Here are a few of the stories around metro Detroit that we've been reading in the last few weeks.
A new life for a haunted hospital
The former Eloise Hospital in Westland is about to go through a $4 million redevelopment. The former psychiatric hospital will be transformed into a hotel, restaurant, and bar. What do people think about the move to hospitality? It's a mixed bag from residents. Some say it could be insensitive to former patients and family. Some think it's exploiting the suffering of patients, while others see it as a draw for tourists to the area. The Eloise Hospital closed in the early 80s. What was once a large campus with dozens of buildings is now home to just a few buildings and the cemetery. In the past few years, Eloise has been a spot for ghost hunters, and in 2021 opened as a haunted house. Detroit Free Press
Huntington Place expansion
The West Riverfront is a big area to watch in Detroit, with a 25-story tower going up at the old Joe Louis Arena site, the Ralph C. Wilson Park being built, and the Riverwalk set to connect it all. Now the big link from downtown to the West Riverfront is set to expand. Legislation was signed at the end of the year to allow greater expansion of our convention center, Huntington Place (formerly Cobo). Plans for expansion would include a new ballroom, additional parking, more green space and bike access, and extending 2nd Avenue to the Detroit River. Even more reason to add a new hotel to the Joe Louis site. Stay tuned. Crain's Detroit Business
20 years and counting for Perfecting Church
In "projects that will never happen" news, the city is putting added pressure on the large church at the corner of 7 Mile and Woodward that has been in the works for 20 years. Pastor Marvin Winans is leading the project called Perfecting Church, a 15-acre site that not only would hold the massive church, but an 1,100 space parking deck and 70 condos. The city sent a letter on Friday demanding reports and financial records. The city gave the church a variety of deadlines, including an upcoming updated development plan, a building status report, and additional paperwork. Axios Detroit
