  Andylinn Member Username: Andylinn Post Number: 670 Registered: 04-2006 |
hey there gang, whatever happened to this project: http://www.modeldmedia.com/dev elopmentnews/uccacatalyst.aspx it recieved $100,000 in Michigan Cool Cities money... that article is from 2006, and still no sign of life, is there? | ||
Danny Member Username: Danny Post Number: 6965 Registered: 02-2004 |
No jobs means less housing demand. | ||
Andylinn Member Username: Andylinn Post Number: 671 Registered: 04-2006 |
well, i got that part of the deal, but what of the $100,000 in state funding? | ||
Detourdetroit Member Username: Detourdetroit Post Number: 360 Registered: 10-2003 |
I'm hearing rumblings that it's been given new life with additional financing. It will live as rentals, not condos... | ||
Pete Member Username: Pete Post Number: 103 Registered: 10-2003 |
it's still on...if you really are curious, just go stop at the UCCA offices sometime and ask. but remember, you're dealing with a non-profit, so things move slooooowwwwwly. and then go upstairs and say hi to detourdetroit. | ||
Mdoyle Member Username: Mdoyle Post Number: 304 Registered: 10-2006 |
image here: http://www.detroitmidtown.com/ 05/image_lib/woodward_willis.j pg | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 11189 Registered: 10-2003 |
I can't wait for ACME to open shop. | ||
Dnvn522 Member Username: Dnvn522 Post Number: 312 Registered: 11-2004 |
That place comes in handy when you've got a roadrunner to kill. | ||
Johnlodge Member Username: Johnlodge Post Number: 4564 Registered: 10-2003 |
Best anvils around. | ||
Downtownguy Member Username: Downtownguy Post Number: 110 Registered: 07-2004 |
The project was one of many mentioned in this Detroit News article last Saturday: http://www.detnews.com/apps/pb cs.dll/article?AID=/20080105/B IZ/801050361&imw=Y Something else, the Model D article, whose source was the UCCA, says it "will be constructed on four vacant lots on the northeast corner of Woodward and West Willis." That block is not vacant, but the northwest corner is--next to McDonalds. | ||
E_hemingway Member Username: E_hemingway Post Number: 1505 Registered: 11-2004 |
I applaud the UCCA for stepping up and taking a stand to create a better urban fabric along Woodward. It's refreshing to hear influential people say, "No, we need this type of building here" instead of just saying beggars can't be choosers. I am very happy they are pushing forward with this. My only gripe is that it's only three stories tall. Something along Woodward should be taller and allow for more density. Don't get me wrong, this type of development is great. But do we have to settle for a small town downtown (three stories) building when something five or six stories would be more appropriate in a major city center along its main artery? | ||
Mbr Member Username: Mbr Post Number: 277 Registered: 03-2005 |
E_Hemingway, There's no demand for that many units. You could build it taller but you would double the construction costs and have a higher vacancy rate. I have a feeling the numbers on this project are about as thin as they get, and you should be happy to get three stories. The most profitable use for the site is probably a single-story drug store with parking, and the UCCA is right not to settle for that and push for something better. So yes, we have to settle for something getting built vs. the site sitting vacant for another decade. | ||
E_hemingway Member Username: E_hemingway Post Number: 1506 Registered: 11-2004 |
It wouldn't surprise me if the numbers on this are thin at best, especially in today's economy. I wonder if a compromise could be reach, such as putting in footings strong enough to accommodate a couple more stories further down the road if and when the numbers work. Such a project is being done now in downtown Birmingham now: Briggs Building expansion in downtown Birmingham fully leased http://metromodemedia.com/devn ews/Briggs0022.aspx |
