 
Rhymeswithrawk
Member
Username: Rhymeswithrawk
Post Number: 1558
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 02, 2008 - 9:56 pm: |    |
With some co-workers and I entering an office pool for the Mega Millions jackpot tonight, talk of course turned to how you would spend your millions. Of course we aren't gonna win, but in times like these, who DOESN'T want to daydream, eh?
Which building would you buy and save if you struck it lucky? I'd buy the Free Press Building at 321 W. Lafayette. Throw a record shop (who cares if you lose money if you're loaded, right?) and a restaurant in the ground floors. Turn the lower floors into residential (who cares if you don't sell or rent them all) for artists or creative types and live in the top two floors of the tower.
How about you? The Lafayette Bldg. needs love. The David Stott Tower is for sale. The Whitney? What would you buy if you had the millions? |
Mama_jackson
Member
Username: Mama_jackson
Post Number: 518
Registered: 06-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 02, 2008 - 10:00 pm: | |
The GAR building, probably cheap to buy but expensive to restore. |
Hans57
Member
Username: Hans57
Post Number: 371
Registered: 05-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 02, 2008 - 10:03 pm: | |
All of Capitol Park. |
Rhymeswithrawk
Member
Username: Rhymeswithrawk
Post Number: 1559
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 02, 2008 - 10:04 pm: | |
All of it? haha
You'd have to hit TWO jackpots to do that AND renovate the Farwell, Cap. Sq. Bldg., et al. I really love the Griswold Building and the Farwell, though. They're gems. |
Eastsideal
Member
Username: Eastsideal
Post Number: 91
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 02, 2008 - 10:06 pm: | |
MCS! |
Crystal
Member
Username: Crystal
Post Number: 354
Registered: 05-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 02, 2008 - 10:12 pm: | |
MCS and, if it were for sale, historic Fort Wayne
(Message edited by Crystal on December 02, 2008) |
Rhymeswithrawk
Member
Username: Rhymeswithrawk
Post Number: 1560
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 02, 2008 - 10:25 pm: | |
The problem with MCS is that the jackpot is only $128 million ($84.7 million if you take the cash up front). You'd need tens of millions more to do anything with it. |
Bearinabox
Member
Username: Bearinabox
Post Number: 1057
Registered: 04-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 02, 2008 - 10:34 pm: | |
I would love to restore one of the old downtown movie palaces and show movies in it. I wonder if anyone would come. |
E_hemingway
Member
Username: E_hemingway
Post Number: 1870
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 02, 2008 - 10:42 pm: | |
I'd take on some of the abandoned apartment buildings out in the neighborhoods. Restore the likes of the Saint Rita. Spread some of that money outside of downtown. If I had to choose something downtown, I'd go after the Book Tower. I'd turn it into apartments and some office space if I had enough scratch. If not, I'd take on the National Theater and turn it into theater that showed Main Art-style movies. If I could choose outside of the CBD but still inside what most people consider downtown, Cass Tech. |
Detroitrise
Member
Username: Detroitrise
Post Number: 3975
Registered: 09-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 02, 2008 - 10:43 pm: | |
The Lee Plaza. |
Dan
Member
Username: Dan
Post Number: 1588
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 02, 2008 - 10:49 pm: | |
The National Theater and/or the Metropolitan Building. |
Hubbardfarmer
Member
Username: Hubbardfarmer
Post Number: 15
Registered: 10-2008
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 02, 2008 - 10:52 pm: | |
I'd invest in repairing the Detroit Club and making it a viable operation. I'd also like to restore the Western YMCA to the gem and community resource it once was, instead of the rotting hulk it is currently. |
Detroitej72
Member
Username: Detroitej72
Post Number: 743
Registered: 05-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 02, 2008 - 11:03 pm: | |
My old street on Novara.
Fix it into the thriving neighborhood that I remember |
Melocoton
Member
Username: Melocoton
Post Number: 57
Registered: 01-2008
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 02, 2008 - 11:04 pm: | |
I would buy the National theater on Monroe and run it as a repertory movie house and a concert hall. Then, I would refurbish and re-open the Western YMCA. I would also hire Bearinabox and Hubbardfarmer as well-paid advisors. |
Hubbardfarmer
Member
Username: Hubbardfarmer
Post Number: 16
Registered: 10-2008
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 02, 2008 - 11:06 pm: | |
Melocoton: Where can I send my resume?! :-) |
Rjlj
Member
Username: Rjlj
Post Number: 755
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 02, 2008 - 11:43 pm: | |
How is the Detroit Club not a viable operation? |
Furnitureguy
Member
Username: Furnitureguy
Post Number: 72
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 02, 2008 - 11:46 pm: | |
It would have to be either the book tower or the detroit boat club! |
Detroit313
Member
Username: Detroit313
Post Number: 764
Registered: 02-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 02, 2008 - 11:51 pm: | |
Fisher Building,
Complete the original plan!
And name it The Fisher Center.
(313) |
Lodgedodger
Member
Username: Lodgedodger
Post Number: 1028
Registered: 05-2008
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 03, 2008 - 12:29 am: | |
Excellent idea Detroit313!
I would purchase my favorite homes in Indian Village and Boston-Edison. Renovate them and move between houses whenever I so pleased. Of course, my friends could live in them too!
I would also purchase the aquarium and, once again, make it available to the public. Does anyone know what happened to the eel? |
Vandykenjefferson
Member
Username: Vandykenjefferson
Post Number: 53
Registered: 06-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 03, 2008 - 3:41 am: | |
I'd buy the michigan theater parking structure and turn it back into a theater. |
Detroitrise
Member
Username: Detroitrise
Post Number: 3976
Registered: 09-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 03, 2008 - 6:40 am: | |
Detroit313 just gave me an idea.
Purchase the Book Tower & complete it's never-built 81-story brother. |
1953
Member
Username: 1953
Post Number: 1627
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 03, 2008 - 7:48 am: | |
I'd buy my whole block in Hamtramck, then renovate it to glories it has never seen! |
Rb336
Member
Username: Rb336
Post Number: 8291
Registered: 02-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 03, 2008 - 8:13 am: | |
the UA theater |
Gnome
Member
Username: Gnome
Post Number: 2191
Registered: 08-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 03, 2008 - 9:09 am: | |
Oh, I'd track Higgins down... introduce him to a can of fix-a-flat, an a angry billygoat, a trash bag and a full can of starter fluid.
Then, I'd buy all the buildings on Capital Park, rip out the concrete, keep the ginkgo trees, hire SuperGay to consult on creating a gayborhood.
Hire two firebreathers, a juggler of chainsaws, one mime, and a troupe of sexy Chinese contortionists to live in the Farwell and perform nightly in the Park. |
Rooms222
Member
Username: Rooms222
Post Number: 152
Registered: 04-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 03, 2008 - 9:11 am: | |
The CPA building |
Cman710
Member
Username: Cman710
Post Number: 568
Registered: 07-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 03, 2008 - 10:47 am: | |
MCS, or if I had to do it downtown, the Book Building or the David Whitney building. |
Izzyindetroit
Member
Username: Izzyindetroit
Post Number: 149
Registered: 07-2008
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 03, 2008 - 10:54 am: | |
I would buy the Brewster towers. |
Raptor56
Member
Username: Raptor56
Post Number: 659
Registered: 05-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 03, 2008 - 10:59 am: | |
Always had a fascination with the Broderick Tower. Unique art on the side of the building. GREAT location. I'd convert the upper floors to a penthouse to live in, then market the rest of the building as office/retail/high end apartments. I'd then take the DJ business (Frozen Entertainment) I have as a hobby, and devote the bulk of my time promoting it into a large entertainment company. Naturally, I'd make the Broderick my global headquarters. Once business started booming, Frozen Entertainment LLC would be come Frozen Entertainment Inc and purchase/restore the National Theater, turning it into a multi function facility (like the Fox). Of course in order to make my dreams work, I probably need to win one of those $300 million jackpots  |
Gencinjay
Member
Username: Gencinjay
Post Number: 80
Registered: 03-2008
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 03, 2008 - 11:36 am: | |
Mama stole my answer! I would absolutely buy the GAR. Every day I drive by that building thinking, "if only..." |
Mcwalbucksnfitch
Member
Username: Mcwalbucksnfitch
Post Number: 82
Registered: 10-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 03, 2008 - 11:48 am: | |
If I couldn't buy and renovate MCS, I would invest as much capital as possible into attracting high-end retail to upper Washington and Woodward. |
Ashdetroit
Member
Username: Ashdetroit
Post Number: 42
Registered: 08-2008
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 03, 2008 - 12:06 pm: | |
I would buy Chin Tiki and make it a badass club again.
Maybe I'll buy Eminem, too, and make him battle on open mic nights. |
Savorynotsweet
Member
Username: Savorynotsweet
Post Number: 18
Registered: 08-2008
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 03, 2008 - 12:21 pm: | |
The McGregor Library on Woodward in Highland Park. My winnings are huge, so I restore and upgrade the structure, including an extensive wireless network and computer lab. Citizens of Highland Park are given back a jewel of a library and the technology to bridge the digital divide. Our programs are so cutting edge we pass by Library 2.0 and we become Library 3.0.
But the "new McGregor" library isn't completely public. We come up with new models for subscription libraries ala Ben Franklin's Library Company. The building restoration is so fantastic that we are able to not only use parts of the library for community affairs, but also private functions (library weddings are surprisingly popular, though we'd have to compete with Strohm Hall at the main branch of the DPL which has similar ambience and better location). The library also serves as my personal clubhouse. Did I mention the hidden fire pole connecting my office on the top floor to the lobby below? |
Johnlodge
Member
Username: Johnlodge
Post Number: 9338
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 03, 2008 - 12:27 pm: | |
I'd buy the Wayne State bookstore, tear it down, and rebuild Z's Place.
Just kidding. But I miss the gumbo. |
Peterhuntprincess
Member
Username: Peterhuntprincess
Post Number: 45
Registered: 03-2008
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 03, 2008 - 3:10 pm: | |
I would buy the Statler lot and rebuild the Hotel. It would take hundreds of millions of dollars, but I'm sure my DYES family would help with the bill! |
D_mcc
Member
Username: D_mcc
Post Number: 1690
Registered: 12-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 03, 2008 - 3:16 pm: | |
I would invest in our police force, fire dept and public schools, so that the next generation can rebuild and restore |
Raptor56
Member
Username: Raptor56
Post Number: 665
Registered: 05-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 03, 2008 - 3:40 pm: | |
^^ good call, but that will take billion$ |
N7hn
Member
Username: N7hn
Post Number: 102
Registered: 02-2008
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 03, 2008 - 4:17 pm: | |
Id buy the fox and move in w my belongings, screw u guys. = ) |
Newport1128
Member
Username: Newport1128
Post Number: 249
Registered: 05-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 03, 2008 - 4:29 pm: | |
The Vanity Ballroom and my old house just up the block from it, maybe build some houses in between to replace the 10 that are no longer in existence. |
Detroit313
Member
Username: Detroit313
Post Number: 765
Registered: 02-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 03, 2008 - 4:44 pm: | |
Raptor56-
Great Idea. I bet a 3 to 8 million dollar penthouse at the top would command some amazing views!
<313> |
Johnnny5
Member
Username: Johnnny5
Post Number: 865
Registered: 06-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 03, 2008 - 4:49 pm: | |
Detroit Boat Club! |
Mauser765
Member
Username: Mauser765
Post Number: 3602
Registered: 01-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 03, 2008 - 5:01 pm: | |
"I'd buy the Wayne State bookstore, tear it down, and rebuild Z's Place. "
cheers! |
Warrenite84
Member
Username: Warrenite84
Post Number: 444
Registered: 01-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 03, 2008 - 5:20 pm: | |
I'd first send a bunch to charities and family, Next, buy and restore the Book Tower and have special low rental rates to out of town/state businesses. Upper floors rental/owned residential, two floors for me, with the top floor dining/ observation deck.
2nd choice, do the same with the Stott bldg. |
Oldestuff
Member
Username: Oldestuff
Post Number: 98
Registered: 01-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 03, 2008 - 6:36 pm: | |
CPA Building - like a miniature Flat Iron Bldg. |
The_rock
Member
Username: The_rock
Post Number: 2477
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 03, 2008 - 6:39 pm: | |
The Lawyers Building. Then I would put up a big electric sign on the roof that you could see for 25 miles, even twice as a large as the sign on the Music Hall, and it would say:
1-800-CallRok
Of course, I would have to come out of retirement, take the Michigan Bar again, buy a police/ambulance scanner, and switch allegiances and become a plaintiffs' attorney.
TOO much, I will buy the Murphy Building instead,and reopen the London Chop House. |
Bosch
Member
Username: Bosch
Post Number: 14
Registered: 11-2008
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 03, 2008 - 6:54 pm: | |
I would buy the GAR building and put a real castle gate on the Adams Street side with a automatic garage door controller, and drive the Batmobile out and about at 3AM and patrol the City all night. I would also have the awesomost parties, even better than the BoHaus, the DPD anti-fun swat team would hate me. |
401don
Member
Username: 401don
Post Number: 885
Registered: 11-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 03, 2008 - 7:17 pm: | |
I'd buy Tiger Stadium. I'd have free batting & fielding practice on Tiger game days to anyone who made a donation of a food item or sports equipment. The other days it would cost $5 to join the daily scrub game. Anyone who hits a homer into the the Slow's Barbeque Pit in deep right center gets a free season's pass. |
Peterhuntprincess
Member
Username: Peterhuntprincess
Post Number: 46
Registered: 03-2008
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 03, 2008 - 7:18 pm: | |
On second thought I would buy the Metropolitan and turn it into a multi-use property! |
Angry_dad
Member
Username: Angry_dad
Post Number: 280
Registered: 02-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 03, 2008 - 7:49 pm: | |
I'd buy a million shares of GM or Ford, put myself on the board then go to Washington and tell the whores on capital hill that I won't allow them to pimp out my industry. |
Mwilbert
Member
Username: Mwilbert
Post Number: 465
Registered: 11-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 03, 2008 - 9:22 pm: | |
Book Tower.
However, as an alternative I'd buy all of the bungalow section of Highland Park, including the streets, gate it, and turn it into a coop. |
Daddeeo
Member
Username: Daddeeo
Post Number: 324
Registered: 09-2008
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 03, 2008 - 10:42 pm: | |
Ford Auditorium |
Ashdetroit
Member
Username: Ashdetroit
Post Number: 49
Registered: 08-2008
| | Posted on Thursday, December 04, 2008 - 1:24 am: | |
I take back my first suggestion. I would put my lottery money into the Brewster Wheeler Center. In the old building, I'd build a beautiful old museum honoring Joe Louis, as well as Detroit's "Unsung Heroes of Sport" (that used to be a real award they gave out back in the day). With the rest of my money, I'd build the most high-tech sports and recreation center any city in America had ever seen. I would hire as many ex-college and professional athletes as possible to coach, manage and inspire. In ten years, we'd have a Deeetroit Olympic team, and the healthiest kids in the union  |
Reddog289
Member
Username: Reddog289
Post Number: 744
Registered: 08-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, December 04, 2008 - 2:11 am: | |
The old fire house on Mich/Livernois [ENGINE 22?] Casa de Espana. That BUILDING.I NEED A BIGGER GARAGE. |