Discuss Detroit » Archives - Beginning July 2006 » FBI Gets In On The Downtown Movement « Previous Next »
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Genesyxx
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Username: Genesyxx

Post Number: 573
Registered: 02-2004
Posted From: 71.159.22.100
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 12:52 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pb cs.dll/article?AID=/20060828/U PDATE/608280394
(I remembered the link this time!)

DETROIT -- With rapid growth in the FBI to counter terrorism, federal officials announced Monday that the agency's headquarters in Detroit will be moving in 2009 to a now-vacant parcel in the city's Corktown neighborhood next to the Lodge freeway.

A new 300,000-square-foot structure will be built and owned by a private developer, with the government paying up to $11 million in annual rent for 15 years, said J. David Hood, assistant regional administrator for the General Services Administration, which manages federal real estate operations.

The FBI has operated out of the Patrick V. McNamara Federal Building downtown since 1977.

"We have flat out run out of space in this building," said Daniel D. Roberts, the special agent in charge of the FBI's Detroit field office. "In the post-9/11 environment in which we are in, we have seen exponential growth in our needs."

The new location, about five blocks west of the current office, includes vacant state offices that will be torn down.
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Mackinaw
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Username: Mackinaw

Post Number: 2075
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 68.248.9.250
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 12:56 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

So the black, 10/15 story office building a few blocks south of Michigan avenue is gonna be history? That's cool... but how tall will a 300,000 foot structure be?

It's nice to see downtown Detroit get in on some share of the huge federal spending spree our government is on.
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Gistok
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Username: Gistok

Post Number: 2709
Registered: 08-2004
Posted From: 4.229.81.32
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 1:07 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Are they talking about taking down the empty State of Michigan Office Building just west of the Lodge Service Dr. on Fort (or is it Howard)?
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Danindc
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Username: Danindc

Post Number: 1708
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 67.100.158.10
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 1:32 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


quote:

but how tall will a 300,000 foot structure be?




It depends on the size of the footprint. What does height matter, anyway?
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Tkelly1986
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Username: Tkelly1986

Post Number: 124
Registered: 01-2004
Posted From: 68.252.199.250
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 1:36 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Does anyone have an idea what those buildings look like......modern, or are we losing another gem
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Motorcitymayor2026
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Username: Motorcitymayor2026

Post Number: 1195
Registered: 10-2005
Posted From: 35.11.212.197
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 1:43 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

FBI announces plans for new Detroit HQ

August 28, 2006

Email this Print this By JOE SWICKARD

FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
With growth spurred by its expanded anti-terrorism mission, the FBI will have its own 10-acre headquarters complex scheduled to open in 2009 on the edge Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood, the FBI and the federal General Services Administration announced Monday morning.

The new headquarters complex — where the now-closed Michigan State Executive Building stands on Sixth Street adjacent to the Lodge Freeway near the Greyhound Bus terminal — will be privately built and owed and leased to the FBI at about $11 million a year over 15 years.

Because it will be privately owned, the complex will remain on the city tax rolls.

The FBI has “flat run out of room and we need to move,” said Dan Roberts, head of the FBI in Detroit.

When the FBI moved into the McNamara Building in downtown Detroit 30 years ago, it occupied half of one floor. It now has offices on five floors.

Plans for the new headquarters include an office tower, an annex and a parking structure, but details will depend on proposals submitted by private developers in competitive bidding, said J. David Hood, of the GSA’s Chicago office. Construction is slated to start in 2007.

The new building will balance security and design aesthetics, Hood said.

The site is generally bounded on the north by Porter, on the west by Brooklyn, on the south by Lafayette and by on the east by the Lodge.

http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll /article?AID=/20060828/NEWS99/ 60828009
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Magnasco
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Username: Magnasco

Post Number: 151
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Posted From: 71.159.22.100
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 1:46 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

So who takes over 5 floors of the federal building? Is that going to be a problem for them?
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Itsjeff
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Username: Itsjeff

Post Number: 6688
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 208.27.111.125
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 1:50 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Not at all.
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Mackinaw
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Username: Mackinaw

Post Number: 2078
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Posted From: 68.248.9.250
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 1:51 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

No...we are not losing a gem, Tkelly. It is a modern black steel-and-glass building (pretty sure it is the former Michigan State office building); I don't know why they need to build a new one, though. Danindc, the height only matters to me because we'll be losing a fairly tall building.
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E_hemingway
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Username: E_hemingway

Post Number: 908
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Posted From: 69.242.215.8
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 1:59 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Isn't John King Books right around there?
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Hysteria
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Username: Hysteria

Post Number: 1228
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 216.223.168.132
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 2:06 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

:-)
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Thejesus
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Username: Thejesus

Post Number: 267
Registered: 06-2006
Posted From: 68.62.6.138
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 2:08 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Anyone have a pic of the site or of the building that's going bye bye?
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Psip
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Username: Psip

Post Number: 1140
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Posted From: 68.60.45.70
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 2:09 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The State of Michigan complex that is coming down use to be called the Executive Plaza.
Here it is prior to the ugly addition.


Exec Plaza
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Itsjeff
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Username: Itsjeff

Post Number: 6690
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 208.27.111.125
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 2:11 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Uh, guys, it's the old State of Michigan Plaza Building. Across the street from the Greyhound station. The State vacated it some years ago when they moved to the old GM building.
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Burnsie
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Username: Burnsie

Post Number: 589
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 35.12.20.179
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 2:14 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

It sounds like the FBI wants to design a building from the ground up that will have all the latest security and technological features, and they didn't think that trying to retrofit the State of Michigan Plaza building would be worth it.

Here are photos and other info:
http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/b u/?id=118492

The 21-story black tower (listed as 282 feet) is bland but OK. The 11-story part, though, is kind of ugly.
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Wazootyman
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Username: Wazootyman

Post Number: 115
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Posted From: 68.75.220.9
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 2:19 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I don't understand how this piece fits in:

http://mich.gov/dmb/0,1607,7-1 50--107021--,00.html

Why did this guy buy it, and I guess he has no plans to do anything with it? Or am I confused?
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Burnsie
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Username: Burnsie

Post Number: 590
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Posted From: 35.12.20.179
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 2:19 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Psip, you think the addition is uglier? I think the original building lacks focus, and the new tower has a more unified look to it. And the black steel is better-looking than that concrete. The black tower part isn't a great building by any stretch, but it's a lot better than a lot of stuff from the '70s. It'll be interesting to see renderings of the new FBI structure.
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Itsjeff
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Username: Itsjeff

Post Number: 6691
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Posted From: 208.27.111.125
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 2:20 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Wazooty, he bought it, then sold it, probably for a profit.
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Corktownmark
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Username: Corktownmark

Post Number: 212
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Posted From: 141.217.12.135
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 2:24 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

It would be nice to see the plans rendered so corktowners can see the change in the skyline. It is amazing to see Motorcity Casino rising to the north east, MGM casino going up to the east and soon the FBI south east. The planned changes to Tiger stadium in the middle will be good to. What a great couple years!!! Now if only Matty Maroun would let some thing as good happen to Michigan Central train station :-)
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Hamtramck_steve
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Username: Hamtramck_steve

Post Number: 3216
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 136.181.195.17
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 2:26 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thank God for small favors that the Plaza Building is coming down. That place was a piece of shit from the beginning. It's the only office building I've ever been in that had floors that rattled as you walked across them.
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Detroit_stylin
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Username: Detroit_stylin

Post Number: 2893
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 68.74.4.205
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 2:29 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

That bad huh HS?
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Kbkav
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Username: Kbkav

Post Number: 245
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Posted From: 207.74.196.20
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 2:31 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

goodbye sixth street! (does anyone really think an fbi "campus" will be at all urban in design? ever check out the new federal reserve building or the lovely street closures around the mcnamara building?)
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Psip
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Username: Psip

Post Number: 1141
Registered: 04-2005
Posted From: 68.60.45.70
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 2:34 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Burnsie, I think we have a lipstick on a pig situation.
Neither is outstanding, BTW, the original part was put up in the mid 60s.
The entire area of Michigan Ave. from Second up to Corktown was cleared under the Great Society urban renewl project.
A futuristic hotel was planned for Mich Ave between Second and Third. I have seen a rendering for it and it was right out of the Jetson's!
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Detourdetroit
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Username: Detourdetroit

Post Number: 238
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Posted From: 152.163.100.8
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 3:03 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

at least the feds have some nice pretty flowers in their concrete monstrosity bollard cum/planter anti-terrorist devices along Michigan. corktowners should demand "no street closings" and "ground floor retail"!!! Maybe Detroit could get the country's first Homeland Security store, or a super cyber cafe with the ability to have on demand satellite uplinks in exchange for your dna and complete medical history...
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Supersport
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Username: Supersport

Post Number: 10516
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 64.118.137.226
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 3:13 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

KbKav,

Maybe they'll landscape around the concrete barrades for ya! lol
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Eastsidedog
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Username: Eastsidedog

Post Number: 714
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 12.47.224.8
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 3:23 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I would think that the FBI would find the ominous black Executive Plaza to be sufficiently bleak and totalitarian, a perfect fit. :-)
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Lmichigan
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Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 4267
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Posted From: 67.177.81.18
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 3:45 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I think it's pretty safe to say that if they are tearing it down, something much more short and much more "campus-like" (a new keyword for "suburban") will take its place. I don't trust "design aesthetics" coming from the mouth of the FBI. I'm thinking a slightly more large and dense Federal Reserve Bank Branch. lol Seriously, at the end of the day, this is not a loss, but I'm not putting to much faith in it. After all, it's still going to be a government building (i.e. McNamara Federal Building 2.0).
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Bob
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Username: Bob

Post Number: 1085
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Posted From: 205.188.116.137
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 3:49 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The interesting thing is the feds will be leasing the building which means the city will be getting taxes for the building unlike a federal building owned by the government.
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Swingline
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Username: Swingline

Post Number: 580
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Posted From: 172.133.127.224
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 3:51 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Are they really going to demolish the State of Michigan Plaza? With all the vacant land within the CBD or within its periphery, it's hard to understand how the economics can work for the General Services Administration when the costs have to include million$$ for the demolition of two high rise structures.

While the existing structures are pretty urban-unfriendly with their dead plazas and large surface parking lots, anything new that the FBI puts up will likely resemble a fortress and will be set back from the street behind a ten foot fence and concrete bollards. It will make the similarly designed and fortified IRS Service Center on Michigan Ave look like a new urbanist award winner.
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Messykitty
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Username: Messykitty

Post Number: 107
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 24.21.198.33
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 3:54 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

No, Lmichigan, it will be a privately owned building leased by the government.
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Vas
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Username: Vas

Post Number: 612
Registered: 01-2004
Posted From: 70.237.164.67
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 4:07 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thank you Arab immigration to Detroit!
More federal funds coming into the city.
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Planner_727
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Username: Planner_727

Post Number: 34
Registered: 07-2006
Posted From: 69.87.150.106
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 4:12 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Just an observation... the freep article says that it will be part of a 10-acre headquarters complex. 300,000 feet over 10 acres... I'd say that means the facility will be more of an office campus with a lot of security buffering, low-rise buildings, and significant surface parking. The boundaries described in the last line are a large area... much more than just the former state office tower and adjacent building.
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Gistok
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Username: Gistok

Post Number: 2710
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Posted From: 4.229.81.32
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 4:21 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I for one am sad to see the 21 story tower portion coming down. It was reminiscent of Edison Plaza. Probably because whatever gets built there will be short, squat, and look like the older 11 story cement monolith. And we Forumers like to think tall!

I guess we'll have to wait for some architectural pics before we can really start bitching though...

Another International Style Detroit building bites the dust....
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Messykitty
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Username: Messykitty

Post Number: 108
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Posted From: 24.21.198.33
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 4:21 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The freep article also says...

"Plans for the new headquarters include an office tower, an annex and a parking structure..."
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Eastsidedog
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Username: Eastsidedog

Post Number: 715
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Posted From: 12.47.224.8
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 4:23 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Good point Gistok. Downtown's skyline continues to get lower and lower... :-(
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Lmichigan
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Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 4270
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 67.177.81.18
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 4:25 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thanks for catching that, Messykitty. I missed that. I'd like to know their definition of "tower," though? I still think it's going to be considerably shorter than the 21-story tower. Possibly more like the 11-story tower. lol
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Messykitty
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Username: Messykitty

Post Number: 109
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Posted From: 24.21.198.33
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 4:36 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

"really start bitching "

Oh, we will. We will.
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Detroitplanner
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Username: Detroitplanner

Post Number: 148
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Posted From: 152.163.100.8
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 11:36 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I'm kind of surprised that they would not take over the MGM Grand and turn that whole S of Michigan/North of the News District Area into a Government Center.
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Motorcitymayor2026
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Username: Motorcitymayor2026

Post Number: 1203
Registered: 10-2005
Posted From: 35.11.212.197
Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 11:38 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

good point Detroitplanner,

i dont understand why a 2 story building needs to come down from all of this
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Lmichigan
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Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 4286
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 67.177.81.18
Posted on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 12:27 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

huh? 2-story building?
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Motorcitymayor2026
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Username: Motorcitymayor2026

Post Number: 1204
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Posted From: 35.11.212.197
Posted on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 12:36 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

oops, 21 sorry
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Lmichigan
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Username: Lmichigan

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Posted From: 67.177.81.18
Posted on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 1:29 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Me too, especially considering how large and empty the site is besides the two towers. They could have just as effectively included it as part of their complex. The buildings aren't deteriorated or anything, and were fully occupied by the State of Michigan until relatively recently. Someone should post an aerial to show just how large and empty this site already is without having to tear down these valuable "filler" buildings in the skyline and streetscape.
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Futurecity
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Username: Futurecity

Post Number: 333
Registered: 05-2005
Posted From: 68.255.245.134
Posted on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 1:41 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

"i dont understand why a 2[1] story building needs to come down from all of this."

What all of you seem to be missing is that this project will look like total shit. Guaranteed. Mark my words. Take note. It will look like total dog shit.

300,000 sf over 10 acres? You've got to be kidding. Think big box retail with a high security fence around it. Think circular drive. Think anti-urban. Think canker sore. Oh, and the design? Think heinous.

The 21 story building there now is wonderfully urban compared to what will follow.

Can't wait for the "architect's" rendering to be published.
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Psip
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Username: Psip

Post Number: 1143
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Posted From: 68.60.45.70
Posted on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 1:42 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I seem to remember something about the "new" tower having lots of problems.
Things like bad elevators, water leaks, faulty electrical systems. Just bad construction. I think this came to light in the mid 80's. Maybe it was corrected, or perhaps not.
While it was still the Executive Plaza, WQRS has their studios there. I would guess from 1968 till they moved to the Masonic Temple.
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Lmichigan
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Username: Lmichigan

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Posted From: 67.177.81.18
Posted on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 2:26 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Futurecity, the Free Press link makes note that this will include a tower, annex and parking garage. What remains to be seen is what a "tower" constitutes for them.
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Oliverdouglas
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Username: Oliverdouglas

Post Number: 54
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Posted From: 69.215.242.247
Posted on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 2:35 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Maybe it's some sort of radio tower for spying on us.
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Ramcharger
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Username: Ramcharger

Post Number: 45
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Posted From: 68.42.78.175
Posted on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 5:47 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


quote:

The site is generally bounded on the north by Porter, on the west by Brooklyn, on the south by Lafayette and by on the east by the Lodge.



FBI site map

I guess Greyhound gets evicted again.

(Message edited by Ramcharger on August 29, 2006)
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Ramcharger
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Post Number: 46
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Posted From: 68.42.78.175
Posted on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 7:11 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Oops, according to the Detroit News article the block bounded by 6th St., W. Lafayette, Howard St. and the Lodge isn’t included in the site plan. So I guess the bus terminal gets to stay in its’ current location. Having the FBI across the street should do wonders for security at the terminal, lol.

det news fbi site map

(Message edited by Ramcharger on August 29, 2006)
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Andylinn
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Posted From: 64.141.144.2
Posted on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 11:39 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

something that's not really been brought up here... a small fringe benefit... will this make corktown safer? scarier? more big brotherish? will it make the CBD more dangerous? less big brotherish? what will be the effect of moving the federal bureau of investigations? honestly, if i was a criminal who knew ANYTHING, i wouldn't be doing it by the FBI's headquarters...
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Detourdetroit
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Username: Detourdetroit

Post Number: 243
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Posted From: 152.163.100.8
Posted on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 12:00 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

God, please make the superblocks go away!
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Detourdetroit
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Username: Detourdetroit

Post Number: 244
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Posted on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 12:23 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Dear Corktown:

It would seem that Abbott is a goner, but let's fight like hell to keep 6th Street and Howard mapped and Brooklyn, Porter, and Lafayette open.

No more detours Detroit!
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Lowell
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Username: Lowell

Post Number: 2903
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Posted From: 66.167.211.213
Posted on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 12:27 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I don't get it. I still don't see where it says that the State of MI building will come down. Did I miss something? It does mention that the campus [love that use of that word in this context] will include an office tower. Why wouldn't that be the mentioned office tower with adjacent new buildings being added.

I also wonder if Howard Street will be closed off.

I like the fact that it will be taxable property.

Whatever comes be sure it will be a fortress. However, it should redound to the benefit of Corktown businesses and perhap increase demand for residential properties.
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Oldredfordette
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Post Number: 365
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Posted From: 68.60.181.41
Posted on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 12:35 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

What about the church, the beautiful restored row houses and Workers Houses on 6th street?
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Stecks77
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Posted From: 129.9.163.106
Posted on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 12:42 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

That will be untouched
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Thejesus
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Post Number: 269
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Posted From: 24.169.224.43
Posted on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 1:03 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

lol, the FBI's presence may prevent terorists from setting up ship across the street, but I doubt it's going to anything to reduce petty criminals
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E_hemingway
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Posted From: 69.242.215.8
Posted on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 2:00 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Expect more cops in the area. Federal agencies like the FBI usually do a lot of work with different local police agencies. I would expect a lot of G-men, other federal law enforcement officers and local cops on assignment with the FBI coming and going from there. But that doesn't mean these guys will be on patrol or actively doing any police work in the surrounding neighborhood. However, Eph McNallys should be swamped even more than it is now with that "campus" next door.

(Message edited by E_hemingway on August 29, 2006)
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Fury13
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Username: Fury13

Post Number: 1195
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 69.222.11.226
Posted on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 3:16 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

So, Sixth Street will be vacated between Porter and Howard? The demise of another through street in the urban grid? Ugh.
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Futurecity
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Username: Futurecity

Post Number: 334
Registered: 05-2005
Posted From: 69.212.50.218
Posted on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 3:21 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

^^^Like I said, think big-box retail with a high-security fence. It will be lovely.
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Gistok
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Username: Gistok

Post Number: 2717
Registered: 08-2004
Posted From: 4.229.105.151
Posted on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 3:33 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Sure seems like a lot of land for a mere 305,000 sq. ft. worth of space? With that kind of space, I doubt that any tower would even approach the 11 stories previously mentioned.

And as we all know these 5 blocks will be secured, so this will be the "fortress" that urban planners hate.

And this site will probably be a physical barrier (streets closed, pedestrians not allowed to cross) between Corktown and downtown.... not good!
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Ray1936
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Username: Ray1936

Post Number: 769
Registered: 01-2005
Posted From: 68.96.231.230
Posted on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 6:13 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

JFK has been quoted as saying, "The three most over-rated things in the world are hunting trophies, the State of Texas, and the FBI."

I rather concur...... :-)
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Lmichigan
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Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 4291
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 67.177.81.18
Posted on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 8:50 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Lowell, from Detroit News:

"The new location, about five blocks west of the current office, includes vacant state offices that will be torn down."

Can't get much more clear than that.
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Motif
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Username: Motif

Post Number: 27
Registered: 06-2005
Posted From: 71.79.114.125
Posted on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 10:06 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

There is so much other vacant land in the downtown area why can’t the FBI find somewhere else to build???? And leave that part of the skyline alone.
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Gistok
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Username: Gistok

Post Number: 2718
Registered: 08-2004
Posted From: 4.229.81.74
Posted on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 10:14 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Since many of us are not familiar with that part of town, what is currently on those 5 blocks anyway, besides the Michigan Executive Plaza complex?

Also I wonder what the chatter is in Corktown about this "campus".
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Drm
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Username: Drm

Post Number: 1051
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 70.236.190.171
Posted on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 10:40 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Parking lots that formerly serviced the Plaza Building.

Maybe the FBI will build a cul de sac and it'll be just like the suburbs.
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Lmichigan
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Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 4296
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 67.177.81.18
Posted on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 11:55 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Or, maybe they can move to Southfield, where they could fit right into their Towne Center. :-)
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Viziondetroit
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Username: Viziondetroit

Post Number: 744
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 65.42.23.2
Posted on Thursday, September 07, 2006 - 4:18 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Man screw the complaints about the skyline... who knows why they picked that spot.

It could be because they got a good deal?

Could be that it is already zoned

Could be that, that location is just wanted to put the damn building.


Hey I have an idea, put some of your money up and help them build in another location so we can keep the vacant 21 story building up.

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