  Downtown_remix Member Username: Downtown_remix Post Number: 407 Registered: 03-2007 |
What retail do we need more urgently on the strip? Borders Books CVS Salad Creations Hard Rock Cafe Detroit Breakfast Grill Ef Mcnally (SP) Bee sporting goods Ben n Jerrys Kinkos What other retailers do we need that falls into the empty links on the strip?? Mc Donalds Fridays Mels Diner,50s theme with flo on roller skates. Big fish Oslo II Motown Cafe Motor City museum | ||
Detroitstar Member Username: Detroitstar Post Number: 697 Registered: 01-2006 |
Grocery. I know the demand is not there, but for those that live downtown a small market with FRESH stuff is an urgent need. | ||
Spitcoff Member Username: Spitcoff Post Number: 114 Registered: 03-2004 |
i think a high end grocery would be nice currently the closest quality market is holiday in royal oak. This is the main reason I have not moved downtown | ||
Ramcharger Member Username: Ramcharger Post Number: 355 Registered: 05-2006 |
Woodward could use a Crate & Barrel, a Linens & More and a couple of decent jewelry stores. An Apple computer store would be nice as well. (Message edited by Ramcharger on July 09, 2007) | ||
Mind_field Member Username: Mind_field Post Number: 743 Registered: 10-2003 |
What the hell? A MCDONALDS on the main street of our downtown? uh, no. | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 3213 Registered: 02-2005 |
Groceries, groceries, groceries. I live without a car (albiet A2), but the only time I have to take a bus or bum a ride is to go get affordable groceries. There are some small markets nearby but their not full service. The same situation holds for Detroit, only there really aren't even any small places. Downtown becomes a complete neighborhood when people can walk to get everything. Eastern Market is great and you can get so much there with a short bus/bike/walk trip, but you still need a full service store down there. I think some more breakfast/lunch/dinner restaurants are always needed downtown. Clubs and bars are not high on the list, there's plenty of late night downtown activity at this point; people down there just need some more basic, low/moderate cost eating options. A home furnishings store that's really basic (not too expensive or designer-focused) would be great. We don't need IKEA-like prices, which are unattainable anyway, but just something basic; there's a large furniture store on Division in Ann Arbor the caters to renters...Detroit could use something similar. | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1623 Registered: 02-2007 |
How about a Starbucks? Anyway, I can see a: -Payless ShoeSource -Banking Branch inside old MNB -Footlocker -Footaction -Champs -Rainbow -Simply Fashions -GameStop -Chernin Shoe Outlet -Forman Mills -Starbucks Coffee -Ashley Stewart (overtime) -Suit Warehouse or it's superstore -Burlington Coat Factory -CitiTrends -DollarTree -Mike's Fresh Market -Baja Fresh (After Quicken's Move) -Martinizing Cleaners (Overtime) -Rent-A-Center -Lee Beauty Supply (Note: These are both listing realistic profitable retail while sticking to the Shopper's demanded stores) I can see Rite-Aid reopening it's Griswold location after the renovations and development is done over there. (Message edited by Urbanize on July 09, 2007) (Message edited by Urbanize on July 09, 2007) | ||
Dan Member Username: Dan Post Number: 1422 Registered: 10-2003 |
There is a McDonald’s on the Champ Elysees in Paris, and one in Times Square, not that I am in support of a McDonalds on Woodward. | ||
Downtown_remix Member Username: Downtown_remix Post Number: 408 Registered: 03-2007 |
MC DONALDS BELONGS ON WOODWARD,, WHERE ELSE WOULD U TAKE YOUR 8 YEAR OLD AFTER THE GAME? Plus its so universal, people from all over like to see basics they are familiar with. Big golden arches next to burlinton coat factory | ||
Detroitplanner Member Username: Detroitplanner Post Number: 1304 Registered: 04-2006 |
Forget Dollar Tree, the Family Dollar and Dollar General stores better service the apartment/loft dwellers because these sell stuff more than $1, and carry name brands like Clorox, Pamolive, Murphy's Oil Soap, as well as some hardware. I could also see a Sander's (though the Ben and Jerry's, Baskin Robbins, and Coldstone probably already service the current population). Detroit could use a lunchtime, afterwork, Saturday shuttle from Campus Martius to Eastern Market. I'd be concerned that by opening too much market space downtown you could decrease the profitability of Eastern Market. I'd love to see the day where both can happen, but I'm just trying to be realistic like Urbanize. | ||
Spitcoff Member Username: Spitcoff Post Number: 116 Registered: 03-2004 |
Downtown_remix why would you not just go to the Mc Donalds in the park..... and besides go to Lafayette Coney way better and a Detroit tradition | ||
Spitcoff Member Username: Spitcoff Post Number: 117 Registered: 03-2004 |
We need no major fast food in the CBD!!!!!! | ||
Kid_dynamite Member Username: Kid_dynamite Post Number: 103 Registered: 06-2007 |
Hey Spitcof...ever checked out Harbortown Market? It's not that bad of a grocery store! | ||
Zephyrprocess Member Username: Zephyrprocess Post Number: 434 Registered: 08-2006 |
quote: ...how about the McDonald's one mile up Woodward, on the former site of the Graystone Ballroom? (And isn't there a McD's inside Comerica already?) | ||
Detroitstar Member Username: Detroitstar Post Number: 700 Registered: 01-2006 |
There is also a McD's at 75 and Mack and inside the Ren Cen. I dont think we need another one. The harbortown market is overpriced, but their deli is first class all the way. | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1632 Registered: 02-2007 |
Or how about the McDonalds on Mack and I-75? Plus, they can take their kids to the nice little Burger King on Lafayette/Trumbell and Gratiot/St. Aubin, or The White Castle on Michigan/Trumbell and Woodward in the New Center Area. To be frank, an intelligent person would go to the Louie's on Mack or just wait to go to a restaurant by their house. A genius wouldn't eat Fast Food at all. (Message edited by Urbanize on July 09, 2007) | ||
Spitcoff Member Username: Spitcoff Post Number: 118 Registered: 03-2004 |
never been to harbor town how is the meat and produce | ||
Detroitstar Member Username: Detroitstar Post Number: 701 Registered: 01-2006 |
The deli meats are good, but I usually went to farmer jack for the larger cut meats. The produce was hit or miss, but I'm kinda picky in that regard. | ||
Kid_dynamite Member Username: Kid_dynamite Post Number: 104 Registered: 06-2007 |
I'd say its the highest quality grocery store in the city (that I've been to). I used to shop at hollwood/holiday markets in RO when I lived there, and it is the closest in the city that would compare. | ||
Downtown_remix Member Username: Downtown_remix Post Number: 411 Registered: 03-2007 |
why is everyone against a fast food joint within walkin distance to everything, and visible from the main street. who can walk to mack an woodward for a big mac? who will walk to white castle on michigan ave from greektown? who will catch a cab from harmony park to go waaaay up gratiot for a whopper? Small minds think alike | ||
Spitcoff Member Username: Spitcoff Post Number: 119 Registered: 03-2004 |
Maybe because fast food is horrible for you and fast food restaurants have no personality. I would much rather grab a gyro from golden fleece or a coney from Lafayette any day over a big mac or whopper | ||
Downtown_remix Member Username: Downtown_remix Post Number: 412 Registered: 03-2007 |
guys your thinking like a typical car obsessed Detroiter, cant get a burger unless you are in the comfort of your car stuck in drive through. we need every business imaginable in the CBD. Guess what>? one day we will function like a normal city. | ||
Spitcoff Member Username: Spitcoff Post Number: 121 Registered: 03-2004 |
id love a good burger place in the CBD but why does it have to be fast food. Hunter house is a good choice even though it was way better before it moved into the Hilton Garden. We need Redcoat Tavern or something like that | ||
Downtown_remix Member Username: Downtown_remix Post Number: 413 Registered: 03-2007 |
we need choices. good for you or bad for you, retail and different restaurants are about choices, variety everybody dont want a gyro or a artery clogging coney dog, the most unhealthy food in the world | ||
Downtown_remix Member Username: Downtown_remix Post Number: 414 Registered: 03-2007 |
KIDS IN THE REDCOAT TAVERN? THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF KIDS DOWNTOWN WITHOUT THEIR FAVORATE EATING CHOICES IN PLAIN CLEAR VIEW, NOT DEEP IN THE REC CEN, OR 2 MILES AWAY FROM CBD. | ||
Jjaba Member Username: Jjaba Post Number: 5446 Registered: 11-2003 |
Urbanize, take them after we spell Trumbull. Thanks. jjaba. | ||
Dialh4hipster Member Username: Dialh4hipster Post Number: 2107 Registered: 11-2004 |
This thread is full of the dumbest fucking ideas about retail for Detroit I've ever read. Why don't you guys just move to the suburbs? I'm pretty sure Warren has everything you are looking for. Lower Woodward would be wasted on the lame ideas presented here. If you are going to take the prime real estate in the area and suggest stores that barely qualify for Macomb Mall, I think you need to take a quick look at real urban "Main Streets" around the country and get a clue. All the suggestions here are pretty stupid, but I have to say the McDonald's takes the cake. Get a clue. (Message edited by dialh4hipster on July 10, 2007) | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1633 Registered: 02-2007 |
Dialh4hipster: What retail do you expect to pop up on Woodward anytime soon? Woodward isn't like ANY OTHER Main Street. If we looking at "MAIN STREETS" like State Street, we're basically jumping off of a cliff and hoping we survive. I'm not sure what fantasy world you living in if you expect a Best Buy, Old Navy, JC Penneys, Whole Foods, Steve and Barry's, and especially the more higher end stores to magically open on Woodward. You need to wake up though and smell reality. McDonalds is the Worst Idea Yet. It's just as bad as having a Starbucks on Woodward. Let's at least keep things original and keep the Chain Fast Food Restaurants away from our "MAIN STREET". In addition, if you know we can't keep stores at a Mall with over 10,000 Shoppers a day, what makes you think we can keep any on Woodward (considering we only have so many residents, who don't shop daily, and most of th eworking population will be too tired to fight over a parking space just to get something to eat when they could do the same along their route home or at home). (Message edited by Urbanize on July 10, 2007) | ||
Danny Member Username: Danny Post Number: 6180 Registered: 02-2004 |
So far Fancy type stores like Mark England DeMode, Dior and Macy's are not ready to make shop in Lower Woodward Business Corridor. Business needs to start off with some dollar stores, fast food restaurants and chothiers, then bring in the fancy shops. | ||
Danny Member Username: Danny Post Number: 6181 Registered: 02-2004 |
Dialh4hipster, You quote that this thread is full of the dumbest fucking ideas about retail for Detroit I've ever read. Why don't you guys just move to the suburbs? I'm pretty sure Warren has everything you are looking for. I SAY: If you like the ghetto, go hit 8 Mile Rd. Detroit is a city on the move to bring any kind of retail to its ghettohoods. Most hip cool skinny white kids rather hang out in Downtown Detroit and Midtown areas rather than playing in front of their cookie cutter homes. Since you're most supportive to suburbantopia go live there. If you with us for the development of Downtown Detroit join in. | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1635 Registered: 02-2007 |
Hey Danny, do you know where Mark England Moved to or did he just completely bail? | ||
Oliverdouglas Member Username: Oliverdouglas Post Number: 111 Registered: 02-2006 |
Danny, Danny, Danny... | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1636 Registered: 02-2007 |
"Mels Diner,50s theme with flo on roller skates." Well we already have a Johnny Rocket's and a Hard Rock Cafe along the route. Those make up for it. | ||
Danny Member Username: Danny Post Number: 6182 Registered: 02-2004 |
They suppose to move to the REN CEN. But I don't see it anywhere. | ||
Detroitplanner Member Username: Detroitplanner Post Number: 1305 Registered: 04-2006 |
DialH, It ain't prime real estate, if it was why would vacancy be so high? You need a plan to cultivate and elevate what we have. There is nothing wrong with suggesting things as this is an exercise without anyone putting up the capital to actually finance anything. Some folks are trying to figure out what niches need to be served, others are trying to figure out how to get to the point of one day being able to get really nice places to shop along Woodward. Reality is that lower Woodward has to crawl before it can walk. Right now its just laying in the crib pooping itself. | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1638 Registered: 02-2007 |
OMG Oliver, I love your name. You reminded me of the show about the Hungarian Manhatten deprived lady who married a farm loving husband and was forced to move away from her luxury Apartment and TimeSquare to live on a farm with a pig named Arnold and handy "Men" The Monroe "Brothers" that comes on TV Land at the 10 AM hour back to back. | ||
Upinottawa Member Username: Upinottawa Post Number: 884 Registered: 09-2005 |
There are around 3 McDonalds at Times Square, and at least two on the Champ (one of them has weird waterfall urinals). | ||
Oliverdouglas Member Username: Oliverdouglas Post Number: 112 Registered: 02-2006 |
Urbanize: That is of course, where the name comes from - and I live in Green Acres. | ||
Dialh4hipster Member Username: Dialh4hipster Post Number: 2108 Registered: 11-2004 |
You people have the lowest standards I have ever encountered in my entire life. The "fantasy" of a JC Penny or Steve & Barry's. Please. More like a nightmare. | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1645 Registered: 02-2007 |
Sweet. I was just trying to be a bit obvious about it without stating the obvious. | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1646 Registered: 02-2007 |
Again Dialh4hipster, we're just trying to keep it real. We'll be lucky to get a JCP or Steve and Barry's, let along what your imaginary Woodward has. So like I said, stop imagining. The name of the Thread if REALISTIC Woodward retail ideas. Speaking of, you never told us your REALISTIC Ideas. No fantasies please. If you want your "Imaginary Woodward", live in Chicago and shop on State Street everyday or live in LA and stop on Rodeo Drive everyday. | ||
Crew Member Username: Crew Post Number: 1316 Registered: 02-2004 |
Dialh, Go back and play in front of your cookie cutter house. LOL | ||
Iheartthed Member Username: Iheartthed Post Number: 1105 Registered: 04-2006 |
A McDonald's? Detroit already has more than it's fair share of those. The only real things missing are a grocery store and retail. You aren't gonna attract an upscale grocer into downtown if you can't even attract a mid-range retailer. I think an Old Navy or Gap would do fine on Merchants Row... Maybe move in some of the Detroit novelty stores? Is it feasible for the city to subsidize the rent for the smaller retailers in order to get those Woodward storefronts filled? They should be doing whatever they have to in order to keep those places filled. | ||
Oliverdouglas Member Username: Oliverdouglas Post Number: 113 Registered: 02-2006 |
I don't get out much - what's Steve and Barry's? There's probably a case to be made for a Dollar Store, Payless, etc. in the CBD, but please, not on Woodward. It may not be realistic to expect a Gucci store to start the retail ball rolling on Lower Woodward, but let's try and at least start in the middle somewhere. Local talent with a Detroit personality, (though I know the rents are high for those with good ideas and no money). And not just services. Stores with great merchandise to display in windows that encourage walking and window shopping. Wish I had a shitload of money. | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1648 Registered: 02-2007 |
"I think an Old Navy or Gap would do fine on Merchants Row..." I doubt it. I'm sure they're barely profiting at the Macomb Mall locations and the GAP location at Eastland high-tailed it years ago. | ||
Iheartthed Member Username: Iheartthed Post Number: 1107 Registered: 04-2006 |
Macomb Mall isn't in the CBD of a major city. And from what I remember of those two malls, they were more geared towards the not-so-yuppie demographic. | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1650 Registered: 02-2007 |
Ok, but those Malls at the same time have a higher amount of Daily Shoppers than Woodward has in a month. What's makes you think that the Downtown Location will be profitable? There's not enough shoppers to support it yet. Just like in the Grocery Thread, it's not about the people or location, but about the Money. If these businesses aren't going to attract enough shoppers or profit, what makes you think they will invest on the location? (Message edited by Urbanize on July 10, 2007) | ||
Iheartthed Member Username: Iheartthed Post Number: 1108 Registered: 04-2006 |
That's because there is no where to shop on Woodward... | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1651 Registered: 02-2007 |
On the Contrary, There's Studio Couture, Athlete's Foot, Tall-Eez Shoes, Eatern Beauty Supply Borders CVS J-Bee's Those seem like places to me. However, their prsence haven't made a big difference in terms of Shoppers and they probably haven't made a decent profit yet. (Message edited by Urbanize on July 10, 2007) | ||
Iheartthed Member Username: Iheartthed Post Number: 1110 Registered: 04-2006 |
You're not serious, are you? | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1652 Registered: 02-2007 |
There's that Chain Store Mentality sticking out. they're still places to spend money. Basically, any place you spend money for necessities or gifts anytime is shopping. | ||
93typhoon Member Username: 93typhoon Post Number: 30 Registered: 04-2006 |
target and taco bell - gotta love the taco bell! | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1654 Registered: 02-2007 |
LMAO! A Taco Bell would be perfect. There's none anywhere else near the CBD (besides REN CEN). (Message edited by Urbanize on July 10, 2007) | ||
Iheartthed Member Username: Iheartthed Post Number: 1111 Registered: 04-2006 |
"There's that Chain Store Mentality sticking out. they're still places to spend money. Basically, any place you spend money for necessities or gifts anytime is shopping." Chain store mentality? CVS is a pharmacy. It shouldn't even be included. A beauty supply store is not destination shopping. People aren't coming downtown by the thousands to shop at a beauty supply store. Go visit Dupont Circle and Georgetown in DC. Center City in Philly. Soho in Manhattan. That's real retail, and no it doesn't have to be all chain retail... but it has to be retail. | ||
Dialh4hipster Member Username: Dialh4hipster Post Number: 2109 Registered: 11-2004 |
One of the questions seems to be "what major chains can afford to put their stores on Woodward," but the REAL question should be "why do landlords think the 'market' rate is in the $20+/sf range when every single storefront is empty?" Last time I checked, the market rate meant what the market can support, not what you think your space should be worth. Another question is why are all the spaces along Woodward so huge? And why are so many of them in need of a (tenant-financed) buildout or renovation? Finally, what is going to draw people to Woodward? We don't need services for the 387 people who live in the area on the "main street," those can sit on the periphery. And is a replication of Oakland Mall really going to lure people away from, uh, Oakland Mall? The answer is no. Lower Woodward, and Washington Boulevard too, need retail that will draw people downtown. Unique, independent retail is what's needed, and enough of it to create a critical mass and a cool shopping area. Those spaces right now are way too big and way too expensive to land most small business tenants, and those are the people who will actually undertake the risk. The chains you all seem to love so much will not come down until they see business is already there. Unless of course they negotiate a sweetheart lease deal, one small businesspeople could never get. So no, I don't have specific store names to suggest for the lower Woodward area, because the stores I think would "realistically" work best there don't necessarily exist yet. | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1655 Registered: 02-2007 |
Iheartthed DETROIT IS NOT PHILLY, DC, NYC. As I just told Dialh, if you want that type of shopping, then move to those places. Until then, deal with the reality. | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1656 Registered: 02-2007 |
"So no, I don't have specific store names to suggest for the lower Woodward area, because the stores I think would "realistically" work best there don't necessarily exist yet." In other words, you want more Mark Englands? People aren't to come from all over to spend money at a store that doesn't fit their budget or fashion. I agree on the Unique, Independent Retail, but the fact is, this country is driven by Chain Stores. If that was the case, then the stores on Woodward would have generated other stores LONG ago and some wouldn't even be closing up. | ||
Iheartthed Member Username: Iheartthed Post Number: 1112 Registered: 04-2006 |
"DETROIT IS NOT PHILLY, DC, NYC. As I just told Dialh, if you want that type of shopping, then move to those places. Until then, deal with the reality." Eh, I already did. I'm just explaining to you why nobody is shopping on Woodward, whereas they are shopping in those other places. Take it or leave it. | ||
Dialh4hipster Member Username: Dialh4hipster Post Number: 2110 Registered: 11-2004 |
OK, I see, you are on the "everyone is poor and only poor people will come to the middle of downtown Detroit to shop" bandwagon. Is your real name Quinn by any chance? | ||
Dialh4hipster Member Username: Dialh4hipster Post Number: 2111 Registered: 11-2004 |
Also, the problem has already been that people who want that kind of shopping have moved to those other places. Why? Because residents there didn't settle for a Steve & Barry's as the cornerstone of their downtown retail. Maybe you should step aside and let people with a bigger vision promote their ideas, instead of wasting time arguing with your backwards ass. | ||
Downtown_remix Member Username: Downtown_remix Post Number: 415 Registered: 03-2007 |
Motown Cafe (Statues of Sup Fridays Bennegans Motor City Grill (Booths made from old school cars) H & M Clothing Store Smaller Macys on Hudsons block along with a few other smaller stores within a office and residential complex. Move Johnney Rockets to Campus Mart (fox theater location aint workin out. School of modern dance(near campus mart) | ||
Smitch Member Username: Smitch Post Number: 20 Registered: 04-2007 |
I agree with Dial. Lower Woodward specialty shop. Not the same stuff that you can get in any mall in any suburb. My short list: -NOVELTY SHOPS!!! -Art stores -Flower shops -coffee shops -jewelry stores -high end grocery -video store Thats all i can think of now. | ||
Spitcoff Member Username: Spitcoff Post Number: 123 Registered: 03-2004 |
We need to take a more upscale approach to downtown detroit to attract more people from the suburbs to move to downtown. I feel that more upper end retail shops like in birmingham or royal oak will do this. If they put in dollar stores and cheap retail it will just attract the wrong kind of people downtown. They are building $250,000 lofts we need the retail to support the kind of people that can afford to buy these places. We need to keep the ghetto out of downtown | ||
Vintagesoul Member Username: Vintagesoul Post Number: 20 Registered: 06-2007 |
Wow. This is a hot-button topic... Ok. I'm gonna rant this off real fast then I'm gonna go run and hide before the fallout comes. Heh. I would love to see the following (what I feel to be *realistic* for Woodward shops to be): Target Old Navy Bed Bath & Beyond Famous Footwear Some kind of Grocery, maybe like U Foods? Walgreens Friday's Some type of mainstream Seafood like Tom's and... *gulp* Macy's. | ||
Bijouloveshues Member Username: Bijouloveshues Post Number: 8 Registered: 07-2007 |
Sanders for sure  Like the Ghirardelli soda shop on the Mag Mile, it would be nice to have a classic/ retro feel to it... some others that might be good: Filene's Basement Grocery goes without saying Department stores (Nordstrom, Macy's) Jamba Juice Apple Sony H&M Internet cafe (see www.easyeverything.com) - increases "hang out" revenue and encourages tourism some designer boutiques/ (would it sustain in this town, I don't know) - Gucci, Ferragamo, JP Tods, BCBG, Kenneth Cole, Benneton, Adidas, Puma, Diesel H20, Sephora, maybe a couple of day spas (!) American Apparel, Yellow Rat Bastard (if they were looking to expand outside of NY) Some art galleries and high end furniture (www.orangeskin.com) would be nice too oh, there's so many possibilities. | ||
Spitty Member Username: Spitty Post Number: 581 Registered: 07-2004 |
www.urbanoutfitters.com would be pretty cool. | ||
Detroitstar Member Username: Detroitstar Post Number: 703 Registered: 01-2006 |
I know most of you guys hate chains and all that, but I would really enjoy not having to drive 20 minutes for Buffalo Wild Wings. | ||
Southwestmap Member Username: Southwestmap Post Number: 861 Registered: 01-2005 |
The designer boutiques were once in the Renaissance Center. I can't remember which ones, but there was a corridor housing European designer stores. Henry Ford lured them with his clout. Of course, they didn't make any money and they dribbled away. Face it, even if Henry Ford came back and lured those stores to Woodward Ave., the big spenders would still go to Somerset. There are no street people in wheelchairs begging in Somerset, or guys running around shouting to themselves, or any of the other street behaviors that make shopping in Detroit unpleasant. | ||
Upinottawa Member Username: Upinottawa Post Number: 885 Registered: 09-2005 |
The Champs-Elysee in Paris includes a rather cool Peugeot store (amongst other automotive company stores). The store has cars on display (including race cars) but makes its living off of selling Peugeot merchandise. I would never buy a Peugeot, but the merchandise (and the store) was pretty cool. Having Chevy, Ford, Pontiac, Chrysler, and Cadillac stores on Woodward would make a wonderful tourist attraction and would help draw other businesses to the area. | ||
Downtown_remix Member Username: Downtown_remix Post Number: 416 Registered: 03-2007 |
"PURE DETROIT" | ||
Ramcharger Member Username: Ramcharger Post Number: 356 Registered: 05-2006 |
Let’s see, upscale retail in the RenCen, I remember a Courreges, a Yves St. Laurent, a Gucci’s, an Ungaro, a Cartier’s, a Godiva Chocolatier and a FAO Schwarz. I used to love FAO Schwarz! | ||
Downtown_remix Member Username: Downtown_remix Post Number: 417 Registered: 03-2007 |
how bout a high end florist, with edible chocolate flowers and other gift items for the office or otherwise. close to campus M. Starbucks has to hit lower wooward ESPN ZONE IN THE DAVID WHITNEY BUIDING MOTOWN WALK OF FAME ARETHA FRANKLIN'S SOUL FOOD(ALL YOU CAN EAT) | ||
Dialh4hipster Member Username: Dialh4hipster Post Number: 2113 Registered: 11-2004 |
You have an upscale florist in Blumz, at Gratiot and Broadway. You have high end furniture at Mezzanine at Broadway & Grand River. You have a Pure Detroit a block away from Campus Martius in the Guardian Building. Seriously, does anyone even pay attention to what you have? Or is it all just about what you don't have? | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 9536 Registered: 10-2003 |
quote: I have pointed this out way too many times. People always talk about what we need and why companies don't locate here but never seem to support what we do have. | ||
Rb336 Member Username: Rb336 Post Number: 504 Registered: 02-2007 |
Anyone ever been to Century 21 stores in Manhattan and Bay Ridge? I'd like to see something like that | ||
Bob Member Username: Bob Post Number: 1512 Registered: 11-2003 |
There was a Bennigan's in Greektown where Sweet Georgia Brown is now, it closed, (not sure why). There was also a McD's in Comerica Park, accessable on non-game days, but it too closed. Although who goes to a ballgame to have McDs, but one would think they may pick up some of the lunch crowd from Downtown workers. But I have a feeling it will be a while before either try to relocate downtown again. | ||
Patrick Member Username: Patrick Post Number: 4668 Registered: 10-2003 |
Would creating a main destination store be a good idea or a bad one for lower Woodward? I am not necessarily talking about a big box chain store either. What could be built here that is no where else in the suburbs? Maybe a Nike Town would work best as a sort of anchor? I think it would because let’s face it….shoes are extremely popular in Detroit and people are tried of Foot Lockers and Dicks (lol). Perhaps an Al Wissam?? I know there is one in Dearborn but why not Detroit. Ikea is a destination…I know, I know. We talked about it but I cannot let this one go. I just don’t know where it could be located in that particular area. | ||
Bob Member Username: Bob Post Number: 1516 Registered: 11-2003 |
Are we forgetting that someone tried to create a high-end department store a few years ago and it did not last very long. I would think a chain would look at that and wonder if they could be successful. With that said, there are a few more residents downtown now than there were a few years ago. I want to say the name of the store was Julian Scott. | ||
Patrick Member Username: Patrick Post Number: 4671 Registered: 10-2003 |
I thought Julian Scott was more of a novelty with no prestige or name to it. Sad but true. Most shoppers are lured by the name...not all, but most. What would lure shoppers downtown? That is the question. | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 9537 Registered: 10-2003 |
I liked Julian SCott but just like most stores it was empty everytime I went in. The staff there was great but no customers to be found. It's sad that there are usually more people complaining about no retail in downtown than there are supporting the retail in downtown. | ||
Spitcoff Member Username: Spitcoff Post Number: 124 Registered: 03-2004 |
there already is a starbucks on griswald | ||
Bob Member Username: Bob Post Number: 1517 Registered: 11-2003 |
Patrick, I think you are correct. I think if Julian Scott were to try to give it a go a few years from now, when there are more people in the downtown area with all these new developments going in, there may be a market for something like that, but it was at the wrong time. Also I can not speak to how it was managed so I do not know if there were other issues. | ||
Nainrouge Member Username: Nainrouge Post Number: 225 Registered: 05-2006 |
Staples or Office Depot. I know there is a Staples on Jefferson, but I need a place that I can run out to when I need to do a presentation I suddenly notice that I need some supplies. CVS and Kinkos don't cut it. | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 9538 Registered: 10-2003 |
Bob - That is the issue. Everyone is waiting on more development, other people, etc to help revitalize downtown but in all of the times I was in Julian Scott I never saw another person (unless they were shopping with me). The studies have come out about X number of people in the area, X number of disposable dollars but the issue is that people in the area and many that talk about what Detroit needs do not support the places that will make downtown what they want it to be. With all of the talk on this forum how many people really go out of their way to support local? My guess is that more people on the forum drive to Meijer than go to Honey Bee or any other small local store. Julian Scott can re-open in a few years and it will fail because people will come up with other reasons why they need to go to the suburbs to shop. For all of the talk on this forum I question how many people really support the businesses in the city (downtown or otherwise). The owners of Slows may be doing very well but I rarely if ever see people in the downtown retail places trying to make it. Of the numerous times I have been in places like spectacles there is never anyone there. | ||
Reetz12 Member Username: Reetz12 Post Number: 181 Registered: 09-2005 |
Side Note - Last week I sat outside for lunch at Salad Creations and, I would have to say 1 out of every 5 people walking by had a CVS bag. Are they doing well ? I know there were talks about extending hours? | ||
Mind_field Member Username: Mind_field Post Number: 744 Registered: 10-2003 |
Mezzanine, Blumz, and to a lesser extent, Studio Couture right now are islands in a retail desert, and that is thwarting their FULL potential. IMO, there needs to be a concerted effort amongst the DDA, DEGC, and Woodward property owners to get serious about bringing in retail. there needs to be a critical mass of retailers creating a shopping destination. Not one store next to 3-4 empty storefronts. It's ridiculous that property owners expect to get $20 a square foot. I think something realistic would be a tiered rate system, like charging $5/sq. ft. for an independant retailer, $10 for a restaurant, or $20 for a chain. It would be nice if this effort was coordinated with something like a couple new light rail lines, one up Woodward, and the other from Ann Arbor to downtown. Coordinated with the opening of a large new corporate hq, or some new festival or event that would draw people downtown and promote the shops. The synergy from these things happening together would be really helpful and lucrative for the Woodward retailers. Then advertise, advertise, advertise! in the suburbs, at downtown hotels, on the people mover, in local mags, on local tv, on the radio, at conventions, in other cities like toledo, Windsor, Flint, Cleveland, Lansing, etc. Make people know that the stores are open for business! Most of us will never know what the plans were for the mystery mega development that was to be in the lower Cass Corridor centered around the Masonic Temple. I believe it included significant retail, IIRC. It just demonstrates that local and national developers and their money are keeping a close eye on a resurgent downtown Detroit and it's amazing potential. | ||
Jb3 Member Username: Jb3 Post Number: 154 Registered: 06-2007 |
quote: " Right now its just laying in the crib pooping itself." ROTFLMFAO!!!! quote: "The designer boutiques were once in the Renaissance Center" That's because they felt safe in their fortress...candy asses! quote: "Having Chevy, Ford, Pontiac, Chrysler, and Cadillac stores on Woodward would make a wonderful tourist attraction and would help draw other businesses to the area." Why not start a Detroit restaraunt phenomenon that recycles used car parts and uses the metal pieces for the dishware and recycles the oil for deep fried catfish? Better than MickeyD's i'd have to say. (this was a joke, fyi) Fun thread, but i'll have to agree with Dial4Hipster. If you want more retail, then get out and spend some money in the places that already exist. | ||
Patrick Member Username: Patrick Post Number: 4674 Registered: 10-2003 |
What are the benefits of boutique stores (furniture/arts) versus national stores down there? | ||
Qweek Member Username: Qweek Post Number: 339 Registered: 07-2006 |
An Apple Store. | ||
Jb3 Member Username: Jb3 Post Number: 156 Registered: 06-2007 |
quote: "What are the benefits of boutique stores (furniture/arts) versus national stores down there?" To me it matters where they ship their goods from. National stores would most likely have contracts in place with international suppliers (possibly sweatshops) in order to make up profits in volume. Boutique stores probably do the same, but they at least have the option not to, by buying locally thus significantly reducing the embodied energy of a product and feeding money back into local economies. It's a loaded question, but this is my simplistic version of why a small local boutique is better. Not too mention you get to know the owners and not just some regional manager that will be replaced next month. Kind of a pride thing if i had to boil it down. | ||
Erikd Member Username: Erikd Post Number: 880 Registered: 10-2003 |
I completely agree with Dialh4hipster. In is unlikely for us to get a cluster of high-end national chain retailers on lower Woodward over the next few years, but that doesn't mean that we should go for low-end national retailers instead. In the lean years of the late 80's and early 90's, lower Woodward had stores such as Rent-A-Center and Payless Shoes. It doesn't make any sense to regress back to that stage, especially since there is a growth of middle and upper class residents in the area. The people living at Merchants Row, the Lofts on Woodward, the Kales Building, the Brush Park condos, The Book Cadillac condos, the Fort-Shelby condos, and the Griswold condos will not shop at Rent-A-Center. Adding a cluster of local retail stores, such as Mezzanine, Pure Detroit, The Bureau of Urban Living, and the recently departed Julian Scott would make a nice retail district on lower Woodward. This type of downtown retail district would be different than the suburban malls, and more likely to succeed. As Mind_field pointed out, it is difficult for most of these locally-owned retailers to reach their full potential without being clustered together in a district. Detroit already has local retailers that have opened stores in the downtown area, and Lower Woodward would be the perfect spot to cluster them. As Dialh4hipster pointed out, the reason this isn't happening is due to the prohibitive cost of the storefront spaces on lower Woodward. Most local retailers simply can not afford to pay $20+ dollars per sqft for a space that also requires an initial investment of $50,000+ just to do the interior build out. | ||
Detroitplanner Member Username: Detroitplanner Post Number: 1306 Registered: 04-2006 |
A RTEnt A Center downtown in the 90's??? Are you sure about that? Who the hell would they rent to? WHere was it located? | ||
Erikd Member Username: Erikd Post Number: 881 Registered: 10-2003 |
IIRC, there was a Rent-A-Center on the west side of Woodward, near Grand River. I think it was closed by '96 or '97. | ||
Imperfectly Member Username: Imperfectly Post Number: 250 Registered: 06-2004 |
I would definately not mind a target downtown, or Urban Outfitters... even H&M. There is an H&M in Soho surrounded by lots of independent retailers catering to the eclectic needs in that area. I would love to have options on both sides of the price spectrum... but I agree as someone who lives in a loft/condo I don't see myself furnishing my place with my dollar tree finds ! But ya know a great piece from somewhere trendy and unique from mezzanine or bureau will go nicely with my target addictions !!! I hope when I get some free cash flow I won't have to drive outta the city to go on a spending spree !!! Oh I also love the little corner market idea...even tho I do live walking distance to Eastern Market my work schedule doesnt coincide with the current hours of ops. there. I know this is about lower woodward but why the heck doesn't Lafayette park have better retail in our shopping plaza ???? I am certain it could be supported ! I would enjoy a World Market right there in the plaza ... | ||
Why Member Username: Why Post Number: 57 Registered: 04-2007 |
What you need first is an EMS team that can (and will) promptly respond to blood splattered at anyone of these recommended establishments. Rent-a-center? Absolutely hilarious desperation. I remember working at a credit bureau back in 1982 and this woman called complaining that she "more than purchased this refrigerator twice" with the monthly payments she had made over two years. WTF!? And what the H*&^ do you think I can do about this? I wanted to tell her to call Coleman "MF in charge" but just hung up the phone. | ||
Why Member Username: Why Post Number: 58 Registered: 04-2007 |
Ramcharger, Detroit residents are complaining about the lack of food stores and you're mentioning the need for a couple of "decent jewelry stores"? Good Lord! The rest of the nation is watching (and laughing) Detroit. | ||
Revaldullton Member Username: Revaldullton Post Number: 77 Registered: 07-2007 |
I would personally refrain from putting tacky cholesterol clogging killing fast food joints like McDonalds,BK, KFC,taco bell etc etc on the drag. But that's just me. Unfortunately, we have been brainwashed into eating all that unhealthy garbage and I do understand the income will be good for the area, but still a bad idea. Im glad I dont eat that junk. yuck. Some healthier food establishments that serve cheap nutritional food that wont kill you in a matter of months would be much better idea. But I guess the tacky joints are the real draw. the good rev | ||
Jb3 Member Username: Jb3 Post Number: 175 Registered: 06-2007 |
Hey Mr. Why. I know you're bored and i'm going to regret responding to this crap, but... ...the whole nation has issues that are simply magnified in Detroit. We are like the microcosm of a global issue growing uncontrollably. You think you can run from the problems, but you can't. This world ain't big enough. You think you live in some progressive place or some safe haven of a suburb? You're time will come. So i encourage you and the rest of the nation to keep watching. You might learn something. If you don't...well...that's your ignorance. So sleep tight and pretend the bed bugs won't bite, while we here in Detroit will keep pushing for a brighter future. Cheers! | ||
Michigansheik Member Username: Michigansheik Post Number: 213 Registered: 09-2005 |
honeybee market on bagley is legit for produce. as far as deli goes, can't beat rocky's or randy's in gratiot central market. when is eastern markets makeover supposed to begin. i'm in favor any retail downtown that is not a liquor store or cellular agent or generic $1 store. | ||
Detroitstar Member Username: Detroitstar Post Number: 711 Registered: 01-2006 |
Imperfectly, I agree about the Lafayette Park shopping plaza. Both the Thai food place and Cottage Inn are great, as well as the Paris Cafe, but it really would make a great location for a quick stop grocery center or even an electronics store. There is a great open space next to the dollar store that would fit that need perfectly. I would like to be able to get milk without having to drive a mile or more. There is the spartan store just up the street, but I went there once and vowed to never go back. | ||
Downtown_remix Member Username: Downtown_remix Post Number: 418 Registered: 03-2007 |
ESPN ZONE WOULD BE SO HOT. Word has it that Magic Johnson is shopping around for a movie theater complex to go downtown. I wanna see things that generate foot traffic in combination with the tiger an lion fans walking around. | ||
Royce Member Username: Royce Post Number: 2286 Registered: 07-2004 |
Upscale vs. low end stores, stores that cater to whites vs. stores that cater to blacks, national chains vs. local stores: these are the issues that haunt retail in Downtown Detroit. There are no immediate or simple solutions. The one realistic thing that needs to happen to lower Woodward is to get a nucleus of stores in one area that would attract foot traffic like Erikd mentioned earlier. If Pure Detroit, Mezzanine, the Urban Bureau were next to each other along lower Woodward you might see more foot traffic, but as long as the building owners want to charge outlandish rents, the clustering of stores is not going to happen. So, what is the solution? Personally, I think lower Woodward should concentrate on adding more restaurants and bars, not retail. As someone mentioned very early in this post, Woodward already has nightlife. Maybe that should continue with more restaurants and bars. At this point, any retail on lower Woodward should be clustered in whatever development goes on the Hudson's site. Also, there is the problem of the homeless and mentally ill walking the streets of Downtown Detroit. I walked around downtown on Tuesday and one thing that is disturbing about frequenting businesses there is the eventual confrontation with a street person. Not that each encounter was a serious problem, but it's just that you always have to be on the alert. For example, I was coming out of Ben and Jerry's when this street person starting saying something to me and then proceeded to knock over a table. Now, if I wanted to sit at that table, his actions would have caused a problem. This scene plays out too often in Downtown Detroit. Yet, there were no police walking the area that could have said something to this guy or scare him away. As someone mentioned earlier, dealing with street people affects having businesses in the CBD. This city is fraught with Catch-22s. That's the reality. Even if more residents move downtown, will they be enough to sustain businesses there. Can lower Woodward one day have the look of Old Woodward in Birmingham? Should it even try? There again, another Catch-22. (Message edited by royce on July 11, 2007) | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1672 Registered: 02-2007 |
"Word has it that Magic Johnson is shopping around for a movie theater complex to go downtown." D_r, that is the 20th time you told us that and we haven't heard any other mention of it sense. | ||
Detroitplanner Member Username: Detroitplanner Post Number: 1307 Registered: 04-2006 |
Funny, I don't remember a Rent-A-Center downtown, but then again there is now way in hell I'd ever walk into one. I like to bargain my major purchases and I've known since a kid that was a predatory business. | ||
Swiburn Member Username: Swiburn Post Number: 172 Registered: 07-2006 |
Well, except for its' Federal Reserve Bank, Minneapolis' downtown could serve as a model for Detroit. They have a Target with underground parking and a Macy's (most of its' business is from l0-2 during the week.) They don't have a chain grocery store, but they have lots of entertainment and a technical college right downtown. Detroit downtown doesn't have the masses of people needed to support things. The Gap didn't work in Minneapolis, either. | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1676 Registered: 02-2007 |
Swiburn, Detroit has a bank as well. | ||
Iheartthed Member Username: Iheartthed Post Number: 1118 Registered: 04-2006 |
"The rest of the nation is watching (and laughing) Detroit." Actually, the rest of the nation stopped watching Detroit long ago. Most are barely aware of its existence anymore... | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1680 Registered: 02-2007 |
I didn't know you could laugh anyone either. | ||
Swiburn Member Username: Swiburn Post Number: 173 Registered: 07-2006 |
Urbanize, I know Detroit has banks, but the Federal Reserve really brings in people to the financial district. Detroit needs a lot more big offices than just Compuware and GM. And those are self-contained, i.e. nobody has a need to go outside, apparently. The people need to be there first in place before the stores arrive. | ||
Danindc Member Username: Danindc Post Number: 2845 Registered: 10-2003 |
quote: This is a snotty attitude if I ever heard one. If you go to New York, Chicago, Philly, etc., all of those cities have their share of "lower-rent" tenants downtown. DC has a Payless downtown, across the street from Macy's and a lottery stand (in some pretty high-rent buildings, no less). This is to say nothing of the Radio Shack that exists on every other block. There was even a Popeye's downtown as recently as a year ago. No one is so naive to think that these stores lower the "quality" of the downtown. At the same time, trying to make Woodward into Michigan Ave or Fifth Ave is going to be disastrous, because the base to support those stores lives in Troy and Bloomfield Hills. A lot of people seem hellbent on "luring" (I read that as "tricking") people into visiting downtown to shop. First and foremost, the downtown retail must address the needs of the existing residents and workers. In other words, you have to have your CVS, Staples, and yeah, probably a liquor store or two, before anything else is viable. Right now, there just isn't enough population downtown to support many different types of stores. It goes without saying that the need to drive downtown and pay for parking will preclude anyone from beyond walking distance to visit downtown to shop. Baby steps.... | ||
Detroitstar Member Username: Detroitstar Post Number: 712 Registered: 01-2006 |
I think there is a more accurate list that needs to be made at this point. This is just a real quick list off the top of my head. What other residential needs already exist down here? List of existing retail to serve the everyday needs of downtown residents: 3 sundry shops + CVS-pharmacy 5 coffee shops, none open past 8pm 4 liquor stores (full service) 2 dry cleaning 3 24 hour dinning establishments (Message edited by DetroitSTAR on July 11, 2007) | ||
Swiburn Member Username: Swiburn Post Number: 174 Registered: 07-2006 |
This is a good list, Detroitstar. These kind of places, rather than clothing stores are what will last. I don't know what it would take for Detroit to support something like Chicago's Water Tower Place. Maybe a million or so more people in the city? | ||
Detroitstar Member Username: Detroitstar Post Number: 713 Registered: 01-2006 |
The way I see it there are 3 levels of downtown retail: 1. Necessary retail to support the existing residents. 2. Supplemental retail for both residents and visitors. 3. Expendable retail to attract visitors and create a destination. It is in this order that we need to look at establishing retail in Downtown Detroit. | ||
Bijouloveshues Member Username: Bijouloveshues Post Number: 9 Registered: 07-2007 |
"There are no street people in wheelchairs begging in Somerset, or guys running around shouting to themselves" suburbanites need to toughen up... it's all part of the experience ;) | ||
Danindc Member Username: Danindc Post Number: 2846 Registered: 10-2003 |
quote: #3 doesn't show up until the visitors are already there. And trust me--you wouldn't want anything like that. I work in Georgetown, and it's disastrous just trying to get lunch this time of year. | ||
Douglasm Member Username: Douglasm Post Number: 876 Registered: 10-2003 |
A couple quick questions.... .....has anyone done a study on retail opertunities in the downtown core? With all the talk about rebuilding downtown, there has to be one somewhere. What is the current and 10 year projected population and income level of downtown Detroit?(define "downtown" while you're at it) With the rebuilt and reopening hotels downtown, is there any estimation of their retail economic impact on Woodward, Washington Blvd., or downtown as a whole? thanks. | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1681 Registered: 02-2007 |
"Urbanize, I know Detroit has banks, but the Federal Reserve really brings in people to the financial district. Detroit needs a lot more big offices than just Compuware and GM. And those are self-contained, i.e. nobody has a need to go outside, apparently. The people need to be there first in place before the stores arrive." I meant a Federal Reserve Bank. We have a branch for the one in Chicago (just like Minneapolis). | ||
E_hemingway Member Username: E_hemingway Post Number: 1248 Registered: 11-2004 |
Hi, this is Mrs. Hemingway. For the sake of argument, let's look into my checking account -- to see where a downtown resident spends the household money (for the past two months). I've divided them into three categories -- where I can walk to, where I have to drive to but still in the city, and where I have to drive to out of the city. (I've excluded bills, gas stations, online purchases, etc.) walk to: Sweetwater Tavern Pearle Vision AAA Michigan (yes a bill but I can still walk to the office) Detroit Beer Company CVS Astoria Pastry Shop Border's Eph's Deli Salad Creations Caucus Club (hey it was an expensed lunch) The Park Bar Subway party store in my building drive to but in city: University Foods Slows BBQ Harbortown Market had to leave city: Whole Foods Kroger Meijer Carraba's Sears Dunham's Sports Panera Bread Target Dick's Sporting Goods Tim Horton's Play It Again Sports Fantastic Sam's my mechanic Looking at this, you might deduce that a young couple needs a grocery store, a sporting goods store, a mass retailer and few more restaurant options. | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1683 Registered: 02-2007 |
A Fantastic Sam's or a Boric's may work. A Dunham's as well and Panera Bread. Can't say the same about a decent Grocer at the time though. | ||
Innovator Member Username: Innovator Post Number: 66 Registered: 07-2006 |
This might answer a few ?'s, douglasm http://www.brookings.edu/metro /umi/pubs/20061025_downtowndet roitinfocus.htm | ||
Detroitstar Member Username: Detroitstar Post Number: 715 Registered: 01-2006 |
You think a sporting goods store would work better than a grocery store? I'm not a retail expert, but I think 100% of the market uses groceries. I'm not sure about sporting goods, but I know it's less than 100%. | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1686 Registered: 02-2007 |
Really, the only "X" in the article was about retail. More will gradually come overtime. | ||
Arc312 Member Username: Arc312 Post Number: 43 Registered: 01-2006 |
Just because you wouldn't shop at a dollar store or gosh forbid a chain store does not mean you should be negative. The most successful shopping corridors in the world have some socio-economic mix of shops that fill all possible niches. Also, the fact that you're swearing on this forum is because you are either angry about Woodward's present condition and would like to see it even better AND/OR you are very passionate about the subject. Funnel your attitudes so that you will except some form of retail that currently provided. BTW, one can shop at a gourmet-locally owned grocer AND the dollar store. Fresh produce and cheap cleaning supplies are some of my favorites. | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1688 Registered: 02-2007 |
"You think a sporting goods store would work better than a grocery store? I'm not a retail expert, but I think 100% of the market uses groceries. I'm not sure about sporting goods, but I know it's less than 100%." Detroitstar, the fact is you still have to eat healthy food to even think about becoming an athlete. So a grocer is much more important than sporting goods. | ||
Upinottawa Member Username: Upinottawa Post Number: 886 Registered: 09-2005 |
Although who needs groceries if you eat fast food 100% of the time.... | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1689 Registered: 02-2007 |
Fattest City in America..... | ||
Jelk Member Username: Jelk Post Number: 4492 Registered: 10-2003 |
This thread makes me want to go apartment hunting in Pittsburgh. | ||
Detroit313 Member Username: Detroit313 Post Number: 393 Registered: 02-2006 |
I think Lower Woodward needs to start with a Macys, everything will fall in place after that. <313> | ||
Dabirch Member Username: Dabirch Post Number: 2337 Registered: 06-2004 |
quote: Just make sure you are walking distance to Club Erotica... | ||
Jelk Member Username: Jelk Post Number: 4493 Registered: 10-2003 |
Naturally. | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1690 Registered: 02-2007 |
Ok, thanks for visiting. I hope you enjoy the Amish country filled with Smog. | ||
Wschnitt Member Username: Wschnitt Post Number: 1 Registered: 07-2007 |
E_hemingway, Where was the Whole Foods in the city? | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1693 Registered: 02-2007 |
She meant that they must go outside the city limits to get to a Whole Foods. There was never a Whole Foods within City Limits Welcome To The DetroitYes Forums. (Message edited by Urbanize on July 11, 2007) | ||
Downtown_remix Member Username: Downtown_remix Post Number: 419 Registered: 03-2007 |
I think in the meantime, Woodward Ave needs to become restaurant row. Hard Rock Motown cafe Nice festive mexican restaurant Mongolian BBQ Dennys DETROIT HOT WINGS BIG LOTS | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1695 Registered: 02-2007 |
D_r, if you truly think Denny's or Big Lots would ever operate a restaurant or another store in the city of Detroit, then you're not thinking straight. 1. I'd prefer a IHOP or Big Boy over a Dennys. 2. Big Lots just left a Detroit Mall because the lcoation wasn't profitable. I don't think they will take the chance none too soon to open another one. (Message edited by Urbanize on July 11, 2007) | ||
Jelk Member Username: Jelk Post Number: 4494 Registered: 10-2003 |
quote: Better than the hickville with snow that Michigan is becoming. | ||
Why Member Username: Why Post Number: 59 Registered: 04-2007 |
Jb3, you're black. No doubt about it, based on your stereotyping me as being from the suburbs. No, ma N, I now live in a quite DIVERSE urban area and.........it's most certainly not Detroit. And "what is being learned" is that handing over an entire metropolis to one race most certainly hasn't worked, especially for it's own inhabitants, which is why the whole world is watching. The non-blacks reading poetry near WSU, wearing FUBU in a wheelchair, won't be an argument against me either. It was very nice, in my new URBAN area, to talk to a black person that didn't try to bump me off of the sidewalk or call me "sir" to try and sell me drugs. She was a well-spoken, appropriately dressed, under 40 y.o. LADY walking a dog without trying to let the whole neighborhood know that she wasn't wearing panties. We talked about her COMPANION pet, a Corgi, not a pit-bull used for protection. Wake up. | ||
Vintagesoul Member Username: Vintagesoul Post Number: 21 Registered: 06-2007 |
Mrs. Hemingway I think your approach to this question was very appropriate. I think if we (as in city residents) took a look at our bank statements and our receipts to see where we are spending our money in and out of the city, it would be very helpful in telling what needs to be here. I agree about the grocery, although I'm not to sure about the sporting goods... Fortunately I live close to U Foods and Honeybee, and I visit Eastern Market and the surrounding shops pretty much every Saturday from May to October, give or take a few. I can say that for the folks that live closer to Woodward, something like a few small bodega-type stores (maybe full service liquor stores that sell more fresh food and some produce?) would benefit those folks enjoying loft-style living. Especially with more and more lofts opening up all along woodward and in the surrounding areas (brush park, cass corridor, etc.) to have something within walking distance so you don't have to struggle with parking would be most beneficial. I agree that we need to take baby steps. I think brand names (because brand name recognition mostly wins over in retail) would help to bring in those smaller independent businesses and would also help those smaller businesses to stay around. I think it would give them a foundation to build on. The more storefronts that fill up, the better, but I feel that brand names have the wherewithall to withstand economic decline much more so than a small business, so if there were any hiccups during the rise downtown they would make it out on the other side. While the small guys come and go as they are trying to make a buck, the brand names will be able to remain constant and give those who live downtown and even those who are watching from the suburbs a sense of consistency. Another factor that brings people in. When they know it's going to be the same as it was the last time they were there, it makes people feel better about coming downtown. I think it is constant change that can scare people away. I hope one day to be one of the small guys opening up down there myself, so I'm waiting to see what's going to happen; if there's going to be a strong foundation that I can build on. (Hopefully there's space left by the time I can afford it...lol) | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1701 Registered: 02-2007 |
"Jb3, you're black. No doubt about it, based on your stereotyping me as being from the suburbs." Typical Detroiters, can never have a discusiion without bringing up racial and segregation issues. | ||
Dialh4hipster Member Username: Dialh4hipster Post Number: 2114 Registered: 11-2004 |
Except that "Why" says he's not a Detroiter. | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1706 Registered: 02-2007 |
Great. I'm glad it's not us in the wrong, but the mentality wherever Why lives. | ||
Iheartthed Member Username: Iheartthed Post Number: 1122 Registered: 04-2006 |
"Jb3, you're black. No doubt about it, based on your stereotyping me as being from the suburbs. No, ma N, I now live in a quite DIVERSE urban area and.........it's most certainly not Detroit. And "what is being learned" is that handing over an entire metropolis to one race most certainly hasn't worked, especially for it's own inhabitants, which is why the whole world is watching. The non-blacks reading poetry near WSU, wearing FUBU in a wheelchair, won't be an argument against me either. " You couldn't possibly be talking about black people, as they make up at best 14% of Metro Detroit....... | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1707 Registered: 02-2007 |
"You couldn't possibly be talking about black people, as they make up at best 14% of Metro Detroit......." Yeah, and 10 of the 14% is the City of Detroit. That should tell you something |
