New parking garage next to Comerica Park sought

[ABetterDetroit]

ABD, you are correct in pointing out that the Ilitches didn't do much development [[except stadium-related) for 2 decades. BUT- and this a bigger BUT than mine- almost no one else did, either. Why? Because Detroit was an economic basket case. Instead, they slowly assembled land and buildings so that when developments made sense, they would be in a position to do it. That is business-smart long term planning. Since the "Gilbert Era" began a few years ago, building projects of all kinds now make economic sense. People are willing and able to spend significant money on apartments and offices. There are enough people living, working, and visiting downtown to support stores, bars, and restaurants. Had Ilitch built apartments in front of Comerica when it opened, they would have been vacant eyesores for a dozen years. Worse than vacant, they would have been a red flag that screams "build here and you'll lose your investment." Ditto the UA and any other properties they own. The Ilitches did not cause downtown's dormancy. Rather, they waited it out, ready to build when the city woke up. But, now, we're thriving and the Olympia folks are doing a number of big things.

Then we will agree to disagree. I hope the next generation doesn't have tunnel vision. Years ago I thought they would step to the plate one day also, then another owner of a pro sports team stepped into downtown. As a business leader in Detroit, Mike isn't qualified to fetch Dan Gilbert's lunch in my opinion.