DETROIT | Cadillac Square | FT | FLOORS

[animatedmartian]

Originally Posted by seabee1526

It’s been reported that Bedrock has purchased Cadillac Tower. Was this ever part of the Monroe Blocks plan? Can this mean the project still has life?

It was never included with the Monroe Blocks. Though with Gilbert owning CT, it means that it's 100% more likely to be renovated and possibly converted into apartments or a hotel independent of the Monroe Blocks.

[Blocky858]

In the below YouTube video that was uploaded two days ago, looks like that there is activity happening regarding the demolition of the buildings on the block.

What is curious though, is that the construction workers say that the National Theater is going to be torn apart and moved? I believe someone mentioned before that the arch was going to be moved over the street, so I assume that is what they mean, but decided to post this here anyway. The conversation happens at 20:45.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnFG...eterSantenello

[animatedmartian]

If I remember correctly, the plan is to tear down and demolish everything but the arch. The arch portion would be deconstructed but then reconstructed at its new location. Brick by brick.

The interior of the theatre is way far gone and would have needed to be rebuilt anyway if there was any planned reuse.

[seabee1526]

Urbanize Detroit said at the June 10 meeting Bedrock mentioned an announcement regarding Monroe Blocks. Has anyone heard anything?

https://detroit.urbanize.city/post/d...s-june-10-2022

[greatlakes]

From the Detroit Free Press today:

"The fourth project, known as the Monroe Blocks project, has yet to begin, although state development officials told reporters Tuesday that it is officially still happening and just delayed."

https://www.freep.com/story/money/20...ts/7869295001/

[BuildThemTaller]

Originally Posted by greatlakes

From the Detroit Free Press today:

"The fourth project, known as the Monroe Blocks project, has yet to begin, although state development officials told reporters Tuesday that it is officially still happening and just delayed."

https://www.freep.com/story/money/20...ts/7869295001/

Thanks for the update! I've enjoyed seeing Hudson Tower rise. Let's keep the good times rolling in Detroit with the Monroe Blocks!

[seabee1526]

I’m still pulling for ya MB. I hope you won’t be less skyscrapery.

[ShadowSoarer]

The good news is that the Monroe Street Midway won't be going away for the winter. The bad news is that means the Monroe Blocks won't be re-breaking ground this winter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EjpNXXHwow

[greatlakes]

Looks like the Downtown Development Authority is going to be getting an update on the Monroe Blocks. See link below

https://degc.wpenginepowered.com/wp-...ing-Agenda.pdf

[subterranean]

Bedrock on Instagram: "Bedrock continues to invest in downtown Detroit and the activation of community-driven spaces with today’s unveiling of the 1.5 million SF mixed-use development at Cadillac Square. The development aims to bring additional living, working, dining, parking and entertainment options to the heart of the city.

It will further amplify inner-city walkability by connecting the Central Business District with Detroit’s surrounding neighborhoods.

The 1.5 million SF development will incorporate space dedicated to:

250-280 new residential units
400,000+ SF of Class A office space
Nearly 100,000 SF of grocery, market and retail space
60,000+ SF of restored National Theatre space
1,600 – 2,000+ additional parking stalls

Construction will take place over three phases and is expected to begin summer of 2024. Read the full article via link in bio!"

Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/Co-kur0v...d=MDJmNzVkMjY=

[SperamusMeliora]

You beat me to it... Glad to see they're keeping the National Theatre

[Van Dyke Brown]

Bedrock unveils new plan for previous Monroe Blocks development in Downtown Detroit

https://www.wxyz.com/news/bedrock-un...wntown-detroit

[greatlakes]

The development will now be called "Cadillac Square" and it is a scaled down version of the "Monroe Blocks". Here is their new website that came online with the announcement today (not sure if anyone else has more renderings):

https://www.developmentcadillacsquare.com/

[SperamusMeliora]

On second examination, it looks like Bedrock is moving the theatre from Monroe St down to Cadillac Square, or at least the façade with maybe a new theatre

While searching for more images, I found 2 other projects on Gensler's website that I haven't seen on here:

Infill on the Cut - Platform development between Gratiot and St Aubin - https://www.gensler.com/projects/infill-on-the-cut

Rivertown Warehouse District - (Poss dead?) Gravel lot across from Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre https://www.gensler.com/projects/riv...house-district Looks like it was for post-bankruptcy brochure from Syncora https://www.crainsdetroit.com/assets...D109537321.PDF

[animatedmartian]

Everything is just about halved in square footage, but they're increased the number of parking spaces by possibly 600. I'm weary some of that might be above ground parking which might make the overall design quite boring compared to the old one.

Originally Posted by SperamusMeliora

On second examination, it looks like Bedrock is moving the theatre from Monroe St down to Cadillac Square, or at least the façade with maybe a new theatre

Yea, the plan was always to demolish the interior of the theatre and relocate the arch through deconstruction. Originally, the arch was going to be put over a pedestrianized Farmer Street (so like 100 feet from where the arch is currently). This new location moves it about 500 feet from its current location.

[BuildThemTaller]

A lot of great news here, including a projected start date.

Woof, all those parking spaces!

[seabee1526]

I’m sorry, I find it disappointing. I don’t like the Cadillac Tower blank wall not covered and a four story front on an important street. Ps, it’s not going to be finished until 2031.

[jsilver]

Everything is halved and won’t begin for years, and parking doubled? This is a joke.

[SperamusMeliora]

Originally Posted by animatedmartian

Yea, the plan was always to demolish the interior of the theatre and relocate the arch through deconstruction. Originally, the arch was going to be put over a pedestrianized Farmer Street (so like 100 feet from where the arch is currently). This new location moves it about 500 feet from its current location.

Yes, but this new plan specifically says “60,000+ SF of restored National Theatre space” which would lead one to believe they are actually keeping the theatre as well… not just the “retaining the façade” as when the project was called Monroe Blocks.

[animatedmartian]

Originally Posted by SperamusMeliora

Yes, but this new plan specifically says “60,000+ SF of restored National Theatre space” which would lead one to believe they are actually keeping the theatre as well… not just the “retaining the façade” as when the project was called Monroe Blocks.

I think it's a "Ship of Theseus" situation. A new theatre is being built, but they'll probably salvage elements from the old theatre and incorporate it into the new theatre. So it's "restored" technically, but it's an entirely new structure even if it's based on the original blueprints.

The thing is, with many of these old theaters, they have to be modernized anyway in order to be financially viable. So chances are pretty high the National Theatre would have been gutted anyway even in a standalone renovation.