Discuss Detroit » Archives - Beginning July 2006 » Book-Cadillac will be reborn in splendor « Previous Next »
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Dan
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Username: Dan

Post Number: 1237
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 69.47.192.60
Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 5:41 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060627/NEWS99/60627010

bilde

bilde2

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Dan
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Username: Dan

Post Number: 1238
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 69.47.192.60
Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 5:42 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

bilde4
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7even
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Username: 7even

Post Number: 53
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 198.109.26.18
Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 5:51 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Channel 4 said they had something comming up on the News about the BC.
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Designut
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Username: Designut

Post Number: 25
Registered: 05-2006
Posted From: 69.246.46.45
Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 5:54 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Watcin' 4 right now, here we go.............
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Designut
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Username: Designut

Post Number: 26
Registered: 05-2006
Posted From: 69.246.46.45
Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 5:56 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

..........and, cut to commercial.
:-)
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Ndavies
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Username: Ndavies

Post Number: 1964
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 70.227.12.109
Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 6:03 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

There are already 7 active Book cadillac threads. This makes 8. I understand it's an important building. However, Do we really need another one?
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7even
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Username: 7even

Post Number: 54
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 198.109.26.18
Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 6:11 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I think we need one for each condo being built.

(Message edited by 7even on June 27, 2006)
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Designut
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Username: Designut

Post Number: 27
Registered: 05-2006
Posted From: 69.246.46.45
Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 6:14 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

sorry Ndavies, I'll buy the second round after Itsjeff (BC green light thread)
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Andylinn
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Username: Andylinn

Post Number: 105
Registered: 04-2006
Posted From: 68.40.195.233
Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 6:19 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

There seem to be some grammer mistakes, but the 313blog guys have some interesting numbers up on their site.

http://detroit-313.blogspot.co m/

they have the amounts chipped in by every investor...

kinda cool... beats the first post...
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Dan
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Username: Dan

Post Number: 1240
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 69.47.192.60
Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 6:21 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yeah, but this thread has renderings.
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Burnsie
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Username: Burnsie

Post Number: 493
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 141.217.84.104
Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 7:55 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I listened to WWJ and WJR's reports; Kwame said that the contractors would move into the building next week.
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Naturalsister
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Username: Naturalsister

Post Number: 738
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 68.30.144.42
Posted on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 - 8:52 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Yaaaaaay!!!!!!!! !!!

I hope.

later - naturalsister
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Gistok
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Username: Gistok

Post Number: 2365
Registered: 08-2004
Posted From: 4.229.81.40
Posted on Wednesday, June 28, 2006 - 4:28 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thanks for the nice renderings Dan! It's great to know that the public spaces will be restored to their old glory.

Now if that Sports Bar becomes the "new" Lindel AC, with all the associated memorabilia, that would really make this a destination place for more than just hotel guests....
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Crew
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Username: Crew

Post Number: 985
Registered: 02-2004
Posted From: 146.9.52.28
Posted on Wednesday, June 28, 2006 - 4:34 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

yeah but will they allow an elephant in the Book?
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56packman
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Username: 56packman

Post Number: 432
Registered: 12-2005
Posted From: 129.9.163.234
Posted on Wednesday, June 28, 2006 - 5:01 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

If they do indeed make the sports bar the "new Lindell AC" I hope Alex Karas' bronzed jockstrap is front and center on the back-bar.
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Dialh4hipster
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Username: Dialh4hipster

Post Number: 1694
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 68.250.205.35
Posted on Wednesday, June 28, 2006 - 5:11 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Classy.
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Quinn
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Username: Quinn

Post Number: 772
Registered: 01-2005
Posted From: 69.242.213.101
Posted on Wednesday, June 28, 2006 - 5:12 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

splendor. Splendor. S p l e n d o r. S P L E N D O R!

All the Splendor!
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Mtm
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Username: Mtm

Post Number: 14
Registered: 06-2006
Posted From: 68.43.29.171
Posted on Wednesday, June 28, 2006 - 5:18 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Sorry to say this but the jockstrap belonged to Wayne Walker not Alex Karas. Karas DID have a relatively histoic fist fight with Dick the Bruiser. He also played Jimmy, Johnny's brother and co-owner, in the TV Pic. (from the 80's?) of "Jimmy B and Andre" based on the Lindell. Andre was a REAL sweet kid who was trying and I hope he made a good place for himself in the world.
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Dalangdon
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Username: Dalangdon

Post Number: 34
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 66.54.213.11
Posted on Wednesday, June 28, 2006 - 5:54 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Renderings are always a little open to interpretation, as the artist is working from conceptual plans, but they are looking good.

What I find noteworthy is:

1.) The restored Italian Garden (the fourth illustration). That space was carved up rather brutally in the 70's. I wonder if the original ceiling is there above the false ceiling, or if they are recreating from scratch?

2.) I see there's a bar in the lobby. Good alternative to the sports bar. I wonder if the restaurant will be behind it in the old Blue Room Cafe space?

3.) I wonder if the front desk will be in the old book-casino space, as it was during the last years? Good location for it: right up from the escalator/elevator.

4.) I'd like more and better chandeliers in the lobby :-)

Glad to read that the "sports bar" is going to be a continuation of an older Detroit tradition. When I read that I thought they just meant some sort of TGIF kind of thing with TVs tuned to ESPN. :-)

Can't wait until they get the pre-opening website up!
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Frank_c
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Username: Frank_c

Post Number: 592
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 207.200.116.139
Posted on Wednesday, June 28, 2006 - 6:24 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

No Comment LOL
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Burnsie
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Username: Burnsie

Post Number: 495
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 35.8.185.13
Posted on Wednesday, June 28, 2006 - 7:56 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The ceiling of the Italian Garden is still there, but painted black.
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Detroit313
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Username: Detroit313

Post Number: 107
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 72.229.136.103
Posted on Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 1:17 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Here we go....and I am going to post this on every BC thread, I have questions about who is running the Book. I know that it is going to be a Westin Hotel but, Is it a Starwood? If so then the deal stops there concerning my inquire. My company, Midnight Oil, After Midnight works with the Westin Hotel but not the Starwood chain. Any answers would help. I want to put a proposal in place soon. Vist the website Mocbars.com

Thankx,
Bgermany@mocbars.com
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Itsjeff
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Username: Itsjeff

Post Number: 6221
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 208.27.111.125
Posted on Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 1:19 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot?
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Hardhat
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Username: Hardhat

Post Number: 154
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 68.73.4.227
Posted on Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 1:34 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Jeff, that was amusing.
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Fnemecek
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Username: Fnemecek

Post Number: 1712
Registered: 12-2004
Posted From: 69.212.60.63
Posted on Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 1:44 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yeah, Jeff - that was amusing. I didn't know you were familar with the phonetic alphabet.

Anyway, for what's worth, some behind the scenes photos from the annoucement are up on my blog. http://nemecek.blogspot.com/20 06/06/book-is-back.html
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Kilgore_south
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Username: Kilgore_south

Post Number: 109
Registered: 05-2005
Posted From: 24.176.20.117
Posted on Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 1:59 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I don't think the Lindell AC stuff is anything more than wishful speculation at this point.

Am I full of Bravo Sierra?
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Dalangdon
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Username: Dalangdon

Post Number: 35
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 66.54.213.11
Posted on Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 2:02 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Detroit313, Westin is a Brand of the Starwood Company. It has been since 1999 or thereabouts. Prior to that, It was an independent company based out of Seattle.

Starwood operates hotels under the brands St. Regis, W, Westin, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, and a few independents. They also have something called "The Luxury Collection" but I'm not sure what hotels those emcompass.
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Burnsie
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Username: Burnsie

Post Number: 497
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 35.12.22.70
Posted on Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 6:28 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Some Westin history, from http://www.wsulibs.wsu.edu/hol land/masc/westin/front.HTM

In 1970, Western International entered into a merger with United Airlines, Inc. Western International continued, however, as an autonomous, wholly-owned subsidiary of UAL Inc., with management and headquarters remaining in Seattle. During its association with UAL Inc., Western simplified its name to the current form: Westin. The partnership with UAL Inc. came to an end after a failed attempt to unify Westin, United Airlines, Hertz, Hilton, and other travel-related companies as a one-stop travel compa ny under the name Allegis Corp. Subsequently, Aoki Corp., of Japan, purchased Westin in 1988 and sold it, in turn, to Starwood Capital Group, L.P. and Goldman, Sachs, and Co. in November 1994. In 1998, Starwood Capital assumed full ownership.
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Eric
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Username: Eric

Post Number: 507
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 35.11.210.161
Posted on Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 11:41 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I think 313 was talking about it's ownership/management because Starwood doesn't own all of its properties.
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Burnsie
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Username: Burnsie

Post Number: 498
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 35.12.20.233
Posted on Friday, June 30, 2006 - 12:38 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I know what 313 was talking about; I just thought the info I found was interesting enough to post.
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Detroit313
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Username: Detroit313

Post Number: 108
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 72.229.136.103
Posted on Friday, June 30, 2006 - 4:41 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thanks guys, that was what I was looking for but, I need to know if the Book will be operating under Starwood. 313
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Lexdetroitman_07
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Username: Lexdetroitman_07

Post Number: 84
Registered: 05-2006
Posted From: 74.131.204.36
Posted on Friday, June 30, 2006 - 8:21 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

WOW!! What a makeover to Book Cadillac...it sure will look great and will be another huge attraction for Detroit! Looks awesome!

Lexdetroitman_07
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Genesyxx
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Username: Genesyxx

Post Number: 531
Registered: 02-2004
Posted From: 71.159.22.7
Posted on Friday, June 30, 2006 - 9:02 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

As any of the other threads say.. wake me up when construction starts.
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Dialh4hipster
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Username: Dialh4hipster

Post Number: 1701
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 68.250.205.35
Posted on Friday, June 30, 2006 - 9:45 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

313, why don't you email the DEGC or Chamber of Commerce or someplace where you will get an actual answer and not speculation.
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Dalangdon
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Username: Dalangdon

Post Number: 36
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 67.171.17.254
Posted on Friday, June 30, 2006 - 10:32 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Starwood is aggressively shedding itself of real estate, prefering to concentrate on property management. In fact, they recently sold a bunch of their real estate to a division of Marriott (Starwood will continue to operate the hotels, they just won't own them) so I really doubt they will have any ownership in this hotel.
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Mallory
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Username: Mallory

Post Number: 35
Registered: 05-2006
Posted From: 207.230.140.240
Posted on Friday, June 30, 2006 - 11:33 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

For those of us who are former Detroiters and are thrilled at the prospect of the BC FINALLY coming back, can someone keep us up to date on whether they see any actual work going on?

A salute to all of those on the forum who have great updates for us out-of-towners. It was not my choice to leave the city, and hope to be one of the first customers at the new BC.
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Itsjeff
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Username: Itsjeff

Post Number: 6237
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 208.27.111.125
Posted on Friday, June 30, 2006 - 11:34 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

As any of the other threads say.. wake me up when construction starts.

I hear you. For me it won't be official until Pacypacy starts bitching about it.
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Livernoisyard
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Username: Livernoisyard

Post Number: 965
Registered: 10-2004
Posted From: 69.242.223.42
Posted on Friday, June 30, 2006 - 11:51 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Once upon a time in 2003, rumors were flying (yes, Virginia--pigs can fly) about a Renaissance (yes, Virginia--another Renaissance in Detroit) along Washington Blvd: Renovation of Book-Cadillac Hotel to Burnish Detroit's Image

Matt Valley Editor

Sep 1, 2003 12:00 PM


No other major city in America has as big of an image problem as Detroit, which has become an enduring symbol of urban decay. Incredibly, between 1950 and 2000, the city's population fell from a peak of 1.8 million to less than 1 million. Downtown blight is widespread. Several signature buildings went dark long ago and remain in serious disrepair. The city streets are often void of pedestrians. But that downward spiral appears as if it's about to change, at least in some limited fashion.

With Super Bowl XL set to arrive in the Motor City in 2006, both the private and public sectors feel a sense of urgency to eradicate the blight. Frankly, I don't understand why it takes a national football matchup to galvanize the community, but if it works, I'm all for it.

In July, the City of Detroit made a wise move when it announced that the historic Book-Cadillac Hotel — which a decade ago was slated for the wrecking ball — will be renovated at a cost of $147 million. The development, to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2005, will be named the Renaissance Book-Cadillac Hotel and will be an upscale brand of Marriott International. It will contain 386 hotel rooms, 30,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and about 70 high-end apartments that will be converted to condominiums.

This hotel is special to Detroiters. Located at Washington Boulevard and Michigan Avenue, the Book-Cadillac stands nearly 30 stories tall and was the largest hotel outside New York City when it opened in 1924. Constructed in the Italian Renaissance style, it was the city's premier hotel for more than 50 years before it closed in 1984 due to financial problems. Presidents Truman, Eisenhower, Johnson and Nixon all visited the hotel.

Historic Hospitality Investments (HHI) of Michigan, a subsidiary of Kimberly-Clark Corp., will be the owner of the property upon completion. The project developer is Cadillac Development of Michigan. HHI has extensive experience in renovating historic hotels. Earlier this year, it completed a $268 million renovation of the Renaissance Grand Hotel in St. Louis. HHI is investing $43.3 million in the project through equity and federal tax credits and will also issue $52 million in tax-exempt Empowerment Zone bonds. “These historic rehab projects work,” says Lynn Fournier, director of tax credit investments for Kimberly-Clark. “Every city is working to have a more vital downtown, and these projects have a lot of upside potential.”

One added advantage: Compuware's new $350 million, 1.1 million sq. ft. world headquarters at the intersection of Woodward Avenue and Monroe Street houses 4,100 employees and is located only a few blocks from the hotel. Fournier is optimistic that will help generate additional business. She doesn't anticipate competition from other hotels once the redevelopment is complete in large part because the Book Cadillac is so unique. “We believe there is not a hotel in Detroit that will be of this quality. There is a great deal of sentiment for the renovation of this particular hotel.”

Best of all, it will open in time for the SuperBowl. Prediction: Lions 21, Steelers 10.

(Message edited by LivernoisYard on June 30, 2006)

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