Detroit seeks proposals to redevelop downtown Fire Dept HQ

The city of Detroit is preparing to release a formal request for proposals for the city's soon-to-be former Fire Dept. headquarters in downtown.

The Detroit Fire Dept has called 250 W. Larned St. home since the building was constructed in 1929. The 5-story structure at the corner of Washington Blvd. features 62,910 square feet. The building is zoned PCA, Restricted Central Business District and could accommodate a high-density re-development.

"We want something that will complement downtown," says Brad Dick, director of the General Services Dept for the city of Detroit. "It could be mixed-use, like condos with a business downstairs."

The Detroit Fire Department is preparing to move to the city's new public safety headquarters in the former MGM Casino on the west end of downtown next summer. It will completely vacate its current home during the move.

Jones Lang LaSalle
is acting as the city's agent in this process. It is playing up the site's proximity to the newly renovated Cobo Hall and the People Mover. Financial incentives are also available for the redevelopment. The city has been floating the idea of redeveloping the site for several weeks and has conducted about 20 walk-throughs to potential developers. The city hopes to have a deal in place within the next 9-12 months.

"We'd like to have an agreement to do something as soon as possible," Dick says.

For information, contact Sterling Howard at 313-967-4108 or at [email protected].

Source: Brad Dick, director of the General Services Dept for the city of Detroit
Writer: Jon Zemke

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