  Rust Member Username: Rust Post Number: 127 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 64.118.136.130 |
More dialogue on a possible Quicken Loans move to Downtown. http://www.detnews.com/apps/pb cs.dll/article?AID=/20060317/B IZ/603170359/1001 Is this the first time Dan Gilbert has talked publicly about a possible downtown move? | ||
Detroitduo Member Username: Detroitduo Post Number: 551 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 194.138.39.56 |
Reading this and thinking about the possibilities and the effects makes me want to jump out of my skin! | ||
Jdkeepsmiling Member Username: Jdkeepsmiling Post Number: 65 Registered: 01-2006 Posted From: 208.50.91.234 |
It has been discussed on the forum many times, but I beleive that this is the first time that it ahs been publicly acknowledged. Boy would I be pissed if he moved to Cleveland!! I would tell anyone far and wide not to use them. I agree with the article, I hope he goes into Grand Circus Park, that would be an anchor that would put some business in an area that is leaning heavily residential. | ||
1953 Member Username: 1953 Post Number: 729 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 209.104.146.146 |
I think I just wet myself. | ||
Mind_field Member Username: Mind_field Post Number: 517 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 209.240.205.61 |
I hope Dan Gilbert isn't stupid enough to listen to the few morons who would oppose a move to downtown Detroit. 3-6 months can't come soon enough! | ||
Cartoonguy Member Username: Cartoonguy Post Number: 88 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 70.226.154.43 |
Adding more bulk to woodward would be better than moving to GCP. Detroit is full of islands of development, it doesn't need anymore. A building on Woodward would fill that gaping Hudson Hole, and make our main drag truly walkable for a least a couple of blocks. | ||
Upinottawa Member Username: Upinottawa Post Number: 223 Registered: 09-2005 Posted From: 198.103.184.76 |
My vote is for the Hudson block -- the City of Detroit and the State of Michigan should go out of their ways to secure development for that site. A growing, successful Michigan company would be a good fit. | ||
Wmuchris Member Username: Wmuchris Post Number: 291 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 69.58.36.2 |
Yes, the Hudson Block is the only place for them. It would create a fully walkable woodward, and help fill the storefronts up and down the street. Grand Circus park is better suited for residential, perhaps many of the young employees that would come with a possible Quicken Loans move would be interested in living in the area. | ||
Irish_mafia Member Username: Irish_mafia Post Number: 414 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.248.5.189 |
"Yes, the Hudson Block is the only place for them". I suspect that if Dan Gilbert wants Grand Ciruc Park....that will be the place for them. | ||
Mind_field Member Username: Mind_field Post Number: 518 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 209.240.205.61 |
I say save the Hudson's block for a mix of small to mid sized tenants and put Rock at Grand Circus Park. If Rock moved to the Hudson's block, where would everyone park? The underground garage has how many spaces? I'm sure it is not enough for everyone that would work at the new hq. | ||
Ndavies Member Username: Ndavies Post Number: 1681 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 129.9.163.105 |
I wouldn't be surprised if Quicken doesn't get both the Statler and Hudson blocks. One third of the sites for offices, the rest for residential. | ||
Aiw Member Username: Aiw Post Number: 5402 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 209.216.150.127 |
Maybe they'll buy and renovate the UA office building? lol... | ||
Wmuchris Member Username: Wmuchris Post Number: 292 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 69.58.36.2 |
True.. | ||
Bobj Member Username: Bobj Post Number: 583 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 65.221.183.120 |
This would be great not only for the development of Downtown Detroit, but also to offer job opportunities to people who live in the City and cannot travel to the Suburbs. Lets hope Mr Gilbert moves his Company to Detroit! | ||
Machoken Member Username: Machoken Post Number: 1158 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 207.145.38.104 |
Not to mention people who live in the suburbs but want to work downtown. | ||
Ltorivia485 Member Username: Ltorivia485 Post Number: 2456 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 199.74.87.51 |
Now, if only we can get rid of the city income tax... | ||
Eastsidedog Member Username: Eastsidedog Post Number: 11 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 12.47.224.7 |
Probably the single most important change Detroit needs to make a shift in its tax base from income taxes to property taxes. The city only gets 12% of it's revenue from property taxes which is completely ridiculous. The income tax is currently the chief source of revenue for the city. In many neighborhoods the city doesn't even assess the property's. Lots of folks pay almost no property taxes. Not to mention a measly collection rate (last I read only 87%). The income tax was probably one of the worst financial moves ever. EVER. | ||
Upinottawa Member Username: Upinottawa Post Number: 224 Registered: 09-2005 Posted From: 198.103.184.76 |
I have read on this forum that Detroit has extremely high property taxes and that the level of property taxes is a major factor driving people out of the city. Am I making this up? | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 7015 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 198.208.251.24 |
No you are not. Lowering property tax and insurance will make the city available to more people. This should make up for the future decreases in property taxes if all goes well. | ||
Eastsidedog Member Username: Eastsidedog Post Number: 14 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 12.47.224.7 |
Upinottowa, the high property taxes spiel is a bit more complicated than many would be led to believe. The city actually does tax the hell out of the well known neighborhoods where property values are know to be high (IV, Boston Edison, Palmer Woods, etc.) But if you live in a lesser known area (i.e. not "known to be valuable or increasing in value") your house is unlikely to be assessed. Believe me. I KNOW. There's tons of people paying taxes as if there houses were worth $10,000 because the city never assesses them. Case in point, don't buy a house in a fancy neighborhood and you'll likely pay very little property tax. The media as usual doesn't really know what going on in the city. They just like to write stories acting like they do. | ||
Detroit313 Member Username: Detroit313 Post Number: 11 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 12.45.2.184 |
I think that if QL deceids to move to the CBD the statler site would be amazing. Add the tuller site in the deal with a parking deck and residential tower and you have then rebuilt grand circus, (it could be Grand again!). Or the monroe block with an even taller tower because of the less space than statler. But whatever DETROIT does they should work together with a different architect than Ross. to design the new structure this time. Try S.O.M. The compuware bldg looks OK for a city, great for the suburbs, but honestly, that bldg in New York(where I live) or Chicago would be a rec. center. DETROIT should get in high gear like it was in the 1920's. 313 | ||
Motorcitymayor2026 Member Username: Motorcitymayor2026 Post Number: 598 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 70.230.16.61 |
I actually think that a move to the Statler site would be better than a Hudson's block site, only because a Hudsons block site seems to be inevitable. Plans have to be submitted this year fore that site, correct? while Statler could sit still for many years if this didnt go through. | ||
Irish_mafia Member Username: Irish_mafia Post Number: 415 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.248.5.189 |
Good thinking MotorCityMayor2026! | ||
Wilus1mj Member Username: Wilus1mj Post Number: 51 Registered: 05-2005 Posted From: 216.111.89.3 |
More job opportunities to work Downtown....PLEASE!!!...SAVE ME FROM THE OFFICE METROPOLIS OF TROY..I NEED A VIEW | ||
Eastsidedog Member Username: Eastsidedog Post Number: 18 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 12.47.224.7 |
Wilus1mj, TAKE ME WITH YOU! TROY IS HELL! I WANT TO WALK TO LUNCH AGAIN! | ||
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan Post Number: 3348 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.172.95.197 |
Since GCP was mentioned, it would be more than safe to say that it is the Statler lot, or UA Office Building, that they are considering. Actually, it would be more likley they will be building, anew, so the Statler site seems like the focus at the moment. I'll echo most sentiments, here, and say that they can't possibly come soon enough. | ||
Jasoncw Member Username: Jasoncw Post Number: 131 Registered: 07-2005 Posted From: 148.61.248.170 |
I think the monroe block shouldn't just be some coperate hq. I think it would be cool if they had some kind of trl thing with the window looking out (except not a sucky show), or a late night show, or some news room, "from the Monroe Building at Campus Martius". I think it would require too much cooperation and interest to actually happen, but that's what I want. Actually, I don't care where something like that would go, but the lot is big enough to have a landmark building, and Campus Martius is next to it. I think a cool show being identified with Detroit would help make Detroit seem cool, and could help stop some of the brain drain. | ||
Bob Member Username: Bob Post Number: 827 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 205.188.116.137 |
This move to downtown is just too good to be true. Skipper's rule. A nice tall tower on the Hudson's sight would put them in camera view of Comerica Park during Tiger's games. That will be the site. Parking already built. | ||
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan Post Number: 3350 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.172.95.197 |
Tall in what way? This thing will only be able to go 200 or so feet tops (around the Compuware height, but more likely shorter) because of the underground parking structure. (Message edited by lmichigan on March 17, 2006) | ||
Adm70 Member Username: Adm70 Post Number: 1 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 69.247.41.132 |
I vote for a GCP location and reserve the Hudsons site for a hotel | ||
Bussey Member Username: Bussey Post Number: 143 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 206.208.94.60 |
Where is the technical specs on how the Hudsons site can only be 200 ft or so tall? Are the footers extremely short or something.... Where is your source for this info? | ||
Jdkeepsmiling Member Username: Jdkeepsmiling Post Number: 67 Registered: 01-2006 Posted From: 69.216.100.91 |
Bussy, It has been discussed oin her many times... there is something with the way that the footings were made that limit that site to around 16 stories. I would do a search under Hudsons Block and look for the thread on it. | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 1277 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 141.213.173.94 |
Hmmm I think the infill on the Hudson's site will occur inevitably within 2-5 years. If Rock/Quicken/whatever it's called comes to Detroit, I bet they will go with the Statler site. Very easy access from the Lodge via Bagley to Park right there. Underground parking that they could even purchase the rights to if they wanted. I want to see a moratorium on surface parking expansion downtown, with all parking going underground from now on. Nothing like looking at the satelite photos of north of Michigan Ave. east of the Lodge: one big parking lot. An anchor such as a major corporate headquarter on the NW necklace of downtown would be great. There will then probably be a nice flow of pedestrians back and forth on Washington Blvd. to the financial district, and up and down Woodward to CMP. Plus it's 2-3 blocks to the stadia, DAC, and multiple theatres from this potential site. I would want it really bad if I were them, and all the more reason with easier car access than the Hudson's site. Hudson's would be perfect for a modern hotel/retail development, being at the hub of downtown with everything walkable from there and underground and garage parking already there. | ||
Naturalsister Member Username: Naturalsister Post Number: 525 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 68.42.169.65 |
Quicken Loans Company would be a very cool addition to Downtown Detroit. They have this morale thing going on there that sounds like it's a very cool place to work. Even beyond what I've read, seems like they have the employees high on life. Seems they have created this free invironment that breed performers. I called them early last year just to see where their heads were. It's a year later and this guy still calls me now and again - and I can't describe how chipper. In-house band at team meetings - awesome! "JUNE 27, 2005 (COMPUTERWORLD) - Bonus trips to Las Vegas. Free slushies, cappuccino and popcorn. Weekly ticket giveaways to concerts and sporting events. An in-house rock band that livens up every meeting." Here's the link to the whole article: http://www.computerworld.com/c areertopics/careers/story/0,10 801,102711,00.html later - naturalsister | ||
Ray Member Username: Ray Post Number: 640 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 68.42.220.37 |
Eastsidedog and Willus 1, I weep now, for I know that I am not alone and there is help. Troy is perhaps the worst place in the world, and what astounds and furstrates me on a day to day basis, is that virtually every single person I meet working in Troy thinks that it is great. I start to question my own perceptions. Is me? Can they ALL be wrong? Where they see a beautiful "downtown", I see a dehumanizing wasteland, a momument to race and class insensitivy and cruelty (Big Beaver offices are deliberatly inaccessible to poor blacks), a spit in the face to 5000 years of human culture, and just generally and ugly, pathetic place to work. But no, my view is an abberation. Everybody there (including every last employee at our firm from the CEO to the copy guy) seems to think it's just great. I am wracked with self-doubt. Then, mercifully, I have a meeting in San Francisco. I walk through SOMA, awash in engery and great architecture. And I realize, yes, they are all just wrong. Troy is a hell hole, but what's stunning is not that it's a hell hole, but that all the people who live and work there can't figure this out. That's even more distrubing to me than the hell hole itself. | ||
Bussey Member Username: Bussey Post Number: 145 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 69.212.58.28 |
Your point of view is not an abberation, SE Michigan's is. We are facing a truly grand Lockean Dilemma. The majority of our community is fine with the traditional suburban lifestyle as found in Livonia, Troy and Macomb Twp. Unfortunatly a small amount of us aren't and have to envy places like San Fran and Chicago while living in either the islands of Detroit (Woodbridge, Downtown, Midtown, or Corktown) or the walkable suburbs of Royal Oak, Ferndale, or Birmingham. When will the Karmanos's and Illitch's start tract and infill housing around downtown? Staring at the abandoned houses out my windows, Bussey | ||
Ray Member Username: Ray Post Number: 646 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 68.42.220.37 |
Bussey, We are the vangaurds of the revolution, and we must free the people from their ignorance and lead them to a new utopia! You know, it would only take 50,000 residents to completely fill downtown detroit and turn it into a truly world class downtown. That's only 1% of the region. I will never give up hope, at least not while out-of-state developers are building condos in downtown. | ||
Ddaydave Member Username: Ddaydave Post Number: 344 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 67.149.185.244 |
If I was to develop downtown I would think about the block were the Donovan Sanders buildings stood | ||
Dougw Member Username: Dougw Post Number: 1017 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 68.252.4.228 |
I hear you, Ray. I work in Dearborn, and I have no hope of walking to lunch during the day, either. (Unless that involves walking to the cafeteria in my building.) To be fair, Dearborn isn't quite as bad as Troy in this respect, though... it has a couple of semi-walkable downtowns, and is fairly close to downtown Detroit. Still, it's great to hear about more companies moving to downtown Detroit... I may finally be able to work there at some point. | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 1280 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 141.213.173.94 |
Great post Ray. | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 1901 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 4.229.150.139 |
I worked for 4 years in Troy. It was hell to get to and get home from. But one did have a good selection of restaurants and gourmet food stores to go to. If you ignore the somewhat bland architecture, it wasn't so bad. And outside of downtown/midtown/New Center in Detroit, downtown Royal Oak and downtown Birmingham, everywhere you want to go in the metro area requires a car anyway. I wouldn't loose too much sleep over those poor souls who have to work there. | ||
E_hemingway Member Username: E_hemingway Post Number: 526 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 68.42.176.123 |
If Gilbert moves his company to the Statler site, that will justify the demolition of the Statler in my eyes. I also prefer to see them go to the Statler site. It gives his growing company better options as far as what he can do with the building, i.e. build taller. I'd even be willing to part with the UA building if it meant Quicken would build something significant there. To me the Statler site just makes more sense for both Gilbert's ambitions and the progress of downtown. The Hudson's block seems like a good bet for development soon, with or without Quicken. Plus, a large, growing corporate HQ would have a greater impact, as far as improving downtown, on Grand Circus than it would on the Hudson's site. | ||
Mpow Member Username: Mpow Post Number: 178 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 200.65.7.143 |
I think nothing could be more significant than a renovated UA building. | ||
Mind_field Member Username: Mind_field Post Number: 524 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 209.240.205.61 |
^Um, yeah, a new Rock Financial hq on the site of the UA and Statler, and then I would think that the demolition of both would be more than justified. Of course if there was a viable plan to renovate the UA, then go for it. | ||
Hamtramck_steve Member Username: Hamtramck_steve Post Number: 2810 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 136.181.195.65 |
How about this...Rock Financial on the Statler site, they kick in the funding to name the restored UA Theater the Rock Financial Music Theater. Then, you could have the House of Blues at the Rock Financial Music Theater. Condos fill the UA office tower. Ilitch Holdings gets another theater renovated without using megabucks out of their pocket. | ||
Broken_main Member Username: Broken_main Post Number: 994 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 69.222.11.226 |
Yes Mpow, I think it would spur even more development leading to more urban renewal in an area that is not being used to its potential. The Hudsons site will be developed,a continuance of renewal in the Woodward Corridor, creating more foot traffic. Now it is time to connect the areas together by allowing other companies, like Quickens, to build in areas such as Grand Circus. we need to focus on our future where if we are going to do downtown...it definitely is going to take more than one day. dreamin..... | ||
Swingline Member Username: Swingline Post Number: 417 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 172.165.184.156 |
Ray, your wickedly humorous prose brought forth a grin when I was reading this thread. Your portrayal of urban fanaticism can be instructive for supporters of urbanism though. Judging lifestyle choices is rarely productive in an actual (or virtual) public forum. Discussion, education and adept political leadership are the only tools that will succeed in rebuilding and restoring an urban built environment in Detroit. | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 1905 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 4.229.81.62 |
Ham_steve..... Brilliant Idea!!!!!! Anything that will bring back the United Artists Theatre from the brink.... The UA is no worse off than the Capitol was before it was restored into the glorious Detroit Opera House. Of course the Capitol was nearly twice the size of the UA (3367 seats versus 2012 seats for the UA). Also the Detroit United Artists Theatre was one of only 3 UA movie palaces built in the 1920's. The Chicago UA was razed in 1990, the Los Angeles UA has been a church for many years, and is maintained. The 3 Spanish Gothic/Art Deco (all 3 theatres were a hybrid of both styles) United Artists theatres were considered by theatre historians to be Detroit architect C. Howard Cranes best work (1927-28) before he built his 2 Siamese-Byzantine Fox masterpieces (1928-29). The accoustics in the Detroit UA are superb (hence the use as a recording studio by the DSO in the 1980's), and could match any performance venue today. That and the architectural uniqueness of the UA makes it really worth preserving. | ||
Jerome81 Member Username: Jerome81 Post Number: 943 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 64.142.86.133 |
Whats the difference between quicken loans and rock financial? | ||
Bussey Member Username: Bussey Post Number: 148 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 69.212.58.28 |
same company just quicken is online based and rock is empirically based. |
