Broadway Park West

A view of the development site from the Argo Dam side. July 17, 2023. 

 

Broadway Park West development site as seen from the Broadway Bridge. July 17, 2023.

Copyright Dawn Nelson 2023. All Rights Reserved.

Depot Street Lately: A Transformation

Things are moving along at the Broadway West development along the river. 

The construction team have leveled out the dirt with the earth moving machines. It is a process that fascinates me as if I am still five years old. 

Watching the earth moving machines level out the dirt. July 6, 2023. © Dawn Nelson

In food and beverage news, there will soon be a beer garden opening at Casey's Tavern, across from the train station. Folks have been working on this project for a while. This year brings a complete transformation of the backyard at the old Washtenaw lumberyard. More on this later.

The Argo Nature area river bend boasts the Border to Border Trail, accessible through the tunnel off Depot Street, adjacent to the train station. This tiny little area is host to a multimodal transit center that is increasingly more diverse in transportation type (non-motorized, bus, train, car, scooter). I am still frustrated by the lack of basic taxi service, however. I am nostalgic for an old fashioned taxi stand. 

Notably, the intersection at 5th Avenue and Depot Street is a complicated one. From the river side park tunnel, there is a major pedestrian crossing that crosses Depot Street onto 5th Avenue alongside Wheeler Park. There are several bicycle lanes, some more well marked than others. If you are in a car, it can be a little overwhelming trying to make a left turn onto or off of Depot Street. I often wonder what can be done to minimize potential traffic conflict with bicycles, busses, and other vehicles. 

The intersection at 5th Avenue and Depot Street. © Dawn Nelson

I imagine all this commotion is what captures my heart as a street photographer. There is a lot going on, including being a major access corridor for a hospital further up the road. 

One of my favorite times of the day to be out taking photographs is in the morning around 10:30am, when the train pulls into the station and there is a vibrant sense of city bustle. 

I think I am simply a romantic at heart.

The morning train to Chicago. June 29, 2023. © Dawn Nelson

© Dawn Nelson 2023. All Rights Reserved.