UCCA expands mixed-use Woodward Willis project to about 24 condos, plus commercial space

The University Cultural Center Association has added to its plans for the Woodward Willis mixed-use, mixed-income development in Midtown.

The project will be constructed on four vacant lots on the northeast corner of Woodward and West Willis. Originally, the plan was set for three lots, one donated to UCCA, and two others purchased from the city. The UCCA bought the fourth recently from adjacent property owners.

After city officials told the UCCA that a fast-food restaurant was looking to move into the highly visible site, the group bought the property to develop it in a way that would enhance Midtown’s urban fabric.

“This building’s architecture will be reminiscent of the industrial warehouses designed by Albert Kahn, and imbued with the Sullivanesque-style of commercial architecture prevalent in Midtown, as seen in the well-preserved Stuber-Stone Building,” says Annmarie Borucki, grant manager for UCCA.

The project will have commercial space on the ground floor and offer 22 to 24 “loft style” condos, ranging from about 850 to 1,200 square feet. All will be finished, two-story units, priced from $100,000 to $190,000. Five of the units are specifically priced for individuals or families with lower incomes.

UCCA also has been exploring options to make the building more “green” and efficient with the help of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, hoping to set a benchmark for the design of smaller, economical, energy-efficient construction projects.

The State of Michigan designated Midtown as a Cool City last year, and awarded the Woodward Willis project a Cool Cities Catalyst Grant. Construction is set for fall, and estimated to be complete in 2007.

Source: Annmarie Borucki, grant manager UCCA