Monroe Block Development

**Zads07** · December-17-18, 09:07 AM

Originally Posted by hybridy

Monroe Blocks Flythrough Final

Thanks for posting, this is incredible. The intricate designs incorporated are incredible. I wish there was more about Phase 2, and has me pondering why it wasn't as prominent as Phase 1.

Still sad about the demolition of the theatre. In time I'm sure I'll enjoy the arch incorporated into the design, but for now it really is quite sad.

**Detroitdave** · December-18-18, 03:35 AM

Originally Posted by Zads07

Thanks for posting, this is incredible. The intricate designs incorporated are incredible. I wish there was more about Phase 2, and has me pondering why it wasn't as prominent as Phase 1.

Still sad about the demolition of the theatre. In time I'm sure I'll enjoy the arch incorporated into the design, but for now it really is quite sad.

This could be Detroit’s Rockefeller plaza, I just wish they could save the inner ring of the arch

**Atticus** · December-18-18, 02:50 PM

I just view the Phase 2 as Gilbert’s way of waiting to see what the future downtown market demands. Granted it may only be a year from now when that decision has to be made, but December 2019’s worth of knowledge is still better than today’s knowledge.

To me, the main limiting factor is the underground parking garage. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have to believe they will be including a giant underground garage that will encompass both Monroe Blocks. And for cost and logistical purposes, it makes sense to build that garage for both blocks at the same time. It may take them all of 2019 to excavate the hole to build that underground garage, but once they start building it, they have to at least know the heights of the building going on top of it.

So they probably have until this time next year to decide what to do with Monroe Block Phase 2... because that is likely when the underground garage will start construction in the soon to be excavated big hole.

**Gistok** · December-19-18, 02:18 AM

Originally Posted by Detroitdave

This could be Detroit’s Rockefeller plaza, I just wish they could save the inner ring of the arch

I sent an Email to their link and asked them about the inner ring of the arch since the blue-green accent is Pewabic glazed tile, and the white is Pewabic terra cotta.

If they are dismantling the facade, I can't see them simply throwing away the inner ring detailing, including the fancy medallion at the top. I could see them saving that for another installation elsewhere if indeed the outer and inner ring become separate... but the question does need to be asked of them about salvaging that inner ring.

**gumby** · December-19-18, 09:10 AM

My hope is they might reuse them on the back side of the new arch as that side was never intended to be seen.

Originally Posted by Gistok

I sent an Email to their link and asked them about the inner ring of the arch since th blue-green accent is Pewabic glazed tile, and the white is Pewabic terra cotta.

If they are dismantling the facade, I can't see them simply throwing away the inner ring detailing, including the fancy medallion at the top. I could see them saving that for another installation elsewhere if indeed the outer and inner ring become separate... but the question does need to be asked of them about salvaging that inner ring.

**Detroitdave** · December-19-18, 10:00 AM

Thanks for posting this could you please keep us posted on their response and what the outcome is.
I’m sure there are a few of us who would like to know the outcome and see it put to use somewhere special in the city
thank you again

**Detroitdave** · January-15-19, 07:26 AM

If you hear anything back would you please let me know and keep us posted?
Thanks
Dave

Originally Posted by Gistok

I sent an Email to their link and asked them about the inner ring of the arch since the blue-green accent is Pewabic glazed tile, and the white is Pewabic terra cotta.

If they are dismantling the facade, I can't see them simply throwing away the inner ring detailing, including the fancy medallion at the top. I could see them saving that for another installation elsewhere if indeed the outer and inner ring become separate... but the question does need to be asked of them about salvaging that inner ring.

**Scottathew** · December-13-18, 01:52 PM

I didn't see anything I didn't like. I hope this all comes to fruition, Gilbert hasn't given us a reason to doubt him yet. This development would be substantial. Increasing CBD density is critical to what's happening right now.

**EGrant** · December-13-18, 01:52 PM

Really love the arch, even though its a contentious issue here.

**SammyS** · December-13-18, 02:09 PM

Originally Posted by hybridy

Monroe Blocks Flythrough Final

Love it.
So we’re expecting both Hudson and Monroe to be completed around the same time? I’m amazed they have the workforce

**hybridy** · December-13-18, 04:20 PM

Originally Posted by SammyS

Love it.
So we’re expecting both Hudson and Monroe to be completed around the same time? I’m amazed they have the workforce

between monroe blocks and hudsons that's a shit ton of boutique retail and destination dining that needs to be absorbed at the same time.

seems DG is intentionally timing it so it all comes online in similar time frame

what a coup for the cbd if bedrock pulls it all off. shinola hotel proves they do slick stuff.

**Danny** · December-13-18, 05:19 PM

Delta City USA! OCP Quicken Loans is paying for this project.

**swingline** · December-13-18, 05:36 PM

Mr. Gilbert's Monroe Block seems to be an outstanding project from both an architectural and placemaking standpoint. What an addition to downtown. It makes the Grand Circus Park City Club project, also going up on one of Detroit's most highly prominent sites, look like the amateur hour.

With regard to the Monroe Block, it's hard not to notice the complete absence of discussion this month of Phase 2. Hopefully they will be able to move forward with that project as well.

**Worldsgreatest** · December-13-18, 06:52 PM

Stunningly gorgeous. No other city in America is achieving this kind of high-level design.

**313WX** · December-13-18, 08:19 PM

Originally Posted by Worldsgreatest

...No other city in America is achieving this kind of high-level design.

lol.......

**DetroitSoldier** · December-13-18, 08:47 PM

Originally Posted by Worldsgreatest

Stunningly gorgeous. No other city in America is achieving this kind of high-level design.

I cant tell if you are serious or not. While this is great progress for Detroit, this would be "just another development" in many other cities. That doesnt mean it shouldn't be celebrated here though. Nobody could have imagined something like this just 10 years ago.

**Worldsgreatest** · December-14-18, 10:19 PM

Originally Posted by DetroitSoldier

I cant tell if you are serious or not. While this is great progress for Detroit, this would be "just another development" in many other cities. That doesnt mean it shouldn't be celebrated here though. Nobody could have imagined something like this just 10 years ago.

This is Schmidt Hammer Lassen's first project in the US so there is quite literally nothing else like it in the country. I see very few if any projects that pay as much attention to the pedestrian experience as well as an attractive overall form such as this.

**Mind field** · December-13-18, 08:59 PM

Originally Posted by Worldsgreatest

Stunningly gorgeous. No other city in America is achieving this kind of high-level design.

Wow, you really don't keep up with what's happening in other American cities, do you?

**hybridy** · December-13-18, 07:25 PM

Originally Posted by swingline

Mr. Gilbert's Monroe Block seems to be an outstanding project from both an architectural and placemaking standpoint. What an addition to downtown. It makes the Grand Circus Park City Club project, also going up on one of Detroit's most highly prominent sites, look like the amateur hour.

With regard to the Monroe Block, it's hard not to notice the complete absence of discussion this month of Phase 2. Hopefully they will be able to move forward with that project as well.

Agree. I noticed an intentional absence of the tallish brutalist multifamily tower

**Atticus** · December-13-18, 08:23 PM

The big question I have with this project now is with the [[assumed) underground parking garage that will go with it. And more specifically, the footprint of said parking garage.

For the record, I have not seen any announcement that indicated an underground parking garage is part of the Monroe Blocks project, rather I just assumed it. Anyway, assuming there is an underground parking portion... will that garage have a footprint of just phase 1, or will it be one giant underground garage that extends over to the phase 2 block?

Reason being, if the garage doesn't extend to the phase 2 block, it doesn't force Bedrocks hand just yet on some of the design for block 2. However if it is built as one giant garage, which would seem most logical and cost effective, the footing placement and support beams for the cores of block 2 would need to be established now. Hence the lengthy post for a rather simple question.

**royce** · December-14-18, 06:35 AM

I like the look of the tower[[s). The "place-making" to me is a bit redundant. You have Cadillac Square Park and Campus Martius Park right there for "place-making," why add more behind the buildings? And, the set back of the buildings along Cadillac Square just adds more sidewalk that's not needed. Also, it appears that Farmer Street is going to be closed off. Not a major issue, I'm just surprised no one mentioned it.

**Scottathew** · December-14-18, 07:37 AM

Originally Posted by royce

Also, it appears that Farmer Street is going to be closed off. Not a major issue, I'm just surprised no one mentioned it.

I'm not 100% solid on this, but I believe I heard that the theater facade\arch is being moved to Farmer to be a pedestrian entryway.

**EGrant** · December-14-18, 10:04 AM

Originally Posted by 48307

I'm not 100% solid on this, but I believe I heard that the theater facade\arch is being moved to Farmer to be a pedestrian entryway.

Yeah that's what the fly-through video shows.

**southen** · December-14-18, 09:17 AM

Originally Posted by royce

I like the look of the tower[[s). The "place-making" to me is a bit redundant. You have Cadillac Square Park and Campus Martius Park right there for "place-making," why add more behind the buildings? And, the set back of the buildings along Cadillac Square just adds more sidewalk that's not needed. Also, it appears that Farmer Street is going to be closed off. Not a major issue, I'm just surprised no one mentioned it.

That area is one of the few where people congregate daily and it is typically swamped. Adding 1000+ residents and several thousand more workers to that specific area is only going to make it more congested. I think adding another plaza, which looks to be mainly a retail promenade, isn't a bad thing.

**DetroitGuy423** · December-14-18, 11:33 AM

Originally Posted by royce

I like the look of the tower[[s). The "place-making" to me is a bit redundant. You have Cadillac Square Park and Campus Martius Park right there for "place-making," why add more behind the buildings? And, the set back of the buildings along Cadillac Square just adds more sidewalk that's not needed. Also, it appears that Farmer Street is going to be closed off. Not a major issue, I'm just surprised no one mentioned it.

Adding in all that residential and office space [[plus the Hudson's Building too), you'd have to stand in line to breathe at Campus Martius without additional plazas and parks to help spread the usage around.