Developers anticipate MDOT property development request in New Center

[MSUguy]

Armed with nearly 3.1 acres of property ready for a new intermodal transit center along the M-1 Rail line, the Michigan Department of Transportation is expected to issue a request for proposals or qualifications this quarter that could lead the way for a new mixed-use development in the New Center area.

Local developers have been looking forward to the possibilities offered by the site on the west side of Woodward Avenue between Amsterdam Street to the south and Baltimore Avenue to the north.
In addition to the intermodal transit center, which is expected to replace an existing Amtrak station on the site once it's demolished, developers and MDOT see the potential for new multifamily and retail components on the property, which is bisected by railroad tracks.


MDOT purchased the land from General Motors Co. in 1994 for $889,000, said Michael Frezell, communications manager for the department.

The intermodal transit center would accommodate “both intercity and proposed commuter rail, the M-1 Rail, intercity bus, local transit and future bus rapid transit [[BRT),” Frezell said in an email.There will be air space above the facility. What would the private sector do with that opportunity? The concept would be that they could benefit from the transportation purposes from large numbers of people there and that we can benefit from cost sharing and savings because of the private sector development.”

Didn't see this coming with the right developer this has the potential to be one of the most transformative projects in the greater downtown.

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article...-in-new-center

[bust]

Didn't see this coming with the right developer this has the potential to be one of the most transformative projects in the greater downtown.

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article...-in-new-center

Yeah, this can be great. We can't wait for Detroit's recovery to spread to the outlying neighborhoods, but for that we need to build a tax base and healthier economy, first. This would be another step in that direction. And better transit would be a huge help, for everyone, in so many ways. Let's hope it happens. Getting closer to critical mass....

[casscorridor]

Didn't see this coming with the right developer this has the potential to be one of the most transformative projects in the greater downtown.

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article...-in-new-center

This can be a "transformative" opportunity to build a quality landmark station, or a huge disappointment. I'm not getting my hopes up.

With that said, here is what I think should happen

1) squeeze at least one additional set of tracks, which given the massive ROW, does not seem like much of a problem. This way, freight trains can bypass the station. This can be done to the entire length of track for any commuter service as well, at significant cost of course.

2) covered and heated concourse to protect from rain and snow

3) station ticket hall which can include waiting areas, information, shops and restrooms.

4) easy interchange with M1 rail and other future services [[i.e. stairway from platform leading to street level)

[emu steve]

Yeah, this can be great. We can't wait for Detroit's recovery to spread to the outlying neighborhoods, but for that we need to build a tax base and healthier economy, first. This would be another step in that direction. And better transit would be a huge help, for everyone, in so many ways. Let's hope it happens. Getting closer to critical mass....

Here is the Freep article posted in another thread about the outlying neighborhoods...

http://www.freep.com/story/news/loca...oods/79060134/

[bust]

Here is the Freep article posted in another thread about the outlying neighborhoods...

http://www.freep.com/story/news/loca...oods/79060134/

Thanks Steve. Proof it's not always a prerequisite, it can happen concurrently.