Another Loft Conversion Rethink

Back in the spring of 2007 developers announced plans to convert the Detroit Elevator Building in Rivertown into 23 condo units. The project was to be completed in the summer of 2008. Needless to say, with the housing market collapse, that never happened.

This summer plans for the building were revised and construction has begun on what will now be a small business incubator. The building will contain 24 units plus common areas including a kitchen and showering facilities.

Facade construction and interior demolition on the Elevator Building will be completed this fall and units should be ready by spring 2010.

Can Lightning Strike Twice?

The Ferchill Group is continuing its effort to redevelop a downtown strip centered along Washington Boulevard. The company responsible for saving the Book Cadillac will be lending its money and know-how to another Book building, this time the Book Tower. The building has been shuttered since the beginning of 2009 when the building 's owners filed for Chapter 11.

The Ferchill Group determined that is was not possible financially to save the Lafayette Building due to a funding gap of around $11 million. Profits from the building wouldn't have covered the cost of the restoration. The Book Tower doesn't appear to have that problem and Ferchill will embark on an $87 million renovation of the 38 story building.

Cass Tech to be Demolished

DPS Emergency Financial Manager Robert Bobb mentioned today on "Inside Detroit" that the district will be using stimulus money to demolish the Old Cass Tech building. Alumni previously stepped in to forestall demolition plans when the new high school was completed. However, no redevelopment plans have ever been put forth and this time around the school's fate seems sealed.

Redbull Air Race Windsor 2009 (Later Than Never)

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Gold Cup 100 Alpha

The 100th running of the Gold Cup was postponed last year due to high winds. After a year's wait, the thunder returned to the Detroit River this past weekend. VIEW LARGE