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Per Inside Detroit's Facebook they are doing work on the GAR Building . I love this building and it's exciting to see work being done. Anyone have any information on what they are doing? http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...type=1&theater
http://www.detroityes.com/news/07020.../45383-GAR.jpg
I saw that post too. Also, a few weeks ago I was leaving for work and I noticed two guys pulling-off some of the plywood and going inside the building. They were driving some type of commercial pick-up truck. I wasn’t able to make-out the name on the side of the truck.
That was city crews patching up the building from a break in. I have heard that the city may be talking to some of the groups that made proposals - what is it, 5, 6 years ago? - but nothing at all solid.
I was just admiring this building a few weeks ago. Glad to hear the boards are coming down.
The boards are not coming down, as rb said, they were putting up new boards to replace broken and older boards.
If only we could move the triangle shaped GAR building to the triangle shaped property at the south entrance to downtown Birmingham [[Woodward and Old Woodward). What a neat landmark building that would be.... complete with a flag on the turret. and lighted up at night.
Quote:
Originally Posted by detroitbob66
The maybe Tyree Guyton will go by and paint some of his signature dots on the new boards.
Isn't the problem that the owners of the GAR refuse to let it be used for anything, but don't actually have money to do anything with it themselves?
Wait... doesn't Illitch own it?Quote:
Originally Posted by drjeff
thats what i recall as well. from wikipedia, thought i can't find original articleQuote:
Originally Posted by bailey
The Detroit Free Press reported on April 7, 2007 that the GAR Building had been sold to Olympia Development, an arm of Ilitch Holdings, Inc.. The Ilitch family also owns the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Tigers, as well as the United Artists Theatre Building.
The Free Press stated that the sale price was $220,500. Olympia Development expected to renovate the building at a cost of $2 million, and use it for its staff, though the purchase of the GAR by the Ilitch family was later rescinded. The property was then sold to Mindfield USA, a Detroit-based media company who plan to renovate the building for use as their headquarters.
I believe the option Olympia held expired so they never completed the purchase.
I think what you are referring to is actually before the building was sold to Olympia / Ilitch. I believe the city owned the building, but was not able to do anything to it without permission from the GAR [[and I think the DAR also) because the building contains a war memorial [[part of the floor inside the main entry I believe).Quote:
Originally Posted by drjeff
*Do not quote me on this though because that was all from memory*
Conditions of the sale were something along the lines of: Developers had to section off a piece of the building and designate it as a memorial to those who fought in the civil war.Quote:
Originally Posted by andrew.w
I remember hearing that the proposition was expected to be costly and a major waste of the space, scaring off buyers. If my memory serves, Mindfield rescinded just like Olympia.
I spoke with the Mindfield folks as early as last summer. The mention was that they still had plans to occupy the GAR building. Perhaps forum member "Mindfield" has some info? :)Quote:
Originally Posted by esp1986
Pcm was right.
http://www.freep.com/article/2011110...xt|FRONTPAGE|p
Wow. Great news. Another significant renovation is at hand.
This would be an awesome renovation. Maybe downtown might have a little life to it in the next couple of years! :)
Nope, my s/n has nothing to do with the company downtown and is just coincidental. anyways, great that another downtown building is being saved. Maybe in ten years, there won't be any abandonment downtown.
From what I gathered over the years... the amount of space for some sort of acknowledgement to the Grand Army of the Republic would have been just some niche or display case... not a make or break large amount of space that would make the entire deal financially unpalatable.
Not sure why the Ilitch's let their option expire? But since the renovation of the Fox they have seemed to be "restoration challenged" in how to fix up old spaces. Still nothing going on at the Moose, UA and Fine Arts. What's with their building on Park Ave. Has any more work been done on it?
Think of where that building would be today if the Illitch family had stayed out of the way.
This is very good news. We can't save all the cool old buildings, but this one is historic, architecturally unique, and well worth restoration, in my opinion. I hope it ignites that area.
I know that many people think very highly of Ilitch [[I realize others don't), but the reality is, they are clearly not the best at development. They could have easily done what Gilbert is doing, and could have been doing so since the 1990s. Almost any of their buildings could be profitable as residential lofts and they probably could have worked out tax credits to pay for the cost. For whatever reason, they simply cannot get it together. Ilitch's buildings could be generating serious revenue right now instead of just eating into their balance sheet.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gistok
This is true of so many of the so called "investors" who own buildings in downtown Detroit. We really got screwed with the quality of developers we have in Detroit. Very few have the vision and basic business savvy to see the opportunities that they have right in front of them. Consider for a moment that some of these folks even teamed up and purchased properties in tandem with the intention of creating entire areas of redevelopment, such as what is possible in Capitol Park, or along Park Ave, or lower Woodward. It's really kind of pathetic.
There's no reason United Artists should not be completely developed, or any of Ilitch's other real estate holdings. I get that he is in the entertainment/pizza business, but you could hire a management company to run the place if it were residential. With the occupancy rate of downtown near 99%, you really have to be an inept idiot to not make money in that kind of environment, especially when you have the resources to develop properties. Right now, Ilitch and others like him should not only be taking advantage of tax credits to develop existing buildings collecting dust in their portfolio, but they should be constructing new buildings on lots that can be purchased for virtually nothing.
Downtown could look like Manhattan within 10 years if the power brokers that be in Detroit had vision. Gilbert is really the only one making a go of it. Currently, almost any building could be made into a profitable residential space. When I walk through downtown, it makes me sick that these investors/developers ignore market forces and do nothing to capitalize on demand for residential. Thankfully, new developers like the Roxbury group are emerging. I hope they send the do-nothing investors packing. There's absolutely no excuse for the Wurlitzer, Metropolitan, United Artists, Book Tower, etc, etc. Smaller buildings should be even more ripe for redevelopment. Small luxury lofts like the Eureka on Broadway are leasing for $2,000/mo per unit and are fully occupied with wait lists.
Ridiculous.
The question is, what is the ROI? How many rental units does the associated Ilitch companies own in Detroit or anywhere for that matter? I am pretty sure none. Residential leasing and redevelopment is not their business. When you have other businesses generating ROI far beyond what rental payments generate, why would you enter the risk? Any real estate play they have made downtown has been pure financial. The Fox may be the only exception but they needed a headquarters anyway. In my view, they are holding up the progress and re-development of downtown, just look at parking lot city west of the Fox. Anyway, the GAR should not even be mentioned with the word IIitch since it would have been below a new hockey arena if he had control of all the property behind the Fox.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BrushStart
I agree with all that you are saying... I'm just kind of surprised they let the GAR slip away, what with them owning the neighboring 6 story Cass-Adams Building [[used for MotorCity Casino training), as well as the nearby Moose Lodge. They could have built up a nice entertainment area right around the GAR, if the Arena was going into the area. Maybe it's not....Quote:
Originally Posted by rjlj
the Olympia folks didn't "let it slip away" the original proposal format was deemed faulty, and they didn't follow up in the next round. not sure, but the irregularities in the original proposal submission process might have prevented them from the re-issued RFPQuote:
Originally Posted by Gistok
I guess its official: http://www.freep.com/comments/articl...given-new-lifeQuote:
Originally Posted by hybridy
WooHoo!!!!
and i never woohoo
Quote:
Originally Posted by BrushStart
I don't that it's they are "bad" at development I think the lack of action on Ilitch properties still comes down to building a new hockey arena. When they were trying to buy the building in 2006, the rumor was that they were basically going to level everything behind the Fox. Even though they said they were buying it to redevelop, the Madison-Lenox had just been demolished and there was a bit of worry that the GAR under their ownership would meet a similar fate. Really until the arena issues get settled I don't think you're going to see much from Ilitch.
Any photos of the inside anywhere? I know.....I'll do a search!!!!! ;)
http://www.detroitfunk.com/?p=126
That's going to be cool.
This is great news. I remember driving past this place every weekend, many years ago, on my way to City Club and thinking…if I ever win the lotto, I’ll buy this place, fix it up, and live there.
Nuts..guess the old 3rd precinct bldg. moves to the top of my buy list. I really wanted the GAR. ;)
Wow, this is great! Thank you for sharing the news. I've been waiting for this day and now it has finally come!
Attachment 11146
Good to have the Beatles on board. Gosh, they have changed a little bit, though Ringo still looks the same as ever.
Check this out...
http://vimeo.com/30099861
Forum folk,
Ilitch Connection to that building and that area? See and hear these michigannow.org stories.
Story last week
http://www.michigannow.org/2011/11/0...r-restoration/
Story with Matt Cullen's wife Karen, VP of Ilitch Holdings, in 2008, though the date on website says 2009.
http://www.michigannow.org/2009/01/0...s-for-parking/
I drove by at 2:30 today and there was a mini-crane type thing up and a guy working on a window on the second or third floor...three or four other workers milling about. Don't know if they have started work on the building yet [[or simply securing stuff for the winter), but figured you guys may be interested.
This building is gorgeous. So excited to see it renovated!!
Saw it up real close today. This is going to be fun. Windows getting uncovered, haven't ever seen windows in this building.
A couple of weeks ago the Huffington Post summed up the large ammount of restoration project going on lately. Featuring are: MSC, Freep building, GAR Building, David Whitney- and Broderick tower. I wonder if we can add the United Artists theater to this list in a while. Shame this development came too late for the Stattler and Lafayette buildings....
And if there's a person with a vision for the Michigan theater.... Would be too much wishful thinking.
Picture of the GAR a month ago.
I didn't even know the building still had its windows. Not that it really matters since they're going to be replaced anyway.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/5997628...th/6527193875/
I;m curious to know what was originally in those niche's? And what will end up there... :confused:
This is a good site to look at GAR pictures.
http://www.forgottendetroit.com/gar/index.html
Thanks for the link Zaddik!
Those outside pictures are so yesterday... or was that the day before? :)
Bummer that the turrets top floors are not rooms just rooftop access.
On a different note..... in that slideshow of pics... pic 31 and 34 give us a panorama of the intersections where that guy from the MGM Casino got stabbed and killed.
The windows are going to be restored not replaced. I was the guy on the manlift and the windows are very repairable. The owners are trying to save as much of the original everything as possible.It's great to work for people who truly care about saving the original if possible. Maybe a statue of a civil war soldier with a camera should go in the niche.
Are those windows going to be treated at all so they're not leaking heat and cold? I live in a house built around the same era and a lot of the windows were original when my parents moved into this house. They spent a fortune on heat and AC for several years until the windows were replaced. It would make sense maybe to keep the frames, but windows are windows unless they're curved I don't see any reason to keep them when they're a potential financial burdon
Quote:
Originally Posted by theklep
They haven't taken down all of the boards yet, but they have taken some away. I cant wait until they remove the boards covering the front entrance! Here are some picture updates for those who haven't seen it recently:
Attachment 11621Attachment 11622Attachment 11623Attachment 11624
When this thread first came out I was very skeptical. Nice pictures dp313. When was the last time the windows were not boarded up? I don't believe I've ever seen it with out boards.
Hate to bring this up, but are those windows going to be safe in that area?
Attachment 11631Attachment 11632
Couple of photos of the dudes working near the top of the building.
Agreed. There's little that is sentimental about drafty glass panes, only GIANT expense bills. Where not talking leaded glass treatments in this case of this wonderful building, so ditch the old glass which is useless to hold in heat or cooling.Quote:
Originally Posted by mcsdetroitfriend
The current ideas on old windows and repair is the glass is not where the energy is lost. It's air leakage around the windows. Approx 85% of energy is lost through air leakage. This issue is being addressed in the restoration. This true in pretty much any older home or buildings. Many old yet solid wood windows are replaced every year with new products.The only "advantage" of these products is the glass and less maintanence. They have a much shorter expected life than an old growth wood window. These appear to be Mahogany
Thanks for the the info klep, mighty kind of you to share! Great to see them working on the building and employing some locals!Quote:
Originally Posted by theklep
The environmental work is underway. Just waiting on some final details and real work will begin. I get busy next week repairing damage caused by "tourists" over the years. Please leave the abandoned buildings alone. Worst physical damage was done by weather that came through access points left open to the elements
No, the damage is caused by transients with no respect, and scrappers.
The 'tourists' and such that I know respect the properties which have been left fallow in the city.
We will never leave abandoned buildings alone.
It is repayment for land speculators holding them in limbo instead of keeping them viable.
Thank the entity who owned the building your employers, don't blame those who do what has been natural to the human species forever.
Sincerely,
John
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gannon
I think the GAR building is in a class of it's own when it comes to ownership. This was not a building left to rot by some speculant in the hopes of selling it for a profit. This was a building left alone for ideologic principals.
Having talked to the new owners on a number of occasions, they are absolutely in love with the building, and never gave up on getting the right to renovate her. Let's hear it for Sean, David & Tom over at Mindfield
Hip, hip, hurrah!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by rb336
They are really great guys. They love the building and the city
John I hope you're full of sarcasm. Because otherwise you read like a someone who doesn't realize the harm trespassing does. Lack of maintenance is a problem yes, but Detroiturbex.com posted a photo of the well sealed "Freepress Building" and it looks pristine. As did the Ford Theater for the most part. Stay the hell out, don't break the law just because someone else [[ie. slumlords) doQuote:
Originally Posted by Gannon
My sentiments exactly. Stay out. Don't open the wormhole so other people a little less caring than you see a potential access.
Sidestory, or maybe not.
Today I was talking to a collegue of mine about the moment that past last week. The last living verified veteran of the first world war died last week and in such the last living link of that conflict between 1914 and 1918 was lost.
It didn't take long to for me to start searching for last veterans of other conflicts. [[Hail Wiki!) It turns out that the last Union soldier lived until 1956. His name was Albert Woolson. And shortly after his death, the GAR movement was dissolved. Figures, since he was the last living member of it....
There's a great panorama picture of Campus Martius at the GAR wiki site.
There were at least two civil war widows who made it into the second millennium, though:
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0908934.html
As many in this thread have stated, a truly beautiful building. I have never lived in Detroit, but parents, grandparents and great grandparents did. When I visited a few years ago to do research at your library, I was struck by what incredibly beautiful buildings you had, sadly standing vacant. I can only hope that as many as possible are saved, because there won't be anything like them again.
New blog from Mindfield
http://gardetroit.posterous.com/
Structural repairs are going well. Years of water getting in through roof has wreaked havoc on the wood in this building. I'm always amazed at the skill of the old carpenters. We're trying to save as much as we can. Old growth lumber sure can take a licken. Neglect a new built for 30 years and you have pile of moosh. Thanks for the Mindfield link
Wow that seemed to take forever. Major structural and roof leaks nearly done. Getting started on the windows soon.Great help from Blight Busters. Have alot of old lumber to do cool stuff with. Found some great artifacts. One being a marble slab thanking Detroit leaders for getting the GAR built.
Sounds great!Quote:
Originally Posted by theklep
It will be a great day in Detroit when this iconic building is restored to its grand beauty.
Sounds like the Historic Fort Wayne Coalition will be partnering with the GAR development...and will be providing uniformed Civil War reenactors for the blg's dedication ceremony planned for Veteran's Day of 2013.
im told that "On the first floor they will have a small cafe
restaurant keeping in the original lease agreements that the GAR had with the
City. The roofing rafters that had to be replaced the wood is being sent to
company that will create furniture of the period the wood is from and the story
of where the wood came from. The main stairs, stair wells and landings walls will be dedicated to decade by decade pictorial history of the Detroit GAR."
Excellent news for the city WaCoTS. There is a lot about Detroit that needs attention, but all of this proves there are people who can and will handle the hard task of saving and enhancing old structures.
I also have to agree with those who say; Keep off private property. I am not a fan of this kind of exploration. For one thing, if you do defend trespassing, you have to expect and accept someone breaking into your house while you are away...
Curbed has new pics of the interior:
http://detroit.curbed.com/archives/2...iture.php#more
The restaurant that recently opened in the G.A.R., Republic, is getting rave reviews on yelp. A great way, if maybe the only way, to experience the building up close and personal while having a great meal. I look forward to eating here sometime soon.
Has this development been discussed on D-Yes before? Last I heard, there was only some talk of replacing the boarded-up GAR exterior with new boards.
http://detroit.curbed.com/archives/2...-furniture.php
It was always obvious to me that the GAR Building [[close to Downtown, Midtown, Foxtown and entertainment venues) was in an ideal location and a manageable re-furb at the same time.
These guys are way ahead of you....
http://gardetroit.org/tag/republic-tavern/
It has been discussed here, but I can't find the thread since the DY facelift.