Willys Overland Loft 506 Construction Update 01.26.11

Construction continues for the third week on unit 506 at the Willys Overland Lofts. Loft 506 is a penthouse unit with views of the downtown skyline and a large terrace.

Stay tuned for future updates throughout the construction process.

Loft 506 – view from second floor

Loft 506 – first floor

Loft 506 – first floor

City Living Detroit is a client-centered, full-service, boutique real estate sales and marketing firm that specializes in urban living, including lofts, condos, historic homes and apartments. The firm is based in Detroit’s historic Midtown near Wayne State University. To view all available listings visit CityLivingDetroit.com. To make an appointment call 313-242-7800 or email austin@citylivingdetroit.com.

The Sphinx Competition presented by DTE Energy Foundation

The Sphinx Competition presented by DTE Energy Foundation is held every year in Ann Arbor and Detroit, Michigan. The competition is open to all Junior High, High School, and College age Black and Latino string players residing in the U.S. The Sphinx Competition offers young Black and Latino classical string players a chance to compete under the guidance of an internationally renowned panel of judges and to perform with established professional musicians in a competition setting. Its primary goals are to encourage, develop and recognize classical music talent in the Black and Latino communities.

The Finals Concert is hosted by the Detroit Symphony at the Max M. Fisher Music Center in Detroit, Michigan. The top three finalists of the Senior Division will compete for placement accompanied by the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra.

Finals Concert Info: Sunday, February 6 @ 2:00 pm
, Orchestra Hall. Tickets $12 Purchase tickets online or call 313-586-5111. 

For groups of 10 or more 
call 313-877-9100 x715.

The Detroit Works Project: Public Meetings

The Next Series of Public Meetings

Midtown Art Center Community Garden
Midtown Art Center Community Garden

WHY CHANGE? Most Detroiters feel strongly that we need to change, BUT WHAT REALLY HAPPENS IF WE DON’T? What happens, for example, if we continue to lose 80,000 people in the next decade?  Find out duringTHE NEXT ROUND OF MEETINGS WITH THE DETROIT WORKS PROJECT.

Come see WHAT’S IMPACTING NEIGHBORHOODS ACROSS THE CITY and give us ideas and information on what you’re already doing to make Detroit work.  And, we’ll begin to give you some of the thoughts being discussed to help get us moving in the right direction – both short and long term.

If we all understand the issues and act together we can find the answers for the city.

The conversation topics will be the same for each meeting.  PLEASE JOIN THE SESSION THAT’S CLOSEST AND MOST CONVENIENT FOR YOU.

JANUARY 27, 2011, 6-8 PM
University Detroit Mercy – Student Center Ballroom
4001 W. McNichols Road

JANUARY 29, 2011, 10 AM–12 PM
Odd Fellows Hall
8701 W. Vernor Highway

JANUARY 31, 2011, 6-8 PM
IBEW Hall
1358 Abbott, 1 Blk. East of Trumbull

FEBRUARY 1, 2011, 6-8 PM
FOCUS-HOPE
1355 Oakman Boulevard

FEBRUARY 2, 2011, 6-8 PM
Coleman A. Young International Airport
11499 Conner Street

FEBRUARY 3, 2011, 6-8 PM
Brenda Scott Middle School
18440 Hoover Street

FEBRUARY 5, 2011, 10 AM–12 PM
American Serbian Hall
19940 Van Dyke St

FEBRUARY 14, 2011, 6-8 PM
Greater Marion Chapel
15120 Grand River Avenue

FEBRUARY 15, 2011, 6-8 PM
Greater Grace Temple
23500 W. Seven Mile Rd

FEBRUARY 16, 2011, 6-8 PM
NFL/YET – Boys & Girls Club – Dick & Sandy Dauch Campus
16500 Tireman Street

Wayne State University video about Midtown, Detroit

Check out this awesome video produced by Wayne State University about Midtown, Detroit.

Live Midtown Incentives on WXYZ Channel 7 – Detroit2020

There’s a new program aimed at enticing people to move to Midtown and keep those already living there.

The Detroit Medical Center, Henry Ford Health System and Wayne State University are announcing a “Live Midtown” program for their employees.

The DMC, HFHS and WSU are the three largest employers in Midtown.

Each will invest funding during the first year of the program.  The investment will be matched by the Hudson-Webber Foundation and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. The Kresge Foundation plans to provide additional support.

Willys Overland Lofts - Qualifying Live Midtown Development

Incentives include:

  • $2,500 allowance for new renters toward the cost of their apartment in the first year followed by an additional funding of $1,000 for the second year
  • $1,000 allowance for existing renters who are renewing a lease in 2011
  • $20,000 forgivable loan toward the purchase of a primary residence (if taken at one time), or $25,000 at the rate of $5,000 per year (if taken over five years)
  • $5,000 exterior home improvement matching funds; for projects of $10,000 or more for existing homeowners

The incentives are only available to employees of the three anchor institutions, DMC, HFHS and WSU. To qualify for the incentives, housing units must be located within the  boundaries, which includes New Center, Midtown, Virginia Park and Woodbridge neighborhoods.

Live Midtown!

Are you an employee at the Detroit Medical Center, Henry Ford Health System or Wayne State University who is looking to take advantage of the Live Midtown program? If so, City  Living Detroit is here to help you find a new home in Midtown.

Willys Overland Lofts - Qualifying Live Midtown Development

City Living Detroit, based in Midtown, is a client-centered, full-service, boutique real estate sales and marketing firm that specializes in urban living, including lofts, condos, historic homes and apartments.

Visit CityLivingDetroit.com to view our featured listings and search available listings in the area.

Midtown developments that qualify for the Live Midtown program:

Contact City Living Detroit at 313.550.2307 or info@citylivingdetroit.com to speak with one of our agents.

514 East Ferry - $225,000

Centurion Place - Qualifying Live Midtown Development

Details about the Live Midtown program:

The University Cultural Center Association will administer the housing incentive program for the three employers.

As rolled out, the incentives include:

• A $2,500 allowance for new renters, to go toward the cost of their apartment in the first year, followed by $1,000 for the second year.

• A $1,000 allowance for existing renters who are renewing a lease in 2011.

• A $20,000 forgivable loan toward the purchase of a primary residence, if taken at one time, or $25,000 at the rate of $5,000 per year if taken over five years.

• $5,000 in exterior home-improvement matching funds to existing home owners for projects costing $10,000 or more.

To qualify for the incentives, housing units must be within the New Center, Midtown, Virginia Park or Woodbridge neighborhoods.

The program is open only to employees of the three anchor companies.

For more information, visit www.livemidtown.org.

 

$1.2 million program launched to grow Midtown population

By Sherri Begin | Crain’s Detroit Business

Centurion Place - Qualifying Live Midtown Development

Midtown Detroit’s three anchor employers, the state and a Detroit-based foundation are funding $1.2 million in incentives to encourage employees of the three anchor employers to live in the area.

The Detroit Medical CenterHenry Ford Health System and Wayne State University announced today the “Live Midtown” incentive program for their nearly 30,000 collective employees. The program is designed to entice those living there to stay and those not living in Midtown to move there.

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority and the Hudson-Webber Foundation are matching the anchor employers’ first-year investment, bringing the total to $1.2 million for this year.

In a release, the organizations said the Troy-based Kresge Foundation also plans to provide some investment for the pilot project, with the anchor employers continuing funding in subsequent years.

 

Willys Overland Lofts - Qualifying Live Midtown Development

The University Cultural Center Association will administer the housing incentive program for the three employers.

As rolled out, the incentives include:

• A $2,500 allowance for new renters, to go toward the cost of their apartment in the first year, followed by $1,000 for the second year.

• A $1,000 allowance for existing renters who are renewing a lease in 2011.

• A $20,000 forgivable loan toward the purchase of a primary residence, if taken at one time, or $25,000 at the rate of $5,000 per year if taken over five years.

• $5,000 in exterior home-improvement matching funds to existing home owners for projects costing $10,000 or more.

To qualify for the incentives, housing units must be within the New Center, Midtown, Virginia Park or Woodbridge neighborhoods.

The program is open only to employees of the three anchor companies.

For more information, visit www.livemidtown.org.

Construction begins on loft 506 at Willys Overland

City Living Detroit is excited to announce the pending sale and construction of one of the penthouse units at the Willys Overland Lofts in Midtown, Detroit. Austin Black II is representing the buyer on this purchase. This will be the second penthouse unit Austin has sold at the Willys Overland Lofts.

We will be posting pictures of progress throughout the construction process.

Loft 506 – first floor


Loft 506 – first and second floor


Loft 506 – terrace


Loft 506 – view from terrace

 

Loft 506 – view from second floor

 

Loft 506 – second floor owner’s suite

 

Loft 506 – view from owner’s suite

City Living Detroit is a client-centered, full-service, boutique real estate sales and marketing firm that specializes in urban living, including lofts, condos, historic homes and apartments. The firm is based in Detroit’s historic Midtown near Wayne State University. To view all available listings visit CityLivingDetroit.com. To make an appointment call 313-242-7800 or email austin@citylivingdetroit.com.

Detroit 2020: A TALE OF TWO CITIES

Detroit 2020 is a WXYZ commitment to address the challenges facing the region. We will work side by side with our communities to listen, talk and take action. Our goal is to unify, inspire change and help make Detroit a better place to live, work and raise families.

Broderick Tower Secures Project Financing, Renovations to Begin Immediately

DETROIT, Mich., Dec. 27, 2010 — Motown Construction Partners, LLC (Motown) announced today that project financing has been secured and work is scheduled to begin immediately on the dramatic transformation of the 34 story Broderick Tower, an historic landmark structure centrally located in Downtown Detroit at Grand Circus Park and Woodward Avenue in the heart of Detroit’s burgeoning sports and entertainment district.

Working with Bank of America, Invest Detroit, Chase Bank, N.A., the Michigan Historic Preservation Network, and a host of supporting professional firms, Motown has secured the necessary financing to move forward on this long anticipated $50+ Million redevelopment project.

“Bank of America has committed significant resources to the City of Detroit and the Broderick Tower because we believe in its tremendous potential,” said Kieth Cockrell, Michigan Market President, Bank of America. “With so many vital projects coming on line, we are excited about being a partner in sustaining the momentum of reshaping our communities. This effort will not only bolster economic development but also create employment opportunities and bring housing options to the residents of Detroit.”

“Invest Detroit is pleased to support the renovation of Detroit’s landmark Broderick Tower through its managed funds and New Markets Tax Credits,” said Mary Seaburg King, Vice President, Invest Detroit. “This project will serve to build on the city’s resources, promote job creation, and support area businesses to help drive additional economic activity in Downtown Detroit.”

JC Beal Construction Inc., which assisted the members of the ownership group in assembling the project, will act as the Construction Manager for the renovation and implement the interior design and exterior restoration specified by the project architect, Kraemer Design Group of Detroit.

“We are pleased to be a member of the team that is bringing this project to fruition,” said Fred J. Beal, President of JC Beal Construction Inc. “It is extraordinarily difficult to assemble a complex real estate financing such as this in the current lending environment, and it is a tribute to the ownership group, the lenders, and our consultants that we have successfully pieced together all of the key components to this complex transaction. We look forward to launching into the construction phase of the work in the next few weeks, and to restoring this historically significant building to its former glory as a grand gatepost to Downtown Detroit.”

“We are very excited that this project, so significant for the City of Detroit, is finally ready to move forward,” stated Bob Kraemer, Principal of Kraemer Design Group, PLC. “I think just about everyone in our office has touched this project in some form or another. The design process for the Broderick was complex, and coupled with the historic aspect of the renovation made this one of our most complicated projects to date. Everyone on the Broderick team has worked incredibly hard and we all look forward to the construction starting soon.”

Broderick Tower is owned by a group of individuals and entities, including the Higgins Family Trust, all of whom are dedicated to restoring Detroit’s glorious past for an exciting future with the redevelopment and renovation of this historic skyscraper to its former magnificence.

“This is an historic moment in the revitalization of Downtown Detroit and the Broderick Tower ownership group is thrilled to be a part of it,” remarked Roger John Lesinski, member and representative of the ownership group. “We’re committed to do our part to accelerate Detroit’s rebirth with the restoration and renovation of this truly iconic property.”

Upon completion of renovations in September 2012, Broderick Tower will house a restaurant and lounge, Invest Detroit’s Incubator, and 127 apartments on floors 5 through 34 with spectacular multi-directional views. Apartments will range in size from 422 square feet studio units to 1027 square feet two bedroom units on floors 5 through 24. Floors 25 through 34 are designated as “Sky Top Penthouses” featuring 35 apartments from 616 square feet to 2200 square feet, upgraded amenities, a dedicated elevator and some of the highest panoramic views from a residential building in the State of Michigan.

The exterior renovation will transform Broderick Tower to the glory and grandeur of its unveiling in 1928 when it first pierced the skyline of Detroit. The existing façade of the building will be extensively cleaned and restored. Exterior lighting will be added to highlight the terra cotta and stone details on the façade as well as the crown at the top of the Building.

Interior renovations will preserve the existing historic lobby but otherwise bring the building up to modern day standards with state-of-the-art technology and design to sustain Broderick Tower as a unique, exciting historic Downtown residential and commercial landmark.

Broderick Tower, designed with neoclassical architecture, Chicago school and Beaux-Arts design, was originally constructed as the Eaton Tower under the direction of famed architect Louis Kamper. When completed in 1928, it became one of Detroit’s most magnificent structures and the second tallest skyscraper in Michigan.