Gilbert seeks ideas for developing Hudson's site in Detroit

[Gistok]

Well I think that the perfect fit for that spot is something that complements the surroundings... and NOT sticks out like a sore thumb. And that would also involve keeping the streetwall... a very important ingredient. The previous images with several buildings with "carport" roofs was not very appealing... regardless if it had "plaza" areas around the buildings.

Here's an idea that incorporates some NYC architectural ideas that want to "fit" into the historic district there. Why not make a large square "O" shaped building with a hollow center above the 3rd floor. They could have all the apartments/condos around the perimeter, and perhaps a skylight over the entire area, with a common swimming pool, greenery [[why not Palms?)... and a climate controlled core. The surrounding hollow building could complement the neighborhood by having every 40 or 50 ft. of the building appear to be a different building. They could even have an architectural contest for each section, although it would all be one large structure.

I could even see a sort of civic "who's who" of Detroit's great families. Just as the Medici's Bourbon's, Hapsburgs and other old patrons of the arts had their names involved with grand structures... each section of the building could have a section named after them with their crest or name engraved into their part of the structure... "Manoogian", "Taubman", "Fisher", "Buhl Ford", "Brush Ford", "Clay Ford", "Hudson", "Karmanos", "Ilitch", "Penske", and even "Gilbert".... at say $1 million each... to help offset the architectural costs. Sort of a family memorial for Detroit's elite along the main thoroughfare...

The first 3 floors could be a 3 level arcade with shopping on the first floor, and offices/commercial on the 2nd and 3rd floor... but with a possible conversion to future retail for the 2nd and 3rd floor if the need ever arises.

Rather than a garish glass and steel uni-structure monstrosity... something modern, yet with a flair for the past and yet fit within the street wall could be something like this, just a few architectural sections as an example... of course unlike these pics... the floor levels would have to line up for hallways, etc...