Construction is moving ahead in Detroit, and since most of us are driving less these days, it seems like some projects are going up quickly. While we might not see a lot finished this year, there are certain places where we'll see a lot of changes.
In choosing the big stories to follow, we looked at different areas and bigger projects where we'll see physical changes, as well as developing stories that will impact future buildings.
The corner of Woodward and Mack
If you stand on the northwest corner of Woodward and MLK and look around, the landscape will look a lot different in a few years. Across the street south on Woodward and Stimson, construction has recently started on Woodward West, a $60 million project bringing 204 apartments plus commercial space. The project, led by Queen Lillian and the Platform, should be completed in 2022.
Across the street in Brush Park, the SoMA (remember, South of Mack Avenue) project could also see movement - new plans were recently presented to the Planning Commission. The project now calls for a 16-story and a six-story tower, plus space for a large grocer. It's being led by Jonathan Holtzman and City Club Apartments.
Then, looking north up Woodward, fencing is up around the Mid, an even larger set of high-rises. Plans include a hotel, residences, and retail. The development was announced in 2019, but ground has not broken yet.
The move away from condos
A few years ago, a slew of condo developments were announced in downtown and Midtown Detroit. Crain's recently reported on the oversaturation of the condo market in the city, leaving us to wonder what will happen to projects in development. Some projects that initially announced high-end condos were scrapped for hotel plans or put on hold indefinitely. Pair that with the uncertainty of when and how people will return to offices in the near and distant future. We could see a lot more apartments coming into downtown and Midtown.
The Hudson's site is above ground
We're still years away from completion of this development, but construction at the Hudson's site is starting to move above ground. The development, led by Dan Gilbert's Bedrock, encompasses an entire city block, The development broke ground in late 2017 and the work thus far has largely been done underground (visible from the top of the Z Lot). Now, structural elements are above ground, visible from street level.
The development will include offices, residential, event space, and a lot of retail. It's expected to be completed in 2023.
The Riverwalk will soon be connected to Belle Isle
The Riverwalk is one of the great public spaces in Detroit, but it noticably ends at Mt. Elliott Park, meaning if you want to get to Belle Isle or Gabriel Richard Park, you'll need to hop on busy Jefferson Avenue. Model D recently reported that remediation has taken place at the Uniroyal site, and work could start this spring on the connecting piece to Belle Isle. In the next few years, we should see the entire pathway connected from Gabriel Richard Park through the upcoming Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park and to the Gordie Howe Bridge.
Eastern Market
The district has changed a lot in the past few years, as new ownership has bought property and raised the rent. A two-story older building on Russell was torn down last year, and a new four-story building with a unique glass facade will take its place. The new building, designed by architectural firm MVRDV, will have retail and office/commercial space, plus a rooftop deck. The mural from the older building will be recreated on glass. Construction will start this year. This is in addition to an array of building renovations that have been taking place around the market.
