Whole Foods to expand store and parking area (Liberty, Penn: 2014, apartments)

[MountainDewGuy]

Thank goodness.

[Geeo]

I was wondering how they were going to do this, so it's nice to see the rendering in the paper. That whole complex is shoehorned in between the busway and Centre Avenue, so the only way to expand is up. I hope they can do something to make the garage fronting Centre attractive, though.

I also saw that construction has starrted on the new street off the new Highland Avenue bridge that will run the length of the new development between Highland and Penn, near Target. That is going to be massive, with several hundred apartments, a parking garage, and bike trail adjacent to a new transit center for the East Liberty busway station. Looking forward to it - will make my walk to Target shorter.

[szug-bot]

Originally Posted by Geeo

I was wondering how they were going to do this, so it's nice to see the rendering in the paper. That whole complex is shoehorned in between the busway and Centre Avenue, so the only way to expand is up.

if you look around that area, its a wonder ANYTHING had gotten done. but somehow, they design things that work, and traffic is managed. the rendering shows a second level parking deck, Geeo.

i dont shop at whole foods, but for those that do, im glad they will include a second level parking deck. its too bad the view of the side of the building will mostly be lost. its rather attractive. and - the loss of air and the sun on the current parking level...i hate garages - they get dirty, dank, musty, and probably unhealthy for your lungs.

[SammyKhalifa]

Originally Posted by szug-bot

i hate garages - they get dirty, dank, musty, and probably unhealthy for your lungs.

Beats filling up more of the city with empty asphalt lots, though.

[gg]

Hate garages? I hate huge surface parking lots. They are crap!

[selltheburgh]

I think this will look a lot nicer than the current layout.

[Geeo]

I'm really looking forward to the next part of the Eastside development that stretches from Highland to Penn. It's going to really add to the whole area, as will the expansion of Bakery Square 2.0.

[gg]

Originally Posted by selltheburgh

I think this will look a lot nicer than the current layout.

I agree. That Whole Foods is WAY too small. It is PACKED. That parking lot is nuts, but I always park on the street. Much easier to get in and out. Better yet, bike there then parking becomes a nonissue.

[FoodPoet]

traffic is already a mess around there. more parking is just going to make it worse.

[gg]

Originally Posted by FoodPoet

traffic is already a mess around there. more parking is just going to make it worse.

Wrong! The parking lot is part of the problem. It won't add traffic, it just provides more space. It isn't like Whole Foods will become even more busy. You better face the fact that East Liberty IS going to be VERY busy with traffic and it will just keep increasing. I suggest you look at the bright side of this pain. It will also provide a need for alternate transportation. (cycling, bus, cab, more) The end result in East Liberty might be quite good. The busier the better. Look at how green Manhattan is because the provide transportation to the masses. Hopefully we progress!