Campus Martius Beach

5,000 square feet of sand and decking along with the Beach Bar and Grille have been added to the southeastern corner of Campus Martius, initializing Dan Glibert's effort to place-make in downtown Detroit.

Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research Building

The transformation of Dalgleish Cadillac into Wayne State's $93 million  Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research Building is now in full swing.

Tubes of Detroit Update

Detroit's latest tube is fully functional. A second Greektown funnel now bridges Monroe street connecting Greektown Casino to its new valet garage.

Transformers

Crews are working at the Statler site to transform the area near Grand Circus Park into a Hong Kong street set for the filming of Transformers 4.  Cameras are scheduled to roll on June 19.

Outdoor Adventure and Discovery Center

Demoliton work has begun on the largest section of the Globe Trading Company building as it begins its transformation into Michigan's Outdoor Adventure and Discovery Center. The center will be the latest addition to the William Milliken State Park and Harbor when it is completed some time in 2014.

The complex was constructed in phases between 1892 and 1900. It served as the home of the Detroit Dry Dock Company, Dry Dock Engine Works and the Detroit Shipbuilding Company. The Boblo Island ferry boats St. Clair and Columbia were both constructed there, and a young Henry Ford worked at the engine works as an apprentice machinist.

New Wayne County Jail - Not So Fast

Word came out today that the Wayne County has initiated discussions with Dan Gilbert's Rock Ventures, exploring the possibility of the company purchasing the new Wayne County Jail construction site from the county. This comes after the county has already spent over $100 million on the partially built jail.

Cobo Center Construction Update

Burn Notice

Back in April it was reported that this 103 year old home in Brush Park was intentionally set on fire by drunken Tigers fans on opening day. Located on Watson Street, the house was once known as Mercy Hall Hospital. It served as a care facility for indigent cancer patients from 1931 until the 1940's when the hospital moved to 269 Mack.

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Under its Skin

Curbed Detroit looks underneath the steel facade of the Claridge House Apartments.  Built as the Michigan State Telephone Building in 1906, steel was used to cover up the original brick facade during a renovation occurring between 1967 and 1970.

Dan Gilbert purchased the building in April of 2012 and renovations are ongoing.

Hotel Charlevoix on the Clock

The 108 year old Hotel Charlevoix could be toppled as early as tomorrow.  A demolition permit was issued April 30 and the building could be history by August.

A Grand Opening

Whole Foods Detroit has set its grand opening for June 5, 2013.  WXYZ's Detroit 20/20 has a preview.

Crowne Plaza Pontchartrain

The all new Pontch is taking reservations starting June 15.

Woodward Garden Apartments

The third phase of the Woodward Garden Block redevelopment is taking shape.

Five Windows

Five down, hundreds to go. Rehabilitation should be complete by the middle of the 22nd century.

Five down, hundreds to go. Rehabilitation should be complete by the middle of the 22nd century.

DPD Crime Lab

The infamous Detroit Police Department Crime Lab inside the former Stephen Foster School in Brush Park.

Hotel Charlevoix Spared (UPDATED)

Hotel Charlevoix owner Ralph Sachs got more than he bargained for when his representatives went before Detroit's Historic District Commission this week.  Not only did the commission reject his request to demolish the 107 year old building, the commission determined that Sachs was responsible for the deterioration of the structure and gave him 15 days to submit a plan to mothball the building.  At this point it is unclear what consequences Sachs would face if he fails to comply with the commission's orders.

*UPDATED 1/12/13*

A judge signed a demolition order for the building on January 9, 2013.  According to reports, the owner, Ralph Sachs has budgeted $250,000 to demolish the building this year.

I would be shocked if the Charlevoix wasn't down by opening day, just in time to rake in some parking dollars.

The demolition would also free up some more land, just in case Mike Ilitch is still considering Foxtown as a potential location for his new hockey arena development.

Beaubien Party Store

 July, 2004

November, 2012

This is what the building looked like in 1976, and just after its collapse in 2012.

Nouveau Ruins?

A certain never completed Brush Park development was found exposed to the elements last month.  Construction began in 2007, but the site sits abandoned today having never been occupied.  How long will it be before it is reclaimed by nature?

Just Another Hole in the Ground

245 Edmund Place never really stood a chance.

 April, 2005

November, 2012