Downtown Detroit : Detroit Development News

The parking garage in the First National Building, 660 Woodward Ave, in downtown Detroit is receiving decades worth of overdue TLC this summer.

Bedrock Real Estate Services, the real-estate management art of the Quicken family of companies, is spending $4.5 million to upgrade the 420 spaces in the multi-level parking garage on the back of the skyscraper overlooking Campus Martius. The turn-of-the-century building's parking garage hasn't received any significant improvements in about 20 years.

"We are literally gutting out whole floors of the garage and putting new structural supports in," says Lynnette Boyle, senior property manager with Bedrock Real Estate Services. "It's really quite the undertaking."

One of the biggest improvements is to the parking garage's lighting systems. Bedrock Real Estate Services is swapping out older bulbs with far more energy efficient induction lighting fixtures. The First National Building's new parking garage lighting system is expected to last 10 times as long as the one it is replacing and use only half of the energy.

A grant from the city of Detroit's SmartBuilding's program is helping make this project possible. Work on the parking garage began last November and is expected to finish up by the Fourth of July.

Source: Lynnette Boyle, senior property manager with Bedrock Real Estate Services
Writer: Jon Zemke

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Project partners Invest Detroit, Midtown Detroit, Inc. and the Roxbury Group held a special ceremony Monday for the Auburn, a $12 million residential and retail project in at Cass Avenue and Canfield in Midtown. The "Topping Out" event marked the point on the construction timetable when the final piece of the structural frame was put on the building.
 
"We are very pleased to have the project on schedule," said David Di Rita, principal of the Roxbury Group. "We look forward to adding the Auburn to the growing vitality of the Midtown neighborhood."
 
Currently, construction workers are installing windows, roof and mechanical systems, followed by the interior building of the residences. Full enclosure of the building is set for June 30.
 
Construction on this project began in September 2011. The project consists of 58 residential units and 11 retail spaces with a 97-space parking lot located behind the building.
 
The Auburn is on the Southeast corner of Cass Avenue and Canfield Street and expected to be complete by October 2012. 

Source: Peter Van Dyke
Writer: Leah Johnson

The classic name Eleanorah has always resonated with Najah NaImah and she chose that name for her daughter. Now NaImah has taken her daughter’s nickname Norah, added vintage clothing and arranged a space with a loft feel to create Norahs Vintage Loft (editor's note: site under construction, follow the shop on Twitter) in downtown Detroit.

"We are unique to the city because we offer on-trend vintage fashions that can appeal to everyone," said Namah. "A lot of our vintage findings are from high-end designers. Everyday you can find something new in our store."
 
Norah’s Vintage loft sells the usual fashion choices for women including tops, shorts, rompers, dresses and jackets, and the men’s fashion collection includes vintage t-shirts dating back to the late 70s. Unique to the store is a personal stylist, AliyaC, who helps shoppers find the perfect look. 
 
NaImah plans to hire a sales associate in the future to assist her with store responsibilities. But for now, she considers it a privilege to be a store owner in a city that means a lot to her.
 
"I love my city. I see and understand the potential and I am willing to take a risk and bring Detroit a quality store because we deserve it," said NaImah. "There’s no reason to go out of the city or even (the) state when there is something better at home."
 
Norah’s Vintage Loft is now open at 214 E. Grand River and welcomes everyone because, as NaImah says, "fashion doesn’t have an age." 

Sounce: Najah NaImah
Writer: Leah Johnson 

The ground for the new Whole Foods Market in Detroit has officially been christened.

On Monday, the site for the market located at John R and Mack in Midtown held a groundbreaking celebration at its new location. Guests enjoyed local food and entertainment. This is the first Whole Foods Market in the Detroit Community. The other locations are in West Bloomfield, Troy, Rochester Hills and two stores in Ann Arbor.
 
The new store is estimated to be 20,650 square feet and will hire 60-80 new team members.
 
Whole Foods Market is the largest natural and organic grocery store in the world.  It has over 60,000 employees and has proven that a company can do well if the doing comes from the heart. With the new Midtown location, the market will be able to expand its local partnerships and offer a range of local products including Avalon Baked goods, McClure’s pickles, Garden fresh chips and salsa and a selection of seasonal Michigan produce. More information about the store and its mission can be found here.
 
The new store is slated to open Spring 2013.
 
Source: Whole Foods
Written By: Leah Johnson 

The historic Garden Theater in Detroit located on Woodward Avenue will soon get a facelift.
 
A recent announcement from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) revealed that the Michigan Strategic Fund approved a $750,000 Michigan Community Revitalization Program incentive for the theater that opened in 1912.  The renovation will generate up to $12.3 million in new private investment and add up to 84 new full time jobs.
 
 “This project will strengthen midtown Detroit and act as a catalyst for a viable residential neighborhood by redeveloping an obsolete building into a vibrant entertainment venue,” said MEDC President and CEO Michael A. Finney in a release.
 
After the renovation, the 32,505 square foot establishment will be known as the Woodward Theater. Originally designed by C. Howard Crane who was also the mastermind behind the design of Orchestra Hall and the Fox Theater, the Woodward Theater will be a 1,300-seat facility featuring artistic performances, live music and provide space to support sales meetings and corporate conferences.
 
“This is a very important step forward for an anchor development in Midtown,” said Brian Holdwick, executive vice president for business development at Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC). “It is an excellent example of using several historic structures as the foundation for new investment and economic growth, because it brings together entertainment, retail stores, office space and eventually, much needed rental housing.”

Writer: Leah Johnson 

An old Detroit Fire Department fire house in downtown is about to become the new home to the University of Detroit-Mercy's law clinics.

The university's law school purchased the nearly 100-year-old building on the corner of Larned and St. Antoine streets last year. The two-story structure and its 7,000-square-feet of space will allow UDM to consolidate its law school, which is kitty corner to the fire house and across the street from its school's parking lot.

"That building (the firehouse) doesn't have parking but we can use the parking we have," says Tamara Batcheller, associate vice president for facilities management at the University of Detroit-Mercy. "It makes a lot of sense."

The firehouse had already been gutted out so the university will build out the entire interior of the structure. The law clinic's offices will be housed on the ground floor and it will use the second floor for research. The university will spend about $1 million to renovate the structure and work should be done by December.

"The most green thing we can do is rehab an existing building into something we need," Batcheller says.

The firehouse renovation is part of a larger renovation $4 million project to the university's law school downtown campus. Over the last year the university has been upgrading its main law school buildings with new bathrooms, classrooms and common areas.

Source: Tamara Batcheller, associate vice president for facilities management at the University of Detroit-Mercy
Writer: Jon Zemke

Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.

Detroiters now have a new way to shape the future of their city. By means of a new mission-based online competition called Detroit 24/7, Detroiters can share their ideas while competing to earn points, badges, and prizes. People of all ages are called on to participate in challenges such as Detroit Trivia, Community Mapping, and Role Playing Exercises.
 
"Detroit 24/7 is another tool we are using to engage city stakeholders to help in shaping Detroit’s future," said Dan Pitera, civic engagement co-lead for Detroit Works Project Long Term Planning (DWP LTP). "It’s a fun, interactive way for Detroiters to share their knowledge and think about the types of factors they consider most important to improving the quality of life in the city."
 
Starting May 7 at 12:01 a.m. Detroiters can begin playing Detroit 24/7 through three time-based missions at no cost. Any smart phone, computer, or tablet with Internet connection allows people to access the game. Mission #1 is Share your Detroit, Mission #2 is Living In Detroit and Mission # 3 is Getting around Detroit.
 
The top point earner, the top youth point earner, and one other member of the 50 players will win an HD Flip Video Camera. Players earning the most achievement badges will be entered into a drawing to receive gift cards to local Detroit businesses.
 
The ideas and input gathered through Detroit 24/7 will be utilized by DWP LTP to help inform and shape the Strategic Framework Plan that’s scheduled to be completed before fall of 2012.
 
This evening, the community is invited to attend the Detroit 24/7 launch party at Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) Downtown Campus, 1001 W. Fort Street, from 5:30 to 8 pm. Attendees will learn more about the game and register to play. Refreshments will be served and there is no cost to attend. To RSVP email here or call 313-259-4407.
 
Detroit 24/7 was developed in partnership with Community PlanIt and support from the Knight Foundation, making Detroit one of only half a dozen cities that will be using this type of platform to help plan the city’s future. Other partners include WCCCD and Excellent Schools Detroit.

Writer: Leah Johnson 

The Detroit Downtown Development Authority (DDA) plans to redevelop three vintage buildings surrounding Capitol Park in downtown Detroit with the help of Karp and Associates in Lansing, Michigan. The three buildings include the Capitol Park Building, the former United Way Building, and the Farwell Building all located on Griswold.
 
"We are truly honored to have been awarded this redevelopment opportunity and thrilled to be part of exciting efforts to rebuild the great city of Detroit," said Richard Karp, a Detroit native and managing editor of Karp and Associates. "Our firm has more than 20 years of successful experience. We look forward to bringing our expertise and proven track record to Michigan’s largest city."
 
The Capitol Park redevelopment consortium includes the DDA, Invest Detroit, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) the Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority, and Wayne County. This project is expected to cost about $85 million. Karp and Associates propose to construct posh, market-rate loft apartments, with office and retail space.
 
Capitol Park has deep roots in Michigan History, as the States first Capitol Building was built there for much of the 19^th and 20^th centuries. During that time, there was a lively mixture of office, hotel, and retail businesses and residences.
 
"Capitol Park is a transformational project that will serve as the next building block for the continued revitalization of the Downtown," said David Blaszkiewicz, president of Invest Detroit. "The redevelopment of Capitol Park represents the culmination of the significant efforts of many individuals and economic development partners. Their shared vision and focus to create diversity and sustainable revitalization in the district will have a great impact on the community." 

Writer: Leah Johnson 

Detroit Central City Community Mental Health, Inc (DCC) has revitalized Midtown by revamping the interior of a 1940s era Standard Oil gas station into a PharMor Pharmacy. Located on the corner of Woodward and Peterboro, it’s sure to be the only pharmacy in Michigan that looks like a gas station when it opens in a few months.
 
"Our tagline is 'Revitalizing the Community, Rebuilding Lives,'" says DCC President and CEO Irva Faber-Bermudez. "We not only bring people off the streets, get them housed and rebuild their lives, but this is a concrete example of how DCC is revitalizing the community."
 
The redeveloping project has involved a series of grants and brownfield credits as part of a $500,000 funding package and has earned DCC the 2012 Michigan Historic Preservation Network (MHPN) Award.
 
"The Committee felt this was a very interesting repurposing of a historic gas station showing the kind of creativity that is the lifeblood of historic preservation," says MHPN Awards Committee Chair, Ruth Mills. 
 
As owners of the gas station, DCC originally planned to use the vacant building for retail and office space. However, after reaching out to Matthew Darby, an Exxon Mobil Historical Collection archivist in Texas and receiving research by Farmington Hills project architects, Fusco, Shaffer & Pappas, Inc., it was authorized that the exterior remain true to its original form. This unique rental property will provide DCC with a steady stream of income.
 
"This project has taken a number of turns and considerable patience on the part of DCC to get to this point," says Faber-Bermudez. "Now we can finally complete this project and show Detroit we are really revitalizing this community."
 
The new PharMor pharmacy, which has 20 other locations, offers name brand and generic medications, medical equipment, pharmaceutical grade vitamins, and compounds for children. PharMor also provides co-pay assistance for low-income residents and uninsured patient programs.
 
Source: Tom Martin PR for Diane Martin Enterprises 
Writer: Leah Johnson 
 
 

Architecture and urban planning students have used Detroit as a teaching canvas for years, but the latest version of that education experience from Lawrence Technological University is different in that these students' dreams could become reality.

Lawrence Tech's detroitSHOP Studio is working teams from Dan Gilbert's real-estate firms Rock Ventures and Bedrock Real Estate Services to create plans to redevelop downtown Detroit's lower Woodward corridor. The plans will be on display between 3-8 p.m. Wednesday in the Dime Building, and could serve as a primer for what's to come developmentwise in downtown.

"They have an opportunity to design something that will be implemented," says Amy Deines, chair of the Art & Design Dept at Lawrence Technological University.

The detroitSHOP Studio is a hands-on architecture and design lab based in the greater downtown area of Detroit. Its students have repeatedly met with officials from Rock Ventures and Bedrock Real Estate Services since January in teams of four.

The goal is to redevelop downtown Detroit’s lower Woodward corridor, where Gilbert owns a plethora of office buildings, into a desirable place to live, work and play. One of the big area's of emphasis has been retail development, along with residential space.

"The best place to think about art and design is in an urban environment, especially one in transition like Detroit," Deines says.

Source: Amy Deines, chair of the Art & Design Dept at Lawrence Technological University
Writer: Jon Zemke

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When JC Beal Construction President Fred Beal showed off the almost renovated Broderick Tower during the Detroit Tigers Opening Day last week, he wasn't just showing off the downtown Detroit skyscraper's second lease on life. He also tipped his hand to how much stakeholders in the city have rallied to make that rebirth possible.

A majority of the co-investors in the $50 million project, all working under the Motown Construction Partners umbrella, are Detroit residents. One of the lead banks playing a key role in financing the project is longtime Detroit staple Comerica Bank. The project was designed by Kraemer Design Group, a growing downtown Detroit-based architecture firm. Of the 34-story building's three marquee penthouse units, one is going to a executive at Quicken Loans and another is taken by a venture capitalist who already calls Detroit home.

"We have been very successful in leasing," says Fred Beal, president of JC Beal Construction and one of the co-developers of the Broderick Tower. "It started with the most expensive units."

So far 50 percent of the building is leased, and Beal expects the rest of the skyscraper's 127 apartments to be taken by the time it opens this fall. He attributes the quick fill-up to a combination of the sharp demand for high-end housing in the city's center and the skyscraper's historic character, location and sweeping views of the city.

Residents will be enjoy a range of views ranging from a straight line of sight down Woodward to the Detroit River, a backyard of downtown skyscrapers, inside Comerica Park, the city's sprawling green neighborhoods and even Canada. They will also have access to a number of downtown amenities such as the city's sports stadiums, restaurants, concert venues, parks and burgeoning nightlife.

"When we started this project there was nothing going on," Beal says.

The Broderick Tower was built in 1928 and first served as an office building for health-care professionals, such as doctors and dentists. It went vacant in the 1980s and became one the city's iconic ruins, serving as a playground for urban explorers. Renovation efforts have started and stalled over the years until Motown Construction Partners began swinging hammers last year. It will turn the first two floors into a combination of restaurant/wine bar/beer garden. The third, four and fifth floors will become office space.

Motown Construction Partners have also worked extensively to maintain the building's historic character. The ornate entry way on the ground floor will be preserved and restored to its former grandeur. The apartments will also feature a finished look that would be consistent with the look of the medical offices, making the spaces more Park Shelton finished than Willy's Overland Lofts raw.

For more information on leasing an apartment or office space at the Broderick Tower, click here.

Source: Fred Beal, president of JC Beal Construction
Writer: Jon Zemke

Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.

More SmartBuilding grants are finding their way into the city of Detroit, infusing more green features into the Motor City's building stock.

"We're trying to increase the energy efficiency of buildings in Detroit," says Andrea Haas, program administrator for the SmartBuildings program. "We're trying to make them more marketable and habitable and friendlier to the environment."

The SmartBuilding's program is a city program managed by the Detroit Economic Growth Corp. The $10 million program disperses matching grants and low-interest loans to projects that make commercial buildings more sustainable in the greater downtown Detroit area and select commercial corridors throughout the city.

This latest round of grants/loans will disburse $155,691 to four different projects that will leverage an additions $382,846 in investment. Among those projects are:

• Installing an energy-efficient chiller for the ice rink at Clark Park in Mexicantown, and installing high-efficiency light bulbs inside and outside the park building at 1130 Clark St.

• Making a number of energy-saving improvements to the Casino in Belle Isle Park, including roof repairs, insulation and high-efficiency lighting.

• Installing energy-efficient lighting in the First National Bank Building parking garage at 660 Woodward.

• Upgrading refrigeration equipment and putting in insulation at the Liberty Foods Center grocery store at 10620 W. McNichols.

"We have about $170,000 left," Haas says. "It should be distributed by the end of the year.

Source: Andrea Haas, program administrator for the SmartBuildings program
Writer: Jon Zemke

Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.

Green Dot Stables is leading the way of a slew of new retail and restaurant businesses opening up in Detroit's greater downtown area.

The popular restaurant/bar at 2200 W Lafayette in Hubbard Farms has been undergoing renovations to its kitchen and other aspects by its new owners since last summer. The husband-wife duo are keeping the character of the establishment intact and opening it up for lunch this month as it works with the city and state to secure its liquor license.

"We just loved the feel of the building the stuff that comes with it," says Jacques Driscoll, co-owner of Green Dot Stables. "The price was right, too."

Among the other businesses growing or opening are

• CJ Mahoneys opening in the former location of Lot 1210 on Broadway. The popular sports bar chain with locations in Troy and Rochester plans to be open in time for Opening Day.

• The Detroit Shoppe at Cobo Center will remain open for all meetings, conventions and trade shows following the shop’s successful debut during this year’s North American International Auto Show and Autorama.

Source: Jacques Driscoll, co-owner of Green Dot Stables
Writer: Jon Zemke

Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.

As Dan Gilbert continues to expand his downtown real-estate portfolio, the Quicken Loans Chairman is filling those buildings with more and more businesses.

Four of his principal buildings that are the furthest along (the M@dison, Dime, Chase and First National buildings) are either at capacity or are projected to be near capacity by the end of this year. All of this growth has prompted Bedrock Real Estate Services, Gilbert's real-estate development fund, to rapidly expand its workforce from four employees to 52 employees over the last year.

Quicken Loans public relations team recently released a long laundry list of companies that have moved into these buildings, representing hundreds of new jobs moving into the Lower Woodward Corridor between Campus Martius and Grand Circus Park. Most of these businesses are newer start-ups and the creative-based companies or investment firms that support them.

"It's a lot of these technology companies on that list," says Jim Ketai, managing partner with Bedrock Real Estate Services. "We are getting a lot of different people looking at spaces, such as advertising agencies, law firms and a ton of retailers."

The M@dison building, an entrepreneurial hub for tech start-ups overlooking Grand Circus Park, opened last fall and is at 100 percent capacity. The Chase building (the building by Campus Martius that looks like a cheese grater) is also at 100 percent with employees from Quicken Loans and Gilbert's family of companies.

The Dime Building, on Griswold just west of Campus Martius, is at 54 percent occupancy. "We're working with a couple of tenants that will bring it up to 85 percent (by the end of this year)," Ketai says. The First National Building, also overlooking Campus Martius, is at 58 percent capacity. "It will be at 90 percent shortly," Ketai says. "We're working on a couple of big deals."

Ketai adds that his company has been in touch with a number of retailers interested in Gilbert's buildings. He expects to place a few of them, such as a coffee shop, soon. He also says that Gilbert's team is still debating whether it will make the newly acquired Federal Reserve building as a single-tenant structure or split it up into multiple spaces for other companies. 

Source: Jim Ketai, managing partner with Bedrock Real Estate Services
Writer: Jon Zemke

Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.