State Fairgrounds Now The Magic Fairgrounds [[See What I Did There?)

[Khorasaurus]

The fair moved to Novi and it ain't moving back.

The fair in Novi isn't really even a fair. It's carnival rides in a parking lot. Are there are even animals or anything at the "Great Lakes State Fair"?

[Tramhamck]

Originally Posted by catalogofoddities
I think it's also worth noting that they've already shown interest in opening other stores in Detroit:

http://www.freep.com/story/money/bus...roit/15822907/

Why? Will taxpayers be on the hook for another $4.2m in subsidies for a second store?

It's worth noting because we're speculating on what tenants might sign on to this development and Whole Foods has been mentioned as a possibility. So it's pertinent to keep in mind that they have already talked about their intention to open another store in the city. That's all. You're projecting intent onto my comment.

[DetroiterOnTheWestCoast]

http://detroit.curbed.com/archives/2...foods.php#more

It is nice to see that preserving some of the best buildings is more of a priority.

[davewindsor]

It's worth noting because we're speculating on what tenants might sign on to this development and Whole Foods has been mentioned as a possibility. So it's pertinent to keep in mind that they have already talked about their intention to open another store in the city. That's all. You're projecting intent onto my comment.

And my response is, "So what?"

What's so great that it's worth noting another retail business that has to be subsidized to exist?

$4.1m could also subsidize another 41 Subway Franchises across the city. It would also bring in jobs and taxes and fill in vacant storefronts. So what?

[ABetterDetroit]

The fair in Novi isn't really even a fair. It's carnival rides in a parking lot. Are there are even animals or anything at the "Great Lakes State Fair"?

Yes they do have lots of animals. It is held at the suburban collection showplace in Novi and they have a 214,000 sq. ft. building and it is packed full of animals including the show rings etc. You can get in the pens and play with piglets and pet cows as much as your nostrils can take. I know this because I have attended. The event is far better answer than for the state to hemorrhage a couple million dollars a day for 2 weeks because people have fond memories of something that they used to go to way back when...

[Towne Cluber]

The fair in Novi isn't really even a fair. It's carnival rides in a parking lot. Are there are even animals or anything at the "Great Lakes State Fair"?

It's a real fair. There are animals. When the State Fairgrounds wasn't in use [[as well as when it ultimately closed), it was used as a parking lot.

http://michiganstatefairllc.com/

[CrashDummy]

It's a real fair. There are animals. When the State Fairgrounds wasn't in use [[as well as when it ultimately closed), it was used as a parking lot.

http://michiganstatefairllc.com/

He's right. It is a real fair. The fairgrounds was the only thing that made it cool. Now that it is gone, we can finally appreciate how lame a state fair really is.

[warsaw7]

for the development of the apartments.

Aren't these the same dickheads that are working on the "Orleans Landing Project?" Which correct me if I am wrong, shouldn't we be seeing some progress now? http://detroit.curbed.com/archives/2...-labor-day.php

[animatedmartian]

Aren't these the same dickheads that are working on the "Orleans Landing Project?" Which correct me if I am wrong, shouldn't we be seeing some progress now? http://detroit.curbed.com/archives/2...-labor-day.php

Not really sure what makes them dickheads, but that site used to be an industrial area and was contaminated. They have to clean it up before anyone can live there. So yes, there is progress.

[emu steve]

Sorry, if I'm getting confused, but is this the first time I've heard/read 'Fairgrounds' and "Gilbert' in the same sentence?

"DETROIT, MI - Joel Ferguson of Magic Plus LLC said Wednesday that Dan Gilbert and Rock Ventures LLC are involved in talks surrounding the redevelopment of the former Michigan State Fairgrounds site."

http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/in..._story_package

[Dexlin]

Sorry, if I'm getting confused, but is this the first time I've heard/read 'Fairgrounds' and "Gilbert' in the same sentence?

"DETROIT, MI - Joel Ferguson of Magic Plus LLC said Wednesday that Dan Gilbert and Rock Ventures LLC are involved in talks surrounding the redevelopment of the former Michigan State Fairgrounds site."

http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/in..._story_package

This was in the news a few days ago, and the other partners in the development immediately denied that Gilbert has been involved in any way. Sounds to me that Ferguson is doing his own thing and didn't inform the others who he's been talking to. I think that since the other partners came out against this so vociferously, this will probably be about the extent to which Gilbert will be involved. Ferguson spoke out of school and kind of blew that option up by doing so. lol

I'd appreciate it, too, if Gilbert stays in his lane and finishes the large meal he has on his own plate instead of going for another. He is dangerously close to sticking his spoons into too many pots.

[mikeg19]

Aren't these the same dickheads that are working on the "Orleans Landing Project?" Which correct me if I am wrong, shouldn't we be seeing some progress now? http://detroit.curbed.com/archives/2...-labor-day.php

I believe that Orleans Landing currently is in the soil remediation phase of the project, as I think someone on here posted photos of worktrucks out there performing tests not too long ago. I believe that construction was to start this year on it.

[warsaw7]

Not really sure what makes them dickheads, but that site used to be an industrial area and was contaminated. They have to clean it up before anyone can live there. So yes, there is progress.

Sorry my language was a wee-bit too colorful, I was just under the impression that they were to break ground last year. My understanding of breaking ground actually meant construction/excavating..... honest mistake, not to mention this deep freeze is really getting to me.