Detroit County is expanding with a multi-million dollar development with a proposed mixed-income, mixed-use development in the city of Detroit.
With a total of 50 neighborhoods, six theaters, five neighborhoods and four sports teams, the Detroit area, located between downtown and Midtown, is an ever-evolving and expanding landscape that stakeholders can’t help but fall behind to benefit both residents and and businesses in a new multi-million dollar development on tap. This two-part series looks at the project and being in Detroit. Here is part 1.
Bordered by Martin Luther King Jr., Brush Street, E. Jefferson and Trumbull — just south of the Cass Corridor — in the city, the district is at it again as the entertainment and sports district looks to expand its offerings with a $1.5 billion development of several buildings through related companies and Olympia Development of Michigan (ODM) and the City of Detroit.
Related Companies is a global real estate and lifestyle company.
The entities recently announced plans, starting with a Community Benefit Ordinance (CBO) for the proposed mixed-use development, which includes plans for new retail, affordable housing, office space and more community space at 10 sites in the county, according to press release. Housing would be a drag
695 mixed-income housing units, 20 percent of which are reserved as affordable housing at 50 percent of the area median income (AMI) and below, according to the district’s website, districtdetroit.com.
“Detroit’s future is incredibly bright, and Related is committed to harnessing DCI’s potential for inclusive economic growth,” said Andrew Kantor, president of Related Michigan, in a news release. “These projects are important pieces of the puzzle that will help create world-class spaces for the residents of this city, and we look forward to continuing to work hand-in-hand with community members to realize this shared vision.”
Detroit is the only major city with a community benefits ordinance that gives residents living in an area affected by a development a chance to have a say in the project and negotiate certain benefits. To date, the 12 completed CBO processes have benefited districts in the tens of millions of dollars beyond the initial investment in development.
The city of Detroit sent out invitations to a series of public meetings with Related and Olympia Development to 6,500 families in the catchment area of four census tracts. The City intentionally increased the size of the impact area for this project to maximize opportunities for community participation.
The CBO process marks the next phase of plans aimed at attracting and retaining talent and inclusive economic development in Detroit and across the state.
The first neighborhood meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 29 at Cass Technical High School, 2501 2nd Ave.
“These projects will build on successful developments such as Little Caesars World Headquarters, 2715 Woodward, the Eddystone Residences and numerous historic residential developments that are open or in the pipeline,” said Keith Bradford, president of Olympia Development of Michigan and The District Detroit. “The construction and operation of each project will help our state and region attract world-leading companies and talent to Detroit while maximizing economic opportunities for those already here. We look forward to working with the city and community partners to gather input, creating places and spaces that all Detroiters can enjoy.”
The proposed development includes the construction of six new buildings and the renovation and reuse adaptation of four historic buildings. The mix and types of proposed projects reflect significant initial feedback from the developer’s ongoing community engagement, including more than 250 community engagement meetings to date, which will continue through the City-led community benefits process.
Building on previously announced affiliates and ODMs a shared vision for Detroit County and Detroit Innovation Center (DCI), a world-class center for research, education and entrepreneurship.
Several parts of this phase of proposed mixed-use projects in Detroit County include:
Two newly built residential houses:
- 2250 Woodward Avenue. A proposed mixed-use development comprising residential accommodation with ground floor retail.
- 2205 Cass Avenue. The proposed residential building will be part of DCI’s multi-purpose campus.
Two historic residential buildings:
- 408 Temple Street Proposed to be redeveloped into a mixed-use building with ground floor retail and residential accommodation.
- 2210 Park Ave. It is proposed to renovate into a multi-purpose facility with retail and residential space on the first floor.
Four commercial office buildings:
- 2200 Woodward Avenue. The proposed mixed-use development includes retail and office space on the ground floor.
- 2305 Woodward Avenue or 2300 Cass Avenue. A proposed mixed use development comprising ground floor retail with office space above.
Two different locations for this structure are being considered based on feedback from potential tenants: (a) 2305 Woodward Avenue, west of Woodward Avenue, east of Park Avenue, south of I-75 and north of Montcalm Street, or (b) 2300 Cass, east of Cass Avenue, west of Clifford Street, south of I-75 and north of Montcalm Street.
“We are very excited about the next phase of development for the Detroit area and the benefits it will bring to the city. Our conversations with community members and leaders as part of our ongoing community engagement have been critical in shaping our plans, and we look forward to continuing those conversations through the CBO process,” said Ryan English Barnhill, Vice President of Government and community. at Olympia Development, Michigan.
This proposal for a transformational real estate development project in Detroit County is in addition to Olympia Development’s ongoing or recently completed retail, entertainment, office and residential developments. The list includes Cass & Henry, a proposal to renovate six residences and community spaces on one historically designated neighborhood in Detroit County, the recent restoration of the historic Eddystone Residences and Residences@150 Bagley by Bagley Development Group. Together, these projects represent 410 new homes in Detroit, 131 of which are reserved as affordable housing for residents earning 30 to 80 percent of the area median income.
The first two meetings will be held on November 29 and December 6. These first meetings will allow members of the neighborhood community to learn more about the proposed development plans and share their feedback, as well as elect community representatives to the Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC). will negotiate a community benefits agreement.
The city’s public assistance ordinance requires a minimum of seven meetings. NAC members, who must live in the affected area and be at least 18 years old, negotiate various project-specific community benefits to address anticipated impacts, such as programs that help residents participate in the economic opportunities created by the development. After the NAC and developers agree on a set of preferences and timelines, the NAC votes to approve the community preference agreement. This agreement is then submitted to the City Council for final approval.
“Developments of this quality and scale provide an incredible opportunity for Detroit residents to directly benefit, whether it’s construction training, construction employment, affordable housing, or participation in the community benefits package,” said Nicole Sherrard Freeman, who ‘is the head of the city’s jobs, economy and labor group in Detroit. “Residents who participate in this process will be able to help shape the transformation possibilities of this area in the coming years.”
“This is an exciting announcement for Detroit and an incredible opportunity for District 6 residents in the impact area to sit down and discuss the future of their district. I encourage local residents to actively participate in the upcoming CBO process and share their vision and hopes with the developers,” said Gabriela Santiago-Romero, Detroit City Council Member District 6. “Residents can also contact me at the office if they there are questions.”
Learn more at OlympiaDevelopmentMi.com and districtdetroit.com.