DETROIT | Development & Construction: Motown Lowdown [Archive] - Page 35

Docta_Love

Jul 18, 2016, 2:14 PM

Here's an update on Orleans Landing and the East Riverfront as a whole.

http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/7c6462ea57b3c7ddb67993864011fbf2e664714b/c=330-0-5685-4016&r=x404&c=534x401/local/-/media/2016/07/17/DetroitNews/B99409113Z.1_20160717225002_000_GVF11DGGV.1-0.jpg

http://www.detroityes.com/mb/attachment.php?attachmentid=30998&d=1468763110

Detroit’s riverfront turns bend for the better
Louis Aguilar
July 18, 2016
The Detroit News

Detroit is making steady progress in creating a downtown riverfront that is a popular recreation area, a commercial district and an upscale residential strip.

The riverfront was mainly an industrial and warehouse district for most of the 19th and 20th centuries. Now, more than 3 million people a year use the RiverWalk, the pedestrian/bike path that runs along the river from Belle Isle to Rosa Parks Boulevard. It’s one of downtown’s most popular attractions.

This year, several key projects will bolster the upscale housing scene along the river’s edge. One of those developments is Orleans Landing, the $65 million, 7.7-acre housing and retail complex being built one block from the Detroit River. The facility began accepting leases this month for its 287 apartments. Monthly rent starts at $1,315 for a one-bedroom. The units will be ready for occupancy this fall.

....

Orleans Landing is at the corner where the RiverWalk links to the Dequindre Cut Greenway, another pedestrian/bike path that leads north to the Eastern Market. The Detroit River is one block away and many apartments, particularly the $2,995-a-month, two-bedroom town homes, will offer commanding views of river and city.

The RiverWalk and the Dequindre Cut were part of the $1 billion that a study by the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy said was invested in the downtown riverfront from 2003 to 2013. Another $1 billion of investment is expected by 2023, the study said.

“The riverfront should be the premier place to live — it’s the most naturally beautiful,” said Matt Lester, founder and CEO of Princeton Enterprises in Bloomfield Township. That’s why Princeton recently bought two key pieces of the massive Stroh River Place, the historical riverfront campus that borders Joseph Campau. It’s one block east of Orleans Landing.

http://download.gannett.edgesuite.net/detnews/graphics/2016/bu_riverfront_update_071816.jpg

More big change is coming for 400 acres of riverfront known as the “east riverfront.” The city and the nonprofit that oversees the RiverWalk are working on what will essentially be the road map of how much retail, housing and infrastructure could be built – and how much open space will be preserved.

The area being examined stretches from the eastern edge of the General Motors Renaissance Center to the western border of Gabriel Richard Park, next to Belle Isle. It includes many public and private spaces such as Chene Park Amphitheatre, the UAW-GM Center for Human Resources and the empty Uniroyal site. The latter is one of the former industrial sites the city gained control of and then cleaned up. It’s now looking for a new life.

http://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2016/07/18/detroit-downtown-riverfront-development/87236832/

subterranean

Jul 18, 2016, 3:54 PM

Wow, those are looking pretty cheap so far. Such a prominent location, you'd think they'd put a little more effort in.

animatedmartian

Jul 18, 2016, 4:35 PM

I think it looks pretty decent given how large the site is and that it's not completely uniform throughout. Fewer buildings would have probably looked better, but there's still so many empty lots around I don't think it's that big of a deal. It could have been worse had this been built several years ago (like the Crosswinds of Brush Park), but it'll probably be outshined by plenty of nearby future developments.

l8FfeQ4oZP4

The North One

Jul 18, 2016, 5:52 PM

It looks fairly nice to me and it's being completely clad in brick.

A good anchor for future developments in that area.

Rizzo

Jul 18, 2016, 6:40 PM

I think when it's done it will look okay. It's just really flat. Older historic structures would normally have more facade depth and deeper fenestration. The brick in this instance is not much more than wallpaper in the way it's applied, so I can understand why it make look cheap, but I'll hold judgement till it's done.

The way architects design and contractors build in Detroit is mostly frame construction. As a result there's less flexibility to make fancy facades with a lot of brick detail. In contrast, the design standard in Chicago is load bearing masonry...the same practice used for centuries in America. You can start to create pilasters and ornamentation because one trade is building the walls and putting in the ornamentation...and it can be done efficiently and affordably.

Docta_Love

Jul 19, 2016, 1:10 AM

^ Yeah so far not so impressive but after a few false starts were finally seeing real large scale infill on the riverfront east of the ren cen. Hopefully a successful Orleans landing (which with the 98% occupancy rate in the downtown are should be the case) will show the lenders that Detroit's east riverfront is a good bet for new construction, which has been holding back some projects.

davidberko

Jul 19, 2016, 1:57 AM

I think it looks pretty great actually. It's amazing how much empty land was there before they begun the New Orleans Landing. Speaking of this side of downtown, it's a shame that Wayne County wants to finish the jail. Stupid stupid stupid......

pacifist112

Jul 19, 2016, 3:12 AM

old article but some stuff about leland and the elliott building(which looks to have started)

http://www.dbusiness.com/daily-news/Annual-2016/Broderick-Grille-Opens-Tuesday-in-Downtown-Detroit-Other-Projects-in-the-Works/

subterranean

Jul 19, 2016, 6:59 AM

I hope you all are right. When I saw the preliminary plans come across my desk about a year and a half ago, the sketches looked promising, at very least for trying to maintain some semblance of traditional urbanism. Fingers crossed that it translates well into reality.

Edit: just watched the video. Looking better than I expected from those first few photos.

Southwest City Boy

Jul 20, 2016, 3:36 PM

This development looks terrific. We have more than a few developments that are similar here in the DFW area. Orleans Landing should attract a healthy population that will further enhance the quality of life in Detroit. Does it look like a 100 year old neighborhood in New York or Chicago? No. It does resemble a section from many of our thriving 21st century American cities. Rejoice!

animatedmartian

Jul 20, 2016, 8:55 PM

Another updated rendering for the Illitch School of Business.

Wayne State looks to future with groundbreaking for Mike Ilitch School of Business
By Blake Froling. July 20th, 2016. Crain's Detroit Business.

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/AR-160729987_zpsnzsyqxbj.jpg

A groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday for the Mike Ilitch School of Business at Wayne State University in Detroit coincided with the release of new renderings that appear to change the building’s design.

Ilitch, who owns Little Caesars and the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings, donated $40 million to the university for the business school, which will be located on Woodward Avenue in the shadows of Little Caesars Arena in The District Detroit. The gift was the largest in the history of the university and is one of the top 10 gifts ever to a public business school in the United States.

"All around us, the future is taking shape," M. Roy Wilson, president of Wayne State University, said at the ceremony. "In a city that some people wrote off as hopeless, we stand on a construction site, with all the noise and everything, that will be a monument to the entrepreneurial spirit that made Detroit great once and is making Detroit great again."

The Downtown Detroit Development Authority approved a Master Development Agreement earlier Wednesday, with full construction expected to begin later in the year on the 120,000-square-foot facility, according to a press release. A new rendering of the building was also released Wednesday to reflect some changes that were made to the original plans.

Wayne State spokesman did not immediately respond when asked to specify what in the design had changed.

The school is set to open in 2018 and will serve more than 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

....

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20160720/NEWS/160729987/wayne-state-looks-to-future-with-groundbreaking-for-mike-ilitch

Docta_Love

Jul 24, 2016, 11:54 PM

An important piece of the Aerotropolis area seems that it will be re-purposed.

Sale of Willow Run site for American Center for Mobility could close next summer
Developers seek funding for mobility test hub

By LINDSAY VANHULLE
July 24, 2016
Crain's Detroit Business

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/storyimage/CD/20160724/NEWS/160729923/AR/0/AR-160729923.jpg?MaxW=1400&v=201411210943
A conceptual rendering shows the planned American Center for Mobility at Willow Run, a former World War II bomber factory that sits mostly vacant today, awaiting development.

The sale of more than 300 acres at a former World War II bomber factory in Washtenaw County for use as a testing hub for connected and driverless cars could close by next summer, said those involved with the purchase.

Yet even as developers of the planned American Center for Mobility at Willow Run in Ypsilanti Township move ahead with buying property, significant hurdles remain to clear — namely, funding — before the estimated $80 million facility can open.

News last week that the center's property acquisition entity, Willow Run Arsenal of Democracy Landholdings LLP, has agreed to pay $1.2 million for the 311-acre Willow Run site is a milestone for supporters of the mobility project, which has an expected opening date of 2018.

Beyond standard due diligence, including inspections and approvals, the specific conditions required for closing are unknown: The Michigan Economic Development Corp., which has an ownership stake in the project and is helping to negotiate the transaction, would not release the purchase agreement publicly nor share the terms, citing confidentiality agreements.

The American Center for Mobility project is pegged to need about $60 million from the federal government. CEO John Maddox would not comment last week on the status of fundraising, saying: "A lot (is) up in the air."

He has said, however, that his team is targeting the U.S. transportation, energy and commerce departments for funding. That likely could include multiple requests in the form of grants or budget allocations, either from the executive branch or Congress, Maddox told Crain's at the Detroit Regional Chamber Mackinac Policy Conference in June.

The MEDC has committed $3 million to the Arsenal of Democracy landholding entity for the property purchase and startup costs. Maddox's team is seeking an additional $17 million from the agency's Michigan Strategic Fund, though a spokeswoman did not know when the project will come back before the board.

An MEDC staff memo from March said developers planned to return with the remaining funding request should the property purchase happen "as anticipated." That request also would require an operational budget and a site plan for development, the agency wrote, along with a recommended payback schedule for the state investment.

The MEDC said then that state funding would be used "as leverage to finalize federal investment."

The MEDC and Revitalizing Auto Communities Environmental Response Trust, or RACER Trust — the trust handling cleanup and redevelopment of former General Motors Corp. plants in Michigan after the automaker's 2009 bankruptcy — said the deal could close in the third quarter of 2017, though it could be sooner depending on how quickly developers can lock up necessary approvals and financing. RACER Trust has owned the Willow Run property since 2011.

Assuming that happens as planned, developers could be ready to request construction bids as soon as the deed is in hand, Maddox said.

....

"We are ecstatic about this development because the American Center for Mobility will give Michigan a cutting edge in this new technology," Rasher said. "It's important not just for the township of Ypsilanti and Wayne and Washtenaw counties, but all of Southeastern Michigan, because the world's largest concentration of automotive R&D and engineering resides here."

In the meantime, developers say they can move forward with designing the site now that they have a formal purchase agreement with the state and RACER Trust. They have hired a Detroit-based civil engineering consulting firm with mobility chops: The Mannik & Smith Group Inc. also helped design the 32-acre Mcity test bed at the University of Michigan.

The American Center for Mobility as proposed will include a 2.5-mile highway loop for developers of connected and autonomous vehicles to test their cars at freeway speeds; a grid simulating urban streets, with intersections, buildings and pedestrian crossings; and buildings where the site's operations will be based, Maddox said.

Ideally, he added, the center also could provide a place for automotive experts to focus on drafting voluntary standards for the industry — separate from the rules expected to come from federal regulators — and test their ideas on-site.

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20160724/NEWS/160729923/sale-of-willow-run-site-for-american-center-for-mobility-could-close

Converted Corktown Firehouse Cuts Price, Invests in Better Pictures
Seriously historic property

BY ROBIN RUNYAN
JUL 19, 2016
Curbed Detroit

https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ePruS3VCM3L6Az1PgT9eT_F5siQ=/800x533/filters:focal(807x487:1113x793):no_upscale():format(webp)/cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50152777/Fire27.0.0.jpg

About a year and a half ago, we featured Engine Company #8 in Corktown, which had been converted into office space and listed for nearly $2 million. Our readers had a lot to say about the dreary pictures that accompanied the listing. After sitting on the market for a while, the listing has been cut down to $994,995 and has much, much better, brighter pictures.

To refresh our memory, this building has recently been renovated and restored with loads of subway tile, big bay doors, and fire poles. Yes, fire poles. There are kitchen facilities, a sauna (!), and gated parking. There’s potential for a great rooftop patio as well, and looks to be renovation opportunities in the attic space. It served as a firehouse from 1918 to 1982, when it was converted into law offices. It also holds a piece of Motown history, as Motown lawyer Gregory Reed had offices here. Oh, and so did Rosa Parks. Historic? Yes. Unique? For sure. Here’s a new look at it. (And if anyone knows who did these pictures, let us know!

https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cDcO4-RbdSGq8G5tk63t54wRl34=/1000x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6811957/Fire1.0.jpg

https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9w99iybT9728M7GLotz9p45-HWA=/0x600/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6811991/Fire18.0.jpg

http://detroit.curbed.com/2016/7/19/12226286/corktown-firehouse-cuts-price-for-sale

Busy Bee

Jul 25, 2016, 3:09 PM

It looks fairly nice to me and it's being completely clad in brick.

A good anchor for future developments in that area.

Jumbo utility brick, but still brick I suppose.

animatedmartian

Jul 25, 2016, 4:56 PM

New Midtown Luxury Condo Development The Selden Plans to Open Summer 2017
BY ROBIN RUNYAN JUL 25, 2016. Curbed Detroit.

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/CnHFt9wWgAALCjV_zpswrcymn1i.jpg
Photo via Muckracker (https://twitter.com/MCmuckraker/status/752600019635757056)

...

According to Michael Ferlito, they’re aiming for a September groundbreaking, with occupancy in Summer 2017. The development, called The Selden, will have 12 units of for-sale condos ranging from $429,900 to $489,900 for the penthouse (for pre-sale pricing). All of the units are two bedroom, two bathrooms and run between 1,150 and 1,200 square feet.

...

The Selden will also have some office space and retail/restaurant space on the first floor.

The location is quite walkable and close to the M-1 rail. They’re calling the design "neo modern" and it’s designed by BmK Associates.

http://detroit.curbed.com/2016/7/25/12271792/new-midtown-luxury-condos-selden

The North One

Jul 26, 2016, 3:06 PM

Is that a corten facade? This could end up looking really nice.

Docta_Love

Jul 27, 2016, 3:30 PM

Unlike Birmingham and Royal Oak, Ferndale hasn't really seen many big mixed-use projects yet. However with this inner-ring suburb going through a demographic shift away from a working class community to the degree that now that the neighboring working class city of Hazel Park has been seeing a wave of young well educated new residents because of a lack of affordable housing in Ferndale itself. Part of this i believe is a bit of the Ann Arbor syndrome where city leaders and residents haven't wanted to "ruin" the character of the city with big projects but with growth moving to neighboring cities the time seems right to see more projects like this.

Downtown Ferndale Save-A-Lot demolition underway for $17.9 million mixed-use project
State board OKs $2.24 million brownfield tax incentive for Ferndalehaus project
July 26, 2016
By KIRK PINHO
Crain's Detroit Business

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/storyimage/CD/20160726/NEWS/160729889/AR/0/AR-160729889.jpg?MaxW=1400&v=201411210943
The planned Ferndalehaus development at 430 W. Nine Mile Road in downtown Ferndale.

A planned $17.9 million redevelopment of the former Save-A-Lot grocery store in downtown Ferndale has received state approval of a $2.24 million brownfield tax incentive.

The Ferndalehaus development at 430 W. Nine Mile Road is expected to bring a new four-story, 105,000-square-foot building with about 90 apartments and nearly 11,000 square feet of retail and/or office space. The building is planned to have parking and the retail/office space on the first floor, with three floors of apartments above.

The redevelopment involves demolishing the former Save-A-Lot, according to a memo to the Michigan Strategic Fund, the board of which approved the brownfield package Tuesday morning.

The brownfield package will help in reimbursing the development entity, Ferndale9Living LLC, a single-purpose entity affiliated with Bloomfield Hills-based Arbor Investments Group LLC, for the costs of a 10-year urban storm water management system and an integrated parking system, which the memo describes as being "critical in obtaining a dense, yet sustainable design in an existing urban space."

Ed Siegel, a developer who is also the co-owner of Urban Bean Co. coffee shop in Capitol Park in downtown Detroit, is a development partner on Ferndalehaus.

He said select demolition of the Save-A-Lot store has begun, and is expected to be completed within about a month. Construction on Ferndalehaus is expected to begin after that and be complete in the third quarter next year.

It has not yet been determined how many one-, two- and three-bedroom units the project will have or for how much they are expected to rent.

The project, which will include public art installations and seating areas, is expected to create about 14 permanent full-time equivalent jobs with an average wage of $16.75 per hour, the memo said.

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20160726/NEWS/160729889/downtown-ferndale-save-a-lot-demolition-underway-for-17-9-million

The North One

Jul 27, 2016, 6:27 PM

Why would Ferndale get a tax incentive?

The market in the suburbs can certainly support mid rise development.

Docta_Love

Jul 28, 2016, 8:56 PM

^ I'm not sure why that property qualified for a brownfield tax credit that's usually reserved for vacant industrial land but after 2008-2009 i think they started to stretch the definition to other types of large vacant properties. I would also speculate that the city wants to spur more medium density developments like this one and at the same time pushing the boundaries of downtown. There's definitely been a fair amount of spillover taking place going down Woodward Ave. With Downtown Royal Oak receiving spillover from Birmingham and becoming increasingly expensive downtown Ferndale is definitely the next hot spot for mid-rise mixed use development along the Woodward corridor in Oakland county. Successful development can breed successful development i would imagine city leaders would see the brownfield credit as a one time measure to spur more development.

animatedmartian

Jul 29, 2016, 3:17 AM

Why would Ferndale get a tax incentive?

The market in the suburbs can certainly support mid rise development.

It's a loophole that keeps rents lower than they would have been without the tax incentive but still retaining a high qaulity.

Reportedly, rents will start around $900 a month for this project which would be in line for what's typical for current rents in Ferndale (mostly old ranches and bungalows).

Doesn't seem like they're too eager to jack up rents like what's happened in Royal Oak where typical new construction is around $2/sq ft.

Docta_Love

Aug 1, 2016, 9:42 PM

Denver and Detroit are being considered as test areas for google's new system which at the very least looks like it could be a new breakthrough in advertising.

Google wants to turn Detroit into a 'smart city'
By Skyler Knapp
Wed, Jul 27, 2016
Metro Times

Imagine this city: there's glistening streets, universal wifi, phone charging stations every block. Billboard ads are no longer useless, public schools are incredibly efficient, and transport is lightening fast. What if we told you this city was Detroit? This may sound like pure wishful thinking, but Google may make this dream a reality.

According to a recent report by Vanity Fair, Detroit is under consideration for Google’s newest innovation: Project Sidewalk. Project Sidewalk is essentially a “smart city” program, in which Google’s interface will manifest itself throughout the infrastructure of a neighborhood.

Amenities of such a smart city include various kiosks around the city, in which citizens can make phone calls and charge their various gadgets through USB ports. Along with this, ‘Project Sidewalk’ would implement city-wide wifi access, which would be powered by wind and solar harnessing methods.

The hypothetical city would also include augmented reality technology, allowing advertisers to create unique billboard ads for the individual. Vanity Fair's HIVE stated, "The new city would be a “test bed” for technological advancements including self-driving vehicles, super-fast Internet (think of Google Fiber), and all sorts of smart, Internet-connected devices. The Information reports that Denver and Detroit are being considered as test areas for Project Sidewalk."

http://www.metrotimes.com/Blogs/archives/2016/07/27/google-wants-to-turn-detroit-into-a-smart-city

The full report can be found here. http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2016/04/googles-parent-company-wants-to-build-its-own-tech-utopia

animatedmartian

Aug 2, 2016, 1:44 AM

Downtown Detroit Partnership released a report (mostly praising member organizations) for the year 2015. Some interesting numbers on the changes so far.

Largest Employers:

Rock Ventures - 13,445
City of Detroit - 8,956
Ilitch Companies - 7,527
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan - 5,612
General Motors - 5,362

Largest increase in employment since 2010:

Rock Ventures - 13,500
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan - 3,400
DTE Energy - 500

(Seems like it might be nice to get some more diversity in employers)

Occupancy rates:

Residential - 2%
-Expected units by 2017: 962
-Existing unit: 3,833

Office - 15.3%
-14% decrease since 2010 (not sure if that's based on raw numbers or change from peak vacancy percent)

(Seems like there's still a lot of room for some additional residential units)

Crime:
35% decrease in auto thefts
18% decrease in property crime
4% decrease in violent crime (which generally already lower than the rest of the city by 2010)

http://downtowndetroit.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/DDP_2015AnnualReport_ForWeb1.pdf

subterranean

Aug 2, 2016, 3:11 PM

Denver and Detroit are being considered as test areas for google's new system which at the very least looks like it could be a new breakthrough in advertising.

The full report can be found here. http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2016/04/googles-parent-company-wants-to-build-its-own-tech-utopia

More techno-narcissism from Silicon Valley thinking they can solve big city problems with their cute technology.

skyfan

Aug 4, 2016, 10:36 PM

Detroit bike share program moves forward with naming of vendor

Hopping on a rental bike in downtown Detroit will be easier starting next year with the selection of Chicago-based Shift Transit to provide 420 bikes and 42 stations for the city's first public bike share system.

Detroit Bike Share is scheduled to begin operating next spring, the Detroit Downtown Partnership and the city announced Thursday.

The three-year contract with Shift Transit was approved by Detroit City Council on July 22, DDP spokesman Nady Bilani said. Terms were not released.

The bike share program will provide short-term rental through a network of wireless, solar-powered kiosks planted throughout greater downtown. Shift Transit will provide the city with the equipment and technology from its U.S. equipment provider, PBSC Urban Solutions, which is based in Quebec, Canada.

The program is the result of a 2013 feasibility study done by the Wayne State University's Office of Economic Development, said Lisa Nuszkowski, executive director of Detroit Bike Share, an affiliate of DDP. Originally, the program was going to offer city riders 350 rental bikes and 35 stations, "but because of Shift Transit's competitive pricing, we were able to purchase additional bikes and stations," she said.

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20160804/NEWS/160809927/detroit-bike-share-program-moves-forward-with-naming-of-vendor?utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social

Docta_Love

Aug 7, 2016, 4:51 PM

Slowly but surely it seems the pieces are coming together for the Packard Plant, besides the famous building 21 that produced Rolls Royce Merlin engines for the p-51 fighter of ww2 (which was kind of a side project) little work has been done so far. But according to Fernando Palazuelo that is about to change if city council approves a tax freeze in September they expect work to start on the 10-15 year project.

Packard Plant redevelopment could actually happen soon
JC Reindl
Detroit Free Press
August 6, 2016

http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/dee7bfb8e6b9b7e403924d6a1691033484fca024/c=0-746-2560-2666&r=x408&c=540x405/local/-/media/2016/08/06/DetroitFreePress/B9323200052Z.1_20160806154408_000_G0PF88H2C.1-0.jpg

The sprawling ruin of the Packard Plant on Detroit’s east side has been a magnet for metal scrappers, a post-apocalyptic movie set and an emblem of the city’s past industrial glories and more recent distress.

Now, for the first time in many decades, the old factory could be an active construction site.

A planned 10- to 15-year redevelopment of the property could get under way if Detroit City Council acts next month on a tax-freeze plan that would cover the project’s first phase, said Kari Smith, director of development for Arte Express Detroit, the firm belonging to plant owner Fernando Palazuelo.

The start of construction would be a key milestone for the Spanish-born Palazuelo, who attracted considerable curiosity and media attention after picking up the blighted Packard Plant for $405,000 in late 2013 in a Wayne County tax foreclosure auction. He then pledged the improbable — to restore and reopen the factory complex as a modern mixed-use commercial, residential and cultural development.

But 2½ years later, no redevelopment has actually taken place at the historic 40-acre site on Detroit’s east side. And many remain skeptical that the enormous effort will ever succeed — or even get off the ground — given the nearly half-billion-dollar price tag of the project that Palazuelo has envisioned.

....

His Arte Express has reported spending about $3 million on the project, including costs of the 24-hour security patrols that stopped the previous scrapping, trespassing and arson epidemics on the site.

Mayor Mike Duggan’s office would not comment on the latest plans revealed by Arte Express and referred the Free Press to Detroit City Council, which is on recess and scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 6.

Councilwoman Mary Sheffield, whose district encompasses the Packard site, said she is aware of the tax-freeze proposal and likes the idea to help boost development in the area.

“It’s exciting just to see this scale of development outside of Midtown and downtown,” she said. “I see it as a catalyst development. Hopefully things will begin to spread out of that area.”

This initial work would involve Phase I and Phase II: a gut renovation of the former Packard Motor Co.’s corporate offices into modern office space, and the creation of a recreational complex whose details are still to come. Work crews could start on the first phase as soon as council approves a plan to freeze the site’s property taxes at current levels for 12 years, Smith said.

A Phase III and IV would take shape later and involve various entertainment and cultural attractions, including a proposed techno club, hostel, artist live-work space and European-style spa. More phases would then follow.

To be sure, progress has so far gone slower than Palazuelo first anticipated. He also has missed several self-imposed deadlines for building an apartment for himself inside the Packard Plant to observe construction. (Those apartment plans have been pushed back until buildings are actually finished.)

Palazuelo’s biggest hurdle is still assembling the financing — an estimated $400 million to $500 million to achieve his Packard Plant dream. Arte Express claims to have the $11 million to $12 million for the project’s initial phase and an undisclosed sum that is needed for Phase II, yet beyond that, financing plans are more tenuous.

Palazuelo has redeveloped more than 100 old buildings in his native Spain and current home of Lima, Peru. But never before has he tried an undertaking of the Packard Plant’s size and complexity. He visits Detroit about once a month, although he was not in town last week and had his project manager, Smith, share details of their progress.

“We have a lot of buildings out here to renovate,” Smith said. “We are looking forward to actually getting to work.”

http://www.freep.com/story/money/business/2016/08/06/packard-plant-redevelopment-detroit/87913012/

Edit; Hope it finally happens. I wonder what the annual income for a couple sq mile radius of that point would come out to be, i remember when the 8 and woodward project was going ahead the fact that the area's median income was like $75,000~ and it included one of the most damaged neighborhoods in the city (state fair) i would think that bloomfield park's area's median income would be even higher.

Bloomfield Park site has new name, new plan
August 07, 2016
By Crain's Detroit Business

The long-anticipated build-out of the former Bloomfield Park site at Telegraph and Square Lake roads is finally on the docket.

Demolition is expected to begin within 90 days at the Village at Bloomfield site in Bloomfield Township and Pontiac, according to the project's developer, Redico LLC.

Redico President, CEO and COO Dale Watchowski said last week that construction at the Village at Bloomfield, which is the new name of the half-built development, will begin this year as well. The project is expected to include up to 300,000 square feet of new retail space — including a movie theater and grocery store — along with 300 to 350 residential units.

Redico and California-based Pacific Coast Capital Partners LLC purchased the site last year after the previous owner waived redemption rights to the property.

The Village at Bloomfield, the architect of which is Detroit-based SmithGroup JJR Inc., is expected to cost approximately $180 million.

Construction was halted at the half-completed, 18-building Bloomfield Park complex in November 2008 after the project faced financial and legal challenges under previous ownership.

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20160807/NEWS/160809865/bloomfield-park-site-has-new-name-new-plan

Good news concerning the chances of a new major leauge soccer stadium and associated development, Gilbert and Gores apparently haven't blinked at the potential doubling of the licencing fee to $200 million, Wayne Co. has said its going to complete the fail jail if they aren't fully reimbursed for the losses in a potential deal. Its been a bit of a mystery ever since construction ended whats going to become of the site at the very least it could mean that wayne co going forward with the motions to begin to reassess the building for completion could be a negotiating tactic, who knows tho G&G didn't seem too ready to refund wayne co tax payers for ficano's shady dealings.

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20160806/NEWS/160809876/major-league-soccer-expansion-fee-increase-wont-faze-gores-gilbert

hammersklavier

Aug 8, 2016, 5:07 AM

More techno-narcissism from Silicon Valley thinking they can solve big city problems with their cute technology.
Truly universal wifi (especially if it's free) would be a game-changer of an amenity. And analytics-driven targeted AR advertising would make billboards extremely obsolete.

Other than that, though, tech types have not had a good track record with proposals outside the sphere of what tech can and cannot do.

llamaorama

Aug 8, 2016, 6:51 AM

Nothing is ever free though. I bet the free WiFi would be monitored, censored, or favor one companies' services over another.

Also it becomes political leverage. Don't like our demands, we'll take away the goodies.

Docta_Love

Aug 9, 2016, 3:32 PM

Plans for a second possibly larger tower at the Crowne Plaza (formerly the Ponchatrain) are still alive and planning is moving forward.

Plans for new hotel tower near Cobo Center heat up
August 09, 2016
SHERRI WELCH
Crain's Detroit Business

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/storyimage/CD/20160809/BLOG009/160809835/AR/0/AR-160809835.jpg?MaxW=880&v=201411210943

In the year since Crain's first reported that the Crowne Plaza Downtown Detroit Riverfront (still referred to by many as the Pontch) was considering a second tower, there's been little chatter about it.

Now things are picking up.

While the tower is still in the planning stages, it's very much a live plan the hotel is exploring, asset manager Jerry Carreno said, adding that the Crowne Plaza has shown renderings to the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, Cobo Center, Wayne County and the city but has not officially submitted anything, yet.

The second tower could wind up being larger than the existing tower and could operate under a different InterContinental Hotels Group brand, possibly even an extended-stay flag, he said.

"It depends on what the marketing study brings back to us," he said.

The 25-story hotel has 367 guest rooms, including more than 60 suites, as well as an indoor pool, business center, ballroom and 10,000 square feet of meeting space.

There are early renderings of the second tower, which would front Washington Boulevard across from Cobo Center, he said. But the hotel's Mexican and European ownership group, Pontchartrain Detroit Hotel LLC, led by Mexican investor Gabriel Ruiz Huerta, needs to polish the business plan, do environmental, structural and traffic studies and meet requirements for adequate parking before officially submitting the plan to the city of Detroit and seeking financing.

"We wish you could break ground in ... a year even. But it's quite a long process to get the entitlements," he said.

One of the main concerns is the hotel doesn't have enough parking spaces to greenlight the expansion project, Carreno said.

To address that, the Crowne Plaza's team has been talking with Cobo Center about potentially leasing parking spaces.

....

Cobo Center is moving forward with an expansion and refurbishing of its parking infrastructure expected to add about 550 parking spaces to its current 2,200 spots, General Manager Claude Molinari said.

....

"The number of hotel rooms downtown is not sufficient to serve Cobo Center. We are significantly handicapped in our pursuit of national convention business by a lack of hotel rooms within walking distance of the venue," Molinari said.

"We are desperate for more hotels. If the difference between someone building or not building a hotel has to do with having enough parking close to that hotel, we are considering what's in our best interests."

When the hotel is extremely busy, "it will most likely be based on groups making use of Cobo Center," he said.

....

The market is quite strong, performing at 70 percent-plus occupancy, he said. "If things keep lifting the way they are, we might see a lift in (average daily rates)," he said.

But the plan for a second tower isn't based on the hotel's current level of business, Carreno said. "It's based on the future growth you can have," he said.

Hotel experts last year said a second tower would cost about $30 million-$35 million to build and could bring the hotel up to 800-850 rooms, making it the state's second largest hotel behind the riverfront Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center.

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20160809/BLOG009/160809835/plans-for-new-hotel-tower-near-cobo-center-heat-up

The North One

Aug 9, 2016, 8:06 PM

Sounds exciting, we could possibly get three potential new towers, the Hudson site, the plans after Joe Louis is torn down and now this.

ScheerDetroit

Aug 9, 2016, 9:00 PM

Sounds great, but still seems very early. When will we hear any news on the Hudson site? It seems like the only sure thing and there has been no new info in quite some time!

subterranean

Aug 9, 2016, 11:51 PM

Sounds great, but still seems very early. When will we hear any news on the Hudson site? It seems like the only sure thing and there has been no new info in quite some time!

It is incredibly frustrating.

davidberko

Aug 10, 2016, 1:06 AM

It is incredibly frustrating.

Watching Detroit development over the years definitely teaches you patience, I'll give you that. I think it's gonna pay off in dividends over the next decade though 👍🏽

Docta_Love

Aug 11, 2016, 4:48 PM

Here's another project i was wondering about there was a lil bit of preliminary work done like last year to a lot of excitement, the Metropolitan has been vacant since the 70's and was on the verge of demolition several times.

Developer finalizes Metropolitan Building purchase for extended-stay hotel in downtown Detroit
$32 million project expected to be complete by summer 2018
August 11, 2016
By KIRK PINHO
Crain's Detroit Business

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/storyimage/CD/20160811/NEWS/160819971/AR/0/AR-160819971.jpg?MaxW=880&v=201411210943

A Detroit-based development group is one step closer to bringing a new $32 million extended-stay hotel to downtown. Detroit.

Metropolitan Hotel Partners, a joint venture between two Detroit development companies, finalized the purchase of the Metropolitan Building at 33 John R near Grand Circus Park with the Downtown Development Authority.

The 110-room Element Detroit at the Metropolitan Building is being developed by The Roxbury Group and Means Group.

Financing from Invest Detroit, Develop Michigan Inc., New Markets tax credits and the state's Community Revitalization Program is expected.

The project is expected to be complete by summer 2018 and include 2,000 square feet of second-floor meeting space, 7,000 square feet of ground-floor retail and an outdoor patio.

The Metropolitan Building was built in 1925 and has sat vacant for four decades.

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20160811/NEWS/160819971/developer-finalizes-metropolitan-building-purchase-for-extended-stay

99spartan

Aug 12, 2016, 12:08 AM

animatedmartian

Aug 12, 2016, 1:12 AM

I took this picture yesterday of The Griswold apartment progress. It seems to be going along nicely. Does anyone know what is going on with the restaurant at the bottom of the picture?

https://www.flickr.com/photos/143817598@N08/28636992650/in/dateposted-public/

It's being renovated and expanded into a brand new restaurant. It's expected to be open sometime later this month.

The new concessionaire is developing a fresh concept for the restaurant and will engage with the conservancy in making a final determination on the name and concept, Gregory said, noting it will be something that will appeal to people working downtown, residents, visitors and tourists.

“As an entirely new concept, the new restaurant will be an experience that’s unique to the city and help further promote Detroit as a culinary destination,” Centerpoint Ventures’ Shiffman said in a release.

Renovations set for the Fountain Bistro space include a new interior design, the permanent enclosure of the current outside patio, a new window system to allow for open air dining, larger kitchen and a new floor, ceiling and bar.

The new restaurant is expected to open late this summer, offering lunch and dinner seven days a week.

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20160212/NEWS/160219933/new-owners-to-close-fountain-bistro-at-campus-martius-after-this

subterranean

Aug 12, 2016, 3:28 PM

Here's another project i was wondering about there was a lil bit of preliminary work done like last year to a lot of excitement, the Metropolitan has been vacant since the 70's and was on the verge of demolition several times.

I love the Met! This and the Wurlitzer were close calls. Are there any large buildings left that aren't slated for renovation?

By far the one I can't wait to see finished is the Book Tower. It's going to look incredible.

WPitonya

Aug 12, 2016, 4:55 PM

I love the Met! This and the Wurlitzer were close calls. Are there any large buildings left that aren't slated for renovation?

By far the one I can't wait to see finished is the Book Tower. It's going to look incredible.

I believe the only large buildings left for renovation would be the Free Press Building, the old police headquarters, and the Wayne County Building? Bring on more new construction!!

The North One

Aug 12, 2016, 5:27 PM

I believe the only large buildings left for renovation would be the Free Press Building, the old police headquarters, and the Wayne County Building? Bring on more new construction!!

Also the Fort Wayne Hotel right next to the Masonic Temple. It's likely to be renovated with the whole district Detroit project, but nothings official yet. The Wayne County building was already renovated, pretty sure it's not vacant.

Rizzo

Aug 12, 2016, 5:39 PM

I believe the only large buildings left for renovation would be the Free Press Building, the old police headquarters, and the Wayne County Building? Bring on more new construction!!

United Artists.

Docta_Love

Aug 12, 2016, 5:39 PM

Originally Posted by subterranean
I love the Met! This and the Wurlitzer were close calls. Are there any large buildings left that aren't slated for renovation?

By far the one I can't wait to see finished is the Book Tower. It's going to look incredible.

The Executive Plaza is still up in the air so to speak, although apparently the Detroit World Trade Center is HQ'd there even if it is just a ground floor office. The Park Avenue Building is the only major building that may face the wrecking ball.

subterranean

Aug 12, 2016, 11:32 PM

United Artists.

The Park Avenue Building is the only major building that may face the wrecking ball.

True dat. Those are beauts. Anything at all in the works for United Artists?

subterranean

Aug 12, 2016, 11:52 PM

Sounds great, but still seems very early. When will we hear any news on the Hudson site? It seems like the only sure thing and there has been no new info in quite some time!

Also, I think it would be awesome if Gilbert, SHoP, et al, came up with a design where the bottom floors looked just like the former Hudson's building, but with a sleek glass component towering 70 stories above.

I thought of that while I dozed off last night. I doubt it will be anything so ambitious, but I think the concept could be super interesting.

99spartan

Aug 13, 2016, 1:05 AM

Also, I think it would be awesome if Gilbert, SHoP, et al, came up with a design where the bottom floors looked just like the former Hudson's building, but with a sleek glass component towering 70 stories above.

I thought of that while I dozed off last night. I doubt it will be anything so ambitious, but I think the concept could be super interesting.

I just really hope that it's tall and actually skyline redefining.

The North One

Aug 13, 2016, 2:03 AM

The Executive Plaza is still up in the air so to speak, although apparently the Detroit World Trade Center is HQ'd there even if it is just a ground floor office. The Park Avenue Building is the only major building that may face the wrecking ball.

Why would it face the wrecking ball? The building directly next to it has been renovated, it seems logical that it would be next to receive investment.

animatedmartian

Aug 13, 2016, 2:10 PM

5xxB9HBHswA

My favorite shot is at the 2:50 mark. :cheers:

Docta_Love

Aug 13, 2016, 6:49 PM

Originally Posted by subterranean
True dat. Those are beauts. Anything at all in the works for United Artists?

Yea supposedly after the immediate area around the new arena is developed the united artists is high on illitch's list to develop next. Also there have been plans for the michigan theater building and the leland has been slowly being renovated step by small step, according to a friend who's father is an investor in the project and also worked on the broderick too.

Originally Posted by The North One
Why would it face the wrecking ball? The building directly next to it has been renovated, it seems logical that it would be next to receive investment.

I know it makes no since but it nearly did face the wrecking ball like a year ago there was a petition that went around demanding to save it and fortunately it was given a stay in execution. But i don't know of any plans for it so we may find ourselves signing another petition in the near future.

On another note I remember a similar project that was planned by northwestern h.s. a few months ago although i have not head an update since, good to see this idea gaining traction in the city unlike shipping container housing which for what ever reason still hasn't taken off.
Detroit nonprofit creating tiny houses community
August 12, 2016
Staff Blog:
Crain's Detroit Business

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/storyimage/CD/20160812/BLOG099/160819941/EP/1/2/EP-160819941.jpg&MaxW=960&MaxH=960&q=70&v=201401071354

Cass Community Social Services is working on a tiny homes project that will see 25 small houses built on the north end of the nonprofit agency's campus in Detroit.

Ranging from 250 to 400 square feet, the homes are primarily for formerly homeless people, senior citizens and college students, as well as a few of the agency's staff. They will be built in the area near Elmhurst Street and the M-10 (Lodge Freeway) Service Drive and east of Woodrow Wilson Avenue. Each lot will be about 30 by 100 feet with most houses having a front porch or rear deck for added living space.

Each house is being built by professional tradespeople and volunteer teams who will help finish the job with tasks such as tiling, drywall installation, painting, gardening, building decks and putting up fences.

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/storyimage/CD/20160812/BLOG099/160819941/EP/1/1/EP-160819941.jpg&MaxW=960&MaxH=960&q=70&v=201401071354
....

It takes about five weeks to build each home, and each house costs between $48,000 and $64,000 to build, The Detroit News reported. Residents will be given the opportunity to rent with the option to buy the house after living in it for seven years. The organization hopes to have residents moving in by October.

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20160812/BLOG099/160819941/detroit-nonprofit-creating-tiny-houses-community

Docta_Love

Aug 15, 2016, 11:27 PM

Man the curse of the fail jail seems as strong as ever... the city had started to build it in the greektown area it runs over budget and gets shut down as potential corruption was exposed a potential compromise to relocate the court/jail complex into the recently closed mound road correctional facility was seen by the wayne county criminal justice community as a no go. Now michigan central depot is being floated as a potential location for the court facilities which i don't think anyone would have a problem with but building a new jail in corktown.... While there is plenty of vacant former industrial land for a new jail it would be within the bounds of one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the city, i would love to see MCD turned into the new ciminal justice complex but the jail cannot be in corktown perhaps if a new jail was built in delray which isn't too far could be viable. But i think a connected holding facility is seen as a must but it is completely wrong for the area and especially should not be anywhere near the waterfront.

Could the new jail site be near Michigan Central Station?

And the courts move into the station?

BY ROBIN RUNYAN
AUG 15, 2016
Curbed Detroit

https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/E8h7MlWKfjWKOoTsdOEM8zxzaK8=/0x0:1000x662/920x613/filters:focal(420x251:580x411):format(webp)/cdn3.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50391671/TrainStation-100.0.jpg

Well, it’s an idea.

Detroit News columnist Nolan Finley is suggesting that yes, there have been discussions and rumors lately that a new jail site could move to the rail lines behind the old Michigan Central Station, and courts could move inside the aging ruin.

"I can’t say for sure how serious the idea is. But I heard the same thing from several people last week: Discussions are underway with the county, city of Detroit and Matty Moroun, the billionaire owner of the Central Depot, as well as the rail companies that own part of the site, to replace the partially completed jail on Gratiot in downtown Detroit with a new facility behind Central Depot."

It would make sense for many of the major players in town, including Dan Gilbert, who would like the old jail site for a new soccer stadium. Although the county did hire a consultant to try and get the fail jail site finished, many can’t believe it could still move forward. Gilbert and many others believe that land is prime property and could be used for a stadium, or anything that could make money.

http://detroit.curbed.com/2016/8/15/12481068/michigan-central-station-fail-jail

animatedmartian

Aug 17, 2016, 1:20 AM

Pictures from today.

Looks like they're adding a neat little seating area to the Dequindere Cut. The awning is built off what used to be one of the bridge supports for a street that crossed over.

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/IMG_20160816_154825_zpsq7tatlcw.jpg

DuCharme Place.

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/IMG_20160816_155143_zpsyfhtdbdc.jpg

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/IMG_20160816_155215_zpsjck5hfhv.jpg

Around Orleans Landing.

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/IMG_20160816_160559_zps4nwjzqtn.jpg

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/IMG_20160816_160635_zpsoecnbe1e.jpg

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/IMG_20160816_160749_zpsngzk2zvo.jpg

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/IMG_20160816_160805_zpsn6soao8l.jpg

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/IMG_20160816_160945_zps09ipgb0y.jpg

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/IMG_20160816_161107_zpsexam3puo.jpg

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/IMG_20160816_161204_zpsfyoy3pxe.jpg

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/IMG_20160816_161229_zps724sbrod.jpg

Pretty much every building around Capitol Park had some sort of construction going on.

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/IMG_20160816_162729_zpsyx6chr2f.jpg

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/IMG_20160816_162749_zpslbmexuma.jpg

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/IMG_20160816_162830_zpsezcsdwzo.jpg

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/IMG_20160816_162809_zpslzdajeck.jpg

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/IMG_20160816_162850_zpsmwtlpig0.jpg

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/IMG_20160816_162938_zpszawkqhxz.jpg

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/IMG_20160816_163056_zpsw1iapm69.jpg

This is the lot where the Little Ceaser's HQ is being built viewed from Park Avenue. Looks like no time wasted getting to construction.

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/IMG_20160816_163458_zps8olp6hyo.jpg

Little Ceaser's Arena.

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/IMG_20160816_163618_zpspcbnllii.jpg

Facade ought to be coming up soon.

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/IMG_20160816_164000_zpsxjkz0vas.jpg

skyfan

Aug 18, 2016, 6:31 PM

Capitol Park is going to be awesome by this time next year.

subterranean

Aug 18, 2016, 6:40 PM

Downtown Detroit Partnership has been a huge catalyst for Capital Park, investing in repairs, maintenance and programming. MSHDA has funded huge grants to them multiple years in a row for Capitol Park, Campus Martius Park, and more. Also to Dequindre Cut to match TIGER funds, Midtown Detroit, Inc., Orleans Landing, and many more. I don't think people realize how much support the state housing authority puts into all of these projects every single year.

The North One

Aug 18, 2016, 6:50 PM

I'm incredibly impressed with the outstanding job they're doing with the cornices of these old buildings, I thought they would never be restored properly. It looks as if they've always been there, totally seamless.

The Paris of the west is certainly getting it's game back.

mousquet

Aug 18, 2016, 6:53 PM

animatedmartian

Aug 18, 2016, 9:15 PM

Hi. Much respect to this. Of course, it has to be the final product, right?

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/IMG_20160816_160805_zpsn6soao8l.jpg

Hope so cause the texture is sophisticated. Good taste. You may even see indoor walls dressed in this kind of deliberately gritty-looking bricks, most usually in comfy apartments or lofts. It's some cool yuppie taste today, isn't it?

Fine fashion to play with textures in the better contemporary trend.

That's the original brick. Authentically aged and put through many cold winters.

https://c8.staticflickr.com/1/268/19295091775_c394a91071_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/vp3oy8)
Globe Building Exterior (https://flic.kr/p/vp3oy8) by Michigan DNR (https://www.flickr.com/photos/michigandnr/), on Flickr

Docta_Love

Aug 21, 2016, 6:25 PM

Progress in the north end.

In some parts of the city where private developers haven't ventured yet, community development corporations are the one kind of entity putting shovels in the ground.

Central Detroit Christian slowly rebuilds houses, commerce in 24-block area of north Detroit
August 21, 2016
By MARTI BENEDETTI
Crain's Detroit Business

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/storyimage/CD/20160821/NEWS/160829975/AR/0/AR-160829975.jpg?MaxW=1400&v=201411210943
For 21 years, Lisa Johanon and her community development corporation, Central Detroit Christian, have chipped away at the expansive blight and poverty that plagues their North End Detroit neighborhood. Next up is restoring The Casamira, a 1920s apartment building, into market rate and affordable housing units.

For 21 years, Lisa Johanon and her community development corporation, Central Detroit Christian, have chipped away at the expansive blight and poverty that plagues their North End Detroit neighborhood.

What CDC is dealing with is staggering, but so is the progress it has made along 24 blocks between Clairmount Avenue to the north, Woodward Avenue to the east, M-10 freeway to the west and West Grand Boulevard to the south.

CDC owns and manages 61 properties, including apartments, houses, duplexes and four-plexes, said Johanon, executive director of the nondenominational nonprofit. In addition, the organization owns several vacant lots where run-down houses once stood. "We've spent about $10 million to get where we are now. There's been creative financing on a lot of the projects.

"Our goal is zero abandoned and vacant homes in our 24 blocks," she said. "Now we have 27 vacant and abandoned homes. But we will keep our hand to the plow."

CDC has been facing seemingly insurmountable odds. Seventy-six percent of the neighborhood's population is below the poverty line. Forty percent of residents make less than $10,000 annually while 70 percent have no car. Sixty-six percent are unemployed, and 42 percent did not graduate from high school.

Its mission focuses on employment, education and economic development, and it creates businesses so it can hire unemployed people in the neighborhood. In some parts of the city where private developers haven't ventured yet, community development corporations are the one kind of entity putting shovels in the ground.

Ernie Zachary, vice president of Detroit-based Zachary & Associates, a community group consulting company, said community development corporations emerged in the 1980s as a way to help neglected urban neighborhoods.

"If they offer continuity and a continuum of leadership, they can be effective," he said. "(Central Detroit Christian) is putting in place enough substance so there is meat on the bone."

In the case of CDC, its roster of businesses ranges from farming operations to multipurpose businesses. These include:

-Cafe Sonshine is a 2,800-square-foot soul food restaurant that will have an emphasis on healthy food. Unlike most restaurants of its ilk, it will be pork-free and offer baked chicken and tilapia in addition to the usual standards. It is doing some catering and is expected to open in about a month.

-Higher Ground has been maintaining lawns and landscaping yards since 2011. Johanon said the business is a success story. Craig Grissom, a former prisoner, bought it from the CDC last year and it employs neighborhood residents.

-The CDC Farm and Fishery on Second Street has been breeding and growing fish and uses fish waste to fertilize the basil in the CDC's gardens. However, Johanon recently tweaked the business. It cost $9 a pound to manufacture fish that was selling for $6 a pound — not a workable model. Now the lower level of the building will be a processing center for vegetables and the upper floor will handle a lower volume of aquaponics.

-Restoration Warehouse is a thrift store.

-Detroit Remade scavenges used materials and repurposes them to sell.
Peaches & Greens is a market and a commercial kitchen. It had its first break-even year last year, said manager Liz Etim.

-Faith, Hope and Love Productions is CDC's gardens and orchard.

-Solid Rock Property Management manages CDC's commercial and residential properties.

-Shadow of the Almighty Security handles security for the neighborhood's construction projects.

-Fit & Fold Laundromat allows customers to flex their muscles with exercise equipment while they do laundry.

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/storyimage/CD/20160821/NEWS/160829975/H2/0/H2-160829975.jpg?MaxW=880&v=201411210943

Johanon said CDC bought the large house across from Peaches & Greens for $1,800 and is remodeling it as a community center to be used by Brilliant Detroit, an organization working to help families and their children get on a course for success.

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/storyimage/CD/20160821/NEWS/160829975/H3/0/H3-160829975.jpg?MaxW=880&v=201411210943

Etim said Peaches & Greens is mission-driven like much of the CDC. It has a mobile truck that does community outreach delivering food and also does pop-up farmers markets.

"The mission is accessibility to fresh produce in the neighborhood," she said. "We've seen a shift in the population here. People have moved out, but with the resurgence in Detroit, we are seeing new faces coming into the shop."

The market's food truck serves employees in nearby places such as Henry Ford Hospital and New Center Park. There's an education element at the market with Michigan State University teaching canning and other useful domestic skills.

....

For Johanon, it's all supportive of her social conscience. She grew up in Redford Township and attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. She continued her education at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill., and John Marshall Law School in Chicago. She ended up working in the Cabrini Green projects in Chicago before moving to Detroit to tend a Christian teen organization. When it moved to the suburbs, she and a partner, who is no longer involved, started CDC.

CDC has 24 staff people and employs another 12-16 through its businesses. It attracts up to 400 volunteers each summer.

Over the years, CDC has orchestrated the demolition of homes deemed to be total losses and turned some of the vacant lots into parks with playgrounds, picnic tables and benches. It has built seven exercise pods on smaller plots of land and brought in volunteers to teach residents how to use them. Large flower planters sit on street corners — giving the neighborhood a cared-for vibe.

The Kresge Foundation, along with the Skillman Foundation, the Kellogg Foundation and Chase Bank, have given six-figure donations over the years, she said.

Kresge's Detroit Program has made grants of $841,000 to CDC since 2010. A grant of $365,000 in 2010 supported the stabilization of the neighborhood through the acquisition, renovation and sale of foreclosed vacant homes. Grants of $366,000 in 2012 and 2013 supported development of the area around Peaches & Greens. Most recently, a $110,000 grant through the Kresge Innovative Projects: Detroit initiative of the Detroit Program, a small neighborhood grants program for city organizations, supported the transformation of seven vacant lots into neighborhood pocket parks with exercise equipment.

....

In February 2015, CDC acquired a 30,000-square-foot church building at 1550 Taylor St. to be its headquarters, a preschool similar to Head Start, a facility for youth programs (now housed in the nearby Blessed Sacrament Cathedral), and a housing counseling center for 400 families. It was purchased for $3,000, but is undergoing extensive remodeling. They hope to open it in January.

In addition, the Michigan Economic Development Corp., the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and the CDC recently announced a crowdfunding campaign by Patronicity for the project. If the campaign reaches its goal of raising $50,000 by Sept. 23, the project will win a matching grant with funds from MSHDA and MEDC's Public Spaces Community Places program.

The church, formerly called the Tried Stone Baptist Church, also has a gymnasium and a dental clinic, which Central Detroit Christian hopes will be in business in 2017.

An even larger project is the 1929 Casamira apartment building, which was donated to CDC by the Wayne County Probate Court. Restoring it for use as an apartment building will require inventive financing and likely cost $10 million, Johanon said. Plans call for market rate and affordable units. CDC buys most of its properties through Wayne County auctions.

According to CDC's 2015 formal audit, the nonprofit has almost $3.7 million in assets and the same amount in liabilities and equity. The majority of its annual budget, almost $2 million, has gone toward building and improvements.

....

The improvements Central Detroit Christian has made have not been based on a steady upward line. It started going through hard times in 2008 when it had 27 vacant houses. By 2009, it had 103 vacant homes. Because the neighborhood is close to three highways (I-75, M-10 and I-94), it made fleeing from the scene of a crime easier.

"We got rid of the drug dealers by buying property. Then we actually tripled in size over the Great Recession," Johanon said, adding that the downturn came later for her neighborhood. "After the recession, with all the work we did, it looked like we did nothing."

Undeterred, CDC picked itself up in recent years, and Johanon feels good progress has been made.

"Volunteers and neighbors are starting to see people here have hope. Now people wave and are happy to see you," said Johanon, who lives in the neighborhood with her husband and children. "People have enough (confidence and trust) that they are contributing to make a difference in the neighborhood. Some of the most unlikely characters are helping. We have not seen this before."

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20160821/NEWS/160829975/central-detroit-christian-slowly-rebuilds-houses-commerce-in-24

animatedmartian

Aug 24, 2016, 1:29 AM

Detroit Shipping Co. had a groundbreaking event this past Saturday for their food hall container project in Cass Corridor, specifically 474 Peterboro St.

The project will contain 5 restaurants; taco, burgers, chicken, hot dogs, and possibly one with Japanese cuisine. There will also be two bars and a live performance venue. Planned opening is for December of this year.

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/Shipping20Co.202_zpsluzzjplo.jpg

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/Shipping20Co.204_zps7qwto5pj.png

http://detroit.eater.com/2016/7/14/12189194/detroit-shipping-co-food-hall-december-opening

http://detroit.eater.com/2016/8/22/12587004/detroit-shipping-co-food-hall-restaurants

Meanwhile, a master plan has been developed for the Northland Mall site in Southfield. The mall will be torn down this fall and from there, parcels of the land will be sold to developers through RFPs. The only part that could possibly be saved the the original Hudson's store shell (Macy's more recently) that is at the center of the mall.

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/-_zpsfz5wptpc.jpg

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/-_zpsaevgcbwg.jpg

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/-_zpspaqbb36v.jpg

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/-_zps0gp48kin.jpg

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/635631521960815686-Northland-Mall-2_zpswhrixiim.jpg

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20160824/NEWS/160829917/southfield-unveils-ambitious-plans-for-northland-center-site

animatedmartian

Aug 24, 2016, 11:18 PM

Russell Flats Apartment Complex to Open in Detroit’s Eastern Market in 2018
BY R.J. KING August 24, 2016

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/russell-208f1954_zpsm0vjecn1.jpeg

Jonna Luxury Homes in Birmingham is making its first foray into Detroit with the construction of Russell Flats in Eastern Market, an 82-unit apartment community that is slated to open in spring 2018. Construction on the nearly one-acre site will start next spring, and replace a metal, open-air structure.

The project, located at the southwest corner of Russell and Alfred streets (immediately north of Bert’s Warehouse), will offer a mixture of studio, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom residences, along with nine penthouse units on the top floor. Each of the penthouse units, available with two or three bedrooms, will include a small yard.

The western side of the five-story building will offer a second-floor patio where residents will have views of the downtown skyline as well as sunsets. Russell Flats also will include an exercise facility, bike storage, and a doorman. Rental rates will be announced in the coming months.

“What attracted me to the site is that you could live there and have access to fresh food, bike lanes, and all the great things that are happening in the city,” says Joey Jonna, founder and president of Jonna Luxury Homes in Birmingham. “The building will (also) offer (ground-floor) space for a restaurant along Russell Street, and a total of 6,400 square feet of space for artists and small businesses.”

The architect for the project is Hamilton Anderson in downtown Detroit. Jonna says he is looking at other development opportunities in the city. “The revival of Detroit is real, and there is a lot of interest for new residential apartments that are well designed in a desirable location,” he says.

....

http://www.dbusiness.com/daily-news/Annual-2016/Russell-Flats-Apartment-Complex-to-Open-in-Detroits-Eastern-Market-in-2018/

animatedmartian

Aug 29, 2016, 10:38 PM

Exclusive: Two New Residential Buildings Planned for Detroit’s Capitol Park
BY R.J. KING, August 29, 2016

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/Zago_Capitol-Park-01_zpstol3q01b.jpg

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/Zago_Capitol-Park-04_zpsldrla0nc.jpg
http://archpaper.com/2016/01/zago-architecture/

For the first time in decades, Detroit’s Capitol Park district behind the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel will see the addition of new buildings. Over the last three years, the district, built around a triangular park that replaced the first state capitol from 1837, has been undergoing a complete renovation.

Capitol Park Partnership in Detroit, which last year completed a renovation of the Detroit Savings Bank building in the district into 56 loft apartments and office space, and is currently renovating two other historic structures — Capitol Park Lofts and the Farwell Building — plans to replace a former restaurant it owns in the district with a mid-rise residential apartment building along with ground-floor commercial space.

The partnership plans to add another building on a surface parking lot it owns immediately south of the Farwell Building, located at 1249 Griswold St. The addition of the two structures would leave one remaining surface parking lot in Capitol Park.

“Over the last decade, the east side of downtown has largely been transformed, while the west side took a bit longer,” says Richard Karp, a partner of Capitol Park Partnership with Richard Hosey and Kevin Prater. “With the demand we are seeing for new and renovated residential apartments, office space, and retail and restaurant locations, the timing is right to start the process of building new structures.”

From a rendering provided by the partnership, the former Theodore’s Family Dining eatery at 1201 Griswold (northwest corner of Griswold and State streets) would be replaced with an 11-story brick-and-glass structure that appears to hover over the park. The iconic design contrasts well with Detroit’s collection of pre-World War II historic structures.

The building planned south of the Farwell Building would be eight stories high, matching the height of its northern neighbor. The Farwell, vacant since 1973, is being renovated into 82 residential apartments, offices spaces, retail and restaurant areas, and a rooftop deck. It is expected to open in fall 2017.

Zago Architecture Inc. in Los Angeles designed the buildings for Capital Park Partnership. The firm has been active in Detroit in recent years with the design of the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) in Midtown, Mercury Coffee Bar in Corktown, and the Greening of Detroit Pavilion in Lafayette Park.

In turn, Capitol Park Lofts at the southwest corner of Griswold and State streets will open in November with 63 apartments and 17,000 square feet of commercial space. It joins the redevelopment of other buildings in the district by Bedrock Real Estate Services, Broder and Sachse, and Lear Corp.

In addition, Detroit-based Roxbury Group is building 80 residential apartments a block south of Capitol Park atop a 10-story parking deck. The deck, which offers ground-floor commercial space, is located immediately east of the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel. Called The Griswold, the development at 150 Michigan Ave. is expected to open by the end of the year.

....

http://www.dbusiness.com/daily-news/Annual-2016/Exclusive-Two-New-Residential-Buildings-Planned-for-Detroits-Capitol-Park/

The North One

Aug 29, 2016, 11:19 PM

I really hope they don't follow through with those renders, they're really old so they might change the design.

Urbannizer

Aug 29, 2016, 11:30 PM

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/Zago_Capitol-Park-01_zpstol3q01b.jpg

Very edgy infill project that ties in well with its neighbors. :tup:

rlw777

Aug 31, 2016, 4:55 PM

^ Build these right now!

subterranean

Aug 31, 2016, 5:11 PM

Context

https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8244/28743892023_35d58e21e7_c.jpg

99spartan

Aug 31, 2016, 9:29 PM

I love the 11-storey building!! That 'falling' design is awesome!! I hope they don't change that much. Although it would be nice if it were a little taller.

hammersklavier

Aug 31, 2016, 9:49 PM

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/Zago_Capitol-Park-01_zpstol3q01b.jpg
This makes me curious: How are they pulling that falling aesthetic off?

Whatever they're doing, I like it. It's a very Detroit take on cutting-edge architecture.

subterranean

Aug 31, 2016, 10:01 PM

A play on the eyes. Clearly the floors are parallel with the ground. The exterior curtain wall's lines are offset 10-15 degrees. Curtain walls are not structural.

animatedmartian

Aug 31, 2016, 11:53 PM

Big update this week.

Healthy Living Medical Supply to move offices from Troy to Detroit
By JAY GREENE. Crain's Detroit. August 30, 2016.

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/AR-160839995_zpsh3vh90ea.jpg

Healthy Living Medical Supply plans to move its corporate headquarters to Detroit from Troy in November as part of an effort to locate offices closer to its customers and health plan clients, company officials said.

The mail-order diabetes supply and maintenance medications provider plans to move into a 7,000-square-foot space in the 12-story Francis Palms Building, 2115 Woodward Ave., a block from the Fox Theatre, said Cliff Grabowski, president of Healthy Living. It currently rents space at 1095 Crooks Road in Troy.

"We also will be leasing additional space in the city, most likely in the Corktown area, to house our pharmacy and shipping departments," CEO Mike Lewis said.

The new space in the Palms building is designed for about 35-40 employees, Grabowski said. Healthy Living employs about 30 full-time equivalent personnel.

Grabowski said being located in downtown Detroit will give the company close access to health plans with which it does business, which he declined to name. Other community organizations with which it works include the American Diabetes Association and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

.....
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20160830/NEWS/160839995/healthy-living-medical-supply-to-move-offices-from-troy-to-detroit

Second big Corktown project emerges
Louis Aguilar, The Detroit News. August 31, 2016.

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/B99433993Z.1_20160830230626_000_GSF143HKO.1-0_zpsxbtczamd.jpg

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/bu_soave_zpslozpqd1g.jpg

A Metro Detroit billionaire’s plan to build a new blocks-long residential development near old Tiger Stadium site has taken the first steps to gain city permission to begin construction.

It’s one of two major developments planned near the corner of Michigan and Trumbull, which could bring at least 220 new residential units to the neighborhood in the next few years.

Detroit-based Soave Enterprises, founded by Anthony Soave, filed plans this month to build four new buildings with a total of 89 residential units, behind the Checker Cab building at 2128 Trumbull. The cab dispatch center, owned by a Soave entity, is across the street from the old stadium.

Another development, called The Corner [rendering below], aims to build 105 apartments, 35 townhouses and 35,000 square feet of retail space on the grounds that once housed Tiger Stadium. The developer of that $35 million project, Larson Realty, is awaiting approval of a $15 million tax credit to begin construction early next year. The Larson and Soave projects are separate, unrelated deals.

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/636070412875958584-bird-2_zpstwnjbqet.jpg

The two projects are testimony to the popularity of Corktown, Detroit’s oldest neighborhood. Located on the southwest edge of downtown, Corktown, always a stable working-class community, has been a magnet for millennials and budding entrepreneurs for more than a decade. Michigan Avenue, Corktown’s main business strip, has evolved into a dense area of restaurants, bars and small independent retailers.

“It’s going to be a boon — that’s what people are expecting,” P. J. Ryder, owner of nearby PJ’s Lager House, said of Soave’s plans.

Only the broad outline of Soave’s development is known. A spokeswoman for Soave declined comment for this story.

....
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/real-estate/2016/08/30/soave-corktown-development-detroit/89618024/

National Theatre’s fate unclear as redevelopment looms
Ian Thibodeau, The Detroit News. August 31, 2016.

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/636078199374372501-003_zps7hdb6myb.jpg

Preservationists warn time is running out to save the severely deteriorated yet still ornate National Theatre building in Detroit’s downtown.

But city officials hope the 105-year-old Albert Kahn-designed landmark, which sits at 118 Monroe in the middle of a forlorn stretch, will be redeveloped in the next few years, after other major projects in Detroit’s central business district finish.

It sits amidst the Monroe Block, a two-square-block area between Campus Martius and Greektown that is mostly vacant land bounded by Monroe, Bates, Cadillac Square and Randolph, and cut down the middle by Farmer. The former theater district is one of the last large chunks untouched by the city’s downtown revitalization.

“The Monroe Block and land around the National Theatre, as well as the theater property itself, are important targets for redevelopment,” Bob Rossbach, spokesman for the Detroit Economic Development Corporation, told The Detroit News in an email.

Rossbach said there is no timeline for any redevelopment and declined to further comment on the theater or surrounding area.

The vacant, blighted National Theatre — now owned by the city — is the only known theater designed by Kahn, the architect who also created the Fisher Building and the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House.

Even in its current state of neglect, the white-glazed terra-cotta facade and gold-domed towers flanking the recessed entryway arch make the theater one of the most opulent buildings downtown.

A plywood barrier closes off the entrance and the stained-glass that once adorned the archway over the entrance is long gone, leaving the theater’s interior exposed to the elements for at least 25 years. It has been vacant since its last tenant — an adult film theater — went dark in 1975.

The city already has two big downtown development projects on its plate: the massive $52.4 million Paradise Valley Cultural and Entertainment District project, which calls for redevelopment that would highlight African-American arts and businesses; and billionaire Dan Gilbert’s pending plans for a high-rise retail and apartment complex at the former J.L. Hudson’s site on Woodward.

The Monroe Block is expected to be redeveloped after the completion of those major projects.

.....

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/bu_nationaltheater_082916_zpsmo2tg989.jpg

http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2016/08/30/national-theater-time-ticking/89617854/

Housing at Wayne State remains tight but new projects may ease overflow
By Chris Ehrmann. August 25, 2016.Crain's Detroit.

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/AR-160829891_zpsfnjymwsn.jpg
This year Wayne State is expected to have about 40 students living in the Hotel St. Regis.

Housing is again posing a challenge for students who want to live on campus at Wayne State University in Detroit's Midtown.

The move-in date for students is Saturday and continues through Tuesday. For the second year in a row, students are being housed at the Hotel St. Regis in the New Center area because on-campus housing is full.

Last year, 3,033 students were living in university housing, including 89 students placed at the hotel, but the school has come up with some solutions to help alleviate the overflow problem in the dorms. This year Wayne State is expected to have 3,050 students living on campus with about 40 living in the hotel to start.

Tim Michael, associate vice president for business and auxiliary operations and chief housing officer, said it costs the university more money to house the students at the hotel and transport them to the campus, but the university has a responsibility to help the students. Additionally, the university has converted lounges in the Towers Residential Suites into rooms for 21 students over the last three to four years.

....

There are a couple of projects in the works to combat the housing problem, including converting the Thompson House, which housed theSchool of Social Work, into living space for 60-80 students. Construction is to begin next month and is expected to open next fall.

There are also plans to build two new dorm buildings on Anthony Wayne Drive in 2018 and demolish Helen DeRoy Apartments by 2019. Currently DeRoy holds 415 beds and the two new apartment buildings would build 868 new beds for an increase of 453. Other plans include renovating Chatsworth Apartments to turn it into a suite-style building and raise occupancy from 120 to 330 in 2020.

There are other options for students to live off campus in the areas surrounding Wayne State, but demand is high as well.

Occupancy around in the area is around 98 percent, said Susan Mosey, executive director of Midtown Detroit, Inc., a nonprofit organization that deals with planning, development, maintenance and revitalization of the Midtown Detroit neighborhood. Mosey also said that rent over the last year has increased 10 percent.

There are many renovations and new apartments coming in the area. Mosey said there are 499 units under construction for a variety of types of housing and 2,782 more units planned. Between 2010 and 2016, there have been 1,547 new units completed for people to live in encompassing the Midtown area.

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20160825/NEWS/160829891/housing-at-wayne-state-remains-tight-but-new-projects-may-ease

Docta_Love

Sep 1, 2016, 5:13 PM

Originally Posted by animatedmartian
http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/Zago_Capitol-Park-01_zpstol3q01b.jpg

Glad they added in trees on the roof also very Detroit :haha:

But this is really cool capitol park has infill going up all around it and with these two planned buildings going up plus a couple other planned/current developments i think that just about covers all the vacant lots in the neighborhood. Not to mention every vacant building has been or is currently being renovated. :cheers:

The North One

Sep 1, 2016, 9:18 PM

I'm glad you all like it but I'm not sold yet.

It has a very gimmicky illusion, it's like one of those "look a me!" developments you would find in New York or something. The one on the left also doesn't look right, why aren't the windows aligned correctly? I love the black brick though.

animatedmartian

Sep 7, 2016, 8:35 PM

Little Ceasers HQ broke ground today. Expected completion sometime in 2018.

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/-_zpsanze5y7r.jpg
http://detroit.curbed.com/2016/9/7/12824522/little-caesars-headquarters-construction-detroit

Also arriving in 2018...

$35M luxury condo complex planned in downtown Detroit

Ian Thibodeau, The Detroit News. September 7th, 2016.

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/c73d2e_a3268449406a4555bf3bd1d4ac9eef8c-mv2_d_5000_5000_s_4_2_zps4r89dxc3.jpg

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/c73d2e_7a61e70c5e47498dad4c0b52950f506e-mv2_d_4000_2000_s_2_zpsfozr4uhk.jpg

Developers plan to open a brand new 11-story luxury condominium complex in downtown Detroit by 2018. Named The Ashton Detroit, the 83-unit facility will be the first condo complex built downtown in 20 years.

Once finished, the 83-unit project on the west end of downtown will stand in what’s currently a parking lot behind the former WWJ building at 600 Lafayette, which now houses Michigan AFSCME Council 25. Construction on the building will start next year, and is expected to be ready for occupancy by 2018.

Eric Means, CEO of Detroit-based Means Group, is heading up the $35 million project.

Greg Bowens, spokesman for the project, said the existing building on the lot at 600 W. Lafayette will be turned into office space. The AFSCME council, which currently occupies part of the building, currently has a one-year lease on the building. Bowens did not say if the lease would be renewed.

....

http://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2016/09/07/ashton-detroit/89964122/
http://www.ashtondetroit.com/

The North One

Sep 7, 2016, 9:01 PM

And it sits on top of a parking podium...

No thanks.

hammersklavier

Sep 8, 2016, 12:28 AM

And it sits on top of a parking podium...

No thanks.
Gotta start somewhere.

animatedmartian

Sep 8, 2016, 1:24 AM

The North One

Sep 8, 2016, 2:17 AM

Gotta start somewhere.

Except there are plenty of new projects that interact well with the street without horrible integrated parking. Downtown has made major strides, it's well past "starting somewhere" at this point. This is a luxury development, they can and should do better.

I'm not about to go full NIMBY on it, but I can't say that I'm excited either.

rlw777

Sep 8, 2016, 2:21 AM

My issue is the podium is pretty uninteresting and seems to lack any retail. The area this condo complex is being built in is pretty dead already, but it could easily become a walkable west side of downtown even as far as being able to bridge the dead zone gap between Corktown and Downtown.

Retail sounds good in theory but I'm guessing there is no hope for making any money off from retail in that location for the foreseeable future.

The North One

Sep 8, 2016, 2:25 AM

I think this is the block it will be constructed on: https://www.google.com/maps/@42.3289875,-83.0541345,3a,75y,294.3h,101.06t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s6kJLVBG-rSOxPOIpYksTgw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!6m1!1e1

The article says they're also going to keep the existing structure and renovate it into offices so it won't be only a parking garage facing the street level which is good.

skyfan

Sep 8, 2016, 3:00 AM

They could've done a better job blending in the parking with the rest of building, but overall I don't hate it.

Rizzo

Sep 8, 2016, 6:34 AM

Parking garage is a clunker. It looks like it caught the River North "Podium Virus" from Chicago

Docta_Love

Sep 12, 2016, 2:48 PM

Brewster-Wheeler, Eastern Market, Brush Park plan increases to $416.6 million, 1,037 housing units

City awaits word from HUD on $30 million in financing for five-year project

By KIRK PINHO
September 12, 2016
Crain's Detroit Business

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/galleryimage/CD/20160912/PHOTOS/912009999/PH/0/4/-.jpg&MaxW=960&MaxH=960&q=70&v=20160912061851

More details of one of the most sweeping development plans in greater downtown in recent memory were unceremoniously made public Friday on the city of Detroit's website.

In all, the effort to redevelop the property best known for being the home of the Brewster-Douglass housing projects and three sites in Eastern Market and Brush Park has increased from $267 million to $416.6 million, a 56 percent spike.

As part of the plan to bring 1,037 residential units to the approximately 25 acres the four sites encompass, the city also plans things like enhanced health, education, workforce development and youth services; a new 1-acre public park called Douglass Park at the Brewster-Douglass site; and improvements to and restoration of the street grid and pedestrian access from Brewster-Douglass/Brush Park into Eastern Market over I-75.

The city is awaiting word on whether it has received up to $30 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Choice Neighborhoods Program.

It's not entirely clear what is contributing to the increase in expected cost, although more housing units is likely part of that bump.

What is being called the Douglass-Market Transformation Plan says 1,037 residential units are planned; the city said in May that 900 to 1,000 units were expected as part of the redevelopment.

Instead of three separate sites, the plan now includes four:

The 22-acre Brewster-Douglass site, which is planned for 850 residential units, the majority of which would be rentals, although for-sale townhouses could be part of the mix. It would include 224 public housing replacement units. The site would include 13,400 square feet of neighborhood retail space, plus community and social services space.
A site at 3480 Russell St. in Eastern Market would have 71 Low Income Housing Tax Credit and market-rate apartments, 24 of which would be live-work units. The project would include 12,000 square feet of first-floor retail space and a 9,000-square-foot light-industrial building that would make possible an expansion of the proposed Detroit Regional Food Accelerator.
The open-air Shed 4 site in Eastern Market would be enclosed and 20,000 square feet of commercial space, plus 62 workforce and market-rate apartments, would be added on upper floors.
A property at 124 Alfred St. in Brush Park would be developed with a 54-unit age-restricted building with eight public housing replacement units.

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20160912/NEWS/160919958/brewster-wheeler-eastern-market-brush-park-plan-increases-to-416-6

There's an update on the Book Tower renovation too now looking at 400 million plus to complete the project properly, which they want to apparently.

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/storyimage/CD/20160911/NEWS/160919981/H1/0/H1-160919981.jpg?MaxW=880&v=201411210943

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20160911/NEWS/160919981/book-tower-restoration-just-part-of-developers-ambitious-plans-for

subterranean

Sep 12, 2016, 3:23 PM

The North One

Sep 12, 2016, 4:07 PM

subterranean

Sep 12, 2016, 4:26 PM

You're comparing a cheap Seattle new build in 2016 to restoring a pre-war masterpiece? The design is incredibly intricate, probably needs new plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling; add restoration of cornices and embellishments, the building will also need a new copper roof, there's also a dome lobby to restore. Overall it's a larger project than the Book Cadillac and it's being done right. This is why developers aren't willing to build opulent structures anymore, that shit costs money.

Also that Brewster Douglass development looks incredible, wow!

I understand they are very different. I still don't think it's worth half a billion dollars, personally. The proforma must go out 100 years. The Book Cadillac took massive amounts of subsidy, a crazy mezzanine financing structure, a huge hit/back down from state-funded debt, and it still almost went under a couple of years ago. At half the cost.

subterranean

Sep 12, 2016, 4:38 PM

It took a 17-layer mezzanine financing deal to get the Book Cadillac done at $180 million:

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20160510/NEWS/160519987/detroit-reaches-deal-to-settle-book-cadillac-financing-lawsuit

I wonder what ponzi scheme they have cooked up for Book Tower.

rlw777

Sep 12, 2016, 6:52 PM

$400 million? That has to be a typo, and if it isn't, that's ridiculous. The Book Cadillac restoration was half the cost. Maybe I just don't understand what it is that they are planning to do. The Mark in Seattle will contain a 200 room luxury hotel and office space, built at Seattle prices, and would be the second tallest if built in Detroit, for that price. I understand a restoration is different, but I'm just having a hard time comprehending that number.

1) The article says experts say the redevelopment could cost $400 million. Bedrock said total cost has not been determined.

2) Historic tax credits are expected to be a part of the financing mix. Even if the redevelopment price is $400 million Gilbert won't be paying $400 million

3) You aren't think like a guy who owns 40+ buildings in downtown Detroit. Each building rehab increases the value of other properties in the area and makes the area more desirable for live, work, and play. When you own most of downtown your investments have a cumulative effect.

The North One

Sep 12, 2016, 7:07 PM

It took a 17-layer mezzanine financing deal to get the Book Cadillac done at $180 million:

That was ten years ago...

I wonder what ponzi scheme they have cooked up for Book Tower.

He's getting tons of tax credits, I don't think this is any kind of scheme.

subterranean

Sep 12, 2016, 7:13 PM

I am very familiar with how these projects get financed because it's what I do for a living.

This guy is going to be milking the public dole and Detroit will see basically zero benefit for the millions he'll reap. That's my problem with it.

The North One

Sep 12, 2016, 8:55 PM

Zero benefit? That's hyperbolic to say the least. You now have a problem with state subsidies? Detroit isn't at the point yet where developers can get big loans (although it's coming) not sure how else you want him to get things done since he's pouring his own investment money into the city. Is it that you think he's inflating the costs in order to get more tax breaks?

subterranean

Sep 12, 2016, 9:21 PM

Listen, obviously everyone wants to see these beautiful buildings saved. But this guy is a multi-billionaire and if this building is going to be some kind of plaything for the wealthy, like the Book Cadillac that can't even stay afloat on its own two legs, then I think we should be scrutinizing these deals with a fine-toothed comb. I will try to reserve much of my opinion until I see the actual deal on paper, but I guarantee this is going to be over-subsidized by the public...in the poorest large city in North America. If not, I'll gladly eat my words.

The North One

Sep 12, 2016, 9:38 PM

Docta_Love

Sep 12, 2016, 10:40 PM

Here's a few quote's from the article that are pertinent to the discussion, i'll withhold my final opinion until i know exactly how much he's getting in tax breaks. But apparently a lot of the exterior detail is in really bad shape and had been in danger of falling off the building, which is mentioned as one of the main reasons as to why the costs are so high. On another note the crazy fire escape looks like its to be rebuilt the Book Tower was Kamper's first skyscraper and had forgotten to put one in his original design.

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/storyimage/CD/20160911/NEWS/160919981/V4/0/V4-160919981.jpg?MaxW=880&v=201411210943

It will almost certainly be the most expensive of the crop, with development experts saying Gilbert's overall redevelopment of the Book Tower and adjoining Book Building could cost $400 million or more (his Bedrock Real Estate Services LLC said total cost estimates have not yet been determined, but did say that historic tax credits are expected to be part of the financing mix).

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/storyimage/CD/20160911/NEWS/160919981/H5/0/H5-160919981.jpg?MaxW=880&v=201411210943

There are pink leather hair salon chairs still in the building. Old typewriters. Recording studio equipment. Documents and other miscellaneous paperwork. Open newspapers from decades ago. Personal items.

In short, it's almost like everyone who worked in the building left at once, in a hurry.

"An extreme amount of clutter and damage on the inside, as far as ceilings falling in and water damage," said John Olszewski, vice president of construction for Bedrock, which has bought more than 90 Detroit properties in and around downtown in the past five years.

But the interior work, at this point however, plays second fiddle to restoring building's elaborate exterior, Olszewski said.

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/storyimage/cd/20160911/NEWS/160919981/TS/1/TS-160919981.jpg?MaxW=347

"The biggest and most complex."

That's how he describes the three-year plan to restore and preserve the Book Tower and Book Building, which the Detroit-based company bought a year ago last month, along with a squat, 30,000-square-foot community center, for a reported $30 million.

In all, more than 500,000 square feet was part of the deal Bedrock completed with Milan, Italy-based Akno Enterprises, longtime owners of the buildings.

Effectively, Bedrock bought the entire block between State Street and Grand River Avenue. The company says a final redevelopment plan, including specifics on the mix of uses, has not been determined, although at the time it purchased the buildings, Jim Ketai, managing partner and CEO of Bedrock, said the buildings will contain "a new innovative and unique mix of retail, office and residential tenants."

subterranean

Sep 12, 2016, 10:52 PM

If you care so much why did you leave the city?I left because of the politics, mostly.

Why do you keep saying the Book Cadillac "can't stay afloat" there is no evidence for you to suggest that, in fact Detroit is very undersupplied when it comes to hotels and that's why you're seeing a lot of new ones popping up.

I'm saying it has had financial problems since day 1, even as almost half of the financing came from public sources. You'd have to have been living under a rock not to know this. Every year it's something new. HUD, pension fund, state loans. The Westin almost vacated the building within a few years of project completion because of the messed up finances of the building owners.

http://www.mlive.com/business/detroit/index.ssf/2013/09/report_downtown_detroits_westi.html

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20130728/NEWS/307289989/book-cadillac-pays-on-loan-avoids-state-default-notice

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20160510/NEWS/160519987/detroit-reaches-deal-to-settle-book-cadillac-financing-lawsuit

http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/detroit/11-detroit-developments-behind-on-section-108-hud-loans

And you clearly do not know how these financial incentives packages work.

A Section 108 loan guarantee is backed by CDBG dollars from the local or state agency who administers them. If they are not paid back, the state or city is on the hook for them. On top of this, CDBG dollars are supposed to go toward projects that benefit people making less than 80% AMI. They cannot be used for the new construction of housing (which includes renovating a project that was not formerly housing). And yet they condominiumized the deal and used a source for low-income residents to subsidize a luxury hotel brand.

The state filled part of the gap to develop the housing with funds that are legally restricted for low-income housing and used it for luxury condos. That fund comes from the interest on loans for first-time, low-income homebuyers. Not rich suburbanites.

And they are not "tax incentives", they are tax credits. Large corporations reduce their tax liabilities by purchasing the tax credits, partly funding the development and paying less in taxes. It's a creation of the Reagan era (Tax Reform Act of 1986) and trickle down economics.

Finally, yes--if the developer thinks or knows they are going to get half of the project paid for by taxpayers, you can damn well guarantee they are going to take advantage of that.

As for the Book Tower, I want to see the financing structure. I have slightly more faith in Gilbert, but I have a feeling this one will reek, too.

The North One

Sep 12, 2016, 11:51 PM

Given that the building opened for business right when the great recession hit I'd say it's had it's work cut out for it, that's for sure. The Westin itself isn't struggling to do business in the city today, it even says that in the 2013 article you posted but that's beside the point, just something about the picture being painted that bothered me.

I mean I totally agree that these practices are fucked up, it might be relevant to acknowledge the financing happened during a time when Kwame was still in power. But to be fair and like you acknowledge, Gilbert had nothing to do with the Book Cadillac or the Fort Shelby. Gilbert has however made a huge success out of the First National Building: http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2016/04/29/dan-gilbert-book-tower-first-national/83704000/

Don't get me wrong the guy is no angel, but he's proven himself to be an asset to the city before and honestly right now we're better with him than without him otherwise I share the same concerns.

I left because of the politics, mostly

I mean, you could have moved to Ann Arbor if you wanted a more liberal government, you'd have a better job market rather than in Portland too but I guess that isn't my business.

subterranean

Sep 13, 2016, 5:12 PM

I mean, you could have moved to Ann Arbor if you wanted a more liberal government, you'd have a better job market rather than in Portland too but I guess that isn't my business.

It's the state politics that partly drove my decision. And nothing against Ann Arbor. It's a great town. But it's just that: a town. That comes to standstill for football games. Besides, I still love Detroit. I don't have to live there to retain interest and wish good things for it. I visit often and my family is in MI.

Rizzo

Sep 13, 2016, 5:48 PM

Why do you keep saying the Book Cadillac "can't stay afloat" there is no evidence for you to suggest that, in fact Detroit is very undersupplied when it comes to hotels and that's why you're seeing a lot of new ones popping up. The current hotel stock can't even support a major event at Cobo Center. If you care so much why did you leave the city? The tax incentives come from the state of Michigan which has some of the wealthiest communities in the nation it's not being solely held up by the poor inner city neighborhoods. It's hardly the only city with ivory towers for the rich, you've got cities like Dallas that have a much higher city proper population with a 30% child poverty rate.

So I did some research and you're talking about the loan settlement that went to the renovation, correct?

I think he meant the investment was a money loser. It took millions from pension funds and the city got little or nothing back for their contribution. 17 layers of financing, one can assume there's a bunch of debt reshuffling going on and I believe there is a pending lawsuit.

The performance of the hotel is seperate. They're probably doing well...sure...because in a way they are like a tenant. Totally seperate discussion.

subterranean

Sep 13, 2016, 6:10 PM

I think he meant the investment was a money loser. It took millions from pension funds and the city got little or nothing back for their contribution. 17 layers of financing, one can assume there's a bunch of debt reshuffling going on and I believe there is a pending lawsuit.

The performance of the hotel is seperate. They're probably doing well...sure...because in a way they are like a tenant. Totally seperate discussion.

Thanks, that is exactly what I meant. Westin is not the building owner.

JonathanGRR

Sep 13, 2016, 10:29 PM

Continuing and melding the current themes of Gilbert and hotels...

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/storyimage/CD/20160913/NEWS/160919920/AR/0/AR-160919920.jpg?MaxW=880&v=201411210943
Kyle Evans Design
Shinola Hotel planned for downtown as company, Gilbert team up
Sherri Welch | September 13, 2016

Shinola/Detroit LLC and Dan Gilbert's Bedrock Real Estate Services LLC are teaming up on an independent boutique hotel in downtown Detroit.

The red, eight-story building downtown at 1400 Woodward Ave., which began life as a hardware store and most recently housed Eastern Wig & Hair Co. LLC, will be renovated into a hotel meshing the craftsmanship Shinola is known for with Bedrock's urban development experience, the developers say. The four-story building at 1416 Woodward two doors down is also part of the project. It was designed by Smith Hinchman & Grylls in 1936 for Singer Sewing Machine Co.

It's a step well outside Shinola's previous retail focus, which encompasses watches, bicycles and other items, assembled in Detroit.

Renovations on the building are set to begin in November and wrap up in time for a fall 2018 opening of the 130-room Shinola Hotel.

Bedrock is "a creative real estate firm that focuses on delivering unique developments," said Dan Mullen, executive vice president at Bedrock.

"Shinola is this amazing craftsmanship brand. Utilizing both of our expertise to build a hotel is what is so attractive about this."

If you think about a Shinola store, "you begin to see how the Shinola brand can work within a hotel environment," said Shinola President Jacques Panis.

"We're really bringing something unique to this market and hopefully, unique to the U.S. and the world."

The companies are tapping New York-based restaurant company NoHo Hospitality Group, which has a Michel star and James Beard Foundation awards and nominations to its credit, to do the food and beverage elements of the hotel.
...
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20160913/NEWS/160919920/shinola-hotel-planned-for-downtown-as-company-gilbert-team-up#utm_medium=email&utm_source=cdb-breakingnews&utm_campaign=cdb-breakingnews-20160913

They briefly mention the building two doors down, but the rendering also shows that the building three doors down has been duplicated onto the one next door as well. I'm assuming that is a design error?

The North One

Sep 15, 2016, 3:46 PM

Ex-Microsoft CEO Says He May Give Part of His Fortune to Battle Poverty in Detroit
September 14th, 2016, 8:41 PM

Former Microsoft Corp. CEO Steve Ballmer, who Crain's Detroit Business describes as the richest living native Detroiter, told the publication on Wednesday that he plans to donate vast chunks of his estimated $27 billion fortune to address intergenerational poverty, and Detroit is "very likely" to be a beneficiary of his giving.
Send a couple billion Detroit's way Steve! :cheers:

Also he commented on seeing renders of the Hudson site, possible Apple store.
He told about seeing plans for Gilbert's proposed multi-use project on the old Hudson's site on Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit. "Right in the middle of it is an Apple store. That really pissed me off," he said, clearly joking. (Bedrock Real Estate Services spokeswoman Whitney Eichinger confirmed an Apple store is in the rendering of the plan for the site, though she said it’s not a sign of a done deal but of something the company would like to see, and that it would be “years away.”

http://www.deadlinedetroit.com/articles/15795/ex-microsoft_ceo_says_he_may_give_part_of_his_fortune_to_battle_poverty_in_detroit#.V9rBOj4rLL9

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20160914/NEWS/160919907/steve-ballmer-im-very-fired-up-today-about-detroit

99spartan

Sep 15, 2016, 6:16 PM

Send a couple billion Detroit's way Steve! :cheers:

Also he commented on seeing renders of the Hudson site, possible Apple store.

http://www.deadlinedetroit.com/articles/15795/ex-microsoft_ceo_says_he_may_give_part_of_his_fortune_to_battle_poverty_in_detroit#.V9rBOj4rLL9

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20160914/NEWS/160919907/steve-ballmer-im-very-fired-up-today-about-detroit

An Apple store sounds awesome!! I wonder what other retailers will be included? I wish he would have said how tall it is :shrug:

animatedmartian

Sep 15, 2016, 10:52 PM

An Apple store sounds awesome!! I wonder what other retailers will be included? I wish he would have said how tall it is :shrug:

What gets me is how we're this far along from when it was first announced when Gilbert was planning on doing anything on this site and we're still only getting hints and rumors.

I'm pretty sure the Great Pyramids in Egypt didn't take this long to conceptualize and build.

Anyway, here are some more immediate developments:

DDA approves $175M for mixed-use developments in the District Detroit
BY ROBIN RUNYAN SEP 15, 2016 Curbed Detroit.

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/Henry_20Street_20Building_20-_20Conceptual.0_zpseqpyzoen.jpg

The City of Detroit Downtown Development Authority has approved development agreements for the $150 million Little Caesars World Headquarters Campus Expansion and the $24.4 million first phase of a mixed-use building on Henry Street. It will be north of the I-75 Service Drive and west of Park on Henry. A hotel on Henry Street is still in the works, with no official announcement yet.

The mixed-use building on Henry Street is the first residential piece we’ve seen in the District Detroit, although it’s unknown at this time how much residential, office, and retail will be housed there. The press release says there’s potential for parking and thousands of square feet of retail space. By the looks of it, there should be a pretty decent amount of parking.

Detroit-based joint venture Colisanti-MiG is serving as the construction manager for the $24.4 million first phase of the building currently underway.

....

http://detroit.curbed.com/2016/9/15/12929170/olympia-arena-construction-mixed-use-developments

New developments approved in Brush Park and West Village through Historic District Commission
BY ROBIN RUNYAN SEP 15, 2016 Curbed Detroit.

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/20160914_20The_20Coe_corner_2Bsign.0_zpswortvexy.jpg

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/20160914_The_Coe_van_dyke_sign.0_zpswglgfc1k.jpg

There were spirited debates at Wednesday night’s Historic District Commission meeting, as two new developments were up for approval. The commission voted to approve both of them, so we’ll hear more on each of these soon.

First was another development in Brush Park. This one is .95 acres bordered by Winder, I-75 Service Drive, Brush, and Beaubien. It will add 287 new residential units, plus commercial spaces. They are of varying heights and widths and they look fairly similar to the City Modern development [Dan Gilbert's Development] (http://detroit.curbed.com/2016/6/14/11936040/brush-park-development-dan-gilbert). They’ll also have a small pocket park, carriage houses, and interesting live/work units. Hamilton Anderson Associates has been working on this for a while and meeting with the Brush Park CDC. No timeline right now, but these are moving forward. (We'll get renderings soon).

The second [renderings above], and much more spirited discussion revolved around a development of row houses on Coe and Van Dyke in West Village. These lots have been empty for years, have seen different proposals for years, and it finally looks like these will move forward. The debate wasn’t over the development itself, as residents would like to see something on the lots. Residents wanted more communication in the process, which was noted. The look was too modern for many, and some residents would like to see more brick. Comments ranged from full approval to "Appropriate for Midtown or Royal Oak, but not West Village," to "At least it’s not shipping containers." Ground could break as early as November.

The Coe Development is a partnership between Christian Hurttienne Architects, the developer Woodborn Partners, and it’s the first development spearheaded by Invest Detroit, to align with their initiative to invest in the Villages, Southwest Detroit, and the Livernois /6 Mile corridor. There will be eight row houses, each three-bedrooms with a one-car garage (seen above). The corner commercial building will have 1,500 square feet of retail space.
http://detroit.curbed.com/2016/9/15/12931112/west-village-brush-park-development

There's now 4 major developments in Brush Park/Brewster Douglass. Very quickly there will only be a handful of large vacant parcels of land to develop on.

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss211/animindigo/Screen%20Shot%2009-15-16%20at%2006.44%20PM_zpsudsfyde4.png