Here's a look at a few of the stories we're following around Metro Detroit

More funding for Joe Louis Greenway

In Hamtramck last week, Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence announced that the Joe Louis Greenway will receive $3.92 million from the Invest in America Act. The 27.5-mile greenway will eventually connect Detroit, Hamtramck, Highland Park, and a small part of Dearborn. Areas like the Dequindre Cut and Riverwalk are included in the greenway. Phase One--a three-mile section on the west side of Detroit--was officially started this spring. A small connecting section--the Southwest Greenway, which will connect Corktown to the Riverfront--should start construction this summer. In total, the greenway is expected to take 10 years to build at a cost of $200 million.

Midtown West switches to apartments

Condos have been a tough sell in Detroit lately, with the market oversaturated from a construction boom a few years ago and buyers shying away from downtown during COVID. Crain's reports that one of the newest completed developments, Midtown West, is now moving from condo sales to apartments and possibly Airbnbs. The first building in Midtown West, located at 4th and Selden, is complete and awaiting its certificate of occupancy. It stands alone amid a few vacant blocks -- the development will eventually include a larger apartment building. For now, the developer  Mario Procida is opting for rentals to at least get the building occupied. Prices for the Midtown West condos were starting at $500 per square foot.

Northland Center development moves forward

Contour Companies is expected to close on the $11.1 million purchase of the sprawling Northland Center property in Southfield this week. The property of the former mall would be developed into a huge residential and retail area. Phase One includes 1,300 apartments and a "Hudson's City Market," a redevelopment of the department store into a food, entertainment, and home furnishings retail destination. 

Eastland Center to be redeveloped into industrial

In case you missed it, earlier this month Harper Woods announced that the Eastland Center would be demolished early next year. NorthPoint should close on the deal in November, with construction starting in January for three large industrial buildings that would create 560 permanent jobs. 

The future of Southwest Detroit Hospital??

On the edge of Corktown next to 96 sits Southwest Detroit Hospital, which, at this point, you can see through. It's been empty for years, and is owned by Dennis Kefallinos. Kirk Pinho reports that Keffallinos is now trying to sell the property, while the city has threatened to demolish for years. Which will happen first? It's a prime location -- not too far from Michigan Central Station with close proximity to freeways. Office? Residential? Tear it down and start over? What would you do with this property?

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