Here are a few of the stories we're following this week.
Another win for the Motown Museum expansion
As part of a huge federal spending package, the Motown Museum met its $55 million goal in its expansion efforts by landing an additional $10 million. But, because of rising costs, the museum increased its goal to $65 million. The expansion was announced in 2016, and work completed can be seen from West Grand Boulevard. The three houses are connected and contain youth programming, and a plaza was added to the front of the property. The next phase includes building a large new theater behind the homes. Detroit Free Press
Bringing back a reflective space
Wayne State University is home to many architectural gems designed by Minoru Yamasaki. Now, one space that has been empty for a while is coming back. The Detroit News reports that reflecting pool in front of the Helen L. DeRoy Auditorium will once again be filled as part of a larger $2 million effort to restore the building. It should be working by late July. It's estimated that the pool has been empty since the 80s, and preservationists say that these pools are important to the overall design. Another pool that was dormant for years, at the McGregor Memorial Conference Center, was restored and filled in 2013. Yamasaki, who also designed the World Trade Center, designed many midcentury buildings around Metro Detroit, including One Woodward. Detroit News (paywalled)
Running out of the 313
A 313 area code is almost a badge of honor for Detroit residents, and time is running out to get one. The Michigan Public Service Commission announced that they could run out of 313 numbers by 2025; they'd then switch to 679 for new numbers. The change would not affect current 313 numbers. The MPSC will hold a take public feedback at a hearing in March in Detroit. The 313 area code covers Detroit, Hamtramck, Highland Park, along with some downriver areas and into the Grosse Pointes. Detroit Metro Times
