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  #1301  
Old Posted Apr 10, 2012, 2:12 AM
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A little bit more about the State Fairgrounds Deal.
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  #1302  
Old Posted Apr 24, 2012, 1:09 AM
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M1-Rail has released their official plans for the privately-funded streetcar line between New Center and Downtown. Here's the PDF for anyone who's interested.

Here's the gist of it:
  • Curbside alignment between Congress and the Amtrak station. Median alignment from the Amtrak station to the Boulevard.
  • Planned frequency is 7-8 minutes peak, 10-14 minutes off-peak
  • Plans call for the use of Siemens S70 Super Short LRT vehicles
  • Stops at Grand Blvd, Baltimore (Amtrak), Ferry, Warren, Canfield, Mack, Sibley (Brush Park), Elizabeth, Adams, Campus Martius, and Congress.
  • Plans include a possible future stop at Amsterdam. This stop will be used if the Amtrak station is expanded and relocated south of its current location.
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  #1303  
Old Posted Apr 24, 2012, 4:16 AM
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Not a fan. I'm not a transportation planner, so I'd reserve critical dialogue for that professional, but I'm skeptical of the effectiveness of this. I think street cars are great and in a perfect world, it would be nice to bring them back, ala Toronto. I just don't think Woodward, like it once was, is a street car street. To plan for the needs of the future, we need a transit line along Woodward that is efficient and effective. Yes, a modernized street car that looks like LRT, will move you along the curb, but at what pace?

Yes, the commitment to build and impliment is amazing and so encouraging, but I just worry that accepting the shortcomings of efficiency in mobility along our most popular corridor will fan the flames of opponents. I just visited Atlanta and thought about the MARTA trains and how they deliver transit. Yah, that would be a dream come true for Detroit, but not realistic. Is a street car, instead, going to perform like MARTA trains? No, but shouldn't we be trying? That's why I think LRT is the bare minimum we should go w/ rail on Woodward. Street cars on Grand, Mack, etc...
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  #1304  
Old Posted Apr 24, 2012, 9:22 PM
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I don't think it really makes that big of a difference. This streetcar is essentially a prototype to show Metro Detroiters what transit can be. I'll be glad to just to see it built even if it isn't a major commuter line.
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  #1305  
Old Posted Apr 24, 2012, 9:35 PM
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Quote:
Exec: Retailers 'tripping over themselves' to get into Gilbert-owned buildings downtown

The Detroit News
Louis Aguilar
24 April 2012

Hundreds of retailers and other small firms have inquired about setting up shop in downtown Detroit buildings owned by Quicken Loans Inc. founder Dan Gilbert and his partners, a Quicken Loans-affiliated executive said Tuesday.

"People are tripping over themselves" to move into the buildings, said Bruce Schwartz, Detroit relocation ambassador of Bedrock Real Estate Services, the real estate arm overseeing Gilbert's expanding downtown empire.

Schwartz and Bedrock Managing Partner Jim Ketai spoke Tuesday afternoon at a Detroit Regional Chamber event in the MotorCity Casino Hotel.

"We've gotten hundreds of proposals, and we are vetting them now," Schwartz said. Ketai described the retailers include "restaurants, grocery stores, furniture."

Every downtown building Gilbert and company will buy will always have first-floor retail, Ketai said. Gilbert and his partners own nine downtown buildings.

"We want the right retailer, the right spot," Ketai said. "The kind of retailer we can't get in the suburbs."

The two executives also said Bedrock is considering the vacant space where the former Hudson's department store used to be located for building two residential towers.
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/2...#ixzz1szqOEpMh
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  #1306  
Old Posted Apr 24, 2012, 9:45 PM
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Wayne State to build $90-million biomedical facility



Detroit Free Press
17 April 2012

Wayne State University plans to pump more than $90 million into a new biomedical research facility at the edge of its campus -- a move that continues its push to improve Detroit's Midtown.

The university is hoping to use $30 million from the state, along with $63 million from its coffers, to renovate the old Dalgleish Cadillac building and tear down the American Beauty Iron Building next to it.

The project would be the largest in WSU's history.

The state share is included in a budget proposal from Gov. Rick Snyder, based on recommendations made during the previous administration, budget office spokesman Kurt Weiss said. In total, funding is recommended for projects at nine of the state's 15 public universities. The Legislature still needs to approve the plan.

WSU officials are confident the money is coming.

"One lawmaker told a colleague of mine, start building," WSU President Allan Gilmour said Monday.

If the money comes through, WSU would start demolishing the American Beauty building at Burroughs and Woodward this summer to make a parking lot for the new building.

Work on the Albert Kahn-designed building would begin in November. Plans include extensively remodeling the current 127,000-square-foot building and adding 70,000 square feet."
http://www.freep.com/article/2012041...CFRONTPAGE%7Cp
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  #1307  
Old Posted Apr 24, 2012, 9:48 PM
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If the money comes through, WSU would start demolishing the American Beauty building at Burroughs and Woodward this summer to make a parking lot for the new building.
Because from what I can see, there aren't enough surface lots surrounding the site anyways
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  #1308  
Old Posted Apr 24, 2012, 9:52 PM
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Originally Posted by untitledreality View Post
Because from what I can see, there aren't enough surface lots surrounding the site anyways
Maybe they want to expand parking lot square footage.
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  #1309  
Old Posted Apr 24, 2012, 10:09 PM
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I know this isn't technically in Detroit, Dearborn is the city next door, but I drive by the site every day, so I might be able to get some shots. Right now there are just construction trailers on the site and some diggers putting in piping. When something more happens I'll try to let you know! When it's finnished the station will connect with The Henry Ford.

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Dearborn, Michigan Gets Shiny New Train Station

Earth Techling
Nino Marchetti



The slow revitalization of America’s once mighty consumer railway system continued today as the city of Dearborn, Michigan welcomed groundbreaking of a planned LEED intermodal passenger rail station. This station, funded 100 percent through federal money, will pull together existing local and national rail passing through the area with future high speed rail as well as motorized forms of transportation.

The Dearborn Intermodal Passenger Rail Station, according to city officials, is part of a 12-year vision of expanded Michigan passenger rail options. The $28.2 million facility, which got its federal funding last August, is designed to consolidate the city’s two existing rail depots into one operation in the western part of Dearborn’s downtown.

Described as being pedestrian friendly, the new train station looks to be a vast improvement over existing facilities on site for Dearborn commuters. The 16,000 square foot facility, seen above, is a stark contrast to the current offering, seen below. The new station will offer amenities like free wireless Internet and bicycle racks, as well as exhibits by local organizations and companies.



The city of Dearborn, which is the Detroit suburban home of auto manufacturing giant Ford, is also home to the University of Michigan–Dearborn and Henry Ford Community College, whose students reportedly will make good use of the new station. Once completed, the station will also accommodate tourists visiting the Henry Ford Museum/Greenfield Village via a new pedestrian overpass.

As an intermodal station, the Dearborn facility will serve as a hub for current and future forms of transportation. Already in operation options for coming and going from this location will include connections to Amtrak’s Wolverine service that extends from Pontiac to Chicago; SMART, DDOT, Greyhound and charter buses; corporate and hotel shuttles; taxis and personal vehicles. Future plans will focus on a proposed Detroit to Chicago high speed rail line as well as an Ann Arbor to Detroit commuter rail line, which reportedly will also allow for easy bus connection to the Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

The new Dearborn facility reportedly will be ready to open by fall 2013. It’s estimated, according to city officials, that the intermodal station project will create 280 temporary construction trade positions and, when completed, potentially offer 25 permanent positions.

Architects designing the Dearborn station looked to employ what is said to be “stylistic elements from historic train stations” that “juxtaposes contemporary streamlined elements drawn from transportation cues.” Green building elements planned, which it is felt will help reduce station operating costs, include metal roof with solar collectors; energy efficient lighting; geothermal heating and cooling; and storm water management features, such as rain gardens and bioswales.

“This project is part of a larger strategy to increase the number of potential customers coming to Dearborn every day. Increasing the customer base sustains existing businesses and attracts new activity and investment, “said Dearborn mayor John O’Reilly in a statement.
http://www.earthtechling.com/2012/04...train-station/
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  #1310  
Old Posted Apr 25, 2012, 12:02 AM
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Originally Posted by untitledreality View Post
Because from what I can see, there aren't enough surface lots surrounding the site anyways
On Woodward of course.....

I give WSU props on a lot of good things they've done, but their track record of architectural stewardship could be better. That goes for a lot of Universities though....

Dearborn gets a huge applause from me for that beautiful new train station. I hope if the streetcar plan in Detroit comes into fruition there will be a need for a new Amtrak station / intermodal center in Detroit.
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  #1311  
Old Posted Apr 25, 2012, 12:18 AM
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Originally Posted by Hayward View Post
On Woodward of course.....

I give WSU props on a lot of good things they've done, but their track record of architectural stewardship could be better. That goes for a lot of Universities though....

Dearborn gets a huge applause from me for that beautiful new train station. I hope if the streetcar plan in Detroit comes into fruition there will be a need for a new Amtrak station / intermodal center in Detroit.
There is already some money lined up for Detroit's intermodal station, and the first phase which consisted of clearing the site has been done since 2010, I think. The region's just waiting until Detroit gets it's transit issues under control to actual begin building the thing. The preliminary concepts for it show a very modest structure, but certainly better than the current Amtrak station. The site of this new station will be on the other side of the tracks.
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  #1312  
Old Posted Apr 26, 2012, 12:07 AM
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Big news.

Quote:
Four downtown projects get tentative approvals
By John Gallagher
Detroit Free Press Business Writer
April 25, 2012



Four significant development projects for the greater downtown area won tentative approvals Wednesday, signaling that recent development interest in Detroit is continuing.

Among the projects: The Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority tentatively approved a renovation plan for the historic Globe Building on the east riverfront. The authority also blessed a plan to build a new 140-unit upscale apartment building in the Harbortown complex on the east riverfront.

The authority also gave the go-ahead to a project to build a major medical supply warehouse and distribution center near the Henry Ford Hospital complex in the New Center area.

And the city’s Downtown Development Authority approved the selection of Karp and Associates of Lansing as the lead developer to transform the Capitol Park district on downtown’s west side with renovations of three historic but derelict buildings.

All the projects need further approvals before becoming reality, but the mixture of projects encouraged city development leaders.

“This has been a great day in Detroit, and it shows that there is momentum, and it’s picking up and it’s not just in one part of town, either,” said George Jackson, president of the Detroit Economic Growth Corp.

Efforts to bring new life to Detroit’s historic but derelict Globe Building on the east riverfront got fresh hope with tentative approval of a $2-million tax credit and development plan.

The Brownfield authority voted this afternoon to begin the process of approving a plan put forward by Detroit-based Roxbury Group, a real estate development firm. The plan calls for Roxbury to receive a state-approved $2-million credit against the Michigan Business Tax as part of a $12.5-million renovation plan.

Located at 1801-1803 Atwater on the east riverfront near the William G. Milliken State Park & Harbor, the Globe consists of structures of various ages dating to the late 1800s, when it served as a dry dock for the shipping industry.

A young Henry Ford worked as a mechanic on the site. The building is also notable as one of Detroit’s most prominent surviving 19th-Century industrial buildings.

The work will consist of a partial demolition, renovation of the remainder, and creation of an addition. Plans call for the mixed-use development to include a welcome center and Milliken State Park interactive displays, classrooms and office space for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

David DiRita, a partner in the Roxbury Group, told the brownfield authority that about half the historic structure would remain once the project is finished by late 2013. "It’ll be a mix of old and new when we’re done," he said.

In other action, the brownfield authority also approved tax incentives for an $18-million, 140-rental apartment building known as Harbortown Riverside Apartments to be built within the existing Harbortown complex on the east riverfront.

The project is headed by Arkan Jonna, principal owner of the A.F. Jonna Development firm in Bloomfield Hills.

Harbortown is a gated complex on the east riverfront that was launched in the 1980s. To date it includes two high-rise towers, low-rise residences, a marina, and shops.

The new project will fit within the existing Harbortown property. It will be adjacent to the Detroit RiverWalk but will not interfere with it.

Jonna indicated that all units will have balconies and be built with “contemporary flair and high-end finishes throughout.”

The units would range from one to three bedrooms and measure from 800 to 1,500 square feet. Rents will range from about $1,100 for smaller units to $2,200 per month for the largest units.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...=2012204260452

Last edited by animatedmartian; Apr 26, 2012 at 3:32 PM. Reason: forgot link
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  #1313  
Old Posted Apr 26, 2012, 5:59 AM
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There is already some money lined up for Detroit's intermodal station, and the first phase which consisted of clearing the site has been done since 2010, I think. The region's just waiting until Detroit gets it's transit issues under control to actual begin building the thing. The preliminary concepts for it show a very modest structure, but certainly better than the current Amtrak station. The site of this new station will be on the other side of the tracks.
Well that's good to hear. I'd really like to have something like Milwaukee's intermodal station.
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  #1314  
Old Posted Apr 26, 2012, 7:36 AM
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In other action, the brownfield authority also approved tax incentives for an $18-million, 140-rental apartment building known as Harbortown Riverside Apartments to be built within the existing Harbortown complex on the east riverfront.

The project is headed by Arkan Jonna, principal owner of the A.F. Jonna Development firm in Bloomfield Hills.

...

The new project will fit within the existing Harbortown property. It will be adjacent to the Detroit RiverWalk but will not interfere with it.

Jonna indicated that all units will have balconies and be built with “contemporary flair and high-end finishes throughout.”


Ugh. I was hoping for something taller and better looking. The Spinnaker Tower at Harbortown is 18-floors and 101 units, and the Great Lakes Tower 175 units and 15-floors, so this could have definitely been taller and taken better advantage of its' location at the river's edge side of the property.
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Last edited by LMich; Apr 26, 2012 at 7:50 AM.
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  #1315  
Old Posted Apr 26, 2012, 4:48 PM
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Yea I agree.

Lots of development news this week.

Quote:
Path clear for building revival at Capitol Park
City OKs plan for mixed-use development



Detroit's Downtown Development Authority Wednesday cleared the way for Lansing's Karp and Associates to renovate three publicly owned, empty buildings in the city's Capitol Park area.

The authority's board approved Karp and Associates as part of an estimated $83.9 million deal to rehabilitate The Farwell Building at 1249 Griswold, the former United Way Building at 1212 Griswold and the Capitol Park Building at 1145 Griswold.

The board approved development agreements for the United Way and Capitol Park buildings that the authority owns.

The deal still awaits approval from the board of the state land bank of a development agreement for the Farwell Building.

"This is another home run for downtown," Detroit Mayor Dave Bing said in a statement.

The plan calls for a total of 204 loft-style apartments and 45,000 square feet of retail and office space.

[...]
From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/2...#ixzz1tANC939m
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  #1316  
Old Posted Apr 27, 2012, 4:31 AM
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Originally Posted by animatedmartian View Post
Yea I agree.

Lots of development news this week.



From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/2...#ixzz1tANC939m
This really made my day. Capitol Park is an incredible underrated urban space. The potential for this area is huge. We'll look back 10 years down the road and wonder what the hell was going on and why this space was so forgotten.

As for Harbortown Riverside. I don't care for the design. It looks cheap, and there's really no excuse. You can do economical design and still have an excellent looking building.
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  #1317  
Old Posted Apr 27, 2012, 5:09 PM
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Eww. That's just careless.
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  #1318  
Old Posted Apr 28, 2012, 1:51 AM
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Kind of surprised this was missed, but in an article, the other day, on Quicken attracting folks from Silicon Valley, Rock Ventures has said they are still very much planning to develop the Hudson site for apartment housing (15-stories) for the group of companies, but are waiting until rental rates go up to make the project work. Currently, the rate is $1.20 per squre foot, but local real estate agents are saying that the Broderick units could go for $1.50 per square foot. Still, they said they aren't building until the rate gets up to $1.75 per square foot even with incentives and credits factored in.
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  #1319  
Old Posted Apr 28, 2012, 5:35 PM
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Kind of surprised this was missed, but in an article, the other day, on Quicken attracting folks from Silicon Valley, Rock Ventures has said they are still very much planning to develop the Hudson site for apartment housing (15-stories) for the group of companies, but are waiting until rental rates go up to make the project work. Currently, the rate is $1.20 per squre foot, but local real estate agents are saying that the Broderick units could go for $1.50 per square foot. Still, they said they aren't building until the rate gets up to $1.75 per square foot even with incentives and credits factored in.
Demand will drive up rents, but amenities even more. I have no doubt in my mind Gilbert is already thinking of choreographing this.

I hope they take all the time they need. This is a prominent site that deserves a really good building.
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  #1320  
Old Posted Apr 28, 2012, 6:09 PM
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Are you certain about rental rates for downtown? I'm paying 96.25 a square foot here and just got a serious shock. I use to live in the Mies van der Rohe townhouses in 1988 but I can't remember what I was paying then, I guess this just really really surprised me. I want to see downtown be redeveloped with quality buildings too, the conceptual rendering offered is weak at best.
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