Here's what we're reading as we move into February.
An affordable alteration in the District Detroit
Could we see a new apartment building break ground soon in the District Detroit near the University of Michigan Center for Innovation? It looks more likely, as this week the Michigan Strategic Fund approved an ask from the developers, Olympia and Related Companies, removing the affordable housing component from this particular building (2205 Cass). This alters the approved $614 million tax incentives for the 10-building project.
"The overall incentive amount and post-construction amount will remain unchanged since an equal and offsetting amount of income tax capture will be reduced to accommodate the inclusion of the new sales and use-tax capture amount," a memo from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation said.
This same building will be used for UM faculty and student housing and it should break ground this year. There will still be "affordable housing" included in the District Detroit plan, just not this building. Tax incentives were approved in 2023 for the whole project, but no buildings have broken ground yet. Detroit News
NIMBYs in Boston Edison
A developer plans to convert a 100+ year old vacant building adjacent to Boston Edison into an apartment building with 49 apartments and commercial space. But neighbors are worried about the additional traffic to the area and what it might do to "the character of the neighborhood." The apartments would be market-rate, and the developer, Timeless Properties Detroit, has done other rehabs in the neighborhood, just not residential conversions like this one. Neighbors have spoken up in recent BSEED meetings, opposing the plan. It's a complicated issue, and BSEED has not reached a decision on rezoning yet. Detroit Free Press
Downtown parks see renovations
You may have noticed some work underway in Capitol Park. It's one of two park projects the Downtown Detroit Partnership is currently working on. In Capitol Park, 16 new trees will be planted, the dog park and lawn will be expanded, and new infrastructure including lighting and stormwater management are part of the $3 million plan. The project should take about six months. Work will start this spring in Grand Circus Park. The larger plan aims to build greater connections between the two sides of the park and make it more of a destination. This year, we'll see more entryways and walkways widen, along with landscaping. In the future, we'll see more possible event spaces, restrooms, and food and beverage options. Crain's Detroit Business (paywalled)
