This reminds me of Dallas..............personally I think it is a great idea. Like GM said they don't want it to look like a casino but anything that adds a little life would be great. Maybe they could look at a lighting scheme for the refurbished Cobo Hall while they are at it. Some of the older buildings that are being renovated could also be lite up a little, not neccessarily with LED but more traditional techniques.

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9Q6HTLG1.htm

US OKs $196.5M for high-speed Chicago-Detroit rail

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9Q6HTLG1.htm

US OKs $196.5M for high-speed Chicago-Detroit rail
Like this news very much! Hopefully we can see some more positive news come out of this.

Looks like the Woodward Oakland County communities got the money they need to study extending the line into OC:

Woodward Light Rail projects gets $2 million federal grant for study on Birmingham extension (http://www.freep.com/article/20111013/NEWS05/111013054/Woodward-Light-Rail-projects-gets-2-million-federal-grant-study-Birmingham-extension)

By Matt Helms | Detroit Free Press

October 13, 2011

The federal government today granted $2 million to an effort to study whether Detroit’s fledgling Woodward Light Rail project, now designed to run from downtown to 8 Mile Road, should keep chugging north up to Birmingham.

The money is another strong indicator of federal support for the $550-million plan to bring light rail to metro Detroit. The U.S. Transportation Department has already awarded Detroit $25 million for the initial phases of the project, with Mayor Dave Bing’s office saying construction could start as early as next year.

Michigan’s U.S. Sens. Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow announced today that the Transportation Department approved $2 million for a study on extending the rail line north through Ferndale and Royal Oak ending at Maple Road in Birmingham. Supporters say suburban support of the project will be key to its success, and having it go into Oakland County will muster crucial early backing.

...

The Obama administration seems to really want this to happen.

I hope that if they extend it to Birmingham it won't bypass downtown Royal Oak. I would put a station on Woodward at the Detroit Zoo and then have it turn north onto Washington Ave stopping at Lincoln Ave and then continuing north to the Royal Oak Transit Center. From there I would have it run west along 11 Mile Rd then turn north on Woodward with a stop just north of the intersection of Woodward and 11 Mile.

11 Mile is 70 feet wide along that stretch. I would assume the train would only need a ROW of about 12 ft in each direction. That leaves enough space for two 11 ft vehicle lanes a 10 ft turn lane, and 7 ft sidewalks on either side.

Lets just hope they start turnin shovels before the election next year... If obama is out of office I dont see republicans helping this project any. Our asshole governor here in ohio killed off our chances to get the HSR in the 3C corridor and we even had the money package approved by government.. Kasich wanted that money to be used on highway projects instead but it had to be used on rail projects.. Sooo the money ended up going to states that are currently doing HSR lines

Lets just hope they start turnin shovels before the election next year... If obama is out of office I dont see republicans helping this project any. Our asshole governor here in ohio killed off our chances to get the HSR in the 3C corridor and we even had the money package approved by government.. Kasich wanted that money to be used on highway projects instead but it had to be used on rail projects.. Sooo the money ended up going to states that are currently doing HSR lines
I'm not going to turn this into another political thread, we already on this forum anyways. But Romney is their best hope of having a Republican in office and look at what the party is doing. First it was Bachmann, then Perry, then they asked for Christie and he declined, Palin announced she wasn't in it, and now they have Cain. He's still pulling in more cash than any of the other candidates, which means it isn't over for him in the long run. But it's clear that the far right of the party doesn't want him as their nomination, even when many polls show their picks losing by considerable margins.

And I feel your pain man. A project mostly financed by federal money, rest covered by private company, maintenance and operation covered by that private company, and Feds remove the requirement that the state would have to pay the money back if the line failed and our governor still says "no". Wasn't a happy camper that day.

Westin investor has eyes set on Capitol Park

Louis Aguilar/ The Detroit News

October 15, 2011

The developer behind the $200 million renovation of the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit is interested in buying another downtown building.

Cleveland-based John Ferchill says he is one of the bidders to purchase up to three empty buildings in Detroit's Capitol Park area that are now under the control of a group of economic development agencies. Capitol Park is a triangular enclave bounded by Shelby, Griswold and State streets. It's just west of Woodward Avenue and one block away from the Westin Book Cadillac on Washington Boulevard.

"The only detail you're going to get out of me is that I'm working with a partner," Ferchill said. "Obviously, I think that area will be a great success because of the success of the Book Cadillac. There are more people around that building all the time."

...

http://detnews.com/article/20111015/BIZ/110150317/1001/Westin-investor-has-eyes-set-on-Capitol-Park

^^ Great news! There are some AWESOME buildings in that area!

A metro area of 4.3 million deserves better than a system primarily based on BRT down it's major "spoke" arteries, and I'm not sure how well this proposal jibes with the Regional Transit Coordinating Council (RTCC) 2008 regional transit plan, but I guess it's a start of someone doing something. Personally, I think BRT should probably be reserved particularly for the east-west routes of the Metro, and LRT for the spoke roads.

Snyder to propose high-speed bus network to knit Detroit, suburban systems (http://www.freep.com/article/20111025/NEWS05/111025053/Snyder-propose-high-speed-bus-network-knit-Detroit-suburban-systems?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE)

By Matt Helms | Detroit Free Press

October 24, 2011

Gov. Rick Snyder will propose building a network of high-speed buses along major roads between Detroit and its suburbs to pave the way for a regional transit system, officials in his administration said this afternoon.

Snyder, in a speech that will lay out his transportation agenda Wednesday afternoon at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, will propose creating rapid-transit bus lines along Woodward and Gratiot avenues from downtown to suburbs, between downtown and Ann Arbor with a stop at Detroit Metro Airport, as well as along M-59 in Macomb and Oakland counties.

The high-speed bus lines would be operated by a new governing board made up of representatives of Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Washtenaw counties independently of existing transit providers, the Detroit Department of Transportation and SMART, the suburban bus system.

...

Snyder administration officials said the governor views the plan as way to jump-start a regional transit system in metro Detroit, a long-sought goal that has defied dozens of similar attempts since the 1960s. The rapid-transit system would be operated and funded independently – through a fee on vehicle registrations or similar method voters would be asked to approve – and would provide a road map for the city and suburban bus systems to ultimately work better together if not merge outright.

...

Red beacon on historic Penobscot again lighting Detroit sky
Mark Hicks/ The Detroit News
Detroit — As the autumn days darken, the city's skyline shines a bit brighter.

The landmark red beacon atop the historic Penobscot Building was relit in a special ceremony Thursday night.

The three-hour event at the building's lobby entrance drew tenants, neighbors and city officials who watched Cynthia J. Pasky, CEO of Strategic Staffing Solutions, throw the switch on the newly restored beacon.

"It looks great," Pasky said after the ceremony. "For those of us who grew up in Detroit, that's what we're used to seeing."

For decades the giant, blinking red ball capping architect Wirt Rowland's 1928 art deco tower on Griswold has been one of downtown Detroit's most distinctive features.

The building owners had decided to upgrade the beacon, which includes white bulbs that needed to be replaced by hand, Pasky said.

The restoration is symbolic of their efforts to boost the city's revitalization, she said. For months, the owners have been working to update the building.

"They're committed to trying to improve the building and fill it up," Pasky said. "That's what we need for Detroit."
http://www.detnews.com/article/20111027/METRO01/110270483/1410/METRO01/Red-beacon-on-historic-Penobscot-again-lighting-Detroit-sky

I think these BRT lines would be good for jump-starting regional mass transit. While we would all prefer LRT, it is just too expensive for most suburban areas. As long as the BRT is as frequent and reliable as LRT, then it will probably receive the same ridership. Also, having these routes will allow SMART and DDOT to focus more on feeding these routes than covering them. For example, the route that runs along Telegraph between Southland and Pontiac is well over 30 miles. Now that SMART doesn't have to cover that route, it could add more feeder lines running perpendicular to Telegraph (say along Plymouth Rd to Plymouth or 7 Mile Rd to Northville.) giving more people more access to regional centers. Granted, it would only work with the notion that communities would not be able to "opt out" of the bus systems.

I was wondering..........I remember when the Southfield Freeway (at the time called Expressway) was built and then I-696 both of which divided that neighborhood up and islolating large sections. What if they covered sections large enough where these neighborhoods could be reconnected. I am thinking neighborhoods where streets actually go somewhere and don't end up as dead ends increase the movement of people which to me helps with the over all vitality of an area. I know there are probably all kinds of reason why it can't be done not the least being money. The one reason I think it is possible is you can do as big or small a section as makes sense plus as an experiment to see what happens you don't have to commit to a huge project.............or maybe I should just eat dinner and stop thinking so much:lol:

I-696 and M-39 are built in relatively suburban areas. The stretch of I-696 near Royal Oak is the only area that is somewhat walkable, but I doubt anybody is doing any walking beyond the dog. As for M-39, there is a crossing every 1/2 mile through the city. On top of that there are several pedestrian bridges between those crossings. Through much of the city the most someone would have to go out of their way is 1/3 of a mile (1 block down/cross/1 block up). And if Southfield had remained an at-grade 10 lane median-divided highway, my guess is that the number of pedestrian crossings would be the same. And at least with the freeway, the pedestrians are isolated from much of the cross traffic. Also, Southfield was a natural border for neighborhoods anyway. I would much rather focus on covering the downtown freeways.

I would agree. This is more a thought for a visual perspective. Not that there is a need for park space but it is more for that feeling of division. I guess it would make more sense to start where efforts are already under way. My bias was simply because that is where I grew up, in the Plymouth - Southfield area.

Happy to hear that the GAR is being renovated, finally, after a few failed attempts. Hopefully, this one actually makes it.

GAR Building to get makeover (http://www.freep.com/article/20111103/BUSINESS06/111103036/GAR-Building-get-makeover?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|p)

By John Gallagher | Detroit Free Press

November 3, 2011

One of Detroit’s most notable vacant landmarks, the historic Grand Army of the Republic Hall at Cass and Grand River, is about to get new life.

Brothers Tom and David Carleton and their partner Sean Emery purchased the GAR Building this week from the City of Detroit for $220,000. They said today they plan to start a cleanup of the building immediately, including sealing the roof against snow and water damage this winter.

When the building reopens in 2013 after a $2-million to $3-million renovation, the partners plan to move their media production firm Mindfield to the top two floors of the GAR Building. They hope to rent out the ground floor for retail and a restaurant, as well as dedicate some space to a memorial to Civil War veterans.

Designed by architect Julius Hess in the castle-like Romanesque style popular in the day, the GAR Building was built in 1899 as a meeting hall for Union Army veterans. As those veterans died off, the building took on other uses, but closed more than 30 years ago.

...

It's kind of funny to see the more "modern" versions of VFWs, etc. and compare them to the GAR building.;) I can't wait to see the building with windows.

4 non-profits combine to form new Belle Isle Conservancy

Four non-profit groups focused on Detroit’s Belle Isle park have merged to form the Belle Isle Conservancy, a body dedicated to preserving and improving Detroit’s island park.

The four groups that merged were the Belle Isle Women’s Committee, Belle Isle Botanical Society, Friends of Belle Isle and the Friends of Belle Isle Aquarium. The new conservancy will be overseen by a 19-member board, of which 5 members will be filled by City of Detroit representatives. The city will continue to own and operate the park.

“By combining our resources into the Belle Isle Conservancy, we are better positioned to raise funds for more ambitious initiatives on the island, while continuing efforts already underway by the four founding groups,” said Sarah Earley, Belle Isle Conservancy Board Chair.

"Belle Isle is one of Detroit’s crown jewels and we need to do all we can to restore it to its glory," said Mayor Dave Bing. "There are so many people committed to this effort and I could not be more pleased that this organization is forming to work in close cooperation with the city to provide leadership and resources for Belle Isle."

The new conservancy will focus on projects already funded and started by the four founding organizations, projects that total nearly $800,000 for 2012. That work includes restoration of the Horse Stables/Maintenance building roof, the Aquarium roof, improvements to the Lake Muskoday habitat, restoration of the Scott Fountain’s Pewabic tiles, and more.

The creation of the new conservancy was funded in part by grants from the Kresge Foundation and McGregor Fund. Rip Rapson, president of the Kresge Foundation said, “The formation of the conservancy brings a new coherence and energy to the efforts of the four original groups. Families for generations have enjoyed Belle Isle. The new Conservancy will unify members and supporters and attract new resources – financial and volunteer – to preserve and enhance this remarkable Detroit gem.”

Membership in the new conservancy is open to anyone willing to pay annual dues, which begin at $10 for seniors and students and $25 for individuals. For more information about the Belle Isle Conservancy, visit www.belleisleconservancy.org.

http://www.freep.com/article/20111024/NEWS01/111024023/4-non-profits-combine-form-new-Belle-Isle-Conservancy?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE

I-696 and M-39 are built in relatively suburban areas. The stretch of I-696 near Royal Oak is the only area that is somewhat walkable, but I doubt anybody is doing any walking beyond the dog. As for M-39, there is a crossing every 1/2 mile through the city. On top of that there are several pedestrian bridges between those crossings. Through much of the city the most someone would have to go out of their way is 1/3 of a mile (1 block down/cross/1 block up). And if Southfield had remained an at-grade 10 lane median-divided highway, my guess is that the number of pedestrian crossings would be the same. And at least with the freeway, the pedestrians are isolated from much of the cross traffic. Also, Southfield was a natural border for neighborhoods anyway. I would much rather focus on covering the downtown freeways.

Speaking of Royal Oak, are there any interesting developments going on there these days? It had quite a lively downtown when I was there a few years ago for business, and had quite a few new buildings in the 8-10 story range.

Not that I'm aware of. It's still the top destination for the 20-something bar scene, but I don't think too much has been happening on the development front.

_aNrgZQBdWM

http://detroit2020.com/2011/11/03/detroit-riverfront-development-plans/

This is why I think having light rail extended along Jefferson from Downtown to the Indian Village area is crucial. To create the demand for density that this area truly needs, the people need access to the major job centers in the Downtown, Midtown, and New Center areas.

New Plan In Works For Old Hudson's Site In Detroit

Businessman Dan Gilbert Taking Reigns On Redevelopment Of Site On Woodward Ave.

DETROIT -- The site of the former Hudson’s department store in Detroit has been sitting vacant since 1998. But there’s new hope that the site on Woodward Avenue could soon be filled with upwards of $100 million in development.

The Wayne County Commission’s Economic Development Committee met Tuesday to go over a plan masterminded by prominent businessman Dan Gilbert and his real estate group to develop retail and loft-style housing at the site.

In a statement, Gilbert told Local 4 a development entity for Bedrock Real Estate and/or its affiliates was requesting a 15-year extension of the renaissance zone, just north of the Compuware building.

"Bedrock and its affiliates currently own rights to develop the site and are evaluating options to do so, including potential retail, parking and residential loft-style apartments at some point in the future," Gilbert said.


http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/29716074/detail.html

http://cmsimg.detnews.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=C3&Date=20111112&Category=BIZ&ArtNo=111120326&Ref=AR

I'll have to try that. :cheers:

Looks like the two proposed Meijer stores for the out-city neighborhoods of Old Redford and Fairgrounds are still moving along:

Meijer proposes store on old Redford High site in Detroit; Gateway site further along

Jaclyn Trop | The Detroit News

November 15, 2011

Meijer Inc. plans to build a retail and grocery store at the now-vacant site of Redford High School in Detroit with tax breaks approved Tuesday by the Michigan Economic Growth Authority.

The MEGA board OK'd state and local tax breaks worth nearly $10 million — including a $3.3 million tax credit — to demolish the 1.1 million-square-foot high school at 21431 W. Grand River Ave., clean up the site and then allow Meijer to build a 217,000-square-foot store with a grocery, garden center and gas station, according to a press statement.

Grand Rapids-based superstore chain Meijer would invest $33 million in the project that would create an estimated 83 full-time jobs and 208 part-time employees being paid $8 to $23 an hour, the state agency said.

...

The Grand Rapids company is further along in pursuing plans to construct Detroit's first grocery supercenter to anchor the Shoppes at Gateway development near the former State Fairgrounds at Woodward and Eight Mile.

Guglielmi said the Gateway project hinges on the developer.

There are "several requirements for them to meet before we start digging," he said.

...

http://www.detnews.com/article/20111115/BIZ/111150408/1361/Meijer-proposes-store-on-old-Redford-High-site-in-Detroit--Gateway-site-further-along


I do wish they'd take the plunge, already, as it sounds like they are still years off from building on either site. There needs to be another example (besides the nearby Home Depot) to show that the floodgates can be thrown open in these out-city neighborhoods for this type of redevelopment.

Good luck to Mayor Bing and the Detroit City Council on figuring out a way to deal with these financial issues. It'll be interesting to hear how the press conference goes - with Mayor Bing discussing his plans.

http://www.masstransitmag.com/news/10451343/mi-mayor-dave-bing-expected-to-roll-out-plan-to-privatize-bus-in-detroit

Downtown Detroit's surging hotel scene is much closer to getting to get its first boutique hotel — a genre of small, trendy lodgings that often become local hangouts — at the elegant David Whitney Building in Grand Circus Park.
The state's first Aloft Hotel, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, will join the redevelopment of the Daniel Burnham-designed David Whitney that is expected to open by July 2014 with 136 loft-like rooms. The hotel, to be named Aloft Detroit at the David Whitney, will have what Starwood officials describe in a statement as its signature "pioneering initiatives in pop culture, design and technology." That includes a "re:mix lounge" and "w xyzbar" that have helped Aloft hotels earn TripAdvisor's 2011 "Top 10 Trendiest Hotels in the U.S." and "Top 10 Trendiest Hotels in the World" rankings lists.
Aloft has 55 hotels, and the brand is 3 years old.
The David Whitney has been closed for several years, but the Aloft deal hopes to reopen it in partnership with hotel investment firm Troy-based Trans Inns Management Inc. and Detroit-based the Roxbury Group. The Roxbury Group bought the Whitney for $3.3 million in March...


From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20111212/BIZ/112120376/Hip-boutique-Aloft-Hotel-slated-for-David-Whitney-Building#ixzz1gLIMrHF4

Looks like the light rail won't happen after all, very disappointing, but considering the city's financial woes and possible inability to build and maintain this light rail, maybe not surprising either. :(

Detroit light-rail plan is dead; high-speed city, suburban buses to be used instead (http://www.freep.com/article/20111214/NEWS01/112140422/Detroit-light-rail-plan-is-dead-high-speed-city-suburban-buses-to-be-used-instead?odyssey=tab%7Cmostpopular%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE)

but, there may be a slight glimmer of hope for a light rail line on Woodward....

Light rail backers push Woodward line as bus system proposed (http://www.detnews.com/article/20111214/METRO05/112140393/1016/metro05/Light-rail-backers-push-Woodward-line-bus-system-proposed-)

dislike... was really hoping for this project to happen

http://www.toledoblade.com/JackLessenberry/2011/12/23/Death-of-Detroit-s-light-rail-makes-way-for-a-better-idea.html

Death of Detroit's light rail makes way for a better idea

http://www.toledoblade.com/JackLessenberry/2011/12/23/Death-of-Detroit-s-light-rail-makes-way-for-a-better-idea.html

Death of Detroit's light rail makes way for a better idea

IMO, they should look to Cleveland's Healthline as a backbone for BRT. I have ridden on the Healthline and it got me to University Circle in decent time, so BRT can work, as long as it's planned and engineered properly.

:pepper:Wanted to wish you all a Happy New Year and join in with you for an ever quickening pace for Detroit and surrounds revival.

Update on rail...

LaHood: Light rail in Detroit could get new $25 million fed boost (http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120109/METRO/201090399/LaHood-Light-rail-Detroit-could-get-new-25-million-fed-boost?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|s)

By David Shepardson | The Detroit News

January 9, 2012

Washington - Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said the government will consider awarding Detroit's light-rail project up to $25 million - on top of $25 million awarded for a bus rapid transit system for Metro Detroit.

LaHood told The Detroit News Monday that he is willing to offer additional government funds if the M-1 light rail coalition can show it's financially viable.

On Friday, LaHood met with Gov. Rick Snyder, Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, Michigan's two senators and Rep. John Dingell, D-Dearborn, and business advocates of light rail Roger Penske, Dan Gilbert and Matt Cullen.

"Over the next 90 days, we will be in the room working with them on their proposal to invest $100 million - leveraged with federal dollars - to make the light rail project work as a part of a regional program for Detroit," LaHood told The News. "We're in the red zone on this. We're just about over the goal line on the light rail - but it has to be part of a regional focus."

...

Wow, last I heard I thought Congress was going to pull away funding for the Woodward Avenue rail project. Does this mean that it might get funding after all?

Correct me if I'm wrong -- but I'm pretty sure it wasn't the federal government (particularly "Congress" specifically) that had any plans to "pull" funding. I thought it was a local decision - that the most effective way to spend the money was to invest it in bus rapid transit improvements. I can understand that decision - because its pretty difficult to build much of a light rail corridor with only a few hundred million dollars. It seems a few hundred million spent on bus rapid transit improvements would stretch that money much further and provide a lot more transit service.

Wow, last I heard I thought Congress was going to pull away funding for the Woodward Avenue rail project. Does this mean that it might get funding after all?

The mayor, governor, and transportation secretary - without consulting anyone else - tried to scrap light rail, last month. There was a huge backlash by the business community and others involved with the project, who are backing the project upwards of $100 million. Within the last week, in the face of the backlash, the politicians changed their mind, and they are now giving the private backers 90 days to come up with a viable plan for a downsized (3 mile) light rail project as a component of the regional system (which had always been the plan).

To make it shorter, the politicians involved blinked after having tried to cut a back-door deal to kill the rail without consultation of any of the other parties involved in the project. The ball is now back in the private backers' court, and it looks like LaHood is back on the same page as M1.

If they end up building the light rail i really hope it doesnt end up being like the people mover. 3 miles isnt really covering that much

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/09/detroit-light-rail-streetcar_n_1195254.html

Detroit Light Rail Scaled Back To Streetcar

I actually think Downtown to New Center is probably a better starter line anyway. While it would have been great to see it extended as far north as Birmingham, the stretch between New Center and 8 Mile wouldn't have been viable on its own. In fact, I would have preferred to see the money that would have funded New Center to 8 Mile go from Downtown to the Gold Coast/Indian Village area to spur development along the riverfront.

A streetcar seems like a waste. How is it an improvement over a bus?

You know, I'm not sure I agree, Hud. While the economic development component of Woodward light rail has always been a huge component, I think the ridership has to make sense. A huge source of riders for the line current SMART and DDOT lines is the Fairgrounds, and it's the only thing that halfway justified the already kind of lowish potential ridership numbers. I think people don't realize how much of the ridership comes from north of New Center, sometimes.

I'm all for this line, if even it is now shortened and if only for the economic development potential, but I do question how its going to tie in with the DDOT and SMART lines. The Fairgrounds has always been a chokepoint for commuters trying to get to downtown and vice-versa. This essentially adds yet another point of transfer for anyone trying to get downtown or back up Woodward if you cut out bus service south of New Center. Ridership-wise, this really only makes sense for tourists and internal circulation of workers and visitors during the day; it's a lot like the People Mover in the practical function of it without it reaching even to the borders of the city to allow a transfer. To be honest, for regular commuters, this could actually make mass transit travel times along Woodward worse.

From a commuter standpoint, you're right, but from a development standpoint, the stretch north of New Center was irrelevant. The new plan calls for BRT from New Center to Birmingham, and while people would likely have to transfer from the BRT to a streetcar, the speed and efficiency produced by both the streetcar and the BRT line would likely mean travel time would still be less than it is under current conditions.

The only reason to choose a streetcar over BRT or even a standard bus system is that it creates a sense of urbanism that helps attract new development. The reason they chose BRT over LRT is because it is cheaper to build and maintain and it has nearly the same speed and efficiency as LRT. The downside is that BRT doesn't have the same psychological effect on tourists and developers.

With a streetcar system, I think the best option is to cater to those who visit, live, and work in the greater downtown area. BRT is better suited for bringing people in from the suburbs and outer neighborhoods.

Just a slight correction, but while BRT is cheaper up front, LRT is actually cheaper to maintain in the longrun.

BTW, I'm not convinced the BRT is even a real proposal. I think we might end up with the streetcar, but beyond that, I think SMART and DDOT will drag on until they absolutely won't be able to, anymore, given how the region waits to an imminent crisis before anything gets moving. The GOP legislature has already expressed disinterest (at best) in creating the regional transit authority. Without that, the BRT can't go anywhere since it's a regional project. It's crazy to realize, but the streetcar actually has moree of a chance since it doesn't cross municipal lines. lol

The cancelled light rail proposal called for 12 stations along Woodward Avenue, which would be reduced from 7 lanes to 5. I always thought the existing People Mover system was small and ineffective and only within the limits of the downtown area. But now the proposed light rail route would be replaced by a just-as-ineffective streetcar line.

How would it be just as ineffective? It actually leaves the downtown neighborhood. It connects the three most important neighborhoods within the city. Someone who may live in Midtown, go to school in New Center, and work in downtown will find this WAY more effective than the people mover. A tourist wanting to visit the DIA and the Riverwalk without overpaying for a taxi would find this effective.

^^I should have supported Detroit's light rail proposal. Maybe a streetcar is too light?

^^I should have supported Detroit's light rail proposal. Maybe a streetcar is too light?

Honestly, what in the world are you going on about?

^^A streetcar just looks smaller than light rail. Proposal shouldn't have been dropped.

In this case, streetcar and light rail are essentially synonymous. If you are imagining a little trolley like you'd see in parts of San Francisco (or that tourist trolley that ran on Washington Blvd in Detroit until the 90's) that's not what we are talking about.

This might be an idea the could look at http://seattletransitblog.com/2011/12/11/catenary-free-trams/

http://www.wtol.com/story/16579905/plans-call-for-245m-casino-in-downtown-lansing

Plans call for $245M casino in downtown Lansing

http://www.wtol.com/story/16580151/detroit-auto-show-attendance-increases-this-year

Detroit auto show attendance increases this year

Interesting article in the Seattle Times today
New manufacturing jobs help Midwest Rust Belt gleam again

The economies of Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania have improved faster than that of the rest of the country since the recession's depth in April 2009, according to the Philadelphia Federal Reserve. Michigan is expected to lead all 50 states during the next six months, the Fed data show.

By Jeff Green and Mark Niquette

Bloomberg News

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — From Northern Michigan's iron mines to Pennsylvania's natural-gas fields, the industrial heartland of America is humming with jobs again as a region once left for dead recovers faster than the rest of the United States.

The turnaround may shape this year's race for the White House as President Obama seeks to reverse Republican gains in the Midwest.

The economies of Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania — all states Obama won in 2008 — have improved faster than that of the rest of the country since the recession's depth in April 2009, according to the Philadelphia Federal Reserve. Michigan is expected to lead all 50 states during the next six months, the Fed data show.

"We're going back to a region we abandoned a long time ago to get energy again from rocks that were already drilled a thousand times," said Clay Williams, chief financial officer for Houston-based National Oilwell Varco, which started in Oil City, Pa., in 1862.

Economic recovery in Rust Belt states may bolster re-election chances for Obama, who pushed the government-backed bailout of Michigan-based General Motors and Chrysler.

From Detroit and Pittsburgh to Peoria, Ill., and the town of Mellen in Wisconsin's Penokee Hills, employers plan to add jobs and facilities. Automakers are ramping up production as demand returns, energy companies are exploiting oil and natural-gas sources, commodity prices are supporting a return to long-closed iron and copper mines, and agriculture companies are finding new export markets.

Improvement in unemployment, which dropped 19 percent in Ohio and 29 percent in Michigan from April 2009 through the end of last year, is a key driver for the Midwest recovery, said Jason Novak, senior economic analyst for the Philadelphia Fed.

Automakers are increasing production after U.S. light-vehicle sales rose at least 10 percent for two straight years for the first time since 1984. This month, GM announced it had regained the title as the top-selling global automaker, which it lost to Toyota as it slid into bankruptcy.

The Obama campaign is banking on the auto industry's comeback to damp the appeal of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney in Michigan, where his father was a popular governor, as well as to reverse Ohio's swing to Republicans in the 2010 midterm elections.

Ohio added 72,400 jobs last year. That included 18,300 manufacturing positions after losing 419,400 such jobs from 1999 to 2009, federal data show.

Vallourec is completing a rolling mill in Youngstown next to its V&M Star facility to produce seamless tubes for hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. The plant is to employ 350 people.

U.S. Steel invested $100 million in its Lorain Tubular Operations to serve oil and natural-gas customers, creating about 150 temporary construction jobs and 100 full-time positions, spokeswoman Courtney Boone said.

Ohio's unemployment was 8.1 percent in December, down from 9.5 percent a year earlier and the lowest since December 2008, according to the Ohio Bureau of Labor Market Information.

A study commissioned by Ohio's oil and gas industry projects that by 2015 drilling could help fuel $12 billion in spending while creating and supporting more than 200,000 Ohio-based jobs.

"People in the eastern part of this state — who have been living, in many ways, in poverty with the shutdown of great industrial production in Ohio — they may have another chance," Republican Gov. John Kasich said in September.

The recovery isn't just about autos and shale; it's all sorts of related industries, said Huntington Bancshares CEO Steve Steinour.

The Columbus, Ohio-based bank, which recently opened its first branches in Detroit, is in the midst of a $2 billion lending binge in Michigan, where unemployment dropped to 9.3 percent in December from 11.1 percent a year earlier.

The state has created a team focused on exporting products to other countries, including a pilot program to identify 100 companies that can sell consumer goods to China, said Mike Finney, CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Other industries also are improving.

"Mining is something that's picking up fairly aggressively here," said Finney, referring to iron-ore operations in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Also, "the agriculture sector here is really doing well."

Agricultural Co-op Cherry Growers is adding production lines with about 94 jobs during the next three years in Grawn to manufacture applesauce snacks for Materne-Confilux. The Gogo SqueeZ treats produced in the northern Michigan factory are sold at Wal-Mart, Target and Whole Foods.

The new jobs, which rely heavily on automation, are a good fit for unemployed autoworkers, Cherry Growers President Brian Mitchell said.

Michigan gained 66,000 jobs in 2011, according to a Jan. 13 state report. It was the first gain in the state since 2000.

The Rust Belt rebound also means office space is nearly full in Pittsburgh as natural-gas exploration companies and others move in, Steinour said. Pittsburgh just received improved outlooks on its credit ratings from Moody's Investors Service and Standard & Poor's, going to stable from negative, after shoring up its pension funds.

Pennsylvania has seen increases in jobs and tax revenue with the development of the Marcellus Shale. Activity has risen to 1,751 wells drilled in 2011 from 195 in 2008, according to the state's Environmental Protection Department. Republican Gov. Tom Corbett has said he wants his state to be the "Texas of the natural-gas boom."

Other Midwestern states are seeing moribund industries revive. In Wisconsin, the state Assembly on Jan. 26 sent to the Senate a bill designed to streamline the state's mining-permit process that supporters say will clear the way for Gogebic Taconite to create about 700 iron-mining jobs near Lake Superior in the town of Mellen.

In Illinois, where unemployment fell to 9.8 percent last month after hitting 11.2 percent in January 2010, Peoria's Caterpillar is expanding to meet demand for shovels and trucks that miners use to dig coal, copper and ore.

Caterpillar, the world's largest maker of construction and mining equipment, announced plans in November to invest $300 million to expand a Decatur factory that builds trucks, and $340 million to manufacture tractors in East Peoria.

"We've always heard this Rust Belt thing about our region, even just a few years ago," said Steinour, speaking of the disparaging image of closed factories and declining industry. "But you don't hear it so much now, and we might not have to hear it much in the future."

-foodNHeZKs

http://detroit2020.com/2012/02/01/hotel-to-open-in-historic-david-whitney-building/

I think the initial idea that Downtown's hotel market would be saturated for years is turning out to be somewhat unfounded. I can't wait to see this project start.

I really like what's becoming of Grand Circus Park. Finally, the connection between Foxtown and Lower Woodward that we've all been waiting for. I'm sure the folks at Kales will enjoy having more night options in the neighborhood, too.

BTW, so long as no one size or kind of hotel is overdone in the district, saturation shouldn't be a problem. One of the silver linings of downtown's perpetually volatile hotel is market is that it's forced the ones that have survived to be creative creating a unique mix of hotel, downtown from the very barebones to the opulent, from huge to tiny. As the city gets healthier, we can get the generic bulk, later.

Buffalo Wild Wings to open in Detroit near Campus Martius, Greektown

Buffalo Wild Wings is coming to Detroit.

The restaurant will be in the Odd Fellows Building, at 1211 Randolph St. on the corner of Randolph and Monroe streets — on the border between Campus Martius and Greektown.

The 12,000-square-foot restaurant will seat 350 and is spread over three floors: the main bar on the first floor, a second-floor banquet operation and a rooftop patio bar.

Michael Ansley, CEO of Southfield-based Diversified Restaurant Holdings, said he has kept his eye on the Odd Fellows Building for several years.

"Literally, my broker and I have been working on this for 3½ years," Ansley said. "I knew I wanted to be down there, but what sold me was when I went there a couple years ago, sitting in Campus Martius, looking at that building. That is what sold me."

Construction on the project, which Ansley said is the largest he has worked on, is to begin in April. The restaurant should be running by November.

Ansley said the project will cost about $3 million, but he could not give a projected sales figure for the space.

Diversified Restaurant Holdings owns and operates 22 Buffalo Wild Wing franchises throughout Florida and Michigan. It also owns the Bagger Dave's Legendary Burgers and Fries restaurant franchise, which it also hopes to bring to Detroit.

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/storyimage/CD/20120210/FREE/120219982/AR/0/AR-120219982.jpg&MaxW=600&MaxH=600



http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20120210/FREE/120219982/buffalo-wild-wings-to-open-in-detroit-near-campus-martius-greektown

^^ Nice building -- at least the top three floors. Not thrilled with the way the first floor looks - completely ignoring the style of the rest of the building. I'm not sure if this always happens with urban BW3's but - a new one opened in downtown Indy about three or four years ago and they completely disregarded the fact that it was in a limestone, 1920's era, deco style building. They slapped this same type of black and yellow stuff all over the first floor, covered up the windows and included some new rough-cut limestone blocks along the baseline of the building that completely clashed with the smooth cut limestone of the rest of the building. Anyway -- there might not be much that can be done. Its good to have a new restaurant -- I just wish they could figure out a way to design it to better match the style of the rest of the building.

I'd say this "style" is common for most urban "franchise" stores, not just BWW. It's good to see this building has a bright future after almost being razed a few years ago.

http://detroit2020.com/2012/02/01/hotel-to-open-in-historic-david-whitney-building/
Do any of you Detroit cats have an inside line on the sales and marketing firm selling the condo units in this building?
The David Whitney Building would make a great summer home!

Im likin the bw3 news.. Should be a good spot to hit after a game! Wish it was gonna be done by late summer when i go to see the tribe n tigers play

Great news about another national chain coming downtown! Although I doubt I would eat wings there as, IMO, it is a crime to eat Buffalo wings outside Buffalo, New York. ;)

Buffalo wings have long moved beyond the idea of being a "Buffalo" thing.

Buffalo wings have long moved beyond the idea of being a "Buffalo" thing.

Buffalo Wild Wings is a Minnesota chain.

Buffalo wings have long moved beyond the idea of being a "Buffalo" thing.

It has never been a Buffalo thing,

Buffalo Wings originated in Buffalo, NY and only become nationally popular beginning in the late 80's, but especially into the early 90's. Buffalo Wild Wings is currently headquartered in Minneapolis, but originated in Columbus, OH by a man from Buffalo.

I heard the first location for buffalo wild wings was at the corner of High St and Lane Ave in Columbus Ohio (across the street from OSU campus) There is still a location there

It must have been a very slow news week if you guys are still arguing over buffalo wings.

Babcock urges state backing for new Wings arena (http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120221/BIZ/202210419/Babcock-urges-state-backing-new-Wings-arena?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE)

by Louis Aguilar | The Detroit News

February 21, 2012

Detroit Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock urged the state government Tuesday to support plans to build a new hockey arena in downtown Detroit and vaguely referred to a development perhaps connected to it — a mall.

"A new facility, no question," Babcock said Tuesday morning on a 97.1 The Ticket sports radio talk show, when asked if he preferred that the Wings continue to play at Joe Louis Arena or at a new arena.

"If you want the city to come back, you got to revitalize downtown. A big part of that's going to be the new arena, and the mall and the stuff going around it," he said. "And that's very important. That's why we need the state to jump onside, and the sooner the better, if we're going to revitalize Michigan. It's got to start right here in Detroit."

An Olympia Entertainment spokeswoman did not have an immediate comment.

...

Babcock's reference to "the mall" feeds into speculation that a shopping center might be connected to an arena development plan — particularly in the swath of blighted and empty properties from Woodward Avenue to Cass near Temple. There has been a real estate buying frenzy in the area, which is several blocks north of the Fox Theatre, headquarters of Ilitch Holdings Inc., as well as Comerica Park and Ford Field.

...

I'd love to see a new Arena for the wings but man it would suck to not play in a building with all the history theyve had there. (I know its not that old of an arena but the playoff streak and the stanley cups won in there make a statement)

Woodward and Cass near temple... Does this mean the new arena would be on the other side of 75 from comerica park?

Also, is that building that looks like a castle still standing? I believe it was in the area bounded by Woodward, Cass, Adams, and i-75

http://www.toledoblade.com/Politics/2012/02/25/Romney-calls-new-bridge-issue-state-s-to-decide.html

Romney calls new-bridge issue state's to decide

Michigan should have never allowed that Matty Maroun guy to take over the state's most commercially important piece of infrastructure. There was a graphic in the Free Press a while back that showed what was supposed to be built (for the new ramps connecting his bridge to the expressway) and what he actually built. He basically stole public land in Detroit to build duty free shops and gas stations, instead of the expressway ramps to I-75. I don't think any other state would have tolerated that. But he's been getting away with it now for years. The most penalty that he's paid is 1 night in jail.

I'd love to see a new Arena for the wings but man it would suck to not play in a building with all the history theyve had there. (I know its not that old of an arena but the playoff streak and the stanley cups won in there make a statement)

Woodward and Cass near temple... Does this mean the new arena would be on the other side of 75 from comerica park?

Also, is that building that looks like a castle still standing? I believe it was in the area bounded by Woodward, Cass, Adams, and i-75
It has all the history but is still one of the worst arena's in sports. The restrooms are a total joke, the stairs are horrible and it is not handicap friendly. If the Pistons had not build the Palace it would have made perfect sense for the state to fund an arena where both teams play. Right now, who's going to pay for a new "just hockey" arena? Maybe a Casino tax like they did in Pittsburgh.

Babcock urges state backing for new Wings arena (http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120221/BIZ/202210419/Babcock-urges-state-backing-new-Wings-arena?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE)

by Louis Aguilar | The Detroit News

February 21, 2012

Detroit Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock urged the state government Tuesday to support plans to build a new hockey arena in downtown Detroit and vaguely referred to a development perhaps connected to it — a mall.

"A new facility, no question," Babcock said Tuesday morning on a 97.1 The Ticket sports radio talk show, when asked if he preferred that the Wings continue to play at Joe Louis Arena or at a new arena.

"If you want the city to come back, you got to revitalize downtown. A big part of that's going to be the new arena, and the mall and the stuff going around it," he said. "And that's very important. That's why we need the state to jump onside, and the sooner the better, if we're going to revitalize Michigan. It's got to start right here in Detroit."

An Olympia Entertainment spokeswoman did not have an immediate comment.

...

Babcock's reference to "the mall" feeds into speculation that a shopping center might be connected to an arena development plan — particularly in the swath of blighted and empty properties from Woodward Avenue to Cass near Temple. There has been a real estate buying frenzy in the area, which is several blocks north of the Fox Theatre, headquarters of Ilitch Holdings Inc., as well as Comerica Park and Ford Field.

...
It was shot down...

A rumor that Bloomfield Hills-based mall developer The Taubman Co. might be involved was quickly shot down by Karen MacDonald, a spokeswoman for the company.

“There’s no proposal that’s been made to us or that we’re reviewing, nor do we anticipate one. So there’s no truth to this,” she said.

The roadblock to a new arena, now as in the past, has been paying for it. Many sports facilities built in recent decades have involved some public financing.

Gilbert plans for 'big bang' of retail activity in Woodward corridor

by Louis Aguilar | The Detroit News

March 8, 2012

Quicken Loan's Inc. founder Dan Gilbert said the mass accumulation of downtown property by his real estate unit should lead to a "two-year period when a lot of new residential … and new retail" will open in the city's core, most likely on Woodward Avenue.

Speaking at the Idea: Detroit conference at the Fox Theatre Thursday, Gilbert and two executives from his Bedrock Real Estate Services outlined a broad overview of the groups' plan to revive the struggling Woodward Avenue corridor between Grand Circus Park and Jefferson Avenue. It was big on vision that is at the early stages of conception at best.

But one thing is definitive: Troy's Somerset Collection will return downtown this summer with another version of CityLoft, according to Gilbert and a Somerset Collection spokesman. The retail project was a 4,000-square-foot collection of pop-up shops on the ground level of the Lofts at Merchants Row on Woodward that operated for three days each month in July, August, September and December.

"They are going to do a whole bunch of new stuff this summer," Gilbert said, but he did not elaborate.

...

Gilbert said the plan is for a "big bang theory" where much is added to city's core in a short amount of time.

"We want to do a lot of grass-roots urban retail that you cannot get anywhere else but Detroit; really remarkable destinations," said Dan Mullen, Bedrock's acquisition manager. The plans emphasize "small, unique boutiques." That includes a small grocery story. "We are thinking about a cool little market on the east side of 1500 block" of Woodward. The 1500 block of Woodward is near Grand Circus Park. Mullen also said Somerset "is looking to do something down here permanently."

There are also plans to utilize the alley behind the east side of 1500 block of Woodward for pedestrian-friendly retail and restaurants, said Bruce Schwartz, Bedrock's Detroit relocation.

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120308/BIZ/203080485/1001/biz/Gilbert-plans-big-bang-retail-activity-Woodward-corridor

The Brewster-Douglass projects (Brewester low-rises and rows, and Douglass towers) are coming down to be replaced by something I'd imagine would be a lot like what's gone on at Jeffries East and West and Herman Gardens:

Storied Brewster-Douglass housing projects in Detroit may soon be demolished (http://www.freep.com/article/20120311/NEWS01/203110542/Storied-Brewster-Douglass-housing-projects-in-Detroit-may-soon-be-demolished?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|s)

http://cmsimg.freep.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=C4&Date=20120311&Category=NEWS01&ArtNo=203110542&Ref=AR&MaxW=640&Border=0&Storied-Brewster-Douglass-housing-projects-Detroit-may-soon-demolished
Kathleen Galligan | The Detroit News

by Steven Neavling | Detroit Free Press

March 11, 2012

The storied and abandoned Brewster-Douglass public housing complex that once offered housing to low-income Detroiters, including the families of Motown legends Diana Ross and Smokey Robinson, is now a towering symbol of the city's residential decline.

The four 14-story high-rise apartments -- decaying, windowless and tagged with graffiti -- greet drivers along I-75 across from Ford Field.

Two six-story apartments and rows of burned-out town houses also line the 30-acre grounds, littered with heaps of trash, vermin and discarded needles.

...

"You've got a piece of property that is in a prime location, and we aren't getting anything out of it right now," Bing told the Free Press on Friday, adding that he met with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Director Shaun Donovan on Thursday. "I think we can get the funding."

Asked what would replace the housing projects, Bing responded: "I can't get into that." But in his speech Wednesday, he said, "We will create affordable housing and commercial development in its place."

The Detroit Housing Commission, which is handling the demolition plans, said the area will be revitalized once the $9.8-million demolition project is completed. Plans also include renovating the abandoned and adjacent Brewster-Wheeler Recreation Center on Brewster Street, which once included a swimming pool, basketball court, open gym and game room, said Eugene Jones, executive director of the Detroit Housing Commission.

"We want to bring the rec center back to its old glory," Jones said.

...

http://cmsimg.freep.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=C4&Date=20120311&Category=NEWS01&ArtNo=203110542&Ref=V1&MaxW=600&Border=0

A few more photos of the place:

http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4149/5063157425_03c105af09_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/49499216@N04/5063157425/)
_MG_9579.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/49499216@N04/5063157425/) by detroiturbex.com (http://www.flickr.com/people/49499216@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2241/5826497756_0005e24401_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mackushla/5826497756/)
Brewster-Douglass Housing Project Low Rises (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mackushla/5826497756/) by Mackushla (http://www.flickr.com/people/mackushla/), on Flickr

Yes, because if Detroit is lacking anything, it's affordable housing... What needs to be built is market-rate apartments. In fact, I wouldn't even mind if they renovated the complex into market-rate apartments. I'm sure the crap they build to replace this will be ugly, cookie-cutter designs with cheap vinyl siding or stucco that will look terrible within 10 years. I'd rather have theses mundane brick buildings than a suburban-style townhouse complex...

I envision it will be like what they did with the Jeffries, which is a mixed-income neighborhood (i.e. some "affordable" housing and some market-rate), only that this will also be mixed-use, too, as they mention commercial space. To be honest, I don't imagine they have anything beyond a very general vision of the site, so who knows what may end up getting built. Not a big fan of the architecture - though, let's not pretend they are going to build townhomes in the mold of the New Brewsters directly to the north -, but I am a fan of mixed-income housing where appropriate. Of course, you wouldn't dictate the income-level of housing on say a site with ridiculously high land value like the Hudson Block, but I think there is an argument to be made that mixed-income would be appropriate for Brewster-Douglass.

My only real problem with the likes of Woodbridges Estates and Cornerstone and Gardenview besides the architecture is that every single one of them reduced the unit and population density of what stood on the sites, before. They seem to be under the incorrect assumption that density was the problem of the previous communities, when what was wrong with them was income segregation, in this case, segregation of those in poverty.

Wow I just saw a video on youtube some guy took of these buildings.. watched it about a month ago.. wasnt anything informative.. just some guy drivin around videotaping abandoned homes

I'd love to see a new Arena for the wings but man it would suck to not play in a building with all the history theyve had there. (I know its not that old of an arena but the playoff streak and the stanley cups won in there make a statement)

Woodward and Cass near temple... Does this mean the new arena would be on the other side of 75 from comerica park?

Also, is that building that looks like a castle still standing? I believe it was in the area bounded by Woodward, Cass, Adams, and i-75

Yes, it is, the GAR building, it is being renovated! Check this:

http://gardetroit.posterous.com/106039356

thats pretty sweet... always liked that building. glad its getting some work done to it

http://www.toledoblade.com/Nation/2012/03/22/Canada-envoy-bullish-on-new-bridge-to-U-S.html

Canada envoy bullish on new bridge to U.S.
Plans expected to be approved next year

is the new ambassador bridge interchange in detroit done yet? havent been up there in a while and when i look at it on google maps it still looks like they are working on it.. could be an older pic though

is the new ambassador bridge interchange in detroit done yet? havent been up there in a while and when i look at it on google maps it still looks like they are working on it.. could be an older pic though

Look through the papers. The issue has been in the news for a few months, now.

http://www.toledoblade.com/local/2012/03/23/New-bridge-could-spark-Michigan-revival.html

New bridge could spark Michigan revival
Research says 2nd span to Canada will add jobs

Detroit's Pontchartrain Hotel could attract conventions and trade shows if reopened (http://www.freep.com/article/20120403/NEWS01/120403042/Detroit-s-Pontchartrain-Hotel?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|s)

http://cmsimg.freep.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=C4&Date=20120403&Category=NEWS01&ArtNo=120403042&Ref=AR&MaxW=640&Border=0&Detroit-s-Pontchartrain-Hotel-could-attract-conventions-trade-shows-reopened
J. Kyle Kenner | The Detroit Free Press

By John Gallagher | The Detroit Free Press

April 3, 2012

Detroit’s dormant Pontchartrain Hotel, if reopened as planned, could enhance the city’s ability to attract conventions and trade shows to the city, a local convention official said today.

The Pontchartrain, closed and in receivership for the past few years, has been sold to Mexican hotel developer Gabriel Ruiz, said Bill Bohde, senior vice president of the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Bohde said he has been told by executives at the InterContinental Hotels Group that Ruiz is negotiating to reopen the Pontch under the Crowne Plaza chain, probably in 2013 after a renovation.

...

Let's see what happens.

It makes sense. All the hotel needs is a little sprucing up. Throw a few million at it and I'm sure it will do quite well.

This is one of the hotels that should basically run itself with competent management...which has been missing for many, many years, it seems. You'd expect the only directly adjacet hotel to the convention center to be the one that survived all of the volatility of the market over the decades, but it's been the one with the most trouble.

http://www.freep.com/article/20120401/NEWS06/204010485/8-new-casinos-proposed-Long-shot-or-good-bet-for-Michigan-

8 new casinos proposed: Long shot or good bet for Michigan?

Finally understood the reason of the Pontchartrain Hotel's 2009 shuttering: Its air condition system failed. Hopefully it (the air condition system) will get fixed when the building is upgraded and reopens.

Twitter comes to Detroit:

Twitter to open office in downtown Detroit (http://www.freep.com/article/20120404/NEWS01/120404018/Twitter-to-open-office-in-downtown-Detroit?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE)

By John Gallagher | Detroit Free Press

April 4, 2012

The social media giant Twitter is opening an office in downtown Detroit in the M@dison, the digital incubator hub recently developed by Quicken Loans founder and Chair Dan Gilbert.

The office marks Twitter’s first location in Michigan. The company is headquartered in San Francisco.

Twitter affords members the ability to send short real-time messages to networks of followers, connecting people to the latest news stories and other information. The Detroit office will help “marketers and advertising agencies in Detroit leverage Twitter’s Promoted Products suite of advertising products,” the company said.

Twitter did not say how many employees will initially staff the office at the M@dison but said the number would grow over time.

“Detroit’s emerging mix of automotive and digital cultures made it a natural location for Twitter’s newest office,” said Adam Bain, Twitter’s president of global revenue. “We’re excited to work face-to-face with the city’s most established brands and happy to play a role in downtown Detroit’s digital renaissance.”

...

It's a small move, but all of this is starting to add up.

I am always skeptical about casinos, unfortunately. The Pontchartrain would sell itself due to its proximity to Cobo Center, downtown, riverfront, and Joe Louis Arena. It just needs upkeeping. I would assume the air conditioning, among all other things would get fixed and renovated.

Twitter with an office in Detroit, interesting.

Interior photos of the Broderick from today's Free Press (http://www.freep.com/article/20120405/BUSINESS04/204050476/Is-Broderick-Tower-a-home-run-for-upscale-housing-?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|s):

http://cmsimg.freep.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=C4&Date=20120404&Category=BUSINESS&ArtNo=204040814&Ref=PH&Item=1&Maxw=640&Maxh=410&q=60
Romain Blanquart/DFP

A penthouse unit

http://cmsimg.freep.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=C4&Date=20120404&Category=BUSINESS&ArtNo=204040814&Ref=PH&Item=6&Maxw=640&Maxh=410&q=60
Romain Blanquart/DFP

http://cmsimg.freep.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=C4&Date=20120404&Category=BUSINESS&ArtNo=204040814&Ref=PH&Item=7&Maxw=640&Maxh=410&q=60
Romain Blanquart/DFP

http://cmsimg.freep.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=C4&Date=20120404&Category=BUSINESS&ArtNo=204040814&Ref=PH&Item=8&Maxw=640&Maxh=410&q=60
Romain Blanquart/DFP

Didn't realize this theater was this big:

http://cmsimg.detnews.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=C3&Date=20120418&Category=BIZ&ArtNo=204180395&Ref=AR&MaxW=640&Border=0&Detroit-s-Garden-Theater-redeveloped-750K-state-incentive
David Coates/The Detroit News


Detroit's Garden Theater to be redeveloped with $750K state incentive (http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120418/BIZ/204180395/Detroit-s-Garden-Theater-redeveloped-750K-state-incentive?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|s)

By Louis Aguilar | The Detroit News

April 18, 2012

The long-closed Garden Theater on Woodward Avenue in Detroit's Midtown received a $750,000 incentive from the Michigan Strategic Fund, the state's Economic Development Corp. said Wednesday.

The building between Alexandrine and Selden first opened in 1912 was one of the largest theaters built outside downtown at the time. It was last used as an adults-only theater.

The plan is create a 32,000-square-foot entertainment venue that will feature live music and other artistic performances, according to a statement by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. The 1,300-seat facility will also support corporate conference and sales meetings that require access to high end visual and sound equipment and a large auditorium setting.

The project is estimated to create up to 84 jobs.

...

Twitter comes to Detroit:



It's a small move, but all of this is starting to add up.

Who knows? Perhaps, it might fare better than the so-called Google outpost planned for SE Michigan back during 2007...

What does that mean? Google has a presence in Ann Arbor and Birmingham.

What does a presence mean? A trace (of anything...) could be considered to signify a presence. The human body contains numerous traces of enzymes, and the Weather Bureau states that a trace of precipitation occurred after a few drops of rain were detected at its weather stations on any given day.

One function that Google performs at its numerous outposts across the planet is the gathering of bibliographic data of somewhat rare periodicals, theses, dissertations, and books. Sometimes, Google might even copy the book's table of contents and its textual body instead of merely just listing the bibliographic data of the author's name, date of birth, publication date, etc. BTW, Google does not list having any (significant) office(s) anywhere in metro Detroit.

I recently was made aware via Google's bibliographical data of the history written as a master's thesis by a seminarian at St. Francis Seminary back during 1942 of the parish in the Milwaukee Archdiocese whose parochial school I attended. Very little (accurate) data is available online about this parish that dates back to the early years of Milwaukee when only a few churches existed.

So, I thought I might create a website about this former, defunct parish, based upon the 43-page thesis. It was situated in a somewhat interesting locale--1/2 block from the headquarters of the Schlitz brewery, a block away from one of the oldest Milwaukee breweries, and a few blocks away from the Pabst and Blatz breweries, right across the street from the second-oldest structure still existing in 1938, and within a couple blocks of the mansion homes owned by the immigrant Uihleins, who themselves owned and operated the Schlitz brewery and Wisconsin's largest bank.

Are you drunk? There are sales offices in both Ann Arbor and Birmingham. Real live offices...

Are you drunk? There are sales offices in both Ann Arbor and Birmingham. Real live offices...

I couldn't belive what I was hearing, myself. The Ann Arbor office is a substantial one opened to much fanfare. Would it be nice to have an even larger presence? Sure, but what city wouldn't want more tech jobs?

I couldn't belive what I was hearing, myself. The Ann Arbor office is a substantial one opened to much fanfare. Would it be nice to have an even larger presence? Sure, but what city wouldn't want more tech jobs?

much fanfare = puffery and media hype...

Such a conveniently poor memory some posters possess, BTW. I said that Google did not have a significant presence in metro D.

Let's fast reverse to 2006, back when the media hype then was proclaiming that Google would employ over a thousand in Ann Arbor within five years. Well, zipping forward from 2006 5 1/2 years to the present and Google has only some 300 in AA's sales office (likely many on commission...)--less than a third of what the media hype, errr much fanfare, back in 2006 claimed there would be.

You didn't say, "Google did not have a significant presence in metro D." You said, "the so-called Google outpost planned for SE Michigan back during 2007..."

Google did build a "so-called" outpost in Southeast Michigan. In fact, they built two, and one just happens to be the "so-called" headquarters of one of the most important money-generating divisions (adwords.google.com) of Google.

Anyway, a busy day in local transit. Private entity M-1 announeces it has come up with the operating costs (a major sticking point that had killed DDOT Woodwar LRT) for M-1 Rail up Woodward on the same day the new budget is released calling for the privatization of DDOT, and a week before the legislature holds a potential vote on the creation of a regional transit authority for Southeast Michigan:

Woodward light rail line group says it will pay for first 10 years of operations (http://www.freep.com/article/20120423/NEWS01/120423048/Woodward-Avenue-light-rail-line-M-1-Rail-Group?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE)

By Matt Helms | The Detroit Free Press

April 23, 2012

The private-sector group that wants to build a 3-mile light rail line on Woodward Avenue from downtown Detroit to the New Center said today it has raised all of the money it will need to build the line – and is pledging to fund the operations of the system privately for the first 10 years after it’s built.

The M-1 Rail Group outlined the details in a report it has sent to the federal government. The group of private investors and philanthropic groups behind the effort said they would commit to paying the estimated $5.1 million annual cost of operating the Woodward rail line through 2025.

That’s a significant step for the project. How to pay for operating the system has been a key point of contention in a city that’s now under a consent deal with the state to oversee its finances and plans to slash millions from its annual appropriations for the city’s bus system.

The group would then donate the project’s assets to the appropriate agency, such as a regional transit authority that Gov. Rick Snyder and the Legislature are working to create for southeast Michigan to oversee a big new network of rapid-transit buses on Woodward, Michigan Avenue, Gratiot and Hall Roads connecting Detroit to key suburbs, Metro Airport and Ann Arbor.

...

In art news, an interesting nighttime arts festival is planned for Midtown:

Dlectricity, a nighttime outdoor arts festival, planned for Midtown Detroit (http://www.freep.com/article/20120423/ENT04/204230414/Dlectricity-nighttime-outdoor-arts-festival-planned-Midtown-Detroit?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE)

By Mark Stryker | The Detroit Free Press

April 23, 2012

And the art gods said let there be light.

A new nighttime outdoor contemporary arts festival is planned for Midtown Detroit that promises to light up the Woodward corridor next fall with site-specific installations of light, sound, performance and video projections. Details are sketchy, but the festival, to be called "Dlectricity," will be held in Midtown on Oct. 5-6, with an international cast of artists, designers and architects transforming buildings and spaces into grand spectacles of light and sound.

"It's an event where we're going to do light installations around Midtown with artists from around the world -- Europe, New York and metro Detroit," said Marsha Miro, board president of the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit and director of the Dlectricity Curatorial Committee

...

You didn't say, "Google did not have a significant presence in metro D." You said, "the so-called Google outpost planned for SE Michigan back during 2007..."

Google did build a "so-called" outpost in Southeast Michigan. In fact, they built two, and one just happens to be the "so-called" headquarters of one of the most important money-generating divisions (http://adwords.google.com) of Google.

And yet a more careful reading of my post 1097 shows...
"BTW, Google does not list having any (significant) office(s) anywhere in metro Detroit."

I see that whenever the situation becomes dire at DDOT or SMART, Matt Helms, a pipe dreamer at the Free Press, emits yet another of his expected LRT puff pieces of propaganda. His headline would mislead a reader into thinking that the M-1 Group would be picking up the full tab of any shortages of the operating expenses of the streetcar boondoggle. However, M-1 Group would only pay for only a fraction of the annual operating expenses--and for a limited time span.

In addition, a careful reading of both the Freep and the DetNews shows that the M-1 Group's plan is pretty much made up on the fly--perhaps, mostly lies in general. In any event, the proposed streetcars would simply assist Detroit to lose money even faster.

Let's not kid ourselves, the Woodward streetcar system will be yet another DPM, which itself has a dismal cashbox payback percentage of only 8 or 9%--and which is currently operating with the assistance of draining a reserve fund from the city of Detroit before the city goes into an eventual EFM phase before entering inevitable Chapter 9 bankruptcy.

What in the world is wrong with you?

Well, I'm glad we have your opinion, SWDetroit. Thanks...

http://cmsimg.detnews.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=C3&Date=20120426&Category=BIZ&ArtNo=204260342&Ref=AR&Profile=1001&MaxW=640&Border=0&Path-clear-building-revival-Capitol-Park
Daniel Mears | The Detroit News

Path clear for building revival at Capitol Park (http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120426/BIZ/204260342/1001/rss21)

By Louis Aguilar | The Detroit News

April 26, 2012

Detroit's Downtown Development Authority Wednesday cleared the way for Lansing's Karp and Associates to renovate three publicly owned, empty buildings in the city's Capitol Park area.

The authority's board approved Karp and Associates as part of an estimated $83.9 million deal to rehabilitate The Farwell Building at 1249 Griswold, the former United Way Building at 1212 Griswold and the Capitol Park Building at 1145 Griswold.

The board approved development agreements for the United Way and Capitol Park buildings that the authority owns.

The deal still awaits approval from the board of the state land bank of a development agreement for the Farwell Building.

"This is another home run for downtown," Detroit Mayor Dave Bing said in a statement.

The plan calls for a total of 204 loft-style apartments and 45,000 square feet of retail and office space.

...

Karp also purchased a parking deck on the north end of the park.

Karp said he is in talks to buy "other buildings" nearby, but they are far from done deals.

From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120426/BIZ/204260342#ixzz1tCjdUs00


http://cmsimg.detnews.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=C3&Date=20120426&Category=BIZ&ArtNo=204260342&Ref=V2&Profile=1001&MaxW=600&Border=0

...

Karp does good work.

http://cmsimg.detnews.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=C3&Date=20120426&Category=BIZ&ArtNo=204260342&Ref=AR&Profile=1001&MaxW=640&Border=0&Path-clear-building-revival-Capitol-Park
Daniel Mears | The Detroit News

Path clear for building revival at Capitol Park (http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120426/BIZ/204260342/1001/rss21)

By Louis Aguilar | The Detroit News

April 26, 2012

Detroit's Downtown Development Authority Wednesday cleared the way for Lansing's Karp and Associates to renovate three publicly owned, empty buildings in the city's Capitol Park area.

The authority's board approved Karp and Associates as part of an estimated $83.9 million deal to rehabilitate The Farwell Building at 1249 Griswold, the former United Way Building at 1212 Griswold and the Capitol Park Building at 1145 Griswold.

The board approved development agreements for the United Way and Capitol Park buildings that the authority owns.

The deal still awaits approval from the board of the state land bank of a development agreement for the Farwell Building.

"This is another home run for downtown," Detroit Mayor Dave Bing said in a statement.

The plan calls for a total of 204 loft-style apartments and 45,000 square feet of retail and office space.

...

Karp also purchased a parking deck on the north end of the park.

Karp said he is in talks to buy "other buildings" nearby, but they are far from done deals.

From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120426/BIZ/204260342#ixzz1tCjdUs00


http://cmsimg.detnews.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=C3&Date=20120426&Category=BIZ&ArtNo=204260342&Ref=V2&Profile=1001&MaxW=600&Border=0

...

Karp does good work.

You can say that again.

Oh, you did...

More M-1 news:

Sergio Marchionne commits $3M to Woodward light rail (http://www.freep.com/article/20120430/NEWS01/120430037/Chrysler-Woodward-light-rail?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE)

By Tom Walsh | Detroit Free Press

April 30, 2012

Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne today pledged to support the privately-backed Woodward Avenue light-rail project, committing $3 million over five years for Chrysler to sponsor one of the stations on the 3.3-mile route from downtown Detroit to New Center.

Marchionne made the pledge in a private meeting with Quicken Loans chairman and M-1 Rail backer Dan Gilbert, following a morning event marking Chrysler’s deal to lease two floors of space and move 70 people into the former Dime Building downtown, now renamed Chrysler House.

Gilbert told the Free Press that he, in turn, promised to take an active leadership role with United Way for Southeastern Michigan, where Marchionne is the 2012 fund-raising chair. Gilbert is joining Marchionne’s fund-raising cabinet, which had its first meeting last Friday.

With Chrysler’s commitment to light rail, the number of corporate and nonprofit groups pledging to sponsor stations has grown to 15. Others include Quicken Loans, Compuware, Detroit Medical Center, Henry Ford Health System. the Ilitch companies, Compuware, Penske Corp., Wayne State University, Chevrolet, the Downtown Development Association, and the Kresge, Hudson-Webber, Ford and Kellogg foundations.

...

Related story:

http://cmsimg.freep.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=C4&Date=20120430&Category=BUSINESS06&ArtNo=120430017&Ref=V1&MaxW=300&Border=0&Quicken-Loans-Chrysler-Dime-Building-ceremony
William Archie | Detroit Free Press

Quicken Loans helps welcome Chrysler to historic new digs today (http://www.freep.com/article/20120430/BUSINESS06/120430017/Quicken-Loans-Chrysler-Dime-Building-ceremony?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|s)

By John Gallagher | Detroit Free Press

April 30, 2012

With the Selected of God choir providing introductory music, Chrysler and Quicken Loans celebrated the automaker’s first-ever move to downtown Detroit this morning by renaming the city’s historic Dime Building as Chrysler House.

Chrysler plans to move about 70 staffers into the top two floors of the 23-story office tower located near downtown’s Campus Martius Park. Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne will have an office in the building, which will serve as the home of the company’s Great Lakes Business Center and other corporate functions.

...

The Chrysler employees will begin moving in this summer once the 33,000 square feet of space is readied for them.

Gilbert and his partners bought the Dime Building in mid-2011 as part of their effort to control enough real estate to relocate Quicken’s employees and those of other firms to downtown. Once Chrysler moves in, the building will be fully occupied, Gilbert said.

...

I saw this article in the Seattle forum so am not sure if anyone here saw this but it bodes well for Detroit if the "Whole Foods effect" it talks about become a reality in Detroit http://www.salon.com/2012/05/05/whole_foods_is_coming_time_to_buy/singleton/

Midtown has been on the verge of not being ghetto for nearly 10 years. Whole Foods will certainly help in the transition to a yuppy paradise, but it would have happened regardless.

Well, the Midtown Whole Foods broke ground, yesterday.

Up in Royal Oak, a boutique hotel is taking shape...

Royal Oak to discuss boutique hotel project (http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120515/BIZ/205150438/Royal-Oak-discuss-boutique-hotel-project?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE)

By Karl Henkel | Detroit News

May 15, 2012

The site of the former Fresard auto dealership in Royal Oak may become the location for a boutique hotel, according to the agenda for this month's Royal Oak Downtown Development Authority.

At a Wednesday meeting, the development authority's board is scheduled to discuss the project for Hotel Indigo — a line of boutique hotels owned by United Kingdom-based InterContinental Hotels Group, which also operates Holiday Inn and Staybridge hotels.

Dennis Griffin of commercial real estate company CBRE in Southfield — who represents the property owners, Fresard Investments LP — has asked the development authority about financial incentives or assistance, according to a memo to the board.

Royal Oak-based Krieger Klatt Architects Inc. has designed renderings for the hotel project, which could have eight floors, including a main floor with retail space.

...

Midtown has been on the verge of not being ghetto for nearly 10 years. Whole Foods will certainly help in the transition to a yuppy paradise, but it would have happened regardless.
So? Is the Whole Foods going to become a food pantry? Or do their people actually believe that they will turn a profit--considering Detroit's history of shrinkage?

Several years ago, the firm that was hired to do mystery shopping for the ill-fated Kroger at Gratiot and Lappin (the former space where Montgomery Ward's was south of Seven Mile) recruited me as a shopper, knowing that I passed the joint on Monday and Wednesday mornings to get to Eastpointe to play nine-inning softball games back then--around 2003. I really was not interested, but again the gig made me $24 for some 45 minutes of "work" each of the several times.

They wanted me to check out the Kroger in the Pointes too, as a control. But after two reports--finding nothing amiss there--I never had to return to that store again.

Without boring anybody with the details, that Kroger in Detroit--its only Kroger, BTW--was likely the dirtiest and worst managed Kroger in existence. It permanently closed soon thereafter. Also, the mega Walgreen's a block south on Gratiot also closed after being open only a very brief time.

Will the Kroger experience be repeated in Midtown?

So? Is the Whole Foods going to become a food pantry? Or do their people actually believe that they will turn a profit--considering Detroit's history of shrinkage?

Several years ago, the firm that was hired to do mystery shopping for the ill-fated Kroger at Gratiot and Lappin (the former space where Montgomery Ward's was south of Seven Mile) recruited me as a shopper, knowing that I passed the joint on Monday and Wednesday mornings to get to Eastpointe to play nine-inning softball games back then--around 2003. I really was not interested, but again the gig made me $24 for some 45 minutes of "work" each of the several times.

They wanted me to check out the Kroger in the Pointes too, as a control. But after two reports--finding nothing amiss there--I never had to return to that store again.

Without boring anybody with the details, that Kroger in Detroit--its only Kroger, BTW--was likely the dirtiest and worst managed Kroger in existence. It permanently closed soon thereafter. Also, the mega Walgreen's a block south on Gratiot also closed after being open only a very brief time.

Will the Kroger experience be repeated in Midtown?

If Midtown Detroit, was not experiencing some sort of urban renewal I highly doubt Whole Foods would invest in building a new store at that location. Retail companies such as Whole Foods have an entire team dedicated to looking to see what area's can support a store by looking at the demographics of the neighborhood beforehand. If they have commited to building a new store then they are convinced that the store will attract their target clientel (who tend to be wealthier and more educated than the US average) and eventually turn a profit.

So? Is the Whole Foods going to become a food pantry? Or do their people actually believe that they will turn a profit--considering Detroit's history of shrinkage?

Yeah, I'm pretty sure they would perform the required due diligence before making an investment...

Honestly, can we just start ignoring the roll? Every single post is something negative and he comes in weeks later to address something petty.

Honestly, can we just start ignoring the roll? Every single post is something negative and he comes in weeks later to address something petty.

Anyway, lots and lots of news...

http://cmsimg.detnews.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=C3&Date=20120519&Category=METRO&ArtNo=205190376&Ref=AR&MaxW=640&Border=0&Charter-One-offering-grants-help-Detroit-farmers-market-vendors-grow-businesses
Sandra Pierce, president of Charter One and RBS Citizens, Michigan, and Detroit Mayor Dave Bing answer questions from reporters after the announcement. (John T. Greilick / The Detroit News)


Charter One offering grants to help Detroit farmers, market vendors grow businesses (http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120519/METRO/205190376/Charter-One-offering-grants-help-Detroit-farmers-market-vendors-grow?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE)

By Candice Williams | The Detroit News

May 19, 2012

Detroit — Local farmers and vendors of farm markets in Detroit, including Eastern Market, will be able to apply for grants to help them grow and promote their businesses, Charter One officials announced Saturday.

The Charter One Foundation will offer $100,000 in funding through three programs. The purpose is to help expand local food resources to the community, officials said.

"It's all about giving access to nutritious and healthy food," said Sandy Pierce, president of Charter One and RBS Citizens, Michigan.

Grants of varying amounts will be awarded to participants in three programs: urban farming development, market vendor improvement and Detroit community markets development.

Among those eligible are vendors in the city's nine farmers markets as well as urban farmer participants in the training programs with the Greening of Detroit, the Garden Resource Collaborative, Earthworks Urban Farm or the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network.

The nine farmers markets in Detroit can apply for grants for marketing, provide healthy food cooking demonstrations or create shuttle services to the markets.

http://cmsimg.detnews.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=C3&Date=20120519&Category=BIZ&ArtNo=205190360&Ref=AR&MaxW=640&Border=0&Henry-Ford-puts-expansion-into-motion-New-Center
Henry Ford Hospital is casting its shadow and, now, its influence over Detroit’s New Center neighborhood. Dozens of homes like these on roads like Trumbull and Sterling are being stripped for salvage and will soon be razed. (Photo by John T. Greilick / The Detroit News

Henry Ford puts expansion into motion in New Center (http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120519/BIZ/205190360/Henry-Ford-puts-expansion-into-motion-New-Center?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|p)

By Louis Aguilar & Melissa Burden | The Detroit News

May 19, 2012

Henry Ford Health System has begun clearing whole streets near its Detroit hospital, ramping up its campaign to expand the flagship medical facility and remake 300 acres of the surrounding New Center neighborhood.

Hospital officials had put a $500 million price tag on the project, which they hoped will spur another $500 million in outside investment in the area: housing, retail and other commercial activity.

In a month, the health system is expected to announce details of the development plan. A Henry Ford Health System spokesman had no comment Friday.

Plenty of movement is under way. Residents of two blocks just off West Grand Boulevard have moved, their houses bought and boarded up, and the demolition process has begun, according to a construction crew.

"We just started this week. We're doing the entire block," James Willer of WARM Training Center said Friday as he stood on Trumbull, just off the boulevard.

...

In prior interviews, health system officials said they planned to expand the hospital's footprint south, across West Grand Boulevard, with doctors' offices, research facilities, an education center and ground floor retail and commercial space.

Possible additions to the main campus include a surgical center, emergency department, a cancer institute and a 210-bed inpatient tower.

It is unclear whether aspects of the project have changed since they were revealed two years ago, but the health system said previously it would work with developers to revitalize 300 acres of the neighborhood, with a mix of residential, retail and commercial space.

http://cmsimg.detnews.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=C3&Date=20120519&Category=BIZ&ArtNo=205190318&Ref=AR&MaxW=600&Border=0

State seeking development proposals for Michigan State Fairgrounds (http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120519/BIZ/205190318/State-seeking-development-proposals-Michigan-State-Fairgrounds?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|s)

By Karl Henkel | The Detroit News

May 19, 2012

The State of Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority said Friday it will seek proposals for the development of the 160-acre Michigan State Fairgrounds.

The authority's board of directors on Friday approved and issued a request for proposals for the development.

...

Prospective developers have about 60 days to submit proposals to the land bank for review. Proposals cannot include plans for casinos, racetracks, prisons or railroad freight trains, according to the land bank authority, which is a part of the Michigan Strategic Fund. The restrictions were part of legislation that Snyder signed into law in April.

...

If the property isn't developed, the authority could transfer it to a local government for fair market value. The consent agreement between the state and Detroit on the city's finances mentions the possible development of a commuter rail station on the former fairgrounds property.

...

Papa Joe's Gourmet Market & Catering weighing Detroit location (http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120519/BIZ/205190316/Papa-Joe-s-Gourmet-Market-Catering-weighing-Detroit-location?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|s)

By Karl Henkel | The Detroit News

May 19, 2012

A suburban high-end gourmet market may become the latest full-line grocer to commit to opening a store in Detroit.

Papa Joe's Gourmet Market & Catering, which has locations in Birmingham, Rochester and inside Royal Oak's Beaumont Hospital, is in discussions to become the Motor City's newest grocery addition. A Meijer Inc. store is expected to open in spring 2013 at Eight Mile and Woodward Avenue, while a Whole Foods store is scheduled to open later next year in Midtown.

...

Curtis did not disclose where the market is considering setting up shop. Bedrock Real Estate Services, one of Detroit-based Quicken Loans Inc.'s family of companies, confirmed it is in discussions with several grocery stores to locate downtown, but declined to name any candidates.

Half of Detroit’s Streetlights May Go Out as City Shrinks

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-05-24/half-of-detroit-s-streetlights-may-go-out-as-city-shrinks.html

Half of Detroit’s Streetlights May Go Out as City Shrinks

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-05-24/half-of-detroit-s-streetlights-may-go-out-as-city-shrinks.html


Wrong thread, bro.

Wrong thread, bro.

Sorry Mod, didn't see a thread perfectly matched for this article.

The title is misleading as it doesn't appear to be development related however there was some discussion of the Detroit Works plan which will lay out ideas on how to reconfigure the city for residences, businesses, green space and even agriculture. This includes reprioritizing resources such as public utilities including the street lights. So I figured close enough.

Sorry Mod, didn't see a thread perfectly matched for this article.

The title is misleading as it doesn't appear to be development related however there was some discussion of the Detroit Works plan which will lay out ideas on how to reconfigure the city for residences, businesses, green space and even agriculture. This includes reprioritizing resources such as public utilities including the street lights. So I figured close enough.

I saw that headline too but I think these issues are best discussed in US Urban Issues since it incorporates some broader themes about communities that are downsizing or have distressed finances. (I could post all day about certain 'burgs in Pennsylvania! :lol:)

~ Carry on...