Brighton-based architects The Think Shop and Detroit-based development firm The Urban Group have teamed up on an 8-unit loft development on E. Grand Boulevard at Vernor. The project will consist of two four-unit buildings connected by a courtyard.
Think Shop principal Keith Phillips says his firm's intent is "to provide quality design at a reasonable price."
The Grand Boulevard Garden Lofts will take a more modern approach than many other Detroit loft developments. They will be modularly constructed, with each panel built in a controlled environment and insulated to double that of typical new residential construction.
Another "green" element is the collection of rain water run-off in a cistern that will be used to flush toilets and provide landscape irrigation. Furthermore, the roofing material is a membrane that is impervious to water and air filtration which will help direct run-off to the cistern located between the two buildings. Phillips says that these environmentally-conscious elements will result in a slightly higher initial cost, but they should end up saving the purchasers money in the long run.
The team chose its location based on its proximity to Belle Isle, Indian Village and downtown. "It was our intent to pick up on the flavor of Belle Isle and go from there," says Phillips.
All units are 1,400-square feet. The ground-floor units will be priced starting at $175,000 and the second-floor units, which include a roof-top deck, will be start in the range of $220,000. The basic layout is 3-bedrooms, but buyers can work with Think Shop or their own designer for the best layout for their needs.
The project is NEZ-designated. All units will be pre-sold, and they hope to get underway with construction in the fall of 2007.
Source: Keith Phillips, The Think Shop and Ken Watson, The Urban Group
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