The David Whitney building is crouched and ready to begin the long construction run toward a total renovation.
The Roxbury Group expects construction will begin within the coming weeks as it races to finish the last of the paperwork details for the renovation of the downtown Detroit skyscraper.
"We are very close to completing our financing on the project," says David Di Rita, principal of
The Roxbury Group. "All of the financial resources have been identified. It's our intent to get construction underway before the end of this year."
The David Whitney building opened in 1915. The 19-story skyscraper overlooking Grand Circus Park was designed by
Daniel Burnham, who also designed New York's Flatiron building and Union Station. Then it was occupied by retailers on the first few floors and offices for doctors and dentists and other professionals on the upper floors. It's signature is a majestic atrium in the center of the building.
The building has been vacant for years but is now being redeveloped into a mix of space for retailers, a boutique hotel and apartments on the top floors.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide plans to open one of its
Aloft hotels in the building. The hotel will feature 136 rooms in a loft-style design.
Source: David Di Rita, principal of The Roxbury Group
Writer: Jon Zemke
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