HDR Friday: The Last Days of the Lafayette

Baby Steps?

It looks like the last vacant building on 100 block Watson street in Brush Park will be saved.  The Devon building, built in 1905, is slated to be converted into four 1,300 square feet condos.  With the rehabilitation of the concrete building, the restoration of this particular block will be complete.  That's not to say that it couldn't use a few more buildings for infill.  The art deco facade will be saved, but the rear of the building will be demolished and rebuilt with floor to ceiling windows.  This will also make room for new garages to be build along the alley.

Construction is set to begin in the first quarter of 2011.  However, work will not begin until all four units are sold.  The expected price per unit will be $220,000.

The Ford Auditorium Renovation That Wasn't

It was revealed in today's indictments that there was a plan in place back in 2003 for a theater developer to purchase Ford Auditorium from the city and renovate it.

Derrick Miller was the point man for the city on the deal and is said to have like the offer. Following the meetings the developer commissioned artist renderings, developed a renovation proposal and obtained insurance quotes and an assessment on asbestos removal for the renovation.

After a great deal of time and money was spent on the proposal, Miller and the developer met again. At this meeting the developer was told that he needed to hire Bernard Kilpatrick in order to complete the deal with the city. The developer refused and deal collapsed.

New School

The University Prep Science and Math High School looks ready for students.

January 2010

November 2009

June 2009

10th Annual Broderick Tower Restoration Article: Deal pending to turn Broderick Tower into apartments

The Free Press is reporting this afternoon that a deal will close within the next week to finance the conversion of the Broderick Tower into 120 apartments.  The upper floors, with views of Comerica Park, are expected to be some of the most expensive rentals in Downtown Detroit.

For years now Michael Higgins or Fred Beal have declared that renovations are just around the corner so take this news with a grain of salt.