The
Detroit Downtown Development Authority (DDA) plans to redevelop three vintage buildings surrounding Capitol Park in downtown Detroit with the help of Karp and Associates in Lansing, Michigan. The three buildings include the Capitol Park Building, the former United Way Building, and the Farwell Building all located on Griswold.
"We are truly honored to have been awarded this redevelopment opportunity and thrilled to be part of exciting efforts to rebuild the great city of Detroit," said Richard Karp, a Detroit native and managing editor of Karp and Associates. "Our firm has more than 20 years of successful experience. We look forward to bringing our expertise and proven track record to Michigan’s largest city."
The Capitol Park redevelopment consortium includes the DDA,
Invest Detroit,
Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) the
Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority, and Wayne County. This project is expected to cost about $85 million. Karp and Associates propose to construct posh, market-rate loft apartments, with office and retail space.
Capitol Park has deep roots in Michigan History, as the States first Capitol Building was built there for much of the 19
th and 20
th centuries. During that time, there was a lively mixture of office, hotel, and retail businesses and residences.
"Capitol Park is a transformational project that will serve as the next building block for the continued revitalization of the Downtown," said David Blaszkiewicz, president of Invest Detroit. "The redevelopment of Capitol Park represents the culmination of the significant efforts of many individuals and economic development partners. Their shared vision and focus to create diversity and sustainable revitalization in the district will have a great impact on the community."
Writer: Leah Johnson
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