Richard Branson - Virgin Galactic Trip

[Zads07]

I'm surprised there hasn't been a thread started about Branson's quick trip to Detroit. Anyways, DBusiness has a question and answer piece and it seems Branson is looking to invest in Detroit.

A possible Virgin Hotel in Detroit.

http://www.dbusiness.com/daily-news/...-Virgin-Hotel/

That sounds pretty cool to me. Where would the best spot be for his Virgin Hotel, in everyone's opinion?

His Chicago Hotel is right Downtown on N. Wabash Ave. https://www.google.com/maps/place/Vi...8e07391b5c88cb

[ABetterDetroit]

Book Tower would make a pretty sweet hotel. A partner to develop apartments in the Book Building simultaneously would help make the size of the project more manageable.

[archfan]

He's sort of spoiled for choices, if he wants to spend some money. My favorite would be the Metropolitan Building - in the middle of downtown, and early enough in its renovation that an investment/commitment could a lot of influence. I'm sure Gilbert would welcome a high profile partner for the Stott building, too.

Farther afield, if he could pry the United Artist building from Illitch's clutches, he would have a theater to fix up, too.

Finally, it seems only a matter of time before someone kicks out the section 8 residents of the Industrial and Washington Blvd buildings, and goes market rate - for better or worse. The lower half of one of those might make a good hotel.

[southen]

Book Tower would be cool but I think I would like to see a mix of hotel and residential on the Madison-Lenox site. Something with a bit of a modern flair that could really anchor the Harmonie Park neighborhood. The recent improvements to the DAC and streetscape there, as well as proximity to entertainment venues, could really make that a prime location for a development like a Virgin Hotel.

[downtownguy]

Based on it's past reputation, wouldn't a Virgin Hotel be good for the Cass Corridor?

[Hypestyles]

hopefully all the theoretical investments he talks about end up happening.

[mikeg19]

Another billionaire looking to throw money at Detroit? That'd be fantastic. Especially one such as Branson who deals with a lot of international players who might jump on his investment bandwagon. Having said that, nothing is eminent, and the guy has so many irons in the fire that I don't think this is a priority for him. But time will tell.

[Hypestyles]

Another intriguing angle is if he were to buy into expandingthe M-1 Rail service, and/or starting up something like “Virgin Rapid Transit”,especially for transportation to downtown Detroit directly from the MetroAirport.

[rbdetsport]

Another intriguing angle is if he were to buy into expandingthe M-1 Rail service, and/or starting up something like “Virgin Rapid Transit”,especially for transportation to downtown Detroit directly from the MetroAirport.

That is actually a really great idea! Granted, he is in the business of making money, but this could definitely be a philanthropy idea for him..