2023 has been an exciting year for development in the city, especially since we've seen so many projects finished. Here are the development stories that caught readers' attention this year.
Before and after: The transformation of Michigan Central's Book Depository
Ford's restoration of Michigan Central is one of the biggest Detroit development stories of the decade. While the station itself will open in 2024, parts of the campus started opening this year, including its neighboring Book Depository (above). Newlab has found a new home in the Albert Kahn-designed building, which underwent an incredible transformation. The building is now an ecosystem for innovative mobility startups; next to it, the nation's first EV charging road was just unveiled.
First Henry Glover House condos hit the market
We don't share many residential listings on Urbanize, but we made an exception for the Henry Glover House in Brush Park. The building could have easily been demolished, but the neighborhood worked to save it. Doug Quada bought it in 2017, and started the long, difficult restoration of the building. The 150-year-old home now has six condos in the historic neighborhood.
Vacant Capitol Park building up for rehab and 4-story addition
Capitol Park is a section of downtown that's changed dramatically in the last decade. Another building is currently getting a facelift. Karp & Associates is leading the redevelopment of 1133 Griswold, which had been covered in a granite slab. The slab is off and work is underway on the building, which will also see an addition of four stories. Kraemer Design Group posted this update as work started in the fall. When completed, the building will have residential and commercial space.
Open thread: What will Detroit look like in 10 years?
This year was the 10 year anniversary of Detroit's bankruptcy, and a lot has changed since then. We asked the question what will the city look like in 10 years, and readers had a lot of thoughts on transit, development in the neighborhoods, density, and more development along our riverfront.
Bedrock reveals new plans for long-stalled Monroe Blocks development
Many of us were excited for the redevelopment for the Monroe Blocks downtown, where Bedrock held a groundbreaking ceremony in late 2018. Unfortunately, the development never took off. Bedrock announced earlier that there were new plans for the site, and although they're still vague, they include an entertainment venue, a market hall, a grocery store, residential, and office space. We should see work ramp up in 2024; the group has already started to disassemble the facade of the National Theatre, which will be reworked into an entertainment venue.
Photos: Before and after Book Tower's historic transformation
The most dramatic restoration in Detroit this year was the Book Tower, which was once considered one of Detroit's ugliest buildings. Bedrock spent $300 million on the project, which took 7 years to complete. Book Tower now has residential, a Roost Hotel, event space, and multiple food and drink options. The historic details in and outside of the building are exquisite.
$2.5B development announced by Henry Ford Health, Tom Gores, Pistons, MSU
Big things are happening outside of the downtown core. In February, Henry Ford Health announced its massive partnership with MSU, Tom Gores, and the Pistons. This development will bring a new hospital tower, a new medical research facility, residential, and green space to New Center. Construction should start in 2024. Additionally, Dan Gilbert's family donated $375 million to the new research facility, which will have the Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute and the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab..
A historic Midtown church was just demolished
On a beautiful fall morning, a nearly 100-year-old church in Midtown was demolished, which came as a surprise to most of us. The neighboring Detroit Symphony Orchestra bought the property, and one condition to complete the sale was that the church itself needed to be demolished.
Southwest Greenway opens in Corktown
Connections are developing for people who walk, jog, and bike around the city. The Southwest Greenway opened earlier this year, connecting Michigan Central to the new Ralph C. Wilson Park (under construction) along the Riverfront. It's also a section of the Joe Louis Greenway, which will connect neighborhoods, as well as Highland Park, Hamtramck, and Dearborn, around the city.
New Riverfront hotel at Joe Louis site takes next step forward
One of our biggest stories will be one to watch in 2024. A new hotel will rise at the site of the old Joe Louis Arena, next to a residential high-rise that is nearly complete. The new hotel will add 600 rooms right next to the convention center, which should help in bringing bigger events into the city.
