Posted April 25, 201015 yr I realized I haven't been showing you guys the good going on in the D, just the bad (demolitions). I have a lot to put in here but I won't do it all at once. The William G. Milliken State Park opened on December 3. I finally stopped by the other day. Some others *The Riverwalk and Dequindre Cut are being connected. *Midtown: plenty going on here. I can think of 5 projects off the top of my head that are currently underway. *Downtown: Capitol Park is being worked on. I am excited to see it when it is finished. Port Authority Terminal. Supposedly the Book Tower and Broderick Towers are going to be rehabbed soon. That's all I can think of for now. More pictures are coming soon.
April 25, 201015 yr Book Tower & Broderick Tower have been "supposedly being rehabbed" for the last 5 years, and that was when the economy and lending markets were much more favorable. I worked & lived downtown Detroit for 3 years and even worked on some concepts for the Broderick Tower and it's just not likely to be done. Not trying to sound all negative, but give the current conditions, these two projects aren't so likely. The Broderick has no room for any parking if it were to be residential apts or condos. Book Tower is an architectural masterpiece but the fire escapes on the exterior would need to go. Cutting in another set of stairs or elevator would really reduce the floorspace in the skinny tower. Trying to renovate either building for residential just doesn't make sense either since there is already so much vacant commercial office space that doesn't need anything but a tenant. The Riverwalk & Dequindre cut are 2 projects that the DEGC has actually done right instead of senseless demolition in the name of making areas "development ready". Capitol Park will be a welcome upgrade to the area directly behind the Book Cadillac Westin. Detroit is an amazing city and I'd love to see it progress but they have such an uphill battle in terms of reversing the crime, schools, environmental cleanup, rebuilding infrastructure, creating more transit options...
April 29, 201015 yr The Riverwalk and Dequindre Cut connection should be ready to open soon. The Detroit Elevator Building rehab is well under way. http://elevatorbuilding.com/
May 2, 201015 yr The old Franklin Furniture building designed by Albert Kahn is being turned into a school. Check out the link for pictures that are a little older. http://fadeddetroit.blogspot.com/2009/06/new-use-for-franklin-furniture-building.html
July 3, 201014 yr Highland Park's McGregor Library is to be turned into a state-of-the-art library. Fund raising is to begin this summer. http://www.freep.com/article/20100602/NEWS02/6020344/1004/Highland-Parks-gem-of-a-library-poised-for-rebirth Here are some pictures I took recently.
August 2, 201014 yr That library is beautiful. I always like to drive past it when I am in the area. Thank you for starting this thread. It is nice to see some positive from back home.
September 10, 201014 yr The Globe Trading Co. Building won't become lofts afterall, instead a huge play area. http://www.m-bike.org/blog/2010/09/09/conceptual-designs-for-milliken-state-park-expansion The old Model T Plant in Highland Park is to become a museum. I am really excited for this one. http://www.freep.com/article/20100905/COL14/9050513/1014/Business01/Big-hopes-for-Model-T-factory
September 10, 201014 yr Good. Now they need to bring back Food Bascis to Model T Plaza! "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
September 18, 201014 yr Interesting. That's the same canopy they used on the Rosa Parks Transit Center. Were they designed by the same people, or is that Detroit's new standard?
September 28, 201014 yr Here's a three-part video on Detroit that a friend sent me. I couldn't decide exactly where to put this, but I figured this would be as good a spot as any since it shows a lot of different ways buildings and vacant land in Detroit are being reused. I see a lot of parallels between the grass-roots urban farming and artist communities they highlight in these videos and what we have going on in Cleveland, but I guess I never realized the scale they have to work on there. The abandoned neighborhood-turned-outdoor art installation (in part 3) was so cool, but so creepy at the same time. http://www.palladiumboots.com/exploration/detroit It does kind of sadden me that it took Johnny Knoxville to make this! :mrgreen:
October 4, 201014 yr The History Channel had a show called "Apocalypse Man" where they had some guy walking around an abandoned city in a hypothetical post-apocalypse situation. The show was filmed in Detroit and I couldn't believe just how empty parts of it was.
May 6, 201114 yr It has been too long since I've updated this one as well. Work on the Broderick Tower is well under way. Future developements (hopefully): David Whitney Building, Kronk Gym (http://www.bucyrustelegraphforum.com/article/C4/20110408/NEWS01/104080383/0/SPORTS05/Fight-restore-Kronk-Gym-community?odyssey=nav%7Chead), Yellow Pages Building
May 6, 201114 yr I was happy to hear the Yellow Pages buildings was being rehabbed at the same time horrified they were taking the sign down....it's really what makes that building special.
October 28, 201113 yr Gray Street housing on the east side 211 by Zack Blackerby, on Flickr 213 by Zack Blackerby, on Flickr 214 by Zack Blackerby, on Flickr 215 by Zack Blackerby, on Flickr 216 by Zack Blackerby, on Flickr 217 by Zack Blackerby, on Flickr 218 by Zack Blackerby, on Flickr 219 by Zack Blackerby, on Flickr 220 by Zack Blackerby, on Flickr 221 by Zack Blackerby, on Flickr 222 by Zack Blackerby, on Flickr 223 by Zack Blackerby, on Flickr
October 28, 201113 yr I went through the Whitney building twice in 07 & 08 with potential developers & contractors. It didn't need a ton of renovation but the conventional wisdom was always that despite the excellent location and solid floor plans, there was no parking available and that would never get resolved.
October 29, 201113 yr ^ In '06 it was in perfect shape. In '07, there was plenty of vandalism and copper theft, but not to the degree many other buildings experienced. Had the building not been left wide open for an entire summer, it would have been serviceable at any time. It's a shame parking is almost a necessary component. But if the people mover remained in service, garage sharing among buildings wouldn't be a problem, especially since the people mover is directly accessible to the Whitney. But not reason to think too much over it. The building is getting renovated anyway. And one of the conditions of a loan they received is to reconstruct the facade as it appeared the day it was built. Today it looks pretty awful: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Detroit,+MI&ll=42.335885,-83.050125&spn=0.001814,0.00383&hnear=Detroit,+Wayne,+Michigan&gl=us&t=h&z=19&vpsrc=6&layer=c&cbll=42.335885,-83.050125&panoid=FpJ12Kz0VoZjGI8M1phx5g&cbp=12,223.2,,0,-29.31 It's a shame to think of what architects did back in the 60's to "modernize" buildings. Glad they plan to restore it back to its original grandeur.
November 14, 201113 yr GAR Building to get makover :-D http://www.freep.com/article/20111103/BUSINESS06/111103036/GAR-Building-get-makeover?odyssey=nav%7Chead
February 10, 201213 yr Doing a little development round-up for you guys. Downtown: off to top of my head.....work is well underway on the Broderick Tower. I think the David Whitney Building and G.A.R. buildings are still on, but haven't seen any work yet. UDM purchased the old fire station at St. Antoine and Larned. The Odd Fellows building is being turned into a BWW. http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20120210/FREE/120219982/buffalo-wild-wings-to-open-in-detroit-near-campus-martius-greektown
February 10, 201213 yr Gray Street housing on the east side 211 by Zack Blackerby, on Flickr 213 by Zack Blackerby, on Flickr 214 by Zack Blackerby, on Flickr 215 by Zack Blackerby, on Flickr 216 by Zack Blackerby, on Flickr 217 by Zack Blackerby, on Flickr 218 by Zack Blackerby, on Flickr 219 by Zack Blackerby, on Flickr 220 by Zack Blackerby, on Flickr 221 by Zack Blackerby, on Flickr 222 by Zack Blackerby, on Flickr 223 by Zack Blackerby, on Flickr Ugh, too much siding and not enough brick! But considering what most of Detroit looks like, I am sure it is better than what was there, or lack thereof. La Vogue looks awesome!
February 12, 201213 yr Can I see photos of that new 2 story, extremely long building going up on Gratiot? I forget where it is...kind of distant from downtown, but I've been hearing its supposed to be very well designed.
March 7, 201213 yr Can I see photos of that new 2 story, extremely long building going up on Gratiot? I forget where it is...kind of distant from downtown, but I've been hearing its supposed to be very well designed. Here you go, taken Feb 12 209 by Zack Blackerby's Detroit, on Flickr 210 by Zack Blackerby's Detroit, on Flickr
April 14, 201213 yr Coming soon...Good for Detroit! "Whole Foods Market is incredibly excited to announce our newest store location in Michigan, which will be located at John R. and Mack in Midtown, Detroit"... read the rest at: http://wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/midtown/
April 15, 201213 yr If my knowledge of Detroit geography serves me right, the list of 5 other Michigan stores are all in counties outside of Wayne County. So it looks like Whole Foods is settling in the core city of Wayne County (Detroit) instead of a Wayne suburb. All of NEO's existing or planned Whole Foods are in Cuyahoga County and in inner-ring suburbs, I even consider Woodmere in that category with all of its commercial activity. I'd guess that if there wasn't one built in suburban University Hts in 2008, that Whole Foods might have considered University Circle, or another Cleveland neighborhood today.
April 27, 201213 yr Unfortunately the design of the Whole Foods in Detroit is pretty abysmal. They really deserved a better building considering their location. It's a suburban style prototype, with parking...and blank walls facing one street.
August 14, 201212 yr Michigan Court Blocks Additional Michigan Casinos In a one-paragraph order, the court ruled the proposed initiative violates a section of the Michigan constitution that prohibits amending a law by reference to its title only. The panel said the proposal would amend the Gaming Act without publishing the sections of the law that would be amended. Essentially it was blocked on a technicality. Does Detroit (or Michigan for that matter) really need more casinos? I think they have plenty of casinos already...
August 22, 201212 yr It would seem like they could support more, but I couldn't run any numbers if you asked. My thought would be additional casinos (and competition) builds a better destination for gambling. Certainly it provides extra tax revenue for the communities the casino are in, but the benefits extended well beyond that in the case of Detroit. MGM and Greektown has brought far more foot traffic and ancillary businesses downtown which unfortunately for many other communities isn't the case.
November 1, 201212 yr Dan Gilbert announces 10-store development, parking garage in Detroit Quicken Loans founder and Chairman Dan Gilbert’s real estate arm announced today it will build a 1,300-space parking garage with 33,000 square feet of retail space in downtown Detroit. Construction on the 535,000-square-foot Z-shaped retail and parking development is expected to start this month and take a year to complete. The structure will zigzag from the corner of Broadway and East Grand River to the corner of Library and Gratiot, occupying what is now a surface parking lot. The location of the property can be seen here
November 1, 201212 yr Can I see photos of that new 2 story, extremely long building going up on Gratiot? I forget where it is...kind of distant from downtown, but I've been hearing its supposed to be very well designed. Here you go, taken Feb 12 209 by Zack Blackerby's Detroit, on Flickr 210 by Zack Blackerby's Detroit, on Flickr Jeezus, look how wide that road is. And not a car on it. That's what pi$$es me off when Cleveland gets lumped in with Detroit. Its been years since I lived in the D, but the two are really not comparable. The size and magnitude of Detroit when it was full, and the size and magnitude of the empty city are nowhere near Cleveland.
November 1, 201212 yr Here's a rendering of the proposed project. ^^ Yeah, he does, but at least he is doing this on an existing surface lot. There was recently a proposal from someone (based in Quebec, I believe) who wanted to tear down a historic post office building in downtown for a parking garage when they could easily convert one of their many surface lots into a garage. Gilbert is also the main proponent of the M-1 Rail/Woodward Light Rail line. No coincidence that has moved Quicken Loans' headquarters to downtown and is doing developments along the line.
November 1, 201212 yr Jeezus, look how wide that road is. And not a car on it. That's what pi$$es me off when Cleveland gets lumped in with Detroit. Its been years since I lived in the D, but the two are really not comparable. The size and magnitude of Detroit when it was full, and the size and magnitude of the empty city are nowhere near Cleveland. Can't argue with that. Detroit's abandonment is unprecedented. There is definitely potential with these wide streets, though. Separated bike lanes, light rail, large trees lining the streets, huge sidewalks with outdoor cafes/restaurants. The problem is getting to that potential...
December 4, 201212 yr Ilitch Organization exploring development of new residential, retail, office and events center district in downtown detroit [PDF] ODM is currently doing site selection for a to-be-proposed events center district. This would most likely include the Red Wings and Pistons as well as a plethora of other uses. The total price tag is estimated at $650 Million and will be a mix of public and private funds but will not require a tax increase to pay for it. No renderings or other details are provided in the press release. Ilitch Holdings is apparently the owner of the Fox Theater and has invested $1.9 billion in downtown Detroit to date. “This plan makes good business sense for two reasons,” said George W. Jackson, Jr., president and CEO of Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. “First, it’s not a plan for an isolated, single-use structure. Instead, it builds on the clear successes we’ve already had downtown integrating districts that feature entertainment, and support commercial, retail and residential development around them. Second, it doesn’t impose any new tax burdens; it simply continues a program for retiring debt related to economic development. It’s hard to argue with that.” ...blahblahblah.... Leadership in communities such as Columbus (OH), Los Angeles, San Diego and Indianapolis have shown how prudently created partnerships can create new downtown neighborhoods and spur growth in the population and increase the levels of activity and vitality in central cities...
December 4, 201212 yr The Detoit Free Press has a little more information. Possible sites are most likely properties behind the Fox Theater (Ilitch owned), next to the MotorCity Casino (Ilitch owned), or on some vacant property west of Woodward and North of 75. In the order described, this map shows the approximate location of those three sites. Below is a screenshot of the map. I personally think that site 1 or 3 would be best. Site 2 seems too far from downtown Detroit and would feel like a destination and not a neighborhood/entertainment center. If I had to bet on it, I would say site 3 would be chosen.
December 5, 201212 yr Site 3 makes the most sense, in regards to city planning. It would connect Downtown to Midtown/Brush Park along with potentially capping I-75. Hell, it may even help Cass Park. "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
January 8, 201312 yr This has been in discussion for a while, but Detroit Works is going to release their plan called "Detroit Future City" to reinvent Detroit tomorrow. Essentially the plan is to incentivize people in very-low density areas of the city to move to higher density areas. Then convert dilapitated neighborhoods into parks, farms, ponds, or other green/blue uses. This would concentrate city services and commercial activity to make a more vibrant city and encourage redevelopment in blocks. Here is an article from the Detroit Free Press about the proposal: http://www.freep.com/article/20130108/NEWS01/130108061/detroit-works-suggests-repurposing-vacant-land-in-city?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE Some of the most interesting ideas from the article: • Create linear “carbon forests” or banks of trees along highways and major boulevards to soak up air pollution. • Create a “blue” landscape in abandoned parts of Detroit consisting of ponds, swales, and low-lying lakes to capture and retain rainwater so that it does not run off into the city’s overburdened sewage system. • Create a voluntary “house swap” program to help residents move from the most depopulated areas into stronger neighborhoods. • Create an industrial side lot program similar to residential side lot programs to let industry acquire nearby land for expansion. • Create Industrial Business Improvement Districts similar to commercial BIDS in which industry would voluntary pay a little more in taxes to pay for district improvements. • Reduce the number of streetlights and upgrade all remaining lights to low-energy LED type. • In vacant areas, take some parts of the street-light network off-grid and use solar power for generation. • Prioritize renewal of the public lighting grid around high-density residential areas, employment centers and major event locations. • Transfer ownership of street lights to a new public lighting authority. • Create curbside recycling. • Relax business start-up regulations to stimulate entrepreneurship. • Make it more expensive to hold vacant land and buildings. Target code enforcement on absentee property owners and landlords and create a vacant land registration fee. • Revise zoning to allow for much broader use of landscape. • Create new job opportunities through training residents to deconstruct vacant buildings. • Expedite the permitting process for businesses in the main employment districts. • Encourage industrial brokers to show Detroit properties. • Promote development of a network of greenways for walking and bicycling. • Create a transit phone app to facilitate trip planning in and around the city. • Introduce car sharing programs as part of transit options, along with small on-demand microbuses, etc.
January 9, 201312 yr Kresge Foundation Pledges $150M to Detroit Future City Plan One of the biggest questions dogging the new Detroit Future City report – how to pay for its many recommendations? – got a resounding answer this morning when the Kresge Foundation pledged $150 million over five years toward its implementation. Rip Rapson, CEO of the Troy-based foundation, drew a standing ovation from the standing-room-only crowd at the unveiling of the 347-page Detroit Future City report. Explaining the pledge, Rapson told the audience, "It is a fundamental belief on our part that every dollar we spend simply has to reinforce the spirit, the letter and the intent of this plan." You can read the entire proposal here. The full PDF is about 45 MB. This is just a link to the proposal's splash page, so don't worry about this link loading forever. You can also click on different topics to read.
August 28, 201311 yr http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2013/08/26/detroits-renaissance-center-hotel-to-get-30m-facelift/
September 9, 201311 yr http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2013/08/26/detroits-renaissance-center-hotel-to-get-30m-facelift/ It really, really needs it. The Courtyard Marriott across the street is nicer than the Renaissance Center Marriott.
October 2, 201311 yr Yeah it's been in business for something like 100 years. I believe Dan Gilbert bought the building and the current owners aren't really making money right now so they wanted to close up anyway despite the longevity of the business.
October 2, 201311 yr Not mentioned here, but Detroit is building a 16-story office building near Campus Martius. http://detroit.curbed.com/archives/2013/09/revealed-downtown-detroits-first-new-building-since-2005.php Wish it could fill the site a bit better, but I like the design. Especially that outdoor terrace facing the square is nice.
November 27, 201311 yr Architects chosen for old Hudson's site redevelopment Detroit — A major step toward redevelopment of the old Hudson’s site on Woodward came Monday with announcement of architects to lead the project. The 2-acre property is owned by the Downtown Development Authority at ground level. Dan Gilbert’s Rock Ventures has a contract for development rights. New York-based SHoP Architects will partner with Detroit-based Hamilton Anderson Associates to create what Rock Ventures called “an innovative concept for a signature development” in the central business district. From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20131125/BIZ/311250091#ixzz2lqxqQS94 I'm very jealous and the worst part is that there is likely some Cleveland dollars going to it.
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