Midtown's Park Shelton prepares for final build-out

The Park Shelton building, located next door to the Detroit Institute of Arts at 15 E. Kirby, has become one of Midtown's most desirable residences. The historic building, once known as the Wardell Hotel, is kicking into gear to finish building out the complex's final commercial and residential spaces.

Park Shelton director of sales Michael Martorelli reports that construction has begun on Torya Blanchard's bar Rodin, though no opening date was provided. Elsewhere in the building, he says demand for commercial space has filled almost the entire first floor, which now has 11 different commercial tenants. Pending a contract which may be announced soon, the final interior retail space will be leased to open later this summer. Demand has forced them to think creatively -- but Martorelli says they've found one more room to convert into a commercial leasing opportunity.

"The other space is currently being used as a maintenance room," Martorelli says. He says the final space would be perfect for tenants hoping to set up an office.

"It's going to take the right kind of business, but we know that they're out there," he says.

Sales for condos are active, though Martorelli says rentals remain the driving force for the building's 13 floors of residences. They're 100 percent occupied in their finished condos. 14 unfinished units are currently being built out for sale -- and that's the last of the inventory at the Park Shelton.

Martorelli doesn't take credit for the building's residential and retail success. "We're in a great location," he says.

Briefly, in Midtown, two more new businesses have opened their doors this spring.

At 4445 Second Ave. between Prentis and Canfield, the Thistle Coffee House, founded by the Riverside Community Church, is serving up Third Wave coffee, free Wi-Fi and goodies from Avalon Bakery. Plus, Thistle is open seven days a week. Find them on Facebook.

Down south at the Detroit Medical Center, the Midtown Corner Cafe has opened a Tex-Mex offshoot, the Midtown Santa Fe Cafe, in the ground floor of the Wayne State medical library at 320 E. Canfield. The limited menu features taco bowls, burritos, taco salads and quesadillas, with a few vegetarian options. Check out the menu here.

Source: Michael Martorelli, director of sales, the Park Shelton
Writer: Ashley C. Woods