Sunday, November 15, 2009

Spaulding Court

The Corktown Residents’ Council is working with residents to retake the Spaulding Court apartment complex on Rosa Parks. The century old property has long been abandoned by its owner and is unoccupied, except for two units. The group has launched a Nuisance Abatement suit against the owners and a default judgement is likely.

In October community members cleaned up the site, sealed the unoccupied units, and illuminated the grounds.

It is likely that the complex will be seized and the title will be transferred to Wayne County. It is hoped that the land bank will sell the property to the Greater Corktown Development Corporation for redevelopment.


 Check out Spauding Court in 2003 from detroitpix.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Detrot to Get USL-1 Soccer Team

Buzz is starting to build about Detroit getting a United Soccer League First Division expansion team. USL-1 is one level below MLS.

I haven't seen any coverage from the Mainstream media, but there was a reference to the team in a USL press release. At this point, it is not apparent whether the franchise will be built upon a promoted Michigan Bucks (PDL) team or a new organization.

It is also unclear where the new team will be based. From what I've read, USL requires a 5,000 seat stadium. If Bucks owner Dan Duggan is involved, a stadium could be built behind the team's "Ultimate Soccer Arenas" home in Pontiac. The team could find a temporary home to play in at a high school stadium in the area. Recently, the Bucks played their home games at Stoney Creek High School. Prior to that, they called Berkley's Hurley Field home. That field only holds 3,500 spectators, but additional bleachers were brought in when the Bucks hosted the NY/NJ Metro Stars in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup in 2003.

Stay tuned for more details as they become available.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Stripped Down

Work continues on the conversion of the Franklin Furniture building into a high school affiliated with the University Prep Science and Math Middle School. It doesn't look like there will be anything "Albert Kahn" remaining, except for the steel reinforced concrete skeleton.


Monday, November 09, 2009

Unopened

Despite holding a ribbon cutting ceremony almost three weeks ago. William G. Milliken State Park (formerly Tricentennial State Park) remains closed to the public.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Book Tower to Get New, Green Life?

Key Investment Group of Canton says it has signed a contract with the owners of the empty Book Tower and Book Building to renovate the structures which have been vacant since January. They plan to turn it into 260 green-friendly residences along with retail space.

The development will include a new copper roof, a green roof plaza, and a restoration of an interior atrium. The facade will be completely cleaned as well. Work is slated to begin in June and the group intends to eventually purchase the building.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Enjoying Some Cider