  Hysteria Member Username: Hysteria Post Number: 1071 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 152.163.100.8 |
 Photo: Emporis/Chris Cousins One of Detroit’s older downtown skyscrapers, the Book Tower, has been sold. A New York-based investment group, the Pagan Organization, completed the purchase from the former owner, local investor Susan Lambrecht, on July 25. The purchase price was not disclosed. Located on Washington Boulevard, the two-building complex includes the 13-story Book Building, built in 1917, and the 36-story Book Tower, built in 1926. Michael Hidalgo, vice president of the new ownership group, said the buyers decided the time was right to invest in Detroit’s renovation. “We’ve actually had our eye on the resurgence and development of Detroit for some time,” he said. Plans call for a renovation of the buildings, including creation of new retail space and conversion of some of the existing office space into residential units. http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060808/NEWS99/60808023 | ||
Hamtramck_steve Member Username: Hamtramck_steve Post Number: 3157 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.255.162.205 |
Why is the name Michael Hidalgo ringing a bell? I Googled him, but nothing came up that helped me. | ||
7even Member Username: 7even Post Number: 93 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 198.109.26.18 |
I hope he washes it. | ||
Thejesus Member Username: Thejesus Post Number: 165 Registered: 06-2006 Posted From: 68.62.6.138 |
Awesome news.. | ||
Aaron Member Username: Aaron Post Number: 114 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 69.241.224.171 |
Perhaps you're thinking of Michael Higgins, who owns the Broderick, Steve. | ||
Illmatic774 Member Username: Illmatic774 Post Number: 72 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 70.189.150.63 |
http://www.dellorcoart.com/por tfolio/food/images/clorox.jpg | ||
Viziondetroit Member Username: Viziondetroit Post Number: 681 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 69.246.10.173 |
interesting name, the Pagan Organization | ||
Oldredfordette Member Username: Oldredfordette Post Number: 204 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 68.60.181.41 |
It's going to take a lot of Clorox. The only good thing I can say for the Book is the rents were cheap enough for almost anybody to rent an office there. Expect almost anybody to be evicted soon. | ||
Hagglerock Member Username: Hagglerock Post Number: 295 Registered: 03-2005 Posted From: 12.214.243.66 |
Hmmmmm, very hopeful it works out,. BTW whats the current occupancy of the Book Tower? Around 35% is what I think someone here stated ??? | ||
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan Post Number: 4103 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.177.81.18 |
Interesting. Ms. Lambrecht really brought positive attention, and hopefully these new developers are more able to follow through on the dream of really getting it back up to what it used to be. I applaud Ms. Lambrecht, and hope this signifies a continued effort to restore the building! It's easily one of my favorite skyscrapers of all times just because of how awkward it is. Whenever I see it I think of the fictional "Gotham City" in Batman. | ||
Designut Member Username: Designut Post Number: 70 Registered: 05-2006 Posted From: 69.246.46.45 |
great news Agreed - I would love to see what the limestone on the tower looks like without the 80 years of soot, dirt, slime, grime and shitt. At least Lambrecht got a start on it - I'll give her an A for effort, C- for results  (Edit: by results, I only mean the results of the original attempt to clean the building; I've also heard many good things about Ms. lambrecht's managerial skills) (Message edited by designut on August 08, 2006) | ||
Hysteria Member Username: Hysteria Post Number: 1081 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 152.163.100.8 |
Me too. | ||
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan Post Number: 4104 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.177.81.18 |
Yeah, Ms. Lambrecht had all the will you can expect of someone that believes in the city. She just didn't have the proper means and wherewithall. And, it was really a chicken/egg question as she needed more tenants to make more money to improve the building, but it's so out of date that many tenants didn't even give it a second glance. | ||
Detroitej72 Member Username: Detroitej72 Post Number: 52 Registered: 05-2006 Posted From: 66.184.3.44 |
Another sign of Downtown Detroit's rebirth. (OK, maybe for the 10th time, but hey what the hell) Anytime out of town investors start buying buildings, is a great sign. Locals can be accussed of being sentimental, but when groups from out of MI come to the table, you know there is prospects. Especially if it didn't take huge tax breaks to lure them. You have got to love the free market. | ||
Naturalsister Member Username: Naturalsister Post Number: 777 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 70.8.8.158 |
Yaaay!!!!!!! later - naturalsister | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 2581 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 4.229.90.203 |
Lmichigan, I agree 100%, Susan Lambrecht did try to do what she could, kudos all around. And yes that building is "awkwardly beautiful", couldn't have said it any better. It is undoubtedly one of the country's most "Baroque" skyscraper around. And the analogy of Gotham City is right on the mark (this building and the interior/exterior of the Guardian Building are Gotham City... to the max). I always thought that this building deserved a catwalk to the Times Square PM station. | ||
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan Post Number: 4105 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.177.81.18 |
I propose renaming it "Gotham Tower," and place the "batlight" atop the roof. | ||
Neilr Member Username: Neilr Post Number: 313 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 69.242.223.67 |
To me, nothing says "Gotham City" like the Water Board Building when the top is lit up at night. | ||
Hysteria Member Username: Hysteria Post Number: 1082 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 152.163.100.8 |
I actually don't mind the dirty appearance of the building. The industrial grime adds to its appeal, IMO.  Gotham City | ||
Genesyxx Member Username: Genesyxx Post Number: 557 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 71.159.22.4 |
Hopefully they'll do some MUCH NEEDED repairs to the place. Or at least, take the emergency stairs off the side. I wouldn't take those stairs if the place was on fire! | ||
Danny Member Username: Danny Post Number: 4743 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 141.217.174.229 |
YAYYYYY!!!!! More condos and lofts comming soon to Dowtown Detroit. | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 2585 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 4.229.72.149 |
Are those rickety stairs on the side of the Book Tower still required by fire marshalls? I agree I wouldn't want to take them either, especially at those dizzying heights. | ||
Burnsie Member Username: Burnsie Post Number: 546 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 141.216.1.4 |
I think I'd take my chances with the fire escape if I could reach it, the entire inside was blazing, and it was too smoky to get to the interior stairs. | ||
Itsjeff Member Username: Itsjeff Post Number: 6562 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 208.27.111.125 |
Susan Lambrecht owns the monstrosity on Griswold attached to the David Stott Building. She asked well more than 4 times the market value of the junk building when the owners of 1001 Woodward approached her to buy and demo the building for their parking deck. Her lottery ticket asking price forced them to execute their plan B, which was demo the vintage buildings on Woodward. Had she sold the building for a fair price, she would have had money to, oh, say, finish the cleaning of the Book Tower...... and Woodward will still have vintage buildings in that block. | ||
Llyn Member Username: Llyn Post Number: 1615 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 68.61.197.206 |
itsjeff, you just took my appreciation of Susan Lambrecht down quite a few notches. BTW, the latest plan floated for the Book Tower and Book Building was to move all the office tennants into the Book Tower and turn the Book Building into condos. Based on the article, I assume that is still the plan. | ||
Rjlj Member Username: Rjlj Post Number: 106 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 63.171.81.130 |
Yep, Susan Lambrecht forced the owners of 1001 Woodward to detroy a historical building. It is all her fault. I love when people believe everything people write on this forum without knowing all the firsthand facts. | ||
Caseyc Member Username: Caseyc Post Number: 595 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 206.18.111.5 |
does this mean Leather Tuscadero's brother is out looking for office space? | ||
Itsjeff Member Username: Itsjeff Post Number: 6564 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 208.27.111.125 |
Rjlj, I know all the firsthand facts. | ||
Corktownmark Member Username: Corktownmark Post Number: 209 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 141.217.12.135 |
I don't beleive that ItsJeff has steered us wrong on this type stuff before. BTW what IS happening with I75 and Woodward accross from brush park? ^^^^^^^^ thread jack 8=P | ||
Dougw Member Username: Dougw Post Number: 1272 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 136.1.1.33 |
Rjlj, you didn't exactly provide any information to counter itsjeff's point. | ||
Rjlj Member Username: Rjlj Post Number: 108 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 63.171.81.130 |
I have none. I don't like how the comment was steered to make Lambrecht look bad and in turn casue Llyn to take her "appreciation of Susan Lambrecht down quite a few notches," without knowing all the facts or knowing the person. I hope new life is brought to the Book building. | ||
Toolbox Member Username: Toolbox Post Number: 961 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 66.184.29.148 |
Llyn knows his shit and Jeff knows his shit. They both have a very good idea what happens in the CBD Area. | ||
Arcas Member Username: Arcas Post Number: 10 Registered: 01-2006 Posted From: 141.217.224.84 |
One quick question from me. And someone might want to check with the folks at Preservation Wayne because that's where I originally heard this. Does the building materials of Book Tower absorb the pollution and such from the atmosphere like a sponge? Supposedly there were pictures of BT in 30s and 40s, and it looks exactly the same as it does now. How much would it cost to "clean" it? And if you did, would it just return to its lovable sooty self in another 8-10 years? (To be fair, a plug for the PW guys is in order: The last tour of "Downtown Buildings of Loius Kamper" for the season; including the Book-Cadillac, Book-Tower, and the Water Board Building is Sept. 5 @ 5:30PM. www.preservationwayne.org ) | ||
Apbest Member Username: Apbest Post Number: 148 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 68.40.65.66 |
it cant be impossible to clean it. Look at that portion that she already cleaned...looks good and she did it a few years ago | ||
Supersport Member Username: Supersport Post Number: 10451 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 64.118.137.228 |
I saw the blue prints for the proposed development at Bookies when Susan was discussing plans with a developer. He wasn't cool with me taking pictures of the plans (go figure), but he did allow me to look them over thoroughly. In fact, I believe Panson was there with me at the time, as he looked them over as well if memory serves me. Hell, it may have even been last fall, I can't recall. Last I knew, the owners son Jay had told me that they would remain part owner, like 10% or so. They would also remain in control of Bookies. At the time, their next focus was to be on the two story buildings across the street from the Book Tower/building, in which they are now 50% owners of. Plans were hopefully to get underway shortly after the Super Bowl, but as it is I'm not sure there has been any progress. The intent was to build out lofts in the upper units with decks on the roof top. The lower level was to entail a sister bar to Bookies combine two of the fronts, a pizza place, and then the other two for lease. Now granted, this info is a bit dated, but that was the last I had heard straight from the horses mouth. Perhaps I'll stop in and see if I can get the latest tonight pre-Tigers game. Also, as for the facade, perhaps you should all take a closer look if you are hoping to see what it would look like cleaned. A good portion has already been cleaned a few years back. | ||
Designut Member Username: Designut Post Number: 74 Registered: 05-2006 Posted From: 69.246.46.45 |
Arcas- I'm by no means an expert on the subject (so someone please correct me if I'm wrong) but I believe St. John's Episcopal (by Comerica Park) is made of limestone; it was cleaned years ago and looks great. Incidentally, the church also has sandstone details on the facade which cannot be cleaned, so I think that you may be thinking of sandstone. (uncleaned lime stone looks very similar to really old sandstone) | ||
Aiw Member Username: Aiw Post Number: 5748 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 209.216.150.127 |
It is true. Susan Lambrecht selling the building is the best thing for that building. | ||
Hornwrecker Member Username: Hornwrecker Post Number: 1386 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 216.203.223.88 |
  | ||
Dougw Member Username: Dougw Post Number: 1273 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 136.1.1.33 |
Don't make me pull out my 4-picture collage of the book tower, Horn. ;)
I believe there is no interior stairwell, which is why the exterior fire escape is required? (Someone correct me if I'm wrong. Or is there an interior stairwell which somehow doesn't qualify as a fire route?) There are interior elevators, though. | ||
Karl Member Username: Karl Post Number: 3457 Registered: 09-2005 Posted From: 72.25.177.194 |
Forget Batman - Think of it - King Kong climbing up the side (grasping the infamous stairs, of course) of the Book Tower with (fill-in-blank with any of the divas on DetroitYes) in hand when suddenly the stairs break away, the whole mess swinging over Washington Blvd, crowd below screaming - folks on all floors of Book Cadillac looking wide-eyed out all windows as stairway careens past carrying King Kong & (DY diva)......... Oh, the humanity! Oh, the publicity! Perhaps Detroit shall reign again! | ||
Hysteria Member Username: Hysteria Post Number: 1083 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 216.223.168.132 |
You mean Oldredfordette, Karl? | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 2594 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 4.229.72.98 |
Karl, I like your sense of drama... except for the fact that King Kong would land on the roof of the adjoining Book Building... and take out several floors of loft occupants.... Then again, maybe if the staircase came loose and King Kong was dangling from an arc'ing staircase, with his weight bending it forward to Washington Blvd..... and who is that blond temptress doomed in King Kong's grasp falling with him to an untimely end... why its.... its... Betsy DeVos!!! (Sorry Karl ) | ||
Designut Member Username: Designut Post Number: 75 Registered: 05-2006 Posted From: 69.246.46.45 |
Quote: "I believe there is no interior stairwell, which is why the exterior fire escape is required? (Someone correct me if I'm wrong. Or is there an interior stairwell which somehow doesn't qualify as a fire route?) There are interior elevators, though." If that is the case, when was the fire escape added? (when was a law passed that made it a requirement?) I don't think I've ever seen a picture of the building without it, but I think it's safe to assume that it wasn't a part of the original plan (?) anyone? | ||
Karl Member Username: Karl Post Number: 3459 Registered: 09-2005 Posted From: 72.25.177.194 |
Hysteria & Gistok have me LOF today Thanks - | ||
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan Post Number: 4107 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.177.81.18 |
Why wouldn't it have been originally part of the plan? | ||
Swingline Member Username: Swingline Post Number: 557 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 4.229.60.187 |
I think that the Book Tower has one or more interior stairways that do not meet modern fire codes because they are open rather than located within fire-proof shafts and behind fire-doors. Hence, the building was required to add the exterior fire escape. Don't know for sure, but it was probably added in the early post-World War II period. | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 2597 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 4.229.72.98 |
I vaguely remember seeing a floor plan in the tower, and I thought that there was a staircase, but not in the center of the building, but towards the Washington Boulevard side of the tower. That may explain the emergency exit. But I too am a little hazy... | ||
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan Post Number: 4109 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.177.81.18 |
Interior floor layout: http://www.booktowerdetroit.co m/faq | ||
Treelock Member Username: Treelock Post Number: 148 Registered: 03-2005 Posted From: 68.77.166.98 |
If the buiding is indeed made of limestone, then the grime visible on the building's exterior was likely caused by acid rain. Lovely stuff leaves dark streaks on any limestone structure over time. I love that building, though, and think this is great news. | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 2599 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 4.229.72.98 |
Thanks Lmichigan, I now know why I thought the stairs were near the front of the building... they rotated the tower layout 90 degrees compared to the building layout. Looks like the exterior stairs are right next to the interior stairs. And since the tower was built in 1926, that is a late enough date for them to use the same stairway regulations as found in other 1920's skyscrapers. If anything, the tower interior staircase seems rather small and narrow, which may have necessitated the addition of the later exterior stairs. It would seem to me that if the interior stairways are indeed rather small and narrow, then the only way to justify the removal of the exterior stairway would be if the tower had a lower occupancy... I mean residential instead of business use. (Message edited by Gistok on August 09, 2006) | ||
Burnsie Member Username: Burnsie Post Number: 549 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 35.12.20.236 |
That claim on the website that the Book Tower was the "first skyscraper in Detroit" isn't correct. For starters, the Book Cadillac opened two years before the Book Tower. | ||
Eric_c Member Username: Eric_c Post Number: 819 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 68.74.29.181 |
The Hammond Building was considered Detroit's first "skyscraper" but was razed for the NBD Building around 1957. | ||
Andylinn Member Username: Andylinn Post Number: 188 Registered: 04-2006 Posted From: 68.40.195.233 |
The hammond building, detroit's first skyscraper. Built with steel in 1890.  | ||
Traxus Member Username: Traxus Post Number: 2 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 69.220.224.170 |
Quote: "I believe there is no interior stairwell, which is why the exterior fire escape is required? (Someone correct me if I'm wrong. Or is there an interior stairwell which somehow doesn't qualify as a fire route?) There are interior elevators, though." I thought the rule of thumb was that buildings had to have two stairwells to pass fire code. That way if one was blocked by fire, the other could still provide exit. Perhaps there is only one stairwell within the building? | ||
Titancub Member Username: Titancub Post Number: 1 Registered: 08-2006 Posted From: 24.211.58.63 |
About 15 years ago UD High looked like the Book does. Not sure what or how they did it, but they cleaned the exterior and since it has looked great. Don't know why the same couldn't be done at the Book except for cost of doing it on such a huge scale. | ||
7even Member Username: 7even Post Number: 94 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 198.109.26.19 |
They also cleaned all the buildings on the McNichols Campus. The Fisher Building at the entrance to the school was design black to fit in with the older buildings before they were cleaned. Does anyone else think that lofts downtown are a great idea, but think they may not fill up with the huge number that are being created? I guess if people don’t move into them maybe they will come down in price so I can buy one for 5 bucks. I wonder if they get good cable at the Book with all the dishes at the top. (Message edited by 7even on August 09, 2006) | ||
Planner_727 Member Username: Planner_727 Post Number: 30 Registered: 07-2006 Posted From: 69.87.150.106 |
Trax, there is only one stairwell. The building has such a small footprint that the elevators and stairwell are on the northeast end of the building. I used to work in one of the middle floors... 14 or 17 somthing like that. While they weren't that narrow, I'm not sure that they are fire-walled. The doors were double doors on an angle and didn't seem that fire-resistent. Then again, I could be way off-base. | ||
Burnsie Member Username: Burnsie Post Number: 552 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 35.12.23.161 |
A few years back the Penobscot was cleaned with a power spray of baking soda and water. It was non-abrasive, unlike sandblasting, and really worked well. | ||
Fleamarket Member Username: Fleamarket Post Number: 3 Registered: 05-2006 Posted From: 68.61.77.231 |
quote "I wonder if they get good cable at the Book with all the dishes at the top. " I worked closely with Susan L. a few years back, the dishes on the roof were a huge money maker for her. She did a lot of facade work, meaning: cleaning parts of the building, put up the maroon/gold awnings, etc, to sell off the building. It has been up for sale for some years now. Other facade work was any good press to make her look good, as she had no intentions on improving the building (or the city for that matter), just selling it. Thankfully it is sold. It is a gem of a building! With the improvements now on Washington Blvd, it is the best news I have heard out of detroit in some time! I have also worked in the building, and some of the restricted floors are in terrible shape. They remained untouched for years, which will require alot of TLC, yet, there are hopes some of the rents will remain on the lower end to bring some good businesses to the city. | ||
Karl Member Username: Karl Post Number: 3463 Registered: 09-2005 Posted From: 207.200.116.139 |
For a step back in time: Take the elevator to the 3rd floor (not tower) where scrappers have been working. Last tenant was American Airlines, who moved out in 1976. There have been no alterations since then, and AA artifacts are still in evidence, perhaps indicating no subsequent tenants since 1976 (!!) At one time there was a spa on that floor. Looking up thru the dropped ceilings now removed by scrappers, you can see the high/domed/ornate stuff that was up there in the (original?) spa decor. With the spa there was rumored to be a swimming pool on that level, though that would be harder to find. When I was in there last (2 yrs ago) nitwits had allowed scrappers to remove AC, dropped ceilings, lighting, wiring, and bathroom fixtures. It was evident that scrappers were the culprits since AC compressors/other motors were simply torn open for the copper, then remaining debris left behind. As Fleamarket & others have said, it is a gem of a building. The front & side sidewalks were heated by steam at one time, always clear in the winter. Perhaps this was common downtown - perhaps someone has commented on this in the past (use of "waste" steam from Detroit Edison to heat buildings & sidewalks lol) wondering if there is still such dispensing/use of steam in Detroit. | ||
Swingline Member Username: Swingline Post Number: 561 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 172.161.157.134 |
How are scrappers able to remove materials from an occupied building? I can understand one or two incidents of theft, but wholesale scrapping which is what you seem to be describing? | ||
Supersport Member Username: Supersport Post Number: 10458 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 64.118.137.228 |
I spoke with one of the sons, Eric I think is his name, as he was handing out cards for advertising Bookies prior to the game. The original plan seems to have changed, as they sold complete ownership of the building. Bookies will be grandfathered in under the current lease agreement, which I'm sure is a good deal as it is. As for the project across the street, they do in fact own 50% of those 2 story buildings, though plans remain on hold. There is a feeling that the block currently couldn't support the businesses and the market for condos may not be sufficient to cover the costs of renovation it is felt. Apparently the place needs a lot of work. I figure that once the Book Cadillac kicks off, and if Rock Financial anchors the other end, the market will change drastically for the better. | ||
Merchantgander Member Username: Merchantgander Post Number: 2092 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 150.198.138.127 |
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/a pps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20066 0811001 | ||
Jasoncw Member Username: Jasoncw Post Number: 200 Registered: 07-2005 Posted From: 67.149.141.170 |
Wow, so they're not just fixing Book Tower, but moving there? | ||
Itsjeff Member Username: Itsjeff Post Number: 6586 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 208.27.111.125 |
Eh. They won't be the first Pagan landlords in town... | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 7704 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 198.208.159.19 |
I suspect that may be wrong. His company probably will open a Detroit branch that will be HQ'ed there. It would be nice if I was wrong but I doubt they would relocate the entire HQ. | ||
Motorcitymayor2026 Member Username: Motorcitymayor2026 Post Number: 1129 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 24.231.189.137 |
Great, I wonder how many new employees that means...This will be a great ripple down effect with the crews coming in to construct, renovate, and clean the building. | ||
Hysteria Member Username: Hysteria Post Number: 1098 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 216.223.168.132 |
Wow. That is great news. | ||
Apbest Member Username: Apbest Post Number: 151 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 68.42.220.61 |
the article says they're "moving their company" so it sounds like its not just a branch but the actual company, ie the headquarters | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 7707 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 198.208.159.19 |
I see that but am skeptical that it was misquoted. I hope I am wrong. | ||
Merchantgander Member Username: Merchantgander Post Number: 2093 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 150.198.138.127 |
Jt1 I was thinking the same thing as you. | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 2618 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 4.229.81.105 |
Well there's a big difference in quoting "moving the company to Detroit" versus quoting "opening a branch office in Detroit". And since Crain's is pretty reliable.... | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 2619 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 4.229.81.105 |
And condos at the top of the Book Tower are even higher than those (eventually) in the Broderick Tower. Can you imagine what a single 5,000+ sq. ft. penthouse on the 36th floor with views in all 4 directions would be like? WOW!! | ||
Dabirch Member Username: Dabirch Post Number: 1802 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 208.44.117.10 |
Hey all -- "the company" is most probably something along the lines of "Book Tower Development Partners, LLC" or something like that. Meaning a couple of finance people, a couple property managers, and very little else. It is the company that is running this project, not a large scale development company. | ||
Itsjeff Member Username: Itsjeff Post Number: 6587 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 208.27.111.125 |
But they're still Pagans, right? | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 7711 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 198.208.159.19 |
Yep - They plan on having sacrificial celebrations on the top floor. | ||
Itsjeff Member Username: Itsjeff Post Number: 6588 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 208.27.111.125 |
Here's a picture of the new owners:  | ||
Hysteria Member Username: Hysteria Post Number: 1099 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 216.223.168.132 |
Now THAT was funny! | ||
Merchantgander Member Username: Merchantgander Post Number: 2094 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 150.198.138.127 |
No it wasn't.  | ||
Itsjeff Member Username: Itsjeff Post Number: 6589 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 208.27.111.125 |
It's the first (and probably only) time I've posted a picture of nekkid women. I'd expect a better reaction, Merch. | ||
Viziondetroit Member Username: Viziondetroit Post Number: 692 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 65.42.23.2 |
looks like they are discussing cleansing methods for the building... | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 7714 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 198.208.159.19 |
Bookie's new ploy to get new customers? | ||
Frank_c Member Username: Frank_c Post Number: 732 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 207.200.116.139 |
Any links to interior photos? | ||
Patrick Member Username: Patrick Post Number: 3544 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 65.222.10.3 |
They better get those elevators fixed first! | ||
Rhymeswithrawk Member Username: Rhymeswithrawk Post Number: 9 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 12.34.51.2 |
Hey, no one is happier to see historic buildings in Detroit saved, but seriously, MORE RESIDENTIAL UNITS?! Is the demand even close to the ever-growing supply? What is sorely needed are more businesses relocating to downtown. Wishful thinking, of course. :/ | ||
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan Post Number: 4123 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.177.81.18 |
Well, the residential market must be stronger than (or at least they anticipate it to be) the Class B and C office market, or they'd keep it office space. (Message edited by lmichigan on August 12, 2006) | ||
Karl Member Username: Karl Post Number: 3486 Registered: 09-2005 Posted From: 66.159.209.231 |
Swingline - the salvaging on the 3rd floor made no sense, would like to go up and take another look but didn't have time last time I was in Detroit. There was no method - just haphazard scrapping throughout most of the third floor. There was no remodel taking place. Since the office was modern (dropped ceilings, air conditioning, etc) why take out basic wiring and toilets? | ||
Innovator Member Username: Innovator Post Number: 6 Registered: 07-2006 Posted From: 160.39.253.41 |
you've got to be kidding me. complaining about residential developments downtown... | ||
Bobj Member Username: Bobj Post Number: 973 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 68.40.89.238 |
There is no demand for office space and "good" demand for residential. Bringing more people Downtown to live, can spawn more businesses wanting to be there. | ||
Rjlj Member Username: Rjlj Post Number: 109 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 69.14.250.85 |
Exactly Bobj. There is plenty of office space downtown that is not being used. However, there is not enough places to live. Once more deveolpments for people to live are completed, move people will move down. When there is more people, they will demand more stores etc. and the office sapce will gradually fill and the cycle will continue. There may be a over abundance of houses in the suburbs but the Detroit metro area is lacking a true downtown. There is a large segment of people want to experience living downtown, something that has been lacking for over 30 years. | ||
Kpm Member Username: Kpm Post Number: 3 Registered: 08-2005 Posted From: 12.104.180.67 |
More on this from Michigan Construction News. Pagan moving HQ from NYC to Book Tower: http://michiganconstructionnew s.com/August%202006%20News/det -bookbldgs-8-.html | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 1996 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 75.10.25.111 |
^^^Great news...and interesting in that the investment company that purchased it is apparantly moving here. Here's a building which has flown under the radar (with the Broderick rumblings getting most of our attention)...a renovation would be huge in terms of updating it to legit modern office space, with all the perks that it has always had i.e. great view and magnificent architecture. Washington Blvd. now has the groundwork laid for a complete revitalization with the B-C hotel and a mixed use renovation of the Book Tower. If a Statler site deal gets done, then this will be as much as or even more of a turnaround than lower Woodward saw in the previous 5 years. | ||
Thejesus Member Username: Thejesus Post Number: 218 Registered: 06-2006 Posted From: 24.169.224.43 |
Oh man, that's wonderful news! | ||
Hysteria Member Username: Hysteria Post Number: 1128 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 216.223.168.132 |
I can't find any information (website) on the Pagan Organization online. I wonder how big this organization is? (Message edited by HYSTERIA on August 15, 2006) | ||
Merchantgander Member Username: Merchantgander Post Number: 2103 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 150.198.138.127 |
Three people, a dog and a cat. | ||
Oldredfordette Member Username: Oldredfordette Post Number: 264 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 68.60.181.41 |
Remember how beautiful Washington Blvd. used to be? I remember the exclusive shops and the trees, how nice it was to go into the church and out to a coffee shop (god I can't remember the name). So graceful. It would be splendid if this all comes together. | ||
Itsjeff Member Username: Itsjeff Post Number: 6622 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 208.27.111.125 |
I googled the guy's name, Ricardo Pagan, and found these links: http://abfjournal.com/story.as p?id=17149 http://www.prisontalk.com/foru ms/showthread.php?t=134880 | ||
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan Post Number: 4140 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.177.81.18 |
You are so funny, Jeff. | ||
Itsjeff Member Username: Itsjeff Post Number: 6623 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 208.27.111.125 |
That one, literally, wrote itself. I googled the guy's name and that's what came up. | ||
Viziondetroit Member Username: Viziondetroit Post Number: 704 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 65.42.23.2 |
"usually havee a big poncho villa mustache" :-D ha ha ha | ||
Hysteria Member Username: Hysteria Post Number: 1129 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 216.223.168.132 |
Haha ... He was released last year on my birthday. | ||
Itsjeff Member Username: Itsjeff Post Number: 6625 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 208.27.111.125 |
I don't think that was a valid reason to let him out, but I hope you two had fun. | ||
Designut Member Username: Designut Post Number: 86 Registered: 05-2006 Posted From: 65.123.68.93 |
funny guy ;) | ||
Hysteria Member Username: Hysteria Post Number: 1130 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 216.223.168.132 |
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Burnsie Member Username: Burnsie Post Number: 556 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 35.8.219.97 |
In a close-up pic of the top of the newly-built B-C in the Arcadia book, you can glimpse (barely) a section of fire-escape on the Book Tower. So it looks like the escape was there from the beginning. | ||
Rayraydetroit Member Username: Rayraydetroit Post Number: 14 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 67.72.98.45 |
The Book Tower does have one internal stairwell. Code requires a secondary means of egress; hence the fire escape. The building wrapped around the Stott Building was sold by Susan to a guy named Hahn. She tried for a second to do lofts there, but gave up. He also owns that vacant bank building on the west side of Griswold next to what was former The Kinzel Corner. Hahn also owns that now good looking vacant building on Woodward next to the Wright Kay. He mostly holds for who knows (?) | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 2637 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 4.229.81.159 |
Based on an upper floor layout, it looks like the door to the stairwell and that to the outside fire escape are about 6 feet from each other! Sure seems odd to put them so close together. So if the fire originates in that hallway... kiss your fanny goodbye! | ||
Jasoncw Member Username: Jasoncw Post Number: 202 Registered: 07-2005 Posted From: 67.149.141.170 |
Just hop out the window and climb down the rediculous ornamentation. | ||
Hysteria Member Username: Hysteria Post Number: 1136 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 64.12.116.204 |
Jason, can't wait to see you build the Book for SimCity4! | ||
Jasoncw Member Username: Jasoncw Post Number: 203 Registered: 07-2005 Posted From: 67.149.141.170 |
I guess I have a reputation! I wish I could recreate every building, but I don't have the time for it. But depending on how long it takes for Sim City 5 to be made, you might see it someday. I've been working on the Penobscot Building though. It's still very much a work in progress, but if anything is off on it, say so and I can fix it. http://img221.imageshack.us/im g221/5221/peno5ti0.jpg | ||
Hysteria Member Username: Hysteria Post Number: 1140 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 216.223.168.132 |
You've done a great job with all the buildings I've seen so far ... | ||
Itsjeff Member Username: Itsjeff Post Number: 6636 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 208.27.111.125 |
<--------- (click) Hysteria, please shoot me an e-mail. | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 2643 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 4.229.90.40 |
Why don't you build it out of Lego, like metro Detroiter Jim Garrett did with the David Stott Building? Can't beat a 3 dimensional model: www.brickshelf.com/gallery/Dec oJim/DavidStott/davidstott00s. jpg (Message edited by Gistok on August 16, 2006) | ||
Itsjeff Member Username: Itsjeff Post Number: 6637 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 208.27.111.125 |
Leggo is for nerds! | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 2645 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 4.229.90.40 |
Here's a picture of Itsjeff hiding between the 2 Lego office towers on the left at the Novi Train Expo... www.brickshelf.com/gallery/Dec oJim/DavidStott/gte2006n70.jpg The truth is out... | ||
Itsjeff Member Username: Itsjeff Post Number: 6638 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 208.27.111.125 |
(sigh) And once again I've been mistaken for Bill Gates. |
