DETROIT | Development & Construction: Motown Lowdown [Archive] - Page 61

DetroitSky

Jul 9, 2020, 2:34 AM

Historic Lofts Coming to Hubbard Farms Neighborhood in Detroit’s Mexicantown (https://www.dbusiness.com/daily-news/historic-lofts-coming-to-hubbard-farms-neighborhood-in-detroits-mexicantown/)

An abandoned historic structure will be redeveloped in Detroit’s Hubbard Farms neighborhood in Mexicantown as part of the city’s Strategic Neighborhood Fund initiative.

The Murray – Hubbard Farms is located at 4004 Porter St. near Clark Park. It will undergo a total renovation to become 12 units of modern, efficient housing across 16,404 square feet.

Three of the units will be affordable housing at 60 percent of the average median income. The project will cost about $4.6 million and is slated for completion in the spring of next year.

The rowhomes were built in 1917, and residents of the neighborhood have identified the building as one of their top redevelopment priorities.

“We are already seeing incredible transformation in these neighborhoods, and that is only going to continue as our city continues to emerge from the COVID pandemic and we get back to work,” says Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. “I’d like to thank Emery Matthews and REI for helping to not only create more much-needed affordable housing but also for making Hubbard Farms an even more beautiful place to live.”

W. Emery Matthews is the developer as well as co-founder and managing principal of Real Estate Interests. He, Duggan, and other officials broke ground on the development today. The renovation will maintain the building’s historic character. Real Estate Solutions will work in conjunction with Southwest Housing Solutions on the project.

https://www.dbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2020/07/InvestDetroit-253.jpg

Conner Street to get $4M in roadwork ahead of FCA Mack plant opening (https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/chrysler/2020/07/07/conner-street-road-construction-grant-fca-mack-plant/5364804002/)

A key thoroughfare near Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' new assembly plant on the east side of Detroit is slated to get millions of dollars in roadwork in the coming months.

The City of Detroit is being awarded a more than $2.8 million state grant toward the estimated $3.9 million road project on Conner Street, which is near both the Jefferson North Assembly Plant and FCA's new Mack plant on the site of a former engine plant complex. The city is to provide about $1.1 million.

FCA's Mack plant, the first new assembly plant in the city in three decades, along with improvements at Jefferson North, are supposed to create almost 5,000 jobs for Jeep and Dodge SUV production. The project gives an early hire window for Detroit residents, and the process of getting residents into the pipeline is expected to restart over the next several weeks following delays associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Construction on Mack is be completed later this year.

The specific grant for the roadwork, the state's Targeted Industries Program grant, provides road improvement funding tied to job creation and investment.

"Transportation investments support economic opportunity. As a state, we must invest more in our roads so that employees have safe routes to work and companies have unimpeded access to markets," Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a news release.

The work on Conner is needed, officials said, because of the condition of the roadway and because once the work is completed on the assembly plants, traffic volumes will increase. Average daily traffic is expected to rise from 21,395 vehicles to 30,155, with commercial vehicles moving from just over 9% to almost 15% of the volume, according to the city.

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/07/02/PDTF/d21fea88-0a2f-47dd-91b4-ca8a4598d15e-JeffersonConner_02.jpg?width=540&height=&fit=bounds&auto=webp

ShadowSoarer

Jul 10, 2020, 10:01 PM

Seems like the last caisson activity is suppose to be completed today (7/10) with cranes arriving Monday (7/13).

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/07/09/PDTN/67bd192e-3276-4ee0-a356-b9c21a2ea4c7-TC-Elevation.jpg?width=180&height=240&fit=bounds&auto=webp

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2020/07/09/bedrock-hudson-site-moves-next-phase-arrival-cranes/5404886002/

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-estate/pair-large-cranes-arrive-hudsons-site-monday

DetroitSky

Jul 11, 2020, 9:34 PM

^^^Great news and welcome to the forum!

htine

Jul 12, 2020, 12:04 PM

The Oudolf Garden on Belle Isle is coming along nicely.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruqml753uL4&feature=emb_logo

seabee1526

Jul 19, 2020, 1:43 PM

Is the Ross / Gilbert Detroit Center for Innovation still being talked about? If so, when will that begin?

jmcilreavy

Jul 19, 2020, 3:46 PM

Is the Ross / Gilbert Detroit Center for Innovation still being talked about? If so, when will that begin?

From what I read in Crains, 2021 is the target for construction to start. Also got the impression from the story that it was now the priority over the Monroe Block.

seabee1526

Jul 19, 2020, 7:59 PM

From what I read in Crains, 2021 is the target for construction to start. Also got the impression from the story that it was now the priority over the Monroe Block.

Thanks. Yes i also heard this before Monroe Block which to me is too bad. Out of all projects I’ve always been most excited for MB.

ShadowSoarer

Jul 22, 2020, 2:32 AM

Construction update by Kirk Pinho from Crain's Detroit:

http://https://www.crainsdetroit.com/voices-kirk-pinho/real-estate-insider-whats-going-detroit-lot-construction

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/TCFBankHQ-main_i.jpg
Workers continue underground work at the site of the TCF Bank headquarters building on Woodward Avenue, which is slated to be 20 stories tall. It's among many projects in downtown Detroit showing progress following upheaval caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/HudsonsCranes-03_i.jpg?h=1cdcbf23
Cranes have been built on the Hudson's site, with one for the construction of the 232-foot so-called "block" building to the north and another for the 680-foot skyscraper component to the south.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/CityClubApartments-04_i.jpg
Construction continues on the City Club Apartments CBD Detroit building at 313 Park Ave. on the site of the former Statler Hotel. Work began in September 2017.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/LCGRCSignage-05_i.jpg
Signage has been placed in front of the new Little Caesars Global Resource Center on Woodward Avenue next to the Fox Theater.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/BrushParkParkingGarage-07_i.jpg
This parking garage near the Brush Park neighborhood as part of the South of Mack Avenue development started going up seemingly yesterday.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/ParkAvenueBuilding-06_i.jpg
Equipment outside the Park Avenue Building downtown, where a Novi developer plans to convert the vacant building into apartments.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/EasternMarketRockClimbing-08_i.jpg
Take a jog up the Dequindre Cut and you'll notice that this large building has seemingly gone up with little fanfare. A large rock climbing and fitness center called DYNO is in the works.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/ParkerDurand-09_i.jpg?h=58c8cae6
Once commercial construction was allowed to resume in May, city officials announced a host of projects resuming or starting work. The Parker Durand in the West Village neighborhood was one of them.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/DMCSMI-10_i.jpg?h=86c9a603
Workers continue to build the five-story Detroit Medical Center Sports Medicine Institute between Little Caesars Arena and the Wayne State University Mike Ilitch School of Business.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/MidtownWest-11_i.jpg?h=98bb2696
The first phase of the Midtown West project is beginning to take shape on the neighborhood's western edge.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/PattersonTerrace-12_i.jpg?h=95dc5b4a
After years of delays, some minor visible work seems to have taken place at Patterson Terrace in Brush Park.

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/CambriaHotel-13_i.jpg?h=1aa5f2bb
The Cambria Hotel project, formerly condos, is making headway downtown.

DetDoc

Jul 22, 2020, 4:03 AM

Not sure if this is new or not:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.openpr.com/amp/2094092/detroit-confirmed-for-138-unit-senior-housing-development

The North One

Jul 22, 2020, 5:24 PM

It doesn't seem like Covid has really slowed construction in the city at all. (well other than the obvious lockdown we had for a few months)

Compare this to the great recession where pretty much EVERYTHING fell apart and came to a screeching halt all at once, contractors couldn't get any work.

colemonkee

Jul 22, 2020, 6:45 PM

HUGE missed opportunity to call it "World World Headquarters Headquarters"

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_792/public/LCGRCSignage-05_i.jpg
Signage has been placed in front of the new Little Caesars Global Resource Center on Woodward Avenue next to the Fox Theater.

ShadowSoarer

Jul 22, 2020, 9:24 PM

Not sure if this a part of the SOMA project, but seems like the City Club Apartments is proposing a 350 apartments at that site:

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-estate/developer-proposes-350-apartments-across-midtown-whole-foods

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/CityClubApartmentsnew-main_i.jpg

"*City Club Apartments Midtown development would have 350 units, 41,500 square feet of retail

*Project proposed for South of Mack Avenue site at Woodward and Mack

*Other development components include large parking deck, AC Hotel

A longtime Detroit area developer is planning a 350-unit apartment complex on a key site across from the Whole Foods Inc. grocery store in the city's Midtown neighborhood.

Jonathan Holtzman, the co-founder and CEO of Farmington Hills-based City Club Apartments LLC, is proposing the three-building project as part of a broader 7-acre site at the southeast corner of Woodward Avenue and Mack Avenue.

The project, currently dubbed City Club Apartments Midtown, would also include 41,500 square feet of restaurant, cafe, bank and retail space plus 186 underground parking spaces, according to a Tuesday evening presentation to the Brush Park Community Development Corp. that was obtained by Crain's.

A proposed site plan included in the presentation shows the restaurant, cafe and bank space facing Woodward and two floors of retail facing Mack. The site plan also includes a pair of pocket parks at Woodward and Mack and Woodward and Elliot Street, plus what's referred to as an "art park" running through the site.

Adam Nyman, who owns the property with his father, George Nyman, declined comment via email Wednesday morning. A City Club Apartments spokesman said Holtzman is traveling and unavailable for comment today. Additional details on the plans were not available.

Architecture firm BKV Group is listed on the renderings presented to the CDC on Tuesday evening.

Robert Platt, chief investment officer for City Club Apartments, hinted at the project last summer when he was profiled as a Crain's 40 Under 40 honoree.

The City Club Apartments Midtown development iis one of three known projects Holtzman's company is working on.

The first, the redevelopment of the former Statler Hotel site on Grand Circus Park, is a 288-unit ground-up development that began in 2017 at 313 Park Ave.

The second is a $25 million renovation of the Elmwood Park Plaza tower at 750 Chene St., which is being renamed City Club Apartments Lafayette Park.

City Club Apartments formed in 2016 after Holtzman and his former company, Village Green Cos., which is now based in Southfield, parted ways.

Holtzman and Canadian investor Alan Greenberg are partners on City Club Apartments, which has developments in the pipeline in Detroit and a half-dozen other Midwestern cities.

City Club Apartments also owns Renaissance City Club Apartments at 555 Brush St. and Detroit City Club Apartments at 1431 Washington Blvd.

Farmington Hills-based Howard Schwartz Commercial Real Estate LLC is handling South of Mack Avenue parking deck retail leasing while Farmington Hills-based Friedman Real Estate is working on the City Club Apartments retail leasing.

Also included in the project are a parking garage with retail space designed by Neumann/Smith Architecture, which is under construction on the southern portion of the site, and a $46 million AC Hotel, part of the Marriott International hotel chain, developed by Detroit-based Roxbury Group.

Immediately north of the Whole Foods, a development group spearheaded by Ciena Healthcare CEO Mohammad Qazi proposed a pair of high-rise residential and hotel buildings plus retail space, although that project — announced in March 2019 — has yet to get out of the ground.

A previously planned condominium component has been scrapped since the project was unveiled.

"It's a great anchor for that part of Midtown," said David Di Rita, principal of Roxbury Group.

"My view has been for some time that Mack and Woodward is going to emerge as the downtown Midtown, if you will, and I think that will become really clear with the development we're doing, Jonathan's doing and that Peter Cummings and Chris Jackson are doing. If you think about that, it's really building on the great work that Peter's organization did a decade or more ago in developing the (Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center), the Ellington, and with the wave of projects we are hopeful will come to fruition the next year or two, people will see the strength of that."

Cummings' The Platform LLC and Jackson's and James Jenkins' Queen Lillian II development companies are jointly working on a $59 million project now called Woodward West that would have 204 apartments plus retail at Woodward and Stimson Street."

The North One

Jul 22, 2020, 10:21 PM

That is definitely not Mack Avenue in the render so I don't know what they're talking about.

DetroitSportsFan

Jul 22, 2020, 10:33 PM

Pretty sure it’s Eliot street, which is supposed to be reconnected as part of the soma project

DetroitSky

Jul 22, 2020, 11:59 PM

Yeah, that's definitely Eliot Street. Just to the right of the new building is where a planned parking garage will stand between Eliot and Mack, and the corner of Mack and Woodward has long been planned as an office tower. All part of SoMA.

animatedmartian

Jul 23, 2020, 4:14 AM

According his earlier interview with Crain's, Robert Platt has been in talks with the owners of the SOMA land for a while. So if this rendering is coming out now then things are probably pretty close to making this reality.

Also this is a copy/paste of City Clubs apartments in Minneapolis.
Personally, not a fan of the colors for the Detroit proposal but this is very likely what it'll look like completed.

https://i.imgur.com/0DBm4un.jpg
https://bkvgroup.com/projects/city-club-apartments-cbd-minneapolis/

jonwylie

Jul 24, 2020, 3:07 PM

Nordeast Homer

Jul 24, 2020, 5:04 PM

I will say that a lot of us were worried that the Minneapolis project would look cheap, but with the lighting and staggered balconies it's a pretty nice looking project.

DetroitSky

Jul 25, 2020, 5:23 AM

I'm confused on whether or not this will take the place of the SOMA office space or not? The signs are still up and the leasing is still live online, and it seems that there is enough room for at least a little office space. I hope they don't get rid of it completely because I would love to see some more office space making it's way up Woodward. Especially for business' that can't afford the CBD prices but want to be in the city.

I don't think so. You can see the area where the office tower is planned for between the new apartments and The Ellington in the rendering. It looks like the apartments are planned for a narrow stretch of land along Eliot.

$30M Skilled Trades Training Center Coming to Detroit (https://www.dbusiness.com/daily-news/30m-skilled-trades-training-center-coming-to-detroit/)

The city of Detroit has a new multi-million-dollar construction project underway, this time in the Oakman Boulevard area on the city’s west side.

The Michigan Statewide Carpenters and Millwrights Joint Apprenticeship and Training Fund broke ground Wednesday on its new Detroit training center. The $30 million center is projected to open sometime in 2021.

“For Detroit residents, this school will be an opportunity to start a lifelong career in the skilled trades, debt-free,” says Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. “With all of the construction that is coming to Detroit, this school could not come at a better time.”

The center’s training area will feature a 30-booth weld shop, flooring manipulation area, high bay space with an overhead crane, and classrooms with smart board technology. Additionally, the building will offer meeting space for contractor symposiums, career fairs, apprenticeship readiness programs, and space for community events.

https://www.dbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2020/07/Carpenters-Millwrights.jpg

Kris47

Jul 25, 2020, 5:53 PM

Phase 1 (joelouisgreenway.com) of the Joe Louis Greenway is expected to start in spring, 2021.
PHASE 1 CONSTRUCTION
We are excited to announce the first phase of construction. The first three miles of the greenway are located on a former railway at Warren Avenue to Fullerton Avenue (see map). Phase 1 will include separate paths for slow and fast users (such as walkers and cyclists) and will provide safe street crossings and neighborhood connections.

We anticipate construction to start spring of 2021. https://detroitmi.gov/sites/detroitmi.localhost/files/2020-07/OverallRoute_Reduced.jpghttps://detroitmi.gov/sites/detroitmi.localhost/files/2020-07/Phase%201%20Route_Reduced.jpg

There is also now a survey (https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/5665055/Joe-Louis-Greenway-Phase-1-Survey-1) for the Joe Louis Greenway.
The City of Detroit is leading community engagement for the first phase of the Joe Louis Greenway. We would like your feedback so together we can design a greenway that serves your needs.

Courtesy to the City of Detroit

Tiorted9

Jul 25, 2020, 6:39 PM

^^^

Ambitious and I like it

The North One

Jul 26, 2020, 2:34 AM

why does stuff like this have to take stupidly long

animatedmartian

Jul 26, 2020, 4:31 AM

why does stuff like this have to take stupidly long

A combination of red tape and hardly any funding. This whole project is funded by charity foundations and government grants.

SperamusMeliora

Jul 26, 2020, 5:40 AM

why does stuff like this have to take stupidly long

I have a feeling that a good amount of the southern portion of the greenway will be done by BNA as they construct the customs plaza for the Gordie Howe Int’l Bridge. But that also means it probably won’t be done until 2023 or 2024.

Kris47

Jul 27, 2020, 9:29 PM

Not sure if anyone ever posted this here but there's a website (http://www.brushparkcdc.org/developmentprojects) where you can see all the development taking place in Brush Park

DetroitSky

Jul 27, 2020, 11:01 PM

Historic Ulysses S. Grant house cut in 2, ready for 15-mile move across Detroit (https://www.mlive.com/news/2020/07/historic-ulysses-s-grant-house-cut-in-2-ready-for-15-mile-move-across-detroit.html)

DETROIT – The Detroit home the 18th president of the United States has been cut in two and will soon be moved to a new location within the city.

The Michigan History Center intends to renovate the house and reopen it as a public education and resource center based on the lives and legacies of Julia and Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th U.S. president and commanding general of the U.S. Army during the Civil War.
The house currently sits in two pieces at the Michigan State Fairgrounds at Woodward Avenue and Eight Mile Road, according to a news release from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Plans call for it to be transported more than 15 miles in late July or early August to the corner of Orleans and Wilkins streets in the Eastern Market neighborhood of Detroit.

https://www.mlive.com/resizer/WVnNJBbDp6-U9PMmjk-h6hTEYDY=/1280x0/smart/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/advancelocal/5A22ZGD2IRETJMKAJVXV4WUFSI.jpg

Kris47

Jul 29, 2020, 2:47 AM

There are now updated renderings on 'Bedrock Detroit' latest YouTube Video (https://youtu.be/PaYvu6WzqNA) for the Hudson Site

Kris47

Jul 29, 2020, 5:01 AM

The 511 Woodward project is now moving forward after funding approval, also, along the East Jefferson Corridor a 42,000 square feet Meijer is being proposed. (https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2020/07/28/511-woodward-project-moving-forward-in-downtown-detroit-after-fund-approval/%3foutputType=amp)
https://www-clickondetroit-com.cdn.ampproject.org/ii/w680/s/www.clickondetroit.com/resizer/wd0lvYL4MrvGDUJ7ORVv-JCdFGE=/fit-in/640x360/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/A3LKL45UPRDC3JMWTOX5J7YZVQ.jpg
DETROIT – A project to revitalize a vacant four-story building in Downtown Detroit looks promising after approval from the Michigan Strategic Fund.

The 511 Woodward project is expected to turn the building into a multi-use retail and office space, with the first floor to be occupied by the Downtown Detroit Partnership. The local nonprofit supports workforce developments. The project also plans for improvements along Woodward Avenue, to generate a total capital investment of $18 million and create approximately 101 full-time jobs.

To alleviate the brownfield conditions of the site, the MSF approved a brownfield work plan, including state tax capture valued at $1.49 million, for the city of Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. In addition, local support, including participation in the brownfield work plan, includes a value of $72,414.

In addition to the 511 Woodward project, the Jefferson Larned Development Company LLC is planning to develop vacant property along East Jefferson Corridor. The proposed project comprises of a 42,000-square-foot Meijer that is expected to create 72 full-time jobs.

The Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority was approved of a brownfield work plan for the project valued at $573,144 to alleviate the brownfield conditions. Local support for the project values at $986,856.

DetroitSky

Jul 29, 2020, 6:21 AM

ShadowSoarer

Jul 29, 2020, 11:52 PM

Take the following article with a grain of salt since there were rumors previously about a Target coming to Midtown:

Real Estate Insider: Is there still hope for a Target in Midtown? Marketing document says so

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/voices-kirk-pinho/real-estate-insider-there-still-hope-target-midtown-marketing-document-says-so

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

"*Updated marketing document lists Target as incoming Midtown tenant

*Developer said he is in talks with unnamed national retailer; no leases signed yet

*Document says Target is lined up to take 32,000 square feet at Woodward and Mack

It's been more than four years since chatter first became public about a possible Target Corp. store in Detroit's Midtown neighborhood, but it's been pretty quiet on that front since.

Until last week.

I wrote on Wednesday that a new 350-unit apartment development by Farmington Hills-based developer City Club Apartments LLC is planned, with a working footprint of 41,500 square feet of retail.

What I didn't include in that story is that a document marketing retail space for lease in another component of the broader South of Mack Avenue development at Woodward and Mack avenues — a parking deck and retail space under construction — identifies the Minneapolis-based shopping giant as taking 32,000 square feet in the City Club development.

Let me stress: Everyone I've spoken to says it's premature to say definitively that Target is coming to that overall 7-acre site, which has a parking deck under construction, freshly leased office space and a Marriott-branded hotel in the works.

"We have an agreement with a national retailer in which we have mutually agreed that we will not disclose any information regarding our ongoing discussions," Jonathan Holtzman, CEO and co-founder of City Club Apartments, said in a statement Tuesday. His company would develop a portion of the Nyman family-owned SoMA site, if all goes to plan. "We will honor that agreement," he said.

Note that Holtzman doesn't say there is a signed lease with a national retailer, but instead only that there are discussions. Real estate negotiations are fluid and fragile in the best of times, never mind during a global pandemic.

Jill Lewis, a spokeswoman for Target, said in an email Tuesday morning: "We are continually evaluating potential store locations to serve new guests, but I don't have any new-store news to share at this time."

The company that created the document, Farmington Hills-based brokerage firm Howard Schwartz Commercial Real Estate Services LLC, told me last week that it was last updated in March. They are not working on the City Club Apartments project, but instead the nearby parking deck that's part of SoMA.

That March timeline is important because brokers there apparently saw no reason to not list Target as a tenant or possible tenant as recently as four months ago.

Including the tenant name could also be problematic for City Club Apartments if a Target deal — if there is one to be had — collapses, and other potential tenants are spooked away. Unless publicly announced and confirmed, it's not common to see specific tenants listed in materials like that.

The materials also have fairly fresh information — including modified plans by Detroit-based Roxbury Group that were announced in February of an AC Hotel by Marriott International instead of a West Elm hotel as was originally planned. In addition, it notes that the city of Detroit is leasing a pair of existing office buildings on the site for a variety of departments.

That means Howard Schwartz brokers updated other parts of the development site on the marketing materials for accuracy, but left the Target reference alone.

A source familiar with the matter said Holtzman told the Brush Park Community Development Corp. last week that he was close to signing a lease with a major national retailer but he didn't tell the CDC board the name of the retailer.

At 32,000 square feet, it would be on the smaller side of a typical Target, which run more than 100,000 square feet.

However, the company has started opening smaller-format stores in urban areas in recent years. In addition, the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reported in March that Target is opening a store that's just 6,000 square feet in an undisclosed location next year, following a series of store openings ranging from 13,000 to 40,000 square feet.

Jared Friedman, director of opportunities for Farmington Hills-based Friedman Real Estate, declined comment. He is marketing the City Club Apartments development's retail space to tenants. Adam Nyman, who owns the site with his father, George, declined comment last week when I inquired about the project. I sent him an email this morning asking about Target and the marketing materials specifically."

DetroitSky

Jul 30, 2020, 12:14 AM

^Sounds more likely to happen now compared to the rumors we've heard in the past. That would be welcome news if they did sign the lease.

Construction begins this fall on Meijer store on Detroit's east side (https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2020/07/29/construction-begins-fall-meijer-store-detroit-east-side/5537808002/)

Construction will begin this fall on a long-awaited Meijer development on Detroit's east side.

The 42,000-square-foot store, a small-format version to be called Meijer Rivertown Market, will sit on three parcels of vacant land at 1475 E. Jefferson. It will include 100 surface parking spaces.

Construction on the $15.6 million project. is expected to be complete in late summer 2021, said Dennis Archer Jr., of Jefferson Larned Development Company LLC.

“While we do have a number of well-run local neighborhood grocery stores, I think the city of Detroit and their residents deserve the same number of options that residents who live in the suburbs have,” Archer said. “So we’re happy to contribute that to the community.”

The project is not far from where he grew up, Archer added.

Improvements to the site will also include stormwater maintenance, landscaping and sidewalks.

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/07/29/PDTN/89db6015-b7aa-44af-a9f8-55b62eccd259-Meijer-Rivertown-Market.jpg?width=540&height=&fit=bounds&auto=webp

Detroit Pistons buy G League team from Suns which will play at new Wayne State facility (https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2020/07/29/detroit-pistons-gatorade-league-wayne-state-grand-rapids-drive/5536117002/)

After next season, the Detroit Pistons will have a new Gatorade League team.

The Pistons have agreed to purchase the Northern Arizona Suns from the Phoenix Suns, the team announced Wednesday. The Northern Arizona Suns will be re-branded and play in Wayne State's new basketball arena, which is being constructed and will open before the 2021-22 season.

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2019/05/01/PDTF/60838e29-4137-4965-b73c-2fdd3b2f1bc5-new-wayne-state-basketball-arena-rendering-5cc9ed1bc9537.jpg?width=540&height=&fit=bounds&auto=webp

Detroit-based auto supplier Bridgewater Interiors gets $2M grant for expansion (https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2020/07/28/detroit-based-auto-supplier-bridgewater-interiors-gets-grant-expansion/5527375002/)

Bridgewater Interiors, a Detroit-based automotive supplier, has been awarded a $2 million grant from the state as it plans for expansion that will create 400 jobs, according to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

The Michigan Strategic Fund Board approved Tuesday the Michigan Business Development Program grant for Bridgewater Interiors. The grant is one of several items the board approved during its meeting, including tax incentives for two development projects and a guideline change for the Michigan Small Business Restart Program.

According to the MEDC, the company’s expansions in Detroit and Delta Township near Lansing are expected to generate a private investment of $15 million.

Slyde burger restaurant feels support from the community ahead of fall opening (https://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/dining/2020/07/29/slyde-restaurant-feels-support-community-ahead-fall-opening/5529904002/)

It's been a long road to opening for Slyde, a restaurant set to debut this fall with tiny burgers in a big space in Detroit's West Village.

The team behind the chef-driven concept recently started hosting single day pop-up service while they continue to build out the full bar and restaurant, located in a former bank at Van Dyke and Kercheval. Chef Davante Burnley said the most recent pop-up earlier this month got an "overwhelming" response.

"We knew we were going to get the support of the neighborhood and the community, but at no point were we expecting 100 to walk up," he said. That was in addition to those who ordered in advance online. "As a chef, there was no way for me to gauge those kind of numbers. It was nice."

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/07/28/PDTN/1b6d3b24-767b-4602-8294-2d9e64d67e93-Slyde_-_team.jpg?width=540&height=&fit=bounds&auto=webp

DetroitSky

Aug 3, 2020, 10:33 PM

The Parade Company is planning a massive overhaul of the Brodhead Naval Armory on Jefferson. It includes restoration, a large addition and an extension of the RiverWalk. (https://detroitmi.gov/sites/detroitmi.localhost/files/hdc-submitted-materials/2020-07/2020_0514%20Parade%20Co%20-%20Redevelopment%20Package%20-%20HDC%20Submission%28Parade%20Co%20-%20Redevelopment%20Package%20-%20HDC%20Submission%29.pdf)

https://www.detroityes.com/mb/attachment.php?attachmentid=40635&d=1596467898

Vision for Detroit's Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood: apartments, restaurants, stores (https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2020/07/30/master-plan-detroit-jefferson-chalmers-neighborhood-released/5540513002/?fbclid=IwAR0E0TF6tYFK_Baq7ATvrRHtkAlx7LVC1HCaLTs2lhU_gTnSlZ7hBFxO990)

A revived Jefferson Avenue corridor with outdoor cafes, pocket parks, greenery and public art is the vision that community leaders have for Detroit's Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood.

Jefferson East Inc. and its development arm, East Jefferson Development Corporation, unveiled Thursday evening its vision in a document called the Jefferson-Chalmers Mainstreet Master Plan.

The plan focuses on redevelopment opportunities and corridor improvements designed to appeal to a variety of age groups living in the neighborhood, said Derric Scott, CEO of EJDevCo.

“By looking at these priority developments across the entire corridor and not just single development, it allows us to start to incorporate this inclusive environment that says how do we make sure that it’s successful by seniors, but also attractive and engaging to other age groups," he said. "How do we make sure that it allows for existing residents to patronize and feel welcomed, but also embracive enough that it attracts regional and outside visitors to come in as well?”

Jefferson Chalmers on the east side of Detroit sits in an area known for its canal-lined neighborhoods, waterfront parks and historic homes. The master plan study included about 70 acres of the neighborhood along the East Jefferson corridor between Alter Road and Lenox Street.

Scott said there are four projects slated to move into construction next year. EJDevCo is working with private landowners and developers to move the projects forward.

♦A development at 14522 E. Jefferson will have 1,800 square feet of retail and three residential units.

♦A site at 14326 E. Jefferson will have 3,000 square feet of retail.

♦A development of 14701 E. Jefferson will bring 40 residential units and 10,000 square feet of retail space.

♦Also slated for redevelopment is an old liquor store at Jefferson and Manistique. The plan is to develop it into one level of retail and three levels of residential. A conceptual drawing shows a multi-story brick building with large windows on the ground floor. It would cost an estimated $12 million to $15 million, according to the plan.

A few years later, Faith Church at 897 Philip St. is envisioned to become multi-family housing. The proposed development concept calls for the adjacent school to become a community center. The estimated cost to rehab the church and school is $23 million to $25 million.

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/07/30/PDTN/4e0dcfaf-fe98-46c4-b055-6d8016d74340-MANISTIQUE_-_AFTER.jpg?width=540&height=&fit=bounds&auto=webp
Conceptual rendering of the new building at Jefferson and Manistique.

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/07/30/PDTN/dd183001-1eb5-49ce-ad14-180ac952db1b-2020-0730-dm-me-jefferson-chalmers-plan0010.jpg?width=540&height=&fit=bounds&auto=webp
Faith Church

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/07/30/PDTN/baf216cd-6961-413c-a484-e222883c2189-vanity_ballroom_-_after_copy.jpg?width=540&height=&fit=bounds&auto=webp
Rendering of restored Vanity Ballroom and neighboring Schwinn Bike Building

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/07/30/PDTN/89055691-3f4c-4227-9e36-d8ff8a6f0ee2-2020-0730-dm-me-jefferson-chalmers-plan0096.jpg?width=540&height=&fit=bounds&auto=webp

seabee1526

Aug 4, 2020, 2:22 PM

Why in the hell would the parade company want to take that on...plenty of land out there to put a prefab hangar on...

animatedmartian

Aug 4, 2020, 2:55 PM

Why in the hell would the parade company want to take that on...plenty of land out there to put a prefab hangar on...

I'm not sure I understand what the complaint is. The Armory has had a long struggle in finding someone to reuse the space or else it was going to be demolished. This is literally the best outcome and is a positive from every angle.

DetroitSky

Aug 8, 2020, 9:39 PM

Detroit train station renovation still moving ahead in pandemic: Where it stands (https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/ford/2020/08/05/detroit-train-station-renovation-ford/5548057002/)

Ford Motor Co. intends to keep its promise to rebuild the iconic Michigan Central Station despite the pandemic that has led to billions in losses over the past six months, the Free Press has confirmed.

The iconic building in the heart of Corktown that came to represent despair, so-called "ruin porn" and the disintegration of Detroit still remains a "priority" for Ford two years after the company celebrated its purchase of the train station along Michigan Avenue, 7 miles down the street from its world headquarters in Dearborn.

"We were excited to get back to work on Michigan Central Station in early May after a seven-week pause due to the stay-at-home order," said Christina Twelftree, Ford spokeswoman for the Corktown project.

"While the virus has impacted our project in some ways due to availability of the workforce, materials and logistics, there hasn't been any fundamental shifts to our overall development plan," she said. "We still expect to meet our original construction completion date for the train station at the end of 2022."

Workers are now in the middle of Phase Two of the restoration of the station, the longest and most labor-intensive part of the project. This involves fixing the street structure and repairing more than 8 acres of masonry.

Workers are cleaning and repairing brick and terra cotta masonry on the exterior of the building and replacing almost 300 limestone blocks on the waiting room exterior facade.

Interior demolition continues, as well as carpentry and roofing installation. By late summer, Ford expects to have several hundred people on-site doing the work.

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/07/30/PDTF/0e157ea1-6fad-43ba-ad2d-10fdf54dd180-0684.jpg?width=540&height=&fit=bounds&auto=webp

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/07/30/PDTF/fc2e4272-1e1d-4d90-bee9-6f4c5c6bb7fb-0349.jpg?width=540&height=&fit=bounds&auto=webp

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/07/30/PDTF/1ce71c25-86e2-42c0-870a-4cec182ff6f0-0347.jpg?width=540&height=&fit=bounds&auto=webp

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/07/30/PDTF/58cb63dc-bb92-425b-8b9c-88eb19083f11-0320.jpg?width=540&height=&fit=bounds&auto=webp

ShadowSoarer

Aug 11, 2020, 6:28 PM

Finally about time Amazon creating a distribution center in Detroit proper.

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-estate/amazon-expected-create-largest-metro-detroit-location-former-state-fairgrounds-site

https://s3-prod.crainsdetroit.com/s3fs-public/styles/width_280/public/amazon%20state%20fairgrounds-01_i.jpg

*Amazon.com Inc. proposed tenant for former Michigan state fairgrounds site, abandoned years ago

*Detroit, Dallas developers planned to convert part of the 142 acres into warehouse for e-commerce giant

*No city tax breaks or incentives planned for $400 million, 3.8 million-square-foot center

DetroitSky

Aug 12, 2020, 12:28 AM

Some more info on the fairgrounds:

Amazon looks to open $400-million distribution center at Michigan State Fairgrounds in Detroit (https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2020/08/11/amazon-fulfillment-center-detroit-state-fairgrounds/3342702001/)

After more than a decade of failed attempts, the old Michigan State Fairgrounds is finally being redeveloped with plans to build an Amazon distribution center.

Under the proposal, Amazon would invest $400 million to build a 3.8-million-square-foot distribution center at the site, bringing at least 1,200 new jobs to the city, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said at a news conference Tuesday. The distribution center is expected to open in 2022, and employees will make a minimum of $15 an hour, plus benefits, Duggan said.

The Sterling Group and Hillwood Investment Properties will buy and develop the site. They've worked together before, building an Amazon distribution site in Shelby Township.

As part of the deal, the Sterling Group and Hillwood will pay for a $7 million Detroit Department of Transportation transit center. The indoor transit center will have heat and air conditioning, bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi, Duggan said.

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/08/11/PDTF/7f1a2d37-6c84-4e49-b0e9-996be2158628-ProposedDevelopmentoverhead.jpg?width=540&height=&fit=bounds&auto=webp

Sanford Nelson's real estate company moving into vacant Eastern Market building (https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2020/08/10/sanford-nelson-firm-real-estate-moving-into-vacant-eastern-market-building/3339104001/)

Detroit — The real estate firm connected to landlord Sanford Nelson officially is moving into Eastern Market from Troy.

FIRM Real Estate, a residential and commercial development firm owning several properties in Eastern Market, says it is investing $3 million to transform a vacant food-processing facility at 2000 Division St. into office space for itself and up to three large tenants.

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/08/10/PDTN/4f08d425-5db3-425e-b8c0-2a00eeca9001-2000_Division_Eastern_Market.jpg?width=540&height=&fit=bounds&auto=webp

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/08/10/PDTN/df9f50d8-398e-4c1c-9c9c-bd2aa86a685f-2000_Division_Eastern_Market_2.jpg?width=540&height=&fit=bounds&auto=webp

seabee1526

Aug 13, 2020, 2:57 PM

Has Farmer Street been closed off yet? What are they doing the the facade at 100 Monroe Street, I heard that was supposed to be saved and used in the development.

seabee1526

Aug 13, 2020, 4:45 PM

I was also wondering about the Detroit Zoo Aquarium down at Hart Plaza area. Has that been officially canceled or just put off for now? It would be nice to have some version of Pier 39 or Navy Pier down by the river someday...museum ship...places to eat and pick up souvenirs...

DetroitSky

Aug 14, 2020, 4:49 AM

Farmer Street has been closed off since at least last summer. Last we heard the National Theatre facade was being relocated to Farmer and Monroe to serve as a pedestrian entryway.

As far as we know the aquarium is being put off. The Hart Plaza site was ruled out awhile ago.

DetroitSky

Aug 15, 2020, 12:04 AM

Michigan Avenue may soon become the most advanced road in US (https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/mark-phelan/2020/08/13/michigan-avenue-most-advanced-road/3364328001/)

Michigan Avenue could become the most advanced road in the world, replete with sensors, Wi-Fi, a dedicated lane for autonomous vehicles and traffic lights that communicate with vehicles and each other, under a public-private development program announced in Detroit on Thursday.

The goal is to make a 40-mile route from downtown Detroit to Ann Arbor the best place in the world to develop vehicles and services that make it easier, safer and more efficient for people, goods and services to get around.

Called CAVNUE — a mashup of connected and autonomous vehicles with avenue — the ambitious project is part of a strategy to make southeast Michigan a hot spot for developing the vehicles, which are expected to become a multibillion dollar business.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said building “the world’s most sophisticated roadway” would be part of a foundation for Michigan’s economic recovery from COVID-19.

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/08/13/PDTF/ef63248b-5869-41e0-b0fa-910b769e5d59-Upscaled_stills_Highway.jpg?width=660&height=372&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/08/13/PDTF/bb4c2b3c-ef5c-412e-9a11-40ef5796e45a-Upscaled_still_Boulevard_ISO.jpg?width=660&height=372&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp

Groups work together to raise money for a new pocket park in Hamtramck (https://www.modeldmedia.com/devnews/SalamPeacePark.aspx)

In Michigan’s densest city, public green space is relatively hard to come by.

But a new campaign is underway to convert a vacant lot into a pocket park on Hamtramck’s Trowbridge Street.

Sandwiched between two homes, a vacant lot located at 2134 Trowbridge St. could soon become the Salam Peace Park, thanks to a partnership between the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, city of Hamtramck, and Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency.

The parcel itself was a gift from a "civic well-wisher" wanting the city to turn it into a park.

Organizers for Salam Peace Park have until Saturday, Sept. 26, to raise $22,000 through a crowdfunding campaign. Should they reach their goal, the MEDC will then contribute an additional $22,000 as a matching grant.

The project is part of the state’s Public Spaces Community Places placemaking initiative, which is hosted on the Michigan-based Patronicity platform.

Facebook user John Lauter posted update photos of The Platform's The Obama Building development at 22000 Grand River in Old Redford on the Historical Detroit Area Architecture (https://www.facebook.com/groups/412764338844049) page. Originally built as a Peoples State Bank branch and opened in 1917, The Platform is converting it into 8800 square feet of retail space on the ground floor and 4 apartments. The name comes from a photo of Barack and Michelle that was on the corner for years.

https://scontent.fdet3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/117915951_3162767113771475_6715972316460035299_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_sid=b9115d&_nc_ohc=CsPKlq8Dq3cAX_WQwuS&_nc_ht=scontent.fdet3-1.fna&oh=d802d4043af9aaaba06f6537bc45e447&oe=5F5DD8C8
As originally built

https://scontent.fdet3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/117761192_3162767060438147_986460386585586566_o.jpg?_nc_cat=100&_nc_sid=b9115d&_nc_ohc=tT2xNFijy7cAX_KdIkN&_nc_ht=scontent.fdet3-1.fna&oh=b3415f98e1c41ceb8809aca5431e93a2&oe=5F5D6262
Pre-renovation

https://scontent.fdet3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/117753073_10224599345717375_8459893066242247455_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&_nc_sid=dbeb18&_nc_ohc=Oeae1fNsBLQAX-vz2_8&_nc_ht=scontent.fdet3-1.fna&oh=43a91343101b599feb7e29204c48cfba&oe=5F5CFFB3
Currently

More info on The Obama Building can be found here. (https://www.theplatform.city/obama-building/) The second phase of this project is the renovation of the nearby Sunflower Building (https://www.theplatform.city/sunflower-building/), also name for a mural. It will become artists studios, classrooms and a performance theater.

ShadowSoarer

Aug 15, 2020, 7:45 PM

Seems like a crane is going up at the TFC HQ:

https://imgur.com/1BqjmrN

DetroitSky

Aug 16, 2020, 12:24 AM

Seems like a crane is going up at the TFC HQ:

https://imgur.com/1BqjmrN

animatedmartian posted a few photos today to the building's page on here. (https://skyscraperpage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=234996&page=3)

seabee1526

Aug 16, 2020, 1:32 PM

Seems like a crane is going up at the TFC HQ:

https://imgur.com/1BqjmrN

Gordie Howe bridge site got one too.

DetroitSky

Aug 18, 2020, 1:08 AM

Motown Museum expansion lands $3M from ex-Microsoft CEO's nonprofit (https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/music/brian-mccollum/2020/08/17/detroit-motown-museum-donation-steve-ballmer/3377123001/)

The Motown Museum's expansion campaign has taken another notable step toward its $50 million goal.

The Detroit institution announced a $3 million grant Monday from the Ballmer Group, a nonprofit founded by Detroit native, Los Angeles Clippers owner and former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and his wife, Connie Ballmer.

The museum, situated in Motown's original headquarters on West Grand Boulevard, said last fall it had raised $25 million, halfway to the target set when expansion was announced in 2016.

The first of four construction phases started in March and resumed in May after being interrupted for several weeks by the coronavirus shutdown. The museum itself reopened to the public July 15.

Last Detroit house demolished in $265M blight-removal effort (https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2020/08/14/last-detroit-house-demolished-blight-removal/3349213001/)

Detroit — For nearly a decade, Stephenie Lee has been fearful and embarrassed over the burned-out house across from her eastside rental.

On Friday morning, it took mere minutes for a demolition team to topple it down.

The property on Waveney off Cadieux was the final house of 15,084 knocked down with $265 million in federal Hardest Hit Fund dollars in Detroit since spring 2014.

The Detroit News posted a few photos from the new dog park in Capitol Park that can be seen here: New dog park opens in Capitol Park (https://www.detroitnews.com/picture-gallery/news/local/detroit-city/2020/08/12/new-dog-park-opens-capitol-park/3359300001/)

DetroitYes users are saying ground has been broken for the Brush + Watson development.

https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/599ef3b5e45a7c9ae9410b9b/1585679558990-8XDCYFEZMAEEO8HK6XF5/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kPTrHXgsMrSIMwe6YW3w1AZ7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0k5fwC0WRNFJBIXiBeNI5fKTrY37saURwPBw8fO2esROAxn-RKSrlQamlL27g22X2A/BW_4.jpg?format=1000w

https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/599ef3b5e45a7c9ae9410b9b/1586536473101-SRKIBCM4RWFLR8IOCX2A/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kE1G8aDDySyXafgMqMi-3Wt7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0k5fwC0WRNFJBIXiBeNI5fIBAe0aRMxRrpn6J5i2IfAjEZwkdJGvTULFlkLSJhK3Nw/Brush%2BWatson_updated+201911206.jpg?format=1000w

https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/599ef3b5e45a7c9ae9410b9b/1586536610198-J35IOVGKDYN2K0B9OWFG/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kPTrHXgsMrSIMwe6YW3w1AZ7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0k5fwC0WRNFJBIXiBeNI5fKTrY37saURwPBw8fO2esROAxn-RKSrlQamlL27g22X2A/1.8B+EDIT.jpg?format=1000w

https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/599ef3b5e45a7c9ae9410b9b/1586536622677-TCSTQ1J2QLMVY3K9ANTD/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kPTrHXgsMrSIMwe6YW3w1AZ7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0k5fwC0WRNFJBIXiBeNI5fKTrY37saURwPBw8fO2esROAxn-RKSrlQamlL27g22X2A/75+COLOR_edit_update_.jpg?format=1000w
Source (https://www.oombra.com/brushandwatson)

DetroitSky

Aug 21, 2020, 12:07 AM

Most apartments in complex near Detroit's New Center will have $454 to $945 monthly rent (https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2020/08/19/affordable-housing-planned-new-center/5602384002/)

Affordable housing is coming to Detroit's Milwaukee Junction neighborhood in 2021 to address increasing rent in the New Center area, the city of Detroit announced Tuesday.

Twenty out of 25 units in the new Milwaukee Junction Apartments will have monthly rent ranging from $454 to $945 — based on average median income — with water bills included. Construction began on the four-story development in May and will cost about $8 million, according to a news release.

The building is expected to open May 2021.

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/08/18/PDTF/bb27f49f-abaa-4ff9-b5cc-09adde408e1d-258_Milwaukee_Rendering_City_of_Detroit.jpg?width=660&height=372&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp

Amazon hiring 100 additional jobs in Detroit with salaries averaging 150K (https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/amazon-hiring-100-additional-jobs-in-detroit-with-salaries-averaging-150k)

DETROIT - Amazon isn't slowing down its ever-expanding business model as the e-commerce giant continues to open more jobs in Detroit.

The company announced Tuesday it plans to fill an additional 100 positions in the city, expanding its field operations in tech hubs by hiring white-collar positions.

As part of a $1.4 billion investment into new offices around the country, Amazon's new jobs in Detroit will pay on average $150,000 each.

https://www.redico.com/sites/default/files/property-images/150_EXT_02.jpg
150 West Jefferson, location of the Amazon tech hub. Source. (https://www.redico.com/properties/150-west-jefferson#lg=1&slide=1)

Former home of Ulysses S. Grant heads to new site at Detroit's Eastern Market (https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2020/08/20/former-home-ulysses-s-grant-heads-eastern-market-site/5611879002/)

Detroit — A beloved piece of Michigan history — the former home of Ulysses S. Grant — was lifted Thursday from the old Michigan State Fairgrounds for a move to Eastern Market.

The decaying home, once occupied by the 18th U.S. president who led Civil War Union forces, is being relocated to the northeast corner of Orleans and Wilkins where it will be revived.

"We want it to be a living space that really celebrates the legacy of Grant and all of the work throughout his entire life," Tobi Voigt, an engagement director with the Michigan History Center, said Thursday morning just before two sections of the house headed down State Fair Street on Detroit's east side.

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/08/20/PDTN/db4deb50-5cd0-4429-8633-1324c2f4f6ac-2020-0820-mo-GrantHOUSE772.JPG?width=660&height=416&format=pjpg&auto=webp

ShadowSoarer

Aug 25, 2020, 11:06 PM

$50.3 million Tapestry hotel planned in former Park Avenue House downtown

*$50.3 million project to bring Tapestry hotel by Hilton to downtown Detroit
*Construction to be complete by 2023, lead developer says; permitting expected in late fall
*Building had been primarily low-income housing; tenants relocated last year

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-estate/503-million-tapestry-hotel-planned-former-park-avenue-house-downtown

Auto insurance company Clearcover plans 300 jobs in Detroit
*Chicago company to get $4.65 million in state, local incentives
*Auto insurance carrier still seeking office space in Detroit
*Jobs to be mostly in claims and underwriting

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/insurance/auto-insurance-company-clearcover-plans-300-jobs-detroit

81 apartments, commercial space planned in $20 million project in Detroit
*Development of former Lincoln Motor Co. property would cost nearly $20 million
*81 apartments, about 38,000 square feet of commercial space planned in Elijah McCoy neighborhood
*Project awarded pair of Michigan Strategic Fund loans, brownfield incentive

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-estate/81-apartments-commercial-space-planned-20-million-project-detroit

DetroitSky

Aug 26, 2020, 12:51 AM

Lots of news the past few days!

Motown-inspired Hotel Opens in Downtown Detroit (https://www.dbusiness.com/daily-news/motown-inspired-hotel-opens-in-downtown-detroit/)

Following a two-year, $10 million update, a 241-room boutique hotel in downtown Detroit with design elements inspired by 1960s Motown and soul music is now open.

Hotel Indigo is located at 1020 Washington Blvd. (southeast corner of Washington and Michigan Avenue). The updated design also pays homage to the original mid-century modern design of the building when it was first opened as a Howard Johnson Motor Lodge in 1966.

The new hotel, located across Michigan Avenue from the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit, includes a restaurant, The Trolley Room, which will open at a later date, and 1,700 square feet of meeting space. Hotel Indigo is managed by Ray Balkey and the Pyramid Hotel Group in Boston.

https://cdn.dbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2020/08/IndigoHotel.jpg

Detroit’s Sugar Hill Arts District Lands $36M Apartment and Retail Project (https://www.dbusiness.com/daily-news/detroits-sugar-hill-arts-district-lands-36m-apartment-and-retail-project/)

Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization Department today announced Preservation of Affordable Housing and Develop Detroit have broken ground on a new mixed-use and mixed-income development in Midtown Detroit’s Sugar Hill Arts District.

The $36.3 million project will open in late 2021 on what is currently a vacant lot at the northwest corner of John R and Garfield streets (west of the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center).

The project will have 68 apartments, 11,900 square feet of retail, and 164 public parking spaces. Fourteen of the apartments will be set aside as affordable housing at 30 percent to 60 percent of the average median income, and will be targeted to formerly homeless veterans served by the HUD-VASH voucher program.

https://cdn.dbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2020/08/VetHousing-resized-696x457.jpg

Detroit native buying homes in childhood neighborhood — and bringing them back to life (https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2020/08/24/king-yadee-renovate-th-3-block-developement/3338381001/)

Several abandoned homes. A large street flood. Trash covering the ground. Overgrown grass and weeds. An almost completely deserted neighborhood.

This is what Detroit contractor Alonzo Ramon, who goes by his rapper stage name King Yadee, saw when he returned to see the neighborhood where he grew up.

The area, located off Seven Mile Road at Archdale and Vassar, was a disaster. Yadee immediately wanted to fix it.

So he put his music career aside to begin doing what seemed like the impossible: buy up his entire childhood neighborhood and bring it back to life. His brother encouraged him to go to school to learn how to accomplish it all.

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/08/12/PDTF/5cb47771-c296-4676-971b-867869a36948-Th3Block_080520_RCR1173.JPG?crop=2399,1349,x0,y198&width=660&height=372&format=pjpg&auto=webp

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/08/12/PDTF/3db927a1-0365-4a80-9df0-0ecd5a0f902a-Th3Block_080520_RCR1171.JPG?width=660&height=441&format=pjpg&auto=webp

Aretha Franklin Memorial Highway dedicated by Whitmer, Duggan in event at Lodge Freeway (https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/music/brian-mccollum/2020/08/24/aretha-franklin-memorial-highway-lodge-freeway/5624638002/)

About a mile from the original church site where Aretha Franklin honed her musical chops, Michigan and Detroit dignitaries gathered Monday to christen a freeway in her honor.

A stretch of the Lodge Freeway between Livernois and I-94 was ceremonially designated Aretha L. Franklin Memorial Highway, two years after the Queen of Soul’s death. Signs are being installed on the north- and southbound sides of the freeway near the Pallister overpass.

More info on the Royal Palm:

Park Avenue House owner gets the OK to turn lower-income hotel into an upscale Hilton (https://www.freep.com/story/money/business/2020/08/25/incentives-park-avenue-house-hotel-detroit/5631555002/)

State and City of Detroit officials have approved $6.1 million in economic development incentives to turn a 13-story residential hotel in downtown that recently housed lower and moderate-income tenants into an upscale Hilton hotel.

The development group, Downtown Hospitality Detroit LLC, is planning a $50-million overhaul of the old Park Avenue House, 2305 Park Ave., to turn it into a 172-room "Tapestry Collection by Hilton" hotel featuring a first-floor restaurant and a cafe.

The building would be renamed Royal Palm Hotel, which was its original name when it opened in 1924 as a Louis Kamper-designed property for prominent Detroit hotel developer Lew Tuller.

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/08/25/PDTF/8e19f39c-0d78-4649-83ca-e02de32cddfa-HotelProject.jpg?width=300&height=421&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp

Detroit chefs opening new restaurant in Eastern Market, planning another in Core City (https://www.modeldmedia.com/devnews/bunny-bunny-opening-in-eastern-market.aspx)

“We've always been on the lookout for something in the city and we really wanted to be here and be a part of the community,” says Tootla. They were acquainted with Kyle and Lea Hunt, former owners of the restaurant Gather and the beer bar Collect on Gratiot in the Eastern Market district. They closed both those businesses last year but are planning to reopen Collect on the second floor, with Bunny Bunny on the first floor where Gather once was.

With the still-to-be-named Core City café, which will be in the Pantry space in the Sawtooth Building, the vision is to make the most out of Core City Park.

“That park is huge and beautiful and a big motivation to get open in the next month or so to utilize the last bit of warm weather,” Tootla says, and perhaps beyond, with pumpkin patches in the fall and a Christmas tree farm in the winter.

I don't have a Crain's subscription, but there's several stories there today:

Real Estate Insider: The Platform's Islandview neighborhood effort scaled back (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/voices-kirk-pinho/real-estate-insider-platforms-islandview-neighborhood-effort-scaled-back)

Manna brings Hungry Howie's back to Detroit as pizza delivery sales surge (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/restaurants/hungry-howies-expands-detroit-pizza-delivery-sales-surge)

Detroit Manufacturing Systems plans $31.9 expansion, 220 new jobs, training program (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/economic-development/detroit-manufacturing-systems-plans-319-million-expansion-220-new-jobs)

DetroitSky

Aug 29, 2020, 1:11 AM

Cleanup of Former Uniroyal Site Will Extend Detroit Riverwalk (https://www.dbusiness.com/daily-news/cleanup-of-former-uniroyal-site-will-extend-detroit-riverwalk/)

The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy and the EPA have started work on a $2.9 million project that will clean up a portion of contaminated sediment along the Detroit River and set the stage for the completion of the Riverwalk along the East Riverfront by linking two popular waterfront parks.

The project remediates approximately one acre of contaminated sediment located along the shoreline of the Detroit River downstream (west) of the MacArthur Bridge to Belle Isle — the so-called Uniroyal site located at the southwest corner of E. Jefferson and East Grand Blvd.

First U.S. Automated Parking Solution Being Tested in Detroit’s Corktown District (https://www.dbusiness.com/daily-news/first-u-s-automated-parking-solution-being-tested-in-detroits-corktown-district/)

Ford Motor Co., Bedrock, and Bosch are launching a demonstration project with connected Ford Escape test vehicles that can drive and park themselves inside Bedrock’s Assembly Garage west of downtown Detroit using Bosch smart infrastructure.

This is the first U.S. infrastructure-based solution for automated valet parking where the vehicle will park itself inside a parking garage.

The research will take place in the Corktown neighborhood, the site of Ford’s new mobility innovation district, anchored by Michigan Central Station. The district will draw mobility innovators and disruptors from around the world to develop, test, and launch new solutions to solve urban transportation challenges, improve mobility access, and prepare for the increasingly connected and autonomous world ahead.

https://cdn.dbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2020/08/FordPark.jpg

The first plants are being planted at the Belle Isle Oudolf garden:

Oudolf garden in Belle Isle expected to open to public in late summer 2021 (https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2020/08/27/belle-isle-outdoor-oudolf-garden/5648821002/)

Thousands of tall plants, flowering plants and green plants are being landscaped in Belle Isle to create a visual experience for people and a new habitat for animals and bugs.

And the plants will last all four seasons. The gates to the Oudolf Garden Detroit will open in late summer of 2021 when the plants begin to bloom, but Belle Isle visitors can get a glimpse outside of the gates.

After four years of planning, the goal is to make sure that visitors can see something visual, no matter what season it may be. Visitors will see 26,000 plants with 100 different plant varieties.

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/08/27/PDTF/d7001535-ab4b-484e-a693-39a6589c471a-oudolf_082720_kpm_447.jpg?width=660&height=441&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/08/27/PDTF/9fdedf29-940b-4cc0-9660-12469d271174-oudolf_082720_kpm_193.jpg?width=660&height=441&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp

Michigan Central Station's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/MichiganCentral) posted some update photos today:

https://scontent.fdet3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/118547327_10158006959648705_7408799334266272016_o.jpg?_nc_cat=109&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=IpchLdocetEAX_V5yw6&_nc_ht=scontent.fdet3-1.fna&oh=a691602101b4a590323085de425d81d4&oe=5F6F475B

https://scontent.fdet3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/118534099_10158006960053705_3308772574284588426_o.jpg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=k2BfFiya5QUAX8jsyXQ&_nc_ht=scontent.fdet3-1.fna&oh=22eae924739c1531cfbe3fc4509b7ebb&oe=5F6F2F67

https://scontent.fdet3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/118630032_10158006960473705_1831660379239932035_o.jpg?_nc_cat=105&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=Kct42zHMp6wAX-R2qrW&_nc_ht=scontent.fdet3-1.fna&oh=3766a0f9f90fe09b63fc84c0075a491d&oe=5F6FA892

https://scontent.fdet3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/118518452_10158006960828705_757445045499048750_o.jpg?_nc_cat=104&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=aHsI_Mw1PjYAX8mbCeD&_nc_ht=scontent.fdet3-1.fna&oh=145899554a02797019fc14a99bbd48f1&oe=5F6F12AE

DetroitSky

Sep 2, 2020, 4:46 AM

U of M already "delayed" construction of their $1bn hospital in Ann Arbor --
"It is unclear when construction on the facility would restart" -- so obviously the $300m innovation hub in Detroit is also punted. With no innovation center and Hudson's not appearing viable, bleak next few years in the Motor City.

https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/capital/michigan-medicine-delays-construction-of-920m-hospital.html

We have a separate thread specifically for Ann Arbor developments. (https://skyscraperpage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=150353)

I'm not sure where you're seeing the connection between the Michigan Medicine hospital's construction and the Detroit innovation center. Each project is backed by different financiers and they have two completely different functions. There's really no reason to believe that because a hospital in Ann Arbor gets put on hold that a university structure in Detroit to be occupied by U of M will also be put on hold.

There's also no indication that Hudson's is not viable besides the ramblings of a few individuals online who have no connection to the project. There's been workers on the site consistently for well over a year and progress is being made - even if it is slow. See today's progress video on YouTube. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeBnOZz6ePk) Construction IS occurring.

There's also a lot of construction happening across the city and plenty of new developments being announced every week. I don't see the next few years being "bleak" unless we enter a bad recession.

pablospotatos

Sep 2, 2020, 2:05 PM

We have a separate thread specifically for Ann Arbor developments. (https://skyscraperpage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=150353)

I'm not sure where you're seeing the connection between the Michigan Medicine hospital's construction and the Detroit innovation center. Each project is backed by different financiers and they have two completely different functions. There's really no reason to believe that because a hospital in Ann Arbor gets put on hold that a university structure in Detroit to be occupied by U of M will also be put on hold.

There's also no indication that Hudson's is not viable besides the ramblings of a few individuals online who have no connection to the project. There's been workers on the site consistently for well over a year and progress is being made - even if it is slow. See today's progress video on YouTube. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeBnOZz6ePk) Construction IS occurring.

There's also a lot of construction happening across the city and plenty of new developments being announced every week. I don't see the next few years being "bleak" unless we enter a bad recession.

Quite the flurry of activity in the 9/1 video! Contrary to not being "viable." work seems to have picked up on site.

Busy Bee

Sep 2, 2020, 2:09 PM

MCS

Man what an endeavor. Im having trouble finishing my bathroom remodel. Really puts things in perspective.

seabee1526

Sep 2, 2020, 3:47 PM

Frankai Videos also shows whats going on in the Motor City. He does a great job of taking us all through the city.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrcFFZOa7c0

DetroitSky

Sep 2, 2020, 11:00 PM

Detroit’s Eastern Market Poised to Grow with New Housing, Food Production, Offices, and Retail (https://www.dbusiness.com/daily-news/detroits-eastern-market-poised-to-grow-with-new-housing-food-production-offices-and-retail/)

The City of Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization Department (HRD) and the Detroit Economic Growth Corp. (DEGC) today announced they are seeking proposals from qualified development teams for two sites in the Eastern Market District.

The first property is nearly 1-acre of vacant land at 1923 Division St., on the northeast corner of the Dequindre Cut Greenway. HRD is seeking proposals to build a new mixed-use, mixed-income housing development with the potential to offer up to 125,000 square feet for residential dwelling use.

The land is centrally located near Lafayette Park and downtown Detroit. The property is adjacent to several businesses and is generally bounded by Alfred Street to the north, Division Street to the south, the Dequindre Cut Greenway to the west, and St. Aubin Street to the east. It is close to both I-75 and I-375, and two blocks from Gratiot Avenue.

https://cdn.dbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2020/09/EasternMarket.jpg

The former Cadillac Stamping Plant on the east side is slated to be demolished for a new 682,000 square foot warehouse. More info should be coming soon. (https://www.crainsdetroit.com/voices-kirk-pinho/real-estate-insider-former-cadillac-stamping-plant-be-demolished-redeveloped)

http://www.detroiturbex.com/content/industry/doverspike/img/6.jpg
An overview of the abandoned Cadillac Plant.Source. (http://www.detroiturbex.com/content/industry/doverspike/index.html)

jmcilreavy

Sep 3, 2020, 10:18 PM

Went by the Brush and Watson site this morning. Heavy equipment has arrived. I reached out to OOMBRA Architects, who designed the buildings, for more information on time line.

jmcilreavy

Sep 4, 2020, 1:00 AM

Went by the Brush and Watson site this morning. Heavy equipment has arrived. I reached out to OOMBRA Architects, who designed the buildings, for more information on time line.

Just want to follow up. Architect replied saying work is beginning on underground parking. That is expected to go on for 10 months before going vertical. Work should be completed in 2022. This project will have a 4 story, 5 story and 10 story buildings.

DetroitSky

Sep 4, 2020, 1:03 AM

UM has budget holes up the wazoo and cancelled far more important projects already. Please point us to the financing you speak of for the $300M. This was announced a year ago in Oct. 2019, not a word since. Flashy renderings, nothing happens. Many such cases. District Detroit, MLS Stadium District, Monroe Blocks, on and on.

Construction on the innovation center isn't supposed to begin until next year, and there's been no direct indication it won't be built. There's also dozens of articles mentioning the project released in the past year. I guess you didn't search very much.

An article from the initial October 30 announcement stating construction isn't planned to begin until 2021: (https://www.michigandaily.com/section/detroit/‘u’-announces-300-million-innovation-center-detroit)

The site will be anchored by a 190,000 square foot research and education center. In addition to the academic portion of the building, the 14-acre site will also feature residential units, a hotel, a conference center and a business collaboration and incubation space. Production is slated to begin in 2021.

An article from August 22 (https://www.freep.com/story/money/business/2020/08/22/detroit-office-market-covid-gilbert-buildings/3385465001/):

Additionally, the planned $300 million University of Michigan "Innovation Center" along Gratiot, at the former site of the "failed" Wayne County jail project, remains on pace for construction start in 2021, according to a spokesman for its lead developer The Related Cos.

From February 17, 2020: (https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2020/02/university-of-michigan-creates-curriculum-committee-for-detroit-center-for-innovation.html)

The University of Michigan recently appointed a new faculty committee to create master’s degree and certificate programs that will be available at the planned Detroit Center for Innovation.

From February 22, 2020: (https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2020/02/stephen-m-ross-gives-100m-to-launch-construction-of-ums-detroit-center-for-innovation.html)

ANN ARBOR, MI — Philanthropist and chairman of Related Companies Stephen M. Ross has announced a $100-million gift to launch the fundraising campaign to advance construction of the Detroit Center for Innovation.

The center will also be made possible by a significant contribution of land by Dan Gilbert, according to a news release issued Friday, Feb. 21.

If you're going to join a forum specifically to argue with other forumers please know all the facts before you make your statements.

CrazyCres

Sep 4, 2020, 1:37 AM

Just want to follow up. Architect replied saying work is beginning on underground parking. That is expected to go on for 10 months before going vertical. Work should be completed in 2022. This project will have a 4 story, 5 story and 10 story buildings.

Thank you for the info :tup:

Nice to see more density in Brush park and right next to city modern.
:cheers:

davidberko

Sep 4, 2020, 2:50 AM

DetroitSky

Sep 4, 2020, 4:31 AM

Detroit Neighborhood Named Among Best Areas for U.S. Housing Developers (https://www.dbusiness.com/daily-news/detroit-neighborhood-named-best-area-for-u-s-housing-developers/)

The North End/New Center part of Detroit was named an area with some of the most attractive opportunities in the U.S. for housing developers to take advantage of federal reinvestment tax benefits.

The largest and most active developer in the New Center area is Detroit-based The Platform, led by Peter Cummings. The company owns and is renovating the Fisher Building, and late last year opened The Boulevard, a six-story, 356,000-square-foot, mixed-use development on the northwest corner of Third Avenue and West Grand Boulevard. Other projects are in the works across the city, as well.

Arts space and mini-market planned for two vacant lots in Southwest Detroit (https://www.modeldmedia.com/devnews/LaEsquina.aspx)

After two decades of sitting empty, two vacant lots adjacent to Detroit’s Clark Park are on the cusp of becoming community assets.

Located at the corner of Bagley Street and Scotten Avenue sit two vacant lots. A crowdfunding campaign and complementing matching grant could change that as a neighboring nonprofit has launched a partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to bring their ideas for change to fruition.

We Are Culture Creators, a nonprofit that offers arts and entrepreneurship programming for young men of color in Detroit, seeks to transform the vacant lots into La Esquina, a mini-market and arts space next to their headquarters on Bagley Street.

The organization has partnered with the MEDC to make it happen. We Are Culture Creators has entered into the Public Spaces Community Places program, a placemaking initiative from the MEDC.

New Autonomous Shuttle Connects Detroit Seniors with Local Hospital (https://www.dbusiness.com/daily-news/new-autonomous-shuttle-connects-detroit-seniors-with-local-hospital/)

For the first time, a self-driving, accessible, paratransit shuttle is being deployed to transport senior citizens and the underserved to and from appointments and other needs at a Detroit hospital.

The deployment — a partnership between Navya, NextEnergy, Bestmile, Flagstar Bank, IXR Mobility, and AARP, as well as DTE, and Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification PlanetM — will enhance accessibility for residents of two communities, Brush Park Manor Senior Center and Brewster Homes.

https://cdn.dbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2020/08/Navya.jpg

Warrenite84

Sep 4, 2020, 10:28 AM

My Dad used to work at the Cadillac Stamping Plant also known as the Conner Stamping Plant. He worked in the Fire Department and Plant Security there, Fleetwood Assembly, and Clark Avenue Assembly. He worked for Cadillac for 35 years and knew every inch of that place. I'm sure he will be bummed a little when I tell him they're tearing it down.

chjbolton

Sep 4, 2020, 5:33 PM

Hey guys, how's that new tallest Hudson tower coming along?

Steely Dan

Sep 4, 2020, 5:35 PM

Hey guys, how's that new tallest Hudson tower coming along?

there's a dedicated construction thread for that project.

link: DETROIT | Hudson Tower & Block | 680 FT | 49 FLOORS (https://skyscraperpage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=208634)

uaarkson

Sep 6, 2020, 12:53 PM

UM is confronting a $1 billion budget shortfall, just punted their money-printing new hospital, the athletic dept might be $100M in the red, and you think they care about an unfunded Detroit vanity project?

Pre-COVID puff pieces mean little. Palm Beach billionaire allegedly put up 1/3rd (pre-COVID) where's the other $200+ million coming from? I'm not sure what you're expecting from bottom rung Detroit media. Detroit has 100 examples of flashy renderings never happening in the last 10 years that they never follow up on. Detroit media is in the business of manufacturing Detroit hype, not detailing bleak realities.

Lmao dude you're such a bummer. Go away.

subterranean

Sep 7, 2020, 7:16 AM

Anyone know what’s been happening over at the old Packard site?

The North One

Sep 7, 2020, 6:51 PM

Why is this troll still here? Obviously it came to harass people in the Detroit threads. Please get rid of it.

DetroitSky

Sep 8, 2020, 5:18 AM

Why is this troll still here? Obviously it came to harass people in the Detroit threads. Please get rid of it.

Been wondering this too.

BorgWarner and California Accelerator to Partner in Detroit Incubator (https://www.dbusiness.com/daily-news/borgwarner-and-california-accelerator-to-partner-in-detroit-incubator/)

BorgWarner Inc., a large auto supplier in Auburn Hills, is partnering with a California-based startup accelerator and the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) to open an incubator location in Detroit.

Plug and Play, a global innovation platform and accelerator ecosystem for startup companies based in the Silicon Valley, matches startup companies with relevant companies and investors for three-month programs.

The location and timing of the facility’s opening were not announced.

A user on the Facebook group Historical Detroit Area Architecture (https://www.facebook.com/groups/412764338844049/) posted an update photo of the Obama Building today:

https://scontent.fdet3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/118958090_10158646916317840_80522511011766409_o.jpg?_nc_cat=101&_nc_sid=825194&_nc_ohc=xItzqStE-esAX_JpI71&_nc_ht=scontent.fdet3-1.fna&oh=e757484305fbf11dd54545ec3654ab75&oe=5F7E0C2C

I also recently came across these renderings (https://re-interests.com/properties/property-15/) of The Leland's renovation. A garage filling the rest of the block was planned when originally announced. These renderings show some residential and retail included in the garage.

https://re-interests.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Page-1-Image-2-632x623.png

https://re-interests.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Leland-Garage-Cass-Rendering-1110x623.jpg

https://re-interests.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Leland-Garage-Floorplan-Rendering-1110x623.png

https://re-interests.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Leland-garage-apartment-layout-rendering-1110x623.jpg

pablospotatos

Sep 8, 2020, 12:48 PM

Why is this troll still here? Obviously it came to harass people in the Detroit threads. Please get rid of it.

Seriously. We don't need this site turning into another DYes, where I'm sure it is or has been a troll as well.

uaarkson

Sep 8, 2020, 5:35 PM

Yes, we get it. Enough already.

The North One

Sep 8, 2020, 5:43 PM

Seriously. We don't need this site turning into another DYes, where I'm sure it is or has been a troll as well.

This is the same troll Detroityes banned, I know that for a fact at least since he literally talked about this site there.

So even Detroityes has better standards than Skyscraperpage, that's sad lol.

Also the Obama building looks fantastic.

DetroitSky

Sep 9, 2020, 12:36 AM

The mural on the side of Chroma, being renovated by The Platform in Milwaukee Junction, was damaged by repairs during renovations and replaced with a new mural:

Gallery: See How Detroit Artist Sydney G. James Creates 'The Girl With The D Earring' (https://www.deadlinedetroit.com/articles/26144/gallery_see_how_detroit_artist_sydney_g_james_creates_the_girl_with_the_d_earring)

Detroit's newest mural puts a dramatic face, literally, on a renovated building in the Milwaukee Junction area east of New Center.

"The Girl with the D Earring," as Sydney G. James titles the nine-story work finished Monday, is a take on Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer’s best-known canvas – "Girl with a Pearl Earring," created in 1665. In addition to an Old English "D" left ear decoration, the local version has signs and logos of historic North End and Paradise Valley businesses such as Angie's barber shop, Apex Bar on Oakland Avenue and Red's Jazz Shoe Shine Parlor, founded by Willie D. Thomas in 1949 on Oakland.

https://d2nyfqh3g1stw3.cloudfront.net/photos/chroma_detroit_mural_before___after_44752.JPG
Old mural on the left

https://d2nyfqh3g1stw3.cloudfront.net/photos/118467166_10157938966143978_4320609781917222120_o_44757.jpg
The nearly completed new mural

Chroma is set to open in November. (https://www.theplatform.city/chroma/)

https://www.theplatform.city/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Mural-Building-Historical-1137x1400.jpeg

https://www.theplatform.city/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/2020_0821_SDenby_9030_edited-scaled-e1598368924460-1400x948.jpg
Photos from here. (https://www.theplatform.city/chroma/)

Two doors east of Chroma, Oak & Reel is opening in a fully renovated building this Friday:

Gallery: Oak & Reel Starts Serving Italian-Style Seafood This Week In Detroit's North End (https://www.deadlinedetroit.com/articles/26147/gallery_oak_reel_starts_serving_italian-style_seafood_this_week_in_detroit_s_north_end)

A culinary star trades a 15-year New York City career to open a restaurant in the region of his childhood. Chef Jared Gadbaw, raised in Garden City, opens Oak & Reel this coming weekend in the Milwaukee Junction neighborhood east of New Center.

He describes it as "a contemporary Italian restaurant with a primary focus on seafood, ... combining local ingredients with seafood not only from our Great Lakes but also from waters throughout the world." Pasta is handmade at the East Grand Boulevard newcomer.

https://d2nyfqh3g1stw3.cloudfront.net/photos/oak___reel_exterior_44771.jpg

https://d2nyfqh3g1stw3.cloudfront.net/photos/Oak___Reel_interior_44761.jpg

Detroit's first indoor climbing gym coming to Eastern Market (https://www.wxyz.com/news/detroits-first-indoor-climbing-gym-coming-to-eastern-market)

DETROIT (WXYZ) — Indoor rock climbing has continued to grow throughout the United States, and the first indoor climbing gym in the City of Detroit is expected to open later this year in Eastern Market.

Dino Ruggeri, 31, from Grosse Pointe, said DYNO Climbing and Fitness is expected to open in November. It will be located at 1840 Mack Ave. near Orleans and the Dequindre Cut in the north end of Eastern Market.

https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9ba30b8/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5464x3640+0+0/resize/1280x853!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fewscripps-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F28%2Ff4%2F642cd4174dba862f28d72edf3404%2Fdyno-climbing-outdoor-1-photo-credit-owen-kaufman.jpg

https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c86cf49/2147483647/strip/true/crop/7680x4320+0+0/resize/1280x720!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fewscripps-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F54%2F58%2Fb3a9626f4189aaed4ee4c62eb68e%2Fdyno-climbing-renderings-6.jpg

seabee1526

Sep 12, 2020, 1:54 AM

Does anyone know what the book building parking garage details are? Scuttlebutt is the red tower cranes staged at the Monroe Blocks site is for the garage.

DetroitSky

Sep 12, 2020, 4:29 AM

Does anyone know what the book building parking garage details are? Scuttlebutt is the red tower cranes staged at the Monroe Blocks site is for the garage.

I believe all that's been announced is that it'll be in the 10-12 story range and will incorporate the 2 story building on site. The first two floors of the garage will have retail space.

American/French Bistro Slated for Downtown Detroit (https://www.dbusiness.com/daily-news/american-french-bistro-slated-for-downtown-detroit/)

A new American and French bistro and market is slated to open in January in the City Club Apartments in downtown Detroit.

The Warren-based Joe Vicari Restaurant Group has announced The Statler Bistro, the newest addition to its restaurant portfolio. This will be the 22nd restaurant under the ownership of the group, which includes Andiamo and Joe Muer Seafood.

The new restaurant will occupy half of the first floor of the apartment building and be located on the corner of Washington Boulevard and Park Avenue on the former site of the historic Statler Hotel.

The bistro will offer 175 seats, and the décor will have a European feel. Indoor and outdoor seating will be available, and the menu will feature American and French cuisine. The market, a new concept for the restaurant group, will offer groceries and packaged meals.

Wayne State Physician Group Rebrands, Opens Medical Facility in Midtown (https://www.dbusiness.com/daily-news/wayne-state-physician-group-rebrands-opens-medical-facility-in-midtown/)

The new center, called 400 Mack Detroit Health Center (400 Mack Avenue, south side of Mack between Brush and St. Antoine streets), will offer primary and preventive health services including internal medicine, family medicine, obstetrics/gynecology, and behavioral health. Another WSU partner organization, Wayne Pediatrics, is co-locating clinical services for children at the location, offering care across the lifecycle at the new 50,000-square-foot facility.

SperamusMeliora

Sep 12, 2020, 8:35 PM

DetroitSky

Sep 12, 2020, 10:47 PM

As of this past March, the HDC has not yet approved a plan for 1201 Washington, but the 1249 - 1265 Washington Blvd General Rehab -- Staff Report - Book Development (https://detroitmi.gov/sites/detroitmi.localhost/files/events/2020-04/%2320-6699_1249%20%26%201265%20Washington%20Blvd_General%20Rehab%20--%20Staff%20Report%20-%20Book%20Development.pdf) they put out shows detail of the proposed modifications of the Book Building/Tower.

Thanks for posting that! Tons of interesting new information there.

This document from 2017 (https://detroitmi.gov/sites/detroitmi.localhost/files/2018-09/CBO%20Book%20Tower%203%20Presentation.pdf) has a conceptual massing of the garage on page 57.

The North One

Sep 13, 2020, 4:13 AM

Wow, a lot of info indeed! But I thought Bedrock doesn't have any planzz!!!11!!

Looks like they're just gonna use cityclub's parking? I'd rather a new garage not be built so it looks good to me.

DetroitSky

Sep 14, 2020, 2:45 AM

The crane going up outside the Book Building must be for the partial 14th floor described in that PDF.

Dilapidated Detroit apartments get rehabbed, rent for $800 a month (https://www.freep.com/in-depth/money/business/michigan/2020/09/13/regina-recina-detroit-brush-park-redeveloped/5717242002/)

Some of the most sought-after residences in Detroit's fast-rebounding Brush Park neighborhood are not in an ultramodern Dan Gilbert-owned townhouse development or a sleek new luxury condo complex, but a formerly empty and dilapidated rooming house that was nearly demolished.

The Regina, 253 Erskine, is a three-story apartment building from about the 1940s that is attached to an old brick house. It was said to be a rooming house for many years, but by the late 1980s or perhaps even earlier, the building had emptied out and was sliding into disrepair.

David Camilleri, 58, a portrait artist and immigrant from the island of Malta, moved to Detroit and bought the ramshackle Regina shortly before Christmas 2015 for $525,000. The sale price included an empty neighboring lot.

He was one of the few who saw any future in the dilapidated building. Or what was left of the building.

"There were holes in the floors — absolutely nothing salvageable whatsoever," recalled Ryan Cooley of O'Connor Real Estate, the broker on the sale. "So every inch of that place has been redone.”

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/09/10/PDTF/6afd0970-9ced-4ce8-a852-cae75f621741-recina_090420_kpm_605.jpg?width=1488

Historic Detroit church completes three years' worth of repairs with help from community (https://www.wxyz.com/news/historic-detroit-church-completes-three-years-worth-of-repairs-with-help-from-community)

Three years ago, the 130-year-old Sweetest Heart of Mary Catholic Church on Detroit’s east side was forced to repair or remove its two steeples or the city would condemn the building.

The cost to fix the problem would have left the parish devastated.

The 130-year-old Sweetest Heart of Mary Catholic Church faced an unfortunate fate three years ago when its two steeples started falling apart.

To restore the spires, it would have cost $2.5 million. The estimate to remove them: $765,000.

If the church didn’t have enough money to do either, it could have been condemned by the city.

“We saved part of Detroit’s skyline.”

https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/2d02751/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2325x1308+113+0/resize/1280x720!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fewscripps-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F92%2Fd7%2F243c61fd40a09eaee445059e3a5d%2Fscreen-shot-2020-09-10-at-5.57.02%20PM.png

DetroitSky

Sep 18, 2020, 10:32 PM

The annual update meeting for The Mid was held on September 17th. The master plan remains unchanged with construction to begin in June 2021. (https://detroitmi.gov/sites/detroitmi.localhost/files/events/2020-09/THE%20MID_2020%20Annual%20Update%20Presentation.pdf)

Historic Detroit Free Press Building Opens Residential Leasing, Includes Rooftop Pool (https://www.dbusiness.com/daily-news/historic-detroit-free-press-building-opens-residential-leasing-includes-rooftop-pool/)

The former Detroit Free Press Building in downtown Detroit will take on a new name when it opens next month following its conversion into 105 residential apartments along with numerous amenities. The building is being developed by Bedrock, the full-service real estate group owned by Dan Gilbert.

The historic structure, designed by renowned Detroit architect Albert Kahn, will be called The Press/321 (321 W. Lafayette Blvd.). The apartments range from studios to three-bedroom units and will be complemented by the Midwest’s first fully automated parking system, a rooftop pool with a sundeck and gas grills, and a state-of-of-the-art fitness center.

Other amenities will include a community work lounge, a conference room, fiber internet, and bike storage. Each apartment will offer expansive windows, stainless steel appliances, an accent wall, and picturesque archways. Studios start at $995 with move-ins beginning in mid-October of this year.

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/09/16/PDTF/567f617a-af43-44df-9d8e-b966df95f35a-Press321-20200225-002.jpeg?width=660&height=367&format=pjpg&auto=webp

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/09/16/PDTF/079936ef-9371-4cf4-b980-f3b6fc53b422-Press321Rendering-20200520-002.jpeg?width=660&height=441&format=pjpg&auto=webp
Community lounge

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/09/16/PDTF/491b4ab8-1449-434f-a3d4-8f76d4b49f89-Press321Rendering-20200520-006.jpeg?width=660&height=437&format=pjpg&auto=webp

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/09/16/PDTF/5bd31b07-b677-4f54-a032-3c6b66bb7e50-Press321Rendering-20200520-008.jpeg?width=660&height=374&format=pjpg&auto=webp

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/09/16/PDTF/2d5761d7-121f-4e81-9069-e60c7f17bdf9-Press321Rendering-20200520-009.jpeg?width=522&height=495&format=pjpg&auto=webp
All renderings from here. (https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2020/09/16/detroit-free-press-building-detroit-press-321/5818814002)

The Atlas Lofts poised to rise near Eastern Market (https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2020/09/18/atlas-lofts-poised-rise-near-eastern-market/3492318001/)

The Eastern Market neighborhood will get new residential units with the $7 million conversion of 1440 Gratiot into a development named The Atlas Lofts.

The six-story building, owned by FIRM real estate, was constructed in the 1920s and formerly housed Atlas Furniture Co. The project will include 30 residential loft style units ranging from 360 to 1,300 square feet. There are four ground floor retail spaces that will range from 630 to 1,000 square feet.

Renovation work is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2021 and be complete in spring 2022. Detroit-based design firm Rossetti says the project will blend the history of the neighborhood with modern and stylish architecture.

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/09/18/PDTN/990a935f-9d97-4b74-8719-c20d1eacb900-Atlas_Lofts_1440_Gratiot_Render_.png?crop=1280,894,x0,y0&width=660&height=461&format=pjpg&auto=webp

Bedrock Sakthi purchase includes former Southwestern High School (https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2020/09/16/bedrock-sakthi-purchase-includes-former-southwestern-high-school/5822749002/)

Dan Gilbert's Bedrock real estate arm has purchased the vacant Southwestern High School as part of its acquisition of the former Sakthi Industrial Campus along West Fort, officials confirmed Wednesday.

The school at 6921 W. Fort Street has been closed since 2012 and had fallen into a state of disrepair. The building sits in the same block as the former Sakthi Automotive Group USA plant and is part of Bedrock's purchase of the 37-acre site that includes 529,000 square feet of industrial and manufacturing space, 89,000 square feet of office and flex space.

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/7030d2d385099597a67c37695fbce8ab626399e7/c=0-190-4256-2584/local/-/media/2015/05/11/DetroitNews/B99269338Z.1_20150511192510_000_G93GL418.1-0.jpg?width=660&height=372&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp

City to pay to remove dangerous lead from some southwest Detroit homes. Here's how to apply (https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2020/09/17/southwest-detroit-lead-based-paint-removal/3479508001/)

Residents who live in southwest Detroit can now apply to have lead-based paint removed from their homes for free, the city of Detroit announced Thursday.

The city plans to enroll 455 households in the 48209 ZIP code area into the program over five years. Households with children under 6 years old, with a pregnant mother or with children who have tested positive for lead will be prioritized, according to a news release. Residents can get up to $25,000 in repairs per home.

The 48209 ZIP code area in southwest Detroit was chosen because a majority of homes were built before lead-based paint was banned and there is a high number of low-income families and children under 6 living there. It is bound by Vernor Highway to the north, Woodmere to the west, Livernois to the east and I-75 to the south.

Resilient Neighborhoods: These two nonprofits are bringing youth-driven spaces to SW Detroit (https://www.modeldmedia.com/features/resilient-neighborhoods-youth-spaces.aspx)

A couple of years ago, Stephanie Segura, 18, wasn't doing a whole lot outside of going to school and hanging out with her friends. But then, in 2018, the young Southwest Detroiter got involved with a local community organization called Congress of Communities (COC), and the impact it's had on her has been transformative.

"When I got involved with COC, so many opportunities started opening up," she says. "I became more open to seeing the world differently, and I learned about social justice issues, race, and ethnicity, which are important topics I feel are not really discussed at school."

Based in Southwest Detroit, Congress of Communities is a nonprofit advocacy group focused on education and public safety issues and uplifting the voices of local residents. Founded in 2010, it originally came together through a community organizing effort aimed at bringing together the area's diverse residents and stakeholders and fostering cross-community collaboration.

https://www.modeldmedia.com/FilterD/images/coc.building1.jpg?s=f
Future youth center

https://www.modeldmedia.com/FilterD/images/uni.building2.jpg?s=f
Future youth hub and retail space

Highland Park eco-village raises funds for solar-powered streetlights and free public Wi-Fi network (https://www.modeldmedia.com/devnews/WeLitAvalon.aspx)

It was in 2011 when Highland Park had its streetlights repossessed by DTE Energy, allowing the city to avoid paying $4 million in unpaid debts.

Now Avalon Village, an eco-village within the city, is taking matters into its own hands.

Avalon Village along with partners Soulardarity and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation have launched a crowdfunding campaign to install five solar-powered streetlights along Avalon Street in Highland Park.

What’s more, the streetlights will provide the neighborhood a free public mesh Wi-Fi network.

https://www.modeldmedia.com/FilterD/images/project_3398_body_screen_shot_2020-08-14_at_11_23_45_am_1.png?s=mx

seabee1526

Sep 23, 2020, 2:33 AM

https://www.freep.com/story/money/business/2020/09/22/apartments-condos-greektown-building/5863733002/

16 story Greektown

CrazyCres

Sep 27, 2020, 3:19 AM

Construction on Mid town high-rise buildings now two years behind schedule

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qfyu6LaUAxf-9NGthAiTi2RteMw=/0x0:6400x3600/1200x800/filters:focal(2688x1288:3712x2312)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66093198/TheMid1.0.jpg

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-estate/construction-midtown-high-rise-buildings-now-two-years-behind-schedule

CrazyCres

Sep 27, 2020, 3:44 AM

Where could this be?

https://www.in-formstudio.com/hudroe-central-utility-plant/

https://www.detroityes.com/mb/attachment.php?attachmentid=40425&d=1593031133

Thanks to DetroitYes

Also the page from their website was removed for some reason :shrug:

DetroitSky

Sep 27, 2020, 10:40 PM

Also the page from their website was removed for some reason :shrug:

The wording on the page was ambiguous and since there was no announcement from Bedrock about this project I'm led to believe it was to be kept a secret until an official announcement could be made. But people figured it out anyway, and then it was promptly removed. Probably not a coincidence.

deja vu

Sep 28, 2020, 11:19 AM

Bedrock posted a pretty neat virtual tour of several Detroit (/ Bedrock) neighborhoods, including Voigt Park, Brush Park / City Modern, and Downtown. Includes high res, 360-degree views. I don't think it has been shared here yet:

https://bedrockdetroit.viewin360.co/share/7dzsr?fs=1&vr=1&sd=1&initload=0&thumbs=1&chromeless=1&logo=0

DetroitSky

Sep 28, 2020, 9:11 PM

Chicago startup Clearcover must eventually open Detroit office to get cash (https://www.freep.com/story/money/business/michigan/2020/09/26/clearcover-must-open-detroit-office-cash/3516824001/)

A Chicago-based auto insurance startup has begun filling the first dozen of its planned 303 jobs in Detroit and says it hopes to someday bring all of these remote-work employees into physical office space in the city after the coronavirus pandemic.

The announcement last month that the startup company, Clearcover, had chosen downtown Detroit for its second office over at least two other Midwest cities was celebrated as a big win for the city and region.

The jobs, which include customer support, sales, underwriting and technical support positions, would have an average annual salary of $59,000, plus benefits including "unlimited vacation," a 401K match and equity stakes in the company. The first batch of Detroit jobs are posted on Clearcover's website.

“This is almost the textbook example of what we’ve set out to do and how it results in a great success," said Maureen Donohue Krauss, CEO for the Detroit Regional Partnership, a nonprofit organization founded two years ago to market metro Detroit to out of state and international companies.

Collectively Owned Detroit People’s Food Co-op Is One Step Closer to Opening in the North End (https://detroit.eater.com/2020/9/21/21449463/detroit-peoples-food-coop-membership-enrollment-pandemic-blm-protests-opening-north-end-groceries)

The Detroit People’s Food Co-op (DPFC) recently welcomed its 1,000th member, meeting a hard-earned membership goal and putting the organization one step closer toward opening in the city’s historic North End.

In November 2019, Detroit People’s Food Co-op (DPFC) announced their membership campaign with a goal of enrolling 1,000 members to help create a collectively owned, full service grocery store within Detroit city limits. At the time of the announcement the co-op had 407 members. However, Malik Yakini, a founding member of the group building DPFC, tells Eater that the pandemic and Black Lives Matter uprisings across the country helped fuel a massive growth in membership, helping the group meet its enrollment numbers.

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2swkXko4W4JZ4CEE6tVDo96iDKM=/0x0:640x360/920x613/filters:focal(269x129:371x231)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67444016/IMG_9292__1_.0.jpg
Planned Detroit Food Commons to be located at 8324 Woodward at Euclid

Detroit Loves Tacos bringing taste of Guanajuato region of Mexico to North End (https://www.modeldmedia.com/features/detroit-loves-tacos-coming-to-north-end.aspx)

A Southwest Detroit couple is bringing a taste of Mexico to the North End.

Julie and Jason Stevens have been previewing their upcoming Mexican restaurant through pop-up events this month at 9425 John R. With options ranging from family-inspired comfort food to health-conscious vegan choices, the husband-and-wife team has been previewing their menu for the community before they open their permanent location this year.

DetroitSky

Oct 1, 2020, 7:34 AM

This thing is f#$%ing awful.

New Development Planned For Detroit's Historic Eastern Market (https://www.deadlinedetroit.com/articles/26316/major_new_development_planned_for_detroit_s_historic_eastern_market)

In the intro of our 2018 story on changes in Eastern Market, a beloved historic district that had just seen a flurry of property sales to developers with deep pockets, we zeroed in on a mural that appeared to warn of what was to come.

Located on a building at the corner of Russell and Division streets, the piece by artist Daniel Bombardier suggested the district could fall prey to gentrification going on elsewhere in the city. It featured images of a slimy dollar sign and a closed liquor store and — quite literally — spelled DOOM!

Over the next two years, Linden and Sanford Nelson, the father-son duo who bought the building along with more than a dozen others, would usher in a wave of closures of beloved market staples, including Russell Street Deli and the Farmers Restaurant, all the while insisting they were intent on preserving the market’s character.

Today, there’s news of an uncharacteristic development planned for the site of that building. FIRM Real Estate reportedly plans to break ground on a four-story, glass-enclosed office and retail building in 2021, design websites report. The building will be glass-enclosed and covered in art, a nod to the Murals in the Market event that helped bring renewed attention to the food hub.

The first stage of the scheme commenced on September 30, 2020, with construction set to start in 2021.

https://d2nyfqh3g1stw3.cloudfront.net/photos/featured_glass_mural_design_concept_45164.jpg

https://d2nyfqh3g1stw3.cloudfront.net/photos/featured_glass_mural_concept_2__45165.jpg

https://d2nyfqh3g1stw3.cloudfront.net/photos/featured_glass_mural_concept_4_45167.jpg

https://d2nyfqh3g1stw3.cloudfront.net/photos/featured_glass_mural_concept_3_45166.jpg