Here are a few of the stories we're reading this week.
Downtown building to be converted to hotel
Another downtown building is up for redevelopment. The Merchants Building, on Grand River and Broadway, will be converted to a 135-room hotel by Method Development. The $44 million project could start late this year and will take two years to complete. It needs new mechanicals, electrical, roof, plumbing, and facade restoration. A specific hotel has not been named yet. The redevelopment will also include food and beverage options as well as a rooftop deck. Crain's Detroit Business
Where do we need road diets?
Nearly everywhere, if you've traversed the city in any way. Many of Detroit's streets are very wide, making it dangerous for pedestrians. A recent report outlined ways to improve safety, and tells us the most dangerous streets in Detroit for pedestrians. Aaron Mondry offers suggestions for the streets most in need of a road diet, including spokes like Grand River and Gratiot, along with parts of McNichols, 7 Mile, Greenfield, and the Davison. Some of these streets already have sections that have eliminated lanes as part of the Strategic Neighborhood Fund. But with pedestrian deaths up, is it time for a stronger approach? Outlier Media
A new recycling center heading to the city
No site has been named yet, but WM has announced plans to build a $35 million new recycling facility in the city. According to Axios, the new facility could "process up to 40 tons per hour of materials from surrounding industrial, commercial and residential customers." It could be completed by the end of 2023.
