  Hysteria Member Username: Hysteria Post Number: 1031 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 64.12.116.204 |
Former amusement park isle welcomes condos, mansions  Louis Aguilar / The Detroit News David Guralnick / The Detroit News BOB-LO ISLAND -- The long-deferred dream of transforming the former Bob-Lo Island amusement park into a yuppie haven of million-dollar homes gets back on course today after years of stormy financial times. At a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned this morning on the Detroit River island, the Canadian developer who gained control of Bob-Lo through bankruptcy last year relaunches a master plan to build 1,600 condominiums and riverfront mansions that may be priced as high as $2.5 million. A 90-slip marina is up and running, and there are plans for a spa, small retail area and walking trails amid the now-lush island. For generations of Metro Detroiters and Metro Windsorites, the Bob-Lo Island amusement park was a rite of childhood passage. Since closing in 1993, when all the rides sold off in auction, Bob-Lo has gone through a number of owners, including AAA Michigan, and failed visions. "The time is now for a number of reasons," said Dominic Amicone, founder and president of Amico Property Inc., the Oldcastle, Ontario, developer who owns the 272-acre island on the Canadian side of the Detroit River. Amicone expects it will take about eight years to complete his master plan for Bob-Lo Island. Some of the housing has been on the market since spring, he said, and half of what has been offered is already sold. "The demographics are there for a large number of people who have fond memories of the island who will want to return. I am aware of the renaissance of the Detroit side, and I hope that will contribute," Amicone said, referring to multiple plans to build high-end riverfront housing in downtown Detroit. "Also, all the debts have been paid," Amicone said. Bob-Lo is just east of Grosse Ile on the American side of the river. The island is officially part of the town of Amherstburg, Ontario, about 20 miles south of Windsor. Amicone gained control of the island from former owner John Oram, a Bloomfield Hills developer who purchased Bob-Lo for $2.5 million in 1994, just months after it ceased operation. Oram began developing the island as a vacation destination -- mostly for well-to-do Michigan residents who wanted an upscale summer home. About 70 homes were sold, including about 30 to Grosse Pointe-area residents. Most of those residents still live on the island. But his plan to build hundreds more homes and condos, as well as a golf course, soon went awry. By 2004, he was saddled with $32 million (Canadian) in debt. Developer Amicone was the largest creditor, with $11.5 million (Canadian) in mortgages. At one point, the private ferry that transports residents to the island was shut down because of lack of funds. When an Ontario bankruptcy judge awarded Bob-Lo to developer Amicone, the Windsor Star newspaper declared that Oram's "10-year reign of error" over the island was over. Amicone gained control of empty, weed-filled land, an unfinished 39-unit condominium, two ferry boats, company buildings on the mainland and other assets. He has committed to paying nearly $600,000 for an island water main, $500,000 in outstanding taxes owed by Oram and $400,000 in outstanding bills for water and sewer services. Amicone also will pay the full maintenance and operating costs of the sewage treatment plant and water system, as well as footing part of the bill for road upgrades. The island was first settled by American Indians. French explorers in the 18th century renamed the island Bois Blanc for the many birch and beech trees covering its three-mile length. During the War of 1812, Shawnee Chief Tecumseh headquartered there. In the 1830s, it was part of the escape route for slaves fleeing the U.S. South during the Civil War. During the 1850s, Col. Arthur Rankin bought it from the British authorities for $40, and in 1869 it was sold to his son Arthur McKee Rankin, a New York stage actor. Rankin built a fancy home and had parties there, stocking the island with wild game. In 1898, the Detroit, Belle Isle and Windsor Ferry Co. bought it and established the Bob-Lo Excursion Co., which carried passengers by steamer from Detroit. In 1903, a stone pavilion that still stands was commissioned by Henry Ford and designed by Albert Kahn. "We'd like to keep as much as possible," said Sandra Couloufis, vice president of Amico. "But it's still unclear how much can be salvaged or put to use again." Other structures include the theater, the chapel and the shell of the old bumper car ride. http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060803/BIZ03/608030420 | ||
Southwestmap Member Username: Southwestmap Post Number: 521 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 70.229.231.102 |
"Since closing in 1993, when all the rides sold off in auction, Bob-Lo has gone through a number of owners, including AAA Michigan, and failed visions." Small reporter's error: AAA Michigan bought Boblo Island Amusement Park sometime in the early 1980's and sold it about 5 years later. AAA didn't own the island at any time after the park closed permanently. | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 7647 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 198.208.159.19 |
This plan has been floated for a long time. I can't recall which city but somewhere around here used to have all of the plans, drawings, etc fro Bob-Lo. It has failed in a few attempts so I'm a little skeptical that things will change. If they do and this gets done it could be pretty neat. | ||
Ed_golick Member Username: Ed_golick Post Number: 371 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.246.55.51 |
Former host of Swingin' Time Robin Seymour is the official spokesperson for the project. He recorded some TV spots when he was in town a couple of weeks ago. | ||
Detroitplanner Member Username: Detroitplanner Post Number: 81 Registered: 04-2006 Posted From: 63.85.13.248 |
I want them to bring back the Rocket to Mars ride! | ||
Southwestmap Member Username: Southwestmap Post Number: 522 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 70.229.231.102 |
Time travel: walking down to the picnic area from the arrival dock, alongside my young father. He is carrying a big cooler covered in a red scotch plaid. I am anxious to get everything set up, the chairs, the food, etc. so that I can get to the real wonder of the day- the rides. Now I would give a lot to be able to walk on those paths next to my father and stay! | ||
Swingline Member Username: Swingline Post Number: 547 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 172.131.161.163 |
What went wrong with Oram's plans? Why are Amicone's plans any better? | ||
Kathleen Member Username: Kathleen Post Number: 1478 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 140.244.107.151 |
The Boblo Development Company website: http://www.boblo.ca/ | ||
Bibs Member Username: Bibs Post Number: 539 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 198.208.159.18 |
Bob-lo Island is actually in Canada! The border runs down the river between Grosse Ile and Bob-lo. | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 2539 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 4.229.81.125 |
If there were a bridge to the island, I'm sure that the development would have gone a lot smoother. As it is, the only access is by water. That means that you can't live there year round. And that probably puts a major monkey wrench into the development. | ||
Ndavies Member Username: Ndavies Post Number: 2028 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 129.9.163.233 |
Not true. You can live there year round. The ferry runs year round. That channel rarely freezes over. | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 2541 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 4.229.81.125 |
Well they must have a ferry with a reinforced hull. They do have ice flows on the river. I remember going to Belle Isle every winter and seeing all the ice flows going downstream. They still close the shipping lanes to freighters in the winter, don't they?? | ||
Jfwaterburry Member Username: Jfwaterburry Post Number: 39 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 63.240.53.72 |
Anyone notice how the website shows ONLY pictures of white people? No other race at all. AND, they call it the 'ultimate gated community' in the intro. Gated from all diversity. | ||
Cushkid Member Username: Cushkid Post Number: 54 Registered: 08-2005 Posted From: 136.2.1.101 |
Insert race card here. | ||
Ndavies Member Username: Ndavies Post Number: 2031 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 129.9.163.105 |
The ferry runs year round. There are people who already live on the island year round. They have done so for years. Long before the amusement park even closed. I don't know how they do it. I just know they do. | ||
Supersport Member Username: Supersport Post Number: 10416 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 64.118.137.228 |
How do the do it Ndavies? Come on, we know you know,fess up! | ||
Ndavies Member Username: Ndavies Post Number: 2033 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 129.9.163.105 |
Light bending teleportation technology. The same technology that's putting 564 cars into the basement of the Vinton Building. | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 2544 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 4.229.81.125 |
Ah ha! I knew it.... the "String Theory" with 11 dimensions! | ||
Harsensis Member Username: Harsensis Post Number: 68 Registered: 07-2005 Posted From: 71.227.102.82 |
One of the ferries is an old Harsens Island ferry. The only time those don't run is if the channel gets to much ice backed up in it. For a while they have been advertising to Grosse Pointers. If the island was in the US, it would have no problems with finding people to live there. | ||
Thedownriviera Member Username: Thedownriviera Post Number: 9 Registered: 06-2006 Posted From: 68.61.202.250 |
Anyone notice how the website shows ONLY pictures of white people? No other race at all. AND, they call it the 'ultimate gated community' in the intro. Gated from all diversity. ------------------------------ ------------------------------ ------------------------------ -------- I noticed that too in the intro. I was excited to see pictures after so long but that kinda tarnished the rest of the website for me. It looks like a beautiful place with some gorgeous homes. But the people in the intro look so happy yet unwelcoming. I don't think I could live there if it's just a glorified Grosse Ile (nothing against Grosse Ile) Perhaps since the island is Canadian it will attract more diversity than it might from Michigan. But that was just my perception. Who knows what it will ultimately be like. | ||
Rossco Member Username: Rossco Post Number: 15 Registered: 07-2006 Posted From: 69.210.30.48 |
...and the luxury condos are called the "WHITE caps" -- sounds like code to me. | ||
Awfavre Member Username: Awfavre Post Number: 58 Registered: 08-2005 Posted From: 69.3.206.177 |
Anyone know what ultimately happened to the nice lady (Dorothy Tresness) that has lived on Boblo Island since the 1950s? I recall Hour Detroit & the Free Press running articles about her fight with the former island owner regarding her access to utilities and roads. A search for her on Google reveals only references to an archived Free Press article and Annessa Carlisle's book, "Bob-Lo: An Island in Troubled Waters" (I suppose I should read the book, eh?). Thanks in advance. As for closing the shipping lanes, they do generally close in the late winter, but mostly because the Soo Locks & the St. Lawrence Seaway close in winter for annual maintenance. So, the vessels cannot leave the lakes or access Lake Superior, where much of the cargo originates. They tried year-round shipping many years ago, but that didn't pan out. There are, however, vessels that run year-round. When Amherstburg General Checmical still operated, the McKeil tugs ran brine there from Courtright, ON year-round. You'll often see tankers running from Sarnia, ON to Nanticoke, ON, with Coast Guard escorts in the dead of winter--quite a sight to see. The Detroit-Windsor carferry service runs in all but the absolute worst conditions. Many such services have their tugs separate from the barges in order to do ice-breaking duty. I've also seen a Hoey tug (Gaelic Tugboat Company here in Detroit) break ice in the Rouge in January for the Interlake boats going to SeverStal N.A. (ex-Rouge Steel). Now THAT was a sight to see: the tug was doing circles in the tiny Rouge River like it was spinning on a dime! Last but not least, many car ferries accessing the various islands, including Boblo Island, run as much as they can so residents can stay year-round. The Marine City/Sombra Ferry runs virtually year-round, as well. These ferries are often assisted by various Coast Guard cutters: USCGC Hollyhock (based out of Port Huron), USCGC Bristol Bay (Detroit), USCGC Neah Bay (Cleveland), and the ever-wandering Canadian Cutters: CCGC Samuel Risley, CCGC Simcoe, & CCGC Griffon. They may also use tugs to break the ice. So year-round operation at places like Boblo Island is possible in most cases. | ||
Thedownriviera Member Username: Thedownriviera Post Number: 11 Registered: 06-2006 Posted From: 68.61.202.250 |
...and the luxury condos are called the "WHITE caps" -- sounds like code to me. ------------------------------ ------------------------------ ------------------------------ -------- I knew it! Blasted developers! | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 7658 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 198.208.159.19 |
My guess is the developers don;t care what color/ethnicity buyers are as long as they can afford the homes. | ||
Hysteria Member Username: Hysteria Post Number: 1035 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 216.223.168.132 |
So the people on the website are white ... maybe because the people living on the island are white. If there were Mexicans on the website you'd be saying WTF??? And they don't all look so white to me. (Message edited by HYSTERIA on August 03, 2006) | ||
Thedownriviera Member Username: Thedownriviera Post Number: 12 Registered: 06-2006 Posted From: 68.61.202.250 |
I just thought if they were advertising to people the Metro D region they would take into account the ammount of diversity here and try to reflect it. I really DON'T believe anyone associated with the island is a racist, that was just the first impression I got after seeing the pictures of the families. If there were Mexicans on the website I probably wouldn't have had that first (and probably false) impression. | ||
Thejesus Member Username: Thejesus Post Number: 145 Registered: 06-2006 Posted From: 24.169.224.43 |
My goodness...some of you people have some real bitterness in you Windsor, Ontario is over 80% white and only 3% percent black and like 2% chinese, and there are probably even less blacks and chinese living in the sticks, which would probably make the over black and chinese population in the province of Ontario even less than that... If they were building this development in Hong Kong, would you be bitching about not seeing blacks or whites in the ads then? Gimme a break. Intead of throwing ridiculous accusations at this developer, why don't you try applauding him for taking the initiative to develop this parcel of land. Anyway, I'm glad to see the development getting some forward motion finally. (Message edited by thejesus on August 03, 2006) | ||
Hysteria Member Username: Hysteria Post Number: 1036 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 216.223.168.132 |
I'm glad too. I am also happy to see the architecture of the proposed buildings and homes isn't the cookie-cutter suburban 'cul-de-sac' style so prevalent with modern construction. A lot of intelligent planning is going into this development. | ||
Thejesus Member Username: Thejesus Post Number: 146 Registered: 06-2006 Posted From: 24.169.224.43 |
Hysteria: Agreed! I just hope they are able to find enough buyers to make the development worthwhile and keep the ferry going this time! | ||
Thedownriviera Member Username: Thedownriviera Post Number: 13 Registered: 06-2006 Posted From: 68.61.202.250 |
If they were building this development in Hong Kong, would you be bitching about not seeing blacks or whites in the ads then? Gimme a break. ------------------------------ ------------------------------ ------------------------------ -------- Nope, I probably wouldn't. Again it was just a first impression based on the images, and I really don't think racism is in play here. I just think that I personally MIGHT get bored living there if it turns into a mini Grosse Ile. Intead of throwing ridiculous accusations at this developer, why don't you try applauding him for taking the initiative to develop this parcel of land. ------------------------------ ------------------------------ ------------------------------ -------- I know the developer cannot control something like diversity and I'm accusing them of nothing wrong. On the contrary I already said I think they've done a beautiful job with the beautiful houses! No bitterness here  I'm not trying to offend! I hope the island is a huge success! Any development is welcome if it's bringing people to the area. | ||
Detroitplanner Member Username: Detroitplanner Post Number: 82 Registered: 04-2006 Posted From: 152.163.100.8 |
wow White people in Amherstburg?? Go figure! Next thing you know they will take over Detroit! The deal with Boblo is that US Citizens cannot live there for more than half the year without jumping through all sorts of immigration paperwork. | ||
Dillpicklesoup Member Username: Dillpicklesoup Post Number: 146 Registered: 05-2006 Posted From: 64.7.187.107 |
Financially strapped detroit should do something similar with Belle Isle- They could rename it- "Kwamme's Vineyard" or Kwamee-Lo  | ||
Mani Member Username: Mani Post Number: 45 Registered: 07-2006 Posted From: 68.60.182.26 |
Definatley "Kwame's Vineyard", since he likes to party! As a Detroit native who spent fun times at Bob-Lo, this is strange. Although it may be a neat place to live. Too bad Detroit lost the Island. | ||
Bearinabox Member Username: Bearinabox Post Number: 32 Registered: 04-2006 Posted From: 69.209.133.36 |
Doesn't look like a particularly pleasant place to live if you ask me. It's amazing what some people will spend $2 million on. Ah, well, to each his own I guess... | ||
Hysteria Member Username: Hysteria Post Number: 1047 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 64.12.116.204 |
It looks awful pleasant to me; however, I cannot afford it right now !  | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 2549 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 4.229.81.119 |
Thanks for the information on the winter ferry services on the river Awfavre. And thanks for the immigration info Detroitplanner. I do think that the biggest hindrance to development of the island is that it is in Canada, and the immigration aspect. IIRC Canadian taxes are higher than those in the USA, so millionaires would find it less appealing to move to the island full time. It's not like buying a big house on Grosse Isle. | ||
Hysteria Member Username: Hysteria Post Number: 1048 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 64.12.116.204 |
You are completely right, Gistok. If in the U.S., this could be something that could compete with Mackinac Island - not with tourists, but with retirees and boomers looking for a unique summer home. The Grand Hotel on the Island has successfully sold many homesites with no lake access at a premium price just because the homes are part of the 'island' lifestyle. I think it could work on Bob-Lo. The Lake Huron side of Michigan has traditionally been a vacation destination for metro Detroiters, while the Lake Michigan side tends to favor the Chicago crowd (especially further South in the state). | ||
Goat Member Username: Goat Post Number: 8678 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 70.53.96.174 |
Oram promised a lot of things to those who purchased homes on the island but he never came through. When they filed for legal action it was revealed that he didn't have much money left over and had to file for bankruptcy. From what I understand, Oram left a lot of people high and dry including the town of Amherstburg. | ||
Hysteria Member Username: Hysteria Post Number: 1069 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 152.163.100.8 |
I have read the same thing, Goat. I am hoping that Amicone's vision can pull this through. This has to be one of the biggest gambles going on in Midwest real estate at the current time. The stakes are very high. BTW, great post by Awfavre. I hope someone can answer his question. | ||
Pkatmsu Member Username: Pkatmsu Post Number: 8 Registered: 05-2005 Posted From: 69.14.88.98 |
Not only did he leave a lot of people high and dry but they cut off the ferry when he filed his bankruptcy and a lot of people were stranded on the island for a couple days. My friend's parents owned a place and a spare lot on the island that we used to go party at in college. Their house was the one next to that lady that was refusing to sell her house for years. As of 3 years ago - the last time I was over there - she was still living there. As for the houses there, they were pretty damn sweet. |
