Anyone Live/Lived in the Fyfe Building or other downtown lofts/apartments?

[mikeg19]

I'm looking around downtown at either lofts/ apartments. I'm not looking for something overly nice, as I'm 25 and my professional career is just taking off and I don't wanna take on more than I can chew at this point. I'm looking for either a large studio or small 1 bed apartment. I don't wanna have to pay more than $800 a month for everything [[rent, utilities, etc) and I see a few places in the downtown area that may fit the bill, including some lofts just barely outside of the immediate CBD. Can you guys give me some suggestions? Places worth taking a look at instead of wasting my time because the building is a hell hole or it's in a rough neighborhood.

[BrushStart]

It's really hard to live downtown for $800/mo out the door. There's really only 2 buildings that come to mind, the Fyfe and Cadillac Square Apts. When I called a few weeks ago, the Fyfe had an indefinite wait-list. I don't know about the availability of Cadillac Square, and while the location is awesome, the building is not the best, so you may need to check it out for yourself.

If you have a car, you can expect to pay between $55-85/mo for a secured spot. I'd highly recommend buying a spot in a garage to deter break-ins and so you don't get tickets and/or plowed in during the winter.

To be honest, you really need to have around $1,200+/mo to spend on rent/utilities/cable/parking to live downtown comfortably. Detroit is not cheap anymore.

If your limit is $800 or less, you should really consider Midtown, New Center, Lafayette Park, or E. Riverfront. Even then, you'll be pushing the top of your price range, but you won't need to pay for parking and rents generally drop off a bit outside of the CBD. Hamtramck is really the best value, or perhaps something in Woodbridge, Mexicantown, or West Village.

You should check these links:

http://www.downtowndetroit.org/ddp/housing-lease.htm

http://detroitmidtown.com/05/midtown.php

http://newcenter.com/housing.htm

[English]

For $800, I'd try Midtown instead. Right now there just isn't a whole lot in the CBD for that price, not even 1 bedrooms. I second the recommendation of checking out the UCCA site. This winter when I was looking, there were places in the Art Center area for around that much. Also, if you're willing to rent a flat or carriage home, you'd be surprised at how many "eds and meds" types have places available. You only need ask around.

Also, you may want to look at the Parkstone or Parkhurst in Indian Village, which are both in that range. I almost moved there in my early 20s.

[mikeg19]

Guess I'll have to keep searching around and wait to move downtown for now.. Thanks for the info guys. I'll check out these links.

[downtownguy]

Dennis Keffalinos' management style is much maligned, but if you're willing to deal with it, he's got loft developments in and around the CBD in your price range. Just be warned, affordability comes with some sacrifice in service.
http://www.loftplace.com/2010/

Also, there a few places in Lafayette Park that might come in near your budget. These two complexes are just a block or two from I-375:

Jean Rivard Apartments
http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/a...I-48207-212520

Carlton Apartments
http://www.apartmentguide.com/apartm...rtments/80246/

The Pavillion high-rise is probably the most affordable of the Mies van der Rohe apartments in Lafayette Park:
http://www.thepaviliondetroit.com/

Washington Square Apartments advertise in your price range:
http://www.villagegreen.com/Apartmen..._info/property[id]/18001/

For fun, you might also check out the Claridge Apartments across the street. It's been years since I've been in there, but it's a cool in a kitchy-sort-of-way building. I have no idea what rents go for there.

Don't know what the Fyfe is going for these days. I haven't been there in years, either. The views were spectacular, and it doesn't have many units, so my guess is it may be a bit pricey.

Finally, pick up a copy of the free Detroit Monitor/New Monitor newspaper somewhere downtown. They always have a pretty good classified section for Detroit real estate and rentals.

Good luck!

Edit: One other idea. Look at the Atlas Building on Gratiot and Russell [[313-841-2525). I think you might find something there for around $800, but they don't turn over that often. It's a great old building, though. One of the first true authentic loft apartments in Detroit. Eastern Market is right across the street and the CBD just a few blocks away.

[Jowlska]

I was recently looking for places downtown as well in the same price range and looked at fyfe, washington sq. and cadilac sq. and lafayette pavillion. Lafayette was my favorite but they didn't have any one br available and put me on a waitlist. Washington Sq was very nice too, but had no 1 br and I was also waitlisted. Washington sq said that the cheapest unit was $725 plus utilities. It's been over 2 months, and I haven't heard from them, so I figure they have a long list to get in. I decided that for the money, Woodbridge was better and I will have a 1br with a porch for way less than anything downtown.

[brizee]

I'm in the same boat

Maybe this website can help: http://detroitlivedowntown.org/

I'm looking at Washington Square, Cadillac Square.

I really fell for Harmonie Park due to a work sponsored tour a few weeks back. I wanted to live Downtown anyway and wasn't up on it.

I'd be cool with Corktown/Midtown.

My only issues are 1. Being able to get the downtown vibe easily. 2. Secure parking.

Things that would be a non-issue if we had a real Goddamn transportation system

[Jowlska]

I also looked at the Park Avenue House which is $425ish, and I know there is the Lehland Apts, that are more affordable, and maybe the Park Apartments, but I haven't heard many good reviews of these places.

The buses are not great, but I take the buses everyday and they get me to where I'm going. As long as you are traveling between 6am and 6pm M-F, the buses on the main roads will come about every 15 to 20 mins usually. And biking half of the year from the surrounding neighborhoods to downtown is only about 10-15 minutes.

[DetBill]

1300 lafayette might have some sub leases on 1 bedroom places, there are some units available for sub lease [[ this is a purchase building which makes it all the better ) , the fees will be right in your target range,, a good deal for sure,, and you can walk, which is good excercise also. You can contact the office or Vasileff Reality which is located in the building itself and has a list of units for sale and sublease.

[mikeg19]

My interest in Lafayette Park has piqued a bit. I hadn't really even considered them. How is the parking situation over there? Gated at least I would hope? That's probably my main concern for some of these places. I've also checked out a couple of lofts in the area and wanted to take a walk through of a couple. Milwaukee Park looks pretty decent, as do a couple places on the west riverfront between the Ren Cen and Ambassador Bridge. Anyone know of any nice lofts in the area as well?

[noenaim]

I lived in Cadillac Sq apt. in the early 2000s I had a decent one bedroom for $500 a month, but the building is kind of dumpy. My rent had to paid in money order [[no checks) that should say lot the type of people who live there.
I now live at Lafayette Towers [[across from 1300) this was once one of the better apartments in the city. The building has gone through some ownership changes over the past few years , and has seen better days. Lately though things do seem to be getting better. We have parking garage and lot of outside parking [[I had to wait for spot to open in the garage when first moved here) It is affordable and unlike 1300 and other downtown residences this is not a co-op or condo.

[English]

I'm on the Loft Warehouse's mailing list. They're doing a Live Downtown tour on Saturday, August 27th:

http://theloftwarehouse.com/

The folks over there know the CBD market very well. I'd chat with them.

[Planner3357]

Kales is nice. But we pay between 8-9 for a one bedroom. Parking and water included. There is a long waiting list so I hear.

Fyfe needs some major renovations. That building could be so much nicer.

[corktownyuppie]

this thread gives me real optimism for the midtown/cbd area. Development is slow and tricky, but the investor are getting well-rewarded. In 5-10 years, another handful of high-rises built out, we just might see the core of an actual city starting to form.

[casscorridor]

The prices for apartments downtown are too high for what you get. Maybe if downtown was vibrant with foot traffic late into the night, and a few decent grocery stores within walking distance. But downtown is sort desolate and spooky at night, and most people probably drive to get their groceries... not really what people are looking in an urban experience.

[corktownyuppie]

The prices for apartments downtown are too high for what you get. Maybe if downtown was vibrant with foot traffic late into the night, and a few decent grocery stores within walking distance. But downtown is sort desolate and spooky at night, and most people probably drive to get their groceries... not really what people are looking in an urban experience.

Not discounting your experience...here is how I do the comps.

[[1) Equivalent [[or less) price than downtown Royal Oak. Definitely downtown Birmingham.
[[2) Walk to Tiger Games, Fox Theatre...close drive to DIA, cultural district, musicals
[[3) Much more diversity. It's not all 20-30 something MSU grads. [[no offense to my MSU brethren)
[[4) Proximity to DTW and every major highway artery. When doing client visits, I like being no more than 15-20 minutes from every suburb. Ever do the drive from downtown Royal Oak into Plymouth? That's easily 1 hour +
[[5) For undergrad and grad students...pretty good living and close to campus
[[6) Decent percentage of highly educated population.
[[7) Being a part of something and shaping the community. Every victory in downtown Detroit is a victory for the entire region and state.

That said...are we pioneers? Yes. And being a pioneer means getting in early and dealing with the BS of being an early adopter. I assure you, when Grand Circus Park is full, vibrant, without any vacant buildings on the perimeter, it's not going to be $800-900 for 1 bdrm apartment.

[English]

Not discounting your experience...here is how I do the comps.

[[1) Equivalent [[or less) price than downtown Royal Oak. Definitely downtown Birmingham.
[[2) Walk to Tiger Games, Fox Theatre...close drive to DIA, cultural district, musicals
[[3) Much more diversity. It's not all 20-30 something MSU grads. [[no offense to my MSU brethren)
[[4) Proximity to DTW and every major highway artery. When doing client visits, I like being no more than 15-20 minutes from every suburb. Ever do the drive from downtown Royal Oak into Plymouth? That's easily 1 hour +
[[5) For undergrad and grad students...pretty good living and close to campus
[[6) Decent percentage of highly educated population.
[[7) Being a part of something and shaping the community. Every victory in downtown Detroit is a victory for the entire region and state.

That said...are we pioneers? Yes. And being a pioneer means getting in early and dealing with the BS of being an early adopter. I assure you, when Grand Circus Park is full, vibrant, without any vacant buildings on the perimeter, it's not going to be $800-900 for 1 bdrm apartment.

Correct on all counts. Once we get the public transportation piece solved, you won't be able to afford to live in the CBD unless you're a double income household or have one or more roommates. The price points are already unbelievable, especially in Midtown and the CBD, for anything that has security and off-street parking.

[DetBill]

Gosh, Cass, you and I must live in different parts of downtown,, from Lafayette its extrememly crowded quite often, tons of foot traffic, and enorrmous amounts of car traffic, I look at it every minute of the day Im home. from the 17th floor overlooking greektown and the stadiums and downtown. I just walk over to greektown and woodward area/ casinos and the riverfront for that matter and its very crowded..Its getting very slow to bike through the riverwalk due to high pedestrian traffic anymore.
As for groceries we now have one right across the street in the plaza and its great, or on saturdays I walk over to Eastern Market which is packed. most of the stores there are open all week long.. That scenario of downtown being dead might have been fine 5 years ago but it most certainly isnt now,, I can't often even get off the service drive at lafayette as its backed up terrilby for events/ games/casinos/ concerts etc, so I go around in the back way to the Lafayette Park area.
My out of town friend from cleveland keeps saying to me when he drives in that ÿou certainly cant call Downtown Detroit quiet at night "" I agree.. Just look out of my window on my 17th floor at the city, Its very busy.

[casscorridor]

- Lafayette park isn't really downtown and Lafayette Foods is too far from where most of the downtown apartments are to be considered walking distance.
- Events/games/casinos/concerts all cater to suburban "tourists"
- DIA and the other museums in Midtown are amazing, but its not a daily amenity, rather an occasional attraction. But again, this caters mostly to people living outside greater downtown/midtown
- Sure there is a lot of traffic on Woodward or Jefferson, but those are mostly people from the suburbs trying to get to/from their respective venue/ballpark and to/from their respective freeway and to/from their respective suburb
- getting to the airport is easy in a car, but good luck getting there by bus.
- CVS on Woodward closes at 7 weekdays and 6 on weekends.
- Still unclear where to buy socks and underwear besides dollar stores
- Yeah, there is more diversity than your average Detroit suburb, but to someone who is used to other major cities, Detroit seems intensely segregated and unwelcoming to difference.
- Yeah, there is some foot traffic for clubs at night, and lunchtime during the week, but you have to remember this the DOWNTOWN of a MAJOR AMERICAN CITY. We should expect more.

I understand what y'all are saying, Downtown has improved over the last decade, and early "pioneers" know they have deal with the shittiness until investment reaches critical mass, and the light-rail certainly will help [[probably the single most important project on the horizon). But the rest of the city/metro continues to sink into oblivion. There has been almost zero effort to reverse this, which would require massive investment by the state and federal governments to rebuild our urban neighborhoods. But clearly, that is not going to happen under our current political climate, or any administration so long as democrats/republicans [[the capitalist one party dictatorship) reign.

Not trying to be a cynic, just realist. I want the city to be rebuilt just like anyone else, but that won't happen, outside of a tiny area [[and for a select, elite class of people) until RADICAL changes are made on a national/global scale.

Detroit is an industrial city, one of the last places where things are actually produced, and when America stops making things, industrial cities die. Plain and simple.

[Islandman]

Agreed on all points, cc.

[tarynd85]

Cass, I also have to disagree with you. I live in Washington Square Apartments. Our rent is $725 a month. Not including parking or anything. Compared to any other large city, even Royal Oak...that is a GREAT deal. We have a market on our first floor that has great hours, and we walk to bars or clubs on the weekend. Walk to Tigers games and events. I love being able to take advantage of the low rental price.

[corktownyuppie]

Not trying to be a cynic, just realist. I want the city to be rebuilt just like anyone else, but that won't happen, outside of a tiny area [[and for a select, elite class of people) until RADICAL changes are made on a national/global scale.

Detroit is an industrial city, one of the last places where things are actually produced, and when America stops making things, industrial cities die. Plain and simple.

Well that's where are visions diverge. Detroit may have been an industrial city in the past. But it's future lies elsewhere. Either the people here will change their mindset, or the city will change when those people move away or die.

That select, elite class of people you refer to is the core of the new Detroit. People don't build things. Machines do. So the people need to find a new way of making a living. Either they invent the machines, or they make them better. The attitude for higher education in this state is abysmal. It's time to leave the 50s, 60s, and 70s behind us.

[casscorridor]

Corktown Yuppie, I hate to get this off track from a topic, but your comments are very troubling. Yours is the type of attitude that will generate great animosity from native Detroiters toward newcomers.

The yuppie ideology is improving a neighborhood for himself, to ignore current residents grievances, to disregard their history, and to look the other way when they get forced out. The yuppie improves the physical aesthetics of the neighborhood by renovating housing and adding new grocery stores, coffee shops and retail stores. But all to serve himself, not existing residents. The yuppie is happy when the existing residents "move away or die."

They yuppie also has a skewed worldview, which is directly related to his privileged experience. "People don't build things. Machines do." I'm confused by this statement, are there not millions of people working in factories around the world producing things you rely on? They may not be in America, more likely a country in the global south where wages are low and workers can be easily exploited [[and increasingly in prisons right here in the good ol' USA). Although automation is growing, most things are still produced by human workers. Try living life without these hard-working people. I know the yuppie can't.

Things will continue to be produced by real humans far into the future, regardless of new innovations in automation. Capital is worthless without labor. Where do you think the wealth of America [[and the yuppie lifestyle) comes from? It came from exploitation on a mass scale, starting with the pillaging of native Americans and their land, continuing with mass enslavement of Africans, and now wage slavery. It would be impossible for a billionaire to "work" for his wealth, he must instead exploit someone else. They yuppie will help him, because he will be rewarded with a comfortable lifestyle.

This doesn't mean we must exploit others to have a wholesome, meaningful and comfortable life.You don't need a billion dollars for that. No, we can all have dignified and creative jobs and share in the labor to create this good life. We can all have good and plentiful housing, food, health and leisure, without any exploitation or oppression at all. We just have to take private productive property out of the hands of the 1% of the world, and redistribute the wealth so everyone has ownership and a democratic say in their workplace, their neighborhood, their government and the economy as a whole. But yuppie finds this too radical, he would rather donate to charity because it makes him feel good, it takes the guilt out of living his yuppie life when people are exploited all around him.

You say "either the people here will change their mindset, or the city will change when those people move away or die." I say, people here will change their mindset and knock the capitalist pigs off their ass, and rebuild the city and the world in a way that is just, equitable and democratic for all. They will let you join them, but only if you work and contribute like everyone else, rather than just leeching off other peoples work.

If you don't like it, take your yuppie ideology to a deserted island where there will be no people to exploit and no environment to destroy. The yuppie, in the end [[I hope) will choose to join the people.

[donpablo]

Corktown Yuppie, I hate to get this off track from a topic, but your comments are very troubling. Yours is the type of attitude that will generate great animosity from native Detroiters toward newcomers.

The yuppie ideology is improving a neighborhood for himself, to ignore current residents grievances, to disregard their history, and to look the other way when they get forced out. The yuppie improves the physical aesthetics of the neighborhood by renovating housing and adding new grocery stores, coffee shops and retail stores. But all to serve himself, not existing residents. The yuppie is happy when the existing residents "move away or die."

They yuppie also has a skewed worldview, which is directly related to his privileged experience. "People don't build things. Machines do." I'm confused by this statement, are there not millions of people working in factories around the world producing things you rely on? They may not be in America, more likely a country in the global south where wages are low and workers can be easily exploited [[and increasingly in prisons right here in the good ol' USA). Although automation is growing, most things are still produced by human workers. Try living life without these hard-working people. I know the yuppie can't.

Things will continue to be produced by real humans far into the future, regardless of new innovations in automation. Capital is worthless without labor. Where do you think the wealth of America [[and the yuppie lifestyle) comes from? It came from exploitation on a mass scale, starting with the pillaging of native Americans and their land, continuing with mass enslavement of Africans, and now wage slavery. It would be impossible for a billionaire to "work" for his wealth, he must instead exploit someone else. They yuppie will help him, because he will be rewarded with a comfortable lifestyle.

This doesn't mean we must exploit others to have a wholesome, meaningful and comfortable life.You don't need a billion dollars for that. No, we can all have dignified and creative jobs and share in the labor to create this good life. We can all have good and plentiful housing, food, health and leisure, without any exploitation or oppression at all. We just have to take private productive property out of the hands of the 1% of the world, and redistribute the wealth so everyone has ownership and a democratic say in their workplace, their neighborhood, their government and the economy as a whole. But yuppie finds this too radical, he would rather donate to charity because it makes him feel good, it takes the guilt out of living his yuppie life when people are exploited all around him.

You say "either the people here will change their mindset, or the city will change when those people move away or die." I say, people here will change their mindset and knock the capitalist pigs off their ass, and rebuild the city and the world in a way that is just, equitable and democratic for all. They will let you join them, but only if you work and contribute like everyone else, rather than just leeching off other peoples work.

If you don't like it, take your yuppie ideology to a deserted island where there will be no people to exploit and no environment to destroy. The yuppie, in the end [[I hope) will choose to join the people.

That was beautiful. We need a "like" button on Detroit YES

[Hypestyles]

anybody know who/what owns that abandoned apartment building on E. Jefferson, right next to Bob Maxey Ford Dealer, says "Somerset" on the front arch?
...and what about that abandoned building that used to be the YWCA a few blocks down from it..