Detroit Development News

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced that it will provide Link Detroit with $10 million to improve bike and pedestrian connections between the Eastern Market, the Dequindre Cut, Midtown Loop and Hamtramck greenways.

The funds are coming from the TIGER Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery program.

(Editor's note: check out some photos and renderings in this week's Buzz item. 
 
Senator Carl Levin made a statement regarding the grant saying "It will help generate construction jobs immediately, and more jobs in the future as it spurs development in and around Detroit."
 
Speaking of Eastern Market, Senator Debbie Stabenow says she is excited for the added improvements, especially since "Eastern Market is already a hub for economic activity."
 
For Eastern Market, planned improvements include streetscape enhancements, improved bicycle and transit facilities, landscaping and pedestrian lights. It’s also the city’s goal is to replace the Adelaide and Division Street bridges just east of the market. 
 
Source: Jonathan Oosting
Writer: Leah Johnson 

Let’s Save Michigan recently announced the winners of the "It's about Place" contest, and two of the finalists are from Detroit.
 
A panel of national placemaking experts chose Detroit’s Canfield Social Yard project as the $2,000 grand prize winner. This project seeks to raise awareness of the west Woodbridge area in Detroit and foster a culture of neighborhood and civic engagement by programming a vacant lot with entertainment and educational events.

"We are beyond excited about winning the Let's Save Michigan: "It's about Place" competition," says Nora Leon of the Canfield Social Yard project."It's a tremendous honor and we can't wait to get our hands dirty and bring Canfield Social Yard to life. We think the project has the potential to become a great asset for the Woodbridge community." 

The other project, Innovation Square: Detroit was the $500 runner-up. This project will transform an unflattering parking lot in Tech Town into an inviting outdoor space that encourages inter-organization collaboration and community development. Its goal is to generate enough momentum to secure follow-on funding.

Source: Sarah Szurpicki
Writer: Leah Johnson 

Detroit Pop LLC, the creative force behind 71-POP, a unique pop-up retail experience for entrepreneurs, announces its latest pop-up venture: D:pop.
 
Following the one year success of the 71-POP project, D:pop will allow local entrepreneurs to showcase a pop-up style retail installation. These items and accessories are for men, women, kids, and home. Each pop-up shop will be connected to a virtual e-commerce pop-up shop, video profile, social media engagement, marketing support, and launch event.  
 
D:pop will have a strong cast of local artists, designers, and entrepreneurs, giving Detroiters an opportunity to support their own. Also, D:pop will feature exclusive partnerships with designers under its "Mod & Pop" label.
 
The grand-opening of D:pop is Saturday, June 30, 3-7 p.m. at D:hive headquarters, 1253 Woodward Ave. Guests can enjoy food, music, networking, and shopping. In tandem with this event, I Am Young Detroit will be celebrating the launch of its newly expanded website.
 
This event will bring awareness to the 2012 Hatch Detroit Contest. The contest runs until August and visitors can vote for their favorite retail business idea for Detroit.

Source: Asia Willis
Writer: Leah Johnson
 

Ellington WF, LLC is one of three companies approved for incentives by the Michigan Strategic Fund through the Michigan Business Development and Community Revitalization Programs to support their expansions in the state.
 
A $1 million Community Revitalization Program Performance based grant was awarded to Ellington WF, LLC to offset costs for site preparation and construction of the new Whole Foods building in Detroit. This project is expected to create 80 permanent jobs, with a total capital investment of up to $14.9 million.
 
The other two companies, Altronics Energy, LLC and FIAMM Technologies, LLC were awarded incentives to expand their respective operations in Cadillac and Byron Township.
 
"These three companies are demonstrating that Michigan can compete with any state in the country as a great place to grow a business," said Michael A. Finney, MEDC President and CEO. "These new investments show once more Michigan’s highly competitive business climate and tremendous workforce capabilities mean real opportunities for leading edge companies."
 
All three projects are expected to add a total of 201 new jobs in Michigan.
 
Source: Kathy Fagan
Writer: Leah Johnson

After a 10-year effort, Jefferson East Business Association (JEBA) and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) are ready to unveil the Chalmers Sq. Project. This is a $7 Million reconstruction project in the Historic Jefferson-Chalmers Business District.

Originally, these were three vacant buildings, with one building having only three walls and no roof. They have been renovated into 47 family-style apartments with 17,000 square feet of new commercial space.
 
JEBA assisted in getting the building transferred from the city to a private developer and performed Phase 1 environmental site assessment on the properties and worked to help secure pre-development financing.
 
Earlier this month, JEBA hosted the Jazzin’ on Jefferson event. Congressman Hansen Clarke and MSHDA Director Edwin Harlin took the stage for the official unveiling of this important eastside development.
 
The Chalmers Square Project is developed by Shelbourne Department and Malino Construction. MSHDA, the City of Detroit, and Local Initiative Support Corporation were major project supporters.
 
Source: Eve Doster and Lisa Hardwick 
Writer: Leah Johnson 

For the Farbman Group, "chartreuse" represents more than the color green. Chartreuse is a pop-up dining experience held at various locations. This month, it'll take place at the Fisher Building.  
 
Corrine Rice, a certified raw and vegan chef is hosting the event to create "a memorable culinary social movement that exists briefly and disappears immediately, as if It were a dream."
 
The evening will feature a four-course all vegan meal with menu items including an Asian-salad, crab cakes, jalapeno-watermelon gazpacho and an almond nougatine. Tuesday is the last day to visit the Fisher Building or New Center building to win tickets to the pop-up dining experience.
 
Live entertainment is part of the event and a video crew from American Hipster Presents will film the meal for its YouTube documentary series.
 
"Farbman Group is committed to doing our part to support the creative entrepreneurs that make Detroit a one-of-a kind place to live and work," said Farbman. "Guests will get to experience the grandeur of the Fisher Building while enjoying a culinary experience that is unmatched."
 
The pop-up dining experience is Friday June 22 at 7 p.m. in the Fisher Building. Tickets are $50 and must be purchased by Tuesday, June 19 (that's today) at chartreusedetroit.com. 

Source: Andrea Trapani 
Writer: Leah Johnson 

As the saying goes: It’s better to give than receive.

Last Saturday, Foster the People, fans and local Detroit residents gave of their time to volunteer at the Heidelberg Project to support Detroit’s under-resourced community. The volunteers helped transform the abandoned burnt homes on Mt. Elliott between Mack and Benson Street into artistic symbols of a bright vision for the future.
 
"We are thrilled to be selected as a volunteer destination on the Foster The Future’s Do Good Project Tour," said Amanda Sansoterra. "Our efforts will not only benefit the community, but show the neighborhood children that by doing something good, it can foster a sense of pride in their community."
 
This is the second year Foster the People has created a Do Good Project to benefit local charities along their North American summer tour.
 
"The response and commitment from our fans last summer was truly beyond our expectations," said lead singer Mark Foster. "This year we wanted to challenge the Do Good team to find unique ways to attract even more volunteers to make an even bigger impact in each city we visit."
 
The tour will continue across North America until July 7. For more information on how to volunteer or make donations, please visit fosterthefuture.com. 

Source: Dena DiSarro
Writer: Leah Johnson 

To assist distressed citizens and in turn, stabilize communities, Wayne County Treasurer Raymond J. Wojtowicz plans to hold a public sale of over 5,000 properties.
 
Those interested can do research on the available properties by viewing the list here. The information is searchable by city, street and zip code.
 
Bids will be accepted starting June 22. The minimum bid for a structure is $500 and the minimum bid for a vacant lot is $200. Tie bids will be resolved in favor of the earliest bid based on the time indicated on the incoming bid in the Office of Wayne County Treasurer’s system.
 
The closing time for bids will be July 10 at 2 p.m.
 
Source: David J. Szymanski
Writer: Leah Johnson

Mallak Beydoun knows her coffee and she is no stranger to the coffee business. That explains why her slogan for Chez Zara Coffee Shop is "Coffee Snobs Welcome."
  
Beydoun is the owner of Chez Zara, "Chez" meaning "place of" and "Zara" is the name of her 14 year-old niece.
 
Chez Zara has a small kiosk in the Chase Tower, but the flagship location is prepping for its opening this summer in the Madison Building.
 
"This will be the first time we actually got to express what we wanted in a coffee shop and this is the first time I’ve been involved in the whole design process," Beydoun said.
 
The shop will have an urban mixed Parisian look and will feature a certain world coffee every single day, creating an authentic experience. Guests can enjoy one on one interaction with the barista, and small snacks like pastries from Avalon and macaroons to complement the coffee. 
 
Beydoun is excited to utilize this space and partner up with other local nearby businesses such as the Detroit Opera House to offer special Chez Zara promotions.
 
"We want to make this a Detroit landmark, just like Garrrett’s popcorn is a landmark in Chicago," she said.
 
Chez Zara is expected to open in the Madison Building in late July or early August.

Source: Mallak Beydoun
Writer: Leah Johnson 

Celebration is in order for Spaulding Court, a 20 unit Townhouse in Detroit, which turns 100 years old this year.

The organization stepped in to revive the property, stabilizing the neighborhood and developing high impact redevelopment models. They also hosted nearly 50 Soup at Spaulding events that raised cash for rehab at Spaulding Court and other local projects.
 
RSVP on Facebook. Contributions/donation are also welcome. Spaulding Court is at 2737 Rosa Parks.
 
Source: Jon Koller
Writer: Leah Johnson

The Woodward Garden Block project recently received the last funding needed to complete construction of the Woodward Garden Theater.

The project was started on 2002 by developers Woodward Garden Theater, LLC. and Woodward SA-PK, LLC led by long time partners Michael Byrd, William Mosely and George Stewart. The team of supporters include Midtown Detroit, Inc. (MDI), Quinn Evans Architects, McIntosh Poris Associates, Miller Canfield, Strength Property Partners and Zachary & Associates.
 
"Without the willingness of these partners to look for innovative solutions to the obstacles that faced this project, we wouldn’t be celebrating the revival of this block." said Stewart.
 
The theater is a 32,000 square feet, 1,300 person capacity live music-theater, originally designed by C. Howard Crane. The funds will also allow for the development of a mixed-use development with approximately 12,000 square feet of leasable space and 61 market rate apartments adjacent to the theater.
 
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation awarded the project a $750,000 loan via the Michigan Strategic Fund’s Community Revitalization Program. Other critical funding of the Woodward Garden Theater project came in the form of a HUD Section 108 loan through the City of Detroit, HUD 221 funding through financial intermediary First Housing and a variety of brownfield, federal and state historical tax credits. Federal tax credits were purchased by Symetra Life Insurance. 

Stewart, who has lived and worked in the Midtown district since the late 1950s, believes this project has been long overdue. 
 
"Restoring this block to its former glory and providing a place where people will be able to experience great music and soon live (and) work has been the least I can do to give back to a neighborhood that has meant so much to me over the years," he said. 
 
Once completed, the building will house a theater, a full service catering restaurant and a conference center allowing for diverse facility use.
 
On Monday, Woodward Gardens, LLC and MDI celebrated the final phase of the development stage with the "Woodward Garden Block Development Celebration." The event took place on the rooftop of the Woodward Gardens Parking Deck on Alexandrine.

Visit the Woodward Garden Block Development and the Woodward Garden Theater project or call 313-833-5720 for more information. 

Source: Nicole Brown, Midtown Detroit 
Writer: Leah Johnson 
 

Lowes Charitable and Educational Foundation (LCEF) and Eight Mile Boulevard Association (8MBA) recently announced a major gift in support of 8MBA’s mission to engage businesses and individuals in local community improvement and environmental projects. 
 
The Lowe’s/ Keep American Beautiful Community Improvement Grant of $20,000 to 8MBA is one of 120 merit based grants awarded nationally to support grassroots community improvement projects. These projects range from community gardens and tree plantings to litter and debris cleanups, recycling programs, park and playground restorations and beautification efforts.
 
"We are delighted to receive this grant which will allow us to continue to complete transformational projects on 8 Mile Road. As the only recipient organization of the State of Michigan, we are honored by this recognition for our work and thank our local affiliate Keep Michigan Beautiful for their endorsement,” said Tami Salisbury, Executive Director of Eight Mile Boulevard Association.
 
The grant will provide funding for the Eight Mile Boulevard Association’s revitalization process which includes the Façade Improvement Program and the Clean the D initiative. Both programs will improve the physical and economic character of the corridor.
 
Lowe’s Heroes, which is Lowe’s company-wide volunteerism effort is supporting the grant program. This initiative allows Lowe’s employees the opportunity to work on a project in their own neighborhood, helping to make their communities better places to play, work and live.
 
"Keep America Beautiful is proud of the positive impact that Eight Mile Boulevard Association’s project have, and will continue to make along Eight Mile Road," said Keep America Beautiful President and CEO Matt McKenna. "We are truly grateful to Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation for its support and leadership that is being demonstrated in community sustainability." 

Source: Tami Salisbury (8MBA) and Stacey Lentz (Lowe's Companies, Inc.) 
Writer: Leah Johnson 

Kids in the "D" can get their summer groove on at one of two music day-camps at the MSU Community Music School-Detroit. Rock Camp takes places June 18 through 22 from 1 to 5 p.m. daily, and concludes with the kids performing a rocking gig at Detroit River Days on June 23 at 11 a.m. 

The Aspiring Musicians Program (AMP) Band Camp will be held June 25 through 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, with a finale concert at CMS-Detroit on June 29 at 3 p.m. 

CMS-Detroit 's first-ever Rock Camp is led by The Outer Vibe, a five-piece alternative rock/pop band who throws an energetic party onstage with wall-of-sound guitar, dance-inducing drums and bass, and powerful lead vocals. The five band members -- Nick Hosford, Lisa Kacos, Sean Zee, Andrew Dornoff and Jeff Brems -- boast eight college degrees between them. The teen Rock Camps they established in 2009 have exploded in popularity, with budding young musicians from Detroit to the Lake Michigan shoreline lining up to soak up the group’s advice on showmanship, teamwork and marketing.
 
Rock camp is for middle and high school students, ages 12-18, who have some experience on guitar, bass, drums, keyboard or vocals. The camp coaches young musicians in instrumental technique, songwriting and performing, as well as teaches them how to create and promote their own rock bands. Tuition is $200 and financial assistance is available by application. 

The Aspiring Musicians Program (AMP) Band Camp returns to CMS-Detroit to bring together elementary and middle school age students for a harmonious adventure that includes sectionals, big band rehearsal and a Finale Concert for families and friends. 

Beginning and intermediate-level band students will work with CMS-Detroit's popular faculty and mentors, as well as study and perform with other talented students from across Southeastern Michigan. The students will receive class instruction in instrumental technique and theory, and explore music through musicianship classes. Tuition is $200 and includes lunch each day.

Tuition assistance is available for CMS-Detroit music camps. Financial aid applications must be submitted in person at 3408 Woodward Ave., and will be accepted in the order they are received. 
 
Since opening its doors three years ago, CMS-Detroit has offered music education and music therapy opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and incomes. Classes include Early Childhood music classes (for birth-3, ages 3-5 and 5-7); MSU Jazz@CMS-Detroit (for middle and high school-age students); the Aspiring Musicians Program (for elementary and middle school students); Detroit's first New Horizons Bands chapter for adults; Adult and teen group Strings, Guitar and Piano; and Music Therapy clinical services.  

For more information go here, call 313-578-9716 or send an email here.  

More than 60 feature films, television series and other digital media productions have been filmed at different locations in Downtown Detroit over the past several years. Many of these locations are featured in the recent production of the Detroit Film Locations Tour Map, put together by The Michigan Film Office. 
 
The Michigan Film Office, created in 1979,  assists and attracts incoming production companies and promotes the growth of Michigan’s own film industry.
 
"Detroit is a star in many of the projects that have shot here in Michigan, as itself and as a double for places including New York City, Paris, Boston, and Las Vegas," said Carrie Jones, director of the Michigan Film Office. "Taking this tour captures many terrific locations in a way that promotes an all-around Detroit experience."
 
The tour stops and starts at the GM Renaissance Center with 15 stops along the way including the Old Wayne County Building (showing LOL, Transformers III, Conviction), Harmonie Park (showing The Double, The Five-Year Engagement), Lafayette and American Coney Islands (showing LOL, Whip It, Detroit 1-8-7, Food Wars) and the Detroit People Mover Park Avenue Station (showing Alex Cross, The Giant Mechanical Man). 
 
The maps are available at Detroit tourism organizations including the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, D-hive, Feet on the Street Tours and Wheelhouse Detroit Bike Shop. Electronic copies are also available at Pure Michigan and Michigan Advantage. Highlighted in the maps are other notable film locations in the city not featured in the tour, as well as a number of other tour opportunities available in Detroit. 
 
"Attractions like this film tour help to reinforce the work we and our local partners are doing to promote our vibrant urban centers here in Michigan," said George Zimmermann, Vice President of Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. "Anytime we can encourage people to explore downtown Detroit it creates positive momentum for our tourism efforts here in Michigan."
 
Work has also begun on film tour maps for other areas of the state to showcase the wide range of locations used in film and television productions throughout Michigan. 
 
Source: Michelle Begnoche
Writer: Leah Johnson

Two components helped Victoria Roby found The Natural Hair Market: love of Detroit, and love of her hair. The Natural Hair Market at 204 E. Grand River in Downtown Detroit sells all natural and organic hair and body products.
 
"Naturals have more fun," Roby, a natural herself, said. "And this store is like the African American version of Bath and Body Works."
 
Store products include soaps, bath soaks, shampoo, lip balm, candles and body butter made from organic and natural ingredients such as honey and coconut oil. Much like Madame CJ Walker, an African American hair care inventor and entrepreneur, Roby mixed together different ingredients such as shea butter, peppermint oil, beeswax and vitamin E oil to create the bath soak and lip balm that adorns the shelves at her store. Eventually Roby, 25, wants to blend products for customers on the spot, making just enough for their needs.
 
Roby holds a B.S. in marketing from Wayne State University and is pursuing a Masters in marketing from Walsh College. She is a loyal Detroiter and plans to open a second location in city and to hire local people to expand her business.
 
"I could have left Detroit after graduation, but, the best thing I’ve found in Detroit is myself; and I have this personal responsibility to employ people from Detroit," she said. "I want to carry products for people to buy and feel beautiful and encouraged."
 
Store Hours: The Natural Hair Market is open Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m. -- 6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. -- 8 p.m. For more information call 313-638-2551.

Source: Victoria Roby 

Written By: Leah Johnson