Demolition of long-vacant shopping complex in Detroit approved

[Airforceguy]

Judge Leslie Kim Smith issued the order last week in Wayne County Circuit Court, allowing remediation work and removal of asbestos at the three-story, 135,000-square-foot structure to proceed immediately prior to demolition, according to a copy of the order.

It affirms the receiver’s recommendation for the West Grand River Avenue property and marks a victory for the city of Detroit, which sued building owners in April 2023 to have it demolished. Southfield-based attorney Charles Bullock was appointed as the receiver in the case.“I am pleased that the court agreed with my report and recommendation,” Bullock said in an email to Crain’s. “The property has been vacant for nearly 25 years and exposed to the elements. I am of the firm opinion that the condition of the property is such that due to the extensive and ongoing structural deterioration, rehabilitation of the building is not feasible and demolition is the only responsible path forward.”



The city will pay for all remediation and demolition costs — “provided, however, such payment is without prejudice to the city’s right to seek reimbursement from any third parties, including the defendant,” the order said.

It is not clear when demolition would start or how much it would cost. Crain’s inquired with the city for more information.

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-e...lding-approved

[Honky Tonk]

Looks like a mammoth undertaking.

[Cincinnati_Kid]

That was the old Federal's department store back in the day.

[Zacha341]

^ Yep. I remember my parents taking me there.

Imagine there was also a Good Housekeeping Store and Cunningham's Drugs not too far also on Grand River!

[preserve]

I thought that was Federal's I also remember Sander's just west of there Been a long time since I lived in Grandmont

[Danny]

Good bye Kingsway.

[Meddle]

[crainsdetroit.com

Still stealin' from Crain's I see.

[13606Cedargrove]

What am I missing here? Does this building have some historical or cultural significance?

[Zacha341]

^ That whole intersection [not just that building] was once a bustling shopping area for Detroit. It was alternative to the then newer Northland if you just needed a few thing and not a larger mall experience.

This corner was easy to access for those on the buss. Straight shot on the Grand River line. That time is long over - building needs to go.

[Zacha341]

Hah! I remember Kingsway at that location and elsewhere. Recall when they had a store in one of the Packard Plant buildings facing East Grand Boulevard with the over the street walk-way. The ceiling leaked alot.

Good bye Kingsway.

[Meddle]

^ That whole intersection [not just that building] was once a bustling shopping area for Detroit.

We'd spend a whole day there. Federal's, Monkey Wards, Kresges, Sanders and all kinds of other cool stores. I still have a bunch of LPs I bought at Wards.

[13606Cedargrove]

Now I get it. The area sounds almost exactly like the shopping area at Seven Mile and Gratiot - a very successful venue and gathering place for the residents of the area for decades before the decline of the neighborhood. My pals and I spent a lot of time and money there.

[takascar]

That was the old Federal's department store back in the day.

You mean there was one that Steven West didn't burn?

[Dan Wesson]

Hah! I remember Kingsway at that location and elsewhere. Recall when they had a store in one of the Packard Plant buildings facing East Grand Boulevard with the over the street walk-way. The ceiling leaked alot.

In the 60's that was an Arlan's Department Store with the entrance under the overpass on the south end.

I spent many of my hard earned coinage there.

Walked there a lot, if I rode my bike there it would be a gamble if it would still be there when I came out of the store.

[Hypestyles]

... will contractors based in Detroit and hiring city residents be prioritized in the plans for demolition?

[CassTechGrad]

That's me I think..!!!!

[stasu1213]

That's me I think..!!!!

Detroit successfully rivaled, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles when it came to great livable neighborhoods back then