DETROIT | Development & Construction: Motown Lowdown [Archive] - Page 57

DetroitSky

Apr 17, 2019, 10:15 PM

What Is going up in its place?

Lafayette West: (https://detroitmi.gov/departments/planning-and-development-department/citywide-initiatives/community-benefits-ordinance/past-cbo-engagement/lafayette-west)

https://detroitmi.gov/sites/detroitmi.localhost/files/2018-07/Lafayette-West.jpg

New diner Babo planned in Park Shelton as owner looks to 'reprogram' some retail space (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/restaurants/new-diner-babo-planned-park-shelton-owner-looks-reprogram-some-retail-space)

A self-described "high-end diner" plans a summer opening in the Park Shelton in Detroit's Midtown as its landlord re-envisions some of the 12-story building's first-floor retail space.

Babo Detroit would serve breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as weekend brunch, owner Kris Lelcaj told Crain's. Lelcaj expects to open around mid-June, seating approximately 65 people in 1,964 square feet.

The new owner has cleaned the limestone of the historic building's facade and plans "minor" improvements such as landscaping, window work and some interior restoration, Sturgeon Bay Partners co-founder John Gibbs said. He wasn't immediately able to provide investment figures.

The joint venture wants to "reprogram" some of the office and retail space, Gibbs said, meaning finding new tenants in some cases. It is looking to accrue more foot traffic and work alongside the DIA as plans move forward to redesign parts of Midtown as a more walkable cultural center.

"For us, we prefer to kind of work with younger, exciting restaurant groups, or people like that, and we're just looking to bring some life to the building," Gibbs said.

He added that they're combining several vacant spaces into a larger offering for a yet-to-be-disclosed tenant that would move from downtown Detroit.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/park%20shelton-main_i.jpg

Home Sale Prices Increase Nearly 5% in Southeast Michigan, Nearly 49% in Detroit (https://www.dbusiness.com/daily-news/home-sale-prices-increase-nearly-5-in-southeast-michigan-nearly-49-in-detroit/)

The median price in Detroit increased 48.6 percent to $39,000, up from $26,240 the year before. While a big jump, Detroit home prices are still much lower than county averages – the average price increased 6.3 percent in Livingston County to $285,000, 5.5 percent in Macomb County to $174,000, 4.2 percent to $125,000 in Wayne County, and 2.7 percent to $257,200 in Oakland County.

LMich

Apr 18, 2019, 9:23 AM

That jump in Detroit is amazing. I know they are focusing on how low it still is, but, man, I remember back in 2009 when the median price was around $7,000, when you got all of those stories that lazily kept repeating how you could buy a house for the price of a used car. In any case, I hope things remain affordable for years.

animatedmartian

Apr 18, 2019, 2:58 PM

Now you can buy a house for the price of a base new car! :D

DetroitSky

Apr 19, 2019, 2:09 AM

Here's some photos from the last month or so:

Downtown

https://i.imgur.com/7EgPGFTh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/FuWQOfjh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/SsLMSrPh.jpg
City Club Apartments CBD Detroit

https://i.imgur.com/ixJJ4XRh.jpg
Work on the ground floor of The Farwell

https://i.imgur.com/BneSgFFh.jpg
The entrance to the LinkedIn offices in the Fisher Arcade and Grinnell Bros buildings is on the ground floor of the Grinnell Building

https://i.imgur.com/82fdNiUh.jpg
MadCap Coffee is now open in the Shinola Hotel. This leaves only one vacant retail space at the hotel, directly behind MadCap on Parker's Alley

https://i.imgur.com/r7XfqLKh.jpg
UBS office entrance in the Traver Building

https://i.imgur.com/go5HOV9h.jpg
Work has begun on the Women's City Club Building, an Ilitch property

https://i.imgur.com/C6SISfih.jpg
Work has been continuing on the Marquette Building despite Adient pulling out and selling the building. I'm not sure if it has sold or not.

https://i.imgur.com/smPhvw7h.jpg
Some facade work being done on the Buhl Building

https://i.imgur.com/AeWz524h.jpg
220 West

Midtown

https://i.imgur.com/tYlG7Ash.jpg
2700 Riopelle, Eastern Market

https://i.imgur.com/xjO0TRZh.jpg
Temple Detroit

https://i.imgur.com/sTtlrphh.jpg
2700 John R, City Modern

https://i.imgur.com/y5Pdh8Yh.jpg
The Keleman

https://i.imgur.com/woCGtg4h.jpg
Brush Park Village North phase 2

https://i.imgur.com/AZRhsQeh.jpg
James Place Lofts

Woodbridge

https://i.imgur.com/mtxouvUh.jpg
1797 W. Willis Street

https://i.imgur.com/6Fr4zXoh.jpg
1786 W. Willis Street

https://i.imgur.com/twexjgdh.jpg
This one was on Avery Street

https://i.imgur.com/Z2Ij3C0h.jpg
Putnam Street near Rosa Parks

Westside

https://i.imgur.com/HqTGldwh.jpg
Work has begun on Henry Ford Hospital's art space on Holden and Trumbull

https://i.imgur.com/2Y0afcVh.jpg
Henry Ford Hospital's new garage behind the Brigitte Harris Cancer Pavilion

Corktown

https://i.imgur.com/kQw0QcNh.jpg
Work has begun at North Corktown Cider Mill. They were removing debris from the second floor a few days after I took this. Haven't heard anything about this project.

https://i.imgur.com/bHfsdWAh.jpg
Another building has begun construction at Tiger Towns at The Corner

https://i.imgur.com/xBl0f4Eh.jpg
Michigan Central Station

https://i.imgur.com/PYTJBBVh.jpg
8th Street Row, Elton Park

https://i.imgur.com/WqvgQpnh.jpg
8th Street and Elizabeth

https://i.imgur.com/2mIjSPgh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/gafMHUSh.jpg
The Crawford, Elton Park

https://i.imgur.com/4AJb7zih.jpg
The Robertson, Elton Park

https://i.imgur.com/4BXNEHXh.jpg
2100 Trumbull, Elton Park

https://i.imgur.com/5dKpN4Uh.jpg
Checker Alley, Elton Park

https://i.imgur.com/taIlaECh.jpg
The Corner

Core City

https://i.imgur.com/Ld6mUwxh.jpg
1716 Brainard. Notice the new garage on the right

https://i.imgur.com/yhDowmVh.jpg
The Cymbre, Trumbull and Ash

https://i.imgur.com/WEb32ARh.jpg
Ash House, 1577 Ash Street

https://i.imgur.com/31FJ01bh.jpg
Cox House, 2710 Harrison Street

https://i.imgur.com/HP9fbxHh.jpg
Davies House, Harrison and Temple

https://i.imgur.com/Vhkm2ifh.jpg
Construction on Harrison

Eastside

https://i.imgur.com/s0v3aNlh.jpg
Packard Administration Building

https://i.imgur.com/JkLFezih.jpg
Renovations on Forest Park are complete and it seems much more active than it used to be. A lot of kids playing, people using the exercise machines, etc

https://i.imgur.com/68wwBOEh.jpg
Sweetest Heart of Mary Church steeple repairs

https://i.imgur.com/CHR5YoPh.jpg
Some work on the main entrance to St. Albertus is occurring too

https://i.imgur.com/Ip0SCRDh.jpg
Demolition for the new court and jail continue on Russell

https://i.imgur.com/Wq8W8pNh.jpg
I posted this one last summer. It's on Moran in Poletown East

https://i.imgur.com/XZr13m2h.jpg
I've also posted about this one on E. Canfield in Poletown East. Looks great

https://i.imgur.com/jkwVwuzh.jpg
1710 E. Grand

https://i.imgur.com/VCWVOioh.jpg
St. Paul on the BLVD, E. Grand at St. Paul

https://i.imgur.com/NjHelO8h.jpg
394 E. Grand Blvd.

https://i.imgur.com/VfHvge2h.jpg
610 E. Grand

https://i.imgur.com/cjwW6jbh.jpg
381 E. Grand

https://i.imgur.com/cZ788Ioh.jpg
262 E. Grand

https://i.imgur.com/GqCLvW7h.jpg
9384 Emmons Street

https://i.imgur.com/PmmmVJYh.jpg
8646 Kercheval

https://i.imgur.com/Np1hwIrh.jpg
Gratiot Central Commons

DetroitSky

Apr 19, 2019, 2:30 AM

UBS to open downtown Detroit office next week (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-estate/ubs-open-downtown-detroit-office-next-week)

After a nine-month delay, UBS is set to open an office in downtown Detroit.

The office, which will house UBS Group AG's U.S. and Canadian wealth management business, New Jersey-based UBS Wealth Management Americas, was originally scheduled to open in mid-2018 at connected buildings at 1515 Woodward Ave. and 1529 Woodward Ave, which now makes up 1523 Woodward, owned by Detroit-based Bedrock LLC.

UBS instead will open an office on the third floor at 1201/1217 Woodward, also owned by Bedrock, at the corner of State Street and Woodward Ave. on April 22, John Bush, Michigan market head for UBS Wealth Management Americas, said.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/ubs_i.jpg

^This also marks the end of 20+ years of the Traver being empty

Detroit MLS effort not dead yet as expansion process adds more cities (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/sports/detroit-mls-effort-not-dead-yet-expansion-process-adds-more-cities)

Detroit's chance at a Major League Soccer expansion team was thrown a lifeline Thursday when the league opted to widen its plan to include two more markets for a total of 30.

The ongoing expansion process, announced in late 2015, was to add four teams to reach to 28 clubs. Nashville, Cincinnati, and Austin were awarded teams according to that plan. (In a separate process, Miami also got a team.) MLS said Thursday after its board of governors meeting in Los Angeles that "the Commissioner's office was authorized to advance discussions with Sacramento and St. Louis ownership groups regarding their bids."

If those two cities are awarded teams, that would leave one market left in the strategy to reach 30 teams. MLS said it is in talks with other cities besides Sacramento and St. Louis but didn't disclose them.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/MLS%20at%20Ford%20Field%20Interior%20Angle%20View_i_0.jpg

In fast-changing 'Greater Corktown,' team of firms to shape growth (https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2019/04/18/greater-corktown-firms-shape-growth/3472196002/)

Detroit — A team of international firms — whose work ranges from designing the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture to hydrogen-powered public buses in England — is expected to help shape development in the fast-changing “Greater Corktown.”

City officials notified area residents in early April that the team led by the Chicago-based firm Perkins + Will will create the “Greater Corktown Framework.”

The team, made up of seven firms from a variety of disciplines, will soon begin a months-long campaign to determine what kind of development should be permitted and where; what spaces should remain open and be enhanced; what kind of infrastructure upgrades are needed; what kind of steps are needed to have some affordable housing, among other things.

City documents state the goal is to “create a framework that recognizes the great potential for inclusive growth of Detroit’s oldest established neighborhood while preserving its cultural integrity.”

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2019/04/17/PDTN/3dc33841-c6b9-40bc-9513-fc3d8049d44c-2019-0417-dg-corktown0069.JPG?width=540&height=&fit=bounds&auto=webp
Construction on Pine and Vermont

DetroitSportsFan

Apr 19, 2019, 5:10 AM

Thanks for the updates! Regarding the building being renovated at 220 west congress, I found this website with renderings. Not sure if they’re current or accurate, but thought I’d share anyways.

https://www.bascomi.com/220-west-congress

LMich

Apr 19, 2019, 10:08 AM

Here's some photos from the last month or so:

I'm laughing so hard at Brush Park Village North; that style looks so out of place and cheap in the neighborhood, now. James Place Lofts turned out differently than what I thought the renderings showed, but not necessarily in a bad way.

The Farwell renovation is looking really good. And while 9100 on Gratiot may be nothing to remember, I've seen much worse done for neighborhood infill.

subterranean

Apr 19, 2019, 3:15 PM

I'm trying to get back to Michigan in August for my...20-year class reunion. Thanks for the road map on my Detroit visit.

DetroitSky

Apr 20, 2019, 12:35 AM

Glad you all enjoyed the update!

$10 million renovation of Breithaupt tech school in Detroit completed (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/education/10-million-renovation-breithaupt-tech-school-detroit-completed)

A $10 million renovation of Breithaupt Career Technical Center on Detroit's west side has been completed.

The project was announced nearly two years ago and is part of an effort to recharge the career and technical education training of the Detroit Public Schools Community District.

Project completion was celebrated Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Mayor Mike Duggan, Superintendent Nikolai Vitti and other dignitaries and sponsors, according to a city news release.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/duggan%20speaking_i.jpg

Historic LGBTQ bar and nightclub to reopen in Detroit
(https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/dining/2019/04/19/backstreet-detroit-bar-nightclub/3518105002/)

Backstreet, a storied venue in Detroit's LGBTQ bar scene, is making its return in a new location next month when the historic nightclub reopens on Livernois as the Backstreet at Large Multiplex.

Managing owner Doug Keller, 42, told the Free Press that he and co-owner Stephan Richardson, 32, are still waiting for the city to complete inspections but are expecting to officially open their doors during the second or third week of May. The actual date will be announced on the club's Facebook page.

While some renovations are ongoing, Keller said a soft opening night held March 23 was a "big success," drawing more than 900 people.

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2019/04/19/PDTF/409e9394-fb3a-4a98-8f88-2a5e80ddf7dc-IMG_2351.jpeg?width=540&height=&fit=bounds&auto=webp

DetroitSky

Apr 21, 2019, 8:51 PM

Highland Park Opens First Bar in Decades (https://wdet.org/posts/2019/04/19/88099-highland-park-opens-first-bar-in-decades-photos/)

As WDET previously reported, it’s been decades since anyone can remember a bar in Highland Park. That is changing tonight with the official opening of Woodward Ave. Bar & Grille.

George Smith is one of the managers of the establishment. He says the upscale sports bar and music venue will fill a void in Highland Park.

“It means that our people, people in the community, don’t have to go downtown to have somewhere nice to sit and have a drink or listen to some music,” said Smith.

Woodward Ave. Bar & Grille (not to be confused with an iconic Detroit gay bar of a similar name) is owned by Lawrence J. Johnson, a longtime Highland Parker and crane operator at U.S. Steel. He bought the building in 2017 and did most most of the renovations himself.

The space includes a pool table, a small dance floor and outdoor patio seating. Live music will be Wednesdays and DJ nights will kick off with “Thirsty Thursday” and run through Saturday.

https://wdet.org/media/daguerre/2019/04/19/c1ea4fd4d28dba4c6a55.jpeg

DetroitSportsFan

Apr 22, 2019, 11:44 PM

https://amp.detroitnews.com/amp/3537834002

HBO is airing a doc on the “District Detroit” and the Ilitches broken promises tomorrow

LMich

Apr 23, 2019, 3:00 PM

Highland Park Opens First Bar in Decades (https://wdet.org/posts/2019/04/19/88099-highland-park-opens-first-bar-in-decades-photos/)

https://wdet.org/media/daguerre/2019/04/19/c1ea4fd4d28dba4c6a55.jpeg

That looks to be right next door to city hall.

subterranean

Apr 23, 2019, 3:39 PM

Liquor store across the street, bar next door lol.

Detroit

Apr 23, 2019, 5:27 PM

A few pics I snapped today. Statler from 8th floor of Detroit City Club Apartments, OCM expansion from 20th.
https://i.imgur.com/ANA5SEa.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/8wsuuoP.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/cQuXct3.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ppqIb7o.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/MmyCGW4.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/JSQBQl6.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/3sNCV1a.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/MnZvHMT.jpg

SonoftheRustBelt

Apr 23, 2019, 6:20 PM

A few pics I snapped today. Statler from 8th floor of Detroit City Club Apartments, OCM expansion from 20th.

Hope y'all don't mind an outsider chiming in but these seem so underwhelming for the site honestly. Forgive me if that's been said before. Hopefully demand for downtown living in Detroit will rise enough in the coming decades that something more prominent takes its place; in this regard it helps that the structure is made of wood.

DetroitSportsFan

Apr 23, 2019, 6:51 PM

DetroitSky

Apr 24, 2019, 12:16 AM

Waymo to build self-driving cars in Detroit, invest $13.6 million in factory (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/mobility/waymo-build-self-driving-cars-detroit-invest-136-million-factory)

Waymo has reached an agreement with American Axle & Manufacturing to lease a factory in Detroit, where it will integrate its self-driving systems onto vehicles provided by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Jaguar, the Google affiliate announced Tuesday.

Waymo will invest $13.6 million to adapt an existing plant within the supplier's Holbrook Avenue campus and could eventually grow to 200,000 square feet and hundreds of workers. The size of the footprint Waymo will open with later this year is not clear.

The move will create Waymo's first full-fledged assembly plant for the purpose of retrofitting vehicles with self-driving systems and marks an expansion into the cradle of the traditional auto industry.

In January, when Waymo laid out its ambitions to find a manufacturing facility in Southeast Michigan, it said as many as 400 engineers from Canada's Magna International Inc., a Waymo partner, could eventually be hired to perform the system integration. Waymo did not say Tuesday how many employees would be hired initially.

"We've found the perfect facility in Detroit," Waymo CEO John Krafcik said Monday. "We will partner with American Axle & Manufacturing to repurpose the existing facility, bringing a work force back to an area where jobs in the automotive industry were recently lost."

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/waymo%20minivan-main_i.jpg

Real Estate Insider: Pullman Parc for-sale units hit the market (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/voices-kirk-pinho/real-estate-insider-pullman-parc-sale-units-hit-market)

More for-sale multifamily residences are now on the market in Detroit, this time in the Pullman Parc development.

Farmington Hills-based Hunter Pasteur Homes said today that 81 multifamily residences across three different style types — townhomes, park homes and corner flats — are now available for sale. Prices range from $250,000 to north of $750,000.

Townhomes are 1,700 to 3,500 square feet, park homes are 1,300 to 2,100 square feet and corner flats are 620 to 950 square feet, according to a press release.

Vertical construction is expected to begin in the late summer, with earthwork starting this spring, according to a press release.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/PullmanParc-main_i.jpg

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/PullmanParc-07_i.jpg

Flagstar Bank, other corporations partner with neighborhoods in city’s revitalization efforts (https://detroit.curbed.com/2019/4/23/18512560/flagstar-bank-old-redford-strategic-neighborhood-fund)

At a press conference on April 22, city officials and representatives for Flagstar Bank announced that the bank’s $5 million contribution to the fund would be deployed in Old Redford on the city’s far northwest side. The city’s Northwest Neighborhood Framework plan was presented in July 2018, and presumably this commitment will fund future projects there.

”Old Redford is a proud Detroit community rich in potential,” said Sandro DiNello, CEO of Flagstar Bank, who grew up in the neighborhood. “The spirit of the community, combined with our commitment, has all the makings of a great partnership.”

New Fitzgerald greenway offers clues on what's next with Detroit's biking infrastructure (http://www.modeldmedia.com/features/ella-fitzgerald-greenway-04.23.19.aspx)

Spanning about a half-mile in length, the new greenway will connect the local neighborhood with two local colleges, Marygrove and U-D Mercy. Designed with pedestrians and bicyclists in mind, the nonmotorized path will be located south of West McNichols Road along a route that stretches between Livernois to the east and Greenlawn to the west. It will feature both an on-street section along Grove street and an off-street portion crossing through an area that includes Ella Fitzgerald Park, a 2.5-acre community recreation area that opened last July. The construction phase of the greenway, which will cost an estimated $750,000, is set to kick off in May and should be completed this fall.

And yet, there's a whole lot more to the pathway than just where it sits on the map. The new greenway is part of a broader effort called the Fitzgerald Revitalization Project, one of 14 neighborhood framework planning efforts taking place citywide right now. Led by the City of Detroit with the support from the Kresge Foundation and a Reimagining the Civic Commons grant, the Fitzgerald Revitalization effort seeks to transform publicly owned vacant land and buildings in the area for the benefit of the surrounding community.

http://www.modeldmedia.com/FilterD/images/issue622/efg.render2.png?s=f

http://www.modeldmedia.com/FilterD/images/issue622/efg.render1.jpg?s=f

LMich

Apr 24, 2019, 12:20 AM

Happy to see Pullman Parc hit the market. I'm always thankful for this kind of quality infill; it's like the City Modern of Lafayette Park. In a perfect world, you'd have something like this going up in Cass Park at the same time, but we know who owns Cass Park so nothing like that will ever happen so long as they own that land.

Anyway, a shot from within Elton Park by a Crain's reporter:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D43QcfhW4AIu3mb.jpg
https://twitter.com/kirkpinhoCDB/status/1120781074752262144

The North One

Apr 24, 2019, 12:29 AM

DetroitSky

Apr 24, 2019, 1:04 AM

It's been said 15 billion times already lol

I think if it's said one more time the universe might explode.

Seriously. It feels like the majority of what I've read about the project is people complaining about how its not right for the site and it looks cheap.

animatedmartian

Apr 24, 2019, 3:04 AM

Hope y'all don't mind an outsider chiming in but these seem so underwhelming for the site honestly. Forgive me if that's been said before. Hopefully demand for downtown living in Detroit will rise enough in the coming decades that something more prominent takes its place; in this regard it helps that the structure is made of wood.

Surprisingly no one ever mentions the proposal that briefly appeared for the site in 2014.

https://i.imgur.com/A5e0Vbd.jpg

It would have been two 40 story towers, a mid-rise boutique hotel, and 10 floors for a 700 space parking garage.

At the time, the land was city owned and it was reported the DEGC had rejected the proposal because the plan included revenue and expenses projects that were 'unrealistic'.

The developers offered $1.5 million dollars to buy the land with a $100,000 deposit. $120 million would have been spent on construction and business development. They stated the projected tax revenue to be $2,000,000 a year. Construction was expected to start as soon as the land was sold to these developers.

In 2014 that was a pretty uncommon proposal, but in 2019 with the Mid, Hudson's, Monroe Block, and other high rises in the pipeline, it might have been better received. Still, $120 million is cheap compared to other high rise proposals so it's still kinda suspect. Personally, I think it would have been a low quality project despite having good height.

DetroitSportsFan

Apr 24, 2019, 5:57 AM

Surprisingly no one ever mentions the proposal that briefly appeared for the site in 2014.

https://i.imgur.com/A5e0Vbd.jpg

It would have been two 40 story towers, a mid-rise boutique hotel, and 10 floors for a 700 space parking garage.

At the time, the land was city owned and it was reported the DEGC had rejected the proposal because the plan included revenue and expenses projects that were 'unrealistic'.

The developers offered $1.5 million dollars to buy the land with a $100,000 deposit. $120 million would have been spent on construction and business development. They stated the projected tax revenue to be $2,000,000 a year. Construction was expected to start as soon as the land was sold to these developers.

In 2014 that was a pretty uncommon proposal, but in 2019 with the Mid, Hudson's, Monroe Block, and other high rises in the pipeline, it might have been better received. Still, $120 million is cheap compared to other high rise proposals so it's still kinda suspect. Personally, I think it would have been a low quality project despite having good height.

Yeah, $120 million for a project that size seems low to me.

DetroitSky

Apr 24, 2019, 6:56 AM

The City Club Apartments rising there now is costing something like $70 million and The Mid is supposed to cost $310 million. I personally don't know how they expected to build all that for $120 million. But then again, the current labor shortages are raising costs for new construction.

DetroitSky

Apr 25, 2019, 12:18 AM

LinkedIn shows off its new space in Detroit's downtown (https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2019/04/24/linkedin-shows-off-its-new-space-detroits-downtown/3549214002/)

Detroit — LinkedIn opened the doors of its new permanent regional home on Woodward to visitors Wednesday, among the latest businesses to locate in the downtown Detroit corridor.

Officials and area professionals were on hand to celebrate with the professional network site's space at 1523 Woodward, a 75,000-square-foot office in the Albert Kahn-designed Sanders and Grinnell buildings. The employed moved there at the end of March.

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2019/04/24/PDTN/1f070b76-6c0d-4264-9890-90da24aa4260-2019-0424-dg-linkedin0254.jpg?width=540&height=&fit=bounds&auto=webp

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2019/04/24/PDTN/6e9b7b44-4555-4b68-ac4f-3ae2914c03e6-2019-0424-dg-linkedin0226.jpg?width=540&height=&fit=bounds&auto=webp

Detroit's Shinola Hotel makes Conde Nast world hot list (https://www.freep.com/story/travel/2019/04/24/shinola-hotel-detroit-conde-nast-world-hot-list/3560271002/)

If you have not stayed at Shinola Hotel in Detroit, you may want to visit, according to Conde Nast, which named the hotel to its 2019 Hot List.

The list consists of 82 hotels and cruises across the world, including Africa, Middle East, South America and Mexico. The locations were selected on criteria such as service, amenities, surrounding neighborhood, food and drinks.

LMich

Apr 25, 2019, 7:29 AM

Elton Park project in Corktown welcoming first residents in major new development (https://www.freep.com/in-depth/money/business/john-gallagher/2019/04/24/corktown-elton-park-project-detroit/3548042002/)

oave Real Estate Group will finish construction on its Elton Park project in Detroit's Corktown district this spring. The project marks the neighborhood's largest mixed-use real estate development in decades.

Elton Park will add six buildings, 151 apartments and about 13,500 square feet of retail to the Corktown community. The development is named for Elton Park, an historic park in Corktown lost to the construction of the Lodge Freeway.

The total cost of the development is $45 million. In line with city regulations, 20% of the units will be priced for moderate-income renters.

Pictures from the article of some of the components:

The Robertson

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2019/04/23/PDTF/781929be-67ea-45d3-b5a6-d74ec364eecb-EltonPark_042319_ES21.jpg?width=1488

2100 & 2120 Trumbull

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2019/04/23/PDTF/b54a0a43-e431-4959-b23d-2d56647e7aba-EltonPark_042319_ES19.jpg?width=1488

8th Street Row

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2019/04/23/PDTF/cc4e010d-37a9-4687-ad2a-d0b5aa21c45e-EltonPark_042319_ES06.jpg?width=1488

Checker Alley

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2019/04/23/PDTF/5af4bb77-3d9c-4d96-9677-67def54cea72-EltonPark_042319_ES05_checker_alley.jpg?width=1488

The Crawford

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2019/04/23/PDTF/9ba376a0-c7e1-426d-aa62-d6659941ca11-EltonPark_042319_ES22.JPG?width=680&height=510&fit=bounds&auto=webp

DetroitSky

Apr 25, 2019, 7:38 AM

...Elton Park is only 5 buildings, not 6.

A minor mistake, but it seems like the Free Press and News have mistakes of some sort in every article they put out.

LMich

Apr 25, 2019, 7:48 AM

It's only five if you count the two Trumbull buildings are one building.

DetroitSportsFan

Apr 25, 2019, 10:51 AM

...Elton Park is only 5 buildings, not 6.

A minor mistake, but it seems like the Free Press and News have mistakes of some sort in every article they put out.

The Robertson, Crawford, checker building, 2 Trumbel buildings, and 8th street row.

DetroitSky

Apr 25, 2019, 4:39 PM

My apologies, I was half awake when I wrote that.

New bar, alley with retail, nightlife planned in downtown Detroit after $14.5 million in renovations (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-estate/new-bar-alley-retail-nightlife-planned-downtown-detroit-after-145-million-renovations)

A bar is expected to take the 1,200-square-foot basement space below Brome Modern Eatery at the 48,000-square-foot building at 607 Shelby, with lease negotiations being finalized, according to Ben Hubert, vice president in the Detroit office of brokerage firm Colliers International Inc., which is marketing the retail space for the buildings. The brokerage firm for the office space is the Southfield office of Los Angeles-based CBRE Inc.

At 44 Michigan Ave., there is "a deal in the works" for a single retail tenant to occupy the full 21,500-square-foot building, formerly inhabited by First Independence Bank. There is also interest in 220 W. Congress, a vacant 35,000-square-foot building with 2,000-5,500 square feet of retail available, Hubert said.

The alleyway would tie into retail at 220 W. Congress and 607 Shelby. There are plans for it to have "new lighting, artwork and space for retailers, which could include entertainment, nightlife and dining options," according to a news release.

"We have seen other successful developments find creative uses for public spaces and this will definitely increase traffic and tap into the live, work, play environment that is very prevalent in Detroit right now," Jasper Hanifi, associate with CBRE, said in the release.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/alley%20rendering_i.jpg
220 West Congress

Skidmore tapped to do master plan for Uniroyal site on Detroit riverfront (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-estate/skidmore-tapped-do-master-plan-uniroyal-site-detroit-riverfront)

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP has been selected to do a master plan for the former Uniroyal Tire Co. site on the east Detroit riverfront near Belle Isle.

The Detroit Economic Development Corp., or EDC, board approved the payment to the Chicago-based firm selection on Tuesday, according to a spokeswoman. The process is budgeted to cost no more than $200,080, with the EDC paying for half and developer Bettis/Betters Development LLC responsible for the other half, according to a briefing memo for the EDC board.

The memo says the process is expected to be done in three phases over 10 weeks, with the first analysis, mapping and programming stage taking two weeks, visioning and master planning options taking four weeks, and developing the preferred master plan concept taking another four weeks.

It's not known precisely when the process will start.

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill also worked on the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy's framework plan for the east Detroit riverfront that was unveiled in the winter 2017.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/uniroyal%20site%202_i_i.jpg

HomeBase opens: Fitzgerald neighborhood gets new community and office space (https://detroit.curbed.com/2019/4/25/18516330/homebase-fitzgerald-neighborhood-live6-alliance-kresge)

Dozens of stakeholders, guests, and media representatives gathered on the morning of Thursday, April 25 to mark the official opening of Neighborhood HomeBase, a community and office space in northwest Detroit’s Fitzgerald neighborhood.

Located on McNichols Road between University of Detroit Mercy and Marygrove College, HomeBase will be the main office for Live6 Alliance, a nonprofit that services the area, and Detroit Collaborative Design Center (DCDC), a firm within Detroit Mercy’s Architecture School that designed the space itself.

But its 4,000 square feet can be used in flexible ways. Residents will be able to use HomeBase to get updates or provide feedback on the city of Detroit’s planning efforts. There will be a rotating gallery of renderings and local art. And the back half of the office can be closed off, allowing community groups to host larger meetings in the front half, rent free, even securing a key for after hours gatherings.

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/v3aES6QU8rwyFCM-x3AlFNVHLsc=/0x0:3000x2000/920x613/filters:focal(1260x760:1740x1240)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63672193/HomeBase1.0.jpg

LMich

Apr 26, 2019, 9:01 AM

Detroiters to get first dibs at new Fiat Chrysler jobs (https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/chrysler/2019/04/25/detroit-fiat-chrysler-jobs-community-benefits-jefferson-north-mack-engine/3577583002/)

Detroit — Fiat Chrysler Automobiles pledged to give Detroiters a first chance at jobs at the upgraded Jefferson North Assembly Plant and expanded Mack Avenue Engine Complex as a part of a community benefits agreement residents approved this week.

In addition to the $2.5 billion the automaker plans to invest into the east-side facilities that are expected to create nearly 5,000 jobs, FCA will invest $13.8 million into workforce training, education, housing and neighborhood revitalization under the agreement still subject to City Council approval.

The city also will spend more than $17 million on similar initiatives and infrastructure, and $4 million would come from federal and state sources.

Detroit residents will have the opportunity to apply in July for open production positions in advance of the general public. Job fairs and kiosks would focus on helping residents in the surrounding neighborhood apply.

Other commitments:

FCA will provide $1.8 million in housing-repair grants for owner-occupied homes. Applications will be made available in August.

A wall along Beniteau Street will create a barrier between the plants and be adorned with ivy and a mural. FCA also will care for a stormwater-resistant pond, install drought-resistant landscaping and plant 200 trees.

The city will invest $7 million into traffic calming and road improvements, including speed cushions, paving roads, sidewalk improvement, re-timed traffic lights and dedicated turn lanes.

The city also plans $5.9 million for 300 demolitions of vacant city-owned structures over the next three years starting along Beniteau Street in February.

Neighborhood revitalization projects will receive $800,000 from FCA.

The automaker will work with the community to develop a marketing campaign for the neighborhood and invest $300,000 in paid local media.

Updates from New Center: https://twitter.com/BacktoDetroit/status/1118620116701327360

Baltimore Station I

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D4YjEIPXkAAhpSV.jpg

The Boulevard

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D4YjEIOWwAgu6Yt.jpg

subterranean

Apr 26, 2019, 3:37 PM

Elton Park project in Corktown welcoming first residents in major new development (https://www.freep.com/in-depth/money/business/john-gallagher/2019/04/24/corktown-elton-park-project-detroit/3548042002/)

Pictures from the article of some of the components:

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2019/04/23/PDTF/b54a0a43-e431-4959-b23d-2d56647e7aba-EltonPark_042319_ES19.jpg?width=1488

What they did to UFO bar sort of cracks me up. Reminds me of the Edith Macefield house in Seattle:

https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/march-2016-ediths-house-768x662.jpg

BTW, I'm really loving all the masonry work on a lot of the infill projects in Detroit. It somehow looks both modern and classic. Definitely helps fit into the neighborhoods with a feeling of timelessness.

DetroitSky

Apr 26, 2019, 10:00 PM

Shelborne Development execs depart to form new company focused on Opportunity Zones (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-estate/shelborne-development-execs-depart-form-new-company-focused-opportunity-zones)

Shelborne Development Corp.'s top executives are departing to launch a development firm focused on Opportunity Zones throughout the state.

Shelborne CEO Jill Ferrari and Shannon Morgan, chief development officer, formed Renovare Development LLC last summer and are set to funnel all their energies into the new venture. Their last day at Shelborne is Friday.

Ferrari said she and Morgan saw the potential to capitalize on Opportunity Zones to build affordable housing.

"We wanted to find a way to make that program work with affordable housing and employ our own development vision," Ferrari said.

Renovare Development already has three properties under contract, including the historic Munising Firehall in the Upper Peninsula and the Broderick Manor and Lakewood Square apartment buildings in Detroit. Renovations and affordable housing are planned for those sites.

Walker-Miller Energy Services opens headquarters in New Center (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-estate/walker-miller-energy-services-opens-headquarters-new-center)

Walker-Miller Energy Services LLC, a Detroit-based company that specializes in energy-waste reduction, on Friday celebrated the opening of its new headquarters in the New Center neighborhood.

The company purchased the building, dubbed "The Emerald Corner," at 8045 Second Ave., according to a news release.

The move allows for the consolidation of its Midtown office space in the Boulevard West Building, as well as warehouse space and parking previously leased from nonprofit Focus: Hope, moving the company's metro Detroit team into one location, CEO Carla Walker-Miller said in a statement emailed to Crain's.

"Establishing our permanent home in this community means so much to the entire Walker-Miller Energy Services team," Walker-Miller said in a release. "This is a continuation of our long-standing commitment to Detroit. We feel extremely blessed to be able to grow our team, and the community, right here."

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/WAlker%20Miller%20new%20HQ-main_i.jpg

RossDetroit

Apr 27, 2019, 4:44 PM

Hi guys, can someone tell me if there is any news about the SOMA and the Meijers Project on Jefferson east? Thanks for all the updates, please keep Detroit fans overseas posted.

DetroitSportsFan

Apr 27, 2019, 4:47 PM

Hi guys, can someone tell me if there is any news about the SOMA and the Meijers Project on Jefferson east? Thanks for all the updates, please keep Detroit fans overseas posted.

As far as I know they’re planning to break ground on the urban format meijer later this year. The soma project recently had 2 parking garages approved, which are the first phase of the project. There’s still no timeline for that project though.

DetroitSky

Apr 27, 2019, 10:12 PM

Volunteers work to turn abandoned home into Detroit House of Music (https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2019/04/27/abandoned-home-house-music/3587336002/)

Detroit — Having spent more than 20 years as a musician, Audra Kubat and her partners are working to transform an abandoned home in the city's Northwest Goldberg neighborhood into a music sanctuary.

Kubat, an indie folk artist from Rosedale Park on Detroit's west side, launched the Detroit House of Music project that aims to bring artists from around the area to teach music to kids in the neighborhood, house traveling artists and serve as a small place for shows.

"The real vision is to create a space for our neighborhood where we can bring artists like myself to share what they do in an informal way," Kubat said. "We're not seeing great music programs in schools as much now and I know because I go into schools to teach kids songwriting, but I think it would be a lovely thing to have a space to teach kids and empower artists that are already here and traveling ones."

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2019/04/27/PDTN/73a629ac-4546-47a6-a022-658caf281588-042719-tm-Detroit_Music095.jpg?width=540&height=&fit=bounds&auto=webp

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2019/04/27/PDTN/01328e6b-be91-4567-a12d-6c860302c584-042719-tm-Detroit_Music058.jpg?width=540&height=&fit=bounds&auto=webp
Newspaper found in the floorboards

New Detroit apartments for rent for $750? Here's how that happened (https://www.freep.com/story/money/business/2019/04/26/affordable-southwest-detroit-apartments-created-by-building-owners/3573998002/)

Years ago, the second floors of many two-story commercial buildings in Detroit served as living quarters for their downstairs shopkeepers or were divided into apartments for housing residential tenants.

Over time those dwellings emptied out, leaving the upstairs as storage space or simply empty.

Now a business group in southwest Detroit is using $8,500 matching grants to encourage building owners to renovate their vacant second floors and reopen the spaces as reasonably priced market-rate apartments.

The first batch of 12 apartments is nearly ready for occupants. And based on the early interest from property owners and prospective tenants, the Southwest Detroit Business Association is looking to expand its second-floor apartments program to more buildings, and perhaps inspire similar renovation efforts across the city.

"This is an easy program that can be replicated," said Michael Odom, the business association's board chairman.

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2019/04/25/PDTF/e4cd8173-a20b-4640-83aa-d3b156a13728-secondfloor_042519_kpm_188.jpg?width=540&height=&fit=bounds&auto=webp

This Midtown coffee shop is brewing java with a purpose (http://www.modeldmedia.com/devnews/AwakeCafeOpens.aspx)

It’s all about connecting people with one another.

That’s the message Midtown’s latest café and coffee shop is hoping to send from its new location on 3rd Street.

AWAKE Café features small batch, single origin coffee from Honduras, with direct connections to the farmers and workers themselves.

"We started a coffee farm in Honduras with locals running it. We sell it here in Detroit to help pay them a livable wage," says Tonweya Sherman, manager of AWAKE Café.

"Our target goal is to provide jobs to locals there so families can stay together."

http://www.modeldmedia.com/FilterD/images/issue622/awake.cafe1.jpg?s=f

davidberko

Apr 28, 2019, 10:20 PM

DetroitSky

Apr 29, 2019, 1:10 AM

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwu_xFrh4Q3/?hl=en

If you visit the district detroit instagram and click on their progress videos the comments on them are rich. So much Ilitch hate going around these days lol

Thats great, lol. Had way too much fun reading those.

More leased space, events help bring Guardian Building out of the red (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-estate/more-leased-space-events-help-bring-guardian-building-out-red)

A plan to squeeze more cash out of the Guardian Building downtown appears to be paying off.

Wayne County, which has owned the 40-story skyscraper for about a decade, says that it had $487,400 in net revenue from the property in fiscal 2017-18, which ran from Oct. 1, 2017 to Sept. 30. That's on roughly $4.3 million in revenue and $3.8 million in expenses.

And that's compared to $3.39 million in revenue in FY 2014-15 with net revenue of $203,500, the county said. In fiscal 2015-16, it lost $62,800 and just barely broke even with $18,500 in net revenue in fiscal 2017-18.

The turnaround instituted in the wake of the county's financial crisis earlier this decade is attributed to increasing the total leased space and holding more events, said Khalil Rahal, assistant county executive in charge of economic development.

"The building was reportedly 74 percent occupied. While that is technically accurate, the county could occupy a floor but it was only 40 to 60 percent occupied. As a result, it was definitely less than (74 percent), and without going through and counting cubicles, my best guess is that it was a little over half occupied."

Today, Rahal said, it is 95 percent full, with only about 30,000 square feet of the 643,000-square-foot building at 500 Griswold St. vacant. Architecture firm SmithGroup recently inked a 10-year lease extension and soup-and-salad joint Green Room is opening on a five-year lease in the coming months in 1,000 square feet.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/WEB%20Copy%20of%20GUARDIANBUILDING-main_i_0.jpg

LMich

Apr 29, 2019, 9:57 AM

Volunteers work to turn abandoned home into Detroit House of Music (https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2019/04/27/abandoned-home-house-music/3587336002/)

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2019/04/27/PDTN/73a629ac-4546-47a6-a022-658caf281588-042719-tm-Detroit_Music095.jpg?width=540&height=&fit=bounds&auto=webp

The location of this one is interesting. While there is some redevelopment going on in NW Goldberg, the particular address of this one feels like the middle of nowhere aside from its being a block off the freeway. Literally every other building on that block on both sides of the street is vacant/bordered up aside from a house-turned-church two lots to the north.

It's a wild, wild location. But I guess you have to start somewhere.

davidberko

Apr 29, 2019, 5:33 PM

https://www.freep.com/story/money/2019/04/29/detroit-michigan-opera-house-parking-lot/3616455002/

This could be interesting....

DetroitSky

Apr 30, 2019, 3:19 AM

^Great news! I hope they go for apartments and not condos or a very small amount of condos, since the Detroit condo market hasn't been doing too well lately.

Another business opening in New Center's Woodward retail district:

TEN Nail Bar to expand to New Center with body waxing, event space (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/services/ten-nail-bar-expand-new-center-body-waxing-event-space)

The TEN Nail Bar plans to open a second location in Detroit's New Center next month.

The 2,650-square-foot location at 6541 Woodward Ave. is set to open May 18. It will offer the usual services such as manicures, pedicures and a complimentary glass of champagne, but with the addition of full-body waxing and event space for intimate parties and celebrations, such as bridal showers, according to a Monday news release.

"It was our vision to really serve what we feel is in an unjustly underserved market, and New Center is really like what Capitol Park was when we first got here," Kelli Coleman, co-founder and co-owner, said in the release.

The company employs 25 at its downtown Detroit location at 1215 Griswold St. and plans to hire 20 at the New Center site, Coleman told Crain's.

3 health systems team up to build $48 million medical laundry center in Detroit (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/health-care/3-health-systems-team-build-48-million-medical-laundry-center-detroit)

Three Michigan health systems are banding together to construct a $48 million medical laundry service center in the Northwest Goldberg neighborhood in Detroit.

Henry Ford Health System; Michigan Medicine, the University of Michigan's health care arm; and St. Joseph Mercy Health System, owned by Livonia-based Trinity Health, have stitched together a joint venture to build the facility, according to a Monday news release.

The center will be operated by Detroit-based nonprofit Metropolitan Detroit Area Hospital Services Inc., which also has run its joint laundry facility on Oakman Boulevard on Detroit's west side, the release said.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/Henry_Ford_Health_System_buildin_i.jpg
The article doesn't make it clear if they're remodeling this building or demolishing it and building new

Developers offer peek behind rainbow mural in Detroit (https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2019/04/29/developers-offer-peek-behind-rainbow-mural-detroit-building/3589240002/)

Developers offered a look Monday at the progress on a $16 million project to turn a cold storage building into a co-working space and food hall in the Milwaukee Junction neighborhood.

The first floor-to-ceiling window has been installed in the nine-story building at 2937-67 E. Grand Blvd. It will be among dozens of windows that will pour light into the long-abandoned building known for its rainbow-colored mural.

Construction began in January, and challenges in a building 100-plus years old arose, said Larry Marantette of Detroit-based Taktix Solutions.

“It has had issues on how it’s been maintained over the years,” he said. “Integrity of the walls, the brick … We’re managing that as we’re building inside the building.”

Marantette said there have also been challenges bringing utilities into a building in a very tight space on Grand Boulevard.

The project is on target for completion in November.

Crews also removed a freight elevator shaft to install a second stairwell. Framing is up for restrooms on each floor.

While much of the interior will change, plans call for preserving the 100-foot-by-125-foot rainbow-colored artwork, “Illuminated Mural,” on the building’s west side. When The Platform went under contract to buy the building in 2017, it agreed with the artist that the mural would remain.

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2019/04/29/PDTN/eecd5888-e11b-41a3-a63f-2aca394ff9b8-2019-0429-rb-me-chroma091.jpg?width=540&height=&fit=bounds&auto=webp

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2019/04/29/PDTN/6bbcf513-665d-4fe5-9d2b-10aa26e00794-2019-0429-rb-me-chroma106.jpg?width=180&height=240&fit=bounds&auto=webp

Detroit 'making significant progress' on FCA plant land (https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2019/04/29/detroit-fca-plant-land/3590147002/)

Detroit — City officials said Monday they are still “making significant progress” two days past a 60-day deadline to gather 200 acres of land for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV's $2.5 billion plant expansion on the city’s east side.

Tim Carroll, deputy communications director for the city of Detroit, confirmed the status of the project when asked Monday but declined to say anything further.

The city had until Saturday to assemble land under terms the city and the automaker agreed upon in a memorandum of understanding announced in February. As of Monday afternoon, it was unclear if the city had accomplished that goal.

City Council, meanwhile, will vote upon a property transfer or sale Tuesday, according to its meeting agenda. Councilman James Tate, who put forth the resolution on behalf of the Planning and Development Department, did not immediately return comment Monday afternoon.

FCA officials did not directly address the deadline when pressed Monday.

“FCA has confidence in the city of Detroit," FCA spokeswoman Jodi Tinson said. "We have nothing further to add at this time.”

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2019/03/14/PDTN/fad9060b-2aeb-48f0-96ee-c4d6ffb8ed6e-tdndc5-74fi2736c3owz0c1dsa_original.jpg?width=540&height=&fit=bounds&auto=webp

animatedmartian

Apr 30, 2019, 7:11 AM

https://www.freep.com/story/money/2019/04/29/detroit-michigan-opera-house-parking-lot/3616455002/

This could be interesting....

Per Crain's, proposals are due by June 10th with one chosen by September.

subterranean

Apr 30, 2019, 8:53 PM

seabee1526

Apr 30, 2019, 9:12 PM

DetroitSky

Apr 30, 2019, 9:47 PM

Model T assembly? What are the plans for this...it looks nice

No, it used to be a warehouse for Edson Moore and Company. It’s going to be office space for Coyote Logistics, residential space and retail. It's always hard to see in photos, but they added a recessed fifth floor during renovations.

Today's Real Estate Insider from Crain's (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/voices-kirk-pinho/real-estate-insider-proposed-brush-park-building-scaled-back-5-stories) has updates on a few projects:

A planned building that stirred a bit of controversy last year for its height is being scaled back.

The developer has reduced the planned building at 112 Edmund Place in the city's Brush Park neighborhood from seven stories with 82 feet to five stories with 68 feet, according to a document filed with the Brush Park Community Development Corp.

The overall square footage has gone from 82,000 to 50,000, with reduced retail from 5,000 square feet to 1,200 square feet, zero office space and additional residential units, going from 32 to 36.

The building's height drew concern from residents of the Carlton Lofts building to the north, which is 92 feet tall. Curbed Detroit reported on that about a year ago.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/112EdmundPlace-main_i.png

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/112EdmundPlace-02_i.png

Cass/Canfield appraisal: $5.468 million
The ongoing discussions over the proposed Midtown development at Cass Avenue and Canfield Street continue.

Now we know what the 1.5-acre parcel The Vernor is planned to occupy is valued at: $5.468 million, according to a March 2018 appraisal.

It was done by Detroit-based The Harbin Group Inc. on behalf of Wayne State University, which is in discussions to sell the properties at 66 W. Canfield St. and 4400-10 Cass Ave. to Broder & Sachse for a mixed-use project.

Detroit medical marijuana business park to break ground in May (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/marijuana/detroit-medical-marijuana-business-park-break-ground-may)

A new industrial park in Detroit focused on the growing and selling of medical marijuana is slated to begin construction in May.

Green Cure Wellness Inc. and Southeast Provisioning LLC plan to invest up to $6 million to open five cultivation businesses, two processing businesses and a medical marijuana dispensary. The group will occupy the city-regulated maximum for marijuana businesses of 50,000 square feet of space at 14470 Livernois Ave. between the Davison Freeway and M-10/the Lodge Freeway.

Construction is expected to begin in May with the first of the cultivation centers to begin operations in August or September, said Maurice Morton, partner in Green Cure and Southeast Provisioning and proprietor of The Morton Law Group PLLC. The entire operation is expected to be open in early 2020, he said.

Barbecue restaurant to open on Livernois-McNichols corridor (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/restaurants/barbecue-restaurant-open-livernois-mcnichols-corridor)

A new barbecue restaurant is opening on the Livernois-McNichols corridor in northwest Detroit.

TMO's Barbeque Pit could open as early as Saturday, said co-owner Tito Dotson, 45. He's finishing up build-out of the space, which started in late 2017. Once open, the restaurant at 7401 W. McNichols Road will mark the completion of a goal many years in the making.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/TMOs%20restaurant%20exterior_i.jpg

With city of Detroit's purchase complete, entire Michigan State Fairgrounds property sold (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-estate/city-detroits-purchase-complete-entire-michigan-state-fairgrounds-property-sold)

The city of Detroit has closed on its purchase of 90 percent of the former Michigan State Fairgrounds property after years of inactivity on the site where a massive private redevelopment was previously planned.

The Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority on Monday closed its deal to sell the city 142 acres near Woodward Avenue and Eight Mile Road, it announced Tuesday in an emailed statement.

The previously announced pricetag is $7 million, with half to be paid up front by the city, and the remainder once the city sells the property or in 10 years. The city anticipated issuing a request for proposals to redevelop its part of the property after the deal closed.

A representative declined to immediately provide a timeline Tuesday for the city's plans. But Tom Lewand, the city's group executive for jobs and the economy, said in a statement that "... we are currently determining next steps to ensure this property will be an asset to Detroit's future."

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/Fairgrounds%20from%20State%20Fair_LP_i.jpg

One Campus Martius addition from forumer 48307 on DetroitYes:

https://www.detroityes.com/mb/attachment.php?attachmentid=38071&d=1556592628

DetroitSky

May 2, 2019, 12:18 AM

Wayne State OKs $25 million basketball arena, will lease to Pistons for G League (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/sports/wayne-state-oks-25-million-basketball-arena-will-lease-pistons-g-league)

Wayne State University plans a $25 million basketball facility that would bring a Detroit Pistons G League team to the city.

The university's board of governors unanimously approved a proposal Wednesday afternoon to build an arena and lease it to the NBA franchise, according to Wayne State officials. WSU's men's and women's teams would also play there.

It's expected to open for the 2021-22 basketball season.

The Pistons, who play at Little Caesars Arena in downtown Detroit, will use the Wayne State facility for an affiliated NBA Gatorade League team that would play 20 or more games there a season under a 30-year lease with an option to extend. The team also plans to help create sports-related academic programming under the partnership.

The G League is a developmental league that serves as a kind of training and research ground for the NBA.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/new-wayne-state-basketball-arena-rendering-main_i.jpg

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/WSU%20new%20arena%20site%20map-04_i.jpg

Mixed-use project with affordable housing on Gratiot ready for tenants (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-estate/mixed-use-project-affordable-housing-gratiot-ready-tenants)

Residents are moving in while retail tenants are sought for a new mixed-use building with affordable housingon Detroit's east side.

Bingham Farms-based MHT Housing Inc. and the Detroit Catholic Pastoral Alliance broke ground on the $9.5 million project in February. The 52,000-square-foot, four-story building at 9100 Gratiot Ave., dubbed Gratiot Central Commons, was completed about two months ahead of schedule in early April, according to John Thorne, executive director of the Detroit Catholic Pastoral Alliance.

The project, which has 36 affordable housing units, sits between two mixed-use buildings at 8900 Gratiot Ave. and 9200 Gratiot Ave., also owned the Detroit Catholic Pastoral Alliance. A total of 28 housing units have been filled and the remaining eight units have been set aside for tenants awaiting approval through the Detroit Housing Commission's Project Based Voucher Program.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/9100%20Gratiot%20Rendering-main_i.jpg

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/9100%20gratiot%20rooms-02_i.jpg

The North One

May 2, 2019, 2:56 PM

A change at city modern, the duplettes are now row homes.

https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/59376047_1364967856974807_134823833784811520_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=951ce4c20200dbeafd75a3240b7fc6c6&oe=5D2E1058

https://www.facebook.com/HunterPasteurHomes/photos/a.1092589080879354/1364967853641474/?type=3&theater

DetroitSky

May 2, 2019, 11:08 PM

The Monarch Club rooftop bar opening soon in downtown Detroit (https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/2019/05/01/monarch-club-rooftop-bar-detroit/3638257002/)

It could be the best rooftop-bar view in Detroit: The Monarch Club opens May 11 atop the Metropolitan Building in the heart of downtown.

Outdoor patio areas flank both sides of the indoor, 13th-floor bar, with expansive sights that include Comerica Park to the north and the Hudson skyscraper construction project to the south.

"The building is in a great vantage point to downtown — you can kind of see it in a way you don't typically," said David Di Rita, principal with the Detroit-based Roxbury Group, which has redeveloped the building through a $33 million project including the 110-room Element Detroit hotel.

It's anticipated to be the highest bar open to the public in downtown Detroit, with hours daily from 4 p.m to as late as midnight. It's accessed through elevators inside the building's main entrance, facing John R Street.

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2019/05/01/PDTF/4abe237f-cdf7-4ea5-8c9c-bc17925b1a54-monarch2.jpg?width=540&height=&fit=bounds&auto=webp

Busy Bee

May 2, 2019, 11:38 PM

The Assembly rehab before and after:

https://i.imgur.com/f4Y5LWA.jpg (https://www.instagram.com/bedrockdetroit/p/Bw5DD-dDEgj/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1aq37f0ctvxg6)
Photo by Bedrock (https://www.instagram.com/bedrockdetroit/p/Bw5DD-dDEgj/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1aq37f0ctvxg6)

Reminds me of this, which makes me happy:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--JdrMlzPVtQ/T4rUDjdZOBI/AAAAAAAAI3U/dUWvOx1vJVE/s400/batts+not+incl-tilt.jpg
_ (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--JdrMlzPVtQ/T4rUDjdZOBI/AAAAAAAAI3U/dUWvOx1vJVE/s400/batts+not+incl-tilt.jpg)

DetroitSky

May 4, 2019, 3:19 AM

Detroit acquires nearly 215 acres of land for FCA plant (https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2019/05/03/detroit-officials-announce-land-deals-fca-plant/1090684001/)

Detroit — The city said Friday it can now deliver nearly 215 acres of land to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV after reaching key deals with landowners, paving the way for construction of the first new auto assembly plant Detroit has seen in nearly three decades.

With the deals complete nearly a week after deadline set by an understanding between the automaker and the city, FCA can have the acreage it needs — including roughly 80 acres currently occupied by a Moroun-owned company — to expand Jefferson North Assembly and convert its Mack Avenue Engine Complex to build new versions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, including three-row and electrified versions of the brand's full-size SUV.

The most complicated piece of the deal involved acquiring 82.2 acres of land from Moroun-owned Crown Enterprises Inc. The city struck a deal with the Morouns to pay $43.5 million and swap 117 acres of land in return for the parcel at 12141 Charlevoix St. The Moroun property was by far the most expensive, as the city acquired the other 132 acres for $4.6 million.

Fifth Third to focus on Seven Mile-Gratiot with $5 million investment (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/philanthropy/fifth-third-focus-seven-mile-gratiot-5-million-investment)

Adding a median to Gratiot Avenue, repurposing abandoned schools and creating a micro-commercial district are ideas being explored for the revitalization of Detroit's Seven Mile and Gratiot area.

The neighborhood is being targeted for rehab by the city's Strategic Neighborhood Fund. Fifth Third Bancorp officials said Friday they are funneling $5 million into the SNF and Affordable Housing Leverage Fund. The investment is part of the $35 million committed by seven corporations last year.

"The further we move from downtown, the more people believe this resurgence is gonna bring everyone along," Maurice Cox, the city's planning director, told Crain's.

Cincinnati-based Fifth Third's partnership with the eastside neighborhood follows Troy-based Flagstar Bancorp's decision to focus its $5 million promise on the Old Redford neighborhood on the west side of Detroit. Revitalizing the Seven Mile and Gratiot corridor presents a unique set of challenges for the city and partners. The area is home to several strip malls and supermarkets but has also suffered from population loss and abandonment. Eight miles from the city center, the corridor is far from the sphere of downtown and Midtown resurgence and lacks the institutional anchors found in northwest Detroit.

$8.3 million development in northwest Detroit lands new tenants, to be done by August (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-estate/83-million-development-northwest-detroit-lands-new-tenants-be-done-august)

The $8.3 million development at the corner of Livernois Avenue and Seven Mile Road in northwest Detroit has a new name, expected completion date and a pair of newly signed tenants.

B. Siegel Detroit — rolled out as the 7.Liv project in February 2018 — is expected to be complete by Aug. 1, said Matt Hessler, the real estate developer heading up the mixed-use project. It consists of 10 apartment units and just shy of 20,000 square feet of retail space.

Detroit Vs Everybody will open its flagship store there in early August, owner Tommey Walker said. Once open, the 1,500-square-foot shop will be the clothing chain's eighth location. It will carry the familiar shirts and hoodies stamped with its signature phrase, as well as new releases.

Walker said the store is expected to open when the development is done in early August. He said he is investing upward of $40,000 into build-out.

The clothing retailer will be joined by a nail salon called Lacquered, which is moving into a 1,700-square-foot space in the development.

Hessler said there is still slightly less than 10,000 square feet of retail space available, and it will be divided depending on use. He said he is in talks with other retailers and restaurants, but nothing else has been solidified.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/7.liv%20rendering%20final-main_i_i.jpg

hybrydy

May 7, 2019, 1:19 AM

Reminds me of this, which makes me happy:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--JdrMlzPVtQ/T4rUDjdZOBI/AAAAAAAAI3U/dUWvOx1vJVE/s400/batts+not+incl-tilt.jpg

one of my fav childhood films :tup:
https://c8.alamy.com/comp/DDT58J/batteries-not-included-1987-matthew-robbins-dir-bni-003-moviestore-DDT58J.jpg

DetroitSky

May 7, 2019, 9:37 PM

Navigating digital transformation, media mogul Nancy Tellem transforms historic Detroit home (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/voices-mary-kramer/navigating-digital-transformation-media-mogul-nancy-tellem-transforms-historic)

Back in Detroit, Nancy Tellem's local profile will grow since she bought a historic building last year in Detroit's cultural district — a block from the Detroit Institute of Arts and College for Creative Studies and three blocks from Wayne State. She intends to transform the 1887 Queen Anne home into a business accelerator and co-working space for local creatives and media-focused entrepreneurs.

"I'm not clear on the business model, but I am clear that this will be a place where ideas are generated and exchanged," Tellem says on a recent tour of the building, pointing out spaces where a podcast studio could be built and individual studios could occupy an upper floor. The main floor, though, is for convening, for speakers, for sparking ideas. She's inspired by membership and co-working spaces like Soho House that has outposts in New York and other cities, and The Assembly in San Francisco that caters to women with classes and community-building offerings.

Community is a theme that Tellem comes back to again and again when she talks about the new project, which she has dubbed Ett hem-Detroit — Swedish (a nod to her husband's roots) for "a home."

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/2019-0407-bb-NancyTellem3-02_i.jpg

Détroit is the New Black to reopen downtown Detroit store (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/retail/detroit-new-black-reopen-downtown-detroit-store)

After years of operating out of temporary spaces around the city, Detroit clothing brand Détroit Is The New Black is set to open its first permanent flagship location in downtown Detroit on Friday.

The updated 2,300-square-foot store at 1430 Woodward Ave. will focus on sustainable fashion, featuring a new line of organic Turkish denim with sustainable labels, and a curated section of luxury goods all while representing designers of color, according to a news release.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/detroit%20is%20the%20new%20black%20woodward%20shinola1-main_i.jpg

Detroit Vineyards, Detroit's first winery in 60 years, opens in old Stroh's building (https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2019/05/03/detroit-vineyards-winery-taproom/3662810002/)

Sitting on Gratiot Avenue in the former Stroh’s Ice Cream facility, Detroit Vineyards officially opened its doors Friday.

Featuring wine from Detroit-grown grapes, the business is the first winery in Detroit in 60 years. Co-founders Blake Kownacki and Claes Fornell established the Detroit Vineyards company in 2014.

“To combine what I do for a living with a place I hold near and dear to my heart, I couldn’t ask for a better situation,” said Kownacki, who is a winemaker and grew up in Waterford.

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2019/05/03/PDTF/1efb9182-d9b1-4c2a-adae-165b7fbc6b89-DFP-Detroit-winery-8-sw.jpg?width=540&height=&fit=bounds&auto=webp

First tenants move in to completed Baltimore Station 1 apartments (https://detroit.curbed.com/2019/5/6/18534540/baltimore-station-1-milwaukee-junction-the-platform)

Tenants are moving in to the first of its completed buildings, Baltimore Station 1 on Woodward Avenue, which has been under construction for a couple years.

This 27,110-square-foot mixed-use building has 23 apartments. Five of the units will lease for 80 percent of the area median income, or for households that make less than $45,440 per year.

Here’s a breakdown of the unit sizes and rental rates from a 2018 Curbed Detroit article: A 570-square-foot studio run $1,315 per month. One bedrooms will range in size from 590-850 square feet, at $1,280-1,795. Two bedrooms will be 1,000-1,185 square feet, at $2,070-2,552 a month.

All units, many of which are still available for rent, come with stainless-steel appliances, in-unit laundry, granite countertops, and on-site parking. Some have a private terrace as well.

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/B2CtNyPk_b7GonZEZSLXeUncabw=/0x0:3000x2001/920x613/filters:focal(1260x761:1740x1241)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63746376/Nadir_Ali_Baltimore_Station_43.0.jpg

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/n-nchSUqKFA8BHjPQ1krRU27pWc=/0x0:3000x2002/920x0/filters:focal(0x0:3000x2002):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/16217361/Nadir_Ali_Baltimore_Station_1.jpg

LMich

May 8, 2019, 9:30 AM

Recent photo of the One Campus Martius expansion:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D56ZhK9XsAA6xM7.jpg
https://twitter.com/BedrockDetroit/status/1125505753652002816

They say it won't be completed until 2020. It must be very early 2020, because this thing has gone up quickly.

The North One

May 8, 2019, 5:09 PM

well we all know topping out is very different than full completion.

subterranean

May 8, 2019, 5:41 PM

Anyone remember the size of that expansion? Something like 350,000 sq. ft.?

DetroitSportsFan

May 8, 2019, 8:36 PM

Anyone remember the size of that expansion? Something like 350,000 sq. ft.?

I believe 300,000. Also thwy’re Even farther along now than in that photo. They only have 2 more floors to go for the windows I believe.

Innsertnamehere

May 8, 2019, 10:24 PM

It’s crazy how much space that actually is, it looks like such a small addition. That’s like 2,500 new employees at full occupancy.

DetroitSky

May 8, 2019, 11:45 PM

The addition makes One Campus Martius look massive. I never realized how big the building really is until they started filling in the notch. I believe when the addition is complete it will be the largest office building in the city by square footage, overtaking Cadillac Place.

Clothing manufacturing hub finds home with Carhartt in Midtown (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/manufacturing/clothing-manufacturing-hub-finds-home-carhartt-midtown)

An effort by a local coalition of clothing makers to create a nonprofit industrial sewing center in Detroit is coming to life in space donated by workwear company Carhartt Inc.

The Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center (ISAIC) will aim to grow the city's clothing manufacturing industry from above Carhartt's Midtown retail shop on Cass Avenue, according to a news release.

The ISAIC effort is two-pronged. Its nonprofit institute oversees a nationally recognized apparel industry apprenticeship program that will be implemented at its Cass Avenue facility, as well as through Detroit nonprofit The Empowerment Plan and others. ISAIC also aims to start a clothing-making factory late this year in the third-floor, 13,800-square-foot space at 5800 Cass Ave.

The manufacturing operation will provide contract sewing services for other companies, starting with 10 employees and building to 24 by the end of the year, Jen Guarino, chair of ISAIC's board and vice president of manufacturing at Shinola/Detroit LLC, told Crain's. The factory will share profits with employees in some way and could possibly be worker-owned, but its structure hasn't been finalized.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/carhartt%20cass%20store_i.jpg

Downtown Detroit taco restaurant to open second location in Eastern Market (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/food-drink/downtown-detroit-taco-restaurant-open-second-location-eastern-market)

Owners of a small Mexican restaurant in downtown Detroit plan to open a second location double the size in Eastern Market.

Jose's Tacos is expected to open this summer in a building at 2510 Market Street, which is owned by Sanford Nelson. Luis Orozco, manager of the restaurant and son of the owners, said they signed a long-term lease after being approached by Nelson, a regular at the restaurant, around six months ago. Orozco said the space made perfect sense for the business.

"We already buy produce and meat in Eastern Market, so Eastern Market would be a perfect fit for us," he said.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/eastern%20market%20taco%20site_i.jpg

Detroit begins work to remove median on Avenue of Fashion (https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2019/05/08/detroit-begins-work-remove-median-avenue-fashion/1140436001/)

Detroit — When a median was installed along the Avenue of Fashion 13 year ago, it impacted business but not in a good way, said Ronda Morrison, owner of House of Morrison Shoe Repair on Livernois. Her customers didn’t stop in as often.

“After that median, a lot of stores closed…” she said. “Just the inconvenience of having to pass and come back, pass and come back. … It was an inconvenience to them and an inconvenience to us.”

That controversial median will be no more as city officials and business owners celebrated Wednesday the start of construction to remove the barrier stretching from Margareta, two blocks south of 7 Mile, to 8 Mile. Construction noise filled the air as crews performed a ceremonial dig on the median in front of Morrison's shop.

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2019/05/08/PDTN/bb926e1e-de9e-4d2c-9ef0-d4b2f43b1c0d-2019-0508-dm-me-livernois1401.jpg?width=540&height=&fit=bounds&auto=webp

^ It will be interesting to see if even more new businesses open in the Avenue of Fashion once this project is complete.

Detroit council approves sale of Johnson Recreation Center to U of D Jesuit (https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2019/05/07/detroit-council-approves-sale-recreation-center-u-d-jesuit/1132795001/)

Detroit — The City Council on Tuesday approved the sale of the long-vacant Johnson Recreation Center for $625,000 to University of Detroit Jesuit High School.

The school said it plans to renovate the building and give the community access to it through an agreement the city negotiated with the residents.

“We’ll get a one-time dollar amount for it, but it’s a long-term fix for the community,” said Councilman Andre Spivey, one of seven council members to vote in favor of the sale Tuesday. “I think it will be a wonderful catalyst for the community.”

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2019/04/02/PDTN/fe21c936-6359-439c-ae94-00557f62a67a-JohnsonRecCenter.jpg?width=540&height=&fit=bounds&auto=webp

Townhomes at Saint Charles development hit the market (https://detroit.curbed.com/2019/5/8/18537470/saint-charles-school-development-islandview-townhomes)

In Islandview, the slightly more economically challenged neighbor to the West Village, a luxury residential development is well underway. Banyan Investments LLC has been redeveloping the historic Saint Charles School into 25 condominiums ranging in price from $275,000 to nearly $1 million.

Phase two of the development, the Saint Charles Terraces, just listed for sale.

The 10 new-build townhomes have a very modern look, from the rectilinear design to the sleek surfaces. The one- and two-bedroom units have similar floor plans and amenities, including wood floors, marble bathrooms, appliances, and a private patio or rooftop.

The homes range in price from $230,000 for a 536-square-foot unit to $605,000 for a two-bedroom that’s just over 1,400 square feet. That puts the cost between $400 and $430 per square foot—an exceptionally high number for a neighborhood-based development. It will be interesting to see how many are able to sell.

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fJ0bD4duRDlkyttWY_lmL7QUh1U=/0x0:2000x1124/920x613/filters:focal(840x402:1160x722)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63759400/final_ext_w_people.0.jpg

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gG6erncXkdvZbDI9VsuZDkvBCKM=/0x0:1686x1124/920x0/filters:focal(0x0:1686x1124):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/16222456/Living_01.jpg

DetroitSky

May 9, 2019, 11:45 PM

NSO has buyer for Midtown homeless center, partner on $20 million project (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/nonprofit/nso-has-buyer-midtown-homeless-center-partner-20-million-project)

The nonprofit Neighborhood Service Organization has identified a buyer for its Midtown drop-in center for the homeless.

Bingham Farms-based MHT Housing Inc. "made an offer, and we're solidifying it," said NSO President and CEO Linda Little Thursday afternoon. She declined to disclose specifics.

Neighborhood Service Organization
Linda Little
NSO, and Olympia Development of Michigan, the Ilitch family's real estate company, had a verbal agreement about the Tumaini Center at 3430 Third Street.

MHT was not immediately available for comment Thursday afternoon. But a statement from MHT and Olympia Development indicates that Olympia is still involved with the project.

MHT is NSO's development partner for the supportive housing piece of a $20 million shelter and apartment complex planned near the intersection of Mack Avenue, just east of Gratiot, Little said. The site was home to the former Deroit Police 7th Precinct which closed in 2006 and was subsequently demolished.

Little said NSO and MHT plan to break ground in June on the supportive housing component of the project.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/NSO%20new%20center_i.jpg

DetroitSky

May 11, 2019, 5:25 AM

American Axle to invest $5 million in Banglatown to tackle blight, boost redevelopment (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/economic-development/american-axle-invest-5-million-banglatown-tackle-blight-boost-redevelopment)

American Axle's contribution will be focused on streetscape improvements, fixing up vacant storefronts and stabilizing affordable single-family homes in Banglatown, according to a news release.

The neighborhood north of Hamtramck and also referred to as Campau was dubbed Banglatown by city officials in 2017 because of its growing population of immigrants from the South Asian country of Bangladesh. The targeted area isgenerally bounded by I-75 to the west and Mound Road to the east, with the Davison Freeway to the north and Carpenter and Caniff to the south.

Improvements planned for this year include a new splash pad and pavilion at Jayne Field park, as well as a new soccer field and cricket pitch, and improved basketball and tennis courts. The streetscape repairs include road resurfacing on Conant Street from Davison Street to Carpenter Avenue, as well as improved pedestrian crossings at Conant.

In addition, the SNF plan includes the removal of 42 blighted structures in the neighborhood and cleanup around Davison Elementary School, according to a city planning document.

A $6.4 million redevelopment of a vacant Catholic school into a 23-unit affordable apartment complex is also still moving forward, but likely won't be delivered by the end of the year as initially announced. A vacant hospital on Carpenter Avenue, a blighted commercial building on Conant and a derelict factory on Dequindre Road near the I-75 Service Drive are being prioritized for stabilization and redevelopment, according to the city document.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/Banglatown%20map_i.jpg

The Film Lab pairs bar, cinema in Hamtramck (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/entertainment/film-lab-pairs-bar-cinema-hamtramck)

Italian horror movies from the '60s and '70s could be coming soon to a former Polish Legion of American Veterans hall in Hamtramck.

Business partners Josh Gardner and Lara Sfire plan to open the Film Lab this summer.

A ground-floor bar would open first, screening movies weekly over drinks while the team works to fund renovations for a second-story, two-screen cinema that would debut next year.

The venue will be a physical home for Cinema Lamont, a 2-year-old nonprofit founded by Gardner that has organized more than 100 screenings around metro Detroit and aims to grow "cross-cultural understanding" through movies, he said.

At the Film Lab, it will run international films, cult classics, restorations of rare films and more current independent films.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/post%201%20plav%20building%20film%20lab%20hamtramck-main_i.jpg

samjonas

May 11, 2019, 9:59 AM

There so many beautiful skyscrapers... I love detroit

Regards
Mobi (https://routerlogin.mobi/192-168-2-2/)

seabee1526

May 13, 2019, 4:24 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2gSndtvCeI

There were talking about a redesign...

The North One

May 13, 2019, 6:05 PM

They already told us they were still doing finishing touches, highly doubt it would be anything major since they've already submitted plans and Gilbert himself said it wasn't going to change much. Sounds like somebody is late to the party.

animatedmartian

May 13, 2019, 7:22 PM

It's been noted before that the foundation prior to construction could only support up to 16 floors. Much of the work going on now is to reinforce or rebuild the foundation to be able to hold the new construction.

The square on the southern half of the site should be pretty much where the tower will be since obviously the tower is going to be greater than 16 floors. The northern half of the site doesn't need much more than the cassions they've been drilling and IIRC, it's more likely we'd see the mid-rise portion of the site rise before the high-rise portion.

So far there's still nothing unexpected about the work going on and everything looks to be on schedule.

A redesign is contingent on whether or not they decide make the tower taller than 912'. Above that and the foundation and elevator core have to be built stronger which obviously would affect other aspects of the tower as well as making it more expensive.

DetroitSky

May 13, 2019, 11:49 PM

Senate Theater raising funds to install new marquee (https://detroit.curbed.com/2019/5/13/18617887/senate-theater-marquee-wurlitzer-organ-easy-rider)

The 1926 theater on Michigan Avenue is run by the Detroit Theater Organ Society (DTOS), which purchased the building in 1963 and has been steadily revamping it—the theater even began screening movies again after a 50-year hiatus in 2013. The society also owns one of the world’s largest Wurlitzer pipe organs and relocated it to the theater.

Now DTOS is looking to redo the marquee and is having a bike-themed fundraiser to support the effort. DTOS says it’s raised $60,000 towards its goal of $160,000.

On Sunday, June 9 beginning at 3 p.m., there will be a bike ride down Michigan Avenue leaving from Detroit Moped Works—bicycles, mopeds, motorcycles, and all forms of two-wheeled transportation are encouraged to participate. Rides are being organized and supported by local businesses Clutch & Throttle and Metropolis Cycle, and Wheelhouse Detroit will provide free bicycle valet upon arrival at the theater.

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/moSoVSU8eMiFHphviwS-3t_sYU0=/0x0:3401x2267/920x613/filters:focal(1429x862:1973x1406)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63825452/Senate_Theater.0.jpg

The Monarch Club Towers Over Downtown Detroit With Panoramic Views (https://detroit.eater.com/2019/5/13/18617744/the-monarch-club-detroit-rooftop-bar-open-element-hotel-photos)

Perched atop the restored Metropolitan Building in downtown, the Monarch Club rooftop bar opened on Saturday, May 11, with sweeping views of the Detroit skyline. Located on the 13th story of the neo-Gothic property that was once home to the city’s jewelers and watchmakers, it’s the tallest rooftop bar available to the public in the area. With three outdoor terraces, it’s an impressive vantage point to look out at the city’s iconic architecture.

Visitors can access the Monarch Club by wandering into the refurbished lobby of the Element Hotel and hopping on an elevator. The doors open onto the main landing of the 150-seat bar, which is filled in by plush, red banquette seating and a white marble-topped bar. A pair of double doors demarcate additional lounges for regular bar service or private events with access to two of the building’s three patio spaces. The rooms were once concrete boxes used primarily by technicians servicing machinery at the top of the building. No they feature finished blue walls, leather armchairs, and views of the city through arched windows.

The third patio area, which will remain open to the public regardless of private events, overlooks the north side of the building towards Woodward Avenue and Comerica Park. Each of the terraces is outfitted with tables and fire pits for relaxing and enjoying the scenery — maybe even some baseball game fireworks — during nice weather.

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3at5yl7Vh7ZxnUyHzUnHhHwJQJk=/0x0:2048x1365/1520x0/filters:focal(0x0:2048x1365):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/16256286/TMC_119.jpg

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/s2jD_TuwKbVMn04OAO03H2hgDwY=/0x0:2048x1365/1320x0/filters:focal(0x0:2048x1365):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/16256290/TMC_103.jpg

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/I3meX38DSV7fjAOe_Th09erZHaI=/0x0:2048x1365/1570x883/filters:focal(1204x811:1530x1137)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63824638/TMC_123.0.jpg

^Beautiful space. Hard to believe that building was in ruins just a few years ago.

subterranean

May 14, 2019, 2:27 AM

I would’ve put up a higher barrier if it were up to me.

DetroitSky

May 15, 2019, 1:03 AM

Wilson foundation provides $1.9 million in grants to connect trails in Detroit and Downriver (https://detroit.curbed.com/2019/5/14/18623824/ralph-wilson-foundation-iron-belle-trail-detroit)

The longest trail in Michigan just got funding to fill in gaps in Detroit and Downriver.

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, which funds numerous programs and projects that contribute to positive health outcomes in the state, provided $1.9 million in grants to the Friends of the Detroit River and other partners to build out parts of the Iron Belle Trail.

The projects will contribute to 3.5 miles of trail gaps and build connections between Detroit and Downriver. The Iron Belle Trail is a 2000-mile series of greenways and non-motorized trails extending from Southeast Michigan to the western edge of the Upper Peninsula. There are still gaps in the trail which are slowly being filled in through initiatives like this.

According to Crain’s Detroit Business, about $550,000 of the funds will go towards the creation of the Fort Street Bridge Interpretive Park, which will have “a gathering plaza, rain garden, and educational materials on the 1932 Ford Hunger March.” Construction on the park will begin this summer.

Olga's Kitchen to return to Detroit, open in MGM Grand Detroit casino (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/food-drink/olgas-kitchen-return-detroit-open-mgm-grand-detroit-casino)

Olga's Kitchen is set to land in MGM Grand Detroit next month, marking its return to the Motor City.

The restaurant will serve customers 21 and older and offer a tight selection of signature options and favorites, along with salads and side dishes, such as the original Olga and the Olga salad and Olga's Snackers, according to a Tuesday news release.

Olga's Kitchen, known for its Mediterranean-style sandwiches wrapped in "Olga" pita bread, was previously located in Detroit at 1050 Woodward Ave., formerly the Compuware Corp. headquarters, but closed its doors in 2015, the release said.

"Olga's Kitchen is a staple concept here in Michigan where many have fond memories, and we are excited to carry on that tradition of a memorable dining experience to our thousands of guests we serve each day," Mike Neubecker, president and COO of MGM Grand Detroit, said in the release.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/Olgas-Kitchen_MGM-Grand-Detroit1_i.jpg

^Meh, I'd rather see them open an actual storefront location accessible to everyone, but still good news nonetheless. Maybe they'll consider opening other locations around Detroit in the future. Definitely a good sign they haven't given up on Detroit.

Detroit Beer Exchange in the works downtown (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/food-drink/detroit-beer-exchange-works-downtown)

The owner behind Kalamazoo Beer Exchange has another stock-market bar in the works, this time in downtown Detroit.

James Flora, who opened a bar and restaurant in Kalamazoo in 2010 where beer costs fluctuate like stock prices, now plans to open a Detroit Beer Exchange, he confirmed to Crain's.

The bar is planned for 1258 Washington Blvd., in Detroit-based Roxbury Group's redevelopment of the historic Stevens Building alongside Invest Detroit.

Roxbury bought the Stevens Building as a pair with the Louis Kamper Building in 2016 with Invest Detroit, and it is keeping them as affordable senior housing after renovations.

They have nearly 9,000 square feet of retail space, according to Roxbury's website.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/stevens%20building%20detroit%20roxbury%20group-main_i.jpg

The North One

May 15, 2019, 3:15 AM

pfft affordable senior housing. I guess it's more ethical to wait it out. Both of those are trophy properties. They deserve to be luxury condos.

DetroitSky

May 15, 2019, 6:38 AM

pfft affordable senior housing. I guess it's more ethical to wait it out. Both of those are trophy properties. They deserve to be luxury condos.

At least they’re getting some much needed renovations and activating their storefronts. I’m alright with having a few senior apartment buildings downtown. It’s too bad the Washington Boulevard Apartments wasn’t part of Roxbury’s deal. I understand they were under negotiations to buy that building for renovations as well but that fell through. It could really use some improvements.

Busy Bee

May 15, 2019, 2:33 PM

I would’ve put up a higher barrier if it were up to me.

It looks to be at least 36", probably 40". Why would it need to be higher? They're not corralling cattle up there.

subterranean

May 15, 2019, 3:17 PM

It looks to be at least 36", probably 40". Why would it need to be higher? They're not corralling cattle up there.

Drunk people.

Garbage_Human

May 15, 2019, 3:27 PM

Drunk people.

If they fall it's just natural selection at it's best :shrug:

animatedmartian

May 15, 2019, 9:01 PM

If they fall it's just natural selection at it's best :shrug:

Until they fall onto a pedestrian below which then makes it a liability. While the chances are low, a single lawsuit could pretty much close the whole restaurant if it even happened once.

DetroitSky

May 15, 2019, 11:38 PM

Modern townhome development in Corktown breaks ground (https://detroit.curbed.com/2019/5/15/18624858/bagley-10-condos-for-sale-corktown)

Elton Park, The Corner, Michigan Central Station—Detroit’s oldest neighborhood has been seeing a lot of new construction of late. The Bagley 10, which just broke ground, will be another addition to Corktown.

Consisting of (you guessed it) 10 townhouses on Bagley Street, the project has a distinct modern design with large, street facing windows and burnished concrete. The architects say it is “inspired by a walk-up/walk-down rowhouse” more typical of New York City.

The units are divided into upper and lower floor plans, but all are a little over 2,000 square feet and come with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two secured parking spots. Each plan will either have a private front courtyard or roof terrace, and all will have access to a rear patio.

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EhAuBmy_UgqGYZgc6iq18DkFggc=/0x0:1500x833/920x613/filters:focal(630x297:870x537)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63839265/Bagley10_Detroit_Condo.0.jpeg

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/U4HCrgR94BXpVx8LA9Q8tgRMbYY=/0x0:1500x1125/920x0/filters:focal(0x0:1500x1125):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/16277953/EXTERIOR4.png

The North One

May 16, 2019, 3:32 PM

Until they fall onto a pedestrian below which then makes it a liability. While the chances are low, a single lawsuit could pretty much close the whole restaurant if it even happened once.

I'm not too worried since:

It's a rooftop club not an irish pub where people get blackout drunk.

They would likely stop selling you drinks or not allow you outside if it ever got to that point

Below the majority of the railings is an alleyway, likely not many people walking around there.

There's clubs like this with similar railings all over NYC/Chicago.

seabee1526

May 16, 2019, 8:22 PM

Are there any plans for the Joe Lewis site once demolition is complete? Really tall apartment tower?

animatedmartian

May 16, 2019, 8:58 PM

Are there any plans for the Joe Lewis site once demolition is complete? Really tall apartment tower?

No plans right now. The insurance company that owns it has until 2020 to submit plans to the city.

DetroitSky

May 17, 2019, 3:46 AM

Henry Ford Health builds art and community event space in Northwest Goldberg (https://detroit.curbed.com/2019/5/16/18628313/henry-ford-health-system-artblock-northwest-goldberg)

There’s going to be a new addition to the vibrant Lincoln Street Art Park near the Recycle Here! center in Northwest Goldberg.

ArtBlock is an art-centered community event space developed by Henry Ford Health System (HFHS). The 3,300-square-foot former liquor store on Holden Street has been adorned with art, both inside and out, and will host regular programming and be available for use by local community groups and residents.

It was supported through a $200,000 grant by the Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation.

Five public art installations were created for the opening: two murals on the building’s exterior, a sewn textile installation, graffiti painted by a variety of artists, and two metal hippopotamuses across the street.

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QQksuN6NDocaNZpYYn2jy57eMpU=/0x0:1890x1263/920x613/filters:focal(794x481:1096x783)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63847451/Michelle_Tanguay.0.jpg

deja vu

May 17, 2019, 3:18 PM

It looks to be at least 36", probably 40". Why would it need to be higher? They're not corralling cattle up there.

Building code requires 42" high guard rails, minimum. It looks to be about that.

seabee1526

May 17, 2019, 4:18 PM

https://detroit.curbed.com/2019/5/17/18629398/eddystone-hotel-redevelopment-agreement-district-detroit

Work on the Eddystone to happen?

DetroitSky

May 19, 2019, 10:02 PM

Stephen Ross, Dan Gilbert, UM in talks to bring ‘innovation center' to former jail site (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-estate/stephen-ross-dan-gilbert-um-talks-bring-innovation-center-former-jail-site)

New York City real estate mogul Stephen Ross is in talks with Detroit billionaire businessman Dan Gilbert and the University of Michigan about establishing a manufacturing innovation center on the vacant Gratiot Avenue site where Wayne County's half-built jail was demolished last summer, Crain's has learned.

The concept is a "Detroit innovation center" that could house research and development for UM, according to three people familiar with the talks who requested anonymity. It would represent a major expansion into Detroit for the university.

For years, the 15-acre former jail site has long been seen as an eyesore to the eastern gateway of downtown Detroit — and a major development opportunity at I-375 and Gratiot that could spur northward revitalization along the avenue.

For UM, the Gratiot site is envisioned to mirror Cornell University's Cornell Tech urban campus on Roosevelt Island in New York City, according to two sources familiar with the plans. Ross' real estate development firm, Related Cos., was one of the developers that constructed Cornell Tech's first residential building on Roosevelt Island, a narrow island in New York's East River nestled between Manhattan Island and the Queens borough.

A native of Detroit who has donated more than $300 million of his wealth to UM, Ross has expressed past interest in doing a real estate project in the city — but has largely remained on the sidelines of the revitalization of downtown Detroit that Gilbert has led since bringing his Quicken Loans Inc. to the city nine years ago.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/jailsite2-01_i.jpg

Motown Museum park to open (https://www.abc12.com/content/news/Motown-Museum-park-to-open-510124551.html)

DETROIT (AP) - (05/18/19)- The Motown Museum has created a park that it's unveiling in conjunction with a celebration of its founder .

Dancing in the Street Park will debut Sunday afternoon next to the Detroit museum, located in the former home of Motown Records' offices and studio.

Officials say the public gathering place fits within the mission of museum founder, Esther Gordy Edwards, who sought to commemorate the company's legacy in Detroit.

uaarkson

May 20, 2019, 3:12 PM

That's about the happiest ending to the Fail Jail story that anyone could have hoped for, at this point.

The North One

May 20, 2019, 4:12 PM

Woah, there's a lot happening here.

This confirms my suspicion that Gilbert wants as much of the highway and interchange removed as possible for developable land and with heavy weights like him, Ross and UM they could easily pressure the state/MDOT into doing what they want considering the investment. UM seriously wanting a major base in the city is something we've known for awhile but these are the first time actual plans have been leaked.

DetroitSky

May 20, 2019, 10:30 PM

Former WJBK-TV Studios building in New Center lists for $3.5M (https://detroit.curbed.com/2019/5/20/18632563/wjbk-tv-studios-building-for-sale-new-center)

Just north of the Fisher Building in New Center, the former WJBK-TV Studios building is for sale. The 30,000-square-foot, all-brick building is listed through O’Connor Real Estate for $3.5 million.

The former studio on 2nd Avenue is notable for several reasons. Built in 1956 in the Georgian Revival style, there’s a limestone-trimmed portico at the front entrance, and a frieze and cornice at the top of the two-story building. The only building designed in Detroit by John L. Volk, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016.

WJBK broadcast shows there for about 15 years, then sold it to a Detroit public television station, which left in 2009.

Ottawa-based Halcor bought the property in 2014. The company then made plans to develop the building and site, adding more height to the original building as well as constructing several new ones. In total, the proposal called for 145 residential units and 5,000 square feet of commercial space.

Purchase of the property comes with development plans.

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jx6EtFe6MfP7obEnvFOmWjMmSSM=/0x0:1440x633/920x0/filters:focal(0x0:1440x633):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/16288261/Rendering.jpg

^This is the first we've heard of this project in years. Hopefully this sells quick and gets underway soon. As originally announced it was supposed to be completed this year, I believe.

The North One

May 21, 2019, 3:02 AM

how are they allowed to build on top of a national historic landmark?

Detroit

May 21, 2019, 3:45 AM

how are they allowed to build on top of a national historic landmark?

It’s been known to happen from time to time. Here is an example of a pretty popular historical site getting a tower expansion. The Hearst Tower in NYC. https://macaulay.cuny.edu/seminars/napoli07/articles/h/e/a/Hearst_Tower_cdbe.html

DetroitSky

May 21, 2019, 5:24 AM

Preservation Detroit posted on their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/PreservationDetroit/) that the Detroit Saturday Night building has been saved from demolition!

Safe for now!
Detroit Saturday Night Building
Thanks to your comments to city council and your petition signatures, the Detroit Saturday Night building is safe! The owner, Emmett Moten, and city government are working to find an alternative use for the building, but we have received word from the city that they do not intend to allow demolition to the building. Thank you for your advocacy!

https://scontent.fdtw1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/61171286_10156427896953763_3798829574662389760_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_ht=scontent.fdtw1-1.fna&oh=ee38e75084a02c78d39e1f336047bb3c&oe=5D68203C

High-end golf clothing shop to open in downtown Detroit (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/retail/high-end-golf-clothing-shop-open-downtown-detroit)

High-end men's clothing company Greyson Clothiers is opening a store in downtown Detroit and teeing up plans to eventually move its base to the city.

Greyson, which specializes in golf attire, will open a 3,500-square-foot shop Wednesday at the ground floor of the First National Building as a popup through Aug. 31, said Adrienne Cass, spokeswoman for the company.

It will be the Hawthorne, New York-based company's only brick-and-mortar retail store in the country, launched in tandem with the Rocket Mortgage Classic that is scheduled for the end of June at the Detroit Golf Club. Once the popup is done, the company plans to open a permanent flagship store in Detroit — either at the Bedrock-owned building or elsewhere in the city. The long-term plan is to move Greyson's 20 or so full-time employees to the city.

"My heart never left Detroit," said Greyson owner Charlie Schaefer. "We will be flowing product into the store that doesn't exist anywhere else."

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/greyson%20clothier%20downtown%20detroit_i.jpg

DetroitSky

May 21, 2019, 10:25 PM

State, city approve FCA incentives packages, land swap totaling at least $311.6 million (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/government/state-city-approve-fca-incentives-packages-land-swap-totaling-least-3116-million)

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is getting a package of taxpayer incentives worth as much as $311.6 million in tax breaks, captured taxes for newly created jobs, government-funded job training, free land and grants for its $4.5 billion investment in five manufacturing facilities in Southeast Michigan.

Detroit City Council and the Michigan Strategic Fund's board voted separately Tuesday on incentives packages tied to FCA US LLC's creation of more than 6,433 new jobs across multiple plants, 4,950 of which will be in Detroit.

"This is the biggest automotive assembly plant deal in the United States in a decade," Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Monday at a midafternoon news conference in Lansing. "And it's the second-largest overall automotive deal for new jobs or private investment across the United States during that time."

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/FCA_MackAve%20Engine%20Plant_LP_i.jpg

Dozens of new liquor licenses could be issued in Detroit if approved by City Council, state (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/food-drink/dozens-new-liquor-licenses-could-be-issued-detroit-if-approved-city-council-state)

City Council is expected to refer the item Tuesday to the Planning and Economic Development Committee to review Thursday a resolution allowing 20 businesses to secure special licenses that let them sell alcohol for on-premises consumption. The city says a total of 63 such licenses could be issued, with more every three years, if the state approves the licenses in a "City Redevelopment Area" established by the city late last year.

The licenses would be above and beyond the city's maxed-out quota of Class C liquor licenses, the most common — and coveted — type for restaurants and bars. They would also cost one-fourth the price of a typical license.

"Liquor licenses are very expensive at the moment because of a high demand and a limited supply," according to a summary of the proposal provided by the city. "To mitigate this high expense for small and medium size businesses, we are proposing to establish a City Redevelopment Area, which would allow for businesses to purchase a liquor license, straight from the State Liquor Control Commission.

Develop Detroit plans new neighborhood fund as it makes progress on 70-home project (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-estate/develop-detroit-plans-new-neighborhood-fund-it-makes-progress-70-home-project)

As Develop Detroit plugs away at its plan to renovate and build 70 homes in north Detroit, it is also working to develop a new neighborhood fund to prop up similar projects.

The Detroit-based nonprofit developer is a year into its $6.5 million homebuilding effort in the North End and Grandmont Rosedale neighborhoods. Phase one is expected to be complete in July and include the construction of 14 new homes and the renovation of seven homes in the area bound by Marston Street, Philadelphia Street, John R Street and Woodward Avenue, as well as two renovated homes in the Rosedale/Minock Park neighborhoods in northwest Detroit.

Phase one was originally scheduled to be done in March, but poor weather pushed back construction slightly, said Sonya Mays, president and CEO of Develop Detroit. Still, the project is on a solid pace, she said. A duplex in the North End sold for $320,000, four homes have sales pending for $250,000 each, and the remaining homes are expected to be on the market by the end of the month.

"There's a lot of investor interest in this particular neighborhood, but also just the idea that you could do this kind of for-sale project in a Detroit neighborhood," Mays said. "There's appetite out there."

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/mt%20vernon%20north%20end%20rehab_i.jpg

More time sought for Paradise Valley plan in Harmonie Park (https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2019/05/21/detroit-paradise-valley-african-american-culture-development/3756018002/)

Detroit — Almost three years after plans were unveiled for a new downtown district highlighting African-American arts and culture, one of the developers is seeking a new timeline to build a residential and retail building.

On Wednesday, the developer behind a potential new mixed-used building, with at least 60 residential units and first-floor retail, will seek a new closing date of April 2020 to complete the project, according to city documents.

The Paradise Valley Cultural and Entertainment District plan was announced in June 2016. It originally involved the simultaneous redevelopment of five buildings and three parking lots clustered around a small triangular public space often called Harmonie Park. The area is bordered by East Grand River, Centre and Randolph.

The original vision is grand: a boutique hotel; a jazz club; new restaurants; luxury and affordable housing; and a new parking garage. In 2016, there was hope the redevelopments would be close to opening by now, but the projects have been delayed.

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2019/05/21/PDTN/4800e1ae-854d-4fb1-9409-82403d5aafec-tdndc5-6qjosupwcbadhan15t7_original.jpg?width=540&height=&fit=bounds&auto=webp

State OKs $11M tax breaks for Detroit's Kahn, Walker-Roehrig projects (https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2019/05/21/michigan-tax-breaks-approved-albert-kahn-walker-roehrig-buildings-detroit/3746047002/)

Albert Kahn Building

The Michigan Economic Development Corp.'s governing body approved a 15-year, nearly $3 million tax break for the rehabilitation of the vacant Albert Kahn Building at 430 Second Ave. AK Owner LLC, a joint venture between Farmington Hills' Northern Equities Group and Birmingham's Lutz Real Estate Investment, owns the building.

The $69-million capital investment would redo the building with 108,000 square feet of retail and 190 apartments of 230,000 square feet. At least 20% of the units will be priced at not more than 80% of the area median income. A surface parking lot will be available to residents and customers. The project will create five full-time equivalent jobs with a $22 hourly wage.

Walker-Roehrig and Ashton

A new six-story, mixed-use building will rise on the parking lot behind 600 W. Lafayette Blvd., the former WWJ Building that houses the Michigan American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 25. The Michigan Strategic Fund Board approved a 22-year, $8.4 million-plus tax break that will begin in 2021.

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/c3f6efe18bba6d3dfcc9e055b3aed5e248a6d209/c=86-0-646-420/local/-/media/2017/08/22/DetroitNews/B99567634Z.1_20170822182719_000_GJ41K6MFN.1-0.jpg?width=540&height=405&fit=crop

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2019/05/21/PDTN/c5a26b35-161e-433c-b85e-c70c6690d04b-tdndc5-6rdw4vdrg0izhek5j2i_original.jpg?width=540&height=&fit=bounds&auto=webp

New coworking space part of Vanguard Community Development’s larger economic plan (http://www.modeldmedia.com/features/cocoon-coworking-development-may-2019.aspx)

Realtor Nusrat Hussain was working at new coworking space Cocoon Detroit on East Grand Boulevard when an architect came in wanting to speak with Steven Harris, owner of Cocoon and Rebound Construction. Harris was running late, so Hussain got to talking to the man, a transplant from New York, as he waited. They ended up discussing gentrification, redevelopment of abandoned houses, and displacement of longtime residents.

Not exactly small talk for two people who just met, but it’s the type of engagement and conversation that Hussain loves about being a tenant at Harris’ coworking space, which held its grand opening in late April. Arterra Realty, the real estate company Hussain works for, has its main office in Rochester, but opened the satellite office in Detroit to have a presence in the city. They were working out of another coworking space in the city, Hussain says, but it was getting too expensive for a satellite branch.

She was talking to Harris about her plight and then he told her about his idea to open the coworking space, Hussain recalls. Hussain says she wanted to come on board and a few months later signed up for a year. Today she and several of her colleagues work out of a sunny office that faces Grand Boulevard.

Coworking is nothing new in Detroit with several spaces across the city such as Bamboo, but Harris’ concept brings together Realtors, builders, and other similar businesses together under one roof in a collaborative workspace, says Harris.

http://www.modeldmedia.com/FilterD/images/cocoon_corner.jpg?s=f

jmcilreavy

May 22, 2019, 4:28 PM

The North One

May 22, 2019, 7:32 PM

^ I know what MDOT currently plans but I think it's obvious that Gilbert et al wants to push it further and I feel like he could probably make that happen.

Also Bedrock's fail jail render show more than what MDOT is currently doing.

DetroitSky

May 23, 2019, 1:16 AM

Penske's $5 million investment to help reopen community center in Detroit's Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/economic-development/penskes-5-million-investment-help-reopen-community-center-detroits-jefferson)

Penske Corp. is directing its $5 million Detroit investment promise to Jefferson-Chalmers, an east side neighborhood just across the river from Belle Isle, which is set to host the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix next week.

The investment will be used to renovate and add a gym to the closed Lenox Center, according to a news release. The community center is on the Detroit River at Alfred Brush Ford Park.

"I'm amazed by what you have here" in Jefferson-Chalmers, Roger Penske, founder and chairman of the Bloomfield Hills-based transportation giant, said at a media event Wednesday attended by Mayor Mike Duggan and community leaders. "This gave us a real opportunity to show the community that we want to give back."

Part of the $35 million pledged by seven businesses to the Strategic Neighborhood Fund, the Penske money will be administered by Invest Detroit and used to improve parks, streetscapes, commercial corridors and affordable housing. It will also be used to alleviate flooding issues in the neighborhood, a key part of its revitalization framework.

The Lenox Center is about 5,000 square feet and sits in a park at the mouth of the Detroit River. It's been closed for the eight years, but a functional playground is still on site. Detroit's General Services Director Brad Dick said about $3 million of the $5 million Penske grant will go toward fixing up the center. Construction could involve expansion and will likely include a new basketball gym.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/lenox%20center%20shot-MAIN_i.jpg

Garbage_Human

May 23, 2019, 8:26 PM

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/voices-kirk-pinho/heres-one-concept-michigan-opera-theatres-downtown-detroit-property

A spokeswoman would only say that the design in the RFP is "conceptual, and it's not meant to be prescriptive."

But Michigan Opera Theatre, which owns the property, is apparently taking a big swing on this one, floating to local developers the idea of a high-rise soaring up to 480 feet into the air about a block away from Comerica Park.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/MOTRFP-main_i.png

Honestly kinda shocked no one has posted anything about this

DetroitRises

May 23, 2019, 8:40 PM

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/voices-kirk-pinho/heres-one-concept-michigan-opera-theatres-downtown-detroit-property

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/MOTRFP-main_i.png

Honestly kinda shocked no one has posted anything about this

I really hope whomever wins rights to develop for the opera house goes with a design similar to this in height and style.

davidberko

May 23, 2019, 9:09 PM

I really hope whomever wins rights to develop for the opera house goes with a design similar to this in height and style.

Agreed. It's EXTREMELY ambitious but why not? It's good height with the hudsons looming nearby. Could provide great balance to the skyline. And yes! Love the Dubai-esque architecture

uaarkson

May 23, 2019, 9:10 PM

Never gonna happen.

The North One

May 23, 2019, 11:50 PM

that wont happen obviously (and thankfully it's tacky as fuck) but something might eventually, they seem to be serious about working with somebody to develop the site.

DetroitSky

May 24, 2019, 12:36 AM

I'm not a huge fan of that design either, but I like the massing and height for that location. Here's the other renderings from the Crain's article:

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Ford mulls hotel space instead of residential in Michigan Central Station (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-estate/ford-mulls-hotel-space-instead-residential-michigan-central-station)

Ford Motor Co. is considering using two upper floors of Michigan Central Station as boutique hotel space — and not referring to the 13th floor as such.

Previously anticipated as approximately 40 units of residential space, the 12th and 13th floors total 51,000 square feet and could have at least 100 boutique hotel rooms, said Paula Roy Carethers, Ford Land Development Co.'s Detroit development director, during an hourlong tour of the vacant train station in Corktown with media outlets on Thursday.

Whether that ultimately ends up the final use will be determined by the master planning process, which is expected to be completed in about a month, said Christina Twelftree, a Ford Motor Co. spokeswoman.

The Detroit office of architecture and planning firm Gensler, as well as PAU, a New York City-based firm whose name stands for Practice for Architecture and Urbanism, are working on the plan.

Ford says 227,000 gallons of water have been removed, along with 3,000 carts full of debris, one cart at a time from the floors using a service elevator.

Starting next month there will be scaffolding installed around the building and masonry repairs begin. Bricks will be removed for steel framework repairs and terracotta, limestone and brick will be cleaned and replaced.

What was once several feet of water in the basement has been dramatically reduced; the building will take "the next few years" to dry out after being subjected to what Ford in a press release called "extensive water damage and decay."

Work also includes repairing 106,000 square feet of roof structures; and removing 1,200 linear feet of cornice to examine and repair steel and then replacing the cornice. The project also includes replacing 1,184 windows.

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Old bottles found during renovations

Jeremy Sasson pizza concept to replace Will Leather Goods in Midtown (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/restaurants/jeremy-sasson-pizza-concept-replace-will-leather-goods-midtown)

Restaurateur Jeremy Sasson is planning to grow his modest portfolio of popular restaurants with a new concept in Midtown.

The restaurant will replace Will Leather Goods, an ornate leather goods retailer at 4120 Second Ave. that closed Tuesday. It opened in 2015 after a $2.5 million build-out.

Will Leather Goods owner Will Adler said the oversize space and lack of foot traffic caused him to close the location, but he's scouting for another in the city.

"I wanted to ignite something in Midtown when I moved here, but it was tremendously fun to bring the Tom Boy Market back to its original shape," Adler said.

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Belle Isle Oudolf garden campaign nears completion with $1 million grant (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/nonprofit/belle-isle-oudolf-garden-campaign-nears-completion-1-million-grant)

With a $1 million grant from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, Oudolf Garden Detroit is nearing completion of its fundraising campaign to support a garden designed by renowned Dutch designer Piet Oudolf on Belle Isle.

The new grant from the Wilson foundation will support an endowment held by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan for the perpetual maintenance of the garden, which has been in the works since 2016 and moved forward in late 2017.

The Belle Isle Conservancy is serving as the fiduciary for the grant to Oudolf Garden Detroit.

The Wilson foundation's support brings Oudolf Garden Detroit's fundraising campaign within $350,000 of its $4 million goal, with support from local residents, businesses and foundations including Hudson-Webber Foundation, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the William Davidson Foundation and the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation.

The project is the first public garden project in North America for which Oudolf has created the master plan and planting plans, according to local organizers. His design includes mixed perennial beds, a wetland garden and a special stormwater demonstration garden that can be scaled and replicated in community and home gardens. Ninety percent of the plants that will be installed in the garden will come from Michigan growers.

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Olympia breaks ground on $70M office building, takes steps to fix public image (https://detroit.curbed.com/2019/5/23/18637420/olympia-development-ilitch-office-building-eddystone)

After weeks of getting hammered by the media and public for not building out District Detroit, the area around Little Caesars Arena, Olympia Development has finally begun to come out of its shell.

Today, the company announced the groundbreaking of a new, $70 million office building—ironically on a former surface parking lot—just north of the arena at 2715 Woodward Avenue. The five-floor, 127,000-square-foot facility will have office space, medical facilities, and ground floor retail.

Olympia entered into a 20-year agreement with the Detroit Medical Center to operate the 50,000-square-foot sports medicine facility, and has already secured another tenant, the law firm Warner Norcross + Judd, to occupy an entire floor.

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