Monday, June 30, 2014

WSU's Mackenzie Home at Risk?


Having already survived one demolition scare in 1975, the future of Wayne State University's David Mackenzie Home has again been called into question.

Wayne State recently announced a $48.6 million expansion of its Hilberry Theater.  The University plans on expanding the theater complex to occupy the entire block, raising questions about what will happen to the 1895 Queen Ann home.

There has been talk about moving the home to another lot in the neighborhood, but no official announcements have been made by the University at this time.


To find out more about the Mackenzie Home and its role in Detroit's preservation movement, check out this video about Preservation Detroit.


Monday, June 23, 2014

What's Gilbert Buying?

Bedrock Real Estate is at it again. Detroit booster Dan Gilbert has purchased a large portion of the east side of Broadway between Grand River and Gratiot. With the purchase of these three early 20th century buildings, Gilbert has added nearly 27,000 square feet to his downtown empire.

1332 Broadway (Display Creations Building) in 2005

1332 Broadway (1919), 1326 Broadway (1904), 1322 Broadway (1922) today


Place Promo shows Broadway as it looked in 1976:







Thursday, June 19, 2014

Another Building in TechTown to Get the Loft Treatment


HD Developments of Florida has announced that this warehouse on the corner of 2nd and York will be getting the loft treatment just as soon as it can get its final financing in place.

"Yorke Lofts" will consist of 42 studio and one-bedroom units and a rooftop garden. The two smaller buildings next door will be part of the development as well. One building will continue to serve as a parking garage while the other will provide room for retail spaces.

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Temple Hotel

The Temple Hotel was demolished in May of 2014 to make room for the expansion of a DTE substation that will supply power to the new Detroit Red Wings arena that will be built nearby.

 (February, 2005)

(May, 2014)

 (October, 2013)

(May, 2014)
(May, 2014)

Wednesday, June 04, 2014

Here's the Steeple


It appears as though the Mother of Divine Mercy Parish's "Save Our Steeples" campaign has been a success.  Rather than removing St. Josaphat's damaged central steeple and capping the tower with a new roof, work began earlier this spring to restore the 200 foot structure and clad its exterior with new slate.