpg/

[tbozeglav]

the new deck is really shaping up nicely. I think it'll look a lot better than people think it will.

I did, however, notice that theyve got a huge backup generator installed on the first floor over where the project first started (corner by the power substation). I have absolutely no idea why they'd need it there, but whatever its powering must need a lot of juice. Computer Center is across the street (where I work), but its had its own backup generator forever...

[MDZip]

Here is a pretty good image of the deck!

http://img180.imageshack.us/i/img0629k.jpg/

I think it works in quite well with the architectural deisgn of the stadium.

[Jake]

So would I. Perhaps you can talk to university planners like I did to find out more. It is their idea and not mine. Try not to attack them though. I know it is what you like to do best...attack any progressive and positive thought, that is.

Yep that's me, I like to stomp on progression. In fact I am so angry that they turned Carroll St into some kind of outdoor living room that I've continuously petitioned to have either an arena or street placed there. A major portion of the campus without a street? Blasphemy.

No Jake, all I was saying is, I would love to see the information on how they would turn parts of Exchange into a mall and have it not effect the accessibility of the new deck. I never said "down with progress".

If you would read what people say and then form an opinion instead of forming an opinion and then reading for things that support that opinion, you would do so much better in here.

Nice back peddle but no cigar!

[Jake]

So would I. Perhaps you can talk to university planners like I did to find out more. It is their idea and not mine. Try not to attack them though. I know it is what you like to do best...attack any progressive and positive thought, that is.

Yep that's me, I like to stomp on progression. In fact I am so angry that they turned Carroll St into some kind of outdoor living room that I've continuously petitioned to have either an arena or street placed there. A major portion of the campus without a street? Blasphemy.

No Jake, all I was saying is, I would love to see the information on how they would turn parts of Exchange into a mall and have it not effect the accessibility of the new deck. I never said "down with progress".

If you would read what people say and then form an opinion instead of forming an opinion and then reading for things that support that opinion, you would do so much better in here.

The "mall" could probably start at grant. Getting to the garage would be easy from Wolfs Ledges and W. exchange. The idea might actually work well. I know it is only half of the south edge of campus but it would encompass the worst part of exchange while allowing access to the new garage area. I know Jake will like where the arena is listed. Pedestrians crossing from the new dorm area would also see much less traffic and lower speeds directly in front of the exchange residence hall due to the dead end. I would hope that most would cross in the newly created pedestrian area though.

Thanks for the view. That looks like the area for the second phase of the new dorms. However, it is close to the area of development I was thinking UA could put the new arena which would have as its borders: Exchange, Spicer, Harvey Court and Goodkirk. UA has musch if not most of that area already and there is ample room for an arena w/o disturbing the existing Greek Housing or future potential Greek Village. Nice job!

[Blue & Gold]

So would I. Perhaps you can talk to university planners like I did to find out more. It is their idea and not mine. Try not to attack them though. I know it is what you like to do best...attack any progressive and positive thought, that is.

Yep that's me, I like to stomp on progression. In fact I am so angry that they turned Carroll St into some kind of outdoor living room that I've continuously petitioned to have either an arena or street placed there. A major portion of the campus without a street? Blasphemy.

No Jake, all I was saying is, I would love to see the information on how they would turn parts of Exchange into a mall and have it not effect the accessibility of the new deck. I never said "down with progress".

If you would read what people say and then form an opinion instead of forming an opinion and then reading for things that support that opinion, you would do so much better in here.

The "mall" could probably start at grant. Getting to the garage would be easy from Wolfs Ledges and W. exchange. The idea might actually work well. I know it is only half of the south edge of campus but it would encompass the worst part of exchange while allowing access to the new garage area. I know Jake will like where the arena is listed. Pedestrians crossing from the new dorm area would also see much less traffic and lower speeds directly in front of the exchange residence hall due to the dead end. I would hope that most would cross in the newly created pedestrian area though.

Thanks for the view. That looks like the area for the second phase of the new dorms. However, it is close to the area of development I was thinking UA could put the new arena which would have as its borders: Exchange, Spicer, Harvey Court and Goodkirk. UA has musch if not most of that area already and there is ample room for an arena w/o disturbing the existing Greek Housing or future potential Greek Village. Nice job!

I was wasting some time on Google maps and looked at that spot for the new arena. There is plenty of room there for a 11-12,000 seat arena.

Pitt's Peterson Events Center (12,500), Providence's Dunkin' Donuts Center (12,500), the Hartford Civic Center (16,300), Grand Rapid's Van Andel Arena (10,834) & The University of Saint Louis' Chaifetz Arena (10,600) would all fit perfectly in that location.

Plus could you imagine the view of the arena from Rt.8 just south of the Buchtel Street exit?! Sweet!

I'm for an on campus, 11,000-seat basketball friendly arena. NOT a generic indoor soccer/hockey-friendly arena. Most of the seating for basketball in one of the more generic soccer/hockey arenas is ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE. Much, much better in a basketball arena.

If the city wants an indoor soccer/football/hockey arena, let them get the county involved & a major player like FirstEnergy. Then build the arena across from Canal Park.

That way we'd have both a first class basketball arena and a soccer/football/hockey arena. If a city the size of Canton can build the Civic Center (it's not very nice, but it's more than Akron has), Akron and Summit county should be able to do the same.

I'm hoping the City of Akron/Summit County do in fact build a soccer/football/hockey arena across from Canal Park. I just don't think UA should be involved in that project. Build a first class UA basketball arena next to the Info.

[Jake]

So would I. Perhaps you can talk to university planners like I did to find out more. It is their idea and not mine. Try not to attack them though. I know it is what you like to do best...attack any progressive and positive thought, that is.

Yep that's me, I like to stomp on progression. In fact I am so angry that they turned Carroll St into some kind of outdoor living room that I've continuously petitioned to have either an arena or street placed there. A major portion of the campus without a street? Blasphemy.

No Jake, all I was saying is, I would love to see the information on how they would turn parts of Exchange into a mall and have it not effect the accessibility of the new deck. I never said "down with progress".

If you would read what people say and then form an opinion instead of forming an opinion and then reading for things that support that opinion, you would do so much better in here.

The "mall" could probably start at grant. Getting to the garage would be easy from Wolfs Ledges and W. exchange. The idea might actually work well. I know it is only half of the south edge of campus but it would encompass the worst part of exchange while allowing access to the new garage area. I know Jake will like where the arena is listed. Pedestrians crossing from the new dorm area would also see much less traffic and lower speeds directly in front of the exchange residence hall due to the dead end. I would hope that most would cross in the newly created pedestrian area though.

Thanks for the view. That looks like the area for the second phase of the new dorms. However, it is close to the area of development I was thinking UA could put the new arena which would have as its borders: Exchange, Spicer, Harvey Court and Goodkirk. UA has much if not most of that area already and there is ample room for an arena w/o disturbing the existing Greek Housing or future potential Greek Village. Nice job!

I was wasting some time on Google maps and looked at that spot for the new arena. There is plenty of room there for a 11-12,000 seat arena.

Pitt's Peterson Events Center (12,500), Providence's Dunkin' Donuts Center (12,500), the Hartford Civic Center (16,300), Grand Rapid's Van Andel Arena (10,834) & The University of Saint Louis' Chaifetz Arena (10,600) would all fit perfectly in that location.

Plus could you imagine the view of the arena from Rt.8 just south of the Buchtel Street exit?! Sweet!

I'm for an on campus, 11,000-seat basketball friendly arena. NOT a generic indoor soccer/hockey-friendly arena. Most of the seating for basketball in one of the more generic soccer/hockey arenas is ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE. Much, much better in a basketball arena.

If the city wants an indoor soccer/football/hockey arena, let them get the county involved & a major player like FirstEnergy. Then build the arena across from Canal Park.

That way we'd have both a first class basketball arena and a soccer/football/hockey arena. If a city the size of Canton can build the Civic Center (it's not very nice, but it's more than Akron has), Akron and Summit county should be able to do the same.

I'm hoping the City of Akron/Summit County do in fact build a soccer/football/hockey arena across from Canal Park. I just don't think UA should be involved in that project. Build a first class UA basketball arena next to the Info.

You got that right. And a first class on-campus basketball arena can be truly multi-purpose for concerts and other large events. The University of Houston has a beautiful basketball arena that is perfect for concerts. It has upholstered theatre seating and resembles a theater in the round only with a basketball court in the middle. UA deserves a first class arena on its actual campus east of the stadium and near the rest of UA's sports, recreation and phys ed facilities. It's classy to do so and contrary to some in Akron UA is worthy of such class.

[vmd9]

At this point I just want a new arena built ASAP! I don't care where it's built as long as it's 10,000+ and is a nice place that can get us recruits and more fans. The sooner the better and I think it might cost more than the stadium did. Some of the newer arenas that size have been on the 70-80 million range

[Jake]

At this point I just want a new arena built ASAP! I don't care where it's built as long as it's 10,000+ and is a nice place that can get us recruits and more fans. The sooner the better and I think it might cost more than the stadium did. Some of the newer arenas that size have been on the 70-80 million range

The last estimate given to me was around $70,000,000 for a new arena. i wouldn't be surprised if it reached $80,000,000.

And, a word to the wise as they say: "location, location, location" and "haste makes waste". Ted Curtis, VP of Planning, and Facilities management made that clear when he said that they "had to build the stadium right the first time because" they "won't get another chance to do it right again at least not for a long, long time." The location of Info was a bigger issue than most people know and UA took the time it needed in order to build it on a site that is clearly and unarguably on campus. A new arena is worthy of this same quality and well thought out planning. And bigger than that UA students are worthy of it.. They are the reason UA exists and the institution's first and foremost customers far above any other group in the region and state.

[vmd9]

At this point I just want a new arena built ASAP! I don't care where it's built as long as it's 10,000+ and is a nice place that can get us recruits and more fans. The sooner the better and I think it might cost more than the stadium did. Some of the newer arenas that size have been on the 70-80 million range

The last estimate given to me was around $70,000,000 for a new arena. i wouldn't be surprised if it reached $80,000,000.

And, a word to the wise as they say: "location, location, location" and "haste makes waste". Ted Curtis, VP of Planning, and Facilities management made that clear when he said that they "had to build the stadium right the first time because" they "won't get another chance to do it right again at least not for a long, long time." The location of Info was a bigger issue than most people know and UA took the time it needed in order to build it on a site that is clearly and unarguably on campus. A new arena is worthy of this same quality and well thought out planning. And bigger than that UA students are worthy of it.. They are the reason UA exists and the institution's first and foremost customers far above any other group in the region and state.

was that from a legit source? I just feel like UA will go cheap with the arena and build another JAR facility. I just can't understand how they can pay $60mil on the Info, then $70 mil on a basketball arena, but not come up with a few million to build a soccer stadium for our most successful team

[g-mann17]

was that from a legit source? I just feel like UA will go cheap with the arena and build a JAR like facility. I just can't understand how they can pay $60mil on the Info, then $70 mil on a basketball arena, but not come up with a few million to build a soccer stadium for our most successful team

What part of "They are building a soccer stadium right now" did you miss? It's being built in phases, but it is being done. For the next season the playing surface will be lower, there will be more berm seating, the start of a plaza where the the soccer, softball, baseball and track meet, and new lighting will be installed. The following year they will build a new press tower, chairback seating, move bleacher seating onto the east berm and start building team rooms, restrooms and concession stands.

Did you not even notice that every one of the soccer team's spring games were away this year? It's not because of weather, it's because the field is being dug up.

[vmd9]

was that from a legit source? I just feel like UA will go cheap with the arena and build a JAR like facility. I just can't understand how they can pay $60mil on the Info, then $70 mil on a basketball arena, but not come up with a few million to build a soccer stadium for our most successful team

What part of "They are building a soccer stadium right now" did you miss? It's being built in phases, but it is being done. For the next season the playing surface will be lower, there will be more berm seating, the start of a plaza where the the soccer, softball, baseball and track meet, and new lighting will be installed. The following year they will build a new press tower, chairback seating, move bleacher seating onto the east berm and start building team rooms, restrooms and concession stands.

Did you not even notice that every one of the soccer team's spring games were away this year? It's not because of weather, it's because the field is being dug up.

Of course I know they have started to dig up the field. But I had read on here that they don't have the $$ yet, which is why it is being built in phases. That is why it is taking so long. I see no reason why they couldn't get it all done before the start of next season.

[Jake]

At this point I just want a new arena built ASAP! I don't care where it's built as long as it's 10,000+ and is a nice place that can get us recruits and more fans. The sooner the better and I think it might cost more than the stadium did. Some of the newer arenas that size have been on the 70-80 million range

The last estimate given to me was around $70,000,000 for a new arena. i wouldn't be surprised if it reached $80,000,000.

And, a word to the wise as they say: "location, location, location" and "haste makes waste". Ted Curtis, VP of Planning, and Facilities management made that clear when he said that they "had to build the stadium right the first time because" they "won't get another chance to do it right again at least not for a long, long time." The location of Info was a bigger issue than most people know and UA took the time it needed in order to build it on a site that is clearly and unarguably on campus. A new arena is worthy of this same quality and well thought out planning. And bigger than that UA students are worthy of it.. They are the reason UA exists and the institution's first and foremost customers far above any other group in the region and state.

was that from a legit source? I just feel like UA will go cheap with the arena and build another JAR facility. I just can't understand how they can pay $60mil on the Info, then $70 mil on a basketball arena, but not come up with a few million to build a soccer stadium for our most successful team

Development and Institutional Marketing were the sources. And believe me, if and when the time comes for UA to build its arena, it won't go cheap. Not as long as Doc Proenza is at the helm. They learned from their mistakes in building Rhodes Gym. They did a great job on the campus stadium and I trust they will do as good if not better on a campus arena. I also trust that UA wil not go cheap on a new soccer stadium. They made the commitment to do it right and I don't see them backing down from that commitment.

[g-mann17]

was that from a legit source? I just feel like UA will go cheap with the arena and build a JAR like facility. I just can't understand how they can pay $60mil on the Info, then $70 mil on a basketball arena, but not come up with a few million to build a soccer stadium for our most successful team

What part of "They are building a soccer stadium right now" did you miss? It's being built in phases, but it is being done. For the next season the playing surface will be lower, there will be more berm seating, the start of a plaza where the the soccer, softball, baseball and track meet, and new lighting will be installed. The following year they will build a new press tower, chairback seating, move bleacher seating onto the east berm and start building team rooms, restrooms and concession stands.

Did you not even notice that every one of the soccer team's spring games were away this year? It's not because of weather, it's because the field is being dug up.

Of course I know they have started to dig up the field. But I had read on here that they don't have the $$ yet, which is why it is being built in phases. That is why it is taking so long. I see no reason why they couldn't get it all done before the start of next season.

My understanding was that they have the money and that is why they started. It's in Phases because the earliest they could do anything was after the soccer season (which means winter) and they hadn't finalized plans at that point. So you want them to build a 2-3 story tower with locker rooms, storage rooms, restrooms, concessions, plaza, berm seating, etc. in what is roughly 8 months?

I just don't see that as feasible. I want it done as quick as you, but I thought the plan was pretty decent considering the two teams only have one place to play.

If i'm coming off as a smart@$$ I apologize. I think we just had different expectations of what can be built in the time frame allowed.

[scottditzen]

I have to reiterate. My problem is not so much how it looks, it is the placement.

The way that this garage is so crammed up against the sidewalk does absolutely nothing to improve the campus. I mean, can two groups of people walking in the opposite direction even fit on this sidewalk?

Exchange St. is our Main Street. And like the best Main Street's everywhere, it should be vibrant, lined with storefronts and places to facilitate more walking and less (or slower!) drivng.

the new deck is really shaping up nicely. I think it'll look a lot better than people think it will.

I did, however, notice that theyve got a huge backup generator installed on the first floor over where the project first started (corner by the power substation). I have absolutely no idea why they'd need it there, but whatever its powering must need a lot of juice. Computer Center is across the street (where I work), but its had its own backup generator forever...

[scottditzen]

Ecactly! The U is dropping the ball here. As long as Exchange St. is treated like a highway instead of a campus main street it will be harder to shed the commuter school label.

I wish UA would look to UCF's "Knights Plaza" as inspiration for Exchange Street.

Knights Plaza Website

They basically have an outdoor shopping center right by the new football stadium and arena. Luckily InfoCision makes their stadium look like a dump, but the arena, shops, and dorms are a million times better than the homeless, criminal, white trash infested Exchange Street. I understand a florida campus is going to look a lot better than a Ohio campus. But there are shopping areas like this all over in the North. I know, being a student those stores would be packed and students would be flocking to the restaurants to spend their dining dollars. Just look at how many go to the Barley House and Country Diner...

[goodthts]

Maybe if the Univ puts up palm tress it will look better?

[vmd9]

I'm obviously not talking about the landscaping. I wanted to find a good example of a campus that has made good use of their neighborhoods. Like I said a florida school will obviously look nicer than an ohio school. But there's no reason Exchange street couldn't have nicer shops and restaurants. I just posted those pictures to show the types of plazas they could built to attract people.

[scottditzen]

Right. Exchange St. on campus is absolutely awful right now. The new dorms by Grant were a good start to creating a vibrant neighborhood, but we still a long long way to go before this is truly great campus area.

I'm obviously not talking about the landscaping. I wanted to find a good example of a campus that has made good use of their neighborhoods. Like I said a florida school will obviously look nicer than an ohio school. But there's no reason Exchange street couldn't have nicer shops and restaurants. I just posted those pictures to show the types of plazas they could built to attract people.

[ZachTheZip]

Right. Exchange St. on campus is absolutely awful right now. The new dorms by Grant were a good start to creating a vibrant neighborhood, but we still a long long way to go before this is truly great campus area.

I'm obviously not talking about the landscaping. I wanted to find a good example of a campus that has made good use of their neighborhoods. Like I said a florida school will obviously look nicer than an ohio school. But there's no reason Exchange street couldn't have nicer shops and restaurants. I just posted those pictures to show the types of plazas they could built to attract people.

I think when the dorms go up on top of Lot 9, things will get a bit better. Same when the team shop opens up.

I want to see something behind the baseball field's fence.

[goodthts]

I want to see something behind the baseball field's fence.

telling ya, palm trees!

[g-mann17]

For goodthts viewing pleasure, I present the future of UA's winters...

[goodthts]

For goodthts viewing pleasure, I present the future of UA's winters...

Thanks G-man!

I can image students trudging to classes in flip-flops, board shorts, parkas, gloves and hats...haha.

I know scottditzen and I agree that any landscaping/design of an area should try to use native plant species and design features that promote discussion and entice people to congregrate there.

Large Soviet-era type structures ala old Akron's campus should be razed and more designs like the one from UCF's "Knights Plaza" should be created. Vertical retail/residential use is good (new dorms).

More beautiful, less concrete!

[goodthts]

"Same when the team shop opens up."

so let's start a little wager...when do you all think will actually happen? i say team shop will be complete by last game of 2010.

[vmd9]

"Same when the team shop opens up."

so let's start a little wager...when do you all think will actually happen? i say team shop will be complete by last game of 2010.

It will be open by the opener against syracuse, but I feel like the merchandise will be disappointing...