Major Downtown/Midtown/Corktown Developments! (Detroit, Newberry: hotels, tenants, theater)

[ForStarters]

DOWNTOWN

• 3 buildings in the Capitol Park district are being primed for redevelopment by the DEGC. The Detroit News is reporting that John Ferchill, developer and visionary behind the renovation of the Book Cadillac Bldg has entered the ring. The Capitol Park properties are located around the corner from Ferchill's Westin Hotel, and he just may have the resources and experience needed to make that area a beautiful enclave.

Business | Westin investor has eyes set on Capitol Park | The Detroit News (http://www.detnews.com/article/20111015/BIZ/110150317/Westin-investor-has-eyes-set-on-Capitol-Park - broken link)

• Also, there are rumors that major announcements regarding the development of the former Hudson's site on lower Woodward and the development of Cass Corridor are coming this month. Both are said to be major undertakings by their respective developers. Stay tuned.

[stinkytofu10]

Originally Posted by ForStarters

DOWNTOWN

• 3 buildings in the Capitol Park district are being primed for redevelopment by the DEGC. The Detroit News is reporting that John Ferchill, developer and visionary behind the renovation of the Book Cadillac Bldg has entered the ring. The Capitol Park properties are located around the corner from Ferchill's Westin Hotel, and he just may have the resources and experience needed to make that area a beautiful enclave.

Business | Westin investor has eyes set on Capitol Park | The Detroit News (http://www.detnews.com/article/20111015/BIZ/110150317/Westin-investor-has-eyes-set-on-Capitol-Park - broken link)

• Also, there are rumors that major announcements regarding the development of the former Hudson's site on lower Woodward and the development of Cass Corridor are coming this month. Both are said to be major undertakings by their respective developers. Stay tuned.

Whoa - can you help direct some of us towards those rumors?

I thought the Hudson's site was going to become a Lafayette Greens (or whatever it's called) type deal.

[ForStarters]

Originally Posted by stinkytofu10

Whoa - can you help direct some of us towards those rumors?

I thought the Hudson's site was going to become a Lafayette Greens (or whatever it's called) type deal.

From what people are saying, gilbert is going build a residential tower on that site. Also, Ilitch is going to announce his new arena in cass corridor along with other spinoff developments. Just rumors right now though.

[animatedmartian]

Originally Posted by ForStarters

From what people are saying, gilbert is going build a residential tower on that site. Also, Ilitch is going to announce his new arena in cass corridor along with other spinoff developments. Just rumors right now though.

Well, when I think about it, that would make sense for Gilbert since that puts the employees he's moving into town right next to where they work. It'll be interesting to see what comes out.

[stinkytofu10]

Originally Posted by ForStarters

From what people are saying, gilbert is going build a residential tower on that site. Also, Ilitch is going to announce his new arena in cass corridor along with other spinoff developments. Just rumors right now though.

Very cool. Crossing my fingers!

[ForStarters]

DOWNTOWN

• The big news of the day (once again) concerns Dan Gilbert, who is now eying the former Hudson's site on lower Woodward to construct a mixed-use residential tower. This announcement is not totally unexpected, as Gilbert had plans to build when he entered the downtown real estate market a few years back.

The location, which is a now wide-open space on Woodward Ave, was once occupied by the enormous Hudson's Department Store. Unquestionably, it is one of downtown's most critical locations for development. The empty site sits at the geographic center of downtown, interrupting the flow of the urban street-scape. A new high rise tower would link the two halves of downtown like a buckle and probably result in spin-off developments, further filling in the gaps.

When the Hudson's building was imploded exactly 19 years yesterday, it was a major blow to Detroit's image (and ego). Until now, no solid plans for the site have materialized, however, the DEGC did have the foresight to install 4 levels of underground parking and support pillars to allow for a high rise building if interest developed.

With Gilbert now in control of large swaths of downtown real estate, he will have the ability to single handedly transform the central business district into a vibrant live/work/play environment. Along with the visions of many other local developers, Detroit is on a long, yet steady path toward having a dynamic, 24-hour urban core.

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article...velopment-near

• A smaller downtown development is also taking place at the intersection of Griswold and Clifford in Capitol Park. I cannot say for sure what the building used to be, although Google labels it "Dollar Dry Cleaners." In any event, it is presently undergoing a total face lift and rumor on the street is that it will be a new bar. This renovation will only help spur the other (much larger) developments on the horizon in the area.

Here's a Google Street View of the building, which was also "blown up" when filming the movie Red Dawn: Downtown Detroit - Griswold & Clifford

MIDTOWN

• Wayne State University will soon start construction on a 5-story medical building at the corner of Mack and Chrysler Freeway. The building will be named "Queen Lillian" and house Wayne State's Department of Psychiatry, placing it closer to the rest of the Detroit Medical Center's Midtown campus. The medical building will occupy some of the area now used as Tolan Park, but as part of the deal WSU will revamp the park and maintain it for 2 years.

Queen Lillian medical building extends WSU's footprint

EASTERN MARKET

• In small business start-up news, Fotoula Lambros Design aka "The Workroom" is expanding into new space at the Sugar Lofts in Eastern Market. The loft is live/work space for Fotoula and will serve as her fashion design studio.

Fotoula Lambros Design

Designer Fotoula Lambros delivers couture to Eastern Market's Candy Lofts

[MS313]

Originally Posted by ForStarters

DOWNTOWN

• The big news of the day (once again) concerns Dan Gilbert, who is now eying the former Hudson's site on lower Woodward to construct a mixed-use residential tower. This announcement is not totally unexpected, as Gilbert had plans to build when he entered the downtown real estate market a few years back.

The location, which is a now wide-open space on Woodward Ave, was once occupied by the enormous Hudson's Department Store. Unquestionably, it is one of downtown's most critical locations for development. The empty site sits at the geographic center of downtown, interrupting the flow of the urban street-scape. A new high rise tower would link the two halves of downtown like a buckle and probably result in spin-off developments, further filling in the gaps.

When the Hudson's building was imploded exactly 19 years yesterday, it was a major blow to Detroit's image (and ego). Until now, no solid plans for the site have materialized, however, the DEGC did have the foresight to install 4 levels of underground parking and support pillars to allow for a high rise building if interest developed.

With Gilbert now in control of large swaths of downtown real estate, he will have the ability to single handedly transform the central business district into a vibrant live/work/play environment. Along with the visions of many other local developers, Detroit is on a long, yet steady path toward having a dynamic, 24-hour urban core.

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article...velopment-near

• A smaller downtown development is also taking place at the intersection of Griswold and Clifford in Capitol Park. I cannot say for sure what the building used to be, although Google labels it "Dollar Dry Cleaners." In any event, it is presently undergoing a total face lift and rumor on the street is that it will be a new bar. This renovation will only help spur the other (much larger) developments on the horizon in the area.

Here's a Google Street View of the building, which was also "blown up" when filming the movie Red Dawn: Downtown Detroit - Griswold & Clifford

MIDTOWN

• Wayne State University will soon start construction on a 5-story medical building at the corner of Mack and Chrysler Freeway. The building will be named "Queen Lillian" and house Wayne State's Department of Psychiatry, placing it closer to the rest of the Detroit Medical Center's Midtown campus. The medical building will occupy some of the area now used as Tolan Park, but as part of the deal WSU will revamp the park and maintain it for 2 years.

Queen Lillian medical building extends WSU's footprint

EASTERN MARKET

• In small business start-up news, Fotoula Lambros Design aka "The Workroom" is expanding into new space at the Sugar Lofts in Eastern Market. The loft is live/work space for Fotoula and will serve as her fashion design studio.

Fotoula Lambros Design

Designer Fotoula Lambros delivers couture to Eastern Market's Candy Lofts

YES!!! FINALLY!!! That open space on Woodward just does not belong there. I wonder if it will be tall enough to add on to Detroit's skyline. A new modern day skyscraper in the skyline would be nice.

[ForStarters]

Originally Posted by MarvinStrong313

YES!!! FINALLY!!! That open space on Woodward just does not belong there. I wonder if it will be tall enough to add on to Detroit's skyline. A new modern day skyscraper in the skyline would be nice.

From what I have been told, the structural foundation that was put in place cannot support a building taller than 15 or so stories, which would not add significantly to the skyline, but certainly to the street-scape density. However, that doesn't mean that Gilbert won't reinforce the foundation and build a 50-story tower. His personality kind of seems to be "Go BIG or go home." We'll see.

[MS313]

Originally Posted by ForStarters

From what I have been told, the structural foundation that was put in place cannot support a building taller than 15 or so stories, which would not add significantly to the skyline, but certainly to the street-scape density. However, that doesn't mean that Gilbert won't reinforce the foundation and build a 50-story tower. His personality kind of seems to be "Go BIG or go home." We'll see.

They already started?

[ForStarters]

WEST VILLAGE

• The Tashmoo Biergarten is now closed for winter, but during its inaugural run this Fall, it was an overwhelming success, far exceeding what its originators had envisioned. Crain's is reporting that the venue will definitely be back next year, and in an expanded form. Great news for Detroit, and even better news for West Village, a fantastic little neighborhood with eclectic old homes that deserve some exposure.

Personally, I thought the Tashmoo was pretty awesome. They had local food, local brews, lawn games, and a bon fire. Just spending time in West Village reminded me of what an neat enclave it is- like stepping back in time.

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article...k-for-yourself

MIDTOWN

• Detroit's Midtown may be getting a new venue called "Alley Wine," a concept envisioned by townie David Knapp and his friends. Alley Wine will be a neighborhood wine bar/gathering space located in the alley on Alexandrine between 2nd and 3rd. They plan to renovate a dilapidated garage into an intriguing space reminiscent of a Prohibition-era speakeasy. They are also one of the finalists for Hatch Detroit, a new start-up fund for Detroit entrepreneurs.

alleywine | alley wine local watering hole

Alley Wine aims to turn backyard blight into thriving Midtown biz

DOWNTOWN

• At the end of a successful season, CityLoft by Somerset Collection has announced that it will be returning for holiday shopping on December 1st-3rd and host a special event for the March of Dimes on November 30th. The shops are located on lower Woodward below the Lofts of Merchant's Row. As these new "pop-up shops" continue to gain success, I am really hoping they become a permanent fixture on lower Woodward.

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article...n-for-holidays

• Just an update: Heavenly Chicken & Waffles has announced that it is (now) opening in Greektown at 419 Monroe St. Looking forward to checking them out.

Welcome To Heavenly Chicken & Waffles! Serving Detroit & the Metro Detroit Area

Heavenly Chicken & Waffles returns with new Greektown location

CORKTOWN

• According to inside sources, construction and clean-up efforts on Michigan Central Station are ongoing. NYC entrepreneur Scott Griffin has been hired by the Maroun family to evaluate the renovation and find a purpose for the building. According the Detroit News, Griffin stated that Maroun has spend $1mm thus far on the building, which is reported to be solid structural condition. Good news for the neighborhood. I'm not holding my breath, but let's see where this goes...

Business | Moroun spending money on Central Depot | The Detroit News (http://www.detnews.com/article/20111103/BIZ/111030345/1001/Moroun-spending-money-on-Central-Depot - broken link)