Downtown Development Rumor [corner of Broadway and Grand River]

**Danny** · October-17-12, 10:05 AM

Downtown Detroit don't need any more parking lots. It needs buildings, buildings and more buildings.

**stinkytofu** · November-02-12, 08:35 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.

That's definitely a possibility for developments.

Nonetheless, this is a different type of development. They are looking to increase the amount of parking for all their Quicken-related folks downtown. Building a residential tower - with one floor of parking for those tenants - would not fix their problem at all.

I do think this is a necessary evil. I see the Quicken shuttles downtown and it's very obvious they need more parking. It's annoying, but had to happen.

**Danny** · November-02-12, 01:30 PM

No rumor! Quicken Loans and Bedrock Holdings founder and CEO Dan Gilbert is building parking structure and retail business on the corner of E. Grand River and Broadway. It least he will fill up the area with buildings and get rid and surface street parking lots. Gilbertown is growing fast.

**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?

**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?

**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.

**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

**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!

**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...

**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!

**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?

**kenp** · September-13-12, 08:22 AM

Originally Posted by rjlj

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

OK, Its a substantiated rumor now.

**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.

**AGinthe313** · September-13-12, 07:29 AM

Originally Posted by gthomas

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.

Agree. I also like the idea of a Slow's to go, but I'm still holding out for a 2nd Mudgie's location, and Broadway [[between Grand River / Gratiot) would be a great spot -- although there is room for both [[lol).

If this development does happen, Broadway between Gratiot and Grand River will really begin to change. Hopefully [[if it does happen) it will convince someone to step-up and develop the Harvard Square Building. Imagine the proposed development, and a redeveloped Harvard square building [[sigh); throw-in a couple of restaurants, maybe a nice martini bar in the commercial space of the Lafer building, and we’re good to go!! Ahhh the possibilities!

**gthomas** · September-13-12, 11:50 AM

Actually I believe that "Five Guys burgers & fries, Papas Sports bar, Redsmoke BBQ, and Coldstone Ice Cream should be relocated to Broadway. Give development back to Greektown for "Greek " restaurants, retail, etc..

**401don** · September-13-12, 08:53 PM

Originally Posted by gthomas

Actually I believe that "Five Guys burgers & fries, Papas Sports bar, Redsmoke BBQ, and Coldstone Ice Cream should be relocated to Broadway. Give development back to Greektown for "Greek " restaurants, retail, etc..

Yeah, how dare those non-Greeks occupy those empty storefronts.