Downtown Development Rumor [corner of Broadway and Grand River]

**Gorath** · August-31-12, 05:10 PM

I think the main reason why you don't see many buildings with parking ramps integrated into them is that parking structures typically have a life span of around 40 years. Buildings [[if built properly) can have a lifespan of 100+ years with proper maintenance and periodic renovation.

Parking in basements is not as much of an issue unless it is a multilevel underground ramp. A concrete slab on grade can have a long lifespan, and is not as much trouble to replace should it deteriorate.

**rex** · August-31-12, 06:26 PM

oh shit. I know that parking lot. Its got a lot of character. Some may even consider it historically significant. I hate to see a good parking lot go away.
It should be saved.

**stasu1213** · September-01-12, 08:52 AM

Originally Posted by AGinthe313

An acquaintance of mine just told me that someone is trying to develop the parking lot at the corner of Broadway and Grand River, as well as the lot at Gratiot and Library [[also parking). From what he’s been told, the plan would call for a mixed use development, with street level retail/office, parking on the next four floors and residential on the top floor[[s). He also claims that this mystery developer is looking to break ground late next year. Earlier this summer I saw a crew surveying both spots. Has anyone else heard this rumor?

The parking lot on Michigan and Griswold originally was to have condominiums on top but that didn't happen. I hope that these developments don't become additional parking structures only. We have more than enough parking structures downtown. Wasn't there a accounting or law firm that was going to open on the ground floor of the Detroit Oprea House parking structure?

**Hermod** · September-01-12, 09:03 AM

Originally Posted by Pcm

The answer to this is probably obvious, but why don't we build new construction with parking underground?

The answer is likely, "too expensive".

But seriously, isn't this a possibility? I'm not talking a huge underground garage, but just one level, enough to park the cars of the tenants above.

Back in the "day", building parking for one car per dwelling was adequate. To get top dollar for a dwelling in this day and age, it need to have two or three dedicated spaces. Three or four decks for parking is reasonable under those circumstance.

Shollin · September-01-12, 09:05 AM

Originally Posted by rb336

AKA a faux-urban environment, AKA snob haven

AKA Royal Oak?

**Hermod** · September-01-12, 09:06 AM

Originally Posted by rb336

not sure what's cool about that. just another snob haven

Detroit doesn't need a downtown Macy's?

Detroit doesn't need a downtown Nordstrom's?

Detroit doesn't need more people with excess disposable income moving downtown?

Detroit can survive by music making hipsters buying art by art making hipsters who then spend the money in clubs where the music making hipsters play, thus creating a closed circuit of hipsters with no need for "snobs"?

Shollin · September-01-12, 09:12 AM

Originally Posted by Hermod

Detroit doesn't need a downtown Macy's?

Detroit doesn't need a downtown Nordstrom's?

Detroit doesn't need more people with excess disposable income moving downtown?

Detroit can survive by music making hipsters buying art by art making hipsters who then spend the money in clubs where the music making hipsters play, thus creating a closed circuit of hipsters with no need for "snobs"?

As they say, beggars can be choosers apparently. In a city that hasn't had a new high rise built in 19 years, we can be picky about our development.

**mikeg19** · September-01-12, 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by stasu1213

The parking lot on Michigan and Griswold originally was to have condominiums on top but that didn't happen.

I remember that rendering. Now, was that decision made after construction began and the foundation was built to incorporate the condos, or previous to that? It could still be a viable option if it was built that way, assuming someone wants to build apartments or condos on top of it. Who owns that garage?

**ismoakrack** · September-01-12, 02:18 PM

The garage was in fact built with reinforced steel capable of handling planned condos on top. That doesn't mean it will ever happen tho

**AGinthe313** · September-01-12, 08:20 PM

Originally Posted by stasu1213

The parking lot on Michigan and Griswold originally was to have condominiums on top but that didn't happen. I hope that these developments don't become additional parking structures only. We have more than enough parking structures downtown. Wasn't there a accounting or law firm that was going to open on the ground floor of the Detroit Oprea House parking structure?

Lambert and Edwards [[Public Relations Firm) is moving into the ground floor of the DOH - construction is underway -they are due to move in by November.

**AGinthe313** · September-08-12, 09:09 PM

I just talked to someone in my building -- he said the plan calls for an 11-story mixed use [[retail/parking/apartment). He said that Bedrock is involved. His version is very close to other person that I talked to. I also heard that people who park in the lots will be notified in Jan/Feb regarding their monthly parking spots.

**gthomas** · September-09-12, 01:02 PM

Broadway can be "THE" best urban street downtown. Anchor by the Madison building, nice eclectic of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and retail. With plans for more future residential lofts, new construction, oh and the already existing nice streetscape...this area will be my favorite hangout spot whenever the other storefronts fill up along Broadway.

**French777** · September-09-12, 03:51 PM

^^ And with Harmonie Park / East Grand River right there too!

**Doma** · September-10-12, 08:56 PM

Don't forget Greektown Hotel, which is the 25th tallest building in Michigan at 348'

25.

Greektown Casino Hotel

Detroit

2009

30

348 / 106

^[25]

Originally Posted by Shollin

As they say, beggars can be choosers apparently. In a city that hasn't had a new high rise built in 19 years, we can be picky about our development.

**Doma** · September-10-12, 09:00 PM

This would be the parking lot in question i take it? This seems like a big victory for downtown!
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**gthomas** · September-11-12, 02:41 AM

Originally Posted by Doma

This would be the parking lot in question i take it? This seems like a big victory for downtown!
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Yes, I believe it's a huge victory to develop any surface parking lot in Downtown into a mixed used building. With that being said, this particular project is great due to filling in the gap, creating density, and finally completing a streetwall along that block. Hope it's a nice project..

**AGinthe313** · September-11-12, 05:44 AM

This is the one, also the lot on Library st. behind the Broadway Lofts [[next to Vicente's).

**Eber Brock Ward** · September-11-12, 08:29 AM

If you work out at the Y, you'll be able to watch them build it from the track!

**AGinthe313** · September-11-12, 09:38 AM

My current view from the Broadway lofts is going to be ruined. Bummer!

**stasu1213** · September-11-12, 08:05 PM

Originally Posted by gthomas

Broadway can be "THE" best urban street downtown. Anchor by the Madison building, nice eclectic of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and retail. With plans for more future residential lofts, new construction, oh and the already existing nice streetscape...this area will be my favorite hangout spot whenever the other storefronts fill up along Broadway.

I agree. Broadway could be as bustling as Greektown is on a daily basis. It would be nice if the DOH utilize it's empty storefront space and allow either retail or another cafe to open in the spot. I still feel that a sports store that sells running shoes, exercise outfits etc should open on Broadway to compliment the YMCA. Maybe the Y could use some of it's empty space to allow a CHAMPS, Sports Authority, FootLocker or other sports apparel store to open in it. I could see a cafe opening in the storefront of the DOH. Does anyone has any pictures of Broadway before the YMCA and the People Mover were built on the strip?

**webband1** · September-12-12, 11:40 AM

Originally Posted by stasu1213

I agree. Broadway could be as bustling as Greektown is on a daily basis. It would be nice if the DOH utilize it's empty storefront space and allow either retail or another cafe to open in the spot. I still feel that a sports store that sells running shoes, exercise outfits etc should open on Broadway to compliment the YMCA. Maybe the Y could use some of it's empty space to allow a CHAMPS, Sports Authority, FootLocker or other sports apparel store to open in it. I could see a cafe opening in the storefront of the DOH. Does anyone has any pictures of Broadway before the YMCA and the People Mover were built on the strip?

What empty space in the Y are you talking about? Just curious. I'm a member and I can't really think of a space to house a sporting goods store inside the building...

**Detroit Stylin** · September-12-12, 03:55 PM

So is this a go or still a rumor?

**rb336** · September-12-12, 04:42 PM

until shovels are in the ground, it is still a rumor

**rjlj** · September-12-12, 09:44 PM

RFQ's for site work for these two parcels is happening now. Not a rumor.

Originally Posted by Detroit Stylin

So is this a go or still a rumor?

**gthomas** · September-12-12, 10:49 PM

The Eastside of Broadway can use some serious help, from Gratiot to DOH garage. It should take note from their fellow westsider's down the street. I do agree with adding a sporting store near the YMCA. I will like to see Slow to GO Downtown in the Broadway Lofts, a Burger joint, and a family style restaurant.