...continued from the previous thread.

Here's a link to the old thread:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=312864

http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061026/BIZ/610260362
freep.com

I love seeing stories like this. I was going to go to the forum tomorrow, but learned about it too late. Let's get more people talking "DETROIT"!!

http://cmsimg.detnews.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=C3&Date=20061026&Category=BIZ&ArtNo=610260362&Ref=V2Q=100&MaxW=500
Christopher Leinberger, director of U-M's Graduate Real Estate Program, discusses the concept of "walkable urbanity" in Detroit on Wednesday.

Developers aim to get Detroit on its feet
Renovations, updates to downtown area spur real estate forum on the market for walkability.

Louis Aguilar / The Detroit News


DETROIT -- There are times when Christopher Leinberger has gone to community meetings with bodyguards because of his radical ideas about walking -- like suggesting neighborhood planning that encourages residents to walk up to six blocks to get to stores and entertainment.

"I have an associate who regularly receives death threats" for suggesting the idea, said Leinberger, who is director of the University of Michigan's Graduate Real Estate Program.

Many people don't want high-density housing and storefronts in their backyard, Leinberger said. "Thirty to 40 percent of us want to live in driveable places," he said.

But another 30 percent to 40 percent are attracting to urban living where they rarely have to drive -- places like downtown Royal Oak, Birmingham and Ann Arbor.

Academics like Leinberger and real estate developers interested in downtown Detroit say creating a similar walkable urban experience is crucial to city's growth.

Many of those proponents will gather today and Friday at the 20th annual University of Michigan/Urban Land Institute Real Estate Forum at Cobo Center in Detroit.

At the forum, Leinberger plans to present research showing that downtown Detroit is well on its way to becoming a place where people want to live, shop and dine out. And, he says, creating a walkable Detroit is crucial to the city's economic future, he said.

The presentation will be part of an official strategy for a walkable downtown to be unveiled early next year by the Detroit Economic Growth Corp. and the Downtown Detroit Partnership.

Impressive progress made

The forum will highlight some of the catalysts of downtown Detroit's resurgence, such as the $180 million renovation of Book-Cadillac Hotel and the influx of 4,000 mostly young, educated and relatively affluent people to the downtown core since 2000.

Leinberger is impressed with the recent progress. "You made all the right decisions," he said.

"There is not a wrong decision I can see that this metropolitan area has made regarding downtown over the last five, six or seven years."

"If so many of us want (walkable urbanity) and you don't offer it, from an economic point of view, you're out of luck," Leinberger said, as he took a quick walk downtown Tuesday evening. "Those people will move to Chicago or someplace else to find it."

New Detroiters valuable

And it's not a group -- educated, influential -- that a community wants to lose.

Leinberger will tell forum participants that average household incomes of downtown Detroit is $59,300, which is 33 percent higher than a previous estimate based on 2000 census data.

As a whole, 83 percent of new downtown residents have a college degree or better.

And there is a larger population base than previously thought, his research shows.

The study also shows that of visitors to Metro Detroit, 35 percent come for the casinos, 23 percent come for the nightlife, 22 percent for social and family events, and 20 percent for professional sports.

The research notes that a large number of those activities are concentrated downtown, which itself draws 15 million visitors a year.

"That makes downtown Detroit an urban entertainment district that appeals to adults.

"That's a unique position," Leinberger said.

In contrast, other cities have activities more attractive to families, such as sightseeing, shopping and dining.

Further expansion ahead

Attending this week's forum are the biggest developers in the nation, including Albert Ratner, co-chair of Forest City Enterprises; Sam Zell, president and chair of Equity Group Investments; and Stephen Ross, chief executive officer of The Related Cos. The University of Michigan's business school is named after Ross. All three have Michigan ties, Leinberger said.

Other proposals include creating a business improvement district, in which properties are taxed for sidewalk and street cleaning, and roving ambassadors, such as those who greeted Super Bowl visitors.

Leinberger envisions a downtown Detroit with a population five times it current size.

"If you build out downtown, there'll be 50,000 to 70,000 people in this one square mile. Build out midtown, that's another 70,000 people," he said.


Talking about walking

What: 20th annual University of Michigan / Urban Land Institute Real Estate Forum
When: Thursday and Friday
Where: Cobo Center
What will be happening:
The forum will highlight the market drivers of Detroit's resurgence and recap the progress to date, such as the $180 million redevelopment of the Book-Cadillac Hotel.

The forum also will host real estate leaders, who will examine how to regenerate downtowns and suburban centers. The group will use the redevelopment of downtown Detroit and other projects across the nation to highlight the trend toward walkable urbanity.

http://cmsimg.detnews.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=C3&Date=20061026&Category=BIZ&ArtNo=610260362&Ref=V4&Profile=1001&MaxW=1500&Q=100&title=1
Leinberger, right, jokes around with Sweetwater Tavern bartender Michael Webb during his walk around downtown Wednesday.

People will always fight walkability because car culture has been subsidized into the status quo and people don't like change. The good news is that there is a market and a demand to go along with it in DETROIT that can recapture wealth, prosperity, and competition...not only for itself, but for the region which includes pissed off, lazy naysayers...

Great read, great article, but death threats? Come on people, walking isn't THAT bad!?

I am perfectly fine with walking. I don't think I'd ever live in a neighborhood where I'd have to drive to get a gallon of milk or whatever.

BTW, I hope he means 70,000 more for Midtown. In 2000, the population was about 17,000 and that was before all of the new housing in Brush Park, Art Center, etc. I'm sure by now (or at least in the next few years) the population has reached 20,000. While Midtown is only 2.09 sq. mi. and a density of 33,000 ppsm would be very respectable, I'd like to see at least 100,000 in Midtown when it's all said and done. Hell I'd like to see a WSU student population of at least 10,000 alone.;)

So was anyone down there for the marathon today, my cousin was running it, and it was packed downtown.

I ran the marathon today. Had a fantastic time, wonderfully ran event.

:okay:

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061026/REG/61026010/1011/REG&Profile=1011
Downtown Detroit can support more retail, residential, study says

By Jennette Smith

1:40 pm, October 26, 2006


Detroit has the market demand to support more retail and residential development in and near downtown, according to new research released Thursday at the University of Michigan/Urban Land Institute Real Estate Forum.

City leaders and researchers said the data helps makes the business case for more investment, continuing efforts accomplished in recent years.

“In Detroit there are more people who earn more income and represent more purchasing power than previously believed,” said John Talmadge, president of research company Social Compact. The rest of the team behind the research includes the Brookings Institution, University of Michigan, Detroit Economic Growth Corp. and Downtown Detroit Partnership.

Talmadge and other panelists at day one of the event at the Cobo Center said there are real opportunities based on the new figures. Among the findings:





 The expanded downtown area has a workforce of 193,000. If worker spending is estimated at $1,800 per year, that translates to a spending potential of $350 million.


 There is demand for 125,000 square feet of grocery stores in downtown and adjacent neighborhoods and 389,000 square feet of clothing, furniture, electronics and other non-grocery shopping.


 The market study area that runs north from the river north to the New Center area and east down Jefferson Avenue has median home values of $115,000, up 31 percent from 2006 census projections.


 The downtown core area includes 6,500 residents with average household incomes of $59,300, 33 percent higher than 2006 census projections.




The Brookings Institution’s Alyssa Lee said not only are market fundamentals apparent in Detroit, but so is capital-markets support.

Matt Cullen, general manager of economic development and enterprise services for General Motors Corp., said the new data is important and will be part of the message about Detroit shared nationally.

Other topics discussed during morning sessions at the forum included the importance of mass transit to Detroit, and programs such as Neighborhood Enterprise Zones and Business Improvement Districts.

The theme of this year’s forum is “creating walkability.” Speakers told the group of real estate developers and academic and government leaders they need to think in new ways.

“We have to learn how to create an experience. It’s a much more complicated management job than any of us has done in the past,” said Chris Leinberger, professor and director of the graduate real estate development certificate program at UM, a Brookings fellow, and partner in Arcadia Land Co.

Crain’s also presented Real Estate Excellence Awards for Peter Allen, adjunct professor at UM and an Ann Arbor developer; Andrew Farbman, CEO, Farbman Group; Neil Sosin, CEO, Northern Equities Group; and Vincent Murray, executive director of the Bagley Housing Association

In a newspaper article a while back, Mike Ilitch stated that he would be making an announcement regarding a new arena within a month depending on whether the Tigers continued in the playoffs or not. Is it possible that this announcement is coming up soon? I suspect that he will be announcing the building of a new arena behind the Fox Theater in Foxtown, but it has been extremely top secret.

A hundred trillion dollars says the announcement will coincide with Rock Financial's announcement to move downtown and be the new arena's neighbor at Grand Circus Park. This will come before the end of the year, if not, the end of the year. More than likely during the opening winter celebrations at Campus Martius Park in November.

Tally Ho!

That would be great if it happened, but why would the city and DEGC be marketing both the Hudson's site and Statler-Hilton site openly at the real estate forum last week if they had those sites locked up?

Because Rock Financial hasn't chosen yet. And wait, aren't u the one who said u had all the "inside" information and now all of the sudden you're doubting that Rock will end up down here?

I report on the City based on what I am told. At first the reports about Rock were solid and now, as my point states, they appear to have crept back a bit. The people on "the inside" are being very tight lipped about both the arena and Quicken/Rock.

what happened to Redico for Hudsons?

^ Well, they have a brand new 70% vacant building at Campus Martius. If Reidco actually goes through with putting a building on the Hudsons site, I'd be scared. Time to break that contract.

That's if they were looking to put up a substantial amount of office space on the Hudson's Block, but from what I understand, this is supposed to be developed solidly as mixed-use, with residential, hotel, retail, entertainment, and office space. They could still definitely pull off a mixed-use project.

^ Well, they have a brand new 70% vacant building at Campus Martius. If Reidco actually goes through with putting a building on the Hudsons site, I'd be scared. Time to break that contract.
You mean 100%. There's nothing in that building except a security guard and maybe some invisible heat waves to keep him warm.

But is that Redico's fault? Why hasn't Visteon/IBM moved in? And why did Ernst & Young put their name on the building and not move in offices? Does anyone know why the building is empty?

I was under the impression that the interior in most of the building is still under construction. Could it be Ernst and Young simply haven't moved in because the building actually isn't completed yet?

Ernst and Young will be moving into the building this winter. Visteon is paying the lease for the rest. The retail is expected to be occupied soon as well, but no word on exactly what is going in there.

Manage, why has this one taken so long to finish, or is it really on schedule? I understand that exterior facades are usually the first thing to be finished, but it seems like they've been working on the interior of this small office building for longer than I thought it would.

Ernst and Young will be moving into the building this winter. Visteon is paying the lease for the rest. The retail is expected to be occupied soon as well, but no word on exactly what is going in there.
I wouldn't say "soon" then yet on the retail because once an announcement is made, it could be up to 1 year to build out the interior space for whatever will go there. Given there's no announcement, I'd say it will be at least a year for the ground level to be occupied.

Also, there isn't anything going on in the building. At night, you can go down and stand in the middle of Campus Martius and see all of the floors are still unfinished because all the lights are on.

I don't have an answer as to why it's taken so long. I have spoken with folks from Redico that seemed to be very content with how things were going for them on this project. They did say that they were expecting a restaurant to open in one of the retail spots on the first floor.

Eric, there is no way it would take a year built-out for one of those groundfloor spaces. That would be almost as much time as it takes to build an entire building the size of One Kennedy.

Once all of the basic amenities are installed and safety codes met in the retail space it wouldn't take long for a retailer to move in.

It can take up to a year to build out an unfinished retail space.

From start to finish, that's really ideal. Look at the Woodhouse Day Spa at Merchant's Row. It's been "opening soon" for way over a year.

I'm guessing it depends on the size of the space, and the type of business and company moving in. I couldn't imagine some national franchise taking a year to build out a small, groundfloor retail spot. One year seems like quite an extensive build out, and especially for this building, which took about one year to top out (exterior construction).

It doesn't take a year to build out an unfinished retail space unless you're building a Super Walmart or something, but even that is very long. Once the main construction of the building has been completed a space that small could be open for business in a few weeks or a couple months at most.

That was my thought.

BTW, I saw a news blurb in my local paper, today, and according to the article now 50 of the 67 or so condos in the B-C have been sold.

In certainly can take as long as a year to build out a space once an announcement is made about a space. I gained first hand experience with that while working for Schostak. It's not uncommon. Is it possible Kennedy Sq. could be built out sooner? Absolutely.

Well, that changes everything. Anyone can make an annoucement at any time concerning and upcoming construction, renovation, or built out, but the actual time from the actual start of the building out for a storefront retail space is rarely ever a full year.

That was my thought.

BTW, I saw a news blurb in my local paper, today, and according to the article now 50 of the 67 or so condos in the B-C have been sold.

I was wondering if that was a typo. Last I heard only 40 sold at the presale event and then the rest were to go on sale during December. Did they change their minds and decide to offer the condos earlier due to the strong presale?

I guess that's the case. Esquire Properties (the real estate agent) have the building listed on its website.

Yah, they filled up fast. Let this be a foretelling for the developer of the Monroe Block...arg! Need more CBD housing NOW! :)

Yah, they filled up fast. Let this be a foretelling for the developer of the Monroe Block...arg! Need more CBD housing NOW! :)

i think the CBD needs more michi

I was wondering if that was a typo. Last I heard only 40 sold at the presale event and then the rest were to go on sale during December. Did they change their minds and decide to offer the condos earlier due to the strong presale?

I just recieved an email from Jon Grabowski and he confirmed that 50 out of the 67 units have sold! He said 10 were mail in contracts sent in on the weekend of the presale. The Book Cadillac is well on it's way to being sold out!!

i think the CBD needs more michi

Well, if I had the money, you know there would be more michi. And I'd make babies so that there'd be even more michis downtown. :banana:

Six groups to announce plans for Detroit turnaround effort.

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061113/UPDATE/611130448

Looks like the formal announcement is for tomorrow, I wonder if they'll offer anything significant in the presser.

Maybe they can be the powerhouse that lobbies for the formulation of DARTA, hence commencing the decades-long committment to mass transit in Metro Detroit.

And no news?

Whats new wit Detroit?

Well, that's kinda the question that this thread is suppose to answer! :)

Well... I dont think there really is any news going on currently. Its been kinda slow.

There's a lot happening, we just never talk about it unless there's a story in the newspaper.;)

Michi, do you have any updated pics of the casinos?

Well, not really. But ColDayMan got these aerials when he was in town two Fridays ago:

http://urbanohio.com/OtherStates/Michigan/Detroit/2006/November/2006NovemberDetroit8.jpg

http://urbanohio.com/OtherStates/Michigan/Detroit/2006/November/2006NovemberDetroit20.jpg
The black glass is actually looking acceptable to me now that it is almost completely up. I'm wondering what the trim will be like though. I'm guessing metallic gold?

Trim? I thought the plans had simply changed, and what we are seeing is what we get. This one was also regularly listed at 17 or 18 floors, but it looks like it's only going to be 16. None of the casino seem to be matching their original released data.

BTW, what's the name of the white church in the northwest corner of downtown, there? I always see it but never knew much about it.

Wow MGM looks too stumpy. It looks like it should be 3-4 times that height.

They have the ability to add another 16-story wing to the back of the tower, but it certainly could have been built higher, and I wonder why MGM decided to skimp on their Detroit property? It's easily the most profitable of the three, and owned by the company with the most largest wherewithal of the three, which confuses me.

By trim, I'm referring to the gray, unfinished strips on the glass facade. (At least they look unfinished up close).

The tower should have been 18 stories, but maybe the lower two floors are considered 2 each since they are so high.

Yeah, that's what I figured, as I don't see any mezzanine/balcony levels in the base. That's going to be quite a ground floor, though, with a ceiling that high. BTW, just in case anyone reads me wrong, when I'm talking about skimmping on the construction I'm talking mainly about the height. I imagine that MGM is going to pump quite a bit of money into its interior.

Yah, that's what I've been thinking all along. I always figured the outside will be deceiving. I remember a few weeks/months ago driving down Michigan Avenue as the massive 2 or 3 level gaming space was being constructed. The wall facing Michigan was the last to be built, so passersby could see into the building. It was unfathomable how much junk could fit inside that thing. It's hard to imagine how you would fill such a gargantuan space with such intricate detail when it is all said and done.

Plus, I'm sure there will be some nice ornamental lawn decorations out front. It better not be gated though!!

The height should have matched that of the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, I think. Or it could have even matched the height if the DTE Energy building next door. But I guess with only 400 rooms how high can you make it.

At only 400 rooms there is no way they could have made it the same height as Mandalay Bay in Vegas unless they made it an ultra-luxury hotel.

At only 400 rooms there is no way they could have made it the same height as Mandalay Bay in Vegas unless they made it an ultra-luxury hotel.

They've allowed too many Casino's in Detroit. I don't know the history of why they're all there--but apparently 3 is too many. One *truely* Grand casino could have soared above Detroit, being a marquee symbol of a new Detroit skyline.

As it is now you've got three out-of-place midrises competing with each other and the early bird special.

Not really. They all do quite well and are a healthy competition for each other...not to mention Casino Windsor.

What's so out of place with the midrises? Detroit's skyline and cityscape goes beyond the RenCen and CBD. Each casino has its own unique location and who knows they may even provide connectivity incentive to the corridors in which they reside (Michigan Ave, Grand River Ave, Greektown-to-Lafayette Park).

And I'm just curious as to why apparently 3 is too many? What is it that forms that conclusion for you?

3 is not too many by any stretch of the imagination. If this were the case, one or two of them already would have been out of business, or one or two of them would have never opened in the first place.

Not really. They all do quite well and are a healthy competition for each other...not to mention Casino Windsor.


It just seems like the plans for permanent buildings are a long time coming and don't seem to be as grand as promised. Lol, don't know for sure since I'm not privy to the accounting books of the new "big three" in Detroit. Are you?


What's so out of place with the midrises? Detroit's skyline and cityscape goes beyond the RenCen and CBD.

A casino is the DEFINITION of excitement and boldness--and while a Vegas style building would be out of place in Detroit, I think the new casinos should really be a little more dynamic. If not taking a chance on the cityscape scale they should really try to build a dynamic experience at the streetscape scale. They are doing neither. MotorCity isn't in the walkable part of the city--so maybe they should have reduced the number of stories and made a bigger development which takes advantage of the land around it to create a new "Motor city village" of some sort. I don't know, but the opporunity for something great was THERE.

Each casino has its own unique location and who knows they may even provide connectivity incentive to the corridors in which they reside (Michigan Ave, Grand River Ave, Greektown-to-Lafayette Park).
And I'm just curious as to why apparently 3 is too many?

I was only guessing that 3 is too many because 1 or 2 casinos may have felt secure enough to take a chance and build a marquee development in Detroit (either height-wise or street-wise). I also remember reading something about Greektown scaling back plans because it's behind in projected revenue. Overall, I'm just disappointed that they don't have more ambitious plans for their sites. It's not just height and looks--I really don't think they're going to have an impact repairing or blending in at the city at street level either...just look at the picture above of MGM's new casino--the port cochere and front driveway look like they would be at home in a suburban setting.

I want to tell these casino executives to take a chance! If you really are raking in the dough--roll it back into the city a little.

Is Greektown's 30 story tower now classified as a midrise? Because I was looking forward to its height but if it wont make a difference.....well now im sad.

Motor City isn't that far from the rest of downtown. In fact, in most cities that area would still be considered "downtown". And maybe by being in a lesser-developed area it will create more demand for ammenities on that stretch of Grand River.

Is Greektown's 30 story tower now classified as a midrise? Because I was looking forward to its height but if it wont make a difference.....well now im sad.

30 stories a mid-rise? You're really tough on your definitions of a high-rise, huh? lol It's going to be over 300 feet, that's solidly a high-rise by my definition, and I'm a bit more liberal and call anything over 300 feet a legitimate skyscraper, as well.

Guess you missed the sarcasm Lmich, no biggie. Sort of mocking the talk of another poster saying that all Detroit is getting is a couple of mid-rise towers.

Yep, it went completely over my head.

Is Greektown's 30 story tower now classified as a midrise? Because I was looking forward to its height but if it wont make a difference.....well now im sad.

Didn't mean to start any semantic controversy here! You pointed out Greektown will be 30 stories and should be called a highrise--great, sounds good...my only point was that the buildings--mainly MotorCity and MGM because they're clearly visible--are falling short of my expectations. They had lots of potential to build something grand and exciting. Instead they scaled them back and built the *minimum* they had to according to their agreements. Sure there are reasons for it, but I'm disappointed. That's all. You know, I love Detroit as much as the next guy--but you guys seem a little too sensitive.

I'm quite sure if the Detroit casinos do well in the future, we will get more "grand" stuff, we are not Las Vegas, casinos hotels are a new thing for us so you can really except too much. MGM grand still has a $765 million dollar price tag, thats alot of money, I'm quite sure it will look grand from the inside more than that outside, plus construction is not over yet, there is still more to come, and I'm quite sure it will be nicer than what it is now.

There isn't much more to come. MGM is pretty much built out from the outside. The hotel is already topped out. Though, I do agree that the casino interior is probably where all the money is going to.

We still have to wait till the gold rolls in, I do not think that those black/silver/blue things is it, because at night you can see right through the building

I will agree that MGM is too short. Me being the highrise fanatic I am, I actually suprise myself in saying that the MGM tower does its job within the skyline. It extends the skyline. If the tower was built triple the size, the tower would be so out of place. And take what Lmichigan says as an even better thing. They may expand the hotel with a third wing.

Looking at MGM Las Vegas, they are now building about 4, 40 story towers, all condos. When Detroit has its luxury housing boom, MGM will most likely add onto the tower and then start helping out with the condo boom downtown. We need to give it about 25 years, but this is a good thing coming out of MGM.

BTW, MGM looked good yesterday. All of Downtown Detroit was glowing. So many people walking the streets even in one of the deadest areas of Midtown (Between Cass and Woodward). Many people along the parade route settled down at Campus Martius, enjoying the Heart of Downtown. Even after the Lions game the city was still glowing although a little to light with the foot traffic. It did make me happy to see people already cleaning the streets. I had the opportunity to go to some of the parade and to the lions game. I like that the parade route was changed so it goes through CMP. It looks like there were no problems with the pm either. A Great Day in the City of Detroit!

Didn't mean to start any semantic controversy here! You pointed out Greektown will be 30 stories and should be called a highrise--great, sounds good...my only point was that the buildings--mainly MotorCity and MGM because they're clearly visible--are falling short of my expectations. They had lots of potential to build something grand and exciting. Instead they scaled them back and built the *minimum* they had to according to their agreements. Sure there are reasons for it, but I'm disappointed. That's all. You know, I love Detroit as much as the next guy--but you guys seem a little too sensitive.

None of my comment came out sarcastic or jokingly at all? Maybe next time ill add a dancing banana or something. In fact, here you go. :banana:

Does anybody have any info on the new plan for Detroit that I heard on the news a couple days ago? about bringing people in and keeping the youth, more business in the city and downtown area

I think you're talking about the MSU/WSU/UofM announcement to spur the economy, and it was an announcement for all of Michigan. It's more soft planning than anything else, meaning more symbolic than anything else. It's nothing we haven't heard much before.

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061128/SCHOOLS/611280379

Yea It did not say for the whole of Michigan though it pretty much stated that it is the focus of SouthEast Michigan. Maby this one will do some good though with all the pains we have been goin thru the last couple of years. We need to have an Economy that is not totally dependent upon the auto Industries. There are a lot of bad things that need to be changed about our economy especially in the city of Detroit. I just hope things will change for the good soon because this is truly a nice city.

The future of Michigan lies within a pretty well-defined corridor, that being Detroit-Ann Arbor-Lansing-Grand Rapids. The I-94 corridor is important too, but aside from the main one.

Northern Michigan already consists of Michigan's other economy...that of tourism and travel. That is unlikely to change much in terms of the bulk of what it carries for the state as a whole.

Oh and an update on the Book Cadillac:
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1129DCBDemo11_29_060004.jpg

http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1129DCBDemo11_29_060006.jpg

I saw lights on the B-C last night when I walking through downtown before an Aerosmith concert. Man, that building will look nice and they're REALLY working on it this time! I believe now! But it sucks about the other building being torn down for a parking garage, something that London, Ontario needs a lot more than Detroit!

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061204/NEWS99/61204022

Olympia selected as developer for GAR building

Good to see the GAR project moving ahead.

Also, will this Cobo Expansion plan actually work?

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061204/NEWS99/61204038

Good to see the GAR project moving ahead.

Also, will this Cobo Expansion plan actually work?

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061204/NEWS99/61204038

Selling the GAR to Olympia is actually a step backward. Really, I don't care how optimistic people are about Ilitch and his projects. He has a track record for letting buildings fall to ruin (I've been inside many of them and some are ready to collapse), and is not rigorous enough in marketing his properties to potential buyers. Putting up signs on the buildings is just an excuse to show there is positive progress going on when there is zero. The Detroit Life Building is moving to slow, Fine Arts building will be a collapsed heap by next year, and the parking lot where the historic Madison Lenox was is not landscaped and maintained to the degree that was promised. Selling the GAR to them will mean either two things, it will sit empty or be demolished. Not a single law or governing body can prevent its demolition. Reality is so sad.

As for Cobo, no. I stopped reading on the skywalk thing. Sounds like a dream, back to the drawing board.

"the Detroit life building is moving too slow", fyi

additionally that is a load of shit. Do you think that the Illitches intention or goal is to buy properties and let them rot? Lets not forget who restored the Fox to an amazing state when most of the current yuppie trendy loft dwellers where shitting themselves in diapers and that whole area was infested with crack whores and people who used their services and provided the services they whored themselves out for.

I by no means am some sort of big Illitch fan, and Im just as critical of some of the moves he makes. However, I am not stupid enough to typecast his operations into one specific image, thinking that that Olympia can do nothing but let buildings rot. There are two new stadiums and an emerging entertainment district largely due to Illitch. However, there are plenty of eye sores that I would whole-heartedly say "screw him" for. Olympia recieves a bidded contract to rennovate a building that is not a big project by their standards (with a time limit, mind you..there is a stipulation of reposession if rennovations dont take place). Considering this, there is no evidence that Illitch is going to tear it down as if it is some fucking macedonian conspiracy. Granted, I will watch his actions with a cautious eye, but seriously what possible motive could he have for tearing it down? not a new Joe Louis...the building is located at Grand River and Cass, an intersection def not going to be shut down if that is the location of a new arena. there is plently of illitch owned parking all around the GAR, that bldg is not big enough to warrant 220,00bux just for a little wedge parking lot.

They're going to move the entire development arm of their company to the building....think about it terds

from DetroitYES.com, Ill post a link when I get it
(edit) http://www.crainsdetroit.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061206/REG/61206009/1016

The Detroit Downtown Development Authority has entered into an agreement in principle to sell the “air rights” from a parking garage being built as part of the Book Cadillac redevelopment to a firm that wants to build 80 units of condos on top of the garage.

Detroit-based Roxbury Development L.L.C., an arm of The Roxbury Group P.L.L.C., is the developer for this proposed Griswold/Capitol Park project. The company’s offices are in the Stott Building on Griswold.

The 528-space garage will be at 150 Michigan Ave., the site of the soon-to-be-demolished Commerce Building. The Book Cadillac is at Michigan Avenue and Washington Boulevard.

The “air rights,” the ability to develop space above a property, are being sold for the incremental costs the DDA might spend to support the condominium development such as increases in construction or garage design costs. Roxbury estimated this cost to be $750,000 and the DDA will receive the funding on or before the completion of the garage.

Gary Brown, design and construction consultant for Detroit Economic Growth Corp., said the Commerce Building destruction began Dec. 1 and he expects it to be finished by the end of the month. He said the designs of a parking garage supporting a condominium structure on top still aren’t finished. Construction of the garage is expected to start in February, Brown said.

The DDA is a branch of the DEGC, which is a public/private partnership with the city government to attract, retain and govern over business and economic initiatives in Detroit.

Though the deal is still in negotiation, here is the current framework of it:





Roxbury would buy the “air rights.”


Roxbury would buy or lease 120 garage parking spaces at a rate to be determined later.


Both parties agree to share a percentage of the profit from the sale of the condos.


The DDA has to approve the design of the condo development. The deal will be finalized when Roxbury receives more information on project construction and when the development agreement is negotiated and approved by the board. The memorandum of understanding expires next June.




DEGC staff member Brian Holdwick said this memorandum of understanding was important for Roxbury because now the company can obtain third-party financing for the project using the document as proof of ownership of the “air rights.”

The DDA board of directors approved the resolution to enter into an agreement with Roxbury at Wednesday’s development meeting.

David DiRita, president of Roxbury Group, and Brown said this condo project might be the first in Detroit’s central business district that didn’t involve any restoration or conversion of an existing building.

Holdwick said Roxbury has been working with the DDA for about six months on the project. On Aug. 25, the DDA sent a letter to Roxbury allowing them to investigate the feasibility of condo construction project. Holdwick sent a memo regarding the sale of the garage’s air rights to the DDA board of directors Nov. 28.

Mimi Pledl, the DEGC’s brownfield redevelopment associate director, said a key piece of the financing Roxbury hopes to receive will come from a decision at a Dec. 19 Michigan Economic Growth Authority board meeting to grant more than $3.6 million in brownfield tax credits to the company.

(edit) here's the source
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061206/REG/61206009/1016

I'm really irked he (the DetroitYes.com forumer) didn't bother to provide the source and/or link for this. That's really the least you can do when you post a news story. Does anyone know what this is from?

That said, this makes the demolition, for me, seem just a little bit less pointless if pointless even still. But, I'll take what I can get. They could have very easily just built a parking garage with no air rights, so this is definitely a plus even if it still doesn't add up to a restored and occupied Commerce Building.

word on the street is that this is not the last bit of good news we'll be hearing. The Farwell Bldg in Capitol Park has a deal signed although no details were provided....let's hope it happens.

"the Detroit life building is moving too slow", fyi

additionally that is a load of shit. Do you think that the Illitches intention or goal is to buy properties and let them rot? Lets not forget who restored the Fox to an amazing state when most of the current yuppie trendy loft dwellers where shitting themselves in diapers and that whole area was infested with crack whores and people who used their services and provided the services they whored themselves out for.

I by no means am some sort of big Illitch fan, and Im just as critical of some of the moves he makes. However, I am not stupid enough to typecast his operations into one specific image, thinking that that Olympia can do nothing but let buildings rot. There are two new stadiums and an emerging entertainment district largely due to Illitch. However, there are plenty of eye sores that I would whole-heartedly say "screw him" for. Olympia recieves a bidded contract to rennovate a building that is not a big project by their standards (with a time limit, mind you..there is a stipulation of reposession if rennovations dont take place). Considering this, there is no evidence that Illitch is going to tear it down as if it is some fucking macedonian conspiracy. Granted, I will watch his actions with a cautious eye, but seriously what possible motive could he have for tearing it down? not a new Joe Louis...the building is located at Grand River and Cass, an intersection def not going to be shut down if that is the location of a new arena. there is plently of illitch owned parking all around the GAR, that bldg is not big enough to warrant 220,00bux just for a little wedge parking lot.

They're going to move the entire development arm of their company to the building....think about it terds


Yes, good for him and the Fox. One of the few buildings he saved. Are you blind to what he has done? Have you ever been inside his rotting structures? Let see, he tore down 2 blocks of historical buildings (all of them salvageable) , so he could put parking out in front of Comerica park as a "gateway" in Foxtown. Another one of his so called gateways was a request to demolish the Historical Madison-Lenox which he had acquired and promised that he would renovate it. Instead he tore out the windows and let it fall into disrepair, and then claimed it was structurally unsafe, which allowed it to be illegally demolished by the city. He promised a well landscaped parking lot thereafter, but only threw down some cheap asphault. What he has done with the rest of his buildings is a far bigger crime

At one time, the United Artists theater was salvageable because the detailwork was in good shape. He allowed a massive hole to form on the roof which eventually allowed it to rain inside and totally destroy the theater portion of the building. There's no way it can be restored now because it's a brick shell, the rainwater is now deteriorating structural members. His lack of maintenance (and only a small amount is necessary) allowed boards to fall off windows 8 stories up and smash through the windshields of vehicles parked below.

If that's bad, the Fine Arts Building is even worse. For the profit made off two little Caesar's Pizzas, he could have bought a bucket of tar and sealed the 1 foot hole in the roof that has now virtually destroyed the building from water damage. The building's life is done. The first 3 floors collapsed, leaving walls dangling and columns above crooked and hanging. The top floors are sinking to the center of the building, and it won't be much longer until the building will fall in on itself. It endangers people walking near it, and possibly even the buildings around it.

I've witnessed it all with my eyes, rather than reading it on paper. There's much more to say, but I'll leave you with my experiences. The Ilitches do not have a goal to let their buildings rot. But they invest in them only when they feel the time is right, and it seems it is never right for them. The only places I see investment in is the land they sit on, which they will develop as a part of their foxtown community. My gripe has to do with their track record of maintenance, and what has become of their assets. What success the Fox Theatre represents in his portfolio of restored Detroit buildings is just a silver of the pie when it comes to what he has torn down or allow to become dilapidated.

Finally, don't correct me on my grammar. This is a public bulletin board for casual conversation. If a small word bothers you that much you need to get a life. I find it ironic that you mispell the last name of the person you are trying to defend. Grow up.

Managemich.

The holdup on the Farwell Building has to do with the lightwell running through the center of the building. I'll provide more details when I get the chance.

Dude, you have 5 post, so far. Chill out, and you don't need to tell anyone to grow up.

The GAR isn't going, anywhere, and you better believe that Ilitch has learned from the grief he got with the Madison Lenox. And, you are being overly pessimistic for no good reason. Olympia had the most solid plan for this building, or they wouldn't have been given development rights to it. All of the other proposals (save for one) didn't have any tenents lined up or anything. Olympia not only has the wherewithal, but the main tenant lined up for this one.

If you think Ilitch Holdings is the same company it was even a two years ago you're mistaken. Mike knows that he has a legacy to think about, now, and he realizes that Comerica Park and Fox are not enough to make up for all the bad he's done. Do you really think he's going to squander is opportunities on the GAR? Plus, he doesn't have unlimited time on this one like he does on the building's he actually owns. It has been said at DetroitYes.com that there is a stipulation that if he doesn't develop this one in a certain timeframe, the city has the right to take away Olympia's development rights on this one.

It's time to stop with these knee-jerk reactions when we see or hear "Ilitch" and start being more thoughtful.

Well put Lmich. Yes Illitch has really screwed up in the past but you cant hold all the against him when the man actually does some good. Ive bashed the man a lot for what he has done with some of his properties but I cant on this because his plans are genuine.

Well, you most definitely can hold his destructive past against him, but you also have to take these things one by one and judge them independently as every location in downtown Detroit isn't the same, every building he owns was not in the same state of repair when Olympia bought each, which means that no two projects are the same.

Comparing a GAR renovation and a United Artists renovation is apples to oranges. In fact, comparing a GAR renovation to a Madison Lenox renovation is completely pointless. It is not in the best interest of Ilitch to go after this one if he didn't plan to redevelop as:

1. It doesn't make sense to bring it down as the site is completely irregular for almost most modern usages, meaning it doesn't make since as a parking lot.

2. It wouldn't made any sense for him to keep it in a state of disrepair, as again, the site has no other use.

3. This guy does not want this one hanging over his head. He sees the complete hell he got for the Madison Lenox fiasco, and no developer wants another one of those headaches and especially a developer that has actually done some good. He's not your typical slumlord which doesn't give two schitts about his communit. This guy has an image and legacy to maintian and approve upon and he doesn't want another headache.

So, in this particular case, it would make no sense for Ilitch to want to aquire the development rights to this one if he didn't have solid plans for redeveloping the GAR. If he says that he wants to move Olympia Development there, I have no reason to doubt him. This is easily the most solid proposal I've seen for this building in years. A major tenant is lined up, and the company only has minimal remaining space to fill (i.e. top floor). This isn't some pie-in-the-sky proposal like the other ones based entirely on hope of a reviving downtown. This is a plan based on reality.

Hell, none of us have to like the Ilitch's, but please, let's give credit where credit is due when it is due and stop the needless knee-jerk reactions. Sometimes, I think Detroiter's can take any good news and twist it into something bad. I believe it has to be a coping mechanism set up to lessen the blow when these things fail, sometime, but it can also get in the way of a good thing. Again, this project has no comparison with the incredible efforts it will take to renovate the Fine Arts (which is probably beyond hope), or the United Artists Building (the size of this one is a significant problem). If there is any comparison it would be to the Detroit Life Building, which is solidly under renovation.

Pessimism for pessimism's sake only serves itself.

Wow, so by responses with anger and name calling, now everyone thinks I'm a hater of Detroit development. I will tell you that I'm not that at all, in fact, I don't disrespect the Ilitches or his company. I think they have the potential to do great things, but they don't even take the little steps to prevent the worst from happening to their buildings. I guess, I can't get my point across how bad the conditions are inside of their buildings. hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of damage could have been stopped (probably millions with the UA) by some simple maintenance. The properties would have probably been easier to market or renovate had the damage not gone structural. It's called being responsible. You say the company has taken a new direction, and I do believe they intend to, but for the time being, his buildings are still a mess, and none of them downtown have been renovated yet. I know the GAR won't be demolished like the ML, Wolverine Hotel, and the YMCA because it's under contract. But because of his track record, I think the building should go to another developer and that Illitch should work on renovating his smaller properties, rather then taking on more.

So I'm sorry if anyone has felt I was bashing Ilitch. I thought I was being critical basing my observations on experience. I guess I'll shut up next time.

Geez guys, calm down and get back to civil discussion. It's annoying for an outsider (me) to come in here and read about your city's development news.

At any rate, the BC development sounds good. Anytime they sell air rights, it's a good sign.

Wow, so by responses with anger and name calling, now everyone thinks I'm a hater of Detroit development. I will tell you that I'm not that at all, in fact, I don't disrespect the Ilitches or his company. I think they have the potential to do great things, but they don't even take the little steps to prevent the worst from happening to their buildings.

So I'm sorry if anyone has felt I was bashing Ilitch. I thought I was being critical basing my observations on experience. I guess I'll shut up next time.

NorthAndre, you made some good points about steps Illitch could take. But I think developers in general get a very bad rap. People tend to blame them for not doing "something," "anything" fast enough. Or blame them for not spending "enough." (I'm still looking for those proverbial money trees.) I tend to think these people should shut the hell up until they start a business with billions of dollars of their own to invest. Illitch didn't start Detroit's problems. And he can't solve them. There are plenty of opporunities with properties Illitch doesn't own. In fact, before he bought his properties, anyone else could have bought them and restored them. Nobody did. If there's no market it doesn't matter. However, you've pointed out specifics. So I thank you. But generally people DON'T know how to run Illitch's business better Illitch himself. Trust me, they don't.

I dont know if anybody posted these projects before I didnt see them on this thread so im going to post them.


The Elliott Building
This new project will offer 15-18 luxury condominiums sized from 800-3,000+ sq. ft., including three duplex penthouses. The six story building, built by William Elliott for his emporium in 1894, will have retail at street level.

Developer: Woodward Grand Realty Company

Location: Downtown

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j32/Alboholic45/Detroit%20Projects/Elliot_Building-current.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j32/Alboholic45/Detroit%20Projects/Elliot_Building_rendering.jpg
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The Westin Book Cadillac Hotel
The restoration of this historic 1924 hotel will offer 455 hotel rooms when it reopens as the Westin Book-Cadillac Hotel in 2-3 years. The project will also include 67 luxury condominiums on the upper floors.

Developer: Ferchill Group, Cleveland

Location: Downtown
Current
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j32/Alboholic45/Detroit%20Projects/Book_Cadillac.jpg
Rendering
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j32/Alboholic45/Detroit%20Projects/book_cadillac_rendering.jpg


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Lafer Building
Sixteen rental loft units will be available in the nine-story Lafer Building. Built in 1916, the building will have two rental units per floor.

Location: Downtown

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j32/Alboholic45/Detroit%20Projects/Lafer_Building.jpg
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The Broderick Tower Lofts will offer 127 rental apartments on floors 5-34. The lower four floors will house retail, entertainment, office and commercial space.

Developer: Motown Construction, Inc.

Location: Downtown

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j32/Alboholic45/Detroit%20Projects/Broderick_Tower-1.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j32/Alboholic45/Detroit%20Projects/Broderick_Tower-2.jpg

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Eddystone Condominiums
One and two bedroom condominium units (60-70) sized from 860-1,500 sq. ft. in the historic Hotel Eddystone. The 13-story hotel, designed by Lewis Kamper, is one of three hotels Lewis Tuller built in the mid-1920s along Detroit’s Park Avenue just north of Grand Circus Park. The project includes first floor retail space.

Location: Lower Cass Corridor, one block west of Woodward

Current
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j32/Alboholic45/Detroit%20Projects/Eddystone-current.jpg
Rendering
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j32/Alboholic45/Detroit%20Projects/Eddystone-rendering.jpg
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Crystal Lofts at Central Brush Park
Thirteen loft condominium units/four penthouse units, private balconies, shared rooftop terrace, and secured parking. First floor retail and grocery market planned.

Developer: Belmar Development

Location: Brush Park

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j32/Alboholic45/Detroit%20Projects/Crystal_Ballroom-rendering-165.jpg
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Condos@75
The project incorporates three buildings which will be converted to condominiums in three phases. The first building (2467 Cass) will have 20 units offering 750-1,300 sq. ft.

Developer: Belmar Development Group

Location: Cass Corridor

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j32/Alboholic45/Detroit%20Projects/Condos_at75.jpg
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Roosevelt Place Lofts
The former 1920 Roosevelt Hotel in Corktown will have 32 one and two bedroom loft condominiums with exposed brick finishes and a return to the building’s historic character. The units, which will start at $123,000, will range from 900 to 1,300 sq. ft. A restaurant and bar is planned for the first floor.

Location: Corktown

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j32/Alboholic45/Detroit%20Projects/Roosevelt_Lofts.jpg

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Chene West is a $40-million riverfront project which will include 108 condominiums and townhouses, a pool, a fitness center, parking and retail.

Developer: Spingarn Development, LLC, a partnership headed by Detroit industrialist Dave Bing. Project investors include Joe Dumars, Isiah Thomas, Chris Webber, Jalen Rose and Derrick Coleman.

Location: Riverfront East

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j32/Alboholic45/Detroit%20Projects/Chene_West-1.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j32/Alboholic45/Detroit%20Projects/Chene_West-2.jpg
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@water Lofts

The @water Lofts will offer 480 residential loft units in three phases. The project will have three mid-rise buildings with steel, glass, and brick construction. Retail, restaurant, and commercial space is also available.

Developer: Belmar Development 313.833.3600

Location: Riverfront East
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j32/Alboholic45/Detroit%20Projects/Atwater_perspective.jpg
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Chene East[/B]
Just east of Chene Park along the Detroit River

Chene East will offer 64 condominium units in a new 125,000 sq. ft. building on the Detroit River. The project will include space for restaurants and retail.

Developers: Jerome Bettis/J.C. Betters
313.833.3600

Location: Riverfront East
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j32/Alboholic45/Detroit%20Projects/Chene_East_Riverscene.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j32/Alboholic45/Detroit%20Projects/Chene_East.jpg
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River East
Franklin Street to the north, Rivard Street to the east, the Detroit River and RiverWalk to the south, and Beaubien Street to the west.

Mixed-use including residential

River East
On January 19, 2006, General Motors announced that it had reached a preliminary agreement with Detroit River East Partners, LLC (DREP) to develop the River East project.

The River East development consists of approximately 13 acres along the Detroit River, immediately east of the GM Renaissance Center. Plans for development include mixed-use commercial, residential, retail, office, entertainment and special use opportunities.

Location: Riverfront East
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j32/Alboholic45/Detroit%20Projects/River_East-1.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j32/Alboholic45/Detroit%20Projects/River_East-2.jpg
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Parkshore
New high rise condominium(s) on the Detroit River in this 35-acre gated community.

Location: Riverfront East

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j32/Alboholic45/Detroit%20Projects/Parkshore.jpg

Nice post. Some of these projects have changed or been put on the back burner but I just read today that Chene West has been approved and construction should start mid-2007.

All the projects I have posted are from the official Downtown Detroit / city of Detroit website so I dont think they are in the backburner yet. The Cadillac Building will look owesome once it is done. You know alot of business and people have been moving to downtown Detroit recently so it has been going in alot of development. The superbowl really opened peoples eyes of the downtown area who many had never been to downtown Detroit in their life time. So did the World Series and many many other events I cant waituntil the Auto Show its going to be great.

Dont trust that website, I doubt they update it often. Parkshore is just a very very early concept and we havent heard a thing about it since they announced it. And those River East renderings are the very first ones that were released. It will likely look nothing like that and newer more extensive ones have been released since then.

btw, that elliot building rendering is old..they're now replacing the cornice and adding a half story

http://www.theelliottbuilding.com/index.htm

nothing says progress like 6 year old renderings!

December 15, 2006 (The last 2006 construction installment for me).

South Wing of the DIA Expansion
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060001.jpg

Lofts at New Amsterdam - now moving in
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060003.jpg

Security system good to go
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060005.jpg

http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060006.jpg

Nice little pedestrian corridor between the two buildings
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060007.jpg

What's across the street you ask? Who want to make renovation bets? :)
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060008.jpg

The changing face of TechOne
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060009.jpg

The future of the auto industry - NextEnergy fuel cell laboratories
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060010.jpg

New Amsterdam/New Center Lofts
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060011.jpg

http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060012.jpg

The windows look increadible. It's hard to believe the blight this building use to be.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060013.jpg

http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060014.jpg

http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060018.jpg

Sorry, I got a little carried away:
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060021.jpg

It's the place to live if you like to watch trains go by (like me)! :P
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060029.jpg

http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060039.jpg

The Argonaut Building...when, when, and when?
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060016.jpg

'Skuse me a second...
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060040.jpg

Ok.

Could the future of the NBC Building be near?
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060043.jpg

http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060045.jpg

Research Lofts, North Trumbull Avenue.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060050.jpg

http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060051.jpg

Bonnie Bridge Townhouses, Woodbridge. Ok, I can work with that. :)
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060057.jpg

A fun rehab I haven't noticed until now (on Trumbull).
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060060.jpg

The Motor City Casino serves as the backdrop to Detroit's Miracle Mile.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060067.jpg

http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060069.jpg

Wondering who's bright idea was the 3-story wall. Seriously, what tragedy would windows do?
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060070.jpg

From the Lodge Fwy.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060071.jpg

Mantra moved in to Cass & Peterboro from Hamtramck (I believe). Some of you may remember the old pet store that use to be here.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060076.jpg

Willy's looking as sharp as ever! I LOVE this development.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060079.jpg

...as I do 55 W. Canfield...installing the balconies.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060080.jpg

Canfield frontage
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060081.jpg

Woodward side. Lights on at night!
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060082.jpg

MidMed, also on Canfield (E).
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060083.jpg

Got carried away again. ;)
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060084.jpg

John R. and Canfield
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060085.jpg

http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060086.jpg

More to come Saturday.

you are like some sort of Jesus.

1) Is it safe to say that New Center has officially taken flight?

2) Are those Bonnie Bridge Townhouses on Trumbull?

Wow! There is more going on in Midtown every day. I really had no idea all of that was going on, and I know there is more as this was just in northern Midtown.

Illmatic, southern New Center (New Amsterdam) is taking off, but the north is still pretty quiet.

It really is a crime the city allowed MotorCity to go on the cheap at the base like that. It's just horrible.

Well, I DO wear sandals in the summer...;)

1) Sort of

2) Yes!

I guess if there was ever such a time to bring the whales back...

huh?

It really is a crime the city allowed MotorCity to go on the cheap at the base like that. It's just horrible.

The most important part of a building is it's base. I agree--the architects failed on this one. I mean, they probably had to deal with the large open casino halls, banquet rooms, and kitchens behind it (you can't put windows in those spaces) but still--I think the Casinos are spending the absolute minimum on these casinos as they can per their agreements with the city to have them in the first place.

http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060040.jpg

Hey Michi, in this picture what is the newer building towards the center-right? It looks like it's clad in metal at the top? I like it.

By the way, this is an AWESOME picture.

I think it's part of Techtown, the high-tech incubator.

That is the NextEnergy Facility. It's a research center for fuel cells. The photo that shows the pillar with the sign on it stands next to the part of the building that has the automobile stations for refueling (whatever that means...actual fuel cells/battery/or some other kind of fuel). I don't know the technology. :)

Saturday, December 16, 2006

The Ellington in its completed state.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060001.jpg

http://www.ellingtonlofts.com/ellingtonsite164.jpg

http://www.ellingtonlofts.com/ellingtonsite168.jpg

http://www.ellingtonlofts.com/ellingtonsite175.jpg

That one...:shrug:
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060003.jpg

I ride past here every day and believe me when I say they are going very speedily through this building!
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060005.jpg

This lot across from the photo above has recently been "preped".
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060004.jpg

I'm not sure what this rehab is in Brush Park. Looks interesting though.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060006.jpg

Still waiting on this one. :sly:
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060007.jpg

OOOOH...A SURPRISE!! Detroiters love surprises!
http://hipcityliving.com/
(That is Patterson Terrace in the background)
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060009.jpg

The land parcel. Now, I won't be able to sleep at night. :slob:
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060010.jpg

This parcel across from the Carrola has just been ridded of all its overgrown weeds...Makes me wonder...??
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060011.jpg

More new windows.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060012.jpg

Carrolton occupancy!
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060013.jpg

Garden Lofts, Brush Park. Sold out in 12 hours.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060019.jpg

Balconies = not good but great!
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060017.jpg

What will be the main enterance on Adelaide Street.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060020.jpg

The back faces the Fisher Freeway and downtown.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060021.jpg

New signage on Broadway. Ho-hum
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060022.jpg

A furniture store (supposedly from Ann Arbor) was suppose to be on the second level of this building. However, I haven't seen anything yet.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060024.jpg

A new entertainment venue, Lot 1210, Broadway.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060026.jpg

http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060027.jpg

The many faces of the Book Cadillac:
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060030.jpg

http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060040.jpg

http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060047.jpg

Up Shelby from Jefferson
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060053.jpg

http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060055.jpg

http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060056.jpg

Down comes more Detroit Local Color, up goes another parking garage.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060058.jpg

I'm going to marry the Book Cadillac
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060060.jpg

Accompanied by the Laffayette Building (renovation (and parking garage) pending).
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060064.jpg

New Merchant's Row retailers: Studio Couture.
http://www.after5detroit.com/06/favorites_map.php?c_id=54
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060033.jpg

Texas-based Woodhouse Day Spa in the 1400 block of Merchant's Row.
http://www.woodhousespas.com/
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060034.jpg

Hmmm, a new facade improvement in Capitol Park?
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060036.jpg

http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060037.jpg

Caring for aesthetics and facades in Capitol Park, a future hotspot in downtown.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060041.jpg

The new Campus Martius Park extension along Cadillac Square, aka Cadillac Square Park. Opening to the public in the spring of 07.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060042.jpg

The resurrected Bagley Fountain.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060044.jpg

http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060046.jpg

Park and relatively new One Kennedy Square, begging for tenants.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060045.jpg

Greektown Casino site
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060049.jpg

Officially Beaubien Place.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060050.jpg

The Asian Village. :rolleyes:
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060051.jpg

Signage approval!
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060052.jpg

MGM Grand Detroit Casino
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060066.jpg

Looks like the trimming will be stainless steel (silver) not gold. (seen on the lower left)
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060067.jpg

The north end along 3rd Street.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060068.jpg

The space ship has landed.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060069.jpg

http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060070.jpg

http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060080.jpg

Grinnell Place Lofts (center), Corktown.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060077.jpg

Grand Army of the Republic Building (GAR). Built in 1899 and announced for renovation this month, 2006. Location: Grand River and Adams.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060089.jpg

http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060092.jpg

http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060094.jpg

http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060095.jpg

Methinks there may have been statues on the two platforms above the entry at one time. These are also on the Grand River side.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060097.jpg

The butt.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060098.jpg

Showing location relation to Central Business District.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060100.jpg

The back of the United Artists Theater. Renovation/demolition pending.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060101.jpg

Detroit Life Building, Park Avenue District. Renovation progressing.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060102.jpg

New windows. Full renovation??
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060104.jpg

And finally, the Iodent Building full renovation in the Park Avenue District.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1216DetDev12_16_060108.jpg

That concludes.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Long Live the rebirth of Detroit.

Wondering who's bright idea was the 3-story wall. Seriously, what tragedy would windows do?http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2006_1215DetDev12_15_060070.jpg

they probly thought people cant throw a brick more then 3 stories up...

im really glad to see more interest in rebuilding downtown. it has been such a trash bag for so long. what street is the train track building on? looks like a place next to were my sister used to live

damn another photo update in the time it took me to post my comment!!!

weres the snow! im coming back on wed and i want to see snow!!!

I'm sorry, no snow. It is going to be 55 tomorrow. We're flirting with record highs recently.

The cold front is coming through midweek though. It'll be good for skating at Campus Martius if you desire winter activity when you return.

The railroad lofts are on Second Avenue at Burroughs, just north of Wayne State and just south of the Fisher Building.

On this website, it is described as Phase II of the Lofts at New Amsterdam, but the link isn't complet yet.

http://www.jonna-detroitlofts.com/

What a tour. A few questions and comments:

1. Looks like there is just one renovation and new construction after another in Brush Park. What's going up on the "prepped" lot near the first part of your post?

2. That's some quality glass they used for the MGM Grand Detroit Hotel Tower.

3. I wonder what kind of effect a renovated B-C will have on Cap Park? BTW, you should probably mention that the new B-C parking garage will be stacked with 80 residential units.

4. In your second to last picture I believe that's the old Women's Club building. Is it still in that usage, or some other usage? I'd heard nothing about this one being renovated.

What a tour. A few questions and comments:

1. Looks like there is just one renovation and new construction after another in Brush Park. What's going up on the "prepped" lot near the first part of your post?
I'm not sure. Maybe more Garden Lofts? I WISH I knew.

2. That's some quality glass they used for the MGM Grand Detroit Hotel Tower.
I'm looking forward to seeing how the trim will look when completed.

3. I wonder what kind of effect a renovated B-C will have on Cap Park? BTW, you should probably mention that the new B-C parking garage will be stacked with 80 residential units.
I not worried about Capitol Park at all. I think that is one jewel that will be done right in downtown. Little more nervous of Park Avenue District.

4. In your second to last picture I believe that's the old Women's Club building. Is it still in that usage, or some other usage? I'd heard nothing about this one being renovated.
Yep, Women's Club. I have absolutely zero information on this building as well. It caught me by surprise.

Guess we'll just have to wait and see on some of these.

Those first three floors of Motor City aren't done yet. I'd guess that some sort of facade will go up that will cover up that empty space.

There's no chance that MotorCity is going to leave those lower steel beams exposed.

In your second to last picture I believe that's the old Women's Club building. Is it still in that usage, or some other usage? I'd heard nothing about this one being renovated.

DPD does have offices in the building, but I don't think the city owns it. Whoever owns put in a lot work over the summer with facade work and new windows

Nice job on your latest photo tour of the great things going on the city, Michi! They really show a lot!

Home is where you make it..! Nice Pictures :dance:

What will be the main enterance on Adelaide Street.

Oops, I realize I meant Winder Street.

a couple other major announcements

TechTown unviels a $1.3billion plan that includes other major property owners in the 43-acre, 12 square block area (Henry Ford, GM) (no renderings yet)
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061218/SUB/612150343/0/toc&Profile=0

SPECS OF THE PLAN
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061218/SUB/612150344/-1/toc

Stakeholders in the TechTown project envision development that would include:

- 616,500 square feet of office space.
- 115,300 square feet of retail.
- 951,100 square feet of laboratory space, including 140,000 square feet in the current Tech One tech-incubator building.
- Residential housing totaling 3,273 units, including 1,242 for market-rate housing and a mix of campus units: 857 dormitory rooms, 805 graduate student units and 169 units for faculty.
- A large passenger train station just west of Woodward to replace the cramped Amtrak station currently on West Baltimore, south of Grand Boulevard. The station could serve Amtrak as well as other uses, such as high-speed rail.
- A 72,500-square-foot conference center next to the train station.
- A 1,250-seat multiplex theater at Woodward and I-94.
- A 71,000 square foot student union at Cass Avenue and York Street.
- A 794-room hotel and condominiums at Woodward and Amsterdam Street.


AND
Northfolk Southern and Amtrak express tentative support for AA-Detroit Commuter rail
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061218/METRO/612180334/1003

however, there are currently no plans for New Center transit station-Downtown transit other than current bus routes

Wow sounds like a huge development.

That project announcement is really deserving of its own post on the forum, here.

WOW, it's great to see Detriot making a big turn around!

Michi,

Looks like Model D answered my question concerning the Women's Club Building. Looks like the owners are using a facade grant to replace the historic windows with near-similar historic-styled windows. They look very nice.

Yeah, I can't believe I JUST realized that the MotorCity based is far from done. lol Off course, they are going to cover that in. You can see where they still have yet to add the trimming and a wall.

Yes, the windows look very sharp and add a certain freshness to a really gritty, yet urban cityscape. I LOVE Park Avenue!!

You're probably right about the Motor City Casino. It's just hart to imagine what would fit in that little space between the building and the beams. I'm sure it will be some sort of fancy glass thing to go along with their hot rod, retro car theme. :)

Pick-Fort Shelby to get second life:
Hotel, convention space, apartments slated for building now in disrepair

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061221/BIZ/612210358/1001

Looks like work will be starting in January 07 with an open date of winter 07. If that make that timetable, I will be pretty impressed.

http://cmsimg.detnews.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=C3&Date=20061220&Category=SCHOOLS&ArtNo=612200373&Ref=V2Q=100&MaxW=500
South University Village entails a parking structure, retail space and 128 rental units, which are aimed at the educated middle class returning to the city.

WSU joins city's rebirth

School plans $34M Detroit housing, retail development

December 20, 2006

Louis Aguilar / The Detroit News

DETROIT -- Another major player is joining the rush to turn Midtown Detroit's blighted lots into upscale housing and retail: Wayne State University.

In Wayne State's first public-private real estate venture, the university and Grand Rapids-based developer Prime Development announced Tuesday plans for a $34 million development that will include 128 "loft-like" rental units, new retail and a parking structure on Woodward north of The Whitney restaurant.

Longtime Detroit residents remember the site as the spot where the Vernor's ginger ale plant once stood.

The lofts aren't aimed at students but rather at a growing educated, middle-class population returning to the city core.

The development will be called South University Village. A groundbreaking is planned for the spring, according to Wayne State officials.

....

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061220/SCHOOLS/612200373&SearchID=7326672284283

http://cmsimg.detnews.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=C3&Date=20061220&Category=SCHOOLS&ArtNo=612200373&Ref=H3&Profile=1026&MaxW=1500&Q=100&title=1

^take an existing fence and parking lot, build out on it to woodward, I'm happy.

So it looks like these units wont be for students, very cool.

It looks like that is on Woodward, near that big white Wayne State University building.

Great news about the Pick-Fort Shelby, too, that will add to downtown! Now, if they could just get the dates for start of construction and completion correct. It would amaze me if they did it in that length of time, a little less than a year.

They can't even get streets right, in the print version it referenced the Westin BC being on W. Grand Blvd not Washington. Remember these people work only a couple blocks away from the building, so something like construction dates might be too complicated for them.

Great news about the University Village development. My brother spent 2 years at WSU. This particular area will really burgeon if given the chance

I thought about this when I was on Google maps and was looking at Detroit, why doesn't the city try to get an MLS franchise in the city? If they could get it, they could tear down the old Tigers Stadium and build the new park there, it would help attract more business into that part of Detroit, and would replace the old stadium thats falling apart. I mean Mike Ilitch and Olympia entertainment could do it, it could be done as a joint business venture with some company that would pay for the rights to have the name of the stadium, and part of the construction. Also the stadium could serve as a new football stadium for Wayne State University.

I would also like to see the Pistons and Red Wings do a joint venture arena, that way Cobo could expand and the two teams could get a new downtown facility.

Really, how popular is MLS in the United States, and especially in Michigan?

An MLS franchise will not help out corktown, like the current plans for Tiger Stadium will. And good luck getting Olympia Entertainment and Palace Sports and Entertainment to share a building. The are rival companies and it would be incredibly stupid for Bill Davisson to leave the Palace after all the money he as poured into the place.

I can see your interest in an MLS franchise is due to the fact your a soccer fan, as am i. Go Chelsea! But I dont think an MLS team would succeed here, especially with a soccer specific stadium. I doubt they could fill up WSU's stadium if they decided to use that.

I wouldn't want to see another stadium in Corktown. If they did build an MLS stadium in Detroit I think it would be best to have it near Wayne State (especially if WSU would be using it for its own football team)

eh I suppose my idea wasn't very well thought out, oh well
moving on.....
I remember a couple months ago I saw a couple pics for the proposed site of the Cobo expansion, any1 have those pics?

I thought Michigan already had a soccer (football) team,

No not for MLS, they have teams for smaller leagues.

Detroit used to have the Rockers but that was indoor soccer.

I rember the Rockers and the Neons, i thought they were MLS, my bad.

havent been in detroit since 99
and it looks great,
i really really miss detroit,
great photos.

http://cmsimg.detnews.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=C3&Date=20061220&Category=SCHOOLS&ArtNo=612200373&Ref=H3&Profile=1026&MaxW=1500&Q=100&title=1
Reminds me of this
http://www.detroitmidtown.com/05/image_lib/Ellington_NEView.jpg

Yep, on another forum, the guy that did the computer rendering said the developers are paying very close attention to the Ellington.

I like the balconies on this new one along with the arched roof, but I like the windows on the Ellington. A combination of the two would look pretty nice imo. Either way it is nice that they are finally developing that huge open parking lot.

hey guys watsup i'm from metro detroit and have been on the forums a while now but have never seen the detroit forums...i like all the news and keep it coming!!!

thanks, MKballer

What city? RO?

Any up dates? Pics of the couisno construction?

Welcome MKballer, where at in the metro are you from?

edit

Anything new....

I have a random question..... does anyone know how much (ballpark$) the hotel rooms are going to be for the 3 new casinos? I was just wondering what hotels currently dwntwn might be adversely affected by having to compete w/all these new rooms on the market.

Also, about a week ago, Motor City Casino started putting up the structure that will complete the top of the building. I wish we had some decent renderings to compare to as they finish this up. The recent addition definitely makes it more impressive in its position in the skyline.

Michi, I think we need another photo tour. Alot happens in a month.

Yea I been waiting for the next photo tour too, I love em.

Zuelas, I don't have a ballpark figure, but I'd bet on the rooms at the casino hotels to be relatively cheap seeing as how they make up the loss in hotel rates at the casino. After all, the casino hotels never wanted to build these sizable hotels in the first place because of that, and would have been happy simply expanding their casinos if they could have gotten away with that. I'd predict they are going to be cheap to lure in potential casino customers.

BTW, the top floor of the MotorCity Casino Hotel is to be en expansive lounge area with a very tall ceiling. The views are going to be amazing from up there.

New upscale condos to rise near Book-Cadillac
January 28, 2007

BY JOHN GALLAGHER

FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER

Home buyers shopping for an urban lifestyle in Detroit's central business district soon will have a new upscale option.

The Roxbury Group, a Detroit-based developer, unveiled Friday a rendering for the Griswold, an 80-unit condominium project. In its most unusual feature, the Griswold will be built atop a 10-story parking garage that will rise adjacent to the Book-Cadillac Hotel.

Located at Michigan and Griswold, just steps from Campus Martius Park, the project will offer newly built condos in an area where most units coming on the market are loft renovations of existing buildings.

"One of the things that drove us to this project was the phenomenal location," David Di Rita, a principal of the Roxbury Group, said Friday.

Targeted for a late 2008 opening, the Griswold units will range from 800 to 2,800 square feet with prices from $200,000 to $400,000 for most units, with penthouses up to $750,000.

For information on sales, call 313-580-2200.

http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070128/BUSINESS04/701280563/1002

Hmmm...old news, but I guess this makes it official.

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070130/METRO/701300392/1006/METRO01

New upscale condos to rise near Book-Cadillac
January 28, 2007

BY JOHN GALLAGHER

FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER

Home buyers shopping for an urban lifestyle in Detroit's central business district soon will have a new upscale option.

The Roxbury Group, a Detroit-based developer, unveiled Friday a rendering for the Griswold, an 80-unit condominium project. In its most unusual feature, the Griswold will be built atop a 10-story parking garage that will rise adjacent to the Book-Cadillac Hotel.


Model D posted a slightly more detailed article last month...

"The DDA and Roxbury Development, LLC have entered into an agreement for “air rights” on top of the Book Cadillac parking garage, to be constructed at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Griswold, the current site of the Commerce Building.

Roxbury plans for approximately 80 condo units and will lease or buy 120 of the garage’s 528 parking spaces. The agreement is valued at $750,000, which is what the DDA will spend to build the garage to higher specifications that will permit additional floors to be added for the condos..."

You have to give them extra points for the creative financing. They are actually buying air rights. If I understand this it means they spent $750,000 for all property acquisition? That's a deal! It's hard to find 100' on a mile road in the suburbs for that little.

I would like to see something like a flagship Best Buy go into the old MGM rather than a Target or a Wal-Mart. Or better yet, I'd like to see something like an Ikea or Cabela's that would draw people from all over the region.

Looks like most of the back half of the Commerce building has been demoed now. I wish I had pictures but I passed by at 1:00 am in the morning so they would have looked like crap.

I also noticed a bit of vertical activity on the Greektown site. I'm not sure if it's steel for the building or equipment.

I believe they are constructing the crane(s) to begin to build the tower.

Here's a couple random images..

Greektown Casino:
http://www.umich.edu/~ifmuth/detroitupdate01.jpg

Fort Shelby-Doubletree (no visible work yet)
http://www.umich.edu/~ifmuth/detroitupdate02.jpg

I had pictures of the book Cadillac but they came out blurry. I'll try to keep you all updated

- hayward

Thanks for those pics. I was wondering when the hell we'd see something from the Greektown site.

Is the Fort-Shelby just the taller of the those two attached bldgs and will the renovation include one or both of them?

No, both are the hotel. The shorter one is just the original hotel, and the tower was a later addition. They are directly connected on all of the floors they share.

is it excluded to see important new skyscrapers built in this city in the future ? do they have money or not , or is there no willing to do really big developpements ? Detroit looks old and crappy .

I'm not sure I understood any part of the original question, but that last comment rings loud and clear. Where are you from?

i'm from europe and i ask a very clear question , detroit ( 5 million people ) skyline/buildings is/are rather old/dirty so when would we see real new big projects in this city instead of a little casino every 10 years ? it seems that some midwest towns like detroit look somewhat "sinistered" ( not so surprising though with the gorgeous landscape of future useless petro-chemical factories ) and lack modern new constructions , mainly if we compare with other 21th century us/world cities , sorry locals , just facts .

That's quite a bit different than calling it "old and crappy." You have to understand the economy of the region to get why you're not going to see new office towers springing up in the city. It sounds like you already know that Detroit has faced some pretty bad economic times, some would say the worst in the country for a city its size, so the question is a little surprising as it's so obvious.

i'm from europe and i ask a very clear question , detroit ( 5 million people ) skyline/buildings is/are rather old/dirty so when would we see real new big projects in this city instead of a little casino every 10 years ? it seems that some midwest towns like detroit look somewhat "sinistered" ( not so surprising though with the gorgeous landscape of future useless petro-chemical factories ) and lack modern new constructions , mainly if we compare with other 21th century us/world cities , sorry locals , just facts .


Well, Detriot has economic issues, and it gets more than just a casino every ten years. Detriot is a magnificent city of early 20th century architecture.:)

Please don't feed the trolls...

feed yourself with trolls in the magnificient detriot(us) city , that's good for you :cheers:

Just go away.

I was hoping for an update insted i got this idiot.

Yea, me too. If you havent been to Detroit, you have nothing to talk about. You need to actually experience Detroit too know the truth. GO AWAY!

I have a few updates to post tomorrow.

Im should be going to the science center today or tommarrow to see that body excibit. The one where they have real humans that they made into plastic and made them into art.

I have a few updates to post tomorrow.

Carry on Hayward... I'm looking forward to those updates about whatever it was...

Nice pics there, Hayward, thanks for the updates, I've been hanging around the Buffalo forums too much, argh!

A high-rise proposal for Troy (suburban Detroit):

Hyatt headlines 23-story project

Thursday, March 1, 2007

BY CAROL MARSHALL
cmarshall@mbizreview.com

Developers are planning a 23-story mixed-use project - headlined by a 174-room Hyatt hotel - near the I-75/Crooks Road interchange in Troy.

Southfield developer Frank Asmer of Bloomfield Development will complete the planned unit development application for the $120 million project within a month and submit plans to Troy city officials.

The project - rising some 300 feet - likely will consist of the Hyatt hotel, 112 residential condominiums, an upscale restaurant, high-end retail, office space, a bank and a four-story parking structure.

Asmer said the lease agreement with the bank is 70 percent completed.

The architect for the project is Royal Oak based Moiseev-Gordon Associates.

The location, at the northeast corner of Corporate Drive and New King Street, is zoned for mid-rise office.

Asmer presented the concept to the Planning Commission late last year, and commissioners generally accepted it, said Troy Planning Director Mark Miller.

If the PUD application and site plans are approved, it should take about three years to construct the project, Asmer said.

Asmer's company develops mainly residential and hotel properties in Michigan and Florida. Locally, he has developed the Crowne Plaza in Novi and the Best Western on Lapeer Road in Lake Orion.

Asmer is optimistic that the demand for high-end, high-rise hotels will increase by the time the project is complete.

"I think by the end of this year, the market should rebound," Asmer said. "The Troy market is good, and there is a demand for this type of product."

Asmer's project is not far from the Monarch, a Troy high-rise condominium project that was to provide a key residential piece to the Big Beaver corridor's future growth. That 18-story project - 165 residential units and more than 11,000 square feet of commercial space - is being reworked and its Troy sales office closed.

At the same time, Troy is expecting to see plans soon for the nearby former Kmart headquarters property, where a multiple-use planned unit development is proposed.

Plans for the 40-acre site will include residential condominiums, a hotel and upscale retail, according to Hunter Richardson, president of Reston, Va.-based Richardson Development Group, which was hired by the property owner New Jersey-based Blackrock Realty.

Carol Marshall covers real estate and development for Oakland Business Review.

http://www.mlive.com/mbusinessreview/oak/index.ssf?/mbusinessreview/oak/stories/20070301_hyatt.html

I've known about this project for about 6 months now...personally I don't think it's going anywhere. But the renderings of the building are very cool.

Asmer's project is not far from the Monarch, a Troy high-rise condominium project that was to provide a key residential piece to the Big Beaver corridor's future growth. That 18-story project - 165 residential units and more than 11,000 square feet of commercial space - is being reworked and its Troy sales office closed.

And by the way, it's nowhere near the Monarch or the Big Beaver corridor. It's an entirely different part of town.

Is it really a fact that Detroit builds a little casino every 10 years? What is the source of this fact? I need to know since I've been living here for a few years now and have yet to confront this information.

There's a lot of enlightenment being spread through all of these facts. Please enlighten me specifically.

I don't think you're going to get your answer. :) It looks like we ran him/her away, and squashed that pretty quickly.

ttam, you're right about the location. I'm not sure what they consider "not far from" but this is on another side of town, entirely, in a whole other corridor. Still, I think it's legitimate and worth mention to compare this to the Monarch. The difference, here, is that they are anchoring this project with a hotel, which makes it more viable.

Haywath, Lets see them.

Holy shit thats less than a mile away from my house. Can you post the renders, please?

And ya is like 3 miles from where monarch was going to go. Man i hope they delay those kmart proposals, right now with michigan it would have to be scaled back big time. Maybe not because they will build it in sections.

Last weekend I took this picture of the new Greektown hotel site from a few blocks away...
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o120/_ttam_/greektowncasinotower.jpg

Wikipedia tells me the new hotel tower is 30 stories--but those cranes aren't tall enough for that...what gives? Is the new hotel 30 stories or not? The tall crane is fixed, not mobile.

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o120/_ttam_/greektowncasinotower2.jpg

Anyway, I think the Greektown hotel is going to have the best views of the city (and waterfront from what I can tell) by far.

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o120/_ttam_/greektownview.jpg

In my opinion, the MGM casino is ugly as hell and has no interaction with the street level. Someday the area around it may become more developed and the casino will have lost a great opportunity to be part of a city rather than an object in the city.

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o120/_ttam_/MGMgrand.jpg

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o120/_ttam_/mgmgrand2.jpg

Motor City turned out nice. I'm impressed, just didn't feel like driving all the way up there just to take a picture, lol.

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o120/_ttam_/motorcity.jpg

I suspect the cranes are just for the garage portion of the Greektown expansion, because, it is still 30 floors.

I suspect the cranes are just for the garage portion of the Greektown expansion, because, it is still 30 floors.

I thought of that, but I'm not sure because parking garages are expansive and a crane fixed onto a concrete pad like that couldn't possibly reach all corners of it. Anyway, it was just a quick question to see if anyone here is in the know on the project. Isn't Rossetti taking part in the project?

Yes, they are the architects.

All that I know is that according to my last Rossetti contact, and according to all of the data back to the Spring of 2006, the hotel is still 30 stories.

Who says cranes are not mobile? I know that many tall projects start off with a shorter crane height that required and then as height of the structure increase so does the crane.

I just assumed he knew something about the particular crane at the Greektown site. I don't know much about cranes, so I took his word that this is one of those cranes that don't 'grow.' Any crane experts, here?

If you look at the previous MGM grand pics, you can see that they have added some gold trim right above the 3 story podium, just something I noticed. Just thought that I would share my observations.

Who says cranes are not mobile? I know that many tall projects start off with a shorter crane height that required and then as height of the structure increase so does the crane.

The tower crane isn't mobile in that it is bolted to a concrete pad with huge steel bolts. I didn't mean it can't raise. They can go up as the building goes up. But for tall buildings (over 30-35 stories) they fix a smaller crane to the skyscraper's steel structure and the crane pulls itself up from level to level as the stories are constructed. I've seen this happen first hand, it's pretty cool. As far as tower cranes are concerned, they can only go up so high to begin with (around 30 stories) and from what I've seen they tend to raise the towers *all at once*--maybe to save time and money. But this isn't a mid-rise, so I guess you're right--it makes more sense, in this case, to raise it as the building rises so that the operator isn't too far from the action and can see it better. I can't wait to see an actual 30 story building being constructed downtown. Exciting stuff.

Who says cranes are not mobile? I know that many tall projects start off with a shorter crane height that required and then as height of the structure increase so does the crane.

Yeah they can go up as the building goes up. But for tall buildings (over 30-35 stories) they fix a smaller crane to the skyscraper's steel structure and the crane pulls itself up from level to level as the stories are constructed. I've seen this happen first hand, it's pretty cool. As far as tower cranes are concerned, they can only go up so high to begin with (around 30 stories) and from what I've seen they tend to raise the towers all at once--maybe to save time and money. But this isn't a mid-rise, so I guess it makes sense that they'll raise it as the building rises. I can't wait to see an actual 30 story building being constructed downtown. Exciting stuff.

Those cranes can go up as high as they want to.

Also MGM looks stuby as hell, looks like a suberb office building.

Also why the hell doesnt it say MI under the midwest section?

They just attach it to the side of the building. Not sure if the tower will go up right next to the crane, but if it is they'll do something like this.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/174/417131400_a5b10584f1_b.jpg

Those cranes can go up as high as they want to.

Nah a *freestanding* tower crane as thin as the one on the Greektown site can only go up 30 stories or a little more than that. Otherwise, they have to do what you pointed out and attach the crane to the structure and move it up as the building goes up. In this case it's already freestanding, so I'm guessing the other guy was right and they'll pop in a few more sections when the tower gets up to around 15 stories (about as high as the tower is now).

Also MGM looks stuby as hell, looks like a suberb office building.

I agree. It sucks. Not to mention the mechanical box on top of the building. God, what the hell do architects get paid for?

Nah a *freestanding* tower crane as thin as the one on the Greektown site can only go up 30 stories or a little more than that. Otherwise, they have to do what you pointed out and attach the crane to the structure and move it up as the building goes up. In this case it's already freestanding, so I'm guessing the other guy was right and they'll pop in a few more sections when the tower gets up to around 15 stories (about as high as the tower is now).


I ment they can go as high as they want when their connected, my post got seperated. Also those cranes start out as freestanding and then they get connected to the tower as soon as its tall enough. Im not sure if thats whats going on with Greektown though because i dont know exactly where the towers going.

http://www.skyscrapersunset.com/skyscrapercity/phl/comcast/09/08.jpg
http://www.wirednewyork.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1318&d=1133145908
Heres a pic to show that the Comcast cranes started out as freestanding.

BTW, not sure if I said it here, but for those that want to know, the Greektown Hotel tower will be taller than the neighboring Blue Cross/Blue Shield Building at 344 feet, so it will make a significant impact on the skyline from many views, particularly from the north, east, and southeast from the river.

I can't wait to see Greektown tower at the 30 stories, it will be nice to see coming from 1-75 from the north. Especially at night with the color designs.

Speaking of Greektown--here's an artsy rendering of the final design direct from the Sault Tribe's website. I'm sure some have already seen this, but I'll post it again since I brought it up. Looks like a smooth glass tower with an earthy brick parking garage. I'm sure it won't look as good in real life.

http://www.saulttribe.com/images/stories/news/20060922/20060922casinogarage.jpg

http://www.saulttribe.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=520&Itemid=2

Go to Rossetti's website. They have a much more realistic and nice-looking rendering of the finished product.

A freestanding crane can rise higher than the base height during initial construction phases. It need not be attached to the superstructure. Additional modules of the mast are added just before the top (slewing unit) I can't remember the height of each module..probably 15-20 feet, but they can only be put into place one at a time. The slewing unit has 4 hydraulic arms which are already part of the crane structure. They push the entire slewing unit upward, and a new mast section is placed beneath it. The slewing unit is then lowered a few feet back into place. It's a very simple process.

A freestanding crane can rise higher than the base height during initial construction phases. It need not be attached to the superstructure. Additional modules of the mast are added just before the top (slewing unit) I can't remember the height of each module..probably 15-20 feet, but they can only be put into place one at a time. The slewing unit has 4 hydraulic arms which are already part of the crane structure. They push the entire slewing unit upward, and a new mast section is placed beneath it. The slewing unit is then lowered a few feet back into place. It's a very simple process.

Yeah, very cool wish they had a webcam of the construction.

[QUOTE=Lmichigan;11983371]I don't think you're going to get your answer. :) It looks like we ran him/her away, and squashed that pretty quickly.

the city is depressing and the 3 projects of building ( casinos ) are little for a 5 millons agglo ( the sixth in usa ) , even yahoo website makes today an article about selling homes in detroit at lower cost than buying a car , what means the situation is bad . Anybody will just remember you the facts about this town everytime . End of story .

Thanks for that lesson in terrible English grammar. If you're mind is already made up about Detroit, and it sounds like it is, you probably don't need to troll around this thread.

Yah, aaaaaaaaaaanyway. Just an FYI antigr, no one cares.

Here's an update of the stuff going on in the Motor City as of late:

We'll start in the urbs. The Fifth Royal Oak
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0311DetPty03_10-11_070047.jpg

The windows at MidMed everyone's been complaining about on detroityes.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0311DetPty03_10-11_070011.jpg

If you're going to own a car and live here, this is where you park.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0311DetPty03_10-11_070012.jpg

As of Sunday, March 18, 2007
Hello Greektown Casino storage unit.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0318DetDev03_18_070053.jpg

http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0318DetDev03_18_070075.jpg

:repeat
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0318DetDev03_18_070076.jpg

From the not-so-traveled north side of Greektown.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0318DetDev03_18_070078.jpg

The orb of Ste. Mary's is to blame.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0318DetDev03_18_070079.jpg

These columns are for the hotel tower.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0318DetDev03_18_070080.jpg

Good Grief! That's like level 13 up there! Let's hope they don't forget to install the elevators.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0318DetDev03_18_070081.jpg

Front entrance of the Vinton is progressing near completion.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0318DetDev03_18_070060.jpg

http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0318DetDev03_18_070061.jpg

The 2 inches left of the Detroit Commerce Building. As of today, it is a part of our history.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0318DetDev03_18_070062.jpg

The replacement has been catching the eyes of passersby.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0318DetDev03_18_070063.jpg

Count yourself lucky: A never before seen picture of Detroit.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0318DetDev03_18_070064.jpg

It was a nice (but frigid) day.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0318DetDev03_18_070065.jpg

Die, bi*ch!
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0318DetDev03_18_070066.jpg

Another never before seen...only to be in existance temporarily.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0318DetDev03_18_070067.jpg

? (the day after St. Patty's)
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0318DetDev03_18_070068.jpg

This is downtown's first furniture company: MEZZANINE.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0318DetDev03_18_070069.jpg

Bee-Boo!
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0318DetDev03_18_070070.jpg

Mmmkay...Intermission to Windsor. This thing does not grow vertically. It will be the city's new tallest. (Second hotel tower to Ceasars somethingsomething Windsor Casino).
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0318DetDev03_18_070082.jpg

And this thing has been sitting without a face for months now too. Hello Windsor! You aren't Detroit! ;)
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0318DetDev03_18_070084.jpg

There will be a ceremony in the spring (which is now) for the grand opening of Rivard Plaza, just east of the Renaissance Center on the East Riverfront.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0318DetDev03_18_070083.jpg

Making Detroit a lovely city is the new Michigan Welcome Center and Mercado at the Ambassador Bridge Customs Plaza on the Southwest side. It looks very nice.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0318DetDev03_18_070085.jpg

The two buildings here comprise the project.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0318DetDev03_18_070086.jpg

A zoom out.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0318DetDev03_18_070087.jpg

The historic preservation project at Vernor and ____ in Mexicantown. This area of town should be applauded for embarking on a large number of preservation projects. Way to go SW side!! :)
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0318DetDev03_18_070088.jpg

Yawn. The Motor City from the train station.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0318DetDev03_18_070089.jpg

The Motor City from my apartment.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0318DetDev03_18_070099.jpg

The only thing going on in Grosse Pointe these days is this duck.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0318DetDev03_18_070092.jpg

In-bound from the Pointes, I came across this project on Jefferson. New market rate apts. (thanks, LMich)
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0318DetDev03_18_070095.jpg

http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0318DetDev03_18_070096.jpg

http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0318DetDev03_18_070097.jpg

Liquor store anyone? You have a choice of about 5,000 on Jefferson alone.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0318DetDev03_18_070098.jpg

AND FINALLY...The site of the highly-anticipated South University Village project! I drove by there today on my bike on my way home from work and noticed yellow tape sectioning off the area for tomorrow's official ground breaking ceremonies at 3:pm.

As long as I'm at this location, which may not be for much longer, I will post periodic updates, given the speed or lack-there-of of the progress.
http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0318DetDev03_18_070100.jpg

Rendering:
http://www.media.wayne.edu/images/SouthVillageA.jpg

Thanks for the photos, great update, I see that Greektown is not wasting anytime getting the garage built.

Maybe its just the angle of the picture, but it appears the new Greektown garage is significantly set back from Monroe St. Is the correct? And if so, does anyone know why?

It would seem that if they are having to build up to fit both the hotel and the garage there, that space is a premium. Hence why the setback..

good news about the south village project from Wayne's the South end today

Ghareeb said that there will be two different retail areas in SUV. “There is the retail that’s going to be on Woodward that’s going to be funded also by the private developer, and then the university is putting some retail by the parking structure on Forest,” she said.

Ghareeb said WSU is working with different retailers for space on Forest Avenue near the new structure, but the school is not yet ready to make an announcement.
Burgler said the all 26,000 square feet of the first floor of the Studio One Apartments will be devoted to retail space and a bank has already agreed to move in.
http://thesouthend.typepad.com/tsenews/2007/03/wsu_breaks_grou.html#more

it looks like the garage part will have Forest ave retail frontage as well as the announcement that 5/3 has signed on to the Woodward side. (though that was pretty obvious a few weeks back)

Michi....let me guess you live in that Cathedral tower. how is it?

I've taken note of this too. And all I can think of is that the retail portion will be built up to the sidewalk in a separate "phase". In the renderings, you can see that the gray concrete of the current facade actually is behind a wall of aesthetic brick in the forefront.

Kavoc,

I'm pretty sure they are using the whole site:

http://atdetroit.net/forum/messages/5/95503.jpg

If there is a setback, it's definitely not much.

I think the other part of the Greektown site will be used for the conference space, theatre, things like that.

I don't think so. All of that's going at the current location. I'm under the impression that this block on the freeway is only for the hotel, and its amenities, and the parking garage.

Oh, I didn't know that they had expandable room like that on the current casino site, well I guess I don't know what will be at the hotel site. I was under the impression before they started to build the garage that the the garage was going to take up more space than it has.

Michi....let me guess you live in that Cathedral tower. how is it?
Oh, sorry. Yes I do. It's nice, but the units are very small. The parking is very expensive ($80/mo) so I park elsewhere. The people are very nice, especially because many of them are elderly. The other 1/2 primarily students. It makes ups for a pretty nice and diverse community.

Other than an unfortunate bed bug terror incident about a year ago, I have very few complaints.

Forget what I said. I bet the setback is just allowing for wider sidewalks. More comprable to the Campus Martius area.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j280/BarGal/greektownrendering.jpg

It looks like the brick facade will go right onto the horizontal concrete slabs.

I'm curious as to how the east end is going to work. Will there be room for expansion on that end? It doesn't appear that the garage is going to extend all the way to the service drive (where that old apartment building was demolished). Maybe it is, but it doesn't look that way. Anybody know?

But dont worry, they will save the facade

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070318/SUB/703160344&SearchID=73275739022826

Many had said there really is no way they could have saved the building. They'd have had to do a total reconstruction of the entire building, anyway, so this is pretty much what was expected. And, if Preservation Wayne is giving this their blessing, and who can complain?

Nice to see this getting renovated. I did a walk through of the building last year before the fire and renovation and it showed a lot of potential. I'm happy it has come so far.

http://downtownmotown.8k.com/DetroitDevelopment/2007_0318DetDev03_18_070095.jpg

That's the Hotel Savarine, a former hotel, then low-income apartment building, and now going to market rate apartments. It's going to be a very prominent project as it sticks out like a sore thumb. Maybe, we'll see this far eastside location beginning to mirror its GP neighbor a bit more.

Yeah, it's a bright spot upon the neighborhood (what's left of it). All that remains down Lenox street is a see of empty lots, burned out houses, and a few scattered (but deteriorated) occupied homes. I'm hoping some massive housing development (something urban) will turn the neighborhood around.

Yeah, it's a clean slate. This is the emptiest corner of the city, in fact. I've always wondered why those houses were taken down to incredibly quickly instead of other empty quarters of the city where the houses we allowed to remain. The housing, there, must have been easily demolishable. Once you get east of the Chrysler plant and travel to the border of the Pointes, that whole area bounded by Conner to the west, Mack to the north, Alter to the east and Jefferson to the South, is just about gone.

You got a nice view over there, Michi! So, that's the garage over there at the Greektown site rising up? Mexicantown's looking great and that customs plaza development will be a much welcome addition.

I have a question alot of cities have exprienced population declines, why is Detroit's different in that there seem to whole neighborhoods that have dissappeared? What happened to the houses? How can whole blocks vanish?

The difference is that Detroit had amassed and incredibly amount of wealth during its hey-dey (one of the richest cities in the world, in fact, if I remember correctly), meaning you had one of the most mobile populations in the world, at the time. A huge percent of the population literally had the means to up and leave with a quickness you couldn't have in other cities. It's true, suburbanization happened to every city, but nowhere did you have a such an incredibly large middle class that was so incredibly mobile. You stack that on top of the other things that lead to easy suburbanization across the nations (i.e. freeways and such), and the you can see how easy it was to simply redistribute the population. It was a violent transplant operation.

The difference is that Detroit had amassed and incredibly amount of wealth during its hey-dey (one of the richest cities in the world, in fact, if I remember correctly), meaning you had one of the most mobile populations in the world, at the time. A huge percent of the population literally had the means to up and leave with a quickness you couldn't have in other cities. It's true, suburbanization happened to every city, but nowhere did you have a such an incredibly large middle class that was so incredibly mobile. You stack that on top of the other things that lead to easy suburbanization across the nations (i.e. freeways and such), and the you can see how easy it was to simply redistribute the population. It was a violent transplant operation.

Understood, but how did the houses/neighborhoods vanish?

Well, wouldn't it seem that it was quite clear no one was coming back, and that there was no way any in-migration could fill the empty homes, that they'd be demolished? I mean, they didn't just disappear.

Well, wouldn't it seem that it was quite clear no one was coming back, and that there was no way any in-migration could fill the empty homes, that they'd be demolished? I mean, they didn't just disappear.

Well quite obviously they didnt disappear :| It was just a question no need to talk down...

My bad. Sorry.

Half the Griswold condos sold at presale event
http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070402/BUSINESS04/70402060

Deposits placed on more than half of Griswold condos
Project is next to Book-Cadillac development

April 2, 2007

BY JOHN GALLAGHER

FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER

The Roxbury Group, a Detroit-based developer, said today that it has taken deposits from buyers for more than half of the 80 residences at the Griswold Capitol Park, a new condominium project to be built atop a planned parking garage that will rise next to the Book-Cadillac Hotel.

The initial sales event was held Saturday.

“We were overwhelmed by the response," said Stacy Fox, a partner in the Roxbury Group. “It was an incredibly diverse group of people, and it was wonderful to see the faces of downtown Detroit’s future.”

Purchasers were asked to put a 2.5% deposit on each unit and received $10,000 off the $235,000 price of one-bedroom units and the $295,000 price of two-bedroom units. The seven buyers of the penthouses received $25,000 off their units, which started at $495,000.

The residences are being sold through Esquire Properties, which can be reached at 313-580-2200.

Well, wouldn't it seem that it was quite clear no one was coming back, and that there was no way any in-migration could fill the empty homes, that they'd be demolished? I mean, they didn't just disappear.

¿are you sure it was just a simple issue of people moving out and no one moving in? i'm just asking because i don't know but this seems too simple an answer. this happened in many cities but i haven't seen the blocks and blocks of emptiness and urban praries i've seen in detroit.

He asked specifically about the emptied out far eastside. What do you think explains the large-scale demolition of all of the housing in that huge quarter of land? If I'm wrong, please explain to me why it emptied out and was demolished. I just put forth my opinion.

He asked specifically about the emptied out far eastside. What do you think explains the large-scale demolition of all of the housing in that huge quarter of land? If I'm wrong, please explain to me why it emptied out and was demolished. I just put forth my opinion.

i really don't know, that's why i was asking. i have a hard time understanding where the "east" side of detroit is because for me, east of detroit is the river or lake st. clair and canada. i'm guessing you mean what to me is north of detroit, along I-94 and gratiot for example. i think i read somewhere some of it was due to the detroit riots in '67 and was never rebuilt, but i don't know. but i would like to know if someone has more info on this.

Detroit has three sides, regardless of the actual geographic location. The Eastside is everything east of Woodward, Westside is everything West of Woodward, and the Southwest is kind of ambiguous, but it's still pretty obvious.

^^ok, i get it now. figuring out where the east side of detroit is has been my biggest challenge. it confused the hell out of me when i moved here. i don't understand why what is called "east" out here isn't referred to as "north" but whatever, i'll just go with it :okay:.

Yeah, no one will know what you're talking about if you use "Northside", though, the East and Westsides are broken down into smaller regions when you need to get more specific. You can use Northwest side for the areas in the northwest corner of the city. For the Eastside, you can brake it down into Near Eastside and Far Eastside for the parts of the Eastside south of the Ford Freeway. Since the Southwest side is already a covered by the Westside, to break down the Southwest side you usually refer to the neighborhood (i.e. Delray, Hubbard Farms...)

The eastside and westside thing is looked at as if Woodward is a North-South Road. East of Downtown, West of Downtown is the way I like to look at it. And it all starts with the East and West Riverfronts.

Hi, i'm from England and in the future would like to visit Detroit. I have been a massive fan of the Electronic and Techno music that has come out of Detroit since I was young, and would love to visit the City. However all I get is negative comments saying it's a very violent place, and people are too scared to go there. Is it really this bad?. Any advice on what areas not to enter? I've also heard white people are unsafe in certain areas, is this true?

Hi, i'm from England and in the future would like to visit Detroit. I have been a massive fan of the Electronic and Techno music that has come out of Detroit since I was young, and would love to visit the City. However all I get is negative comments saying it's a very violent place, and people are too scared to go there. Is it really this bad?. Any advice on what areas not to enter? I've also heard white people are unsafe in certain areas, is this true?

It used to be a very bad place about 20 years ago, but its a lot better and safer now. But for some reason Detroit hasnt been able to shrugg off the bad image. Im going to bet the people that said Detroit is a very unsafe place have never been there.

I vist Detroit about once a week during the summer and i have never seen any crime. There are places i would not go at night though. But downtown is very safe.

It used to be a very bad place about 20 years ago, but its a lot better and safer now. But for some reason Detroit hasnt been able to shrugg off the bad image. Im going to bet the people that said Detroit is a very unsafe place have never been there.

I vist Detroit about once a week during the summer and i have never seen any crime. There are places i would not go at night though. But downtown is very safe.

Thanks!:)

Visit Detroit. Don't listen to what people say. If I based my decision NOT to take a once in a lifetime trip to London because people say parts of it are dangerous or my tour bus might get bombed, I'd be a fool.

Downtown Detroit is the bright spot in Michigan's failing economy. The city itself has had the most amount of building construction permits of any other city in the metro area. Those permits are issued primarily in greater downtown and in key neighborhoods throughout the city. If you did your homework before you came, you could visit a very large area of Detroit and be impressed beyond your wildest imagination. On the other hand, a lot of your negative expectations will also be realized just by driving down the street. Case in point, you have your safety in Detroit unless you're out looking for crime. Like any city it is not guaranteed, so just bring your street smarts.

For a complete understanding of crime in downtown Detroit, review this link:

http://www.tedconline.com/uploads/Downtown_Detroit_Crime_Study_2006.pdf

I'm white, live in downtown Detroit and feel just as good, if not better than anywhere else in SE Michigan. Aside from a few nuissances that everyone living around me tolerates, Detroit is just like any other place, but with some decay that you'll see and helps to tell the story of America and that the American dream is nothing more than a load of shit. :)

I was downtown about 1:30 AM today and drove past the Greektown Casino site. The 1st quadrant of the structure is topped out at 13 floors, they have started on the 2nd quadrant, but no work has begun on the back half near the freeway.

Is the construction of the hotel still working on the first floor?

Thanks Michi. I've looked at quite a few pictures of downtown Detroit and Belle Isle Park and have been impressed by a lot of the architecture that I have seen. I'm looking forward to visiting Detroit sometime in the future.

Construction on the hotel hasn't changed much from Michi's pictures.

I went down Monroe Street today after work just to see how the hotel is coming. It is up to floor 2 now and you can clearly see the elevator shaft core. I took note that it appears the tower will block the setbacked garage since the tower is built more up to Monroe than the garage is. I guess we'll be able to see for sure as more of the structure rises.

Anyone have any renderings of what the final infill retail on Monroe where the jewelry store was located will look like when it's finished?

I don't think their ever was one. This is something the media didn't pick up on. It would seem that you'd know better than us being on the inside.

The casinos have been very protective of their site plans. As a resident, I find it very hard to believe that we have to somehow accept that the casinos will fit into the current patterns without knowing how. It's a competitive advantage for the casinos, but a leap of faith for the city.

http://cmsimg.detnews.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=C3&Date=20070509&Category=BIZ&ArtNo=705090380&Ref=V2Q=100&MaxW=500
Crews demolish a vacant and derelict building this week at 138 W. Columbia St. that was once the Hotel Vermont. Properties controlled by Ilitch-related firms make up a nearly open swath of land in Foxtown.

Ilitches' downtown power play

Will 4-block area provide home for Red Wings?
http://cmsimg.detnews.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=C3&Date=20070509&Category=BIZ&ArtNo=705090380&Ref=V4Q=100&MaxW=250

Louis Aguilar / The Detroit News

David Coates / The Detroit News

http://cmsimg.detnews.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=C3&Date=20070509&Category=BIZ&ArtNo=705090380&Ref=H3Q=100&MaxW=250
Mike Ilitch, co-founder of Little Caesars Pizza, has a big presence in Foxtown. See full image

New home for Red Wings?


DETROIT -- Ilitch Holdings Inc. is quietly increasing its control of a run-down patch of downtown long considered a potential site for a new hockey arena for the Ilitch-owned Detroit Red Wings.

After decades of little activity, a rush of buying, selling and construction work is taking place in the area known as Foxtown, just west of Ilitch Holdings' Woodward Avenue headquarters at the Fox Theatre complex. This week a vacant and derelict building at 138 W. Columbia St. that was once the Hotel Vermont is being razed.

One block away on the corner of Elizabeth and Clifford streets, Ilitch Holdings Vice President of Tax Affairs John Kotlar has taken ownership of a parking garage that has been vacant for decades. Kotlar purchased the structure through a company called Elizabeth Street Properties LLC. The address for the company is listed as the Fox Theatre, according to records from the Wayne County Register of Deeds.

County deed records also show that Olympia Development LLC, the downtown development arm of Ilitch Holdings, now owns the former Chin Tiki at 2121 Cass Ave. The Polynesian-themed restaurant was featured in the Eminem film "8 Mile" but was shuttered in 1980.

The activity comes at a time when the Ilitch family is fast approaching a deadline on whether to build a hockey venue or renovate the Joe Louis Arena. The Ilitches' lease on the city-owned riverfront arena expires in 2009. Mike Ilitch, co-founder of the Little Caesars Pizza chain that started it all, has hinted that he prefers building a new hockey arena near the Fox Theatre.

No decision has been made about whether the Wings will stay at The Joe or move to a new venue, said Karen Cullen, spokeswoman for Ilitch Holdings.

"The bottom line is nothing has changed," Cullen said. "Even without an arena being built there, we care about what is over there," Cullen said. "We continue to study our options."

Whatever options come up for Ilitch Holdings, there will be plenty of land to accommodate them. All told, one Ilitch-related firm or another controls a nearly open swath of land that spans four blocks containing only a few vacant buildings, a nightclub and two transient hotels. The holdings span an area from the Fisher Freeway service drive to Grand Circus Park and all the space behind the Fox Theatre.

The Ilitches already have a huge presence in the area. Their Detroit Tigers play at Comerica Park across the street from the Fox Theatre. The company also owns Hockeytown restaurant on Woodward and the Detroit Life Building on Park, which the Ilitches intend to restore as a high-end residential development.

Olympia Development also has big plans in the adjacent Grand Circus Park area.

The company is looking for tenants for the possible redevelopment of a five-acre site that includes the United Artists Theatre building and the former Statler Hotel parcel, which is owned by the city. Olympia continues to market that site along with the city, including talking with Rock Financial/Quicken Loans about moving its headquarters there, Cullen said. Olympia is also seeking tenants for the former Madison-Lenox Hotel land, which is now a parking lot, and the Fine Arts building at 44 W. Adams, just north of Grand Circus Park.

While Ilitch Holdings remains mum about its plans regarding a new home for the Red Wings, other downtown property owners say they are counting on something big.

"Frankly, I think it's a logical place for a new hockey stadium" said Chuck Forbes, founder of Forbes Management whose company owns the Gem Theatre and the State Theatre just down the street from the Fox. Forbes also owns two properties on Park Avenue, the Women's City Club and the Colony Club buildings, and says he's already invested more then $700,000 in recent upgrades.

"We're talking about a formidable, unique district," Forbes said. "You have top-rated theaters, professional sports stadiums, upscale nightclubs, luxury housing. We're really optimistic of the opportunities back there."

Ilitch Holdings agreed the area has plenty of potential.

"If there are opportunities to purchase properties that are adjacent to ours, we take a look at those properties," Cullen said. "That area is a tremendous sports and entertainment district and we are committed to seeing that develop and grow."

Also near the Fox Theatre, the former C&C Bar at the corner of Cass Avenue and Columbia was partially demolished within the past month and is now being rebuilt. Ilitch Holdings does not own the property.

The Joe Louis Arena opened on the Detroit riverfront in 1979 after former Detroit Mayor Coleman Young built it to keep the Red Wings from moving to Oakland County. The team was under different ownership at the time. Joe Louis is the fifth-oldest arena in the National Hockey League. A new facility would bring the Wings at least $10 million in additional revenue each year from naming rights and luxury box sales alone.

You can reach Louis Aguilar at (313) 222-2760 or laguilar@detnews.com.

Lets just hope this becomes a REAL district, not just a stadium surrounded by other stadiums, swaths of parking lots and garages and cluster of scattered historic buildings.