What we're reading this week
The QLINE plans its return
Detroit's streetcar hasn't run since early on in the pandemic, but now it's looking to a summer return. The QLINE also ended its operations contract with Transdev. Along with the new start comes new staff - Lisa Nuszkowski, who ran MoGo Detroit - has come on as its new president. The group plans to hire returning and new staff to run operations.
The streetcar runs a four-mile route north and south along Woodward Avenue. With offices downtown closed and professional sports teams playing to empty stadiums, there hasn't been much demand for the streetcar in the past year.
Packard Plant taxes still due
The sad story of the Packard Plant continues. Crain's reports that owner Fernando Palazuelo now owes $821,426 in late taxes. If he doesn't pay them by March, the massive Packard Plant could go into foreclosure and up for auction through Wayne County. Palazuelo, back in his native Peru, says he intends to pay.
Plans have changed from the mixed-use apartment, office, art, and event destination he originally intended to seeking industrial tenants. But the task of abating and renovating this complex is daunting at the least, and will take a lot of money and patience from whoever signs on.
Downtown apartments see vacancy rates increasing
The allure of living in downtown Detroit has likely faded over the last year, with restaurants largely closed, events cancelled, and office workers dialing in remotely. Pre-pandemic, occupancy rates in Detroit's downtown apartments were at 92 percent; now they hover around 84 percent, according to the Free Press. Rental prices are down just slightly.
This comes as more new apartments are expected to open, including City Club Apartments at the former Statler Hotel site in Grand Circus Park, and two new apartment buildings in Brush Park's City Modern. Developers interviewed by the Free Press are confident the market will recover as the pandemic subsides.
Empty Edward Hotel in Dearborn likely to go up for sale
The Edward Hotel, or Dearborn Hyatt as it was once called, could go up for sale soon according to Crain's. The current owner, Xiao Hua "Edward" Gong, is facing fraud charges in Canada. The former Dearborn Hyatt, next to the Fairlane Mall and once a monorail stop, has been vacant for the past two years as Gong has been in court. But it's in good condition, and according to a broker, and could be converted into apartments or condos.
Is there a development we should cover or an interesting building up for sale? Send us a note at detroit@urbanize.city.
