DETROIT | Development & Construction: Motown Lowdown

[Velvet_Highground]

A desperately needed project glad to see movement hopefully the vast expanse's of mature tree cover aren't an indication of the expected completion date

[DetroitMan]

NORTH CORKTOWN
Once-blighted Detroit day care building to become food hall, cafe

Since buying the property, McDowell has cleaned out the roughly 4,000-square-foot building, rebuilt its roof and back wall, and added a giant mural sign on the side — "Appreciate You" — designed by local artist Robert Spence. Now, McDowell is making plans to start transforming the building later this year into a neighborhood food hall and café. McDowell said that once the rehab work is all done, which could be late this year or early next, he anticipates renting out the building's kitchens to small local food businesses, and he is exploring the concept of possibly donating the operating profits to charity.

For the building's future café, he envisions something similar to The Congregation, 9321 Rosa Parks Blvd. near Boston Edison, which serves food, coffee and cocktails and is inside a former church.

McDowell said he wants to have reasonable prices that would appeal to nearby residents and not only neighborhood visitors.

https://www.freep.com/story/money/busine...re-north-corktown-food-hall/77726554007/

[deja vu]

^ I like seeing community-building stuff like this!

Some more park-related news, from a few weeks ago. Accessibility upgrades at Hart Plaza continue to push through this deep-freeze (funded by the America Rescue Plan Act) -

Hart Plaza renovations underway to provide ADA access near Gateway to Freedom monument
Dana Afana | Detroit Free Press
January 4, 2025

Source: Eric Seals | Detroit Free Press


Source: SmithGroup

[DetroitMan]

Minock Place in Northwest Detroit recently broke ground and is scheduled to open by mid-to late 2026.
Northwest Detroit sees new housing options

The $22.5 million development will consist of 42 “affordable” senior housing apartments, mostly one-bedroom units, as well as ground-floor commercial space. Specific affordability rates are unclear, but the news release says the development will be geared toward those with “low to moderate income.”

On its website, the Grandmont Rosedale Development Corp. notes that the neighborhood's residents are older than the city of Detroit as a whole, with 31% of residents being over 55 years old compared to 22% citywide.

The development received a host of funding, including a $1 million loan from the city’s Strategic Neighborhood Fund and a $7.3 million investment from Cinnaire. Last summer, the state provided a variety of funding as well.

“These projects represent a significant investment in the Grandmont-Rosedale neighborhood,” Julie Schneider, director of the city’s Housing and Revitalization Department, said in the release. “They are not just about building homes — they’re about creating a foundation for opportunity, stability, and growth. By improving access to quality housing, we’re fostering a stronger, more vibrant community that will serve as a model of resilience and progress for the entire city.”

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-estate/affordable-and-senior-housing-goes-northwest-detroit

[DetroitSky]

Downtown Detroit's Skillman library to reopen after renovations

The Detroit Downtown Development Authority approved a $3 million grant this week to make improvements to the Detroit Public Library's Skillman branch, which has been closed since 2020 and will now reopen after renovations.

The Skillman branch, located at 121 Gratiot in downtown Detroit, was initially shuttered because of the COVID-19 pandemic and remained closed due to construction at the neighboring Hudson's site, according to the Detroit Public Library.

In the fall, the library notified the DDA of cost estimates to make needed repairs and improvements to the branch, including window and boiler replacement, porch repair, landscaping and painting. On Wednesday, the DDA gave the green light on the funding. The branch could reopen later this year or early 2026, according to a resolution.

[DetroitMan]

The Michigan Departments of Natural Resources and Transportation just released the results of a 2-year study on improving mobility on Belle Isle. Some of the recommendations include a complete makeover of Central Avenue, removal of any remnants from the Grand Prix in favor of more green space, shifting parking areas on the island, a possible ferry service and improvements to the intersection of Jefferson and E. Grand Blvd.

Study pushes for Belle Isle makeover to boost pedestrian, cycling, transit access

A big focus of the study, which is laid out in eight chapters, is on the need to shift the island’s transportation focus.

“With most of the park’s visitors arriving by car, this negatively impacts the visitor experience. In addition, there are periods when congestion at certain points on the island forces the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to close the island to new visitors,” the report said, noting that that often prevents people who had to leave the island for one reason or another, maybe to retrieve something, from returning.

The situation prompts people to wait in their cars at East Grand and Jefferson until the park once again allows more people in.

The study’s recommendations begin with reconfiguring that intersection and improving the signal timing as well as making changes to the MacArthur Bridge, focused on two lanes of traffic in each direction, buffered two-way bike lanes on one side and 10-foot sidewalks. Central Avenue would also see major changes. Taking inspiration from the “well-known pedestrian-centered street,” La Rambla, in Barcelona, Spain, the design of a proposed promenade would push cars to the outside with people concentrated in the center for much of its length, the study said.

https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/m...-stop-protected-bike-access/77909986007/

[DetroitMan]

UM's lease expansion in new District Detroit tower delays affordable housing plans

The Ilitch family's Olympia Development of Michigan and Stephen Ross's New York City-based Related Cos. says eliminating the affordable units at 2205 Cass Ave. comes at the request of UM.

UM has signed a letter of intent to lease all of the residential units in the tower "on a long-term basis," according to a statement from the university. It's pending Board of Regents approval.

Of the 261 units expected in the 18-story building that has yet to start construction at 2205 Cass Ave., 54 were to be deemed affordable at 40% to 50% of the Area Median Income. The overall number of affordable units in the broader District Detroit area is expected to remain the same — approximately 139 — but spread across different buildings.

"We are pleased to support the UMCI by delivering on their request for dedicated graduate student and faculty housing, which we look forward to beginning construction on this year," ODM and Related said in a statement. "This plan will create more than 1,000 construction jobs in the city and generate additional positive economic impact in The District Detroit and the city of Detroit. We plan to honor our commitment to create 139 affordable units in future residential projects in The District Detroit and continue to contribute to the growth of the city."

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-estat...ntial-tower-wont-have-affordable-housing



Detroit developer gets $2.4M state loan for East Warren mixed-use project

Aria Warren Detroit LLC, affiliated with "emerging" developer Emery Matthews, was awarded the $2.4 million grant to convert a vacant building along East Warren in between Cadieux Road and East Outer Drive — part of the city's Strategic Neighborhood Fund — into 32 residential units and about 8,000 square feet of commercial space. Housing units would be leased at 60%-100% of the area median income, which in Wayne County would be for those making between $26,880 and $67,200 annually for one person.

The $15.7 million project contains "a considerable gap in development costs," per an MSF briefing memo, and beyond the state loan, the developer has also received millions of dollars in various other incentives, including from the city of Detroit's Housing Tax Incremental Financing and a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone tax abatement.

All told, the developer is contributing $200,000 in equity, a deviation from typical underwriting.

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-estate/aria-warren-detroit-mixed-use-project-gets-24m-state-loan

[DetroitMan]

In sports related development news, Tom Gores announced plans to bring a WNBA team back to Detroit. As part of the proposal, it would include a new training and headquarters facility for the new team. Also, Detroit City FC released more information on their plans for a new stadium in Corktown.

Pistons owner leads bid for Detroit WNBA team with investor supergroup
[QUOTE]The group hasn't settled on a name for the team. The WNBA's Detroit Shock played at The Palace of Auburn Hills from 1998 to 2009. The plan calls for first-class amenities.

The bid includes a comprehensive facilities plan that would utilize new and current facilities for the team, its players and the community. The plan includes building a dedicated WNBA practice facility and team headquarters, highlighted as a priority by the league. That facility would include state-of-the-art courts, a locker room, workout facilities, and office and lounge space.

The development also would include a public sports center that would house a youth development academy. The academy would promote youth sports and address a lack of access and equity of youth facilities in Detroit. The plan calls for the facility to have youth basketball and volleyball courts and fields for soccer, football and lacrosse along with spectator seating.

Tellem said the group is in talks with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan on where in the city facilities could be built. The potential cost of the project was not disclosed.

If the Detroit bid is accepted, the team would begin play in 2028.[/QUOTE
https://www.crainsdetroit.com/sports-rec...m-pistons-tom-gores-submits-investor-bid


Parking deck pitched for new Detroit City FC soccer stadium

The site plan from August includes a 685-space parking deck fronting Michigan Avenue at 20th Street on the north end of the vacant hospital property, and a 680-space surface parking lot on Standish Street, totaling 1,365 spaces.

Another 1,775 parking spaces are envisioned to be shared with other property owners, including Ford Motor Co.’s Michigan Central nearby.

In May, the team — which has lost millions in recent years — said it intends to build a new stadium around Michigan Avenue and 20th Street, razing the dilapidated former hospital property. It has been purchasing property around that intersection for close to a year, spending no less than $15 million on land and buildings totaling more than 16 acres.

Detroit-based Method Development is working on a mixed-use development vision that could include housing and retail for the broader DCFC-controlled properties.

A source familiar with the matter, speaking on the condition of anonymity on Thursday, said the broad vision for the team's proposed complex also includes 150 to 250 residential units and up to 15,000 square feet of commercial/retail space.

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-estate/parking-deck-pitched-new-detroit-city-fc-soccer-stadium

[DetroitMan]

Controversy erupts over apartments plan near Detroit's Boston-Edison neighborhood

Adam Noel, 40, co-owner of Timeless Properties Detroit, wants to transform the building at 9851 Hamilton Ave. into 49 market-rate apartments with a ground-floor café and other commercial space. The building dates to 1920 when it opened as a local church's community center, and more recently it operated as Catholic Social Services of Wayne County (complete with a "Madonna Room.") Although just outside the boundaries of Boston-Edison, the building and its surface parking lots abut a row of stately Boston-Edison homes. And on the opposite side of Hamilton Avenue, the building faces the grand Motown Mansion, once owned by Berry Gordy.

But the building's other neighboring properties — further outside Boston-Edison — are significantly less grand. They include a couple vacant and boarded-up houses. So 9851 Hamilton straddles the edge of a prominent upper-middle-class neighborhood and another still showing signs of distress.

Among Boston-Edison residents, the redevelopment proposal is now a major controversy. That came as a surprise to Noel, who says he never anticipated so much pushback against a plan to bring an empty building back to life.

Some neighbors have said they would prefer the Hamilton building stay empty, or maybe become a community center again — not an apartment complex buzzing with vehicle traffic and packed with renters and perhaps some Airbnb occupants.

https://www.freep.com/story/money/busine...ments-boston-edison-detroit/77936686007/

[DetroitSky]

Gardner White to open new GW HOME concept store in downtown Detroit

Furniture retailer Gardner White announced Tuesday that the first store for its new GW HOME brand concept will be in downtown Detroit.

GW HOME will sell a "curated selection" of furniture, home decor and accessories, and the brand's first store will open this spring at 1201 Woodward Ave., directly across from the new Hudson's site skyscraper and office building.

The location will mark Gardner White's first downtown Detroit store since the early 1980s, and will spread across three floors of the building, or about 15,000 square feet. The retailer's original store opened in 1912 on Fort Street in Detroit.

[DetroitMan]

Comerica Park neighbor could be redeveloped into supportive housing

A proposal by the Noah at Central nonprofit outlines plans for a more than century-old building on East Adams Avenue — a center field home run away from Comerica Park — that would add 39 units of “permanent supportive housing” and the possibility of more to come. The proposal is set to be heard at a Feb. 12 meeting of the city’s Historic District Commission.

The application to the city’s Historic District Commission by Central United Methodist Church — which is located at the northeast corner of Woodward and East Adams avenues — is narrow in scope. It includes restoring and replacing certain windows, repairs of the existing slate tile roof and cleaning the stone masonry facade.

The application also outlines future plans, including the addition of 39 housing units, office space and a possible new construction six-story building on a surface parking lot to the north.

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-estate/comerica-park-neighbor-planned-become-supportive-housing

[DetroitMan]

I found this project on the 2/12/25 agenda for the historic district commission meeting agenda. Virginia Park Townes is a 21-unit townhome development that will be built at the corner of Virginia Park and Third. This will be a nice addition to the neighborhood.
[IMG]virginiaparktownes3 by Brandon Dolley, on Flickr[/IMG]

[IMG]virginiaparktownes by Brandon Dolley, on Flickr[/IMG]

[IMG]virginiaparktownes2 by Brandon Dolley, on Flickr[/IMG]

https://detroitmi.gov/government/mayors-...-listings/808-816-virginia-park-02122025

[seabee1526]

Is there truth to the Olde Wayne County Building becoming a satellite of Chicago's Field Museum?

[gratiotfaced]

Originally Posted by seabee1526

Is there truth to the Olde Wayne County Building becoming a satellite of Chicago's Field Museum?

Where did you hear that?

[jonwylie]

Originally Posted by seabee1526

Is there truth to the Olde Wayne County Building becoming a satellite of Chicago's Field Museum?

Say more…

[Velvet_Highground]

Very cool project on E. Warren, just the kind of focal point the community needs to catalyze forward momentum in the district the area has excellent urban structure it just needs a refreshment. Great to see more housing density in Grandmont-Rosedale the neighborhood has the assets and vibrancy to match Livernois Ave as a major regional center it just needs a bit more density in some its more suburban blocks to truly feel like downtown NW Detroit.

[DetroitMan]

The worst kept secret in Downtown Detroit is now officially confirmed, Apple is coming to Downtown Detroit

Apple confirms downtown Detroit location

The Cupertino, Calif.-based tech giant says on its website that a store in the central business district is "coming soon," but gives no other details, including the specific location and timeframe for opening. Dan Gilbert and his team at Bedrock LLC real estate company have talked about bringing an Apple store downtown going back to at least 2011. Various locations have been rumored and talked about both publicly and behind the scenes, ranging from the ground floor of 1001 Woodward to Chase Tower to the long-stalled development formerly known as Monroe Blocks, now the Development on Cadillac Square.

Crain’s reported in May 2023 based on two anonymous sources that Bedrock was looking to lure the iPhone and iPad maker to the Shinola Hotel block. Crain’s also reported in October on a job listing that indicated a Detroit store was coming.

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-estate/apple-confirms-downtown-detroit-store

[DetroitSky]

Originally Posted by DetroitMan

The worst kept secret in Downtown Detroit is now officially confirmed, Apple is coming to Downtown Detroit

Apple confirms downtown Detroit location


https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-estate/apple-confirms-downtown-detroit-store

Finally! I always thought 1001 Woodward would have been the perfect location, but this'll do if it is indeed the location they've leased. Here's the vague listing on Apple's website.

[The North One]

This makes Detroit the only big Midwest city with a downtown Apple store outside of Chicago.

[isoamazing]

Hopefully moves like this inspire a Target or something similar to move into downtown.