Here are a few December stories from around the region that you might have missed.
Two Ren Cen towers get a new owner
The 500 and 600 towers of the Ren Cen have been acquired by a new owner. Friedman Real Estate bought the two smaller (at 21 stories) towers next to the larger GM towers. Blue Cross Blue Shield will remain the tenant of the 500 tower, but the 600 tower has opportunities for one large corporate tenant or multiple tenants. Some buyers had considered conversion to residential on some floors, but nothing came from those talks. Crain's Detroit Business
Bringing local food to the neighborhoods
Earlier this year, the first Black-owned grocery store in the city in 10 years, Neighborhood Grocery, opened in Jefferson Chalmers. Entrepreneur Raphael Wright leased a 5,000-square-foot former liquor store in 2020 to build out his dream., which is now home to fresh foods and local brands. Wright built a successful equity crowdfunding campaign to build out the store. He says that the produce is the most popular item in Neighborhood Grocery, and that the closest fresh produce for residents in the city is Eastern Market, and Trader Joe's and Kroger in Grosse Pointe. Model D
Enforcing the carpool lanes
New HOV (High-Occupancy Vehicle) lanes were created on I-75 from 12 Mile up to Auburn Hills. They opened without fanfare this fall. There are signs up indicating that they're carpool lanes, but are drivers paying attention? No. Is it being enforced? Also no. Michigan State Police really hasn't started enforcing the HOV lanes yet, but they should soon, or the state may have to return the $40 million it got from the feds for the lanes. The lanes are for vehicles with more than one occupant during rush hour - 6 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. weekdays. Detroit Free Press
