Bob Member Username: Bob
Post Number: 1251 Registered: 11-2003
| Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 2:32 pm: | |
Looks like the Illiches win. http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs .dll/article?AID=/20061204/NEW S99/61204022 |
Rrl Member Username: Rrl
Post Number: 693 Registered: 12-2003
| Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 2:49 pm: | |
Considering their track-record with buildings like the Madison-Lenox and the UA, it's the logical choice. Adios, Grand Army of the Republic. |
Umstucoach Member Username: Umstucoach
Post Number: 113 Registered: 04-2006
| Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 2:50 pm: | |
Everybody's favorite downtown redevelopers |
Bob Member Username: Bob
Post Number: 1252 Registered: 11-2003
| Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 3:05 pm: | |
I wonder if there are stipulations that they actually have to redevelop the building, not tear it down for another parking lot. |
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan
Post Number: 4797 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 3:06 pm: | |
Please, for just this once realize that he pretty much has to renovate this one. This building is not the Madison Lenox, and I hope you all realize what I mean by that. (Message edited by lmichigan on December 04, 2006) |
Danindc Member Username: Danindc
Post Number: 1957 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 3:06 pm: | |
Let's take a poll: A) redeveloped GAR to include Olympia Entertainment offices (as claimed in the article) B) building sits and rots, Ilitches get City subsidy for demolition. Landscaped and lighted parking lot for new hockey barn is constructed. C) GAR Building converted into Little Caesars "pizza" outlet D) other (please specify) (Message edited by DaninDC on December 04, 2006) |
Apbest Member Username: Apbest
Post Number: 308 Registered: 03-2006
| Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 3:16 pm: | |
well considering the original RFP specified redevelopment and Olympia has outlined a concrete plan for development, its pretty clear that this one isnt going to bite the dust...the site is not really big enough for a new parking lot...a $220,000 parking lot? no...its obvious what they're doing with this one |
Andyguard73 Member Username: Andyguard73
Post Number: 168 Registered: 03-2006
| Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 3:29 pm: | |
How much space does Olympia take up in the Fox? I guess I ask because I'm relatively ignorant on how these things work, and want to know if the GAR's redevelopment will have any negative effect on the Fox. |
Apbest Member Username: Apbest
Post Number: 309 Registered: 03-2006
| Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 3:31 pm: | |
well considering they're also moving offices to the Detroit Life Building (Olympia in general, not just development)...so my guess is that they're expanding |
Andyguard73 Member Username: Andyguard73
Post Number: 169 Registered: 03-2006
| Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 3:35 pm: | |
Thanks Apbest, I hadn't really followed the Life renovations much yet, end of the semesters killed my free time. I heard it was being renovated, but I didn't realize it was for Olympia's use. |
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan
Post Number: 4799 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 3:36 pm: | |
Even if they do move part of their company out of the Fox (if this is not an expansion), does anyone actually think they'd have a hard time filling back in the space in the Fox? No way. That's like the argument that the creation of One Kennedy Square hurt Comerica Tower. Comerica Tower will have no problem attracting tenants to its Class A space. And, yeah, Olympia Development is the development arms of Olympia Entertainment, or is it Ilitch Holdings? I think its the latter. |
Sharmaal Member Username: Sharmaal
Post Number: 962 Registered: 09-2004
| Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 3:38 pm: | |
That's gonna make one awesome Caesar Land! |
Fnemecek
Member Username: Fnemecek
Post Number: 2159 Registered: 12-2004
| Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 3:42 pm: | |
Regarding Dan's poll, I believe that option A is the most likely. The Ilitches got so much grief from the Madison-Lenox debacle that I don't think they want to go through something like it again. Although, I think option C is still a possibility. |
Detroitbill Member Username: Detroitbill
Post Number: 112 Registered: 09-2006
| Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 4:02 pm: | |
Stipulations on the bidding process guarantee repossession if the building isnt revamped within a given time frame , I dont think we have to worry about it being torn down or sitting vacant. |
Emu_steve Member Username: Emu_steve
Post Number: 25 Registered: 11-2006
| Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 4:13 pm: | |
where does the GAR sit vis-a-vis the so-called "behind the Fox" site for a speculated new hockey arena? I not sure what the expected boundaries are for a possible hockey arena site behind the Fox. |
Danindc Member Username: Danindc
Post Number: 1960 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 4:43 pm: | |
I think they should paint it, and make it into the flyest White Castle ever. |
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan
Post Number: 4802 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 4:48 pm: | |
Now, we're talkin', Dan. Someone do a photoshop mock-up of a White Castle in the GAR, stat! |
Soulhawk Member Username: Soulhawk
Post Number: 282 Registered: 04-2004
| Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 5:06 pm: | |
I really wanted to see the building redeveloped for use by the general public. |
Gistok Member Username: Gistok
Post Number: 3179 Registered: 08-2004
| Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 5:28 pm: | |
I'm sure it'll look great when they're done with it (restoration that is!). Isn't there going to be some public use (as well as offices)? Part of the stipulation was some public space for a GAR memorial of sorts. Ilitch will fix up the GAR and Life Buildings, and do a good job of it. What worries me is his remaining theatre buildings.... the United Artists and Adams. |
Gistok Member Username: Gistok
Post Number: 3180 Registered: 08-2004
| Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 5:33 pm: | |
The GAR is situated at a prime crossroads.... Grand River, Cass and Adams. No worry about losing it for a hockey arena. Those 3 streets cannot be blocked off. |
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan
Post Number: 4804 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 6:04 pm: | |
Yes, there will be public use at the first floor in the GAR memorial I'd imagine. |
Rhymeswithrawk Member Username: Rhymeswithrawk
Post Number: 194 Registered: 11-2005
| Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 6:09 pm: | |
Looks like the Illiches win. About time the city finally let them have their way with something. Frankly, I'm shocked. Frankly, I'm sarcastic. The Ilitches got so much grief from the Madison-Lenox debacle that I don't think they want to go through something like it again. I don't think they could care less. That said, I don't see them tearing it down. I think they'll keep it. But I don't think fear of public outcry is going to be a factor in their decision. |
Emu_steve Member Username: Emu_steve
Post Number: 26 Registered: 11-2006
| Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 6:33 pm: | |
how about trying to read tea leaves? Does this in any way point to Ilitich trying to build a new hockey arena in the area or is this unrelated happenstance? |
Dhugger Member Username: Dhugger
Post Number: 112 Registered: 03-2005
| Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 6:44 pm: | |
Danindc on the art note: I've always dreamed of doing square trompeloeil paintings in round rooms. The three turrets of the GAR building would benefit from this illusion and give the inhabitants that spinning room feeling one gets after a night of adult beverages. |
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan
Post Number: 4805 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 6:45 pm: | |
Emu, it's my view that this is part of an arena project. At the location it currently stands, it would make no sense to renovate this on its own, or even the Detroit Life Building, if this is not part of a greater redevelopment plan for that area. I would alos like to ask you what you ask everyone else, and that is for yourself to read between the lines, and put together pieces of the puzzle. Put that mind to some use. (Message edited by lmichigan on December 04, 2006) |
Dan Member Username: Dan
Post Number: 1324 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 7:58 pm: | |
I believe the Illiches will restore the building. Evidence seems to indicate that Atanas Ilitch is preservation minded. I believe we will see an Arena plan announced soon, and I think it will be pretty interesting. Ficano's announcement about a Cobo expansion was well timed, maybe a little too well timed. |
Wilus1mj Member Username: Wilus1mj
Post Number: 162 Registered: 05-2005
| Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 8:00 pm: | |
There's no Superbowl in the near future, so Illitch won't have an excuse to tear down this one. |
Genesyxx Member Username: Genesyxx
Post Number: 628 Registered: 02-2004
| Posted on Tuesday, December 05, 2006 - 8:30 am: | |
(sigh..) Expect work to start in 2015. |
Planner_727 Member Username: Planner_727
Post Number: 69 Registered: 07-2006
| Posted on Tuesday, December 05, 2006 - 9:42 am: | |
To me, this is idiotic. If there were willing, financially-backed parties anxious to renovate THIS building, why can't the Illitches spend $2 million on one of the abandonned buildings they already own?! |
Gistok Member Username: Gistok
Post Number: 3181 Registered: 08-2004
| Posted on Tuesday, December 05, 2006 - 1:02 pm: | |
Probably because Ilitch already owns the parking lot next to the building (Cass/Adams lot). There is absolutely no parking attached to the GAR property. No Ilitch involvement equates to a lesser chance of success. |
Danindc Member Username: Danindc
Post Number: 1965 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Tuesday, December 05, 2006 - 1:04 pm: | |
quote:To me, this is idiotic. If there were willing, financially-backed parties anxious to renovate THIS building, why can't the Illitches spend $2 million on one of the abandonned buildings they already own
Probably because their other buildings each require a lot more than $2 million worth of work. |
Bob Member Username: Bob
Post Number: 1258 Registered: 11-2003
| Posted on Tuesday, December 05, 2006 - 1:07 pm: | |
If they would have taken care of those properties in the first place, they would not be in the shape they are in. |
Planner_727 Member Username: Planner_727
Post Number: 70 Registered: 07-2006
| Posted on Tuesday, December 05, 2006 - 1:35 pm: | |
I was referring more to the choice of Illitch versus a different firm. Yes $2 million wouldn't put a dent in many of thier holdings in their neglected state, but what's to say they won't sit on this one for 10 years and con the City into paying for demolition because it is "too far deteriorated" to save. Sound familiar? Allow someone else to get in on this property, and encourage the Illitches to work on what they've got. That would make most sense to me if I were part of the selection committee. |
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan
Post Number: 4818 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Tuesday, December 05, 2006 - 7:36 pm: | |
Did it occur to you that their plan may have very well been the most feasible and solid of the six? After all, they already have a main tenant lined up (i.e. themselves), and they have the wherewithal. |
Fastforce87 Member Username: Fastforce87
Post Number: 2 Registered: 08-2006
| Posted on Tuesday, December 05, 2006 - 8:53 pm: | |
In my opinion it would benefit the city much more to hand it off to someone else who doesn't already have 100 rotting buildings. The Ilitch's practically own every fifth building in downtown Detroit and have yet to make improvements on many of them. I think that the selection committee has made a mistake and will continue to make mistakes, because lets be honest, these are the same people who approved the sale of so many other landmarks. I agree with Lmichigan as well, I bet Ilitch came in with an amazing, unbelievable plan. But that's just what it is, unbelievable. I don't think that this will turn into a hockey arena anytime soon because Grand River, Cass, and Adam are all very important streets, but I also don't expect for Ilitch to "jump" onto this anytime soon. |