[LMich]

I'm actually glad that this project didn't go through in the form that it was proposed in. Maybe, they'll find a much more appropriate site for this compound, without having to create another superblock downtown and bringing down an existing high-rise:

Downtown HQ for FBI on hold for now (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080814/BUSINESS04/808140344)

BY JOHN GALLAGHER • FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER • August 14, 2008

The federal government said Wednesday that it has scrubbed plans, at least for now, to build a regional FBI headquarters on the near-west side of downtown Detroit.

Neil Omansky, a Chicago-based spokesman for the federal General Services Administration, said an inability to reach a satisfactory deal led to the decision.

Instead, Omansky said the GSA will start looking at sites again. The government is committed to building the FBI center in Detroit, but otherwise, all options are open.

When the process began in 2005, the GSA said it was seeking 7.2 to 11.6 acres to accommodate the federal law enforcement agency's Detroit-area headquarters.

"We have not canceled the project," Omansky said. "We are looking at all of our options, and ... we hope to have a decision made within the next several months."

Contact JOHN GALLAGHER at 313-222-5173 or gallagher@freepress.com.

Looking East:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3259/2413956887_b2ed6eb6d7_o.jpg

Saved from Demolition (21-story Executive Plaza):

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2uL9b4oOkoY/Rie_cDigCfI/AAAAAAAAAeg/ytSCmnxcXLI/s1600/Detroit-12302006-33.jpg
Faded Detroit (http://fadeddetroit.blogspot.com/)

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2uL9b4oOkoY/Rie_bzigCeI/AAAAAAAAAeY/54eP3w4o_00/s1600/Detroit-10292006-042.jpg
Faded Detroit (http://fadeddetroit.blogspot.com/)

[Exodus]

Let's hope that "on hold" will turn into scrapped idea. This complex has too much contrast in Corktown, and disrupts the street grid. It was a horrible idea. Maybe they will modify the State Bldg., and just use it.

[hudkina]

I understand that the FBI is looking to build massive complexes as an added level of security, but I don't think they'll always need such measures. I would hate to see them build a 12 acre complex in the middle of Downtown. Maybe this would fit better in the area near the new Federal Reserve Building.

[DeBaliviere]

Looks like a taller version of the building they built in STL a few years back - set WAY back from the street.

[Hayward]

I never liked the design. I would have been happier with a 12 foot concrete indestructible podium at street level for this structure as opposed to a huge lawn that no one can even access.

Maybe things will change requiring a modification of design.

[LMich]

I'd be happy for them to look into something on or outside of Grand Boulevard. There really is no pressing need to have such a compound in the city center unless they are going to be more respectful of their surroundings (i.e. not taking up a contiguous 11 acres of land and vacating streets).

[EuphoricOctopus]

^ Like the Federal Reserve campus did by building outside of midtown.

[NewDetroit1]

just a thought... why dont they just build it on the old tiger stadium site?

if and when it get built.

[hudkina]

Because nobody in Corktown would want that. A better option would be for them to renovate MCS and use the park as the buffer.

[LMich]

Yeah, could you imagine the negative reaction to such a move? Corktown would have none of it, fortunately.