  Observant2art Member Username: Observant2art Post Number: 34 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 209.104.139.161 |
Maybe I have missed some threads regarding this building. Last this building was used was when MGM Grand First began their hiring processes for all departments. I was one of the people that went through the process. Anyway is there any info regarding redevelopment of this beautiful building? | ||
Rakkus Member Username: Rakkus Post Number: 10 Registered: 07-2005 Posted From: 152.163.100.195 |
It is owned by Charles Becker of Omnipoint Communication/S MW/Becker Ventures in Troy. There are alot of offers to renovate it into lofts and condos but he's not selling. Maybe he makes enough money on the People Mover stop at GCP?? | ||
Zelda Member Username: Zelda Post Number: 23 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 68.43.2.170 |
I've noticed some recent activity on the ground floor of the Whitney building. Does anyone know if they are planning to re-open the retail spaces temporarily for the Super Bowl or if they are more just more securely sealing it up? | ||
The_aram Member Username: The_aram Post Number: 4497 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 141.213.175.233 |
Last I heard ESPN was going to use the lobby for its Super Bowl broadcasts. | ||
Merchantgander Member Username: Merchantgander Post Number: 1363 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 150.198.150.245 |
The_aram wins the prize, plus it is part of the retail readiness program. Half the buildings are being worked and have signs advertising this initiative. | ||
Rsa Member Username: Rsa Post Number: 680 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.212.57.114 |
becker ventures could not obtain a c of o for the whitney building, therefore the lobby will not be used for anything during the superbowl. ESPN has since found a new location in downtown, however i cannot say where. the whitney building is utilizing the facade improvement program to restore and renovate the storefronts on both the woodward and park sides (not sure about the washington side). aia detroit/michigan already held a drawing for architects to each "decorate" a storefront with the theme of "detroit's future." this will not be advertising; purely artistic. the fyfe building is also participating in this program. keep an eye out for RSA's (RockStArchitect) firm's storefront coming january.  | ||
Merchantgander Member Username: Merchantgander Post Number: 1365 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 150.198.150.245 |
Rsa if they cannot have retail why do they have the retail readiness poster up, is this for after the superbowl. | ||
Atl_runner Member Username: Atl_runner Post Number: 1718 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.209.118.72 |
Sounds like Becker was a little late to the party. Too bad, so sad. | ||
Rsa Member Username: Rsa Post Number: 681 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.212.57.114 |
technically, it is retail ready right now. anybody who would sign a lease would have to go through the permit process for any type of renovations. in the mean time, becker would be able to upgrade (if needed) the plumbing, electrical, etc. and turn the heat back on. but without a income producing tenant, there is little incentive for them to upgrade the building/spend the money to get the c of o for a one week party. it is possible for this to happen in time for the superbowl, however it is unlikely. also keep in mind that they could upgrade the retail spaces isolated from the lobby. | ||
Bibs Member Username: Bibs Post Number: 425 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 198.208.159.19 |
Saw new awning on the Fyfe Bldg. "ProoF" is embossed on the blue awning and it appears that a new restaurant called Proof - tabas bar will be opening in the space formerly occupied by Sibley shoes. | ||
Quickdrawmcgraw Member Username: Quickdrawmcgraw Post Number: 23 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 63.77.247.130 |
Too bad the Whitney Building never materialized as an Embassy Suites. Would have been cool for the hotel guests. Does Grand Circus Park have a CDC? Tired of seeing all of those surface parking lots. | ||
Royce Member Username: Royce Post Number: 1344 Registered: 07-2004 Posted From: 69.212.210.246 |
What is a c of o? | ||
The_aram Member Username: The_aram Post Number: 4548 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 141.213.175.233 |
Certificate of Occupancy, I think. | ||
Commodore64 Member Username: Commodore64 Post Number: 177 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 71.65.11.254 |
If you guys look, there is some action going on there. The first floor looks like its getting cleaned out. I have no idea whats going in there but I bet got everything taken care of. | ||
Llyn Member Username: Llyn Post Number: 1276 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 68.61.197.206 |
I'm guessing it's probably part of the superbowl cleanup rather new development of the building. Some of the storefronts were getting displays put up during the superbowl period. (I wish it was something more. Feel free to prove me wrong!) "Certificate of Occupancy, I think." Correct. You cannot use a building for residency or office or retail in any way without one. Although I'm told by a couple contractors that the GM Rencen has been operating on a temporary one ever since its opening. They just keep renewing it. Something about the way the bulding is that the city doesn't like... I don't remember what... | ||
Bob Member Username: Bob Post Number: 718 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 64.12.116.195 |
And the city is getting money from the state and feds to reconstruct the DPM GCP station so it is separate from the Whitney Building and ADA compliant. | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 1602 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 4.229.3.212 |
.... which means it will have to have an outside elevator, and make the facade of the David Whitney Building facing GCP look "not so nice". |
