Discuss Detroit » Archives - July 2008 » Old MGM Casino to become $86 million movie studio « Previous Next »
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Spiritofdetroit
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Username: Spiritofdetroit

Post Number: 1207
Registered: 11-2006
Posted on Tuesday, February 03, 2009 - 1:35 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I know this was mentioned on the Pontiac thread, but I figured this would help get the news out:

"Wonderstruck Films company has also been approved to invest $86 million into a studio at the old MGM Grand Casino on Third Street and Michigan Avenue. The project would generate 413 jobs over the next five years. "We're going to build a lot of jobs and spend a lot of money," said Wonderstruck CEO and President Michele Richards, who is also a Michigan native."

http://www.clickondetroit.com/ news/18629613/detail.html#-
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Gravitymachine
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Post Number: 1691
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Posted on Tuesday, February 03, 2009 - 1:42 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

that is fantastic
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Aoife
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Username: Aoife

Post Number: 91
Registered: 04-2007
Posted on Tuesday, February 03, 2009 - 1:54 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I thought this part was great:

"Richards said the company specializes in animation and special effects and they are especially interested in hiring former automotive engineers that have Computer Aided Design (CAD) experience."
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Kenp
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Username: Kenp

Post Number: 1325
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Posted on Tuesday, February 03, 2009 - 2:07 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

With all the negative economic issues going on here it sure is amazing to hear all the positive news regarding the movie industry. Who ever can up with the idea gets a big pat on the back.
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Thejesus
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Username: Thejesus

Post Number: 3665
Registered: 06-2008
Posted on Tuesday, February 03, 2009 - 2:21 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Eh, I'd feel more confident about the MGM deal actually going through if "Wonderstruck Films" had existed prior to 5 minutes ago.

I don't know much about the people behind this film studio and the article doesn't provide much information.
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Miguel
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Username: Miguel

Post Number: 13
Registered: 02-2008
Posted on Tuesday, February 03, 2009 - 2:25 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Will all of this be shattered when another state provides a better incentive?
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Hamtramike
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Username: Hamtramike

Post Number: 95
Registered: 12-2003
Posted on Tuesday, February 03, 2009 - 2:35 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

It's probably just filler for the show tonight.

"Gov. Jennifer Granholm plans to announce the deals Tuesday night at her annual State of The State address."

(Message edited by hamtramike on February 03, 2009)
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French777
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Username: French777

Post Number: 671
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Tuesday, February 03, 2009 - 2:47 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I would assume that If they build a studio means that they are most likely staying put. Most people jut don't throw 86 million dollars around. . .
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Supersport
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Username: Supersport

Post Number: 2591
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Tuesday, February 03, 2009 - 3:04 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Isn't "Motown" a registered trademark? I was shocked to see this name pop up as Motown Motion Picture Studios.
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Gsgeorge
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Username: Gsgeorge

Post Number: 694
Registered: 08-2006
Posted on Tuesday, February 03, 2009 - 3:28 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

quote:

Will all of this be shattered when another state provides a better incentive?


They can offer 60%, but if we have the studio space, equipment offerings, and personnel, then the Michigan film industry will prosper. 42% is still a lot, and if we have a few studios on top of that, there is no question filmmakers will be here for a long time.
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Genesyxx
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Username: Genesyxx

Post Number: 616
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Posted on Tuesday, February 03, 2009 - 3:30 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

But then where would the fictional movie theatre/mall go?

Also, it doesn't seem like enough room for a top-notch movie lot.
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Originalg313
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Username: Originalg313

Post Number: 53
Registered: 08-2008
Posted on Tuesday, February 03, 2009 - 3:32 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

From Crain's

"The Detroit Center Studios is a partnership between Wonderstruck Studios L.L.C. owned by film and video game deal-maker Michelle Richards, a Detroit native, and Los Angeles-based real estate developers SHM Partners."

Video game deal-maker?


http://www.crainsdetroit.com/a rticle/20090203/FREE/902039983
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Johnlodge
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Username: Johnlodge

Post Number: 9310
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Tuesday, February 03, 2009 - 3:41 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I was just thinking we should consider the video game industry. It is massive and growing, and as opposed to the earlier days of video games, a good portion of it comes from the US these days. Electronic Arts is the largest video game software company in the world, and XBox looks like it's won the war against Sony (although Nintendo is definitely a major player still with the Wii's success). I had friends in digital animation at CCS who went to work for video game companies, but they left the state to do so. There's a ready supply of people to work on them.
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Rjlj
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Username: Rjlj

Post Number: 762
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Tuesday, February 03, 2009 - 3:51 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The State Legislature has already included the video game industry. Incentives are in place for interactive games, internet video, internet programming, video games and digital animation.
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Registeredguest
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Username: Registeredguest

Post Number: 128
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Tuesday, February 03, 2009 - 3:57 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

SHM Partners are the folks who did LA Studio Center (http://www.lacenterstudios.com /), a successful project in LA. The LA Studio Center was referred to as a viable option for SE MI in previous posts about film studio space. They're the real deal.
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Johnlodge
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Username: Johnlodge

Post Number: 9311
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Posted on Tuesday, February 03, 2009 - 4:19 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

quote:

The State Legislature has already included the video game industry. Incentives are in place for interactive games, internet video, internet programming, video games and digital animation.



Then I shall now shut my trap.
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Detroit_stylin
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Username: Detroit_stylin

Post Number: 3591
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Tuesday, February 03, 2009 - 4:30 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

lol
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Danny
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Username: Danny

Post Number: 4455
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Posted on Tuesday, February 03, 2009 - 5:08 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

WOW first we have A movie studios comming to Allen Park, A movie studio comming to pontiac and now a movie studio comming Downtown Detroit. Michigan is becoming a next Hollywood.

Or should I say Motownwood.
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Danny
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Username: Danny

Post Number: 4456
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Posted on Tuesday, February 03, 2009 - 5:09 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

WOW first we have A movie studio coming to Allen Park, A movie studio coming to Pontiac and now a movie studio coming Downtown Detroit. Michigan is becoming a next Hollywood.

Or should I say Motownwood.
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Gthomas
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Username: Gthomas

Post Number: 168
Registered: 09-2004
Posted on Tuesday, February 03, 2009 - 7:15 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

This is GREAT news especially for the downtown old MGM casino location. How will it impact the area physicallly, what type of environment will it be in the area. Will there be any exterior work on the building or landscape? Or will they just slap the name on the building and call it a day? Just wondering....
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Lmichigan
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Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 4079
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Tuesday, February 03, 2009 - 9:57 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I'm really liking how they are reusing existing facilities.

BTW, what's the history behind the old MGM Building? I know it was the former IRS building, but does anyone know when it was built? I'm having a hard time picturing it before it was the casino, to be honest.
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Gravitymachine
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Username: Gravitymachine

Post Number: 1692
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Posted on Tuesday, February 03, 2009 - 10:09 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

this could be a great thing for corktown, being the nearest residential neighborhood
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Detroitchef
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Username: Detroitchef

Post Number: 66
Registered: 09-2008
Posted on Tuesday, February 03, 2009 - 10:58 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I was all set to make some snarky comment about Wonderstruck going into the Wonderbread factory, then I remembered that's the MOtorCity Casino's original bldg, not MGM.

Must...not...type...before thinking.
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Gthomas
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Username: Gthomas

Post Number: 169
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Posted on Tuesday, February 03, 2009 - 11:32 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Lol yeah that area could be a nice ,young, creative, innovative type area of downtown and corktown alike. Maybe spur development up and down Michigan Ave. ....maybe MCS and the Old Tiger Stadium could be redevelop soon after.
I would like to see more density, eliminate all surface parking and replace with multi-use development. My proposal was to design 94-story blue-silverish modern skyscraper, which consist of lofts, condominiums, an hotel, and commercial office/retail space on what now is a surface parking lot across from the old MGM casino on Michigan Ave.
Much needed landscaping with lots of public arts along cityscape greenways in the area. A modern Gateway Bridge to downtown along Michigan Ave. over the lodge fwy. Create a sense of connectivity, bringing foot traffic to that particular area......
Just a dream of mines but I'm actually planning this, and have since for a couple years. I actually have drawings of my plans. You will be amazed, I think lol....of my project and how beautiful it will be in our skyline. Its like a breath of fresh-air in the sky that Detroit DESPERATELY need!
I will propose these plans once our economy rebound and the market fits into my plans. Including budget and tax credit information, funding for the project etc.... stay tuned.
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Spiritofdetroit
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Username: Spiritofdetroit

Post Number: 1209
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Posted on Tuesday, February 03, 2009 - 11:35 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

ha, good luck with that. To increase density, you want to build a 94-story building in downtown detroit? Yeah, that building would have high density, as it would suck out every tenant in the CBD and every other building downtown would be abandoned.
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Gistok
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Username: Gistok

Post Number: 6102
Registered: 08-2004
Posted on Tuesday, February 03, 2009 - 11:38 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

quote:

I'm having a hard time picturing it before it was the casino, to be honest.



The old IRS Building? Be thankful... it was a butt ugly muddy brown "Brutalist" looking building... made the remodeled Boulevard Building look good! :-(

With only about 400 employees, that leaves a lot of empty space in the old MGM 3,000 spot parking structure. But then again... when you see all the parking garage scenes in so many movies... it'll be a perfect fit...
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Crawford
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Username: Crawford

Post Number: 471
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Posted on Wednesday, February 04, 2009 - 12:00 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

How can this site be transformed into a movie studio? They're going to demolish the site?
The current buildings cannot accomodate a conventional movie studio.

And how, in the course of one day, do we get an announcement for:

1. The largest movie studio in the U.S. in Pontiac,

2. A giant movie studio on the site of an empty casino in Detroit, and

3. A movie commission for freakin Sterling Heights, of all places? Sterling Heights as a moviemaking center? Could you find a blander place than Hall Road?

Does any of this make sense? Am I just too pessimistic, or am I missing something?
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Rjlj
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Username: Rjlj

Post Number: 766
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Wednesday, February 04, 2009 - 12:15 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

How do you know the currect space can not be transformed? Have you done a study on these spaces? Makes perfect sense to me. Utilize existing buildings that contain a lot of open space(as in the case of the Pontiac & MGM locations). It makes perfect sense to not spend money on concrete and steel and use what is already in place, these are the expensive parts of the equation.

(Message edited by rjlj on February 04, 2009)
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Gistok
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Username: Gistok

Post Number: 6103
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Posted on Wednesday, February 04, 2009 - 12:16 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Crawford... did you even read the article? The MGM site will be used mainly for the creation of animated movies and video games. Doesn't sound like giant sound stages are needed for animation.

And after having spent over $200 million on refurbishing the IRS Building into a temporary casino, it seems highly unlikely that the building will be demolished.

If anything the glitzy neo-Art Deco exterior look of the former casino would be a good fit as animation studios and offices.
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Detmi7mile
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Username: Detmi7mile

Post Number: 155
Registered: 12-2007
Posted on Wednesday, February 04, 2009 - 1:55 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Could this be how Detroit, and the rest of SE Michigan "come back"? Or am I dreaming? Detroit...a movie destination? The Hollywood of the Midwest?
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Lmichigan
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Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 4083
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Posted on Wednesday, February 04, 2009 - 3:09 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

No, there is no silver bullet, but it's part of diversifying the economy. The amount of labor that it once too to build a car is not coming back in any one form, and that's really a good thing. Even today, average studios the size of what Detroit's getting (leaving out Centerpoint, because it's unusually large) don't employ as many people as your average auto plant.

Gistok,

Do you happen to know when the old IRS Building was built, how much sq ft it has, the architect/builder, etc?

(Message edited by lmichigan on February 04, 2009)
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Applesauce
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Username: Applesauce

Post Number: 228
Registered: 06-2007
Posted on Wednesday, February 04, 2009 - 8:57 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Anyone know how to go about seeking employment at one of these studios? I've done searches online & come up with nothing really. I hear Wonderstruck is putting together a training program for potential employees?
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Pam
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Username: Pam

Post Number: 4951
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Posted on Wednesday, February 04, 2009 - 9:11 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

quote:

Anyone know how to go about seeking employment at one of these studios?



http://www.michigan.gov/filmof fice/0,1607,7-248-46451---,00. html
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Bigb23
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Username: Bigb23

Post Number: 3641
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Posted on Wednesday, February 04, 2009 - 9:18 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

And more info -

http://www.mandy.com/1/jobs3.c fm?v=31593299

https://www.atdetroit.net/forum/mes sages/5/172268.html?1232742255
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J_to_the_jeremy
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Username: J_to_the_jeremy

Post Number: 176
Registered: 03-2007
Posted on Wednesday, February 04, 2009 - 9:19 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Crawford, it's OK to accept a little good news. Not everything has to be horrible all the time. Enjoy it when it comes.
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Supersport
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Username: Supersport

Post Number: 2592
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Posted on Wednesday, February 04, 2009 - 10:26 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Not to sound negative, but do these pie in the sky numbers new companies throw out ever really come to fruition? I hear numbers, over the next 5 years, and wonder if it's just a dog and pony show to get the tax breaks.

That being said, I am very glad to hear Detroit seems to have another, new industry, setting it's roots in Detroit. Question though, what would happen if another state came along and offered more incentives? Would they pull up shop just as quickly as they moved here? The movie industry just seems like an extremely mobile industry, able to close shop and move on with very short notice.
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Gistok
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Username: Gistok

Post Number: 6107
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Posted on Wednesday, February 04, 2009 - 3:17 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Lmichigan, I have not been able to find any dates on when the former IRS building was built, but by its' former look, I would venture to guess 1959-66.
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Sean_of_detroit
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Username: Sean_of_detroit

Post Number: 2186
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Posted on Wednesday, February 04, 2009 - 3:51 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I wonder if Wonderstruck will be using the Executive Plaza Buildings across the Lodge Expressway.

(Message edited by Sean_of_Detroit on February 04, 2009)
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Lmichigan
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Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 4084
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Posted on Wednesday, February 04, 2009 - 9:24 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

"They" who?

BTW, if we can get shovels in the ground and the renovations complete, it'll become much less attractive to up and move just because another state has a better offer. The key to this race is doing it first, and doing it big.
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Gistok
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Username: Gistok

Post Number: 6108
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Posted on Wednesday, February 04, 2009 - 10:05 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Agreed... and we have to remember that movies aren't just about actors any more... computer generated imagery is becoming an ever increasing part of more and more non-animated movies.

Add to that the large base of CAD skills that current and former automotive folks have, and you have the beginnings of a skilled film and computer game labor force that you aren't gonna find in Podunk Alabama...

Sure any state can offer sweeter incentives than Michigan in trying to lure filmmakers away... but there aren't that many states around that have as many skilled CAD folks as we do!
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Thejesus
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Post Number: 3668
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Posted on Thursday, February 05, 2009 - 10:27 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

"Will all of this be shattered when another state provides a better incentive?"

Unlikely, as there's nothing yet to indicate that even the incentive Michigan is providing will leave the state with a net gain, and there won't be for some time.
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Michmeister
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Username: Michmeister

Post Number: 292
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Posted on Thursday, February 05, 2009 - 11:52 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Los Angeles has Hollywood, New Delhi has Bollywood, Detroit has Hollyhood!
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J_to_the_jeremy
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Username: J_to_the_jeremy

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Posted on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 - 7:09 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

http://www.reelchicago.com/sto ry.cfm?storyID=2249

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