DETROIT | Development & Construction: Motown Lowdown

[LMich]

Again, thank you, thank you, thank you for these tours. Makes me so pissed when I hear about something who has no idea what's going on with the lazy refrain "But nothing is happening in the neighborhoods!" I'd like to see way more redevelopment, of course, but there are all kinds of small projects happening all over the city.

- Since it's been demolished, you sometimes forget how much work is going on down in the pit at Hudson's. But your picture shows just how dilligently they are working to continue to prepare the site.

- I wonder what's going on at Grand River and Joy? I was over that way sometime last year; still really rough so I'm glad to see this intersection getting some attention. There are some solid residential neighborhoods off of Joy, but the street in between Grand River/96 and Linwood could be a huge boon for the neighborhood, again. Heck, the all of the commercial corridors in Dexter-Linwood deserve better than what they are, now.

- That brick and those stone accents on James Place Lofts?

Honestly, seeing all of this redevelopment for me is so overwhelming.

[animatedmartian]

For some reason, the real small scale stuff gives a lot of optimism. I mean, Detroit has seen big projects that people thought would jump start the city, but seeing those small businesses and duplex and small apartments getting renovated feels like something long-term and sustainable.

I'm not gonna complain if some new high rises are announced this year though, just saying. Unless they're ugly of course.

[LMich]

Meh. So long as they propose them outside of downtown, I wouldn't even complain, then, if they were ugly. lol

[detroit_alive]

Originally Posted by LMich

- Since it's been demolished, you sometimes forget how much work is going on down in the pit at Hudson's. But your picture shows just how dilligently they are working to continue to prepare the site.

Word is that Gilbert has a tenant lined up to take all the office space in the 'pedestal' building and is pushing to beat the published schedule.

[LMich]

They are certainly moving quickly enough that it would be completely possible to beat the schedule they released last November/December. I'm glad to hear that the office building has a tenant, and I am still very anxious to hear if he's still vying for a hotel in the residential tower, or if they considered it and drop the idea.

They are being super-quiet about details. Bedrock, Homrich, Hardman...I've gotten replies back from the first two, and the third won't even respond. The only leaks are what we are going to get from the inside, which is what I figure your information comes from, or they leak it themselves from the top.

[hybrydy]

awesome photo update indeed!!!

what is the Newport Garage project? deferred maintenance?

[caldor120la]

DetroitSky: Wonderful photos each and everyone just great. I'am amazed how these buildings can be brought back to life. I know we have the crafts people to do it but, seeing the renovations take place is amazing. Thank you again.

[DetroitSky]

I'm glad you guys enjoy my photo updates! I've already started on the next one.

Originally Posted by hybrydy

awesome photo update indeed!!!

what is the Newport Garage project? deferred maintenance?

I don't know exactly what's going on. They've been working on it the past 2 months or so. There's scaffolding protecting the sidewalk and they've removed almost all of the old plastic panels in the windows. Lately they've been repairing some of the concrete facade. It's probably just general maintenance and upgrades.

Heidelberg Project is coming home, with new HQ in neighborhood

In June 2017, the Heidelberg Project purchased 3442 McDougall and its adjoining lots for $490,000. Two months later, in August 2017, it went in 50-50 with artists Jesse Cory and Roula David, owners of Inner State Gallery and 1xRun, and purchased 2905 Beaufait — a 20,000-square-foot building two blocks from the Heidelberg Project — for $350,000.

The nonprofit will be moving into the McDougall headquarters in February. Come spring, the Beaufait warehouse is slated to open as a café, gallery and event space.

And while the group is still working to purchase 40 vacant parcels from the City of Detroit — this year, unlike last, it's seeming more like a possibility.

Advance Plumbing grows Midtown operation with fixture-filled showroom

Nearly century-old Advance Plumbing & Heating Supply Co. is expanding its Midtown operation with a new showroom behind a renovated historic facade.

The fourth-generation family plumbing distributor will host a grand opening Tuesday to be attended by Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, according to a news release.

The showroom at 3740 Cass Ave. sits next to Advance Plumbing's existing wholesale plumbing and heating business at 150 Parsons St. It moved to the building it has renovated at Parsons and Cass in 2016, the same year it won a $100,000 Motor City Match grant.

Harry Chernick founded Advance Plumbing in 1920, originally at 2984 Grand River Ave. near Motor City Casino. It also opened a second store in Walled Lake in 1990, according to its website. It sells bath and kitchen fixtures, faucets, sinks, toilets, showers and some lighting.

[DetroitSky]

New Shinola Hotel renderings released

The Shinola Hotel has been hiring and is expected to open in December.

Muralist Plots New Cocktail Bar in Hamtramck

A artist who goes by the name Shark Toof is preparing to open a new cocktail bar in Hamtramck, according to Metro Times. Shark Toof, whose murals of ferocious sharks can be seen at Eastern Market, has taken over the former Carbon Lounge at 11474 Joseph Campau Ave. with plans to turn it into a bar called High Dive.

The bar is set to open on an as-of-yet-unspecified date in October after some interior renovations and updates to the facade. Among the additions to the building: a red fiberglass shark installation, much in the style of the artist’s murals. Shark Toof is also adding some vintage details to the space including booths encircling marble-topped antique tables and an Art Deco glass lamp over the pool table.

[DetroitSky]

Cass Corridor hotel redevelopment gets $5.69M boost from state

The Michigan Strategic Fund approved $5.69 million in loans for the redevelopment today.

The Albert Kahn-designed building is right by the Masonic Temple, and plans call for both residential (70 apartments) and a 100-room hotel. The design is being led by McIntosh Poris Architects, who also led the design of the Foundation Hotel.

Bar to open where '70s Cass Corridor jazz spot once stood

An old live-music and artists' bar on Cass Avenue in Detroit's Cass Corridor is getting remade.

Robert Cobb opened Cobb's Corner Bar at Cass and Willis Street in 1970, alongside the Willis Gallery. He aims to reopen with the same name, offering more food and aiming for "moderate" prices, within the next month or two.

Midtown men's clothier owner to begin manufacturing in Detroit

The co-founder of 1701 Bespoke, a men's custom clothier in Midtown Detroit, plans to set up clothing manufacturing in the city's New Center area.

Max Schmidt, 31, started Commonwealth Sewing Co. with Detroit investor Andrew Stott, and they're leasing a space in a renovated former manufacturing facility south of Grand Boulevard and west of the Lodge Freeway.

Commonwealth will do manufacturing work for 1701 Bespoke, but the plans are bigger than that, Schmidt said. It also plans to do fabric-cutting jobs for other local apparel makers and he wants to provide training for workers.

Belle Isle Conservancy gets $750,000 toward Oudolf garden

The Hudson-Webber Foundation will grant the Belle Isle Conservancy $750,000 for its new garden from internationally renowned designer Piet Oudolf.

The approximately 2-acre garden on Detroit's Belle Isle Park is among recipients of a round of gifts from the Detroit-based foundation worth $2.2 million, according to a Hudson-Webber news release.

The Dutch garden designer's creation on the island park requires $3 million-$4 million, according to a document on volunteer group Oudolf Garden Detroit's website dated Aug. 30. That figure comprises $150,000 for design, $900,000-$1.7 million for garden installation and $2 million-$2.2 million for an endowment to maintain the garden.

As of Aug. 30, Oudolf Garden Detroit had raised enough money for the design and another $150,000 toward the installation. The Hudson-Webber grant was announced Monday.

Bilingual primary health care office opens in southwest Detroit

Medicina Urbina, a modern, holistic primary health care office, is celebrating its grand opening Thursday, Sept. 27 from 5 to 8 p.m. with Castalia cocktails featuring Detroit's own Cabresto Tequila and a DJ set from Vinnie Massimino of Portage Garage Sounds.

Dr. Mark Beard, founder of Medicina Urbina, combines osteopathic medical techniques with standard medical practices in his holistic approach to health and wellness. As an Osteopathic Physician, Dr. Beard specializes in using his hands to treat joint and muscle pain.

The doctor has taken a community-minded approach to health care, working in Michigan's underserved areas since 2008.

Dr. Mark Beard

"Medical care has been overrun by profit driven business, degrading one of the most sacred relationships: the one between patients and their physicians," Beard says.

"I started Medicina Urbana in my city to break free from that, and to serve my Detroit community with the skills I have."

[LMich]

Seeing news like 640 Temple and Cass + York just really drive home to me how much work Olympia has to do to be significantly better neighbors. They have so many buildings under the control very similar to these other ones in the neighborhood, and yet, unless it has something directly to do with their stadium or office operations, they simply conveniently never turn up done. Like, they seem to be allergic to residential and hospitality projects, which is why so much of their district which was formerly designated residential will now be office (and some retail) space.

Just a mini-rant. I'm not as critical of Olympia as many here, but just seeing the news of 640 Temple reminded me of the American Hotel and the old Eddystone and so many other properties they're just sitting on while other developers are renovating or building new housing and hotels left and right.

[hybrydy]

Originally Posted by LMich

Seeing news like 640 Temple and Cass + York just really drive home to me how much work Olympia has to do to be significantly better neighbors. They have so many buildings under the control very similar to these other ones in the neighborhood, and yet, unless it has something directly to do with their stadium or office operations, they simply conveniently never turn up done. Like, they seem to be allergic to residential and hospitality projects, which is why so much of their district which was formerly designated residential will now be office (and some retail) space.

Just a mini-rant. I'm not as critical of Olympia as many here, but just seeing the news of 640 Temple reminded me of the American Hotel and the old Eddystone and so many other properties they're just sitting on while other developers are renovating or building new housing and hotels left and right.

think we all agree, and as expected another announcement of already announced projects

The District Detroit Adds Disney Executive, Provides Updates on Development Projects

Updates:
- M Den and Frita Batidos on Columbia St + 40k in additional retail
- pre-construction planning for 150 Bagley St., formerly the United Artists Building
- Olympia Development of Michigan (part of Ilitch Holdings) continues to evaluate proposals at 408 Temple St. (formerly the American Hotel) and 100 Temple St. (formerly the Alhambra)
- Work is already underway in preparation for new, historically-accurate windows at the former Eddystone Hotel at 110 Sproat St
- 9-story Little Caesars world headquarters campus expansion (just south of the Fox Theatre and Office Building) is nearing the final phases of construction and will open early next year
- Earlier this year, Olympia Development of Michigan and the Detroit Medical Center announced the Sports Medicine Institute will occupy two floors of a new building at 2715 Woodward Ave., with additional tenants expected to be announced later this year.

[The North One]

WTF is there to "evaluate" about the American and Alhambra? Still contemplating the potential for turning them into parking lots? I cannot fucking stand Ilitch trash, strip them of ownership of these properties now.

[DetroitSky]

I'm in the same boat as The North One. The only thing they care about is pizza, sports and parking lots. While we're on the topic of the Ilitch family, the American Hotel is currently entirely boarded up, Temple West's garage section is operating but the residential section is still dirt, and parking lot at Cass and Temple was recently repaved with no curbs against the Alden Apartments, implying they expected to get demolition permits for the Alden.

Based on what I've been hearing, the DMC Sports Medicine Institute has begun foundation work. I don't believe it surprises anyone that this is the next project to move forward in District Detroit, as its a project involved with a partner. The Ilitch family alone seems to be incapable of fulfilling promises.

Meanwhile, the Fine Arts Building is going on 10 years of being a facade suspended by metal scaffolding with no solid plans, The Blenheim, which sits right along the new Columbia Street project, has no solid plans, its still undecided what will go in the Detroit Life Building as they're only doing facade work now, the old Moose Lodge still sits abandoned with no plans at all...the list goes on.

Alright, I'm done ranting. Here's some development related news from today:

Lafayette Park apartment complex to get revamp after $11.55 million sale

The team plans nearly $2 million in renovations, first on the exteriors of the complex's 13 buildings, Mondry said. It also expects to improve paving and landscaping, and then the interiors over time as units come available. Rainy Hamilton of Detroit-based Hamilton Anderson Associates is handling architecture work.

The apartment complex at 1387 E. Larned St. is just east of downtown Detroit and I-375, across from the incoming small-format Meijer Inc. store. The 2 1/2-story buildings' units are an average of 887 square feet, with studios and one- and two-bedrooms available. The complex was built in 1971.

Civil engineering firm triples office space in downtown Detroit

A Missouri-based construction engineering firm with roots in Detroit has tripled the space in its downtown office as it prepares to double its staff in the next two years.

Burns & McDonnell, which opened the office in 4,000 square feet at 2111 Woodward Ave. in January, took up an additional 8,000 square feet.

The firm has a three-year lease for the original second floor and extra eighth-floor space of the Francis Palms Building that houses The Fillmore Detroit. The building is owned by an entity of developer Charles Forbes.

Benjamin Nabozny, who heads the office, expects to add more than 20 new employees over the next two years and 100 in the next five years. The firm seeks to fill engineering, technician and construction and project-management roles, among others. Burns & McDonnell expects to expand its global workforce by 1,000.

[mousquet]

Originally Posted by LMich

- That brick and those stone accents on James Place Lofts?

I'm a bit late on that one, but I got to say the same picture just caught my attention.

Originally Posted by DetroitSky

James Place Lofts

Apparently, this is not exactly one's average precast brick that's a little dull.
But this texture looks better, really adds some interest in the contemporary building.
Good for the spot.

[LMich]

Mark Kurlyandchik, Detroit Free Press

Downtown Detroit's new Fort Street Galley food hall reveals its vendors

Poised to make its downtown debut in less than two months, Detroit's newest food hall-style concept Fort Street Galley has announced its first featured vendors.

They include a healthier barbecue concept from a James Beard Award-winning chef, a Korean approach to raw American fish, inspired sandwiches from a pair of Selden Standard alums and Detroit's first and only Filipino restaurant.

Fort Street Galley is a project of the Pittsburgh-based Galley Group, which operates two food hall concepts in that city and is in the midst of expanding westward with another in Ohio expected to debut around the same time as Detroit's.

Unlike other food halls, where vendors lease stalls from the operator with a business model similar to traditional brick-and-mortar restaurants, the Galley Group takes a 30-percent cut from its vendors' revenues and covers most of their expenses.

[animatedmartian]

So this is kinda cool. If you haven't been to Downtown Detroit in a while, this video does a cool real time walking tour (minus a cheesy tour guide). Kinda like a real life streetview but if you were there in person. It looks like it was filmed on a Sunday so this is probably the least amount of activity you'd see on a given week.

• Video Link

[DetroitSky]

So the Downtown Detroit Partnership released an annual report that contains many development updates, many of which have not been publicly spoken about in years.

Some updates include:

• 139 Cadillac Square, formerly known as The Lawyers
  Building was built in 1922, is the only remaining high-
  rise in Detroit constructed in the Chicago School style of architecture. Originally intended as an office building for lawyers who practiced in the Wayne County Building, the 45 apartments reflect a $9 million historic renovation.
• 220 West, a five-story building in Detroit’s Financial District, spent its earlier years as a glove factory. Today, the 36,500-square-feet building boasts a redesign of the 1970s façade, including a new walkable green alley and retail spanning the side with store-front windows. Floors two through five will serve as creative office lofts with exposed brick walls and wooden rafters creating a modern feel. The building incorporates green features throughout.

As well as updates on these projects in the pipeline:

1. 1242 Washington Boulevard: to be developed into office space by Karp and Associates by 2020.
2. Gateway Center Building redevelopment, 1101 Washington Boulevard: residential space by Karp and Associates. This was announced back in 2016 as a residential, retail and parking high rise on the site of Gateway Center and the parking lot directly to the north.
3. Lofts on Broadway, 1320-1364 Broadway: residential by 2019. This was originally announced years back but a fire in 2 of the 3 buildings held the project back.

Gordie Howe bridge to cost $4.4 billion, be complete in 2024

The Gordie Howe International Bridge will cost $4.4 billion to construct and maintain through its first 30 years, and be complete by the end of 2024, officials announced Friday.

The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, which is overseeing the project, signed a $4.4 billion ($5.7 billion Canadian) contract with Bridging North America — a consortium of Canadian companies consisting of ACS Infrastructure Canada Inc., Fluor Canada Ltd. and Dragados Canada Inc., officials said at a media event in Windsor.

The 36-year contract for the mammoth international project includes $2.9 billion ($3.8 billion Canadian) for the design and build of the bridge over six years, as well as $1.47 billion ($1.9 billion Canadian) for the operation and maintenance of the span over the Detroit River through the length of the contract.

Construction preparation started months ago, design of the bridge will be ongoing and concurrent with construction through 2020, and project delivery is scheduled for the end of 2024, according to Bridging North America.

No Michigan taxpayer money is being used for the project.

The project, to be LEED Silver certified, includes four major parts: the six-lane, 1.5-mile-long bridge with pedestrian pathways; 130-acre Canadian point of entry; 167-acre U.S. point of entry; and the infrastructure build-out to connect the bridge to I-75 in southwest Detroit.

If all goes according to plan, the landmark project will result in the largest cable-stayed bridge in North America, with towers rivaling the height of the Renaissance Center.

Large LED sign proposed for Renaissance City Club Apartments downtown

The owners of the Renaissance City Club Apartments at 555 Brush St. have proposed installation of a 54-foot by 25-foot dynamic LED sign weighing 4,500 pounds above the property's 33rd story on the western facade at a height of 306 feet, according to a planning commission document.

Last week, the commission heard from Farmington Hills-based City Club Apartments and city staff about the proposal, which is to be considered again at the commission's Oct. 4 meeting, said Rory Bolger, a city planner.

[DetroitSky]

Warner Norcross + Judd is opening office next to Little Caesars Arena

Warner Norcross + Judd LLP is opening a large office next to Little Caesars Arena and relocating its Southfield office to Detroit.

The Grand Rapids-based law firm is leasing almost 30,000 square feet — the entire third floor — of a to-be-built building sandwiched between the arena and the Wayne State University Mike Ilitch School of Business on Woodward Avenue. The Detroit office is expected to open in September 2020 with about 60 employees, said Linda Paullin-Hebden, executive partner of the firm's Southfield office.

She declined to say how much the firm is spending on the relocation, but did say that it will cost more to be in the new five-story building, which will also have the Detroit Medical Center as a tenant.

I believe the DMC is using two floors in the new Sports Medicine Institute building, meaning 3 of its 5 floors are leased.

[LMich]

2. Gateway Center Building redevelopment, 1101 Washington Boulevard: residential space by Karp and Associates. This was announced back in 2016 as a residential, retail and parking high rise on the site of Gateway Center and the parking lot directly to the north.

So this is just going to be the redevelopment of the existing building? I had to google this one because it's so incredibly non-descript that I'd forgotten what it looks like. The parking lot to the north must have a high-rise building; I'd not compromise on that. I guess I'd never realized how forgettable the other side of the block from the Book Cadillac was.

Anyway, Karp & Associates does good historic renovations. They've done pretty well on the Farwell.