Monday, March 19, 2007

Behind the Scenes - Vida Nova Ready to Go

Last week YUP Muskegon held an event to check out the
newly completed model at Vida Nova and Main Street took the opportunity to catch up with Vida Nova developer, Doug Harjer.

MS: Could you catch folks up with the progress you have made on Vida Nova?

DH: The first four-plex is completed. We are currently building the 8 stall garage adjacent to it. The week of April 2 the balance of the green roof is going to be installed on the four-plex building. Very soon (weather allowing) we'll start landscaping.

MS: Now that the first unit is done, what green features made it into the finished product?

DH: Energy efficiency first and foremost. All energy star appliances and light fixtures. Tightly sealed insulative envelope. State-of-the-art efficient windows and doors. Extremely efficient HVAC system. Then the health benefits. Visitors are commenting on how "good" it feels and smells in the model. This is because we've used low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint, non-toxic carpet from a recycled source (pop bottles). Also because there's such a efficient thermal envelope around the living space, there is a high-tech ventilation system that is constantly replacing the stale air with fresh air from outside. We've added an exhaust fan in the garage that automatically comes on when the garage door goes down, removing potential built-up car exhaust. Also, as I said, the balance of the green roof will be going on soon. This does many things. Prolongs the life of the rubber roof underneath, absorbs excessive storm-water run-off, helps in it's small way with CO2 absorption/ global warming, helps with the cooling of the inside space during the summer, and just looks beautiful. The decking is also from recycled material.

MS: I saw a blurb about progress you are making in regards to the boat slips? What is the story there?

DH: The dock permitting process is just about complete with the DEQ and when it is, construction will begin on the docks.

MS: What is the process for folks stopping by to check out the model?

DH: People interested in seeing what we're up to can come any Saturday or Sunday (times are published in the Chronicle) to regular open houses. Purchasing questions can be directed to Mark Gleason of Greenridge Realty @ (616) 638-1117.

MS: Hey, thanks for the time Doug.
DH: No problem.


Check it out on the web
Vida Nova website
Discuss this project on Urban Planet

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posted by Dan & Sarah @ 8:17 PM 0 Comments

Sunday, March 11, 2007

Downtown Photo-Op - Spring is on the way

Almost 8:00 p.m Sunday of the time change. Now we know why Congress acted in its infinite wisdom. So we could enjoy late evening sunsets like these over downtown Muskegon!





View from the Downtown Muskegon Webcam

posted by Dan & Sarah @ 7:04 PM 0 Comments

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Then & Now - The Muskegon Hotel


With plans in the works to construct condos at the site of the Muskegon Hotel we thought this blast from the past might catch your interest. Thanks to County Museum staff for providing us with the below photo and story.




New Muskegon Hotel Opened for Business – Is Equipped With All Modern Conveniences, to have 80 Rooms

From a local news source, most likely the Muskegon Chronicle
Feb 26, 1914


The new Hotel Muskegon, opposite the Union Depot, opened by Otto Loescher, and managed by William Duquette, is now open to the public.

Every feature of new, modern and up-to-date hotel conveniences are found in this new hotelery. Each room is an outside room, directly connected with a fire escape, equipped with running hot and cold water, a telephone, and electric lights. Of the rooms now open 18 are equipped with bath, the fixtures being of the latest type. In addition to the rooms with baths, there are 10 toilets on the two floors and four baths. Throughout the entire hotel the floors in all the bath rooms are of tile and the walls are also of tile to a height of about five feet from the floor.

The Hotel Muskegon, when entirely completed, will have 80 rooms, 50 of which are ready for occupants. The remaining 30 will be ready by May 1. The dining room and restaurant will open May 1 as well. One of the features of the 30 rooms to be opened May 1 is the disappearing beds in all of them.

Work is begun on installing bowling alleys, baths and a barber shop in the basement. The lobby is a neat attractive room, floored with tile and having attractive French windows. Back of the lobby is the billiard room, in which five tables will soon be set up, two rail and three pocket billiard tables, and at the back of the billiard room, a smoking room and den. To the left of the lobby is the dining room and restaurant in which banquets of up to 300 people can easily be accommodated.

The opening of the Hotel Muskegon was postponed several weeks because springs for beds were delayed. Its location opposite the Union depot is an advantageous one to secure its share of the traveling public.

The general appearance of the Hotel Muskegon from the street is a pleasing one, the terra cotta showing up to good effect. When the other 30 rooms and dining room are opened, the Hotel Muskegon will be one of the best hostelries of its size in Michigan.

Photo and Story from the Collection of the Muskegon County Museum

Full Size Opening Photo
Full Size Condo Plan rendering

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posted by Dan & Sarah @ 11:17 AM 0 Comments