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Crickets

March 8, 2007 2:04 AM

COMMENT

It's been vewy, vewy qwiet out there... That could be a good thing. That could be a bad thing. There's just no way to tell. Mike Kaszuba reports in the Strib today that granting air rights for a condo tower may become the key to a negotiating breakthrough.

The real good news implied by his report is that conversations are clearly taking place. Talking is the best first step you can make. Plus, talking privately -- and not in front of cameras -- has much greater potential for making progress.

So, assuming a deal can be struck someday (not yet a safe assumption by any means), one thing is certain: any ballpark built on the Rapid Park site will be surrounded by high-rise condos. I can't say for sure, but this has the potential to be a truly unique feature of the ballpark.

Ballparks seem to be built in one of two conditions: isolated or integrated. Miller Park is isolated (surrounded by parking lots and freeways, essentially built in an industrial area), while Wrigley Field is integrated (with people living across the street one direction and going to restaurants the other direction).

There are actually two types of integration: commercial and residential. Jacobs Field and Comerica Park are integrated to a degree with their surroundings, but only with commercial activities. Nobody lives nearby. Camden Yards is only semi-integrated (despite its reputation) because there are big psychological barriers surrounding it (parking lots and a major roadway separate it from most everything else, including residences). The Metrodome is about as isolated as such facilities get.

But putting up a bunch of high-rise condos where people can live and watch games from their balconies takes residential integration to a new -- and very exciting -- level. Somehow, I like the idea of having big buildings standing poised for the next pitch. This assumes, of course, that they will be architecturally sympathetic (not a guarantee).

Since the park (if built there) will be as urban as they come, why not capitalize on that and make it a substantial part of the character of the neighborhood? That kind of vitality is contagious. If they can make sure that the first floors of those buildings are commercial, all the better. It could be the birth of a great new neighborhood.

Plus, that's the kind of place I want to retire to!

UPDATE: The Pioneer Press also weighs in today on the subject. They're reporting on a statement made by Pogin in 2001 that $10 million was a good value for the land. He says that info is irrelevant to today's market, but the county says, "Vewy intewesting."

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Supposedly a sticking point is the possibility of someone being able to see the game without paying. I'm wondering if the Twins and Hines could hammer out an agreement that the condo's couldn't construct rooftop bleachers (e.g. Wrigglyville), however if someone or a small group (less than 8) could see a game from a balcony or bedroom window, no big deal.

Posted on March 8, 2007 at 3:47 PM by DEC 1

Thanks for this positive look at the air rights/parking ramp idea, Rick. I personally didn't know what to think of the idea (a condo on top of a parking ramp? how is that a good thing?) but your write up actually makes it sound perfectly OK, maybe even exciting. In fact, I hope to retire there now too!

Posted on March 9, 2007 at 2:31 PM by Shane 2

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A photo taken as my meter ran out.

Midway Stadium (seen from our tailgating spot across the parking lot)

Yankee Stadium

The main concourse is a very busy place at all times.

Hops! (conceptual only)

A distinct misstep, ostensibly to guard against missteps. But methinks I smell a lawyer...

Though there's nothing there now, you have to believe they'll find a way to add a party deck up there at some point.

The Ron Coomer corner features a bar.

You won't see much sky from these seats, but you'll always be warm

A place to sit (does it look like a pitcher's mound to you?)

Champion's Club details (click to enlarge)

Staircase view

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Here's a closer look at the bullpen area. It's hard to tell for sure, but I think there is still an opening to the concourse right above.

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View level as seen through the Seventh Street circulation ramp

Complicated pedestrian crossing

View Level

The reverse angle shows that the signage will only partially obscure views from the top of the ramp. The wall is pretty high up there, so you'll need something to stand on, but it appears that this is one of the so-called "knotholes".