Detroit General Development

[Allan]

I finally went through all the old newspaper articles to compile a list of projects going on in downtown Detroit. I'm probably missing some, but I will add new projects as I learn of them.

Downtown

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

1001 Woodward Renovation

A 13 story, 650 space parking deck will be built directly north of the 26 story building at Woodward and Michigan Avenues. The deck will replace the Freud Building and the Hughes and Hatcher Building. In all, there will be 12 floors of parking and one floor of ground floor retail. 12,000 square feet of ground floor retail space is also included in the plan. Demoltion has been completed. Meanwhile, 70-100 condominiums are being created on floors 13-21 of 1001 Woodward, with rates averaging $250 per square foot.

Completion: Unknown

A&M Coney Island

The former Coney Island on Woodward near John R is being renovated into a restaurant with lofts above.

Completion: Unknown

Book Cadillac Hotel

Talks with the Ferchill Group of Cleveland to turn Louis Kamper's historic hotel on Washington Boulevard into 70 apartments and a 480 room Westin hotel are underway. The previous deal with the Kimberly Clark group of Dallas fell through after a $20 million funding gap in the $160 million project was exposed. Crews have finished cleaning out the building in preparation for its renovation or demoltion. Rumor has it that they are waiting on a ruling regarding the loss of a tax credit that needs to be restored before renovation can begin.

Completion: 2007

Broadway Streetscape

Broadway is being reconstructed in preparation for the Super Bowl. New sidewalks, streetlights, and landscape elements will be installed.

Completion: 2006

Fowler Building Lofts

The Fowler Building will be renovated into condos ranging between 668 & 1045 square feet.

Completion: Unknown

Greektown Casino

The casino plans to build a permanent gaming hall, 1500 seat theater, and 400 room, 26 story hotel at Gratiot Avenue and I-375. The site has been cleared and is awaiting construction.

Completion: Unknown

Iodent Building

Owner Sean Harrington has secured the funding to turn the vacant Iodent Toothpaste factory into 16 apartments and a two-story Perisian billards hall called Sentaur. Construction began in spring of 2004.

Completion: 2005

Laywers Building

The ten story building on Cadillac Square was being converted into several lofts. However, the owners have since sold the building, and the new owner's plans are unknown.

Completion: Unknown

Lofts at Merchants Row

The $30 million renovation of the buildings along two blocks of Woodward Avenue between State and Clifford Streets into 163 loft apartments is underway. Ground floor retail space is included in the project. A 6300 aquare foot Athelete's Foot store is to open in August. Other tenants include restaurants, although few details have been released.

Completion: Fall 2004

One Kennedy Square

A new 10 story, $54 million office building is under construction on land formerly occupied by Kennedy Square. The main tenants will be Ernst & Young and Visteon IT workers.

Completion: April 2006

Statler-Hilton Hotel

After failing to attract a developer, the city is demolishing the historic 18 story hotel on Grand Circus Park. Talks with two developers interested in turning the building into apartments occured, but nothing materialized.

Completion: 2005

Washington Boulevard Streetscape

Reconstruction of Washington Boulevard from Grand Circus Park to Michigan Avenue is underway. The red pipe sculptures and pedestrian walkway that was installed in the 1970s have been removed, and the boulevard is being returned to its historic state. New landsaping, sidewalks, relocated sculptures, and historic streetlights are being installed. The 5-block segment of the avenue between Michigan and Jefferson will also be reconstructed in time for the Super Bowl.

Completion: 2006

YMCA

Construction of a new 85,000 square foot, three story downtown YMCA is underway on the surface parking lot bounded by Brodaway, Library, Grand River, & John R. The center will incorporate a new Broadway Street people mover station into the building, instead of constructing a new separate station.

Completion: December 2005

APPROVED

1403 Woodward Lofts

Owner Rosemary Aizer of New York plans to renovate the former Kresge $.25-$1.00 store into 16 luxury lofts and ground floor retail space. Construction could begin in Fall 2005, and will take two years to complete.

Completion: Fall 2007

600 Woodward Avenue

The 12 story, Albert Kahn designed building is to be redeveloped into a restaurant and lofts. Construction will start in Fall 2005.

Completion: Unknown

Book Building

The owner of the Book Building and Book Tower plans to convert the Book Building into 200 loft-style apartments. In 2003 she began moving tenants from the Book Building into Book Tower. The Book Building is now empty, and the owner is trying to secure financing

Completion: Unknown

Broderick Tower Lofts

JC Beal will redevelop the long vacant skyscraper on Grand Circus Park into approximately 100 luxury lofts. Construction is expected to begin in 2006.

Completion: Unknown

Lafayette Building

The city paid $300 million to clear the building's title in June 2004. The building, which the city hopes will be renovated into lofts, is one of the so-called "dinosaur buildings" that is targeted for demoltion or renovation before the 2006 Super Bowl. A developer has been selected, and is trying to find a cost-effective way to repair the windows before the project can move forward.

Completion: Unknown

Metropolitan Building

Larson Realty group purchased the Metropolitan Building from the city in 2003 and is planning an $8 million renovation of the building into 74 aparments. Construction could begin in Spring 2005.

Completion: Unknown

Port Authority Terminal

A new terminal is planned at Bates and Atwater, behind Ford Auditorium. The 30,000 square foot, two story building should be completed in time for the 2005 shipping season.

Completion: 2005

PROPOSED

1520 Woodward/Lane-Bryant Building

Owned by the city and under review for redevelopment.

Completion: Unknown

Aquarium

The city of Detroit has proposed razing the vacant Ford Auditorium and building an aquarium in its place.

Completion: Unknown

Blenheim Apartments

Ilitch Holdings plans to raze the century-old apartment building on Park Avenue for parking.

Completion: Unknown

Capitol Park Building

The owners, the Ozeirey brothers, have listed the building with Exclusive Realty of Detroit for $5.6 Million, and plan to decide on whether to sell the building or to renovate it by August of 2006.

Conpletion: Unknown

Central United Methodist Apartment Tower

The church plans to build 107 market rate apartments in a 15 story tower on land that it owns at Woodward and Adams. An additional 33 apartments would be created in a church annex. The $33 million project would also include a parking garage.

Completion: Unknown

Cobo Hall

After failing to convince leaders of surrounding counties that a new convention center is needed, mayor Kwame Kilpatrick proposed expanding Cobo Hall at its exisiting location.

Completion: Unknown

David Whitney Building

Becker Ventures LLC of Streling Heights, who purchased the building in 2000, plan to convert the building into 200 apartments.

Completion: Unknown

Detroit Building

Ilitch Holdings will convert the 10-story Detroit Life Building on Park Avenue into lofts.

Completion: Unknown

Downtown Detroit to Ann Arbor Light Rail

A study is being conducted to see if a light rail line between Detroit and Ann Arbor is feasible.

Completion: Unknown

Downtown Detroit to Metro Airport Light Rail

A study is being conducted to see if a light rail line between Detroit and Metro Airport is feasible. The line could cost anywhere from $275 million to $1.2 billion, and could be underway by 2010.

Completion: Unknown

Farwell Building

Witherell Corp. plans to convert the Chicago-style Farwell Building on Capitol Park into 50 apartments.

Completion: Unknown

Fine Arts Building

Ilitch Holdings of Detroit owns the negelected 1890s structure on Grand Circus Park next to the Michigan Mutual Building and plans to redevelop it.

Completion: Unknown

Free Press Building

Farbman Properties of Southfield plans to convert the vacant, but well maintained Free Press Building into lofts.

Completion: Unknown

Harvard Square Building

Heritage National Investment plans to convert the building into 21 residential lofts

Completion: Unknown

Hudson Block

The basement of the demolished Hudson's building has been turned into a 1200 space parking garage capable of supporting a midrise building. Schostak, a development group, wants to build a residential project with a possible hotel component and ground floor retail. They are waiting to see how quickly the Lofts at Merchants Row lease before they move any further with the project.

Completion: Unknown

Kennedy Block

The site of Detroit's historic city hall before it was demolished in the 1960s, the Kennedy block is to be the site of a new 12-15 story office building for Visteon. An underground parking garage designed to support the weight of such a structure has been completed at the site.

Completion: Unknown

MGM Grand Casino

The casino plans to build a $500 million gaming complex that includes five restaurants, a gaming hall, and a 16 story hotel on a vacant 25 acre parcel of land in the northwest corner of downtown.

Completion: Unknown

Monroe Block

The city envisions a 12-15 story building on what is now a surface parking lot across from Campus Martius Park.

Completion: Unknown

Motor City Casino

The casino plans to build a 16 story, 400 room hotel at its future site, along with a 50,000 sqaure foot convention center.

Completion: Unknown

National Theater

The owners of the Albert Kahn designed theater on Monroe Street plan to renovate the the theater.

Completion: Unknown

Pick-Fort Shelby Renovation

Vacant since 1973, Star Hospitality Group LLC plans to turn the building into a 140 room Holiday Inn Express and a 110 room Staybridge Suites. Condominiums will be included in the project.

Completion: Unknown

River East Office Building

Client: Hines

Status: Schematic Design

River East is located in a redeveloped area along the Detroit River adjacent to the successfully revitalized Renaissance Center. The new district is comprised of hotels, residential lofts and the corporate headquarters for General Motors. The River East office building, sited upon the banks of the Detroit River, will play an important role in the rebirth of the city.

The building is planned to meet the needs for large corporate users. Each floor plate will offer over thirty thousand square feet of flexible space. Floor to ceiling vision glass will offer panoramic views of the city and river. The build massing and enclosure are responsive to the scale and materiality of adjacent residential buildings. The River East enclosure is composed of brick, articulate cast stone and horizontal sunshades. The building is crowned with backlit glass lantern, a bright symbol for Detroit.

Completion: Unknown

UDM Law School Condominiums

The University of Detroit Mercy plans to build a new downtown law school and to convert the existing historic school into condominiums. The building, an 1890 structure, was designed by Detroit architect Gordon Lloyd.

Completion: Unknown

UDM Residential Tower

The University of Detroit Mercy plans to build a 25 story skyscraper consisting of 10 floors of parking and 15 floors of apartments on the wedge-shaped surface parking lot bounded by Larned, Congress, and San Antoine Streets.

Completion (parking garage): Early 2005

Completion (apartments): Unknown

United Artists Theater

Ilitch Holdings of Detroit owns the negelcted building on Bagley Street near Grand Circus Park and plans to renovate it.

Completion: Unknown

Wurlitzer Building

JLC Building Co. plans to convert the 12 story building into lofts.

Completion: Unknown

COMPLETED

Campus Martius Park

A 1.6 acre park in the heart of the city is under constrution. Originally scheduled to be open this spring, delays have pushed the park's opening back several months. Spaces for outdoor concerts and an ice skating rink will be constructed.

Completion: November 2004

Kales Building

Renovation of the 18 story Kales Building, designed by noted Detroit architect Albert Kahn, into 119 apartments is underway. The building, vacant since 1986, will have a restaurant on the ground floor and a tunnel connecting the building to the city-owned parking garage under Grand Circus Park.

Completion: Fall 2004

Edited September 15, 2005 by Allan

[Allan]

Midtown

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

55 W. Canfield - The Building at 55 W. Canfield is being redeveloped into lofts with ground floor retail. The lofts will cost between $142,000 & $205,000.

Completion: 2006

The Carlton Hotel

Developer Jim Wickenheiser of Detroit is redeveloping the vacant Carlton Hotel into 51 luxury condominiums ranging from 700 to 2000 square feet. The units will range in price from $140,000 to $400,000.

Completion: 2005

Website: http://detroiturbanliving.com/listingview.php?listingID=8

Edmund Place - The historic mansion at 291 Edmund is being renovated into 4 condominiums ranging in size from 1100 to 2200 square feet. The base price is $200,000.

Completion: March 2006

The Ellington

RAM & Sterling Group are partnering to develop 55 luxury condos at the corner of Woodward and Mack. At a later date, phase two, consisting of 150 condos will be constructed. As of August 11, 2004, the building was already 50% sold out.

Completion: Unknown

Website: http://www.ellingtonlofts.com/

El Moore Lofts

After being vacant for years, the El Moore is receiving new life as lofts. The four story building on Alexandrine between Second and Third will contain eight 1500 square foot lofts with a garage.

Completion: Spring 2006

Mid-Met Lofts

The Melrose Hotel on E. Canfield between Woodward & John R is being redeveloped into 37 loft condominiums.

Completion: Unknown

Website: http://www.midmetlofts.com/

Moorie Townhomes

The Lucian Moore House is being redeveloped into 6 townhomes. They will range from 1100 to 1600 square feet, and cost between $215,000-& $285,000. An 800 square foot carriage house is also being constructed, and will cost $115,000 for the carriage house.

Completion: Fall 2005

Springfield Lofts - 10 2350 square foot lofts are being constructed in the building at 627 W. Alexandrine by Midtown Detroit Construction.

Completion: Summer 2005

Woodward Place at Brush Park - Crosswinds Developers are constructing 700 townhouses at Woodward near I-75. 100 units have been completed. The units range from $199,000 to $309,990. Included in the $75 million total price tag is the renovation of several historic homes in the area.

Completion: 2006

APPROVED

3100 Woodward Avenue

Developer Jim Wickenheiser of Detroit plans to develop the vacant building at Watson & Woodward into 12 condominiums ranging from 750 to 1600 square feet. The units will cost approximately $60,000.00 each.

Completion: Unknown

Website: http://detroiturbanliving.com/listingview.php?listingID=20

Centurion Place - Traditional brick townhomes are being constructed on E. Ferry Street. There will be 34 units.

Website: http://www.centurionplace.com

Completion: Unknown

Garden Theater - Woodward E Ventures LLC has purchased the theater and plans to renovate the two story building into an entertainment venue.

Completion: 2005

Hotel Eddystone

Developer Jim Wickenheiser of Detroit plans to develop the vacant 14 story building on Park Avenue near I-75 into 60-70 condominiums with ground floor retail, a parking garage, & a roof deck. The units will be between 860 & 1500 square feet. The units will cost $140,000 to $195,000.

Completion: Spring 2006

Website: http://detroiturbanliving.com/listingview.php?listingID=13

The Lancaster - The Lancaster apartment building will be renovated into 12 for-sale condominiums, with a base price of $150,000.

Nine on Third - Townlofts will be constructed on W. Canfield at Third. The base price will be $190,000.

Completion: Spring 2006

Website: http://www.nineonthird.com/

The Park Avenue

Developer Jim Wickenheiser of Detroit plans to develop the vacant Harbor Light (Salvation Army Building) into approximately 100 condominiums.

Completion: Fall 2006

Website: http://www.detroiturbanliving.com/listingv...hp?listingID=22

PROPOSED

Blue Moon Restaurant - Woodward E Ventures has proposed turning the former two story restaurant at Woodward and Alexandrine into a bar and restaurant.

Cass Tech High School - Developer Joel Landy plans to turn the old Cass Tech High School into 240 Lofts.

Completion: Unknown

Third Street Office Building - A new 2 story, 6400 square foot office building at the corner of Third and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. is planned. City Council has approved the purchase of the land.

COMPLETED

Cass Tech High School - DPS is building a new Cass Tech High to replace the aging building next door. The building will be open for the 2005 school year. The old building next door will be developed into condominiums.

Completion: 2005

Edited September 2, 2005 by Allan

[Allan]

New Center

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Burroughs Lofts - Jonna Construction is renovating the former Graphic Arts Building on Burroughs Street into 40 lofts.

Completion: Unknown

Lofts at New Center - Crosswinds Communities is building 82 loft-style condominiums in two phases. The units all feature attached two-car garages and one or two bedrooms.

Completion: September 2005

APPROVED

Argonaut Building - Orton Development, Inc. of Irvine, CA plans to convert the vacant former office building into 275 condominums with ground level retail.

Completion: Unknown

Century Floral Building - Jonna Construction has purchased the former Century Floral Building on Second Avenue and will turn it into 49 lofts.

Completion: Unknown

PROPOSED

MESA Office Building - The former state office building will house 160 new apartments and retail.

Completion: Unknown

Edited August 28, 2005 by Allan

[Allan]

Corktown

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Grinnell Place Lofts

Developer Jim Wickenheiser is redeveloping the vacant building at Michigan & Brooklyn into 38 lofts. The units will be between 950 & 2200 square feet. The units will be priced between $160,000 & $385,000.

Completion: 2006

Website: http://www.grinnellplace.com/

Rosevelt Hotel Lofts

Developer Jim Wickenheiser is redeveloping the vacant hotel on 14th Street near Michigan Central Station into 32 condominiums. The units will be between 765 & 1255 square feet. The units will cost approximately $160,000.00.

Completion: Fall/Winter 2005

Website: http://www.detroiturbanliving.com/listingv...hp?listingID=10

APPROVED

Edited September 22, 2005 by Allan

[SNWEB]

Jim Wickenheiser is gonna be a real savior for the city if he does all the buildings. I doubt by 06'

[Allan]

Jim Wickenheiser is gonna be a real savior for the city if he does all the buildings. I doubt by 06'

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yeah, I don't see all of these getting completed by the end of next year. I'm just going by what the website says. He will get them done, even if it isn't for a few years.

I decided it was time to do a little housecleaning in this thread. I still have a few things to add and/or make changes to over the next few days.

[rbdetsport]

I hope the Book-Cadillac renovation starts to happen.

[wolverine]

The redevelopment I want to see the most is the Kennedy, Hudsons, and Monroe blocks. Hopefully all of these will surface.

[rbdetsport]

The redevelopment I want to see the most is the Kennedy, Hudsons, and Monroe blocks.  Hopefully all of these will surface.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I like the green space that Kennedy block is. The Monroe Block wont have much done to it unles Trump or some big corporation comes downtown because it is a very big space. I hope Hudson's block becomes a Hotel.

[Allan]

Why does everyone seem to like the Kennedy block as green space? It is right across the street from a park! A building on the Kennedy block will define the park's boundaries, and make Detroit feel more urban.

[SNWEB]

Well Kennedy Block shouldn't have a tall building on it, like 10 floors is the most. It was never meant to be a huge tall space, thats where City Hall was

[Allan]

10 floors is about right for the block. Anything too tall will block the Dime & Penobscot. Anything too short will look silly & out of context with the rest of the area.

[rbdetsport]

What do you think about Monroe Block?

[Allan]

What do you think about Monroe Block?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The Monroe block should be 15 stories, and hopefully two buildings instead of one massive Compuware-like building.

[rbdetsport]

The Monroe block should be 15 stories, and hopefully two buildings instead of one massive Compuware-like building.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

So you want height rather than width? I agree with height.

[rbdetsport]

The redevelopment I want to see the most is the Kennedy, Hudsons, and Monroe blocks.  Hopefully all of these will surface.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well your getting 1/3 of your wish so far. Kennedy Block.....

[bobliocatt]

Great thread. I didn't realized that there were this many projects already underway or proposed in Detroit. Its also nice to see that many of these projects are pretty affordable. In most cities you can't find any loft housing priced under $200k.

[atperry]

Great thread.  I didn't realized that there were this many projects already underway or proposed in Detroit.  Its also nice to see that many of these projects are pretty affordable.  In most cities you can't find any loft housing priced under $200k.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I fear, and hope, that it wont be that way in Detroit for much longer

[Zissou]

The Monroe block should be 15 stories, and hopefully two buildings instead of one massive Compuware-like building.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Im torn about that block. On one hand several 15 story buildings would be nice but I think a large residential building would be very cool. That lot is one of the premier undeveloped spaces in the city, especially with all that is going on in Campus Martias. I think they need to find a developer who is willing to put a tall 30-50 story residential building there. The Detroit market for very nice high rise residential is some what lacking. I think that if someone was to take a chance on it they would be suprised with how many people would want to move downtown. The people of Metro Detroit desperately want to see the city turn around and would come if there was a major quality developement in front of a great urban park. Just my take on it. Someone call the Donald.

[rbdetsport]

Someone call the Donald.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I emailed him one time and reminded him of Detroit, but I got one of his people. They told me to send a letter to Trump Tower. Send him an email and get the address. Sooner or later a large developer will come. I like your idea of a tall tower. How about a tall 60 story and two smaller 20 stories? All with groundfloor retail to really bring more vibe to Campus Martius. We need the harbortown developers to come downtown or someone.

Edited May 14, 2005 by rbdetsport

[Zissou]

I emailed him one time and reminded him of Detroit, but I got one of his people. They told me to send a letter to Trump Tower. Send him an email and get the address. Sooner or later a large developer will come. I like your idea of a tall tower. How about a tall 60 story and two smaller 20 stories? All with groundfloor retail to really bring more vibe to Campus Martius. We need the harbortown developers to come downtown or someone.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think its all wishful thinking. Trump wont commit to anything that isnt a slam dunk. I looked at some of his projects and they are in New York, Chicago, Miami, and Las Vegas. When it comes to realestate he doesnt take a ton of risks. I see that lot though as having some great potential. Moreso than any other block in the Campus Martius development. I think a tall mixed use building would be perfect for the project and bring some much needed foot traffic downtown.

[rbdetsport]

Everyone email him and then write a letter. I know its a long shot, but its worth a try.

[Michi]

Has anyone seen the DAY SPA sign as up-and-coming retail in the 1400 block of Merchant's Row? I'm guessing this one is new as I have not seen it until today. A day spa on Woodward? That's a great concept!

[Zissou]

Are there any new developments on the horizon for Detroit? I keep scouring the internet looking for something new and exciting but I cant seem to find anything.

[Allan]

Michi,

I noticed the Day Spa sign at lunch today too. I don't remember seeing it yesterday.

Zissou,

New developments? Haha. Well, Como's is under construction in the old Tall-Ezz shoes store on Woodward. The old A & M Coney Island on Woodward is being renovated into something (not sure what yet). The Cliffs Bells Building on Park Avenue is being renovated for the Super Bowl, although progress seems to be slow so far. 1403 Woodward is supposed to be renovated into lofts begining later this year, and new "for lease" signs have been put up. There is a martini bar under construction in the Fyfe Building. The Opera House Parking Garage is coming along nicely, and there is another new parking garage being constructed over on East Fort. Progress on the 1001 Woodward Garage seems painfully slow.

Finally, slow renovations are begining on Broderick Tower. A couple weeks ago they started removing the broken glass from the upper floors and started scraping paint off the windows. The idea is to rent out space as artists lofts before the full-scale renovation begins. You may have also noticed that the revolving door has been removed, and the entrance boarded up. Mike Higgins has been ordered by the city to board up all broken windows and order a new water heater, which the building has lacked since the old one broke in late November. The building has been secured since the last incident where people broke in and started throwing antennas and satellite dishes onto Woodward, and then proceeded to break as many windows & they could & light a fire in the penthouse. They are working on getting a new roof and electricity to the penthouse so that the elevators can go back into service.

In the future, look for activity at the Whitney Building & National Theater. We're still waiting on that annoucement about the Lafayette Building though....