DETROIT | Development & Construction: Motown Lowdown

[DetroitSky]

I thought they were going to put a grocery store in the Elliott Building.

[hudkina]

There are "plans" to build grocery stores throughout downtown, but nothing has been built yet.

[subterranean]

From their site:


Spinnaker Tower


View from Spinnaker


and another

[Michi]

I never knew that tower had a name. I just always referred to it as Harbortown.

I'm wondering what is materializing of the Harbortown expansions. It seems like when the sales of the condo towers were first publicized, there was a healthy response. It would seem that for those who made a financial committment to a unit that the project would be getting off the ground by now. This was in 2004, 3 years ago now. I know I wouldn't want any of my money sitting around that long holding a unit that may not even eventually exist.

[LMich]

Both towers have names: Spinnaker and Great Lakes.

I really thought this project had either been scrapped, or put on hold, indefinitely. But, it now appears they are ready for a presale.

Sale to begin of downtown condos on Woodward

Former bank near Campus Martius Park

April 20, 2007

BY JOHN GALLAGHER
FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER

Buyers will get their first chance next weekend to put down deposits on the next of the downtown Detroit towers to go condo — the 1001 Woodward, a former bank office building steps from Campus Martius Park.

Developers plan to hold their first sales event April 28 and 29 from 10 to 4 each day at the building. The tower will feature condo units from $215,000 to $1.5 million, with units ranging in size from 1,000 square feet to 4,200 square feet or more, depending on how units are combined.

Buyers will be required to put down deposits equal to 2.5% of the purchase cost, said Pierre LeBlanc, sales manager for 1001 Woodward.

Interested buyers can register for the sales event at www.1001woodward.com or by calling 313-963-1001.

Built in 1965 and designed by the architectural firm Smith, Hinchman & Grylls, the tower began life as the First Federal Bank Building. Much of the tower has been vacant in recent years.

The 1001 tower joins the Book-Cadillac Hotel, the Pick-Ft. Shelby, and other downtown buildings for which condo conversion projects are either underway or have been announced. As with the other projects, 1001 Woodward offers sweeping views and proximity to downtown attractions.

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

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...ESS04/70420035

[Michi]

Edit: deleted

[Michi]

It was just way-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay too nice NOT to go out and take pictures today, so that is exactly what I did. My skin is burnt to a crisp, so you all better appreciate! 80 degrees in the sun, I got on Big Red, my bike, and hit the streets of Detroit.

We'll start off with the latest and greatesf of the Motor City Casino.












Future site of Studio One Apartments at South University Village (Phase I). Actual construction should be starting very soon.


http://studio1apartments.com/

This will be a good vantage point to document the progress once it starts.


I didn't expect the clocks on the Woodbridge Senior Towers to be peaked like that. I guess it's good in that you can see the time from far away though.




This guy burned up a few months ago. I think that it is still being taken seriously for redevelopment though (Garfield Street across from MOCAD).


Hello Mr. Kitty McKittleson.


Then his brother is across the street right next to MOCAD.




The ever popular MidMed Lofts.






55 W. Canfield This building has a new home decor store called Bureau of Urban Living located in it. See this link for details: http://www.bureauliving.com/




Another store on Cass called Spy.


How 9 on Third looks from the back.


...and the front.


Willy's Overland Lofts is progressing very slowly on the exterior. Hopefully, the interior progress is making up for that.


Someday very soon West Willis will become a nice, vibrant little side street.


Don't complain. This post contains some random extras...just cuz I love Detroit that much!


The Commodore, which I never really new existed, looks very sharp. It's on W. Seldon.


Being from Northern Michigan, these rooftop access portals remind me of deer blinds. lol Grinell Place Lofts, Corktown.




MGM Grand Detroit Casino $750,000,000 of questionable design.






Southwest Detroit, Mexicantown Area.






The new State of Michigan Welcome Center at the Ambassador Bridge border crossing to Canaduh.






Note: the Mercado across the street really hasn't changed, so no new pics of it.

This huge complex caught fire probably almost a year ago now, but it looked to me like one of the buildings (the one on the far left) was being renovated. I investigated...


Getting closer...


There it is...anybody familiar with this project?




On the top, it says Merchandise Building.


Back towndown. I got in trouble for taking this picture from the corner of the Federal Building. The security lady was really respectful, but she trash talked the city. I'm like, "dude, I live here". "I like Harrison Township", she says.
Westin Book Cadillac




Washington Boulevard


I think the powerwash contrast is amazing. The dirty part doesn't even really look that dirty, so that makes the clean part immaculate!


Looking up Shelby Street.


Took a bath.


#3 casino, and my favorite because it is the tallest, the Greektown Casino construction site.


...timeout...


This is the site of the hotel tower, which will be taller than the Blue Cross Building in the background.






The lovely prefab is being installed on the Macomb side (north) of the structure. I'm questioning where the promised ground floor retail is suppose to be!


The view you can expect from across the water. Judging from the crane placements, there will be quite an impressive impact on the skyine as the tower rises and is topped out!


Windsor's second hotel tower to its casino complex is steadily on the rise across the river.


Gabrielle Richard (pronounced "Rish-ARD")Park. This is the end of the line for the Detroit Riverwalk going east. It is almost complete all the way through the Renaissance Center to Cobo Hall. The expansion from Cobo west to the Ambassador Bridge is a future endeavor. But is an ambitious one.


These photos were taken from the Belle Isle Bridge. I REALLY hope the parkland isn't going to turn into a gigantic parking lot...


Paving paradise on Belle Isle. This is honestly a rediculous amount of concrete that has been poured in preparation for the return of the Detroit Grand Prix which is held on Belle Isle on Labor Day weekend in September.


But...I guess the payoff is that the southern tip area of the island (closest to the skyline views) is getting a manicure. People pix.


That crap on the ground is bread.


Belle Isle is THEE destination in Detroit for family reunions.


I was so close to getting this right. Just a little up-and-to-the-left would have done it.








Pangborn Design Studio, Iron Street. http://www.pangborndesign.com/


Iron Street Lofts


This is a section of the Detroit Riverwalk. It curves inland to bypass the Mt. Elliott Park ship inlet. The Harbortown complex is in the background. There are two new highrises planned for that property.


Iron Street Lofts and the makings of the trails.




This photo shows the riverwalk becoming the same as the sidewalk.


A sneak peak from the site of the Detroit Omni Hotel.


Detroit needs to embrace its French heritage a little more in the area east of downtown.




The Stinky Rose in Rivertown almost made it, but one night fell to the Detroit fire plague. I think it is in debate whether the building will be saved or not.


Great news on the Detroit Elevator Company Building! It will be converted into lofts. Sales starting at the end of April I believe. This is also in Rivertown, Detroit's old (but largely destroyed) warehouse district on the rver.


Imagine the resurection of the fresh, historic orange brick! aaaah...


Luxury living on the riverfront. Good grief. lol


Recall Pangborn Design from the photo above...this is largely Dominic Pangborn's Asian Village concept. If successful, he wants to try it in other cities too.
http://www.modeldmedia.com/features/pangborn.aspx


Renaissance Center


Hart Plaza skyline today


Jefferson and Woodward, the origin point of the entire 7-county metro.


The Spirit of Detroit is getting stronger...but in a really sucky economy right now.


Cadillac Square Park: an extension of Campus Martius Park in the heart of downtown.


From the old Bagley Fountain




Petanque is a popular game that is played at Campus Martius.
http://www.usapetanque.org/






Someday this view will no longer exist as the Monroe Block of the Campus Martius development will be built upon, blocking the Renaissance Center.


The old Kern's Clock on Woodward Avenue.


Merchant's Row retail. Sadly, we just lost the Mark English de Mode botique, located right next door to the brkfst house.


Looking for me downtown? Chances are you can find me here!


The Tigers played ball today...and lost...again...to the Chicago Sox.


Cheli's Chilli Bar has become a popular attraction, especially the roof top area during awesome day's like today.


No comment.


Brush Street bisects the dual stadiums.


The Elwood Bar was moved to this location on wheels, from a different one a few blocks away.


I thought I smelled something foul. U of M's in town.


Crystal Lofts, Woodward Avenue, Midtown/Brush Park.
http://www.modeldmedia.com/developme...stallofts.aspx


The Kahn-designed building just north of the Crystal Lofts.




North Brush Park Development


And coming full-circle of this tour is the Whitney Restaurant, finally visible with some trimming of the shrubbery and new ownership.

[LMich]

Wow! You've outdone yourself. Really, this is deserving of its own post on the My City Photos forum where it will be better seen. I'm surprised every time I see the smaller projects I'd never heard of. While many of us are worried about the bigger projects (i.e. C-Mart, Broderick, Whitney...), there are every-day developers bringing the inner-city back.

I must say that the clock tower atop the Woodbridge Apartment Tower 3 really shocked me. I can't say I like it, but at least it brings attention to an otherwise bland tower.

I'm liking how the MotorCity tower is looking, lately. It's grown on me, and doesn't look quite so cheap, anymore.

[DetroitSky]

Hey Michi, when were you on Belle Isle? I was there today too and i saw that wedding.

[Trumbull]

Great pictures Michi. I was planning to come downtown but for several reasons I wasn't able to. Hopefully there will be many more days like today.

[skyfan]

Great pics as usual, the cleaning the Book Caddy is getting is real letting it's beauty show through. Could a mod delete one of the post though that double post is a killer?

Thank God, for the residential market downtown,can't imagine what shape we'd be in without it, because the office vacancy numbers are less than comforting.

Condo demand rises downtown

Future residents have paid deposits on units costing $1 million or more in city high-rises.

Louis Aguilar / The Detroit News


The future owners of the next $1 million condominiums in downtown Detroit will get their choice of commanding views.

If they buy one of the north-facing glass-walled units at 1001 Woodward, they can peer down on home plate in Comerica Park, just six blocks away. If their swinging pad faces another direction, they can gaze at the city skyline and Detroit River.

In fact, at this price range, prospective owners can design their own layout and choose their own view.

Wherever he looks, Timothy Kamego sees plenty of buyers.

"The location and the view is obviously a big part of why we have faith," said Kamego, project manager at the 25-story skyscraper across the street from Campus Martius and Compuware Corp. headquarters.

Faith wasn't a word real estate developers used much to describe the downtown Detroit housing market until recently. Now, 1001 Woodward adds to the growing number of high-end condo developments, a market that received a boost last October when the nearby Book-Cadillac sold two $1 million-plus penthouses sight unseen.

Since then, the @water Lofts (pronounced "Atwater"), the first condo project planned for Detroit's east riverfront, accepted deposits just last month for two of its $1 million penthouses, said Dwight Belyue, the Detroit developer behind that project.

The 1001 Woodward skyscraper could end up with three floors of condos at seven-figure prices. Two years ago, the consortium of suburban developers behind the project planned to offer the top nine floors as residential and use the rest as commercial space.

But downtown's current office vacancy rate of 32.2 percentprompted the developers to turn 22 floors into dwellings. Only the ground level, which houses a branch of Charter One Bank, will remain commercial.

The project joins a counter trend that banks on downtown Detroit becoming more affluent and populated even as the city overall loses 10,000 people a year and the state economy sputters.

"We already have strong interest," in the properties, Kamego said, noting that more than 350 people have contacted the developers about 1001 Woodward.

Strong interest also was clear March 31, when the Griswold Capitol Park project, a new development next door to 1001 Woodward, announced that it already had received deposits on half of its 80 units, said Pete Van Dyke, a spokesman for the project.

Three studies released in the past year by the University of Michigan, Katherine Beebe & Associates and Washington think tank Social Compact show more people are living in downtown Detroit, and have higher incomes than previous data indicated.

Some of the findings show:


The $59,300 average income of downtown residents is 33 percent higher than previously thought.


About 4,000 new residents moved downtown from 2000 to 2005. The downtown core, roughly defined as the area bounded by the Detroit River, the Lodge, I-75 and I-375, had 6,259 residents in 2005.


Two out of three new downtowners came from the suburbs and one third work outside of Detroit.

Developers have responded with 2,400 new housing units since 2000, including 1,400 built since 2004. The studies predict demand for an additional 1,700 units in the next five years in the downtown core alone.

Yet the downtown core is not self-sustaining. Incentives to developers, such as financing from public sources, and to residents, such as property tax breaks, still are needed, the studies said.

"What we are seeing is pent-up demand," said David DiRita, a principal of the Roxbury Group, the developers behind Griswold Capitol Park.

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll...=2007704140347

[Michi]

Originally Posted by DetroitSky

Hey Michi, when were you on Belle Isle? I was there today too and i saw that wedding.

Hmmm, I was there probably around noonish...give or take. I honestly don't remember for sure, since I didn't look at my watch. I had to go by the Kern's Clock time in the photo above to narrow it down.

Thanks for the replies!

[DetroitSky]

^Yeah thats around when I was there.

[hudkina]

Great update as usual, Michi!

BTW, that condo project near the tracks between Vinewood and Grand Blvd was announced two or three years ago. I can't remember what it is called anymore, but it has been under renovation for a while. It's only been in the last few months that it has started coming around, though.

[the pope]

huzah michi!

[skyfan]

The renovation of the Fort Shelby takes another step foward

Fort-Shelby restoration nearly a go

$82 million hotel conversion to be set this week, officials say

Louis Aguilar / The Detroit News

DETROIT -- The multimillion dollar deal to convert the former Pick Fort-Shelby Hotel downtown into a Doubletree Guest Suites Hotel, meeting center and upscale apartments is expected to be sealed this week, according to the developers and Detroit Economic Growth Corp. officials.

Today, the Detroit Economic Growth Corp., a quasi-public agency that promotes development, is expected to sign off on the project's conservation easement, said Brian Holdwick, vice president of business development for the agency. That easement essentially ensures the building will look as much like its historic design as possible, he said.

Later in the week, possibly as early as Wednesday, developers and the various financiers officially will close the $82 million deal, said Leo Phillips, one of four developers behind the project. Phillips said the project involves federal Housing and Urban Development funds and a variety of state and city tax credits, but no direct city or state funding.

"We are dotting all the 'I's' and crossing all the 'T's' on the paperwork -- and there's a lot of paperwork," Phillips said.

City officials including Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick are considering holding a ceremony next week at the West Lafayette building, between First and Second streets, to celebrate the revival of another downtown historic building. The Pick Fort-Shelby Hotel opened in 1917 and was shuttered in 1973. Its last tenant, a bar, left in 1998.

The restoration project is expected to include:


A 207-room hotel operated by Doubletree, a division of the Hilton Group.


About 38,000 square feet of convention space, enough to accommodate up to 200 people.


63 apartments (including a penthouse), which may eventually become condominiums.

You can reach Louis Aguilar at (313) 222-2760 or laguilar@detnews.com.

[Michi]

That's good to hear. There's some digging progress being made at S. Univ. Village too...just not at the parking garage site, oddly enough.

[the pope]

Originally Posted by Michi

That's good to hear. There's some digging progress being made at S. Univ. Village too...just not at the parking garage site, oddly enough.

but where will the construction workers park their cars?

[VerdeBlanco05]

hello, i am new to this board. All of this news is really inspiring to see. I was pretty much under the impression that if you wanted a cool urban downtown type area in the Midwest, Chicago was pretty much your only option. It so awesome to see all of this happening in Detroit. I hope things continue the way they are going and even pick up steam!

Could someone summarise all the developments currently happening starting with the biggest?

I'm guessing the Far East side project mentioned on the city's website has to be the largest project?

Are all three casinos expanding and adding hotels??

I would guess the Wayne State expansion is the next largest, then followed by the welcome center in Mexicantown.

Has there been any recent talk about mass transit in Detroit? Light Rail, expansion of the People Mover? Anything?

Any info would be appreciated. thankyou.

[skyfan]

Originally Posted by the pope

but where will the construction workers park their cars?

Don't worry, the new owners of the Whitney have agreed to sell, the building will be demolsihed to provide construction worker parking.