Major Downtown/Midtown/Corktown Developments! (Detroit, Hamtramck: leasing, daycare, neighborhoods)

[hiphopcr]

^^ I was thrilled to see the sign up when I was down there last week. Along with Slows that's enough savory meat to satisfy a carnivorous blue whale.

[ForStarters]

DOWNTOWN

• One of Detroit's most stunning skyscrapers, the David Whitney Building, finally has plans for a complete restoration as a new hotel and apartments. Built by the son of Detroit timber baron, David Whitney Jr., the building stands at 19 stories and is 272 feet tall. The interior of building is comprised of ornate architecture and marble, and its large atrium opens to a glass roof, which exudes old-world grandeur.

The David Whitney Building stands at the entrance to downtown Detroit right across from David Broderick Tower, which is also presently undergoing a complete renovation. Together, the two "Davids" create a grand entrance way to downtown Detroit when approaching on Woodward Avenue.

In a press release to Crain's, the Whitney's developer stated that hotel revenues in the city are up 25% this year, and that the Book Cadillac and Fort Shelby buildings, which were also recently renovated, have been doing very well. The surge in demand for hotel, office, and residential space downtown has no doubt led to the Whitney building's redevelopment.

According to the article, the developer hopes to have financing in place by the end of the year, with construction complete in 2013. He also stated that there are hotel brands excited to be coming to Detroit. The Whitney building is in relatively good shape, so the majority of its historic elements will be preserved in the renovation process.

This is big, folks. Downtown Detroit may soon be short on historic buildings to rehab. What will come next? The future is exciting and as promising as ever!

New hotel plan emerges for the David Whitney building - Crain's Detroit Business - Detroit News and Information

David Whitney Building - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Slappy san]

Re: The David Whitney Building

I hope this finally happens. It's a bit worrisome that they haven't secured a tenant or funding yet though. Why announce anything at all? Is this whole thing just to drum up possible interest. Will this be just another in a long line of announcements that goes nowhere? I sure hope not. It's hard to be optimistic though.

It was sad working there when there were so few tenants. It's even worse seeing it basically shuttered these last few years. Even with the dressing up they did for the Super Bowl, it was obvious that it was a shell. No signs of life at all.

And one more thing, I hope they replace those temperamental elevators. It was scary-town flying up and not knowing where the heck you'd stop. And when those doors open onto spookily empty floors.

[ForStarters]

Originally Posted by Slappy san

Re: The David Whitney Building

I hope this finally happens. It's a bit worrisome that they haven't secured a tenant or funding yet though. Why announce anything at all? Is this whole thing just to drum up possible interest. Will this be just another in a long line of announcements that goes nowhere? I sure hope not. It's hard to be optimistic though.

I think it's serious. There is simply too much momentum happening on that corner. You have the Broderick Tower renovation, the Gilbert-owned Madison Building bringing on new tenants, commercial space being leased beneath the lofts, etc. The Whitney is a great investment. The apartments overlook Comerica Park. It will be a stop on the light rail line. The Opera House, Music Hall, Boll YMCA, the Detroit Athletic Center, and likely the new Red Wings arena will be within 2 blocks of that building. I mean, who wouldn't want to live/stay there? I still can't believe the entire building was purchased for $3.3 million... Talk about a deal!

[ForStarters]

DOWNTOWN

• Another Dan Gilbert affiliated company has announced that it will be moving downtown to join the rest of the fleet. BodyPartChart, founded by Sam Gray, makes anatomical and health care graphics, which it sells to the likes of Karmanos Cancer Institute and St. John Providence Hospitals.

Right now, the company stands at 5 employees, but expects to hire an additional 10 over the coming year to keep up with demand for its product. The company has not yet named a location, but simply stated that it was coming to downtown.

BodyPartChart to move to Detroit, double workforce - Crain's Detroit Business - Detroit News and Information

[ForStarters]

MIDTOWN

• Construction on "The Union at Midtown" is nearly complete. Located on Cass near Wayne State, the Union is a new set of urban lofts/apartments with ground floor retail. When I went by yesterday, it looked like they were putting on the final touches. According to their website, the building is now taking leases.

Apartments for Rent in Detroit MI

• Construction on the "Garden Block" along Woodward, just north of Max M. Fisher Music Center, is also coming along well. Local developers George Stewart and Michael Byrd are completing a renovation of the C. Howard Crane designed Garden Theatre built in 1912. The Garden is expected to reopen as a 600-person entertainment venue for corporate events, concerts, and social gatherings. There will be a 320-space parking garage behind the facility, along with three levels of commercial space fronting Woodward. Right next door to the Garden, the Woodward Gardens office building is now totally finished. Additionally, a 6-story development of the old Zakoor's Novelty site is slated, with four floors of residential and two floors of commercial space.

Faded Detroit: North Woodward Garden Block Development (Updated)

Midtown, Detroit, Michigan | Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/64429486@N00/4791984373/ - broken link)

Meet Me in Midtown | New Economy Initiative for Southeast Michigan

• Lastly, there is a large construction project involving the new development of several apartment buildings (about 5) in lower Midtown just west of the Detroit Masonic Temple and Cass Park. They are within earshot of Motor City Casino just down Grand River. I haven't been able to find any information on this project, but construction on the buildings looks to be at about 80%. If you happen to be going southbound on the Lodge coming into Downtown, you can see them from the freeway. It looks to me like they will be apartments similar to what has been built recently in Woodbridge, and may serve as housing for people who work in the area or at Motor City Casino/Hotel.

[stinkytofu10]

Great news the last few days!!!

I see that residential project off the Lodge everyday on my drive to work. Looks close to completion, but haven't driven by it on Grand River yet.

In regards to the Whitney, I want to be optimistic - but I'm holding my reservations. As with much in Detroit, I'll believe it when I see it. Nonetheless, can you imagine what that block possibly will be in three years or so?!?! Robust Whitney hotel/apartments, robust Broderick, Madison with tenants...holy smokes.

[ForStarters]

DOWNTOWN

• Just when you thought Dan Gilbert couldn't make any more waves in downtown's central business district, Crain's is reporting that he will close on the First National Building this July. This is one of several major investments made by Gilbert in the past few months, with more potentially in the hopper.

The First National is a prominent office high rise on Campus Martius Park and currently houses tenants such as the prestigious Detroit law firm, Honigman Miller Schwartz & Cohn, LLP. Gilbert stated that he will have 400,000 sq. ft. to play with and is working to attract major business tenants.

Personally, I can't wait to see what Gilbert has in store. So far, he has lived up to his word. No doubt, the man is building a real estate empire and seems eager to help downtown really turn the corner. He is on the verge of becoming the biggest player in downtown Detroit. He has also pledged $25 million of his own money to support Detroit's M1 Light Rail Line. It's hard not to be supportive, even if he ends up making a Trump-esq fortune rebuilding Detroit.

Next brick in Gilbert's real estate empire: First National - Crain's Detroit Business - Detroit News and Information

[ForStarters]

DOWNTOWN

• Lafayette Foods will finally open Monday, June 6th at 8:00 AM in Lafayette Park. They will be a full service grocer offering fresh produce, fresh meats, hot foods and cold cuts and even organic produce.

Located at 1565 East Lafayette, I wish them great success.

Detroit adds another grocery store - Crain's Detroit Business - Detroit News and Information

EAST RIVERFRONT

• The Globe Trading Building located in Milliken State Park along the Detroit Riverwalk has received a $9 million dollar grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, which collects royalties paid by oil and gas companies that lease state-owned mineral rights, to finish the project of converting the building into a full public recreation center. When completed, the Globe will boast a rock-climbing wall, zip lines, an archery range and classroom space in the gutted but structurally sound building. Planners are also considering a kayak simulation ride as a rider might have on the river across the street. Sounds great! Hoping for construction to begin soon.

Milliken State Park along Detroit River sees nature taking root in vacant plant - Crain's Detroit Business - Detroit News and Information

[ForStarters]

DOWNTOWN/CORKTOWN

• It was recently reported that Mudgie's sandwich shop, a staple of Detroit's Corktown neighborhood, would be relocating to a new location downtown in the space next to Vicente's Cuban restaurant, across from Skillman Library. However, word on the street is now that Mudgie's will still be moving, but also keeping it's original location at Brooklyn and Porter in Corktown. Obviously, this is great news if true. The more Mudgie's the better, IMO! I will update this thread if the company makes an official statement on the issue.

Mudgie's on the move

MIDTOWN

• Another big topic has been talk of Whole Foods opening a store in Detroit's growing Midtown district. According to the Free Press, Whole Foods has been exploring possible sites to put a store. This week WF paid a visit to the city and met with area residents about the prospect of bringing their store to town. According to the company, they will be back for more face time, and walked away from their time here with excitement. No decision has yet been made, but WF said it will make a decision by July 27th, but are waiting on the company's earning reports.

Whole Foods weighs Detroit grocery store | Detroit Free Press | freep.com (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011110602041 - broken link)

DOWNTOWN

• When Tom Gores bought the Pistons, the notion of the team coming back to Detroit was considered put to rest. However, in a recent press conference, Gores stated that he wasn't ruling it out. According to Bill Shea of Crain's, the door to the Pistons playing in Detroit is not totally shut, though Gores seems to be content with his team's current digs and wants to focus on rebuilding the on-court performance of the franchise. It is likely that a key component to the Pistons again playing in the city will turn on the plans of Mike Ilitch, who has stated plans to build a new arena near downtown for his NHL team, the Red Wings.

Tom Gores: Door not totally shut on Detroit Pistons playing downtown one day - Crain's Detroit Business - Detroit News and Information

STATE FAIRGROUNDS AREA

• Lastly, while this development is well-outside of downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods, the "Shoppes at Gateway Park" continue to make progress at Woodward Ave and 8 Mile Rd near Detroit's northern border. In a recent statement to Mike Wayland of MLive.com, Meijer President, Mark Murray stated that plans to put a 190,000 sq. ft. Meijer store are moving forward. The Gateway project has been in the works for nearly two years and is a $90mm dollar development. It will be nice to see this thing finally come to fruition! Notably, this Meijer store will be easily accessible to anyone along the Woodward Corridor once the M1 Light Rail Line is built.

Meijer president: Plans for Detroit location at Woodward and 8 Mile continue to move forward | MLive.com