Here are a few of the stories from the past month that we're watching.
A return to downtown for the Grand Prix?
Officials from the Grand Prix are exploring the option to move the race back downtown and off of Belle Isle in 2023. The race would run along Jefferson and Atwater between Bates and Rivard, which would pose its own logistical challenges. Many people have opposed the Grand Prix on Belle Isle for years, saying it disrupts half of the island during the spring, with set up and take down covering two months of prime outdoor time. City Council will have another discussion on the matter on Friday at 5 p.m., and the public is invited to comment. Detroit News
Book Cadillac finds a new owner
Oxford Capital has made a lot of development news in Detroit this year, with a hotel breaking ground in Corktown and a bigger mixed-use project in the works down the street. Now, they're buying the historic Book Cadillac building. A document posted by the city states that the new owners plan on extensive renovations to the building, "including modifications to the lobby, hotel restaurant, and guestrooms (which will include new showers, countertops, paint, carpet, plumbing, and electrical improvements), HVAC, millwork, elevator repairs, IT upgrades, facade repair, new central water tanks and boilers." First reported by Crain's.
Sakura Novi preps for groundbreaking
Out in Novi, a development that's been in the works for years is getting closer to a groundbreaking date. Sakura Novi, an Asian-themed development, will cover 10-acres in Novi and include "a 30,000-square-foot collection of restaurants and retail; 132 townhouse apartments; 14,000 square feet of professional office space, Asian-inspired gardens surrounding a pond." The developers plan to break ground by the end of the year, with the development opening in spring 2023. DBusiness
Hantz starts selling his land
John Hantz, who bought over 1,500 parcels of city land in 2012 in what many have called a land grab, has started selling some of the parcels. Since May 2019, 147 of his properties have sold on Detroit's east side. Hantz's group says they didn't expect to sell so soon, and they haven't broken even on the investment yet. Much of the land has been used for tree farms; the group says 36,000 trees have been planted so far. More at Crain's.
City Modern prepares for its final phase
Since late 2016, Bedrock has built up apartment buildings, townhouses, carriage houses, and condos through the middle of Brush Park. Now, the last phase of construction of townhomes along Edmund Street could be completed by late 2022. Hunter Pasteur Homes says they've closed on 77 of the 105 for-sale units in the development. Prices range from $225,000 and up for the carriage homes and $600,000 to $1.3 million for the townhomes. Detroit News
