Here are a few of the stories around Detroit we're reading this week.
A new look for Washington Boulevard
While the buildings along Washington Boulevard have been updated over the past several years (Book Tower, Book Cadillac, City Club, etc.), developers, the city, and the Downtown Development Partnership are now looking inward. Specifically, the median. Plans for the median will go to the Historic District Commission this month. This will include removal of a few dozen trees and adding in perennials, a granite path, and decorative grass. Removing the trees will bring in more sunlight and prevent too many tree roots taking over. Related: it's neighbor Grand Circus Park will also be going through changes in the coming months. Crain's Detroit Business
Developments that are not coming along
We've seen a lot of construction and openings lately (Book Tower, Exchange, Hudson's Site, Lafayette West), but some projects are moving a bit slower than others. The Osi Art Apartments in Woodbridge are in progress, but nothing has happened in a few months, and the development was supposed to open last year. The same team has been working on Sawyer Art Apartments in the Live6 area. New contractors and environmental work are to blame, says the developers. Work should start up again soon. Lee Plaza and the Fisher 21 redevelopment are waiting on financing. Detroit Free Press
Telling the story of Woodbridge
A Woodbridge resident and data analyst for the city Mark Jones is working with Woodbridge Neighborhood Development on a Story Map of the neighborhood. The story map covers the history of housing in Woodbridge (French settlers to ribbon farms to current construction), specifying why certain house styles are in certain locations, and how housing practices changed over the years. It's a great tool for residents and historians. You can also click through to find old newspaper stories and ads. Model D
