Ilitch Blocker

The owner of the CC Bar appears to be ready to cash in on the speculation related to the rumors that a new Red Wings arena will be built behind the Fox Theater. Mike Ilitch owns the majority of the vacant land West of Park Avenue with a few exceptions. With the demolition of the Hotel Vermont and Olympia Developments' involvement in other land acquisition in the area it appears that something is in the works.

The CC Bar was completely demolished except for two exterior walls prior to the new construction seen below.

So question is why rebuild almost completely from the ground up on a site that is almost certainly within the footprint of a new arena? Is the intention to rake in the cash from the foot traffic created by a new arena, or is the idea to put up some cheap construction in order to raise the property value in advance of an impending land grab? Either way it appears that the owners are trying to stick it to Mr. Mike.

Dark Tower

***UPDATE***

Northeast Commercial Services Corp., a real estate manager and developer, filed for Chapter 11 protection on May 24th. The company has been redeveloping the Book Building and the Book Tower.

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APRIL 5th 2007

It has been reported that DTE cut of power to the Book Tower on Thursday due to non payment of bills over a lengthy period of time. Apparently, a notice was posted by DTE in February and nothing happened.

Building management notified tenants Wednesday afternoon that there would be a three-day power outage. The New York City-based Pagan Organization purchased the historic building from the former local owner, Susan Lambrecht in the summer of 2006 with the intention of renovating the 36 story building and converting the top ten floors into condos.

Generators were brought in to power the elevators, but the rest of the building is without power.

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.