MikesMerc
04-29-2004, 04:36 PM
Things are moving quickly here in the MotorCity. As the warmer weather has begun moving in, many car enthusiast's thoughts have turned to the cruise. Are options are narrowing quickly and we must move soon. Here is where we stand:
The church is a no go. :cry: It was previously promised to many church members and has in fact been already leased up (money paid) since LAST August. BTW, they charged $140 per spot and every one sold out...and that was only for Saturday.
Both Banks refuse to discuss leasing terms until the middle of July. I'm sure they are either hoping for a large corporate renter, or perhaps something for the Bank's VIPs and customers. Either way, we cannot wait for these lots, so they are out.
What we have left is Annette's Salon (my personal favorite), and the MultiBank location at the 696 & Woodward intersection (not a bad spot either!).
Now, the best part.....Annette is willing to pass up on sending the lot into a bidding war if we are willing to step up and rent the lot right now for 10% more than she rented last year. Based on what I've heard so far for this year, the WDC is expected to have a blowout year due to last years power out and pent up demand. Prices are higher accross the board so this is not an unreasonable proposal on Annette's behalf.
The Choice:
The MB lot can hold 45 cars and is going for $6,000. That's $135 per space IF the whole lot is rented out. We have the lot from Friday pm (close of business) to Sunday. Pleasant Ridge requires a special permit for subletting vendors (selling food, drinks, t shirts, etc), so I'm not gonna go that route. That means no vendor income to offset cost. Promotional vendor assistance (from Ford or other company) doesn't need a permit and is just fine. Either way, $135 is a darn good price. The real issue with the MB lot is that the location is a little less than prime and we may not fill all the spots. It does provide lots of space and some good shade, but is a bit away from the hottest action which takes place closer to 13 and Woodward. View of the southbound lanes of Woodward are obscured as well.
Annette's is much smaller....only 28 to 30 cars max. The price is $6500 if we want to sign the lease and not worry about it any more. Thats' $230 per sopt! At first impression, that seems aweful expensive, but consider the following:
We will have the lot Thurs night (close of business) through Sunday.
The location is utterly fantastic! Definitely at the heart of the action.
The one price would let you park Thursday night, all day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
We would be very close to surrounding activities:
-Duggan's Pub where radio and TV gather. A real Bash.
-Northwood Shopping Car Show
-Memorial Park Car Show
- Close to food and bathrooms (Burger King is only two lots down)
-Side street access for convenient in-and-out
Obviously you can tell which spot I think is best:D Another advantage is that if we don't fill all the spaces, we can easily get vendors in and sublet space, as well as sell parking to others. In fact, if we have less than a full lot on Friday, I'm sure I can sell parking on Friday for $50 to $100 for just that day. Remember, Friday is a HUGE cruise day. The parking packs out by Thurday night. So we're looking at a huge 2 day event at a minimum. Given that, I think the price is worth it.
However, I know that not everyone may think that. So I put it to you guys right now. Annette's for $230 per spot, or MB lot for $135 per spot. We need to close the deal soon so vote NOW.
BTW, on a side note, we are trying to negociate the lot next door to Annette's for more space. If that happens, we'll either have more space for MM and our guests, or we can sublet more vending and parking to defray our costs.
Vote NOW please! I'm not sure how long I can keep Annette ready to sign the deal. I want to avoid a bid war at all costs or I'm afraid we will be quickly priced out of the game.
The church is a no go. :cry: It was previously promised to many church members and has in fact been already leased up (money paid) since LAST August. BTW, they charged $140 per spot and every one sold out...and that was only for Saturday.
Both Banks refuse to discuss leasing terms until the middle of July. I'm sure they are either hoping for a large corporate renter, or perhaps something for the Bank's VIPs and customers. Either way, we cannot wait for these lots, so they are out.
What we have left is Annette's Salon (my personal favorite), and the MultiBank location at the 696 & Woodward intersection (not a bad spot either!).
Now, the best part.....Annette is willing to pass up on sending the lot into a bidding war if we are willing to step up and rent the lot right now for 10% more than she rented last year. Based on what I've heard so far for this year, the WDC is expected to have a blowout year due to last years power out and pent up demand. Prices are higher accross the board so this is not an unreasonable proposal on Annette's behalf.
The Choice:
The MB lot can hold 45 cars and is going for $6,000. That's $135 per space IF the whole lot is rented out. We have the lot from Friday pm (close of business) to Sunday. Pleasant Ridge requires a special permit for subletting vendors (selling food, drinks, t shirts, etc), so I'm not gonna go that route. That means no vendor income to offset cost. Promotional vendor assistance (from Ford or other company) doesn't need a permit and is just fine. Either way, $135 is a darn good price. The real issue with the MB lot is that the location is a little less than prime and we may not fill all the spots. It does provide lots of space and some good shade, but is a bit away from the hottest action which takes place closer to 13 and Woodward. View of the southbound lanes of Woodward are obscured as well.
Annette's is much smaller....only 28 to 30 cars max. The price is $6500 if we want to sign the lease and not worry about it any more. Thats' $230 per sopt! At first impression, that seems aweful expensive, but consider the following:
We will have the lot Thurs night (close of business) through Sunday.
The location is utterly fantastic! Definitely at the heart of the action.
The one price would let you park Thursday night, all day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
We would be very close to surrounding activities:
-Duggan's Pub where radio and TV gather. A real Bash.
-Northwood Shopping Car Show
-Memorial Park Car Show
- Close to food and bathrooms (Burger King is only two lots down)
-Side street access for convenient in-and-out
Obviously you can tell which spot I think is best:D Another advantage is that if we don't fill all the spaces, we can easily get vendors in and sublet space, as well as sell parking to others. In fact, if we have less than a full lot on Friday, I'm sure I can sell parking on Friday for $50 to $100 for just that day. Remember, Friday is a HUGE cruise day. The parking packs out by Thurday night. So we're looking at a huge 2 day event at a minimum. Given that, I think the price is worth it.
However, I know that not everyone may think that. So I put it to you guys right now. Annette's for $230 per spot, or MB lot for $135 per spot. We need to close the deal soon so vote NOW.
BTW, on a side note, we are trying to negociate the lot next door to Annette's for more space. If that happens, we'll either have more space for MM and our guests, or we can sublet more vending and parking to defray our costs.
Vote NOW please! I'm not sure how long I can keep Annette ready to sign the deal. I want to avoid a bid war at all costs or I'm afraid we will be quickly priced out of the game.