Argonaut Building

[Allan]

Apparently work has started on the conversion of the Argonaut Building into lofts. Milwaukee street is blocked off in front of the building, and there are workers and a dumpster on site. Once completed, the building will be a huge improvement to the New Center area.

[Zissou]

I was hoping that this was downtown but regardless of where they are coming in its good to get more people in Detroit and its good that theres a demand for this. New Center needs a lot of work like downtown so its good to see this development. Do you know how many units will be in this building? It looks like there could be quite a few.

[wolverine]

Isn't this the largest lofts conversion happening in the city so far? I think what made this conversion possible was the fact that GM stayed in that building until it was sold. So, it's not like the ceilings are falling down and the walls are peeling.

[Allan]

It's supposed to be 250 lofts, which would make it the largest loft conversion project in Detroit.

[Zissou]

Thats exciting. Its starting to seem like the demand to live downtown and midtown is growing. Its probably only a matter of time before we see new residential buildings going up.

[RustTown]

I'm SO happy this is happening in New Center. This may be the beginning of finally realizing this 'new center's' full potential.

[Zissou]

Hopefully there will be spinoff from this. I like New Center but some of the surrounding areas are not the most pleasant.

[RustTown]

That's exactly why the renovation of buildings in this area are just that much more meaningful and significant. I lived in the areas around New Center when I was growing up, and giving these residents nice places to shop and work, and those that will move there, is imperative to spreading development outside of Detroit's historic core area.

[wolverine]

Now we have to get this one renovated. Lee Plaza is in such great shape structurally. The renovation price tag couldn't be that huge to gut out the interior walls and build new could it?

If anyone wants to see photos of the interior I would be happy to post them in another thread.

[Zissou]

If its not too much trouble post them. I love seeing what potential some of these older building have.

[Wordsmith]

Isn't there supposed to be commercial development on the ground floor? I think a department store would be nice instead of tons of little shops.

WS

[RustTown]

A department store is dreaming...

But, yes, retail is supposed to occupy the base.

[Detroit_Luveur]

How far are they on the renovation?

Have they started?

[Wordsmith]

They've taken down that skywalk but that's as much as I know.

WS

[detroitfan]

The last time I drove past the building over a month ago I saw few generators and dumpsters in back filled with junk. So it looks like some work it taking place,but it doesn't seem like it's in full swing.