Jefferson East : Detroit Development News

In an effort to instigate a citywide dialogue about historic buildings that are in danger of demolition, Preservation Wayne — now called Preservation Detroit — has released a list entitled Endangered Buildings List 2008. It includes iconic structures like the Michigan Central Station, Lee Plaza Apartments, Forest Arms and the Vanity Ballroom.

The list also draws attention to several broader categories such as religious buildings no longer in use, retired schools and foreclosed single family houses.

"These are widespread issues that will require widespread solutions," says the organization's executive director Francis Grunow. "A wholesale approach is a better approach."

Conversation about endangered buildings was a focal point of the group's annual membership meeting that was held on Thursday, May 22 at the Detroit Boat Club on Belle Isle -- another structure on the list.

At the event, which was attended by 150, Grunow also made the announcement that the organization was changing its name to Preservation Detroit. "It's exciting and very long overdue," he says.

Preservation Detroit host an awards ceremony on September 25 at the Colony Club on Park Avenue and are inviting nominations, which are due on June 13 and can be downloaded here: http://www.preservationwayne.org/docs/Awards_Nomination_2008.pdf.

Source: Francis Grunow, Preservation Detroit
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh

Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance has created a new position dedicated to furthering a network of trails in Detroit.

The new Detroit greenways coordinator, Todd Scott, will coordinate maintenance, fundraising, security, programming, promotions and development for the eight greenways under various stages of planning and development within the city.

Scott comes to the position with a great deal of experience in cycling advocacy. He is the former director of the Michigan Mountain Biking Association and has been involved with numerous other initiatives, including the citizen’s committee for Michigan State Parks, MDOT Metro Region Nonmotorized Advisory Committee, City of Ferndale Bicycle Committee and the League of Michigan Bicyclists.

"Todd’s skilled advocacy, wealth of knowledge about nonmotorized transportation and recreation, and understanding of and enthusiasm for the revitalization of Detroit are key ingredients that he brings to this project," stated Nancy Krupiarz, Executive Director of MTGA.

Scott is currently acclimating himself to the various greenways projects on the table, including the Midtown Loop, Corktown-Mexicantown Greenlink and Connor Creek Greenway. "The greenways in Detroit have so much variety in terms of where groups are at," says Scott. "I'm finding that there are similar challenges and different challenges."

Finding affordable liability insurance for the nonprofits sponsoring the various greenways was Scott's first task. He also hopes to work on integrating Detroit's burgeoning trails network with the larger regional one and has some ideas about encouraging on-road cycling. "One thing that I really bring to the table because I ride so much is that I know how to get around," he says. "We can make connections between these trail networks."

Source: Todd Scott, MTGA
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh

In October 2007, Model D kicked off a recurring series called D-Biz that is designed to draw attention to small businesses in Detroit that are unique or fill an important niche in their community.

Part of the reason we wanted to start this series was to highlight businesses that are not new but still deliver important services to Detroiters. The city's small businesses are a big part of what make Detroit's neighborhoods liveable, but they don't often get media attention.

As of last week, D-Biz has covered all of our featured neighborhoods. Here's a look at the 21 businesses in 19 neighborhoods that we've covered in the last six months, from bike shops to optical shops, from coffee shops to photo studios, and even a tennis racquet repair shop:

• Central Woodward: Mr. Fo Fo's serves infamous sandwiches.
• Corktown: Downtown Mobil is known for fair auto repair.
• Downtown: Andiamo in the Ren Cen tops the entire chain.
• East Side: Get your bike on at Bike Tech.
• East Riverfront: Office furniture refurbished and re-purposed at Franklin.
• Eastern Market: Gabriel Imports stocks the best in olives and feta.
• Grandmont Rosedale: Sweet Potato Sensations perfects the art of baking.
• Hamtramck: Art and culture is highlighted at Polish Art Center.
• Highland Park: Black Whole Collective encompasses a community.
• Jefferson East: Trek Computers gets the east side on-line.
• Lafayette Park: Neighborhood plaza serves LP residents.
• Mexicantown: Fresh tortillas are the house specialty at La Jalisciense.
• Midtown: Fred's keys up the neighborhood.
• Near East Side: Atlas keeps Detroit plumbed.
• New Center: Java Exchange, Dittrich Furs and Howrani Studios all have it going on.
• Southwest Detroit: Sophisticated specs spied at El Valle Optical.
• University Commons - Palmer Park: Get strung up with Professional Racquet Services.
• The Villages: Independent music lives at Pearl's.
• Woodbridge: Dogs and cats find loving care at Patterson.

D-Biz will continue, and Model D encourages readers to share their neighborhood faves to be considered for coverage. Email kellibkav@issuemediagroup.com with your ideas.

Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh

The Jefferson East Business Association is banding together with its Grosse Pointe Park neighbors to improve the aesthetics of the Alter Road border between the two communities. The process begins with an April 19 design charrette that will be facilitated by JEBA's executive director, Joshua Elling.

The planning process and $35,000 of implementation is being funded by the Local Initiatives Support Corporation as part of its Metro Detroit Regional Investment Initiative, an effort to bridge divides between Detroit and its neighboring suburbs.

Particular attention will be paid to four gateway intersections along the corridor: E. Jefferson, Charlevoix, Kercheval and Mack. JEBA has worked with students from the University of Michigan's Landscape Design Masters Program to generate concepts that will be used to kick start brainstorming at the charrette, "to help get the creative energy flowing," says Elling.

Once ideas are vetted and designed, Elling hopes to see construction get underway in late summer. For more information or to RSVP, contact him at 313-331-7939 or jelling@jeffersoneast.org.

Source: Joshua Elling, JEBA
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh

Tonight (April 1) at 6 p.m., Creekside Community Development Corp. will host an investor forum to highlight real estate investment opportunities in the neighborhood. Amenities, like unparalleled access to the Detroit River, will be discussed, as will a new acquisition and rehab loan product that Shorebank Detroit has recently made available. Finally, individual properties that are currently for sale will be presented.

Sam Butler is Creekside's housing coordinator and says the event is intended to boost the already-considerable private investment the community has seen. "It is designed for someone who wants to buy a house," he says. "It could be a person who wants to buy a house, fix it up and live in it themselves or it could be someone who wants to buy a duplex and make a bit of money on the side."

A third kind of attendee is expected to be landlords that are interested in acquiring several properties. Butler says he welcomes such investors. "Even if someone does buy several properties, we will know them," he says. "More outreach to landlords is something we want to do." 

The investor forum will be held at Creekside's offices, 1021 Manistique at E. Jefferson. Call 313-822-0062 for more information or to RSVP.

Source: Sam Butler, Creekside CDC
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh

Greening of Detroit is spreading its roots: it has expanded its Michigan Ave. office space by a third, to 3,000 square feet. The extra room was desperately needed: the organization will grow from nine employees in 2007 to 25 by the end of 2008.

The additional staff will be busy this spring planting season. Its core mission is reforesting the city, and tree plantings are scheduled weekly from April 19 through June 7, with an estimated 1,500 trees going into the ground.

Planting so many trees requires plenty of volunteers; call the office at 313-237-8733. A special call is out for hands at a May 17 planting in East English Village, for which 250 slots still need filling.

Greening is also a partner in the ever-growing (no pun intended) Garden Resource Program, which supports urban agriculture in the city. Last year, over 5,500 residents participated in 220 family, 115 community and 20 school gardens. More than 120 tons of food were grown, and Greening is anticipating a 20% increase in both participation and output this year.

Little marketing is done to promote such an increase, says Greening's Ashley Atkinson. "It is literally growing down the street from house to house," she says. "It's really cool, committed people that we are attracting, and that's encouraging." Visit GRP's website to find out how to sign up and when plant pick-ups and workdays are scheduled.

One last thing: Greening's annual tree sale is scheduled for April 19 at Eastern Market, but Atkinson recommends reserving plants ahead of time. With just a month to go, half of the 1,400 trees, bushes and shrubs are already sold.

Source: Ashley Atkinson, Greening of Detroit
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
Photograph: Marvin Shaouni
Marvin Shaouni is the managing photographer for Model D & Metromode

On the heels of their first quarterly membership meeting of 2008, the Jefferson East Business Association is ready to take on new challenges in the coming months.

The meeting was focused on the organization's clean and safe initiatives; a new program was announced that will immediately be implemented. In partnership with the Detroit Police Department, Wayne County Sheriff's Office and local developers and churches, JEBA will begin an anti-loitering campaign that will attempt to return teenagers to school and find them suitable employment.

If this doesn't sound like economic development in the traditional sense, think again. "Loitering is a major issue on Jefferson Avenue," says Sheila Jackson, JEBA's director of membership and clean and safe initiatives. "Loitering deters potential customers from our businesses."

Additionally, the Sheriff's Department will begin an aggressive "zero tolerance" policy in the area that will target drug houses, prostitution, chop shops and abandoned vehicles. Meanwhile, the Detroit Police Dept. will operate its Weed and Seed program that works to deter crime with preventative measures.

In other news, a DTE Energy grant will enable JEBA to break ground this spring on a year-round vegetable garden that will utilize solar panels, a water retention system and "pods."

Last but not least, JEBA continues to focus on business attraction. "We're marketing existing businesses and we're marketing available properties," says Robin Duncan, the organization's business development coordinator. "We're focusing on a big marketing push this year."

Source: Sheila Jackson and Robin Duncan, JEBA
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh

The City of Detroit has released a request for proposals for the development of 4,000 units of service-supported rental housing targeted to the homeless. The NEXT Detroit Permanent Supportive Housing Initiative is looking for developers  teamed up with service providers to deliver such a product.

The city, along with partner organization Detroit Collaborative to End Homelessness Together, recently completed a ten year plan for the elimination of homelessness that calls for a three-pronged strategy: the development of permanent housing called for in this RFP along with prevention and rapid re-housing.

Elterro Carroll, deputy director of the planning and development department hopes that this first round will generate 250 to 500 units over the course of the next two years. He anticipates that applicants will be both teams of developers and service providers as well as single organizations, such as Southwest Solutions, that already do both.

The RFP is deliberately vague as to the size and scope of proposed developments, leaving the door open for large projects sited on large parcels as well as smaller ones; types of housing called for include units designed to serve families, youth and the chronically homeless.

Prospective applicants can pick up an RFP from PDD's Welcome Center on the second floor of Cadillac Tower. They also can view and download the RFP at the City’s Website, www.detroitmi.gov/pdd. On Feb. 27, applicants are invited to attend an RFP information session at 10:30 a.m. in the department’s 23^rd floor conference room. Completed proposals are due on March 28 and development teams selections will be announced on May 1. For more information call 313-224-1538.

Source: Elterro Trent Carroll, PDD
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh

Murray's Discount Auto has opened in Riverbend Plaza, taking over a nearly 5,000-square-foot space vacated by Simply Fashion. "It's the first auto supply store in the area," says Robin Duncan, Jefferson East Business Association's (JEBA) business development coordinator. "We like to see businesses come in that complement existing businesses without taking away from them."

JEBA is working hard to attract more businesses to their corridor by working with the Wayne County One Stop Shop and the city's Office of Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization. Their facade improvement grant can reimburse property or business owners half the value, up to $15,000, of improvements made to the exterior of their property.

The organization also works with entrepreneurs that are not yet ready for a storefront location and offers seminars to potential and existing business owners on various relevant topics.

JEBA hopes to attract a franchise or large chain to the district in 2008. "We want an anchor business, whether that be a sit-down restaurant or something with entertainment," says Duncan. "We want people to not just drive through Jefferson, but to see it as a destination."

Murray's is located at 13200 E. Jefferson and is open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Call 313-822-9515.

The next business development seminar will be held on 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 7 and will focus on business banking basics. Registration is free and open to the public, but RSVP's are requested. Contact Duncan to do so or to request a full schedule. She can be reached at 313-331-7939 or rduncan@jeffersoneast.org.

Source: Robin Duncan, JEBA
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh

In an attempt to maximize efficiency and funding, three East Side business associations -- Jefferson East, E. Warren Ave. and Land, Inc. -- have banded together in the Detroit Far East Business Associations Collaborative. "We are three separate, distinct business strips, but we run parallel to each other right in a row," says E. Warren's Bill Swanson. "We were doing the same things for our own separate districts that could help everyone in all the districts."

The first service the collaborative is providing is a series of development seminars sponsored by Comerica Bank. The seminars run monthly through September and cover topics such as customer service, micro-loans, real estate finance and security.

Future collective efforts might include such activities as marketing and business attraction, which Swanson sees as a win for the East Side and the city as a whole. "Instead of one of us finding a potential business and it not choosing to locate in that district, we can provide them with other opportunities," he says. "Another district might suit their needs and ultimately benefit the entire region."

The next business development seminar will be held on Feb. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. and will focus on business banking basics. Registration is free open to the public, but RSVP's are requested. Contact Robin Duncan at JEBA to do so or to request a full schedule. She can be reached at 313-331-7939 or rduncan@jeffersoneast.org.

Source: Bill Swanson, E. Warren Ave. Business Association
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh

The east riverfront continues to see the development of exclusive communities that are predicated on access to the water. Morgan Waterfront Estates is a gated community of 43 homes and 16 condominiums that are priced up to $2.2 million.

There are eight different home styles available that range in size from 3,500 to 7,000 square feet and in price from $700,000 to $2.2 million. The names of the models are either Detroit-centric, suc as The Hudson and The Penobscot, or are maritime references like The St. Clair and The St. Lawrence.

The homes have full brick exteriors and three or four car garages as well as premium amenities like stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops and hardwood and marble floors.

As for the condominiums, there are two floor plans that have two bedrooms and two that offer three bedrooms. They are all single floor layouts, and range in price from $228,000 to $500,000. The smallest unit is 1,315 square feet and the largest measures in at 1,810.

So far, three condominiums and 17 homes are sold, according to sales director Kim Hardy. "They like the gated community, they like the amenities and they like the water access," she says. "These homes are something like you've never had in the city of Detroit: million dollar homes that are brand-new."

Morgan Waterfront Estates is located south of Freud and west of Lycaste. Its sales office is open seven days a week from noon to 6 p.m. and can be reached at 313-822-9740.

Source: Kim Hardy, Morgan Waterfront Estates
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh

Crosswinds' Jefferson Village has developed some strategies to deal with the slower housing market.

The East Side development, bounded by Jefferson, St. Clair, the Detroit River and Lysette, has built and sold almost 100 units of single-family housing. Plans are to eventually have close to 300 homes.

It usually takes four to six months to build a home after purchase, but the developer also offers an "express" option in which homes can be occupied in 3 months or less, says Elizabeth Basmadjian, community sales manager for Jefferson Village. Crosswinds also offers a "We buy your home, you buy ours" program, in which the company purchases the buyer's current home.

Jefferson Village offers seven floor plans ranging from a 1,500-square foot ranch to a 3,300-square foot colonial. Prices start at $204,990 and top out at $289,990. All homes are NEZ-designated and have an unfinished basement, a covered front porch, a master suite and an attached two-car garage, with plenty of add-ons available.

Basmadjian says that many of the people that have already bought into Jefferson Village were already city residents, but were looking for a home with more of a suburban nature. "City residents love it. They get to stay in the city and get half off their taxes for 12 full years," says Basmadjian. "They get a beautiful new home and pay less than they would in the actual suburbs."

For more information, call the Jefferson Village sales office at 313-331-1000.

Source: Elizabeth Basmadjian, Crosswinds
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh

Ever wonder where to take your computer or printer in for a repair to a place that is not vaguely reminiscent of the store from the movie The 40 Year Old Virgin? And perhaps does not involve hopping on a freeway?

Try Trek Computers on E. Jefferson, a storefront shop that offers reasonably priced repairs to PC computers and printers.

Model D reader Libby Pachota recently had her HP printer repaired at Trek for $25. She realized her printer was broken after ink spilled into its innards. "I figured I could get online with HP or spend a couple of hours navigating a phone menu with some one far, far away," she says. "Or I could just take it to Donnie."

Donnie is Donnie Hall, a native east sider who opened Trek, in part, to increase the computer literacy of his neighborhood. The shop offers an open computer lab with hourly rates, as well as printing services.

All in all, Trek is a 19th century neighborhood storefront offering a distinctly 21st century service. The store is at 14708 E. Jefferson. Call them at 313-821-6170.

Source: Donnie Hall, Trek Computers
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh

Washington, D.C.-based Social Compact has released initial findings from its study of Detroit demographics. The numbers revealed by their DrillDown approach paints a wealthier and more populous picture of Detroit than does the Census.

This is good news for the Detroit Economic Growth Corp., which plans to use the information to attract retailers to the city. The findings include:

• The resident population of Detroit is 933,043, nearly 62,000 more than projected by the current Census population estimates. 
• The average income of a Detroit household is $48,000 as opposed to the 2000 Census estimate of $40,900. 
• There is $800 million of informal economic activity in Detroit's economy each year. This is income like tips, side-consulting, baby-sitting and the like that do not register on traditional market measures.
• The aggregate income of Detroit households, $15.8 billion, is $2 billion greater than indicated by 2000 Census estimates.
• At least $1.7 billion of resident retail spending is being leaked outside the city limits.
  

Traditional census methods tend to undervalue older urban cities for several reasons, one of them being a bias towards new home construction. "The bureau assumes that a certain percentage of homes built before 1940 are retired each year," says Social Compact president and CEO, John Talmage. "The burden rests on the city to prove otherwise."

Immigrants and intergenerational households are also often under-counted.

"This really creates better information for actual business people, developers and brokers," says DEGC project manager Olga Savic. The organization will work to educate these entities, along with government officials and community development corporations, as to how these numbers can be used to leverage commercial investment.

There will also be more surveying at the neighborhood level, which has the potential to reveal even more residents and income. "The numbers are good enough to go after grocery stores now," says Talmage. "It's just going to get better."

Download a copy of the report here.

Source: John Talmage, Social Compact and Olga Savic, DEGC
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh

Any slightly-observant Detroit resident -- or even an intermittent Model D reader -- has likely noticed that new businesses are sprouting up all around the city. It's just not happening quickly enough for a couple of local entrepreneurs who have started Open City, a networking group for would-be Detroit business owners.

Over 60 people, a mix of aspiring and actual business owners, attended the group's kick-off meeting at Cliff Bell's on September 18. "We wanted to introduce people to the concept of having a group whose purpose is simply to encourage them and educate them about opening a business in Detroit in an informal manner," says co-founder Liz Blondy of Canine to Five Detroit Dog Daycare.

Blondy and her cohort, Clare Nelson of The Bureau of Urban Living, realized that there were plenty of hurdles standing in the way of starting up a business in Detroit, such as red tape, the perception that the city is unsafe and is not a place where money can be made. Start-up financing is also an issue.

They think the effort is worth it. "People will be so appreciative. They will notice it more then if you open in the suburbs," Blondy said in her opening remarks. "You’ll get more PR for opening in Detroit. Detroiters crave new exciting businesses. Being located in Detroit will help distinguish your business. A high end modern furniture store in Birmingham? There are like four of them. In Detroit, it is unique."

Detroiter Dave Mancini has been contemplating opening up a pizza parlor in the city for several years. "I gave up on Detroit, to be honest," Mancini says. "It was difficult to get in touch with the type of people I needed to get in touch with, and I was having trouble finding space that was not prohibitively expensive to rehab." He attended the meeting as a last-ditch effort at the urging of a friend.

He's glad he did. "There was such good energy from so many people," Mancini says. He was greatly encouraged by keynote speaker Jackie Victor of Avalon Breads. "Having talked to her made me feel better about my prospects down here," he says. "Since the meeting, I've been making more calls. I realize that I haven't turned over every rock yet."

Open City's next meeting will take place October 16. For more information, contact Blondy at liz@caninetofivedetroit.com.

Source: Liz Blondy, Open City
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh