Detroit development news

[The Urban Politician]

Don't you guys think it's about time we started a designated thread for Detroit's development, too? From what I have seen, new developments in Detroit are beginning to gather momentum and are likely to reshape this great city from the inside out.

Detroit is gradually making a turnaround and, IMO, making a less announced comeback than other places. Slowly but surely, I predict it will be back on the scene before people know it--and who knows if they'll be ready for this new city? Lets discuss new developments in Detroit (preferably the city proper) on this thread.

[Michi]

I think Detroit will always be under the national radar of things in this country. When people think "Detroit", there is negative connotations. I constantly see positive in the city though, and I really enjoy living here...getting to see first hand a city that died and is just now really coming back to life. Not too many people get to experience that in their lifetime.

Hopefully, 1 year from now, we can really set a new standard for ourself when the eyes of the world turn to Detroit and the 06 Super Bowl!

ARCHITECTURE: Excitement about Detroit builds

December 20, 2004

BY JOHN GALLAGHER
FREE PRESS COLUMNIST

In the spirit of holiday cheer, let's take a look at the highlights of Detroit's architectural work this past year.

http://www.freep.com/art/2004/dec/20/arch_inset.jpg
Hit: Downtown was glowing during the opening of the Campus Martius Park in Detroit in November. The completion of the downtown park, which has includes an ice rink, marks a major advance in the city's revitalization.


I think everybody agrees the completion of Detroit's new Campus Martius Park in the heart of downtown marks a major advance. Despite its small size -- less than 2 acres -- and despite its still-unfinished nature (more sculptural works and more landscaping will be added in the spring), the new park already provides what was intended -- an oasis in the midst of the city.


In operation about a month, the park clearly will see greater use in summer than in winter. But even on a dreary morning like those we've been seeing, it's a quiet pleasure to sip morning coffee at the cafÈ in the park and watch the city go to work all around. Congratulations go to the main park designer, Rundell Ernstberger Associates of Muncie, Ind., as well as to the creator of the park's new fountain, WET Design of Los Angeles, and to a long list of contributing experts, including the advisory group Project for Public Spaces in New York.

http://www.freep.com/art/2004/dec/20/arch1_inset.jpg
Hit: The opening of the Visitor Center at the Ford Rouge plant in Dearborn marks a milestone in the area's architectural comeback. Visitors can see this historical vehicle display as they enter the new center.


Rejoice over historic sites
Let's also celebrate the victories notched in putting historic buildings to good use. The just-opened Lofts at Merchants Row project along Woodward Avenue downtown, assembled by a development team headed by Schostak Brothers and Co. of Southfield, took several early 20th-Century buildings and turned them into 157 loft apartments, parking and retail space.

Still more historic reuse projects are in various stages from early planning to almost complete. The historic Kales Building on Grand Circus Park opens soon as loft apartments, and city planners are working on deals to turn a trio of abandoned eyesores -- the Lafayette, Metropolitan and 600 Woodward buildings -- into residential units.

So much attention on historic preservation marks a major turnaround. Twenty years ago, historic preservation was something only outsiders cared about. But now, everyone on Detroit's economic development scene, both public officials and private entrepreneurs, understands that preservation of our historic architecture is central to creating a 24/7 residential community downtown.

Speaking of historic preservation, let's also give thanks for the luminous refitting of the Guardian Building, which includes the reopening of its magnificent lobby to the public for the first time in many years.

We can also celebrate that Detroit's hoped-for reclaiming of the riverfront is finally under way. So far, just a few pieces of the new parks system are in place -- the small Tricentennial Park on the east riverfront, and the new plaza General Motors created just outside the back door of the Renaissance Center, among other pieces. But a lot more progress is in the works for 2005 and 2006, and it won't be long before Detroiters have a riverfront park system to be proud of.

Put all these projects together, and Detroit is slowly knitting together an urban landscape environment for the 21st Century.

Among talented local designers, the small, young firm of Van Tine/Guthrie Studio in Northville emerged this year as one to watch. It took home no fewer than three design awards from the American Institute of Architects Detroit Chapter recently. The firm's work focuses mostly on smaller, urban projects, such as the Detroit Public School Children's Museum carved out of an unused 1913 Detroit Edison substation in the New Center.

Building letdowns
Were there disappointments this year? You bet. It's sad legal challenges still hold back construction of the three permanent casino hotels; that the pending deals to renovate the Book-Cadillac Hotel and the Michigan Central Depot are still hung up in the early planning and financing stages; and that our important preservation victories comprise a mere handful of downtown buildings out of the dozens that require work.

It's also sad the Detroit architectural scene still isn't seeing any major new signature buildings, nothing by the likes of world-class stars of the Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid, Santiago Calatrava and Norman Foster caliber. The outlook for Detroit getting one of these scene-stealing designs anytime soon isn't good.

The underlying real estate market here remains weak. Most of our public institutions -- the museums and libraries that might commission such a design -- are too strapped for cash to pay for one.

So here's the outlook for 2005: We'll see more incremental advances on important features of the urban landscape, even as we acknowledge that the Detroit architectural scene doesn't command the attention it did, say, in the 1950s, when the great Eero Saarinen held the world's gaze.

That's not a perfect picture, but give thanks, nonetheless. Detroit architecture is moving in the right direction again, and we haven't been able to say that for a long time.

[Jasonhouse]

If this thread is active, it will get stickied.

[Michi]

Why does it need to be stickied?

[The Urban Politician]

^????

Maybe it won't get stickied--it appears there really aren't any Detroit forumers posting anything other than Michi

[Jasonhouse]

I sticky the active development threads, because I like to, and it seems to be rather popular with those who use them.

[Michi]

Oh ok! I just wasn't sure if you were being serious or not. There doesn't really seem to be a Detroit fan base over at this forum.

[DallasTexan]

woo Detroit!

[The Urban Politician]

Here's a tiny blip about Detroit from an article regarding the Chicago-area's housing boom, from the Chicago Tribune Dec. 26, 2004:

There was a time in the 1970s that some said Chicago would become another Detroit. They were wrong. Now there's evidence in the form of commercial and residential development in Motown that Detroit is becoming another Chicago.

Okay, not much, but the fact that Detroit's comeback is being acknowledged surely is promising. I can't wait!

[Michi]

lol! Everywhere you turn in Detroit media, someone is building a "Chicago-style" townhouse. It's getting kind of annoying, but putting that kind of label on projects really catches people's attention because Detroiters love Chicago so much.

[The Urban Politician]

^True. But there are worse things you can say about Detroit.

Honestly, are there any other Detroit fans in this forum, or is it just you and me? For a metro of 5 million+, I am surprised more people aren't posting here

[Jasonhouse]

There used to be, but they were basically trolled away.

Compilation threads like this help to get folks to visit more regularly and contribute.

[hudkina]

I'm still around, but I don't post here as much because like Jasonhouse stated, the forumers here are pretty closed-minded about Detroit. It's almost pointless to discuss the great things happening in this city because no matter what, the smallest bad thing always ends up being the topic of discussion.

Who cares that Detroit opened a beautiful urban park in the heart of its downtown complete with a christmas tree and skating rink--there was a fistfight between a couple of Pacers and a few Pistons fans 30 miles away that proves Detroit is a hellhole!

[Michi]

Yah, there use to be almost everyone over at skyscraperpage posting over here. We all flocked over there because people actually care more about what's happening in Detroit.

I don't mind that people are not interested or only have bad things to say about my city. To me, it says a lot about American culture and how ignorant, selfish, and close minded we can be.

Detroit's a great city, hard working, and gets little attention, help, or sympathy from the rest of the nation (and even its region in Michigan). It always seems to be a double negative whenever you talk about Detroit, but for those who really know her inside and out, it's a completely different ideology!

[Michi]

Hmmm...that double negative thing I was talking about can be perfectly illustrated by what hudkina said about the Campus Martius Park and the Malace at the Palace.

Here's the article about Visteon, the auto parts company planning a new tower downtown.

Visteon near office deal downtown

Tower is proposed at Campus Martius
December 18, 2004

BY JOHN GALLAGHER
FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER

Auto parts supplier Visteon Corp. is negotiating to become the lead tenant in a new office tower to rise in downtown Detroit on the site of historic Campus Martius near the new Compuware Corp. headquarters.

If the deal, apparently nearing completion, comes to fruition, it would mark another major addition to a downtown that has recently seen completion for Compuware, Campus Martius Park, loft apartments, restaurants and shops.

Tentative plans call for a building of 10 to 15 stories with 250,000 to 300,000 square feet of office space. No cost estimate was available, nor could it be determined when construction might begin.

Word of the project involving Visteon, a financially troubled supplier that just opened its new Visteon Village headquarters campus in Van Buren Township, leaked out unexpectedly Friday. Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick hinted Friday morning during the dedication of the new General Motors riverside plaza near the Renaissance Center that a major announcement was coming next week.

Real estate insiders, speaking on condition they not be named, confirmed that the deal involved Visteon and a new tower.

Redico, a Southfield-based real estate firm, would develop the project. Redico officials could not be reached for comment Friday.

The mayor told a meeting of development professionals earlier this week that the new tenant, whom he did not name, would bring about 600 new jobs downtown, according to one person who was in the meeting. Most such projects also are designed to attract at least one retail tenant and possibly other office tenants, with shops and other services.

Kilpatrick has often tipped off listeners about pending announcements that then were delayed. Some real estate insiders said they weren't expecting the Visteon announcement until January. But real estate insiders insisted Friday that the deal appears real.

George Jackson, president of the Detroit Economic Growth Corp., who negotiates such deals on behalf of the city, could not be reached for comment Friday.

Presumably the tower would be financed by Redico, which would arrange construction loans along with some incentives from the city, with Visteon paying rent on a long-term lease.

The tower would be built on the old Kennedy Square, between Woodward and Griswold in the heart of downtown, which once was part of Campus Martius, where City Hall stood for nearly a century until it was razed in 1961. The Kennedy site later became an underground garage with a seldom-used park on the surface. Over the past two decades, the location has been the focus of numerous talks in development circles as a possible site for a new building.

Coming after last year's opening of the Compuware headquarters and the recent openings of Campus Martius Park and various restaurants, shops and other amenities, a new office tower could reinforce the image that Kilpatrick wants to project of a city on the comeback.

"It's another positive sign for the city," agreed Steve Morris, an office broker with the Southfield-based firm GVA Strategis. He predicted that the move would be good news for the budding retail and residential markets downtown.

But if the deal would be a boost for downtown, it raises interesting questions. The downtown office market suffers from significant vacancy, and some office brokers and investors said Friday that another new building might add to the overhang of available space.

Then, too, Visteon just this fall has been consolidating its employees from several locations into its new Visteon Village headquarters. With the paint barely dry there, it was unclear why the company would want to commit to yet more new space somewhere else.

Moreover, Visteon, like many automotive firms, faces significant financial challenges. It just announced to its 8,300 white-collar employees that it would be offering buyouts by the end of the year.

For the third quarter that ended Sept. 30, Visteon posted a net loss of $1.36 billion, or $10.86 a share, on revenues of $4.15 billion. Suppliers such as Visteon are being squeezed as automakers continue to pare their business.

Visteon has 3,000 employees in its Van Buren Township headquarters and 71,000 worldwide.

[ManageMich]

This is my first post on the forum after a long time perusing through. The one thing more obvious to me than ever about Detroit development is that there is a sense that the water is building up behind the dam. A few Oakland County historic rehabilitation architects and a few Chicago-based development firms doing business in Downtown Royal Oak have made it clear to me that they will be doing a project in Downtown Detroit soon. After a long time, it seems as though the interest has been shifted back to the true center of the metropolitan area, which is Downtown Detroit. Several things have led to the change including the desire of our governor to rebuild this great city, but I think the most important item is the one that cannot be quantified. It's the stigma that Detroit now has as a "cool" place. Anyone ever notice the amount of people wearing t-shirts that say "Detroit" on them in the suburbs. They weren't doing that five years ago.

[hudkina]

I know. I see at least one "Detroit" T-shirt a day, it seems. I'd buy one, except I don't want anyone to think I'm trying to hard.;)

[Michi]

Screw what everyone else thinks. There's still a lot of people still couldn't care less about Detroit.

[ManageMich]

I can appreciate your enthusiasm Michi. I have friends who think NYC is the absolute worst place they've ever been so take it all with a grain of salt. Remember that Detroit is a very large city that is going to get its share of bashing along the way. The rebuilding of this city is not a sprint, but more like a marathon and there'll be ups and down throughout the process. The point is, we're lucky to be alive right now to see this transition. Looking at your date of birth, I think you can safely say that your children won't be hanging out in suburban bars and restaurants; they'll want to be in Detroit where the action is.

[EastSider]

Fellow Detroit Lovers:

I have a question. I get annoyed when people talk about Detroit, and how they want it to go back to its glory days. I tend to disregard the glory days and think about visions for the future of the city. I KNOW in the future Detroit is going to return to become a gem on the river, but I'd like that future city to be better then it was in the past.

Does this make sense? I get annoyed when people think the city should be like it was in the period it was the most successful instead of saying, wait, whats going to work for us NOW.

What do you guys think?

[hudkina]

I'd like a mixture of both. I don't want to destroy the history of the city just to make room for the future. That's what we did in the 1960's and it didn't work. However, I wouldn't mind seeing a few more glass and steel tower rise among the classic art deco skyscrapers.

What the city needs to do right now is stop worrying about whats standing right now and instead focus on all of the empty lots. Especially on the west side of downtown. We need that area to rebound more than anything.

I would love to see the unbuilt 80+ story Book Tower constructed, with maybe a few modern updates.

[ManageMich]

I agree with Hudkina. A few glass towers looming up over the great architecture below would only create more appreciation.

[EastSider]

Sorry if it seemed I was saying that you should ignore the history, trust me thats not what I meant, being from Milwaukee I have a huge love for the history of our cities.

Is there plans for any new towers?

[ManageMich]

Keep your fingers crossed, but I think you'll be pleasantly surprised in the next two months. There has been a lot of progress on selling Campus Martius and the open blocks near it.

[EastSider]

Excuse me for asking, but what is Campus Martius?

[Neph]

I agree with Hudkina. A few glass towers looming up over the great architecture below would only create more appreciation.
It would create alot of appreciation. Do it already! It would be great to see some brand new glass towers surrounding those old magnificent relics!

[ManageMich]

Campus Martius is an area of Downtown Detroit. The city recently opened Campus Martius Park there. It's pretty stunning and is attracting significant attention. Here's the link to the web site: http://www.campusmartiuspark.org/

[The Urban Politician]

Wow.

I have stood back and just read the past several posts, and I am in awe. Detroit forumers are some of my favorite members. You guys just have so much wisdom, vision, and understanding of your city's ills and what it has gone through. It is still very early in Detroit's sluggish comeback, but it feels like the eye before the storm--when an era of unprecedented development will reshape this city over decades--and perhaps we will all remember this brief period of contemplation

But you guys are also aware of the situation that you are in. Indeed, Detroit's rebirth will be like a Marathon, as you guys described, and it will be a hilly road with lots of setbacks along with great accomplishments. The fact that you guys have this pioneering attitude towards your city is unique, in many ways. I can't think of forumers from another city on this planet who have the level of perspective, vision, and true understanding of the ills of their town that you guys have.

Not only that, but you have plenty of other botched revitalization efforts to learn from.

Lets create a new Detroit--something urban but radically better than the place that it once was. Lets plug the old Detroit in and light the fuckin place back up!

[ManageMich]

Thank you for the compliments and I can also appreciate your optimism and enthusiasm for Detroit. I've been reading posts on this forum for a while without responding and I finally thought it would be a good idea to get in the mix. I also got a little discouraged with some of the blatant negativity towards a misunderstood city. The city is on the move and people are talking about it in the suburbs and in the outstate areas. In a lot of ways, parts of Detroit are like an urban wilderness waiting to be re-explored. I always think of Brush Park as a good example of an urban wilderness in the city that is now being settled again. Michiganders from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids know that our state needs our big city to live up to its potential for our state to continue. That's what a lot of people don't get here. Detroit is not second rate. It's a city built for purpose and therefore extremely utilitarian. Goods coming into warehouses that didn't need windows and cars leaving factories that didn't care about the environment because they represented man's inherent dominance. For those reasons, Detroit became dirty and of little tolerance to families when the economy changed in the 1950's. Now, the city is building first time residences on Woodward and fountains and parks, etc. So, let's not forget that it may not be the prettiest city, but it's getting the job done. More goods come across the Detroit-Windsor border than any other in the nation and the city is still home to the auto industry.

[Jaybird]

I am a huge fan of Detroit myself, although I am not from Detroit, but I have experienced it a lot of times, you might think I know it quite well and what its like by my adventures there the past two years, and believe me, most of them have been amazing or good. I hope that Visteon does help with building the second tower of Campus Martius' amazing downtown re-development.

Anyways, there was an article about Cobo Center's funding splitting the city and suburbs (Dear Goodness why can't they just team up for once and work as a region, it's pathetic), so I am kind of fretting and fearing that Detroit may lose the North American Auto Show, unless if what I have read is correct, and that the city is going to get a private funding source for it, from casinos or something like that. Either way, Detroit is "Cash-Strapped" and needs everything it can get, including possibly a huge loan from a guy like Thomas Golisano, a Rochester, NY billionaire. :)

[Zuelas]

I've been living in dwntwn Detroit for about 5 yrs now and it used to be that people were suprised and then questioned why I live down here. Now it's more common that they show a spark of interest and ask where dwntwn I'm located or if it's "in the new lofts?" Like someone else said, Detroit's now seen as cool and desirable and for good reason. I can't wait to see it 20 yrs from now

[The Urban Politician]

^Neither can I

[ManageMich]

If the Ren Cen complex had been built so that it infiltrated into the fabric of downtown as opposed to being isolated from it, the real "renaissance" would have happened in the 80's. You can see the amazing influence that the new Compuware building is having on an older downtown area like Campus Martius. The amount of foot traffic in front of that building is amazing considering most of those people don't live in Downtown Detroit and are there for the attractions there now. The amount of younger, twenty somethings living in Metro Detroit that so badly want this big city atmosphere in Downtown Detroit is astounding. The problem is, you can't draw retail and build things if there isn't a quantifiable reason to do so. Desire is not quantifiable. The difference between Downtown Detroit in the 80's and now is that GM is calling the shots and if GM tells you to build in Downtown Detroit because they are taking a huge stake in it, then you do it if you want to be on good terms and sign a contract. It works like that in a lot of big cities with major companies located there; look at GE in New York City as another example. It's also working with Karmanos and Compuware to a lesser degree and it's now working with many other firms. That's why I believe this momentum in Detroit is only now really getting started. In 20 years, this city will be unrecognizable. It will be filled with those glass towers with the great historical buildings below. I can assure you that the state of Michigan is focused on getting the most out of the amazing amounts of creativity, engineering, technology and manufacturing that come from here. That's why I'm only now able to laugh at the criticism that Detroit gets and has always gotten. Come back and see me in twenty years and let's see.......

[Michi]

Whereabouts do you live, Zuelas? I live at the Park Shelton in Midtown.

[EastSider]

Campus Martius is an area of Downtown Detroit. The city recently opened Campus Martius Park there. It's pretty stunning and is attracting significant attention. Here's the link to the web site: http://www.campusmartiuspark.org/

Thanks for the information, it seems like that area has an exciting future.

[ManageMich]

If you're interested, check out a couple more events going on in Downtown Detroit. Here is the link to Detroit's pre-Superbowl winter event that is kicking off this year and will also take place next year at the same time which is the week before the Superbowl: www.motownwinterblast.com and www.sbxl.org. What's interesting is that in January/February of next year you'll have the North American International Auto Show followed by the Motown Winter Blast followed by the actual Superbowl encompassing all of Downtown and some of Midtown because they've incorporated the Culltural Center. Detroit's on deck for some major press.

[ScraperDude]

Does downtown Detroit have any rail transportation?

[ManageMich]

It has a light rail system in the Central Business District called the People Mover. There are stops throughout many of the main destination points within the CBD, including but not limited to Greektown, Financial District, Renaissance Center (which is GM's World HQ) and Joe Louis Arena. It does not have a rail system bringing people in from the suburbs. I expect the mass transit issue to get extremely heated as the mayoral campaign gets into full swing.

[Michi]

Does downtown Detroit have any rail transportation?
http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/45_jpg.jpg

http://www.downtownmotown.8k.com/images/P1010106_JPG.jpg

THE PEOPLE MOVER WEBSITE (http://www.thepeoplemover.com/)

[hudkina]

http://www.downriverdetroit.net/waynecounty/detroit/downtown/greektown/003.jpg
http://www.downriverdetroit.net/waynecounty/detroit/downtown/greektown/015.jpg
http://www.downriverdetroit.net/waynecounty/detroit/downtown/greektown/025.jpg
http://www.downriverdetroit.net/waynecounty/detroit/downtown/greektown/040.jpg

[ScraperDude]

That looks really cool.
I like the strret level pics. Thats another thing I have never seen any street level pics of Detroit. Honestly I think its a great city but since I have never seen any street level pics in my mind I think the central city is a ghost town though I know people are there. :cry:

[hudkina]

We post them all the time. Nobody ever seems to want to look at them.

[ManageMich]

Downtown Detroit is definitely not a ghost town. Very underestimated in terms of foot traffic, especially with the addition of Campus Martius. In the last five years, I've noticed more and more people exploring the city for the first time, especially younger, college-age people. I think those younger people are the key to diversifying the city and giving it new life. The great thing is, Detroit is very large and has so many different cultures influencing it. It has the largest Arab American population outside of the Middle East, a burgeoning Hispanic population on the Southwest side, a growing Caucasian population and a large African American population all mixed in with what I think is a younger, hipper post-college age population moving into the CBD and Midtown. During the Superbowl next year, the press is going to do a piece about the amazing diversity here. With that said, I would expect a lot of people around the country to be amazed, especially since it's so large, but so underestimated and unexplored.

[Michi]

I worked for Merchants Row last summer, and being downtown every day, all I ever saw was people driving by gawking, people walking by gawking, people pointing cameras in every direction, people pointing fingers in every direction and always looking up, and smiling and scratching their chin. It was a very exciting time to people watch, and now at Campus Martius Park, you get to see people in their comfort zones enjoying a true, vibrant downtown epicenter!

[The Urban Politician]

Cobo Center Feasibility Study Is on the Way
By Dan Heaton
Last updated: January 11, 2005 09:05am

DETROIT-A feasibility study of plans to expand Cobo Center, or possibly build a new, larger convention center in the city, is expected to be released by the end of January. The main Cobo exhibit floor has about 750,000 sf.


The North American International Auto Show opened at Cobo Sunday and the Detroit Auto Dealers Association as well as automakers have wanted more room at the show for years. "We're running a couple of weeks late with that right now, but that that is a promise we made to the industry," Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick says. Kilpatrick adds his administration has met and is working with the unions that represent the thousands of carpenters, electricians, Teamsters and others who spend three months a year creating the auto show about holding the line on wages to keep Detroit competitive with Chicago and other cities that would welcome the roughly $580 million in economic impact created annually by the show.


Several plans for additional convention space have been advanced. The challenge is how to pay for such a plan with the suburbs generally balking at kicking in for a city convention center. Kilpatrick says every possible option is on the table, including the possibility of building a convention center with a casino attached.


Until then, Bob Thibodeau, president of the DADA, says automakers continue to find "new ways to squeeze more into the show every year." Thibodeau says one change that is expected to be permanent is a new, expanded second floor of the General Motors exhibit, to be used by other events at Cobo, such as the Detroit Boat Show and the NFL Experience event planned to run in conjunction with the Super Bowl in 2006. "The city and GM are finalizing those details now to have that remain in place."

[jdkacz]

I am all for a casino/convention center. In an indirect way, it will be the ONLY way the suburbs of Detroit start kicking in $$$ to the city of Detroit. I dont have any statistical info about the demographics about the current casion goers but I wager that a major group of people that support Detroit's current casinos are from the suburbs.

With a casino/convention center I feel would be the best way to draw money from the suburbs into the city of detroit, but I like the fact that progress is being made on a plan for the new cobo center.

[Ron C]

I have always been a fan of Detroit ever since I first starting visiting the city for work over 20 years ago. Although I don't have business there anymore, I have returned a few times for vacation.

One of the nicest buildings, I always thought, was the Michigan Central Station. I was fortunate enough to get inside the building while it was still a going concern. It saddens me to see it in its current condition. Everytime I visit Detroit, I go by there to see if anything is being done with it.

Anyway, does anyone know if there are any plans for the building, and if so, any timetable?

[ManageMich]

I am expecting to see a proposal that incorporates one of the permanent casino sites into the expansion plans for Cobo. I agree that it won't be a bad prospect having one of them there along with an expanded, upgraded convention center. I wonder if Joe Louis Arena will stay put or if the plan to move it behind the Fox Theater will take shape as this plays out. Probably not considering there is no hockey right now. Regardless, it would be nice to have a 30 or 40 story tower come up at that site for the hotel portion of the casino.

[hudkina]

Anyway, does anyone know if there are any plans for the building, and if so, any timetable?

Well, there is the pipedream of renovating the building to become the new Police Headquarters, but the chances of that happening aren't that great at the moment.

[ManageMich]

I believe mayor Kilpatrick's hastiness to announce the redevelopment of the Michigan Central Station and the Book-Cadillac does two things:
1.) Shows us that he is young and quick to make decisions without doing his due diligence.
2.) He is using the press to market these landmarks and believes, like Governor Granholm, that a little bit of good press can go a long way in this city to stimulate even more development and draw interest from smaller scale developers. He also wants to have his ducks in a row so that national developers can be prepared to come into a project knowing that it may require smaller sums of capital where shortfalls now exist. It shows them that the city is pro-active, especially in the case of the Book-Cadillac where the city has literally had the minor set up work done on their own. It's like dangling a piece of meat.

[Jaybird]

That certainly sounds like optimistic news to keep the auto show in Detroit, because, IMO, that is where the NAIAS belongs. Chicago, L.A., and New York have their own shows, Detroit has the motherlode of them all! So I guess this means that the city and the Auto Show people are working on some sort of a funding plan for this, in which one of the options is a casino attached to Cobo Hall, and finalizing whether to build a new convention center or expand Cobo. I guess a new second floor for GM exhibits for the show is going to be constructed, which will certainly help with exhibit space in the main floor, if I have read the article. I plan to hopefully come to this auto show, whatever way I can.

[Zuelas]

I remember seeing Kwame on TV basically saying the train station project was a done deal..... at least that's what I took from the blurb. That's the building that disappoints me the most when I see it. It'd be great for once if things just got done like they were supposed to.

Michi, I go to WSU and have an apartment at the Ramada dwntwn. Alot of people don't know that many of the floors are all residential- good alternative to staying right on campus. I'm 16 floors up and have 3 different views of the city. Plus, there're 2 clubs in the basement of the building so something is always going on ;)

Does anybody know what's going on w/the Greektown hotel tower? It's been awhile since I heard anything but I thought it was supposed to accomodate guests for the Superbowl...... guess not. Any news on the Book Cadillac? I was so excited one night awhile back I was coming home and saw that the top floor was lit up. I eye it up everyday and scowl cuz it always looks the same.

[Michi]

That's awesome, Zuelas. I, like most others was not aware of the Ramada. I was just looking at its backside today as I drove by. Is the rent comparable there? I go to Wayne as well and love the convenience of the Park Shelton.

I'm not sure about your other questions, but next time you get the chance, go down to the riverfront and see the next stages of the prominade east of the Renaissance Center. Also, the lot that use to be at Beaubien and Atwater has been dug up. Is this a sign of the first River East Development, or is GM building another garage? I hope for the better!

[Zuelas]

^It's not bad rent-wise.... 800 for a 2 bedroom and u have to pay for monthly parking but I have views of the RenCen, Penobscot, Comerica and Stott towers and that makes me happy.

I haven't been down to the river in a few weeks but I'll have to get down there and check it out. It's always frustrated me that the RenCen is swarmed by lots and garages in an area that could be so much more. Don't get me wrong because I like the convenience but whenever I'm at that liquor store right down the street on Jefferson, I ask myself why it's there basically in the shadow of our tallest tower. There should be other gleaming towers, parkland, pedestrian bridges, light rail connections and happy families strolling in urban wonder...... but for now it's just cheap wine and blunt papers. I'll keep my fingers crossed!

[hudkina]

That's what I said! How is it possible that there is a gas station right across the street from the city's tallest building?

[Jaybird]

I remember seeing Kwame on TV basically saying the train station project was a done deal..... at least that's what I took from the blurb. That's the building that disappoints me the most when I see it. It'd be great for once if things just got done like they were supposed to.

Michi, I go to WSU and have an apartment at the Ramada dwntwn. Alot of people don't know that many of the floors are all residential- good alternative to staying right on campus. I'm 16 floors up and have 3 different views of the city. Plus, there're 2 clubs in the basement of the building so something is always going on ;)

Does anybody know what's going on w/the Greektown hotel tower? It's been awhile since I heard anything but I thought it was supposed to accomodate guests for the Superbowl...... guess not. Any news on the Book Cadillac? I was so excited one night awhile back I was coming home and saw that the top floor was lit up. I eye it up everyday and scowl cuz it always looks the same.

Is your apartment really "nice" to you, Zuelas? Because I remember reading a review of the Ramada hotel in Downtown D-dot and people said their stay was bad and the hotel was in bad shape. Did they renovate the hotel/building at all or don't you know? I'm just curious to ask. Either way, must be a real sweet view for you. I saw the Ramada twice when I was on the People Mover.

I'm curious about the Greektown Casino and Book Cadillac as well.

I don't know if this is true or not, but someone or company/organization, is buying both the MGM Grand and Greektown Casinos next year and will help fund the expansion of Cobo Hall as I read in an article. Also, something involving state gambling taxes rise or something is delaying the Greektown project, I think, but it was like half a year when I read that, maybe something is getting done now.

The Book-Cadillac, well, I guess the city is STILL waiting patiently for the word from Cleveland's Ferchill Group about that. Although one time someone said Mr. Kilpatrick said it would be a Westin and it was a done deal as well.

[ReddAlert]

check out this cool pic of Detroit I found off the net




http://img36.exs.cx/img36/7303/1280x1024detroitdowntownderoy6.jpg

[hudkina]

It's been around for awhile, but it still impresses me every time I see it.

Next up, I want to see a high-quality shot from Fort St. near the Ambassador Bridge, while the sun is setting, preferably. It shows the real depth of the skyline.

[Zuelas]

At Jaybird..... I can see why a review of the place might be negative. It's an amazing bldg but it was built in the 20's. All the hotel rooms and public areas I've seen are nice but there are a few residential floors that could use some renovation. The 4th floor is totally closed off for some reason and has an ominous vibe. The bldg has a certain charm/character to it that most people staying 1-2 nights wouldn't necessarily appreciate. It's a younger more alternative crowd around here, too, so I can see an older couple from suburbia unhappy about shelling out $100 for a "weird" stay. The city's largest gothic club is in the basement and as a result several lower floors have been transformed through the years into a sorta gothic enclave w/many of the clubs employees and patrons staying there. One floor even has a pet cat. The top half of the bldg is primarily hotel but the two units on each end are suites/apartments all w/high ceilings, columns and big windows. Yeah, the views are sweet. I can see the Penobscot past the RenCen to the Fisher in the distance past the Masonic Temple and Motor City all the way to the abondoned train station almost to the MGM. I would have a great view if they would hurry up w/the Greektown casino tower.

Hudkina, I agree about the skyline from Fort St. Whenever I'm at the post office, I look up and love that angle. Haven't really seen any from that perspective.

[Jaybird]

ReddAlert, that is an AMAZING shot of Detroit.

I guess I can picture what you are saying there, Zuelas. It's basically a combination of apartments and hotel rooms, although it was built in the 1920s and a bit of the hotel has to be renovated and stuff and hasn't been done yet and it will be more for alternative crowds based on its unique character you're telling me about. That's interesting, and, besides, Ramadas in general have been known to suck anyways. :) I can imagine the views would be sweet.

[miptag]

I used to live in Dearborn Heights and i always loved to see downtown when coming home. I love the downtown Detroit but i never got down there enough. Unfortunatly i moved to Colorado and did not get to see the finished Compuware building and Campus Martius. I will be moving back to Michigan to Grand Rapids, then hopefully i will be able to go and see downtown again. But Detroit is coming back and i want to be able to see it.

[ScraperDude]

Ok so question. Is the focus on downtown Detroit to renovate exisiting buildings and then maybe once we see some of those empty buildings fill up then some new development will spring up or will some companies follow Compuware and build new?

[*Sweetkisses*]

I know plenty of people who like Detroit. Its not as bad as people make it out to be.

[ManageMich]

It's a little of both. Companies coming in can build for cheap, while the lofts have focused on redeveloping because it offers its residences a unique living experience. Rebuilding the old and the new is a combined effort in Downtown Detroit, which is why I see the city totally reinventing itself in the next few years.

[Michi]

re: scraperdude...It's difficult though because, from my experiences, I still don't see a lot of interest in downtown Detroit. Don't get me wrong, downtown is the center of new development in the city. I just think that with all the measures it has taken, it should naturally be accelerating and catching up with its decline.

I think people are still cautious to invest in the city. Companies still look to suburban locations before ever committing on a downtown location. Despite all the sussesses downtown has pulled off in recent years, the overall mentality here isn't quite up to par, and we're still willing to sacrafice a sense of community, a sense of urbanity and cohesion for that of "taking the easy way out" which usually results in cheap suburbanization.

It really takes a committed individual or company to understand the full potential and investment in Detroit's core. We have those people and entities, now it is just a matter of time and patience until they can build and sustain what they started. That being breathing a breath of fresh air into the city on the rise.

[Michi]

Welcome back soon, miptag!

[ScraperDude]

So whats going on with the retail sector downtown? Whos moving in? Drop some names for us :) I'm just curious to see who is taking the plunge and starting there.

[Jaybird]

I know that Athletes World/Nike just opened a store in the Woodward Lofts place there.

btw, the Aquarium @ Belle Isle is closing after 101 YEARS to help reduce the city's budget deficit. Detroit must be in a bigger financial crisis than I thought. But, there are plans to build a much larger one on the riverfront, which should make up for it. Must have been an old neglected building or something. They'd better build or plan a new aquarium, because I think having one on Belle Isle would be really cool.


Bit of the article:

After 101 years, Belle Isle Aquarium is closing.

The Detroit Zoological Institute, which owns the aquarium, announced the closure Friday. The move will save cash-strapped Detroit $530,000 annually and millions more that would have been needed to keep the building suitable for animals and visitors, the zoo said.

The closing date and other details will be determined during the next few weeks, zoo officials said. The fish will be sent to other accredited institutions. Six staff members will be transferred to the Detroit Zoo, the Belle Isle Nature Zoo or other city departments, and 11 positions will be eliminated.

Attendance at the aquarium has declined in recent years. In 1995, the aquarium had 113,000 visitors. By 2004, that had fallen to 56,000. At the same time, the city is struggling with a projected $230-million deficit.

Ron Kagan, the director of the Detroit Zoological Institute, said the city needs a larger and more modern facility than the 10,000-square-foot Belle Isle Aquarium.

The zoo is in the planning stages of a 150,000-square-foot aquarium that would sit on Detroit's riverfront.

[ScraperDude]

Sucks thats its closing but awesome that it will save money for now and that they will get a better and bigger location on the river.

[hudkina]

Some of the newer shops are Au Bon Pain, Jimmy John's, Athlete's Foot, Border's, Kinko's, Cingular, Quizno's. There have been other non-national businesses that have recently opened like the Detroit Beer Co., Small Plates, Julian Scott (which I think is closed already...)

Besides Julian Scott, there really hasn't been any major clothing store, particularly a national brand (like Old Navy). Hopefully that will change in the next few years as these stores begin to realize what an untapped market downtown Detroit really is.

[Jaybird]

I think what downtown Detroit really needs are cheaper clothing stores (something similar or like Old Navy), and a GROCERY STORE or SUPERMARKET, so the people living in downtown have a closer source to go for their good nutritious food and necessities. :) Maybe another YMCA or fitness center could be downtown as well in addition to the one being built, and pretty much anything downtown Detroit can get. Hopefully, as I have said before, Visteon will set foot downtown and build the Kennedy Block of the Campus Martius area. Also, the Hard Rock Cafe opened about 1 1/2 years ago downtown.

I guess the aquarium @ Belle Isle was never advertised that much, thus kind of led to its non-existence knowing and leading to its closing after 101 years, that's unbelievable, but I guess knowing what financial crisis the city is in, they might have had no choice. If Detroiters are smart, they will vote Freman Hendrix as their next mayor, not that I don't like Kwame Kilpatrick, but he's not doing the greatest of jobs right now.

[The Urban Politician]

Detroit area sees a surge of new condos

By John Gallagher
Detroit Free Press: Knight Ridder/Tribune
Published January 29, 2005

DETROIT -- Construction of attached condos in metropolitan Detroit rose nearly 18 percent during 2004 to 6,380 new units, the Building Industry Association of Southeastern Michigan reported.

The surge in condo construction came amid a decline of 8.5 percent in construction of new rental apartment units, while construction of single-family houses in the seven-county region rose just 1.6 percent during 2004 over the 2003 mark.

Condos are gaining popularity for several reasons. One is money.

Dominic Moceri, an Auburn Hills-based home builder, told an annual economic forecast meeting that condos run about two-thirds the cost of a comparable house in any given market.

That makes them attractive to first-time buyers. With interest rates still near historic lows, mortgage money is easy to come by, further fueling the trend toward first-time purchases.

"It all has to do with affordability," said Bernie Glieberman, a builder whose firm, Crosswinds Communities, builds residential units through metro Detroit. "If a person can afford it, they buy a new home. If they can't afford it, they buy an attached product, either a condo or a townhouse."

Lifestyle plays a role, too. Some aging Baby Boomers are downsizing their living arrangements, moving out of houses where they raised their children into smaller, more manageable condominiums. And some buyers just prefer condo living.

Gayle Bonner, first vice president of corporate human resources for Comerica Inc., had rented apartments all her adult life until she bought one of Glieberman's new condos in Detroit's Brush Park district just north of downtown.

Bonner says she has no interest in owning a single-family house.

"For one, I am single, and I just felt that I am not one to do the yard, not one to shovel," she said.

She also likes having her neighbors close by. "It gives me security," she says. "We have a very tight-knit community."

Apartment construction was down precisely because condo and single-family construction was up. As more people could afford to own a residence, rental vacancies rose, dampening the need for new apartments.

Although condo construction rose at a steeper rate last year, single-family houses are still the overwhelming product of choice.

Two-thirds of all new residential units built in the seven-county metro region last year were new houses, and the average selling price ran about $300,000, Moceri says.

Most of those new houses are built on the suburban fringes, as they have been during decades of urban sprawl.

The difference now is that older communities, including Detroit, are sharing, albeit modestly, in the residential construction boom.

Detroit, once all but abandoned by residential builders, issued 825 permits for new residential units last year. That was enough to place the city among the top five among local communities for new residential construction.

Of the Detroit units, 230 permits were for new single-family houses, 385 were for rental apartment units and 210 were for new condominiums.

David Seiders, chief economist for the National Association of Home Builders in Washington, D.C., said the Federal Reserve's steady raising of interest rates probably means the era of cheap mortgage money is drawing to a close.

"Our forecast is for a modest down move" in new residential construction, he said. "I think it's almost inevitable. The numbers were so good this year."

He predicted the Detroit regional market might see a decline of about 6 percent in 2005 from the strong 2004 numbers, but that would still rank as a reasonably good year for builders.

[Jaybird]

Is Detroit ready for some football?

Downtown gets a $200 million makeover for the '06 Super Bowl, but many projects won't be finished.

By Judy Lin, Francis X. Donnelly and Nick Bunkley / The Detroit News

DETROIT -- Downtown Detroit won't be the vibrant community pitchmen described when they sold the National Football League on holding Super Bowl XL here five years ago, but the game's arrival has sparked what some say is the biggest building boom in decades -- and stirs the possibility of attracting new residents.

http://www.detnews.com/pix/2005/01/30/asec/a030-superopera-0105y.jpg

Detroit has targeted vacant structures, including the Detroit Opera House garage, for demolition prior to the Super Bowl. Planners say a year from now, downtown will be a mix of the new, the old and the yet-to-be finished.

With the Super Bowl 371 days away, more than $200 million is being poured into downtown to prepare for the nation's largest sports spectacle. But despite the frenzy, a number of promises won't be met.

The fabled Book Cadillac Hotel sits empty, despite promises of redevelopment, and permanent casino hotels, if they're ever added to the skyline, won't be there by 2006. A goal to attract 50 new businesses has yet to be reached. And efforts to clean up blight have suffered from lackluster participation.

Super Bowl organizers and city planners now are focusing on finishing selected projects, from beautifying main thoroughfares to demolishing the vacant Statler Hotel. Planners say a year from now, downtown will still be a mix of the new, the old and the yet-to-be finished.

"It's a lot farther along than it was 20 years ago," said Bob Abernethy, 58, of Southgate, an engineer from Ford Land who has spent 15 months helping construct and maintain Campus Martius Park, a new town square in the heart of downtown. "Once Hudson's (department store) left, there wasn't a real drawing card for downtown. Now that buildings are being replaced, it's becoming new."

"It's a rebirth," added his wife, Armina, 46. .

Since the NFL awarded Detroit the game in late 2000, downtown has seemingly been preoccupied with getting itself ready to host some 70,000 fans and 3,000 media personnel, not to mention the 800 million people worldwide who will be watching on television.

City planners and the business community identified four public projects they wanted to tackle: Campus Martius Park; the Lower Woodward Streetscape Project, which includes building cleanup and streetscape improvements; the RiverWalk, a five-mile riverfront pathway; and improving the downtown infrastructure, such as water lines, lights and roads.

George Jackson, director of the Detroit Economic Growth Corp., a quasipublic agency helming economic development projects, said it's true that residents and commuters have endured a tremendous amount of construction over the past two years -- some of which will continue this year.

What's not true, he says, is that it's being done solely for revelers who will stay an average of four days.

"The Super Bowl is something that helps us focus," Jackson said. "Have I used it to get cooperation that is unprecedented? Oh, yes. Have we used it to build a sense of urgency? To a certain extent, yes. But what we're really doing is using it as an instrument to help us transform the city for the next century."

Detroit isn't just troubled by current challenges; it's stigmatized by its past. The last time the Super Bowl was in Michigan in 1982, it met a classic January ice storm at the Pontiac Silverdome. And few attending the 1980 Republican National Convention were deceived by the awnings attached to vacant buildings to make Detroit more attractive.

"Those things didn't help us as a community," said DTE Energy Distribution President Bob Buckler, who is advising the Super Bowl Host Committee.

Rather than faking a lively downtown, planners focused on making permanent improvements in hopes of fostering a real residential community filled with retail and entertainment venues. The city took on the ambitious goal of adding 1,000 residential units, 50 new businesses and adopted an aggressive blight campaign.

There have been halting starts.

At present, 635 loft units are either ready, under construction or in the planning stages. Of 34 new businesses, 20 are restaurants. But empty storefronts don't complement new sidewalks.

It's too soon to tell whether a blight court -- which fines building owners who neglect to maintain their properties -- that began this month will goad them into shoveling sidewalks. And a matching grant for cleaning building facades got a lukewarm reception from owners.

"Unfortunately, a lot of people did not participate (in the incentives) as I've been told," said the city's Deputy Chief Operating Officer Al Fields. "But we'll have the summer to court them."

Anthony Pieroni, owner of the 13-story Michigan Building on Bagley, said the Super Bowl is merely an excuse. "With facade work, in my experience, there's no return on it," Pieroni said.

While it remains unclear whether downtown will rise again, Detroit will have little choice but to play the part in one year, said Jim Steeg, NFL vice president for special events.

"You have to try to convince people it's a vibrant community," Steeg said. "Six or seven figures are spent by firms to bring people in for four days. They need to know that there's more than a four-hour football game."

"The Super Bowl is something that helps us focus."

You can reach Judy Lin at (313) 222-2072 or jlin@detnews.com

http://www.detnews.com/pix/2005/01/30/asec/super_detroit.gif

[Jaybird]

BTW, does anyone have $20 million so I can renovate the Book-Cadillac? lol!

Where's Tom Golisano, billionaire of Rochester, NY, when you need him? :D

According to the article, the Hudson's that was torn down was the WORLD'S TALLEST DEPARTMENT STORE? What were they thinking? Hope that gets replaced with something kind of like the Compuware Building.

[jjbradleynyc]

I'd like to write that a huge reason Detroit has to close many city-operated functions, such as libraries, and now the aquarium, is due to the huge population hemorrage Detroit city has suffered over the past 50+ years, and continues to suffer today. The city of Detroit's population has dropped from 1.2 million in 1980 to 911,000 in 2003.

Opinions on the main reason for the continuing huge population losses? Inner city Detroit must be a disaster....anyone live there who can give a firsthand account?

[Lmichigan]

Have you even read this thread? If so, you wouldn't have even asked the last question.

[hudkina]

If by disaster you mean spending billions and billions of dollars on new infrastructure, housing, retail, office buildings, stadiums, parks, etc., then yes it is a disaster. If by disaster you mean stopping the bleeding of population, then yes it is a disaster. If by disaster you mean renovating those structures that can be saved and demolishing those that cannot, yes it is a disaster.

And I love how he says "anyone live there who can give a firsthand account?" as if its a wartorn neighborhood that nobody in their right mind would enter.

[ManageMich]

jjbradleynyc, you are completely clueless if you're asking, "Inner city Detroit must be a disaster....anyone live there who can give a firsthand account?" You have probably never been to Detroit and are feeding into stereotypes. I am a white person who is not from the Detroit area who has purchased property in Midtown Detroit because I know it's a good real estate investment. I ask you to do a little more research before coming on here and firing away. Good luck...

[whyme]

According to the article, the Hudson's that was torn down was the WORLD'S TALLEST DEPARTMENT STORE? What were they thinking?
Same thing they're thinking by knocking down the Statler.

Go see
http://www.detnews.com/2005/editorial/0501/03/A14-47297.htm
http://detroit1701.psc.isr.umich.edu/Graphics/Statler.JPG

[Michi]

I replaced jjbradleynyc's disaster term with "chaotic". That makes much more sense. As a resident of Detroit, I will tell you what most other educated non-Detroiters will. The city's history of decline is still reflective of the reasons it is still declining. One major difference though, is that people want to move back. (all types of people). It's happening, but there are things preventing it. Transit for one. We don't have it. We won't be getting it for a very long time, and thus the citizens suffer. All of the jobs are in the suburbs, and for many, they cannot access this.

As a result of no transit, we are a city of parking lots. The next fastest method of transport is car. Kind of ironic that nearly 50% of this city doesn't drive or cannot afford to. It's ironic because that McDonalds out on 7 Mile Rd. with the big drive through cannot be accessed by 50% of its market. HMMM...Where are our priorities, and why is this so backward? History, history, history. If you want to find the answers to many of these questions and then some, you have to know the many ills that have plagued Detroit for so long.

Studies have shown that the metropolitan area favors transit, yet political leaders shoot it down. A politician from Novi (outer ring suburb) claims that "I represent sprawl". In that case, he can be assumed anti city and is able to convince the people he represents as well.

All of our money is wasted on expanding infrastructure at the expense of the city and inner ring suburbs. There is no vision or direction of this money or construction. As long as there is people in Southeast Michigan feeding money into the system, they can be assured that their hard-earned money is going to waste. There is no regional revenue sharing or interest in joining efforts among communities. As long as there is development for the sake of development, we are a booming economy...despite the fact that Michigan is dead last in economic growth, dead last in personal income growth, dead last in job growth, and FIRST in unemployment. MICHIGAN is what Detroit has to put up with and helps explain a lot of the problems. It's really much deeper than that though, and that's barely brushing the surface.

There is a DIRECT RELATION to Detroit's health to that of Michigan's. Detroit is the reason why Michigan lives and breathes in the first place. When 10 million of the 10 million people who live here believe that to be false, we have a problem!

[metrogrkid]

Check out the designs for the new Marriott Grand Rapids Tower . . . .

http://www.lohan.com/images/projects/ahweb_1.jpg
http://www.lohan.com/images/projects/ahweb_2.jpg
http://www.lohan.com/images/projects/ahweb_3.jpg

Detroit is going to have to share Michigan with Grand Rapids as but one of the State's TWO big cities like Houston shares Texas with Dallas, San Antonio and Austin, huh?

-Metrogrkid (from over at Grand Rapids Forum)

[hudkina]

We have no problem with that.:)

[Michi]

When you say "Detroit", you actually mean the 4 million people that surround the city proper in a semi-circle.

[ManageMich]

I like the idea of having another "big" city, even though because I'm from the West Coast of Michigan, I don't see anything similar in terms of people, ideals or size. Just a thought, but does anyone else think the name Grand Rapids holds it back from the national spotlight? I've always thought city names are like brands of a product. For example, I've heard people from Kansas City say they have trouble shedding the "Kansas" link if only through the name.

[hudkina]

I refer to Detroit as everyone who lives in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne Counties. St. Clair County is "Port Huron", Monroe County is "Monroe", Washtenaw County is "Ann Arbor", Genesee County is "Flint", I don't know how to categorize Lapeer county and Livingston county is "Brighton".

[Michi]

I know, but but when your comparing the influence of Grand Rapids to that of Detroit, it's pretty much the power surrounding the city of those people and institutions who neglect the city's existance.

I love the name Grand Rapids. It's so "small town-ish". Upon arriving there the first time, you're like WOAH! This is Grand Rapids? I was expecting to trade my furs for some flintstone. :) It's that contradictory image vs reality that impresses me most!

[Jaybird]

I have relatives who live in Holland, MI, a suburb of Grand Rapids. I think the entire state of Michigan (like Detroit and Grand Rapids) should support eachother and work together to create a better Michigan. Too bad there is tension between Detroit and the suburbs.

I think that Grand Rapids is sometimes under-rated as being a "big city" although hopefully that will change. I kind of think of Grand Rapids as a Michigan city equivalent to Rochester, NY, only with a smaller skyline and a better economy at the moment. I, for some, reason, don't think Grand Rapids is recognized as much as Rochester, despite having same metro populations and both cities close in city population. Grand Rapids with almost 200,000 and Rochester with 217,000. Maybe it's because when people think of Michigan, they think of Detroit, and New York State has several large metros (like Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, Albany, NYC). Both have metros of over 1,000,000. I think Grand Rapids should be given more recognition in all areas, being as it is the second largest city in Michigan with a large metro.

[Jaybird]

Same thing they're thinking by knocking down the Statler.

Go see
http://www.detnews.com/2005/editorial/0501/03/A14-47297.htm
http://detroit1701.psc.isr.umich.edu/Graphics/Statler.JPG

I know, I really wish the city would see the benefits of having many of its old buildings still standing, like the Madison-Lenox and Statler-Hilton. The city should find who owns these buildings (if anybody) and maybe tell them to repair it or sell it or something. Or maybe the city should sell it themselves (except to Mike Ilitch) to someone, or even do a research on the entire building to see if it can be repaired and I really believe most of Detroit's can be, and if it can be, DON'T TEAR IT DOWN, and sell the building and land to someone or something, rather than tearing it down just to make the city look good for the Super Bowl. Not only that, nothing for the time being would even replace the building, so that is another damper there. Detroit has lost a lot of its gems already, the city can't afford to lose these gems. Downtown Detroit is already experiencing tremendous revitalization right now, tearing these buildings down just puts a large gap hole in the development.

[ManageMich]

Michi, I am very involved in the City of Detroit and the suburbs so I get to see both sides of most issues on a regular basis. I think you'd be very surprised if you heard all of the support for the city that I hear in the suburbs. Too often, our thoughts about suburbanites' feelings on the city get tainted with what a small few have to say, i.e. those in the media or from those that are outspoken in their respective suburban communities. I personally feel that the flood gates are about to open on this city in terms of interest from suburbanites, especially with the new ad campaigns and the oncoming Superbowl. Remember when Jimmy Kimmel dissed the city? All of Metro Detroit was on the same side in making sure he didn't do it again. The fact is there is still a lot of heart out there for this city and because this region contains approximately 4.5 million people, I believe the motivation is still there. My prediction is that in 10 years, Detroit will have been the largest redevelopment success story in America's history. That's also why I think people who represent other cities on this forum who diss Detroit are making a big mistake. Most of them are from areas that are much smaller in terms of population and whose cities don't contain the same corporate muscle as Detroit. In the end, it will take more than 5 years to rebuild a city that has been decaying for 50, but what has been happening in Detroit, especially downtown, is not a secret in the suburbs. Talk to the Crosswinds people in Brush Park if you want to hear a success story. Developers are taking notice and I know this because I have talked to many of them about Detroit. They often tell me that developing in Detroit is next on their agenda. The Superbowl is a great catalyst, but only the beginning. If you think about it, the way the city and Superbowl Commitee have made it seem like the Superbowl is the end all is pure marketing genius. It's gotten developers and residents off their butts to get this city in decent shape for a one day game. I'll take that any day. After it's over, we'll have to get ready for the Final Four and then of course the Olympics in 2020 (this is wishful thinking). The momentum is building......

[hudkina]

Hehe. Detroit 2020! It's gonna' happen!

[Michi]

I know what you mean, ManageMich. I worked at the Lofts of Merchants Row this summer, so I got a taste of the Detroit optimism from the suburbanites who came down to check out the place to possibly live at. It was pretty stunning, and I had some great conversations with them.

At the same time, I'm putting things into perspective. I remember in 2000 when the Super Bowl was just announced and how we had 6 years to get the development ball rolling. Well, we only have about a 1/2 year left and though there has been a lot of chance, I think we were short-changed on many things. Don't get me wrong, all we have accomplished is great, but things in this city take a long time to tackle.

There is one aspect that has the ability to up the momentum, like you said, the Super Bowl event next year. After that, who knows...things could really take off, and I think all that has happened now is just inertia for what is to come.

I'm highly optimistic, yet have that cautious mindset. I think we're still in a vulnerable (teetering) state with a great fate on our side.

[ManageMich]

Michi, that must have been a great experience at Merchant's Row. Those are beautiful inside and out. I love the lights illuminating the outside of the newly refurbished buildings. Problems and developments in any city take a long time to tackle. Take trendy, developing Royal Oak for example, how many years ago was the I-696/Gateway Project announced and it has yet to break ground. I will stick to one of my earlier points that GM is running things downtown now and it's essentially out of the hands of the city. I'd take a private entity running my downtown any day. Don't think for one second that Compuware didn't come down as a result of wanting to align itself with GM. I have a few slightly far fetched hopes for Downtown Detroit, and they are 1.) Ford decides that their HQ is too old and a new HQ building in Downtown Detroit would be good for business and, 2.) Kelly Services decides their HQ is too small and too old and decides to move down closer to their largest customer GM. These both seem a little out there but don't forget that the city would give both of them the land to build. The Ford family, especially Edsel, have a deep rooted connection with the city and it would be good PR for the company in a time when they desperately need it (GM has gotten lost of good press from their moves in Detroit). Also, Kelly Services' largest customer is GM and Matt Cullen may have just the spot for them near the Renaissance Center. Their building on Big Beaver is old and from what I've heard they have grown out of it. Maybe the old Hudson's site would be a great fit? Just some things to spur some conversation.....

[Ed007Toronto]

Not to put a huge damper but aren't you guys overlooking some very serious problems facing the city?

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/02/national/02detroit.html
Shrinking, Detroit Faces Fiscal Nightmare
By JODI WILGOREN
Published: February 2, 2005

DETROIT, Jan. 29 - In the decade after he finished law school, Dan Varner watched with mounting exasperation as his black, middle-class peers defected from Detroit, beloved city of his birth.

He was the relentless city booster telling college-bound teenagers to come home after graduation, the one urging far-flung friends to move here, the man always talking about rebuilding the city while others abandoned it.

Then, one day, Mr. Varner said he realized "there was really no one to have dinner with." He said he "could count on one hand in the four blocks around me the number of men my age who had families." Enough became enough one spring day when he drove his children home past a band of teenage boys chanting profanity.

"As a dad and a husband, you have an obligation to try to provide the best life possible," said Mr. Varner, 35, who in August moved his family to Ypsilanti Township, 45 minutes away. "That was just something we couldn't find in Detroit."

The Varners are emblematic of the exodus that is plunging Detroit's government and school system into a fiscal nightmare, resulting in not just the slashing of staff and services, but also, for the first time, a fundamental right-sizing for a new, shrunken reality. The 139-square-mile Motor City now has a population of 911,000, less than half its 1950's peak.

With the city facing a $389 million shortfall over three years and the threat of receivership, Mayor Kwame M. Kilpatrick announced this month that Detroit would soon lay off 686 people and eliminate 237 vacant jobs, cut employees' pay 10 percent across the board, end overnight bus service and close the aquarium. That is just a start, as consultants consider cutting departments - like cultural affairs and the zoo, and health, transit and street lighting - and ponder new taxes on everything from alcohol to vacant land.

Mayor Kwame M. Kilpatrick, right, after a meeting with the city's business and civic leaders.

In the school district, which must submit to the state by Friday a deficit elimination plan in order to borrow the money it needs to operate, the chief executive, Kenneth Burnley, sent pink slips to 372 teachers before Christmas and plans to shutter 40 schools this summer. That sounds like a lot until it is laid against projections of enrollment plummeting to 100,000 by 2008, half what it was in 1999, which would result in the firing of 5,400 of 21,000 employees and closing 110 of 252 schools.

The twin crises come as Mayor Kilpatrick, in the final year of his first term, is engulfed in a controversy over the city's two-year, $24,995 lease of a sport utility vehicle for his wife and three children. Dr. Burnley is also ensnared in an ugly fight after voters in November rejected the state-appointed board that hired him in favor of returning to an elected board this month. The board voted last week not to renew Dr. Burnley's contract, which expires June 30, but he remains a candidate for the one-year interim chief executive slot during the board transition.

So a dour mood has descended over a city that has been seeking a renaissance for more than a generation. The words people use to describe the situation are "cataclysmic," "debilitating," "monumental," "dire" and "grave."

"To the extent bad politics continue to swamp good economics, I see no turnaround imminent," said David Littman, chief economist at Comerica Bank, who sat on a task force on city finances in 1975 and says Detroit's woes follow decades of denial about downsizing, privatization and competition. "It does gravitate to a graveyard spiral."

Causes of the crisis are complex, and, unsurprisingly, much debated, but the story starts with some staggering numbers. Having lost one million residents in a half century, Detroit is expected to see its population drop by 50,000 more in the next five years; 15,168 business have departed since 1972. New loft developments credited with revitalizing downtown are mainly filled with empty-nesters, not the building blocks of a healthy community; white flight has become bright flight, with families and people earning more than $50,000 a year leading the way out of town.

[Jaybird]

I don't think many have overlooked the serious problems facing the city in that article, we just never posted that particular one in the NY times. Most of us (and I) have known and stated the city's cashflow problems and department job cuts at different times and articles from Detroit newspapers and we have looked @ SkyscraperPage as well. It was known city services and departments were laying off employees to help the city's budget crisis. And we never really talked about them that much, because most of us around here like to think positively about Detroit, but know the city is in the RED in some areas.

Speaking of things, I wonder with the new Port Authority Terminal on the waterfront, if they'll TEAR that Parking Garage in front of the RenCen and Hart Plaza down?

[ManageMich]

Ed007Toronto, check out this article which I got from another web site that came from your very own Toronto newspaper: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20050202/DETROIT02/TPTravel/?query=detroit
I find it interesting and optimistic, but there was a time when buses would take people from Toronto to Detroit to shop and be entertained. Toronto is a great city now, but I feel as though Detroit is only beginning to unlock its true potential.

[hudkina]

We are all aware of the city's financial problems.

That's like asking, are you aware the CN Tower is in Toronto.;)

[Ed007Toronto]

I've been to Detroit many times and love the buildings that remain. But its been a decade or so since I've been back. So reading this thread made me feel good that things were really turning around. So I was surprised by the NY Times article that didn't reflect what I was reading in this thread. That's all. Not trying to cause trouble. All the best to Detroit.

[hudkina]

The article paints a darker picture than what is probably going on.

[The Urban Politician]

Every major city is facing a fiscal nightmare right now. NO big deal. Detroit just happens to be more vulnerable because of it's current status

[ManageMich]

What's funny is that I'm looking at what's going on right now in terms of the fiscal budget crisis as a positive because this is all happening before the Superbowl and not during. Plus, its bringing awareness to the overspending and waste that the city has been engaged in for years. This may be a larger opportunity for the city to privatize critical services and actually begin the healing process like so many other big cities have done, namely Chicago.
On a side note, any of the Detroit forumers realize that there have only been two murders since Jan. 1? Is that a record? The media here hasn't been talking about this small positive like they should. It means even the worst residents of our city are getting it together.

[hudkina]

Really? We've only had 2 murders in the entire month of January?! Wow. If that's true, I'd be surprised!

[ManageMich]

Can anyone verify if that is correct - only 2 murders? I've been noticing the news has been scrambling around town to find anything they can possibly find, even reporting a story of a guy chasing a girl with a taser gun. Wow, we're definitely getting friendlier, I mean, people are using taser guns now? Next thing you know, we'll be having fist fights on the news and then verbal debates and then we'll be getting somewhere....

[Michi]

No, there has to be more than two. Off the top of my head, I think of that double homicide just a week or two ago, where 4 people were involved, but 2 died.

[Jaybird]

It sounds like first run movies are returning to the Renaissance Center! GM plans to re-make a 4 screen cinema with first-run movies in its world headquarters downtown! So now if I go to Detroit, I can catch a movie. :) Sounds like it will open in mid-May 2005.

If only Ilitch could get that same idea for the old United Artists Theatre.

[hudkina]

The United Artists theater is way too big to be a Movie House anymore. (Except for rare occasions) The only possible future, I think anyway, is making it a stage theater like the Fox. However, I highly doubt Ilitch would want to create competition with his own theater. And that's probably why he owns the UA building. So nobody else can snap it up and renovate it...

[Lmichigan]

They could easily make it a movie house, and definitely a ciniplex because of it's size. They could then use the first few floors for retail, and the rest of the floors for residential and/or office space. It's a perfect project if anyone would be willing to take on one that size in downtown Detroit.

[ManageMich]

I have been reading a lot about how the city will now be fining owners of derelict buildings in Detroit. Anyone know how this will affect Mr. Ilitch's many properties? Do you think it'll make him reconsider his current agenda which has been to buy and hold on to properties without justified redevelopment plans?

[hudkina]

I don't know about it being a cineplex. Maybe if they completely gutted the theater and put up several walls to create more than one screen, but I don't think that would be a good idea. I'd rather see the theater restored than see it defaced to accomodate a cineplex. Besides, I think I'd rather see a movie theater built from scratch or incorporated into a new development (like on the old Hudson's site)

[Lmichigan]

I'd rather see it completely gutted if it meant actual renovation, over it just sitting there any day. There's little hope of saving it and redeveloping it as a theater.

[hudkina]

About as much as seeing it become a movie theater.;)

[Lmichigan]

Yeah, the prospects of redevelopment, period, seem distant at the time. Especially considering who it's owner is.

[Jaybird]

(this post has been moved to its own thread in the midwest section) :)

[ManageMich]

Detroit forumers: I am seriously looking at buying a loft or condo in Detroit before the end of 2005. I want to be as close to downtown as possible while staying as close to $200,000 as possible. This is an investment property in addition to my home in Royal Oak. What would you recommend and why?

[bubach_hlubach]

It always makes me sad when driving through downtown Detroit, this city is literally dying :(

[hudkina]

What the hell are you talking about? When was the last time you drove through downtown Detroit? 20 years ago?

[ManageMich]

Hudkina, what are your thoughts regarding my post above? If you could buy a loft anywhere in Detroit, where would it be and why?

[hudkina]

I probably wouldn't buy a loft. I'd probably buy a home on the Southwest Side (around Clark Park), or the near West Side (Virginia Park, Boston-Edison, etc.)

But if I had to buy a loft, I'd probably look into Rivertown, and Midtown. Hell, the ones going in around the New Center area are nice too.

The only area of the city I wouldn't want to live in is the West Side. I'd rather live in the suburbs.

[Lmichigan]

lol, the only part of the city I wouldn't live on is the Eastside. And by eastside, I mean anything west of Woodward and north of 94. The river's alright, though. ;) But, maybe I'm biased, I was born a westsider.

[hudkina]

Yeah, I don't think I'd want to live on the East Side either, unless I'm south of Jefferson. Most of the neighborhoods that are nice are suburban in nature, and there are far too many neighborhoods that have been completely abandoned. If I was going to live on the East Side I'd pick Rivertown or the West Village. I don't think I'd venture to far away from Jefferson or Indian Village.

That's why I'd choose the Southwest Side. It has much of the same housing stock that the East Side once had, just not in nearly as bad of a condition. But then, my favorite residential neighborhoods in the city are on the West Side between Linwood and Woodward.

[Michi]

Why don't you go down to the Ellington sales office one day, ManageMich? One of my good friends bought a place there (5th floor w/ a balcony facing Woodward) and he just graduated college in '03. Yah, that's pretty good for himself that early out of school, but you might like what you see down there. Also, there is the new Carolton Lofts just behind the Ellington in Brush Park along John R. I don't know their pricing, but that's actually a restoration rather than new construction like the Ellington.

The Ellington (http://ellingtonlofts.com)

[ManageMich]

Thanks Michi, are the Ellington Lofts and the Carlton lofts both tax exempt status?

[Michi]

Thanks Michi, are the Ellington Lofts and the Carlton lofts both tax exempt status?
I'm not sure of the tax criteria that either have. I would imagine the Carlton might have a better incentive since it is a rehabilitation/preservation.

Seriously, I would go down to the Ellington sales office (Corner of Mack and John R in that old branch bank building) and just ask some questions, look at the floorplans, etc...They are very helpful and kind down there!

[ManageMich]

I'm going to go in the Ellington office in the next few weeks. My significant other is starting to come around about living in the city. I swear Brush Park is going to be the heavy hitter down there. Think about it this way, Southwest Detroit is growing, Midtown is starting to come back and the east riverfront is an untapped gold mine with instant population potential. On the east riverfront, it basically boils down to how fast they can build it because people will buy there and shop there no matter what's going on in the rest of the city. My point is that I'm starting to see the makings of a stabilizing city population regardless of what SEMCOG tells me.

[Michi]

Indeed. Indeed! I know you mentioned you are looking into purchasing property, but while you're downtown checking out the Ellington, might I suggest you make an appointment to go see the models at the Lofts of Merchants Row? I worked there last summer, so I know the staff. You want to talk to Erin. She'll take you through the ins and outs of the lofts. Just tell her you're looking at options even if your intent is not to lease. :)

LMR
313.418.4700

[ManageMich]

Thanks Michi, I haven't actually been in the Merchant's Row development, but they look stunning from the outside (especially the exterior lighting). I wish they were available for immediate purchase because I'd be all over it. One question, I've been noticing that some areas of downtown are not lit up at night. The streetlights are completely turned off in the CBD south of Campus Martius some nights. Is there a reason for it, or is it a cost saving for the city? I have always thought one of the best things the city could do is turn on all the lights because it gives the sense that we're open for business even if it's after 5pm.

[Michi]

I have no idea. I know what you mean though. It's kind of frustrating, especially during the Christmas season to have all the decorations hanging on the light poles lit, but the lights themselves off. ??? Doesn't make too much sense.

One thing I always notice is that some of the hanging/lighted street signs are never lit either. It's little things like that that I hope the city can perfect by summer for the start of all the sporting events.

[Jaybird]

Granholm plan targets downtown development
By Amy Lane
• February 14, 2005


LANSING - Detroit's efforts to redevelop its riverfront could get a boost under a new Granholm administration proposal to help cities spur development on the fringes of their downtowns.


The idea: Use some of the revenue from property-tax growth in an existing downtown district to finance improvements in a contiguous area. As the new area develops, it uses taxes on its increased property values to repay the state.
The "downtown expansion" proposal was a little-noticed part of Gov. Jennifer Granholm's State of the State address last week. But it's of big interest to Detroit officials who have been discussing the idea.

"I think this is a very good thing for the state and the cities," said Art Papapanos, vice president for the Detroit Economic Growth Corp. and authorized agent for the Detroit Downtown Development Authority. "It is a great approach."


Under the proposal, which requires legislative approval, cities that have downtown development authorities or tax-increment finance authorities encompassing downtown areas could collect and use state and local school property taxes for new projects - something the downtown districts haven't been able to do since the 1994 Proposal A school-finance reforms. The state would make school districts whole on the local taxes diverted.


Communities would need to apply to the state and submit plans. State Treasurer Jay Rising said there would be a cap on how many applications the state would approve each year. He said the administration envisions a program in which the state would initially forgo up to $50 million a year in taxes, for two years.


Approved communities could restart diversion of the six-mill state education tax on homestead property and the 18-mill local school operating tax on nonhomestead property. That revenue could be used only for expansion projects outside the existing district, such as to finance site preparation, demolitions and streetscapes.


In Detroit, that could help develop the riverfront east of the DDA boundaries, Papapanos said.


Rising said the program, which the administration envisions would be used throughout the state, could protect a vibrant downtown from encroaching blight as well as promote redevelopment outward, along downtowns' edges.


"If it's an area that's starting to turn, and all it needs is a little boost ... we want to help with our share of that," Rising said.


Sarah Hubbard, vice president of public affairs for the Detroit Regional Chamber, said the chamber wants to examine the proposal's implications but thinks it is an interesting concept.


Like much of what Granholm presented, the proposal needs the OK of the Republican-controlled Legislature. Ari Adler, press secretary to Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema, R-Wyoming, said last week that it was too early to assess the idea.


"We don't really have a reaction to it," he said. "It's one of those where again, it sounds like an idea with a lot of concept to it, but no real detail. We're going to have to get into the details, and in order to get into those, we need legislation presented to us."


The plan got just brief mention by Granholm as a "new tool to spark city development" in her State of the State plan to create jobs and boost Michigan's economy, as reported on www.crains detroit.com.


In her address, Granholm also called for:


A $2 billion bond proposal that would finance strides in life sciences, automotive technology, and alternative energy.


The state would use the proceeds to support a range of activities, such as laboratory expansions, speeding commercialization of products stemming from university research, and creating new sources of funding, including venture capital, for startup businesses and entrepreneurs.


Rising said the bonds' debt service would initially be paid with tobacco-settlement funds the state currently spends on its Technology Tri-Corridor program.


Accelerating $800 million worth of state infrastructure improvement projects, including road repairs and upgrades to state, school and college buildings.


A new $4,000 scholarship for students who complete two years of college, whether they are pursuing two-year or four-year degrees. The scholarship would replace the existing $2,500 Merit scholarship.


A "credit amnesty" program through colleges and universities, for people who would like to return to school but whose college credits have expired. Granholm proposes that educational institutions accept the old credits of adults who re-enroll within the next three years.


"Rapid-response" training through community colleges, to prepare and place unemployed workers in fields with acute labor shortages, such as in building trades, nursing and health care.

Amy Lane: (517) 371-5355, alane@crain.com




Even more good news for downtown Detroit, a boost for the east riverfront and downtown. A bit of extra funding. :)

[ManageMich]

I stayed in downtown Chicago for the past week for work after not having been there in about 5 years. Going in, I thought it would make me want to move from Detroit, but it actually had the opposite effect. I saw the historic strutures and high rise condos and thought I was seeing what Detroit should have been and what it could become. It dawned on me that I'm not just an eternal optimist and that Detroit has so much potential it's amazing; more than anywhere I've ever been. The way its downtown is set up and its great structures are unparalleled in this nation. Go Motown...

[ManageMich]

Is this true? There are plans to redevelop 3100 Woodward, Hotel Eddystone and the Harbor Light building all in Brush Park/Cass Corridor. The www.detroiturbanliving.com web site says they will be complete in 2006. Go to the interactive map part about 3/4 down on the page. I was down at 3100 Woodward today, just down the street from the Carola, and it is currrently being gutted. If these projects get going and the Ellington fills up, then I think we really have something. Critical mass is really starting to accumulate and most of the units are asking at least $170 sq. ft. That area west of Woodward Place on Woodward is destined for tasteful retail.

[urbanlover]

I don't see why it wouldn't be true considering their track record with the Carola and Carlton. They seem to deliver on their projects if Downotwn/Midtown residental continues to sell as well or better then these projects should be done on time.

[Michi]

Which one is 3100 Woodward? There's the building in the CBD on the corner of Woodward and Congress that is being converted into lofts. I've heard only great things about this building. From the sounds of it, it was a hot item with many a developer, and the developer who snatched it will be polishing it soon. Is this 3100? I always forget its address.

The Brush Park area is just taking off! I don't know about the Harbor Light, but I know Hotel Eddystone is committed to. The way I see it though, is that anyone who is going to invest living there is not going to want to live accross the street from the decrepit Harbor Light...so...that means only one thing...renovation.

www.loftwerks.com (http://www.loftwerks.com)

[urbanlover]

No way, this is way past Congress. Merchants Row is in the 1200-1400 blocks and the Ellington off of Mack is around the 3600 block.

3100 Woodward
http://www.detroiturbanliving.com/images/listing_photos/20_get_name_02.jpg

[ManageMich]

Urbanlover, that is the building above, 3100 Woodward. On the left side is where the dumpsters are set up now. The sales person at the Carola said the Eddystone and Harbor Light had both recently gotten their architectural plans completed. These developments seem like they're going slow, but think about how two years ago the Carola, Lamar and Carlton weren't done. They're almost all finished on those three now and I have every reason to believe the aforementioned projects will get going.

[Michi]

Oh ok...I'm bad with address memorization even though I live right by 3100 Woodward. ;) lol

Here's some Detroit development news...

Vacant theater to get face-lift
Detroit's long-vacant National Theatre at 118 Monroe St. downtown is scheduled to get a face-lift this spring.


Detroit-based Phoenix Development Group L.L.C., owner of the 96-year-old Albert Kahn-designed theater, plans $347,000 worth of clean-up and preservation work, including windows and removal of a canopy.


The Detroit Downtown Development Authority approved a $150,000 façade-improvement grant last week. Work is to begin in April and be finished by November. The DDA also approved a $30,000 grant toward $79,000 of paving and landscaping for the adjoining parking lot.

- Robert Ankeny

http://forgottenmichigan.com/gallery/albums/NationalTheater/01_jpg.jpgwww.forgottenmichigan.com

[Michi]

Ford calls for effort to restore Belle Isle's glory
Group raising money hopes notice will bring support
By Jennette Smith
• February 21, 2005


Efforts to revitalize ailing Belle Isle received a boost from Edsel Ford II during his Newsmaker of the Year speech last week.


Ford, who was named Crain's Newsmaker largely for his efforts with the Detroit 300 Conservancy and the recently opened Campus Martius Park, said he'd like to see Belle Isle returned to its former glory. He even suggested bringing back Grand Prix-style auto racing to the island as an idea to consider.
"I want my grandchildren to have the experience that I have had with my children, enjoying the tranquility of a weekday and the excitement of race day at Belle Isle," he said.

When questioned afterward about his Belle Isle remarks, Ford said the park is "a little bit of a stepchild." He said the racing suggestion probably wasn't realistic, but said it's possible he would consider investing time in new volunteer efforts to renovate the Detroit park.


"I've got to clean up my dance card," said Ford, who is known for his multiple nonprofit commitments.


Anthony and Sarah Earley said they were pleased at the positive audience reaction to Ford's comments about Belle Isle. Anthony Earley Jr. is chairman and CEO of DTE Energy Co. The Earleys said Ford's comments illustrate the deep feelings many people have about Belle Isle. Sarah Earley founded a new group called the Belle Isle Women's Committee that seeks to raise money for improvements on the island. Sarah Earley said the group's initial goal is $100,000. The group, an arm of nonprofit Friends of Belle Isle, has not yet identified its priorities for renovations, she said.


"There is no one championing Belle Isle," she said. "I am just interested."


A fund-raiser is planned for June 7 at the park, which will include honoring a Belle Isle legacy award recipient, Earley said.


A previous master plan for the 982-acre island prepared in 2000 by Detroit-based Hamilton Anderson Associates for the city estimates that $180 million is needed for park improvements. Because that is unrealistic right now, likely priorities include the island's aquarium and maintenance of attractions that are still open, said David Sanders, vice president of the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition. The coalition is assisting many improvement efforts along the Detroit River through its Greater Detroit American Heritage River Initiative.


Peter Malcolmson, treasurer of the Friends of Belle Isle, said the new women's committee is a good addition and said his priorities for renovation would include lighting, the Detroit Boat Club building, the zoo (closed in 2002) and the island's conservatory. The city recreation department has done a good job recently on picnic shelter maintenance and road repaving, he said.


The main message of Ford's Newsmaker speech was to urge more time and money investment by business leaders in Detroit. He said Campus Martius Park's early success as a people magnet shows the success possible when many civic leaders stand up for the city.


Ford said it took a group of conservancy members, corporate leaders and a partnership with the city to complete the Campus Martius project. As chairman of the Detroit 300 Conservancy, Ford ensured the park was funded and built on schedule. The park, which cost $20 million and opened in November, is one of the conservancy's legacy projects from Detroit's 300th birthday celebration in 2001.


"So many foundations, businesspeople and so many businesses gave so willingly of their time and their finances to underwrite something truly thrilling ... a union of private and public interests to create a green gathering space in the heart of our hometown," Ford told the crowd of 1,000-plus at Cobo Center. The Wednesday Newsmaker luncheon was sponsored by the Women's Economic Club and the Detroit Economic Club.


Business leaders who care about Detroit can do some simple things to keep the momentum of Campus Martius Park rolling, Ford said. Bring friends downtown for a dinner on the weekend. Go skating at the new park's ice rink, he urged.


"I think of the recent (Motown Winter Blast) celebrations; and I think of seeing Roger Penske there, both days, bundled up at Campus Martius Park with every item from the L.L. Bean catalog - and then some - and loving every minute of it," he said. "If we really want Detroit to be the place to be, then first we have to be in Detroit."


Penske is chairman of Penske Corp. and the Super Bowl XL Host Committee.


In the early portion of his remarks, Ford harkened back to his family history. He is the great-grandson of Ford Motor Co. founder Henry Ford and the son of Henry Ford II, president of the company from 1945 to 1960 and chairman from 1960 to 1980.


Edsel Ford is a retired vice president of Ford and former president and COO of Ford Motor Credit. He remains a member of the Ford board of directors and a consultant to the company, active in company affairs and corporate-dealer relations. He also owns Pentastar Aviation L.L.C. in Waterford Township

Jennette Smith: (313) 446-0414, jhsmith@ crain.com

[ManageMich]

Michi, the National Theater news is good news because it is really one of the last derelict structures on the Monroe Block. I was a volunteer coordinator in the GM section of the Motown Winter Blast and the National Theater stood out as an eyesore. This might be a way to draw some interest and imagine how beautiful it'll look with new windows and marquee. Again I'll say it, but it just seems like there's something in the air lately despite all the bad news. If you think of downtown as a puzzle, it sure feels like the right pieces are moving into place and districts are starting to tie together. The new YMCA ties Broadway into the Monroe Block and Campus Martius nicely.

[ReddAlert]

can we get some pics of Detroits industrial hell areas? That would be pretty intresting to look at.

[ManageMich]

ReddAlert, there are only a few truly "industrial" areas left that haven't been demolished or aren't still in use. A lot of its neglected areas look a lot like Milwaukee's except for the fact that Detroit is so much larger.

[hudkina]

The area around Zug Island and the Rouge River is a huge industrial complex, I'd say its one of the largest in the nation with maybe the exceptio