Redevelopment: Small Woodward Building between Broderick & former Telenews Theater

**masterblaster** · August-02-23, 10:56 AM

1550 Woodward

https://detroitmi.gov/sites/detroitm...entation_0.pdf

https://www.reddit.com/r/Detroit/com...oodward_to_be/

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-e...oodward-avenue

Edit: will be 3 floors and will have a sports bar that was envisioned by Dan Gilbert's late son, to be named Gilly's Bar

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/restau...-late-son-nick

https://www.wxyz.com/news/new-sports...berts-late-son

Gilly's will have food and drinks and offer a variety of ways to watch sports in a relaxed atmosphere. The 14,000-square-foot building will have 350+ seats, a lowerlevel bar, first-floor patio along Woodward Ave., a rooftop terrace and more.

**1953** · August-03-23, 02:39 PM

A great improvement, for sure, but part of me will miss those antiquated awnings.

**Gistok** · August-03-23, 05:39 PM

This is one building I would not have minded them tearing down to build something taller. Only 2 stories is a wasted opportunity for higher density on the main part of Woodward.

**Hypestyles** · August-05-23, 04:12 PM

only three floors?
but best of luck, in any case.

**stasu1213** · August-07-23, 09:46 AM

I think that it's a great idea that it will only have three floors. It doesn't need to be any taller especially for the purpose that it will serve

**Gistok** · August-07-23, 09:59 AM

Originally Posted by stasu1213

I think that it's a great idea that it will only have three floors. It doesn't need to be any taller especially for the purpose that it will serve

So what you are saying is that unlike Broadway, which is getting a 9 story apartment tower above 3 buildings...

https://www.freep.com/story/money/bu...s/70321786007/

... that Woodward couldn't use additional residences/density??

**K-slice** · August-07-23, 11:03 AM

Originally Posted by Gistok

So what you are saying is that unlike Broadway, which is getting a 9 story apartment tower above 3 buildings...

https://www.freep.com/story/money/bu...s/70321786007/

... that Woodward couldn't use additional residences/density??

The site is tiny and the block has several 2 story buildings there already. It's an appropriate use/build out of the space.

**Gistok** · August-07-23, 11:54 AM

Originally Posted by K-slice

The site is tiny and the block has several 2 story buildings there already. It's an appropriate use/build out of the space.

FYI, that is not a building to the left of it... it is a fake facade with the Broderick Tower mechanical plant behind the facade. The original building on that site was torn down about 10 years ago to handle the needed mechanical for the tower.

**stasu1213** · August-07-23, 07:56 PM

Originally Posted by Gistok

So what you are saying is that unlike Broadway, which is getting a 9 story apartment tower above 3 buildings...

https://www.freep.com/story/money/bu...s/70321786007/

... that Woodward couldn't use additional residences/density??

Why keep building upward. Why not building smart with space that could be totally utilized for it's purpose. We don't need another tall building on Woodward. Make use of the buildings that are already on that row.

**masterblaster** · August-08-23, 07:48 AM

Originally Posted by stasu1213

Why keep building upward. Why not building smart with space that could be totally utilized for it's purpose. We don't need another tall building on Woodward. Make use of the buildings that are already on that row.

I agree with Gistok. What a short-sighted view Stasu1213. Downtown is not going to have the office population it was hoping for before the pandemic. We need residential density to patronize the businesses you keep complaining about either closing or not opening fast enough. 2-3 story buildings with no residential on our main street is not maximum usage of Woodward Avenue.

**stasu1213** · August-08-23, 09:04 AM

Originally Posted by masterblaster

I agree with Gistok. What a short-sighted view Stasu1213. Downtown is not going to have the office population it was hoping for before the pandemic. We need residential density to patronize the businesses you keep complaining about either closing or not opening fast enough. 2-3 story buildings with no residential on our main street is not maximum usage of Woodward Avenue.

There are already enough people downtown and midtown that can support any retail that I had complained that Detroit doesn't have. You see them at WholeFood, H&M, Rivertown Market, Nike, Carhartt, etc. I focus on Target because not only groceries are sold there but also housewares, clothing, electronics, and sporting goods. For typ of retail that is lacking in the downtown midtown area. The only businesses that are opening in the areas are businesses that sell any type of alcohol such as these restaurants and bars. Even bakeries such as Avalon, another well frequent establishment, is compelled to sell beer. Remember I am the one who asked will Nike do good downtown. Many shortsighted bloggers had thought that the idea was ridiculous and the store would never open in downtown Detroit. Other cities don't have residential density in their downtown areas but their retails are heavily supported by shoppers who live on the outskirts and beyond of their downtown areas. We already have enough empty former office spaces downtown that could be converted to living spaces to add to the density downtown. Fill those first. However, not too many people will seek interest in moving into an area that doesn't have stores that meet the basic needs of nearby residents who live within a two mile radiance. One blogger made fun of my comment of residents not having a place to purchase an iron but the commentor ignored when I had commented about residents not having a place to purchase bath and kitchen accessories as wells as other accessories for their expensive downtown and midtown condos and apartments