Major Downtown/Midtown/Corktown Developments! (Detroit, Franklin: neighborhood, homebuyer, high schools)

[ForStarters]

• DOWNTOWN
  • Metro Detroit's largest convention center will undergo a major transformation. The project will modernize the over 50 year old facility and expand upon the current space.

The biggest change will involve the demolition of the famous Cobo Arena to make way for a new 40,000 sq. ft. ballroom.

Other updates will include large windows providing a panoramic view of the Detroit River and a connection to the Detroit Riverwalk, as well as updates to the building's facade.

Since 2009, Cobo Hall has been operated by a regional board that oversees the facility's operations. The present renovation project was a long-time coming and will cost $221 million dollars.

Each year, the North American International Auto Show alone generates over $500 million dollars in regional the regional economy. Cobo Hall is one of Metro Detroit's most valued assets and is expected to generate even more economic activity once the renovations are completed.

http://www.detnews.com/article/20110302/METRO01/103020393/$221M-Cobo-revamp-to-add-river-view--replace-arena (broken link)

[detwahDJ]

Nice presentation, shows what people of vision can do.
The price seems rather reasonable (not that I could afford it).
Even the much-maligned people mover looks useful. I never understood why it was so hated (other than the fact that it runs in one direction only). Seems to me it's a good way to get around downtown and could hook up with other mass transit in the future.
I hope our new Gov hooks up with people of vision for the good of Detroit and the state.

[ForStarters]

• DOWNTOWN
  • Two vacant sites where skyscrapers once stood will be transformed into beautiful downtown gardens.

On the site of the former Hudson Building on lower Woodward and at the location of the former Lafayette Building on Michigan Avenue, Detroit-based Compuware Corporation and its employees will design and maintain two downtown gardens.

This is exactly the type of beautification downtown needs to make it more visually appealing and enjoyable for residents, tourists, and downtown workers. Creating a cohesive urban landscape is key to developing a vibrant Detroit.

Old Hudson, Lafayette Building sites planned as downtown gardens | Detroit Free Press | freep.com (http://www.freep.com/article/20110322/NEWS01/110322063/Old-Hudson-Lafayette-Building-sites-planned-downtown-gardens?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE - broken link)

• • In addition to a new hockey arena for the Red Wings, the gap between downtown and Midtown might be bridged with a greenspace and walkway that crosses over I-75.

Capping I-75 in this area would make transitioning between Detroit's two core districts easy and fluid. This is certainly necessary if the new arena is to be built in Midtown, just over the freeway from the rest of the Stadium District, downtown. Pedestrians would be able to skip between venues and restuarants without having to move their cars.

Scuttlebutt: Ilitches float idea of putting 'roof' over I-75 near possible hockey area site - Crain's Detroit Business - Detroit News and Information#

• MIDTOWN
  • After years of being gone, WTVS Detroit Public TV is returning to Midtown. Their new offices will be located in the Maccabees Building, now owned by Wayne State University.

This is the first step of bringing the news and media companies back home to the city.

WTVS studio coming to Midtown

[Jwo85]

Bank of America to donate 10 homes to relocating Detroit officers, tear down 100 more | Detroit Free Press | freep.com (http://www.freep.com/article/20110323/NEWS01/110323012/Bank-America-donate-10-homes-relocating-Detroit-officers-tear-down-100-more?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE - broken link)

[reni]

Any plans for a real grocery store yet?

[ForStarters]

Originally Posted by reni

Any plans for a real grocery store yet?

Well, plans for the Gateway Shopping Center are moving forward, which would include a Meijer, but as of right now there are no major chain grocers in the city: Detroit shopping center moves forward with loan | Detroit Free Press | freep.com (http://www.freep.com/article/20110322/BUSINESS06/110322025/1056/SPORTS08/Detroit-shopping-center-moves-forward-loan?odyssey=nav%7Chead - broken link)

That said, I do not miss having a major chain in the city. I know that might sound crazy, but I have excellent access to food. In fact, I just got home from Eastern Market, which is a massive marketplace within walking distance of my apartment. It has literally the freshest produce you can find anywhere as you are buying directly from the farmers themselves. Corn on the cobb, strawberries, squash, asparagus, grapes, mangos, cucumbers, etc, etc, etc. And, it is CHEAP. I mean, really, really cheap. Eastern Market saves me hundreds. There are dozens of meat markets and butchers in Eastern Market. I actually walk right into the butcher's cooler and have the butcher cut off my choice cuts of meat. I brought home a rack of baby-back ribs for half of what I would pay at a chain store. You could even buy a live chicken if you so desired. I get my deli cuts fresh, along with a block of Swiss for a few bucks. I picked up a freshly baked loaf of rye from Avalon Bakery's stand, and now I'm set for the week.

If I really want non-perishables or dry goods, I can run up to any number of Spartan Stores or local grocers that carry that stuff. I honestly don't care if Meijer, Walmart, or Kroger ever open up a store in the city. It would be nice to be able to buy the non-food items they sell, but I can live without that stuff 99% of the year. I usually go clothes shopping twice a year, and so I make a pilgrimage out Fairlane Mall or Somerset. No big deal.

[Slappy san]

All my time living downtown and I never shopped at Eastern Market. Oops...

[Jwo85]

Megabus expands Detroit routes with Pittsburgh, Toledo | detnews.com | The Detroit News (http://detnews.com/article/20110329/BIZ/103290401/Megabus-expands-Detroit-routes-with-Pittsburgh--Toledo#ixzz1I0e5cAsy - broken link)

Beginning May 11, Megabus.com will offer daily departures from Detroit to Pittsburgh and Toledo for as low as $1

[ForStarters]

• DOWNTOWN
  • A new neighborhood grocery store has just opened up on Washington Blvd. The store is complete with a meat counter, a selection of fruits and vegetables, as well as a modest stock of staples and dry goods.

This is great news and a convenient option for those who live downtown and want to pick up ingredients for dinner on the way home from work. Slowly but surely, the urban amenities are building up within the city's core. I wish this new business the best of success!

New Grocer in Downtown opened today..

• • A Joe Muer seafood restaurant is said to be coming to the Renaissance Center. The restaurant will join the cast of an already well-established selection of great seafood restaurants in downtown and the surrounding area.

With occupancy rates high at the RenCen, this restaurant will have the advantage of a captive audience as well as a stunning view of the Detroit Riverfront. It will be operated by the same firm that manages Andiamo's Italian Restaurant already in the RenCen.

Restaurant based on Joe Muer's to open at RenCen, sources say | Detroit Free Press | freep.com (http://www.freep.com/article/20110329/BUSINESS06/103290331/0/OPINION01/Restaurant-based-Joe-Muer-s-open-RenCen-sources-say?odyssey=nav|head - broken link)

[HerbStrather]

There are exciting things happening in the city and it's a great time to get in on the action! So glad to have found this forum and start interacting with all of you.