TIGER STADIUM SLATED FOR DEMOLITION

Originally Posted 4/23/08
Updated 6/29/08
Updated 7/9/08

Lost in yesterday’s big news regarding the proposed rail system was another inch forward towards the demolition of Tiger Stadium. “Detroit’s Economic Development Corp., a quasi-public arm of the city, awarded the demolition contract to a joint venture of MCM Management Corp. of Bloomfield Hills and The Farrow Group of Detroit.” (John Gallagher, Detroit Free Press).

I drive by “the old ballpark” occasionally (well just to get a burrito in Mexican town most Tuesdays), and with every pass by the corner of Michigan and Trumbull my memories of the events that took place there fade further away. However, I’m not writing my first post on Detroit Army because I want to reminisce. That is not what we are about.

After reading Detroit Army and reflecting on the comments by its readers, I realize that we all want to move forward, and part of moving forward, is leaving behind the past. While the idea of saving a corner of the existing structure would be a deserving tribute to the greats that roamed the field for over a century, it would be another contributing factor adding to an already complicated, costly and tumultuous process. I’m not saying throw the idea out completely, but we should not let our fondness for our past detract from our future once again.

Anonymous

See John Gallagher’s article about the project below.
Group lobbies to save part of Tiger Stadium after Detroit awards demolition contract

Update 6/29/08

On June 25, 2008, Mike Hicks of the Detroit News writes that the preparation for Tiger Stadium's long awaited demolition has begun.

"MCM Management Corp. of Bloomfield Hills and Farrow Group of Detroit have started the process of obtaining permits to raze the stadium and sell parts for scrap, according to the Detroit Economic Growth Corp. The city's quasi-public agency handles development and is executing a plan approved by the City Council and Mayor Kilpatrick."

On the other hand,

"Kilpatrick set an Aug. 1 deadline for the Old Tiger Stadium Conservancy Group, which has said was enough time to prove it has a $12 million to $15 million financial plan to save the baseball diamond, 3,000 seats and an area that would house Hall of Fame broadcaster Ernie Harwell's sports memorabilia collection, some of which is now at the main Detroit Public Library."
(Mike Hicks/Detroit News

It's unclear whether the conservancy will be able to come up with the money in time, but it is worth noting that the conservancy group finally has a website up and running which states that "The reports of Tiger Stadium’s demise are greatly exaggerated." I don't know if they know something that we don't, but it's clear that they do not have the money to move forward with their project yet as they have consistently missed deadlines set for them. Additionally, considering that the Tigers moved out of Tiger Stadium eight years ago, to put it mildly, the website campaign seems oddly late to the party.

Tiger Stadium Conservancy

Update 7/9/08

"This time, it has really, really started."

"Ferocious-looking stadium-demolishing machines are ripping apart the wall and everything behind it on the north side of the stadium, near the Fisher Freeway service drive, along what used to be called Kaline Drive. In baseball terms, that would be the area between the centerfield bleachers and the left-field seats."
(Bill McGraw/Detroit Free Press)

Tiger Stadium's demise assaults senses
Tiger Stadium walls are coming down
Tiger Stadium turning to dust
Tiger Stadium's outfield walls begin coming down

Detroit Army

DETROIT 2.0-QUICKEN WILL MOVE TO DETROIT

Originally Posted 11/12/07
Updated 6/3/08

In case you aren't aware of the situation that has been unfolding with Quicken over the last two years, I will fill you in. Over the last 2 years, Quicken Loans owner Dan Gilbert has been deciding where he wants to move his headquarters. Quicken is the center of Gilbert's empire and is an internet driven mortgage company that wrote $18 billion in loans throughout 2006. The company has outgrown its current space in Livonia, which I'm sure is a really fun city to work in, and Gilbert was rumored to be contemplating whether to move to Detroit, Cleveland (where he has an office and owns the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA), or to stay in Livonia.

The fact that Gilbert had already decided to move to Detroit is possibly the worst kept secret in town. The only problem was that while he openly gave quotes to the paper about when he was going to make a decision, he continuously did not meet his own deadlines.

Many outside problems factored into this, including the massive credit crunch within which this country is currently embattled. Gilbert swears that Quicken is not being hurt by the credit problems as much as many other large lenders, but when he told the local papers that he was going to make a decision on where to move Quicken's headquarters August 1 and we began to move into November, his actions did not seem to coincide with his words.

Ok enough background. Let's get to extremely exciting events that are taking place today and were reported yesterday. Gilbert has made a decision to move his Quicken headquarters to DETROIT! (you will notice throughout this blog that I, for the most part, refuse to use exclamation points as I find them one of the cheesiest forms of punctuations available. I am making an exception here). Not only is he moving his Quicken headquarters to downtown Detroit, but he is also moving employees from all of his companies including fathead (you know the company that sells those huge posters of pro athletes that you stick on the wall, which if you are a 10 year old boy, or think like one, are one of the coolest inventions of all time), Eprize, and Title Source, among others. This means that Detroit will be gaining 4,000 daily workers through this deal.

Not only that, but Gilbert plans on developing both the old Hudson's site and the old Statler site (See articles for details on the sites). One of the sites would be used for his headquarters, and one would be developed as a combination of retail, condos, and a technology park.

Needless to say, this is an amazing day for the city of Detroit. Gilbert is going as far as calling this project "Detroit 2.0." I'll believe it all when I see it with my own eyes, but Gilbert is no dummy. He also thinks highly of himself and his dream is to be remembered as the savior of our grand city. If he can pull this off, his dream may come true.

For Details on the deal, the links to both the Detroit News Story and Detroit Free Press Story are below.

Quicken Moving Downtown (Detroit News)
Quicken Moving Downtown (Detroit Free Press)

6/3/08 Update

In the recent months since the announcement that Quicken Loans would be moving to downtown Detroit, there has been much speculation that because of the country's credit crunch and a sputtering economy, Dan Gilbert most likely would not end up following through with his highly anticipated plans. In all honesty, with the country's economy at a stand still and Michigan's economy in the midst of a recession, I wouldn't be surprised if the move didn't end up taking place.

Yet, a Detroit Free Press report written by John Gallagher on June 2, along with the revelation that Dan Gilbert is one of the individuals behind the privately funded light rail plan along Woodward, leaves Detroiter's with a sense of encouragement regarding the chances that Quicken ends up moving downtown after all.

Although the most recent report does not offer much more information about the move than what we were told in November, the article's re-emphasis on Gilbert's commitment to moving Quicken to Detroit is positive.

The report had this to say:

"Offered his choice of two prime sites downtown for his new corporate headquarters, Quicken Loans Chairman and founder Dan Gilbert is planning to develop both sites in what looms as a major boost for the downtown market.
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"Several people close to the planning told the Free Press that Gilbert will pick one parcel for his headquarters site later this year but also is actively planning to build a mixed-used office, retail and possibly residential tower on the remaining parcel."

Source: (John Gallagher/Quicken to build on two sites in downtown Detroit

We'll keep you updated on future developments...
Detroit Army

CAN THIS NEW LIGHT RAIL PROPOSAL BE FOR REAL?

Originally Posted 4/22/08
Updated 5/29/08

There was big news yesterday in the basically non existent world of mass transit in the Detroit area, which could have huge implications for the future world of mass transit in our region.

The Free Press reports "Detroit took a small but significant step Monday toward a long-envisioned proposal to construct a two-rail rapid-transit system along Woodward Avenue from downtown to 8 Mile."

The Free Press goes on to explain, "A study group recommended construction of an estimated $371-million light-rail system that would allow commuters to park in 400 spaces at the State Fairgrounds and ride to and from downtown with stops at 13 to 15 sheltered stations."
Source: Detroit Free Press

The Detroit News reports, "City leaders have pinned their mass transit hopes on an eight-mile stretch down Woodward Avenue that connects the State Fairgrounds with downtown, calling the $371 million project a "first step" toward the return of light rail to Metro Detroit."

The Detroit News states, "Construction could begin in three years, with an estimated 11,000 riders a day by 2013."
Source: Detroit News

Model D points out the obvious obstacles that still remain. "There are still, of course, the nagging questions of getting approval for federal funding, finding a local funding source and traversing the minefield that has blown up so many other well-intentioned mass transit initiatives in the past. All important concerns, but not enough to take away from the big-picture changes that would come with creating the line."
Source: Model D

There is so much excitement, so many opinions, and so much skepticism about this plan, that it is hard to sift through all of the information. I, for one, am not sure how this plan will ultimately turn out, and I'll use a cautiously optimistic approach being that it is so early in the process and taking into account Detroit's track record with regard to transit.

It is true that there have been plenty of mass transit initiatives within the last 30 years which have fizzled, but there is no denying that this study, recommendation, and gathering of multiple groups, all with the intention of making light rail a reality, can only be a good thing.

Below are links to the news sources mentioned above as well as others so that you can find as much information about this potentially pioneering plan as possible.

Detroit Free Press
Detroit News
Model D
Crain's Detroit

5/29/08 Update

In a potentially huge development in the quest to secure mass transit for Detroit metro, Crain's Detroit reported the following...

"MACKINAC ISLAND - Sen. Majority Leader Mike Bishop and House Speaker Andy Dillon each said during a panel discussion Thursday they will back a plan by billionaires Dan Gilbert and Roger Penske to construct a privately funded $103 million light rail loop on Detroit’s Woodward Avenue.It was the first public acknowledgement of Gilbert and Penske’s involvement in the project, which was first reported on by Crain’s in February. Bishop said he would support the proposal “100 percent” and he and Dillon said they’ve met with Gilbert, owner of Livonia-based Quicken Loans/Rock Financial who is moving his 4,000-person business downtown, and Penske to discuss the plan."
(Bill Shea/Crain's Detroit)

More to follow soon...hopefully.

Full Article Can Be Found At Legislators, Gilbert, Penske will back light rail on Woodward
Detroit Army

BIKES FOR RENT, NEW CAFES HOPE TO DRAW MORE PEOPLE TO THE RIVERFRONT

After the initial success of the Detroit Riverwalk last summer, the Riverfront Conservatory is continuing to make upgrades in hopes of drawing even more people to the river.

This year's upgrades include two new cafes and a bike rental shop. The Riverwalk Cafe will open at Rivard Plaza at Rivard st. and the riverfront, and at a second location in Richard Gabriel Park just east of the MacArthur Bridge heading to Belle Isle.

The cafe at Rivard Plaza should do well as the plaza has proven to be a popular spot along the riverfront. On the other hand, we haven't seen that many people make their way all the way down to Richard Gabriel Park. Maybe it's because it's further from downtown, or the fact that the Riverwalk is still under construction in some areas which presently do not allow for a fluid stroll, but nevertheless, we think a cafe would be hard pressed to succeed in that area. There was however a qualification made about the Riverwalk cafe east of Belle Isle. It might only be open on weekends and/or special occasions, and this is a good idea considering the present circumstances.

With regards to the cafe at Rivard Plaza, John Gallagher of the Detroit Free Press writes:

"The larger of the two will open at Rivard Plaza at Rivard and the riverfront. To be run by Diamond Hospitality of Detroit, the café will operate daily and feature specialty sandwiches linked to cuisine famous in Detroit, in Michigan at large and in Windsor.

Among the offerings: petite pasties, Hamtramck pierogi, Mexicantown quesadillas, Greektown spinach pie and chicken gyro, and Michigan dried cherry salads."
(John Gallagher, Detroit Free Press)

Adding amenities such as cafes and bike rentals will only add to the riverfront's allure. We hope that the Riverwalk continues to succeed as it is a great addition to downtown Detroit.
Detroit Army

IRON CHEF PLANS TO OPEN RESTUARANT AT REVAMPED BOOK CADILLAC HOTEL

The Detroit Free Press is reporting that a chef from the television show "Iron Chef" on the food network, plans to open restaurant at revamped Book Cadillac hotel.

"Michael Symon, a star of television’s “Iron Chef” food show and one of the nation’s fastest-rising celebrity chefs, will open an upscale restaurant this fall at the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit hotel." The Free Press goes on to state, "The Culinary Institute of America graduate was named one of the Ten Best New Chefs by Food & Wine in 1998."
Source: Detroit Free Press

While I have been told that Mr. Symon's restaurants in Cleveland are quite good, I still can't decide whether this announcement is exciting or just completely unimpressive. To me, an upscale chain restaurant or steakhouse in the vein of Ruth's Chris or Capital Grille would have solidified the Book Cadillac as a premier hotel destination within the city. On the other hand, an upscale unique/independent restaurant opened by a nationally known chef or even a well known local chef would also have been intriguing.

Somehow though, what seems like a low brow pseudo celebrity chef from a television show doesn't get me motivated to take out a pen and paper and write home about it. I wonder if I'm out of line?
Detroit Army

Developers to Acquire Detroit's Lafayette Towers

The Northern Group is really grabbing the gusto in this grand city of ours. After announcing their plans for the Cadillac Center a couple weeks ago, they are now announcing that they bought the Lafayette Towers as well. While the Lafayette Towers has been maintained by the Habitat Company, and maintained well, it is interesting to see The Northern Group, a New York based company, buying so much property in Detroit. They now own, the Cadillac Tower, the Penobscot, Lafayette Towers and others.

The Northern Group's proactive approach to Detroit shows some proof as to why our historically provincial attitude just will not work anymore. The entrepreneurial spirit that once dominated the landscape of Detroit has waned. We need to invite others to continue to invest in our city and state. Homegrown investors and entrepreneurs may be preferred, but as of now, we cannot do this on our own. The old "F you" attitude of Detroit makes us who we are, but we can still be ourselves while welcoming others to join our enthusiasm for Detroit, the metropolitan area, and the entire state of Michigan. I commend you Northern Group, not for helping Detroit, but for letting your actions do the talking. There is money to be made in Southeast Michigan, but you have to make moves to get something in return. While I hear Michiganders gripe about the economy of our state, others such are the Northern Group take a proactive approach.

To put it simply, its refreshing.

Developers to acquire Detroit's Lafayette Towers
Detroit Army

Marcus & Millichap 2008 Apartment Report for Detroit

Despite the fact that Detroit moved to the very bottom of the Marcus & Millichap’s National Apartment Index, the subtext of the report is that Detroit has slowed its economic ascent and the turnaround is gaining momentum. Unfortunately, M&M’s view is only from the Owner/Broker side of the apartment industry, and while rents are stabilizing (good for the industry) it is mostly due to a lack of new supply rather than higher demand (not as good for growth). M & M attributes the marginal increase in demand and jobs to a growing health care industry needed to take care of Detroit’s growing elderly population. This is not sustainable and Detroit will need to find a new industry to bring in jobs in order to maintain or increase the demand for apartments in the metro area. There are positives to the area not being developed too quickly, as stabilized rents should entice additional out-of-state investments leading to (hopefully) steady growth.

Aaron Bass
Contributing Writer for www.DetroitArmy.com and Analyst at Gramercy Capital Corp. in New York City, New York
Detroit Army

$150-million complex planned for downtown

Woke up this morning to some very exciting news. The development will be called the "Cadillac Center" and will fill in the last empty parcel surrounding Campus Martius. This is craazy.
Link Below:
$150-million complex planned for downtown
Detroit Army

Griswold Condo Project Scrapped

With all the economic problems that the state of Michigan is having, its a wonder that so many great things are going on within the city. That being said, unfortunately it has been announced that the Griswold Condominium project downtown has been scrapped. This is extremely disappointing. The condo development was going to be a nice complement to the renovated Book Cadillac. For those who are are not aware, the Griswold was going to be about 8 stories of condos sitting on a top of a parking deck next to the Book Cadillac. The parking deck was to be used for both the Book Cadillac and the Griswold. Apparently, the parking deck is still going to be built and used for the Book Cadillac.

One of the problems with the project and reason for a quicker than usual announcement regarding the cancellation of the project is that if the condominiums were to be built, the parking deck had to be built in a specific way to allow condos to be built on top. Because the parking deck had to be built on time to service the Book Cadillac, either the developers of the Griswold had to be one hundred percent sure that the project would go through for financing purposes. Obviously, the Griswold developers did not received enough commitments for the condos and therefore could not provide assurance that the project would go through. While lack of buyers at the present time most likely was part of the reason the project was scrapped, I believe that the timeline was a more influential factor. I personally believe that if this deadline was not in place, the condo development would still be a go as they would have more time to secure buyers. There is a possibility though that the Griswold could be built in the future. After the parking deck is built, and possibly when the economy is better, the developers of the Griswold could decide to attempt to go through with the project again and just as with any project, if they were then able to secure enough buyers and the financing is in place, the necessary modifications could be made to the parking deck so that the condos could be built.

I seriously hope a faltering economy doesn't stymy any developments in the next couple years. It would really be a shame for a poor economy to rain on our parade. While the cancellation of the Griswold is disappointing, we have many other projects to focus on and look forward to. We will just have to keep on keepin on. If anyone has any other information about the Griswold cancellation, comments would be appreciated. Meanwhile, a link to the Griswold website, along with renderings of what the building would have looked like is posted below.

The Griswold
Detroit Army

Quicken Post Addendum

I just wanted to add an addendum to the previous post and the details and possibilities swirling around the Quicken Loans move. The announcement that the company's headquarters are moving downtown is positively a good thing. I've talked to others who have been privy to the fact that Quicken would move to Detroit and some questions that ensued included, "Why are you so happy about this announcement when for all intents and purposes you have known this was going to happen for the past two years." My response is, yes, I had an inkling that this would happen and the rumor was that Detroit was Gilbert's first choice, but he had made no definitive statements, only cryptic teasers. Moreover, the fact that he did make this definitive statement that he is moving his headquarters to Detroit lets individuals out of the loop, but who have an interest in our area, the opportunity to see that a smart successful and wealthy man has confidence in not only Detroit, but the state of Michigan for the future. I honestly believe that perceptions is half the battle. The fact of the matter is that he could have picked Cleveland.
Additionally, I've heard that we are just taking a headquarters located in metro Detroit and putting it in the city of Detroit at the detriment of the suburb (Livonia). There is some truth to this. Detroit's gain is Livonia's loss. I will agree that while it is good that Quicken is moving, our ultimate goal will need to be to bring new companies and companies from other states into ours. Yet, the reality of the matter is that almost every successful big metropolitan area in this country has a centralized location where much of the business transactions, entertainment, and gatherings occur. To centralize many of our resources, we must to make Detroit the center of our metropolitan area. Not only does taking Quicken from Livonia centralize more of these resources, but along with it will come spin-off business to cater to those workers and possible residents, which will continue to add to the reincarnation of Downtown Detroit. I will add that while the Quicken move is great,
Believe me, I realize that the news yesterday wasn't anything I hadn't heard over the past two years, but a definitive answer from Gilbert fully substantiates those rumors. This is good. Accept it as good. Enjoy what has transpired, enjoy the confidence Gilbert has, and enjoy a positive news story. Enjoy being a Detroiter.