Most definately. By making that area of the campus a desination spot for students, the problem with linking Downtown and Springfield by foot, will be erased. The college then becomes an urban cross-over anchor that helps stimulate more positive activity around its campus, as opposed to being in the middle of no-man's land.
Barton and the JEDC are in the midst of trying to implement a "horizontal" game plan for redevelopment. A major key to any "horizontal" plan is to make sure all new developments coming on line in the core are designed to promote that theme. FCCJ has plans to expand.
IF the JEDC and DDRB take control and discuss their master plan with them, this would be a great opportunity to take advantage of "vertical" development that enhances the JEDC's mission of "horizontal" progress, at the expense of FCCJ, since they will eventually spend money to do something there anyway.
By the way, even if the college does not want to lease retail space on it's property, just as much activity can be generated by shifting something like the campus bookstore, cafeteria or library to Laura Street to front a "student commons" area.
Detroit's Wayne State University's campus bookstore is operated by Barnes & Noble, fronts a public street and is open to the public as well as the students
The campus garage next door features a small retail spot at street level, that is now occupied by a restaurant catering to the college crowd.
