Midtown Development Updates

**royce** · January-23-23, 11:37 AM

Does anyone know what is supposed to happen to the Third Avenue bridge or lack thereof?

**DetroiterOnTheWestCoast** · January-23-23, 12:03 PM

Originally Posted by Lowell

I drove across the new Second Ave. Bridge over I-94 yesterday. I like how nicely if frames the Fisher Building.

Attachment 42470

Nice shot of the bridge and a nice looking bridge from what I can tell.

**JonWylie** · January-23-23, 12:48 PM

Originally Posted by royce

Does anyone know what is supposed to happen to the Third Avenue bridge or lack thereof?

I'm pretty sure it will be torn down and not rebuilt. The 94 modernization will take up too much room.

**Zacha341** · January-24-23, 07:33 AM

^ It sure was a steep one when active! So the street will be dead-ended there?

**ShadowSoarer** · January-25-23, 02:15 PM

Found this great post on reddit on construction update photos around town. 18 or so photos/projects in Downtown, Midtown, and Corktown:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Detroit/comments/10kgeho/construction_photos_from_around_town/

**ShadowSoarer** · January-26-23, 01:48 PM

Looks like the planning committee is reviewing tax abatement for the AC Hotel. Based on this document it seems like the AC Hotel anticipates breaking ground Spring 2023.

In the meeting also looks like there is also another development called King and Cochrane which is a mixed-use development at 3442 MLK Jr. Blvd.

https://pub-detroitmi.escribemeeting...cumentId=73289

**Margaret's boy** · January-26-23, 02:26 PM

Latest news from Windsor. The Ontario government has announced it will build 30,000 housing units over the next few years. The developers of two 20 storey apartment towers on the former Windsor Chrysler property on Goyeau and Elliot have applied for the city's CIP tax credit. I think Windsors CIP [[community improvement program) was modeled after Detroit. Latest word from city hall is that the tax credit was approved and construction will start later this year. This marks the first time in over 30 years that new high rise housing will be constructed downtown.

**ShadowSoarer** · January-27-23, 02:04 PM

This seems overly ambitious considering they plan to break ground spring 2023 and how slow construction has been going in Detroit [[except Corktown).

The Cambria hotel broke ground in 2019 and was suppose to open in summer of 2022 and is still under construction.

The Godfrey hotel also broke ground in late 2021 and is anticipating to open sometime this year maybe spring/summer and that is considering without delays.

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-e...2024-nfl-draft

$50 million hotel in Brush Park could be ready for 2024 NFL Draft

"The specific dates for the NFL Draft have not yet been announced, but it typically takes place in late April.

"That's why it's so important we move forward at this point," Di Rita said. "We are appreciative of the support of the [[City Council) Planning and Economic Development committee and are hopeful the full council will approve the PA 210."
The project's roots go back years.

In April 2018, it was announced as a hotel concept by boutique furniture retailer West Elm. The furniture brand had in September 2016 said it was pursuing putting the hotel on a Wayne State University-owned site at Cass Avenue and Canfield Street, but those plans collapsed. Then in February 2020, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was revealed that West Elm had been replaced by AC Hotel by Marriott.

A separate but related project also envisions revamping the Bonstelle Theatreimmediately to the south of the hotel site. That project includes a full renovation of the theater to its original 1903 Albert Kahn-designed exterior and 1925 C. Howard Crane-designed interior. It will also include a 4,000-square-foot glass conservatory fronting Woodward Avenue.

To the north of the hotel, a small-format Target Corp. store would be built along with nearly 350 apartments across multiple buildings by Farmington Hills-based City Club Apartments, which is run by Jonathan Holtzman. Construction on that component most recently was expected to begin in December, although work has not yet started. A message was sent to a spokesperson for City Club Apartments seeking an updated timeline. The Target store — which would become the Minneapolis-based retail giant's only location in the city of Detroit — was announced in October 2021 after years of speculation."

**stasu1213** · January-27-23, 02:28 PM

Originally Posted by ShadowSoarer

This seems overly ambitious considering they plan to break ground spring 2023 and how slow construction has been going in Detroit [[except Corktown).

The Cambria hotel broke ground in 2019 and was suppose to open in summer of 2022 and is still under construction.

The Godfrey hotel also broke ground in late 2021 and is anticipating to open sometime this year maybe spring/summer and that is considering without delays.

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-e...2024-nfl-draft

$50 million hotel in Brush Park could be ready for 2024 NFL Draft

"The specific dates for the NFL Draft have not yet been announced, but it typically takes place in late April.

"That's why it's so important we move forward at this point," Di Rita said. "We are appreciative of the support of the [[City Council) Planning and Economic Development committee and are hopeful the full council will approve the PA 210."
The project's roots go back years.

In April 2018, it was announced as a hotel concept by boutique furniture retailer West Elm. The furniture brand had in September 2016 said it was pursuing putting the hotel on a Wayne State University-owned site at Cass Avenue and Canfield Street, but those plans collapsed. Then in February 2020, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was revealed that West Elm had been replaced by AC Hotel by Marriott.

A separate but related project also envisions revamping the Bonstelle Theatreimmediately to the south of the hotel site. That project includes a full renovation of the theater to its original 1903 Albert Kahn-designed exterior and 1925 C. Howard Crane-designed interior. It will also include a 4,000-square-foot glass conservatory fronting Woodward Avenue.

To the north of the hotel, a small-format Target Corp. store would be built along with nearly 350 apartments across multiple buildings by Farmington Hills-based City Club Apartments, which is run by Jonathan Holtzman. Construction on that component most recently was expected to begin in December, although work has not yet started. A message was sent to a spokesperson for City Club Apartments seeking an updated timeline. The Target store — which would become the Minneapolis-based retail giant's only location in the city of Detroit — was announced in October 2021 after years of speculation."

Only in Detroit where a Target Store have to wait on another building to be built in order for it store to be built

**ShadowSoarer** · January-29-23, 11:48 AM

Some Midtown updates [[or lack there of) as of 1/28. Would post here but DetroitYes limits the amount of photos you can post.

https://www.skyscrapercity.com/threads/detroit-development-news.403460/page-313#post-182228745

**stinkytofu** · April-25-23, 10:33 AM

Is it - possible - we're finally seeing progress on the AC Hotel next to the Bonstelle?

Noticed late last week that they had finally demo'd the parking lot. Hoping it's linked to getting this project up and running?

https://www.freep.com/story/money/bu...re/4722084002/

**ShadowSoarer** · April-26-23, 07:19 AM

I believe Crain’s Detroit says that the AC Hotel planned on breaking ground Spring and finishing before the NFL Draft in 2024. In Frankai’s latest Midtown Update videos you can see some ground work going on there. Wrapping up within 1 year seems too optimistic considering that the Cambria is taking at least 3 years now [[was it suppose to open Summer 2022?) and Godfrey at least 2 years. Granted those hotels are larger but still if the AC Hotel is about to wrap it up within 1 year then it makes us question [[not that we don’t already question) why some construction in Detroit seem to take too long [[projects like City Modern taking almost 7 years to complete for example).

**stinkytofu** · April-26-23, 09:17 AM

Drove by again this morning and they were moving dirt again. Seems like a positive.

No chance it's ready for the 2024 draft, but I don't care about that. Just want to see it actually start construction. Between that site, the Target proposal and the failed plans a block north next to the hammer building - Woodward/Mack has generally been a little frustrating

**K-slice** · April-26-23, 09:36 AM

Oh man, clicking in and seeing the OP was a little depressing...

1. Bonstelle Hotel - Who knows
2. The Mid - Probably dead
3. SoMa - Maybe dead
4. Movie Theater - Dead
5. Orchestra Place - At least the storefronts got done...

**masterblaster** · April-26-23, 10:03 AM

Unfortunately, the really interesting $28 million mixed-use CODA project in Brush Park, which was supposed to integrate an old Brush Park Carriage House, has stalled, and all construction equipment and materials have been removed from the site. The contractor/developer demolished the carriage house, deeming it unsalvageable, but now the project might not qualify for certain tax credits it was originally awarded.

https://outliermedia.org/coda-detroi...se-demolition/

A nice victory for Midtown, is that this mixed-use project on West Willis, is wrapping up construction.

https://detroitmi.gov/sites/detroitm...MISSIONNEW.pdf

Also, don't forget about the Detroit Public Theatre, which renovated a building on Third Street into a performing arts center and bar.

https://www.clickondetroit.com/commu...-with-mud-row/

**stasu1213** · April-26-23, 10:27 AM

Originally Posted by ShadowSoarer

I believe Crain’s Detroit says that the AC Hotel planned on breaking ground Spring and finishing before the NFL Draft in 2024. In Frankai’s latest Midtown Update videos you can see some ground work going on there. Wrapping up within 1 year seems too optimistic considering that the Cambria is taking at least 3 years now [[was it suppose to open Summer 2022?) and Godfrey at least 2 years. Granted those hotels are larger but still if the AC Hotel is about to wrap it up within 1 year then it makes us question [[not that we don’t already question) why some construction in Detroit seem to take too long [[projects like City Modern taking almost 7 years to complete for example).

Ground was supposed to be broken this past December. These contractors take so long on one project that they could draw pensions from each

**gratiotfaced** · April-26-23, 12:56 PM

Sad to see CODA stalling, especially after receiving so much hype for design and preservation.

I'm still hopeful we get a movie theater in Greater Downtown, but the pandemic put a real dent into the already dwindling demand for in-person cinema.

SOMA/Target is very frustrating. Frankai posted a video with what may be activity starting, but it's hard to tell if that's for Target or the AC Hotel.

At least the AC Hotel appears to be starting.. This is a very frustrating corner indeed. I suspect Mack is still just 'too far' from the real hearts of downtown and midtown and that's a barrier for investment. The empty arena district doesn't add much either.

**ShadowSoarer** · April-26-23, 02:08 PM

In terms of a movie theater there was an article back in Nov. 2022 that Emagine/Big Sean plans to break ground fall 2023 and complete sometime in 2024. In regards to the City Club Apartments in Midtown is there a higher risk for Target to pull out of the development entirely the longer the development stalls?

**401don** · April-26-23, 02:59 PM

Originally Posted by ShadowSoarer

In terms of a movie theater there was an article back in Nov. 2022 that Emagine/Big Sean plans to break ground fall 2023 and complete sometime in 2024. In regards to the City Club Apartments in Midtown is there a higher risk for Target to pull out of the development entirely the longer the development stalls?

You have to wonder if the increase in random inner city shootings across the country causing Starbucks and other retail chains to close some locations might make Target reconsider if these smaller footprint stores are worth it.

**Gistok** · April-26-23, 03:08 PM

Originally Posted by 401don

You have to wonder if the increase in random inner city shootings across the country causing Starbucks and other retail chains to close some locations might make Target reconsider if these smaller footprint stores are worth it.

San Francisco found an extreme workaround to stealing at their Target...

**gratiotfaced** · April-26-23, 04:34 PM

Originally Posted by 401don

You have to wonder if the increase in random inner city shootings across the country causing Starbucks and other retail chains to close some locations might make Target reconsider if these smaller footprint stores are worth it.

Target announced an urban store in St. Louis at the same time as Detroit’s, and that one is actively under construction today.

Detroit is still listed as a future store on Target’s website. So I don’t think the project has been cancelled.

https://corporate.target.com/about/l...pcoming-stores

**stasu1213** · April-26-23, 04:47 PM

Originally Posted by gratiotfaced

Sad to see CODA stalling, especially after receiving so much hype for design and preservation.

I'm still hopeful we get a movie theater in Greater Downtown, but the pandemic put a real dent into the already dwindling demand for in-person cinema.

SOMA/Target is very frustrating. Frankai posted a video with what may be activity starting, but it's hard to tell if that's for Target or the AC Hotel.

At least the AC Hotel appears to be starting.. This is a very frustrating corner indeed. I suspect Mack is still just 'too far' from the real hearts of downtown and midtown and that's a barrier for investment. The empty arena district doesn't add much either.

Gilbert and Bedrock could flirt with Target to open a City Target on the ground floor of one of their buildings that have an empty large capacity storefront. Target could also do what Rivertown Market had done; build a market anyway without being attached to some condo or apartment complex. Wholefoods had been operating as a stand alone store for 10 years. Some would think that a Target is not a big deal. I would want a place closer to my $100,000 plus condo or $2,000 plus a month apartment that I could purchase household goods, linen and bathroom accessories, and groceries. Target would benefit those who live in the surrounding downtown communities. It would only take a half a year to construct a Target store that can be open before the NFL draft as well. The concept of attaching a national chain store to a development such as a condo or apartment building doesn't work well in Detroit and is usually a bad idea for the retail

**southen** · April-26-23, 06:45 PM

The point of the hotel being completed before the Draft was so they could book the rooms for everyone coming to town. I don't understand why a Target would have such a goal. It isn't going to impress people from out of town nor service those coming for the Draft.

**stasu1213** · April-26-23, 08:44 PM

Originally Posted by southen

The point of the hotel being completed before the Draft was so they could book the rooms for everyone coming to town. I don't understand why a Target would have such a goal. It isn't going to impress people from out of town nor service those coming for the Draft.

True it probably wouldn't please visitors short term. Long term it would please residents and visitors alike. Detroit definitely wasn't ready to host the Superbowl in 2006 eventhough Detroit had 10 years to do so since Archer announced it in 1996. Visitors staying in the city could not find a camera shop downtown that weekend to purchase cameras. The one camera shop that was in the Penobscot Building said that he refused open on the weekend regardless the Superbowl being in town. What an idiot. Many tourist were looking for basic knick knacks during their week long stay the stores like Target or Walmart sell but they had to travel to the suburbs to purchase. Detroit was not and in some cases still not ready for prime time. Only local businesses owned by Illitches, Ford, and Gilbert will put up with this foolishness. Many national businesses probably heard about Detroit's reputation of not getting developments completed in a timely manner and stay clear of this city

**Gistok** · April-26-23, 10:23 PM

^ What are you going on about? Tourists/Visitors coming to Detroit will not be looking for a Target or Walmart! If they want a souvenir they will likely go to one of the souvenir stores such as one of the Pure Detroit locations in Downtown, Midtown or New Center to buy a Tee Shirt, mug, post cards, Pewabic tiles, etc. And who in their right mind will go sight seeing without a camera or cameraphone?

People coming to Detroit as visitors will not be looking for whatever they require going to the suburbs for.

Now people moving into Detroit... that's a different matter, and retail complaints are valid. But generally not with visitors.