Action at the UA

Reports have been circulating that Beal Demolition has been doing work inside the United Artists Building. This has led to some speculation that the building is being prepared for demolition.

Upon some investigation of my own, I do not believe this to be the case. Beal demolition specializes in historic building renovations, specifically in interior demolition and lead/asbestos abatement. Also, I have been told that several months ago that Olympia Development were seeking bids for the clean up the building in order to make it ready for possible future occupancy. Olympia and the City, are continuing to market the building together with Statler and Tuller sites. They have been in talks with Rock Financial/Quicken Loans about moving its headquarters there, but no decision has been made.

Brush Park Circa 1991

smartee_martee
Has an excellent collection of photos of Brush Park from 1991. Many of the buildings documented are long gone.

Enter Planet Dust

Enter Planet Dust, originally uploaded by A Dubs.

Silos on the former Koenig Coal site.

Crystal Lofts Update

The "Crystal" part of the Crystal Lofts is starting to take shape as the stairwell and elevator shaft to the penthouse level appears above the shell of the original building.

See the Crystal Ballroom through the ages.

Slumpy's Demise

This past winter wasn't very kind to the William Livingstone House.  Old Slumpy finally lost his face a few weeks ago.

freakybuttrue captured the collapse of the facade.

Behind the Facade

Ilitch holdings, Inc requested permission from the Detroit Historic Commission on March 29th to demolish most of the Fine Arts Building on West Adams. This request does not include the demolition of the Adams Theater located behind the building. Their plan is to preserve the facade of the 102 year old Fine Arts Building, while constructing a brand new building behind the structure.

I have heard that permission has been granted but this has yet to be reported in the media.

Detroit Elevator Company Building To Be Converted Into Lofts

RDR Real Estate has purchased the Detroit Elevator Company Building on Franklin St. in Rivertown. They plan to convert the 25,000 square ft. building into 23 condo units averaging 1,000 in size to sell for a price of about $235 per sq. ft.. This continues the trend to convert Rivertown into a mixed use district with an emphasis on residetial units with several other condo projects having been previously announced.

Renovation is slated to begin this summer with the goal of a summer 2008 move in date.

A website has been recently launched for this project elevatorbuilding.com.

Parking! Parking!

Olympia Development has received a $104,500 state grant demolish the dilapidated Vermont Hotel at 138 W. Columbia. The vacant building is in an area behind the Fox Theater that has been long rumored to be the planed location of a new hockey arena for the Detroit Red Wings. Olympia plans to tear down the building within weeks, but the only immediate use for the property will be as additional parking.

Hip City Living

Hip City Living has recently updated their web page. It gives a first look at their plans for Brush Park Village North. The ground breaking is set for April 16th.

Model D TV Covers Edmund Place Condos

History vs Parking, Parking Wins

The Detroit Commerce Building is a sliver of its former self.

Demolition of The Detroit Commerce Building is wrapping up. The site of the 81 year old Chicago School style building will be used for a 528 space parking garage for the restored Westin Book-Cadillac Hotel and Residences.

The Detroit Downtown Development Authority has agreed to sell the "Air Rights" for the garage to a local firm that wants to build 80 condos on top of the structure. There has been no word on street level retail being included in
this plan.