Hamtramck : Detroit Development News

After a year of vacancy, the position of community and economic development director for the city of Hamtramck has been filled. The new captain at the helm of multiple planning and development initiatives for the city is Jason Friedmann, most recently a senior planner for Macomb County.

Friedmann, a Detroit resident, is already familiar with many of the issues and challenges faced by urban areas such as Hamtramck -- as well as the flavor, culture and diversity that they have to offer. "It's pretty exciting," he says. "Hamtramck has all of the good things going on in the city of Detroit, [but the size] is just a little more manageable."

A couple of the initiatives that he plans to jump into straight-away include the development of the Hamtramck Trail -- a greenway system that would ultimately link the city to the Dequindre Cut -- and the creation of a certified industrial park on the southern end of town.

He aims to work closely to encourage better connections to Detroit, and envisions the establishment of a corridor improvement authority on Conant, where merchants technically located in Detroit consider themselves to be affiliated with Hamtramck. Another ammenity he hopes to improve is a shuttle connector between Hamtramck and education and cultural centers in Midtown, Downtown and Northwest Detroit.

With a grant from the state's Cities of Promise program, Friedmann will undertake the development of a master plan for Hamtramck that will include brownfield assessment and a vision for infill housing, recreation, arts and culture and sustainability. He plans to release a Request for Proposals for the project in the next few weeks.

Source: Jason Friedmann, City of Hamtramck
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh

Six Hamtramck schools will share in $947,000 awarded to the city for "Safe Routes to School." The monies will be used toward some infrastructure -- like street speed monitor displays and signage -- and in-school programs that work to engage children and their parents in the benefits of walking and biking to school.

Mike Maisner, the vice president of active communities for the Michigan Fitness Foundation says that education and programming is key to making Safe Routes work. "We want to encourage the kids and get them energized, get them talking to their friends," he says. "We really need to engage the entire community to get people thinking about it -- part of it is a mindset, recognizing the benefits."

And those benefits are many. First and foremost, Safe Routes works to make physical activity a regular routine in students lives. Another reason the state is pushing the program -- a total of 41 schools across the state received funding for this coming year -- is for air quality improvement. The goal, Maisner says, is "not having mom or dad drive so many children to school even though they live a quarter-mile, a half-mile away."

Safety concerns are alleviated by getting parents and area businesses involved.

Maisner calls Safe Routes an "important component" of a larger pedestrian and cycling picture that includes bike lanes, trails and greenways. Funding for the program is 100 percent federal, with no local match required.

Twelve Detroit schools and three in Highland Park will also participate in the program in the coming year.

Source: Ben Kohrman, office of Lt. Gov. John Cherry and Mike Maisner, Michigan Fitness Foundation
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh

Complaints about the Detroit Department of Transportation are common, no doubt, so how about a little props when the agency gets something right?

The buses servicing the Russell Route, No. 40, are now sporting bike racks, just like big brother SMART's vehicles. The trial program, called Bikes on Buses (BOB), will be used to familiarize drivers and riders while DDOT pursues funding, through the state of Michigan, to outfit its entire fleet.

The Russell services downtown, Eastern Market, the Russell Industrial Center and Hamtramck. DDOT planner Wesley King says one reason that the route was selected because at its peak frequency, the agency could ensure that all buses had racks -- and they have six to start. "Woodward gets the most use, but we didn't want riders to maybe see a rack every 30 minutes at peak," he says. "Or maybe see one every hour -- or see four in a row!"

Racks being utilized carry two or three bikes at a time. BOB guides are available on-line at RideDetroitTransit.com or by calling 313-933-1300.

In other news, look for improved bus stop signs later this year that will include route numbers and names and designated colors; green is used to indicate routes that travel downtown, purple for north/south and blue for east/west. Supplemental signs will be posted at major routes and transfer points with more information, including a map and each route's days and hours of operation.

"With the changes in the region and the economy we’re seeing more riders," says district superintendent Michael McNutt. "What we wanted is to make our service more user friendly to the new riders that we anticipate carrying in the near future."

McNutt says that a few signs will soon debut to generate rider feedback but the bulk will go up later this fall in waves, with Express Routes getting the new signage first.

Source: Wesley King and Michael McNutt, DDOT
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh

People's Community Services has built a library at its Hamtramck community center aimed at keeping kids busy while their parents are waiting for various service appointments at the facility. The library is patterned after a similar amenity the organization built a few years back at its Delray center in Southwest Detroit.

While the first library was funded by Daimler Chrysler, this one was funded by Aramark, the international food service corporation. They first held a book drive and then, with City Year as a partner, painted the entire community center and stained, assembled and installed shelves and organized the 3,000 books. Approximately 170 total volunteers contributed time to the project.

PCS executive director Tom Cervenak estimates that the value of the work and the books at more than $20,000 and says that the library is already extremely popular with his clients.

PCS' Hamtramck site is located at 8625 Jos. Campau and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Source: Tom Cervenak, PCS
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh

Some news of note from around town:

• Supino Pizza on Russell Street in Eastern Market is open and serving pizza by the slice and by the pie. A small cheese pizza starts at $7 for small and $11 for large and specialty pies -- like the Smoky, with prosciutto, mozzarella, gouda and ricotta -- go for $11 and $17 respectively.  Read more about owner David Mancini and his inspiration for the restaurant here. Call 313-567-7879.

• Wasabi -- the Asian fusion restaurant located on the ground floor of the Park Shelton -- has also opened. Read about the spot here.

• The new Radio Shack has opened at Studio One, joining Utrecht. Fifth Third Bank should be next -- it is expected to open in September.

• Royal Kabob, a Middle Eastern restaurant, has opened in Hamtramck. It's located in the new retail plaza at the corner of Caniff and Gallagher. The address is 3236 Caniff; read more about the plaza development here.
  

• Spied downtown: Oslo now has an outdoor dining area on Woodward and infrastructure improvements at Harmonie Park are underway.

Got a tip? Email development news editor Kelli B. Kavanaugh with it at kellibkav@issuemediagroup.com. She'll be eternally grateful.

Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh

Today, the Wayne County Land Bank will release a list of their inventory of 7,000 tax-reverted parcels. Qualifying non-profit organizations and adjacent residential landowners will be able to purchase property for a nominal fee as long as they adhere to certain criteria that includes maintaining and/or rehabilitating the property.

Properties will be disposed of on a first-come, first-served basis to qualifying entities. 

The Land Bank is a collaborative effort between County Executive Robert Ficano and Treasurer Raymond Wojtowicz. The process begins today at 3 p.m. with an informational session for qualified non-profits. Further information is available at the Land Bank website.

Source: Jill Ferrarri, Executive Project Manager, Wayne County
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh

Titus Walters has wanted to open a restaurant in his hometown of Hamtramck since he was eight years old. He is about to fulfill that dream when he opens Flavor on Jos. Campau at Belmont. Construction starts this week, and he hopes to open the doors in August or September.

Walters characterizes Flavor as an "upscale coney" that will serve fresh ground beef, chicken, shrimp, soul food, Italian and Cuban food. There will be daily lunch and dinner specials as well as delivery service.

Walters chose the present to open a restaurant after securing what he calls a "prime location." Because parking can be an issue in Hamtramck, he wanted a location with lots of foot traffic. Plus, he's known the building owner since fifth grade.

The 1,500-square-foot restaurant will feature stainless steel decor and a counter that wraps Caniff and Holbrook -- for primo people-watching -- along with 10 tables.

Flavor will have a Jos. Campau entrance while Record Graveyard, which shares the ground floor, will have a Belmont entrance and will add basement shopping. "Just like the old Shopper's World," says Walters.

The second story of the building will remain commercial. Residential is planned for floors three and four. A new building will be built behind it with parking and nine more residential units.

Flavor's hours are not yet set in stone, but expect lunch and dinner hours, with late night dining on the weekends. The restaurant is at 10201 Jos. Campau.

Source: Titus Walters, Flavor
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh

A new coffee house, bar and art and performance venue has opened on Hamtramck's main drag, Joseph Campau, just south of Caniff. Owner Ken Duby aims to make his Trowbridge House of Coffee into a "world coffeehouse" akin to the kind found most often across the pond.

Jeremy Richter, THC's general manager, says that Duby has worked to create "a really exquisite place for local Detroit artists." Coffee, teas, a Spanish tapas menu, numerous tap beers, an in-house martini menu and a premium wine selection are among the offerings.

Music will range from local DJs to jazz to blues, art will be on display. Richter says the sound system is "quite ridiculously good -- it's really sharp."

THC's style is elegant, with rich-toned mahogany wood, low lights and upscale service. "We're 100% custom," says Richter. "A lot of people come in here and we get a 'wow factor' through the roof."

All tap beers are currently on special for $3, and Richter pledges that Guinness will stay at that price for good. THC also offers free wi-fi and can arrange for private engagements.

THC is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. It is located at 10241 Jos. Campau at Trowbridge. Call 313-285-9822.

Source: Jeremy Richter, Trowbridge House of Coffee
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh

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

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

An Aldi's was expected to open in Highland Park this summer, but guess what? It beat its deadline by a few months, opening its doors for business last week.

The 17,000-square-foot grocery store is the anchor of the Shops at Woodward Place, a 40,000-square-foot, $6 million development that will also include an office for the Highland Park Police and a Communicating Arts Credit Union — both of which should be in business within the month.

Developer Mark Thomas says the Woodward Place team is currently in negotiations with a number of other national retail tenants for the remaining space in the plaza.

At least two more Aldis are in the works for Detroit: one in Grandmont-Rosedale and another in Hamtramck. The Hamtramck one is notable in that it will be of a more urban design; it will occupy the site of the former Shopper's World department store and will include additional retail storefronts and two floors of luxury senior apartments above.

Thomas, who is partnered with the Curis family — Michael, Michael Jr. and Anthon — on all three projects, says there is a very simple reason Aldi is investing in Detroit. "The urban market vastly under-served in the grocery category."

Likewise, there is a reason city residents have embraced the chain. "It's a limited assortment grocer with high quality products at deeply discounted prices," he says. "It's a very simple format for a daily needs grocer, and the pricing is just incredible."

Source: Mark Thomas, Shops at Woodward Place
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh

Hatch: A Hamtramck Arts Collective has reached an important benchmark in its two-year history: the acquisition of a permanent home.

The collective was incubated with the idea that arts can be an economic stimulus to a city. As proof of its commitment to this lofty concept, the city has agreed to transfer the deed of its former police station on Evaline St. to the organization for $1 -- so long as Hatch raises an estimated $150,000 in renovation costs within a one-year timeframe.

"We're ready now," says Hatch president Christopher Schneider. "We're mature enough as a group to take on such a big responsibility."

The vision for the facility is a community arts center with exhibition, studio and classroom space, a gift shop and a kiln, darkroom and printing press available for member use. Schneider is hopeful that by summertime, enough work will have been done on the space to have at least partial functionality.

The good news is that Hatch's members and supporters bring a wide range of hands-on skill sets to the table. "There are a lot of people willing to chip in and help," Schneider says. Besides tradespeople, the nonprofit is looking to recruit a grant-writer and an accountant to help the team reach its fund-raising goal.

Until the arts center can be occupied, Hatch will continue to meet bi-weekly at Cafe 1923.

Source: Christopher Schneider, Hatch
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh

It's been an interesting couple of years for Bozek's Meat and Groceries. Founded in 1991, the store moved to an expanded location on Caniff in 1998, but was shuttered by a severe fire in 2006. Undaunted, the Polish specialty market has reopened, bigger and better than ever.

Shoppers will still find homemade soups, pierogi and sausage, as well as imported refrigerated, canned and jarred goods, but some things have changed. Relocating some of the business's operations allowed for the expansion of the meat department, gearing it to wholesale and bulk family purchases. Actual retail space grew from 8,000 to 11,000 square feet.

The renovation also allowed owner Michael Bozek to take stock of his customer's demographics and needs. "It is changing in Hamtramck, it's not an old Polish town anymore," he says. "We have Middle Eastern customers now -- We were not catering to them before, but we are trying now."

Source: Michael Bozek, Bozek's Meat and Groceries
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh