Mind_field Member Username: Mind_field
Post Number: 537 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 209.240.205.61
| Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 11:22 am: | |
Does anyone know if these have started selling yet? |
Mcnamara Member Username: Mcnamara
Post Number: 39 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 204.22.230.98
| Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 4:38 pm: | |
There website still says "coming soon" its been that way for months.... |
Spidergirl Member Username: Spidergirl
Post Number: 176 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 63.77.247.130
| Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 4:54 pm: | |
I'm a bit surprised this wasn't brought up earlier. I had my name on the pre-construction list and finally got the call in January that they had finalized pricing. I was told the pre-construction price was set at $275 per sq. ft. which puts even their smallest unit (1,022 sq ft) at $281,050. The developer also said there would be a 15% price increase after the pre-construction phase. Needless to say it's just a tad bit out of Spidergirl's price range. I just gotta get Spiderman as interested in moving downtown as I am, then maybe...just maybe... |
Jfried Member Username: Jfried
Post Number: 757 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 209.131.7.190
| Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 4:57 pm: | |
http://www.1001woodward.com/ http://citylivingdetroit.com/0 5/housing.php?type=C |
Detroiternthemist Member Username: Detroiternthemist
Post Number: 27 Registered: 01-2006 Posted From: 64.118.149.50
| Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 4:58 pm: | |
^^^^Spiderwoman .........Spiderman wants a brief description? |
Reetz12 Member Username: Reetz12
Post Number: 39 Registered: 09-2005 Posted From: 216.144.213.130
| Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 4:59 pm: | |
Called the other day and they are anticipating move in date of November 2006. (find it hard to believe.) Also heard they are going to construct only one floor and use it as there model units, although was told they are going to downsize some of the larger units into two seperate units. |
Brandon48202 Member Username: Brandon48202
Post Number: 80 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 69.221.92.212
| Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 5:01 pm: | |
I took the tour a couple of months ago. The building has a great location and views- right now it is the only condo you can buy in the CBD. $275/sq. ft. is a bit steep though! (Message edited by brandon48202 on March 28, 2006) |
Mcnamara Member Username: Mcnamara
Post Number: 40 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 204.22.230.98
| Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 5:41 pm: | |
wow, $275 is very steep, but i guess if people are willing to pay that price..... |
Eastsidedog Member Username: Eastsidedog
Post Number: 91 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 68.20.140.8
| Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 5:47 pm: | |
$281,000 for 1,022 square feet! My god people are getting robbed! I just don't get the loft craze at all. |
Rrl Member Username: Rrl
Post Number: 459 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 71.213.227.199
| Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 5:48 pm: | |
The price seems steep, but what does that include? Parking, doorman/security, fitness room, etc? I also would imagine that the finishes would be on the high end, wood floors, stone tops & baths, etc. If all these items are included in that cost, then pricing does not seem excessive. |
Ndavies Member Username: Ndavies
Post Number: 1701 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 129.9.163.233
| Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 5:49 pm: | |
Hmmm, $275/SqFt? Any one interested in a couple of 1500 Sqft units a block south of there? |
Mcnamara Member Username: Mcnamara
Post Number: 41 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 204.22.230.98
| Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 5:56 pm: | |
yes. |
Spidergirl Member Username: Spidergirl
Post Number: 177 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 63.77.247.130
| Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 5:56 pm: | |
The price includes one parking space (you can purchase another for $25,000) and the concierge. I was told they probably would NOT have a fitness center with the new YMCA and the DAC nearby. Rrl you are right on the finishes. Appliances are stainless, hardwood floors, granite countertops etc... I know they are calling this the premier place to live, and it truly will be once it's finished. I'm just not sure how many units they will sell for that price. And don't forget the monthly assessment at $0.40 a sq. ft!! |
Spidergirl Member Username: Spidergirl
Post Number: 178 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 63.77.247.130
| Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 5:57 pm: | |
LOL @ Detroiternthemist |
Eastsidedog Member Username: Eastsidedog
Post Number: 93 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 68.20.140.8
| Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 6:02 pm: | |
Fucking stainless steel appliances and granite coutertops. People are obsessed with this shit. Who cares! They will be dated in 5 years. |
Eastsidedog Member Username: Eastsidedog
Post Number: 94 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 68.20.140.8
| Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 6:05 pm: | |
I'm gotta plan. Buy a bunch of houses by city airport and install stainless steel appliance and granite countertops and sell em for $300,000 a pop. Those amenities will be a sure sign that the area is "coming back" and is safe to walk the streets at night. |
Alexei289 Member Username: Alexei289
Post Number: 1084 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 68.61.183.223
| Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 7:31 pm: | |
... the property taxes would eat through that in no time |
Dialh4hipster Member Username: Dialh4hipster
Post Number: 1508 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 68.250.205.35
| Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 8:02 pm: | |
quote:Fucking stainless steel appliances and granite coutertops. People are obsessed with this shit. Who cares! They will be dated in 5 years.
Will be? The design community had a post-mortem on granite countertops about, oh, ten years ago. Stainless steel appliances only recently fell out of vogue, but you can stick a fork in that trend too. |
Ndavies Member Username: Ndavies
Post Number: 1702 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.212.213.169
| Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 9:14 pm: | |
quote:... the property taxes would eat through that in no time
I believe they are NEZ. The taxes will be cheap for 12 years. |
Royce Member Username: Royce
Post Number: 1567 Registered: 07-2004 Posted From: 68.255.240.236
| Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 2:15 am: | |
What happened to the talk of building additional condo units on top of the new parking deck next door? Sure don't see anything on top of the parking deck that looks like housing. |
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan
Post Number: 3450 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.172.95.197
| Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 2:35 am: | |
That was supposed to be in anticipation that the condos in the 1001 would sell quickly. That hasn't yet materialized. It was always a concept, anyway, and not a full proposal. |
Erikd Member Username: Erikd
Post Number: 560 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.242.214.106
| Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 3:17 am: | |
Royce, The idea of adding on top of the deck is just a future possibility. There was never a planned addition for the near future. If the downtown boom continues, it may happen in 10 or 15 years, but there are no plans for it at this point. |
Crew Member Username: Crew
Post Number: 902 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 146.9.52.33
| Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 11:23 am: | |
Dialh4, So what's the latest trend for countertops and kitchen appliances? |
Detroitduo Member Username: Detroitduo
Post Number: 558 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 194.138.39.53
| Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 11:38 am: | |
We were actually considering doing a polished concrete countertop. Our appliances are stainless already, so those will remain. Besides, they will look good with a nice grey polished counter. Ofcourse, now we'll have to figure out what to do with our cabinettes... |
Crew Member Username: Crew
Post Number: 903 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 146.9.52.33
| Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 11:41 am: | |
I have fairly traditional Oak cabinets. I'm thinking of staining them black but I'm not sure what to do with the countertops. I guess I should have started a new thread. |
Jfried Member Username: Jfried
Post Number: 759 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 209.131.7.190
| Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 11:53 am: | |
richlite recycled paper countertops are the new granite. go green. http://www.luxuryhousingtrends .com/archives/2005/06/recycled _paper.html |
Detroitduo Member Username: Detroitduo
Post Number: 560 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 194.138.39.53
| Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 12:08 pm: | |
I'm hoping to come up with something cool and interesting while I'm in europe... I've already figured out what I want in the living room for lighting, though. hahahaaha... threadjacking is fun. |
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1
Post Number: 7099 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 198.208.159.20
| Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 12:09 pm: | |
Black lights and trippy posters went out in college.
|
Detroitduo Member Username: Detroitduo
Post Number: 562 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 194.138.39.53
| Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 12:10 pm: | |
Damn-it Jt1! Why do you have to ruin all of my ideas? |
Lt_tom Member Username: Lt_tom
Post Number: 74 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 144.147.1.66
| Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 3:04 pm: | |
$280K for 1000 sq ft?! You can live right next to the Las Vegas Strip for that price |
Gambling_man Member Username: Gambling_man
Post Number: 681 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 201.154.132.70
| Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 3:12 pm: | |
The units at 1001 are NOT lofts, but rather luxury apartments. Big difference. |
Itsjeff
Member Username: Itsjeff
Post Number: 5715 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 208.27.111.125
| Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 3:13 pm: | |
I'm tempted to get one just so I can look down on NDavies. Oh, wait. I already do look down on NDavies. |
Gambling_man Member Username: Gambling_man
Post Number: 683 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 201.154.132.70
| Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 3:17 pm: | |
Pierre LeBlanc is the sales agent. 313-963-1001 |
Upinottawa Member Username: Upinottawa
Post Number: 268 Registered: 09-2005 Posted From: 198.103.184.76
| Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 3:21 pm: | |
$280K for 1000 square feet would be a bargain here in downtown Ottawa. |
Ndavies Member Username: Ndavies
Post Number: 1711 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 129.9.163.233
| Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 3:21 pm: | |
And you're telling me the lofts near by are really lofts. |
Eastsidedog Member Username: Eastsidedog
Post Number: 102 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 12.47.224.7
| Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 4:18 pm: | |
Ndavies, exactly most the "lofts" out there are fake. If it's not one room with an adjacent bathroom, it's not a loft, it's a marketing ploy. I lived in a loft for real. 1000 square feet. 1 room + bath. turn of the century building. $600 a month. all utilities included. I even had a key to the basement to turn off the heat when it got too warm. |
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1
Post Number: 7107 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 198.208.159.20
| Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 4:24 pm: | |
One day I hope to live in a 3 bedroom loft next to a lifestyle center.
|
Swingline Member Username: Swingline
Post Number: 425 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 172.175.26.90
| Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 5:14 pm: | |
$275 sq. ft. This price level in Detroit makes for an interesting discussion about contrasts between markets. FWIW, I hope that the developer can get this price. For comparison, some of the new Royal Oak "hi rise" loft construction is going for $300-325 sq. ft. Lake Shore Drive condo apartments in Chicago with lake views and higher end finishes go for $325-350 sq. ft. An intriguing value contrast between these loft and apartment prices can be found if one looks at single family homes in neighborhoods such as Palmer Woods, Boston Edison and Indian Village where "move-in" condition mansions (4000 sq. ft and up) with luxury kitchens (a major selling point) currently sell for $100-$120 sq. ft. and sometimes less. |
Slows Member Username: Slows
Post Number: 117 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 69.246.28.200
| Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 5:25 pm: | |
Swingline, there is definitely a disconnect currently between single-family homes and condo prices in Detroit to the tune of about $100 sq. ft. if not more. By the way, no offense but the $325-$350 are the older units in Chicago, the newer units can get upwards of $700/sq. ft. |
Swingline Member Username: Swingline
Post Number: 427 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 172.175.26.90
| Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 6:04 pm: | |
Slows, the astronomical Chicago/Lake Shore Drive condo prices like $700/sq. ft are only prevalent down in the North Loop/North Mich Ave. areas. In my earlier post, I was talking about places such as the more ordinary Lakeview neighborhood (Addison/Belmont Avenue areas.) These areas would have household incomes more similar to the demographic that is likely the target for 1001 Woodward. The $700 sq. ft. crowd is simply far too small in this region (unlike New York, Chicago, etc.) to even try to attract to downtown Detroit. |
Eastsidedog Member Username: Eastsidedog
Post Number: 107 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 12.47.224.7
| Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 6:24 pm: | |
Swingline, good comparison to the single family home market. The disconnect is really insane. It think the condo/loft boom is driven by a lot of factors, a big one of which is fear. If you by a house it's up to you and only you to secure it. People moving into these loft/condo units seem to be a bit afraid of the "real Detroit" which is of course it's neighborhoods where 99% of the population lives. Seriously, tell a suburbanite you live in a loft downtown and they'll say "cool", tell em you live in a house in a neighborhood and they'll say "really, are there crack houses? Is it safe?" People pay the premium to remove the stigma. Nowadays, the word "loft" alone, symbolizes, money, choice and upper class living. |
Slows Member Username: Slows
Post Number: 118 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 69.246.28.200
| Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 6:31 pm: | |
Swingline, agreed and understand your point, thought you were comparing downtowns and not buyers. |
Eric Member Username: Eric
Post Number: 389 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 35.11.210.161
| Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 6:44 pm: | |
You ever think Detroit is no different than any other major city where the market commands higher prices downtown. I guess the $400 difference Chicago prices sited above is because of fear. Also I don't get how someone who lives downtown doesn't live in the "real Detroit" seems pretty real to me with more homeless people, more crime than downtown Royal Oak and other suburbs downtowns things than come with living in a major city . |
Jfried Member Username: Jfried
Post Number: 764 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 209.131.7.190
| Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 6:49 pm: | |
eastside spouting off a little provencialism.... jfried - condo owner....aka "fake detroiter" |
Eastsidedog Member Username: Eastsidedog
Post Number: 111 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 12.47.224.7
| Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 7:02 pm: | |
Jfried, never said they were fake, but really, living in a brand new condo and living in a neighborhood, exposes you to totally different people. The relatively successful urban neighborhoods in the city are full of long-time residents, new-residents, gay, straight, black, white, blue, purple, rich, middle, lower, poor, single, couples, families you name it. You can't deny that many of the big new developments cater to one income range (folks on WIC aren't living anywhere near 1001). Plus everyone is new residents. It just generates a very different and safer (but I think duller) experience. Not trying to be provincial, it's just the truth. But they are still very important, people need to feel safe and some can handle more than others. When I first moved downtown I lived in what I called "the bubble" AKA Lafayette Towers which is definetly very safe (but actually they still had Section 8 folks grandfathered in there, and they were some of the coolest, nicest, most interesting residents there). If you live in a shiny tower of exclusiveness you miss out IMO. But hey to each their own. These one income communities have a cousin in the suburbs: Gated Communities. Harbortown, Oh wait... |
Mind_field Member Username: Mind_field
Post Number: 541 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 209.240.205.61
| Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 7:11 pm: | |
The 2000 ft. tall Fordham Spire proposal in Chicago will command prices of over $1,000 per sq. ft. Now that is some expensive real estate. Of course owners of condos on the very top floors (124 floors) facing the lake will be able to watch the sun rise over our state. Good ole' Chicago. |
Jfried Member Username: Jfried
Post Number: 765 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 209.131.7.190
| Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 7:29 pm: | |
eastside - you're really generalizing by saying that many people move into the condos because of "fear." I would say convenience, affordability (there are a lot more condos with NEZ), location, etc. Safety may be an issue for some, but I definitely don't think its a major factor - otherwise those people probably wouldn't live in the city at all. I get your point, two completely diferent lifestyles, but to say one part of detroit is more "real" gets pretty hard to define. Is Mack & Bewick more "real" than 3rd & prentise? Are the Grinnel lofts more "real" than the Riverfront Towers? You know what I mean? Fordham Towers are ridiculous. http://www.chicagoarchitecture .info/Building/708/Fordham_Spi re__The.php |
Eastsidedog Member Username: Eastsidedog
Post Number: 112 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 68.250.174.211
| Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 10:17 pm: | |
Jfried, I said in my post that fear was but one factor. You could site NEZ as a reason. But you definitely can't site affordability. The new construction/rehab units are quite pricey with very few units below the $200k range and most are $300k+. Not exactly affordable, to working class folks anyways. Regarding the term "real": (from dictionary.com)
quote:re·al1 ( P ) Pronunciation Key (rl, rl) adj. Being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verifiable existence: real objects; a real illness. True and actual; not imaginary, alleged, or ideal: real people, not ghosts; a film based on real life. Of or founded on practical matters and concerns: a recent graduate experiencing the real world for the first time. Genuine and authentic; not artificial or spurious: real mink; real humility. Being no less than what is stated; worthy of the name: a real friend. Free of pretense, falsehood, or affectation: tourists hoping for a real experience on the guided tour. Not to be taken lightly; serious: in real trouble. Philosophy. Existing objectively in the world regardless of subjectivity or conventions of thought or language. Relating to, being, or having value reckoned by actual purchasing power: real income; real growth. Physics. Of, relating to, or being an image formed by light rays that converge in space. Mathematics. Of, relating to, or being a real number. Law. Of or relating to stationary or fixed property, such as buildings or land.
Yes there are many degrees of "realness" and different people prefer different degrees. I prefer a less programmed environment, but as can be evidenced by the extreme popularity of places like gated communities and "lifestyle" centers, sterile highly programmed environments are gaining more and more favor in America. Indoor shopping malls were the start, as were subdivisions. Now America is taking it to the next level. Now more than ever, the idea of places being "real" has even more importance and definite meaning especially in our prefabricated, technology-laden society. Places that are less planned, less fabricated, and more chaotic are thus more real. Eassidedog, "Keepin it real" on the East Side. Fuck the programmers. |
Ndavies Member Username: Ndavies
Post Number: 1718 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 129.9.163.233
| Posted on Thursday, March 30, 2006 - 10:22 am: | |
How about being unwilling to pay the $500 a month for Gas in the winter and over $200 a month electric for air conditioning. My condo's highest gas bill was $75 this winter. What was the gas bill of those woderful old mansions with no insulation in BE or IV. I hate yard work. I would rather pay someone else to deal with it. Some of us refuse to pay the upkeep on a 100 year old home with Flaky wiring, leaky plumbing, outdated fixtures, no AC and no insulation. Everyone has reasons for where they are. Their reasons are just as valid to them as your reasons are to you. Don't discount other peoples choices just because they don't agree with yours. |
Jfried Member Username: Jfried
Post Number: 771 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 209.131.7.190
| Posted on Thursday, March 30, 2006 - 10:45 am: | |
eastside - no, you said it was a "big" factor. ------------------------------ ------------------- It think the condo/loft boom is driven by a lot of factors, a big one of which is fear. ------------------------------ ------------------- NEZ alone makes the payment on a 200k condo about the same as 140k house in the Detroit. Then you take the things ndavies pointed out into account (gas, electric)plus insurance, etc., and I think that most condos ARE more affordable. If you want to think you're keeping it real that's cool, but try not to generalize a whole group of people who are making up a majority the city's growth. |
Detroitduo Member Username: Detroitduo
Post Number: 565 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 194.138.39.54
| Posted on Thursday, March 30, 2006 - 10:52 am: | |
OMG... I thought this day would never happen... I actually agree with something Jfried says... |
Llyn
Member Username: Llyn
Post Number: 1490 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 68.61.197.206
| Posted on Thursday, March 30, 2006 - 11:00 am: | |
1,000 square feet in San Francisco can be a million dollars. I spoke with a real estate agent out there several years back, and he had just sold such a loft. Of course it's San Fran, but it's also nearly four times as much. So what some of us are willing or able to pay may not make a difference if the property is desirable and the market is blowing up. PS Ndavies, another perspective here... though not a mansion, my colonial has: 1) New central AC 2) Partially new wiring 3) Plumbing that never leaks 4) Newer fixtures 5) New energy efficient windows 6) Blown-in insulation 7) I can hire someone to do my yardwork, too, and i have no association fees to pay Have to admit my gas bills were still pretty high. But then I have two wood burning fire places, beautiful plaster ceilings, a sun room, a second floor deck, beautiful old trees, my own two car garage with electric door opener, etc., etc. And all of this still for less per square foot that what you paid. :} |
Llyn
Member Username: Llyn
Post Number: 1491 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 68.61.197.206
| Posted on Thursday, March 30, 2006 - 11:03 am: | |
PPS Not trying to keep it real... or not keep it real... Just waiting for our new tax break here in Green Acres... |
Ndavies Member Username: Ndavies
Post Number: 1719 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 129.9.163.233
| Posted on Thursday, March 30, 2006 - 11:10 am: | |
Llyn, I agree there are benefits to purchasing older homes. I've rehabbed 3 already in my life. I still own a 100 year old farmhouse in Monroe county. This time around I had neither the time nor the inclination to do it to another house. I wanted something that I could move into and not have to worry about all the shit involved with a used house. My point was that different properties offer different benefits. Different people have different priorities. Other peoples priorities are just as valid as yours. |
Jfried Member Username: Jfried
Post Number: 774 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 209.131.7.190
| Posted on Thursday, March 30, 2006 - 11:15 am: | |
llyn - I'm sure those updates cut costs, and you probably did pay less per sq ft, but you have to admit that you ongoing cost are still much higher. don't get me wrong, I think that having a house would be great. the yard it what I really desire. I would have liked to find something to rehab, but I planned on going back to school, while working about 60 hrs a week, I knew I just wouldn't have time. detroitduo- do we disagree that much? |
Cjdb16 Member Username: Cjdb16
Post Number: 113 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 198.109.49.243
| Posted on Thursday, March 30, 2006 - 11:26 am: | |
I live in a rehabbed condo in a wonderful Detroit Neighborhood, Woodbridge. It's the best of both worlds, and it's for sale. Call O'Connor Realty and make this dream life yours... |
Detroitkev Member Username: Detroitkev
Post Number: 63 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 70.236.180.191
| Posted on Thursday, March 30, 2006 - 11:33 am: | |
As others posted, people will pay for the convenience. I like living within walking distance of the gym, movie theatre, restaurants, bars, the bank, the barber, riverfront walkway, Campus Martius Park, soon to be shopping. The more amenities that exist drives up the value of your home. I grew up in Detroit, in old Southwest detroit, and I'd have to say that living there isn't much different than living Downtown. Sure, there are more middle class residents downtown, but there are still plenty of lower income folks...and that will be the case for quite awhile. The only difference was that in Southwest the next door drug dealers were discrete, as opposed to open drug dealing around Masonic Temple, and near Marios. I'd say that the Downtown/Midtown areas are pretty "real" neighborhoods to live in. And although some people who grew up in boring suburbia (with everyone exactly like them)like to live next to crackheads in the city(maybe because it's like some sort of novelty), I gotta tell you it's not all that. Been there, done that, and I prefer to live in an area that has well educated people that contribute to the betterment of the city. |
Eastsidedog Member Username: Eastsidedog
Post Number: 118 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 69.220.142.7
| Posted on Thursday, March 30, 2006 - 2:48 pm: | |
Jfried, let me clarify, I have no problem with new construction (Detroit needs plenty), but I definitely have a problem with gated communites which are absolutely popular because of FEAR and keeping out "undesirables." A good example of what Detroit really needs are homes like the ones in North Corktown. We also need rowhouses and 5-20 story apartment buildings built on a similar urban scale. Detroit needs less Harbortowns, Victoria Parks, and Rivefront Towers. Leave that stuff in the suburbs where it belongs. |
Jfried Member Username: Jfried
Post Number: 775 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 209.131.7.190
| Posted on Thursday, March 30, 2006 - 3:27 pm: | |
I wouldn't want to live in one of those gated communities, but everyone has a right to choose. and you may be right that some people decide to live in these places out of concern for their safety, but I'm willing to bet a lot more of the people who live in harbortown, or riverfront are there for the river, marina, parkland, and recreation (tennis/pool/etc.). detroit is a large city - there is room for a mixture of development types. besides, when was the last gated community built? you act as though every new condo project is gated... |
Eastsidedog Member Username: Eastsidedog
Post Number: 124 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 69.220.142.7
| Posted on Thursday, March 30, 2006 - 4:04 pm: | |
Let's see Harbortown's undergoing a large expansion (and yes the river is nice there are no "undesirables" in the river), the Rivertown lofts are gated off (although they don't have to be on the Jefferson side and they could reduce the parking and fill in the ravine next to it, it could function like a regular apartment building, hopefully it will once the uniroyal project takes hold). Really I hope that 1001 will funtion more like a regular apartment building and not seal itself of from the city with a layer of security. It still remains to be seen if the riverfront is developed with urban design principles or if it's sealed off from the rest of the city. And believe me, people increasingly love gated communities in America these days. Americans increasingly like their world to be squeaky clean, and tightly regulated, and well dull and boring. |
Spitty Member Username: Spitty
Post Number: 450 Registered: 07-2004 Posted From: 136.2.1.153
| Posted on Thursday, March 30, 2006 - 4:07 pm: | |
It sounds to me like your dream home would be in an alley or under an overpass. What could be more real, ungated, and open to undesirables than that? How exciting that would be! |
Eastsidedog Member Username: Eastsidedog
Post Number: 126 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 69.220.142.7
| Posted on Thursday, March 30, 2006 - 4:10 pm: | |
Spitty, Hah ha. Sounds fun. I have an idea, let's abolish poverty in America by moving away and pretending it doesn't exist. |
Jfried Member Username: Jfried
Post Number: 777 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 209.131.7.190
| Posted on Friday, March 31, 2006 - 1:35 pm: | |
------------------------------ -------------------- Really I hope that 1001 will funtion more like a regular apartment building and not seal itself of from the city with a layer of security. ------------------------------ -------------------- what does this mean? secured doors, gated parking lots? don't you have these same things at your house? "I leave my doors unlocked, even open sometimes. I leave my bike in the back yard. I don't lock my car, and I even leave change sitting on the seat. I keep it real. Up up." |
Eastsidedog Member Username: Eastsidedog
Post Number: 135 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 68.20.140.8
| Posted on Friday, March 31, 2006 - 2:37 pm: | |
Jfried. Good points. My house is like Fort Knox, but anyone can walk up and ring my doorbell. Apartment buildings seem to be a different situation. You're classic apartment building is pretty inviting. It's got a buzzer and may also have a doorman which is quite welcoming. The tone of the security at many of these new developments just say "go away." 10' iron fences, rude or apathetic security guards, camera's everywhere, big setbacks. But 1001 might not be that bad. I think doormen need to make a comeback. They were really friendly at Lafayette Towers, I knew them all by name and there was very low turnover. They are paid relatively well, and have benefits. Sometimes I visit there and see them and we chat. I guess I just think that these places should be more welcoming and more of a part of the fabric of the community, rather than be sealed off fortresses of money, exclusivity and power. Look at other cities with their apartment buildings that are knitted right into the neighborhood, with doormen and such. Again 1001 has potential to be like this with it's high-rise, urban architecture. Maybe I just want a bygone era. Am I making sense here? |