Detroit Good News Archives

Detroit’s Highest Rooftop and Extended Stay Hotel Brings New Life To Old Metropolitan Building

2019/05/16 By The Editor Leave a Comment

Detroit Rock City has no intention of slowing its roll with the influx of bars and restaurants coming to the city this year. As another addition to the lineup of rooftop bars already in the city, Monarch Club sits 14-stories high on top of the Metropolitan Building – making it the tallest rooftop bar in Detroit.

In the past year, the 93-year-old Metropolitan Building has gone under a $34 million-dollar redevelopment after being vacant for almost 4 decades. The penthouse floor, now housing the Monarch Club, presents 3 open terraces with different orientations of the city and fireplaces, several lounge rooms, and an indoor bar.

The newly restored castle and 20’s social club inspired rooftop bar serves artisan cocktails with a menu of small plates brought to the public by Hell’s Kitchen competitor Chef Jared Bobkin. Also on the daily operational team are members from well-known Detroit establishments such as Grey Ghost and Roast.

Though the location serves up small eats, their focus is still primarily set on the bar’s classic drink list. With options like burnt end poutine and BBQ Brisket Sliders complementing well known drinks such as Old Fashions, Gin Martinis, and French 75s, the establishment hopes to stay true to the 20’s storied city clubs that used to litter the city of Detroit.

The Monarch Club is currently open 7 nights a week from 4 PM until midnight and has available seating up to 150 (80 indoors, 70 indoors).

Joining the Monarch Bar at 33 John R Street is another Detroit first. Extended stay hotel, the Element Hotel, can be found directly below the establishment with approximately 110 rooms for short and long stays.

Equipped with a small kitchen, laundry capabilities, and oversized closet space, the new hotel allures patrons looking at a comfortable space during extended visits. In addition to their homey guest rooms, the Element Hotel has plans for a shared space in a cluster of rooms that promotes communal interaction. Hoping to be an open place where people gather to cook or work, every 4 rooms will have one designated area to share.

10 Forbes List Billionaires That Still Reside In Metro Detroit

2019/03/06 By Victoria Tsai Leave a Comment

Forbes has released their most recent list of billionaires in the world at 2,153 individuals, shorting of 55 members from last year, with the largest decline stemming from the Asia-Pacific. Upon the list of billionaires, over 20 individuals included have originated from Michigan. Out of the 20 that have made it onto the Forbes list this year, over 10 individuals still reside in metro Detroit homes.

#233- Dan Gilbert (Franklin)

No surprise here, Dan Gilbert sits high on the Forbes list at $6.7 billion dollars. Gilbert, known for bringing his company Quicken Loans back to Detroit, is also heavily involved as a forefront in the renovation of Detroit.

#298 Ronda Stryker (Portage)

Director of medical equipment firm, Stryker Corp, Ronda Stryker is currently the only one on our list based out of the surrounding metro Detroit area and a little bit farther west. Coming in at #298 with $5.8 billion dollars, Stryker donated $100 million dollars to create a new Homer Stryker medical school at Western Michigan University to honor her grandfather and founder of the company in 2011.

#478 Marian Ilitch (Bingham Farms)

A familiar name to metro Detroit households, Marian Ilitch now holds the #478 spot at $4.1 billion dollars. The Ilitch family is well known for their development of the sports and entertainment district in areas circulating the Little Caesars Arena. Besides from owning the Little Caesars Pizza franchise, Ilitch also owns the Detroit Red Wings and MotorCity Casino.

#504 Tom Gores (Beverly Hills)

Sitting at #504 with a net woth of $4 billion dollars, Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores over sees 25 companies through his private equity firm, Platinum Equity LLC. After becoming the sole owner of the Pistons in 2015, Gores when on to launch a $25 million dollar program called FlintNow that provides immediate relief efforts during the water crisis.

#1008 William Young (Ypsilanti)

CEO of Plymouth-based plastic containers, Plastipak Packing, takes the #1008 position with $2.3 billion dollars. William P. Young owns companies such as Absopure Water Co. and holds a majority stake to Beatrice Foods Co.

#1057 Alec Gores (Beverly Hills)

Older brother of Tom Gores, Alec Gores is the founder of the Gores Group. Coming in at #1057, Alec Gores founded tech firm Executive Business System and used his proceeds to launch his private equity career.

#1281 Manuel Moroun (Grosse Pointe Shores)

Owner of the Detroit Ambassador Bridge, Manuel Moroun sits at #1281 with a net worth of 1.8 billion dollars. Besides from owning the bridge that closes the gap between the USA and Canada, the mogul also spends his time as CEO of his holding company, CenTra Inc.

#1511 Roger Penske (Birmingham)

Race car driver turned chairman of Penske Corp., Roger Penske now hold the #1511 spot with $1.5 billion dollars. After retiring from racing himself, Penske went on to create one of the most successful teams in Indy Car Series and well as NASCAR. Besides working diligently with Penske Corp., the founder and chair main is also a corporate director at General Electric.

#1605 Martha Ford (Grosse Pointe Shores)

A common household name at #1605, Martha Ford inherited the position for Ford Motor Co and Detroit Lions after the passing of her husband William C. Ford. Coming from an influential family herself, Ford comes from the family who founded Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. and is said to have a net worth of $1.4 billion dollars.

#1717 Donald Foss (Farmington Hills)

Lastly, Donald Foss stands at #1717 with $1.3 billion dollars after creating a loan program that helps dealers and customers with little or no credit purchase cars. The founder and former chairman of Credit Acceptance Corp. has since retired in 2017.

Fiat Chrysler Set To Bring 6,500 Jobs To Detroit

2019/03/01 By Victoria Tsai Leave a Comment

On Tuesday, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) announced their plans to move forward with a 4.5-billion-dollar plan to bring Jeep’s newest auto production plant to Detroit. The new Jeep focused plant is set to take over the Mack Avenue Engine factory, and intends to begin production on the new, three-row, full-sized SUV as well as plug-in electric hybrid models.

The new assembly plant will be the first to open in the Detroit area since 1991 with plans to increase workforce by approximately 6,500 jobs. Motor City, once home to over a dozen production plants, has felt the heavy impact of decline with unemployment rates reaching up to 29% in the past 10 years. The FCA believes that with the arrival of the next generation Jeep models, average workforce will double with the average wage reaching up to $58,000 a year.

The 4.5-million-dollar plan, set to launch in late 2019, has also invested of 4 other Michigan plant locations. Besides the expansion of building the new location with 3,850 new jobs, Chrysler is expected to add another 1,100 jobs at the current Jefferson North Assembly plan and 1,500 new jobs at neighboring facilities in Warren.

The first component of FCA’s new plan consists of proving 1.6 billion to convert the Mack Avenue Engine assembly site before making a 900 million upgrade to their Jefferson North Assembly Plant to support the production of Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango in late 2020.

To support additional production, the FCA has also confirmed their 1.5-billion-dollar plan in early 2021 to regenerate their Warren truck plant (known for the production of Ram 1500) and investments of $245 million and $160 million to their stamping plants in Warren and Sterling Heights, adding approximately 80 more positions to their roster.

Potenital Lee Plaza Renovations Set For 2019

2019/02/21 By Victoria Tsai Leave a Comment

After seeking for new development proposals last year, the abandoned Lee Plaza Hotel has been teased with a multitude of building plans that toyed with ideas of a remodel. The eyesore of a building, vacant since 1997, is now front and center for potential redevelopment plans that will cost roughly around $50 million dollars due to the significant amount of deterioration over the last two decades.

The Roxbury Group, a veteran in restoring historic buildings such as the David Whitney Building, is currently first in line with plans for redevelopment with help from Ethos Development partners. The $350,000, 15 story apartment building located on West Grand Boulevard is rumored to receive 180 new residential units with 50% of the units readily available for lower income families.

The city of Detroit hasn’t made this undertaking an easy one either. Due to its historic nature, opening its doors in 1928, was registered as such in 1981. Over the course of the year, city council has already rejected three bids as a consequence of major reestablishment required for completion. Hoping to preserve the historic nature of the building, the desecrated location is receiving stabilization relief in anticipation of a prospective project. As to date, the property is currently receiving plexiglass window boarding and a detailed removal of asbestos and lead.

Monroe Blocks Breaks Ground

2018/12/14 By Jared Hoffman Leave a Comment

Dan Gilbert’s long-awaited Monroe Blocks project in downtown Detroit broke ground on Thursday. The project spans a two-block area between Cadillac Square, Monroe Street, Randolph Street, and Bates Street and will include a 35-story office building, around 500 residential units, and 117,000 square feet of retail space. Currently, one block contains a parking lot and the Cadillac Tower, while the other block is comprised of a large vacant lot, the old National Theatre, a temporary skatepark created in part by Tony Hawk, and another building.

Rendering of the 35-story office building on Block A of the Monroe Blocks project. Courtesy of Bedrock Detroit.

Bedrock Detroit is investing over $800 million into Monroe Blocks and estimates that the project will support over a thousand construction-related jobs. Construction will be separated into two phases, each centered around a public space totalling more than an acre of open space combined. Construction is expected to be complete in 2022, the same year the Hudson’s site construction is supposed to be finished.

Phase 1

The first phase of construction, known as Block A, broke ground today. Block A is the block adjacent to Campus Martius and will contain the 35-story office tower as well as “a 17-story, 148-unit residential building and a total of 66,000 square feet of retail space.” The office building will be Detroit’s first WELL Certified building, based on how it impacts “human health and wellbeing, through air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind.”

Phase 2

The second phase, or Block B, will contain more residential buildings, but final designs are still in the works. The facade of the National Theatre will be preserved and made into a pedestrian archway on Farmer Street.

Rendering of Monroe Blocks courtyard. Courtesy of Bedrock Detroit.

Bedrock’s press release also mentions the other three large projects that Gilbert’s real estate arm is currently working on. The projects, totalling $2.1 billion in investment, include the Hudson’s site, which will be Michigan’s tallest building, the restoration of the historic Book Building and Tower, and the 310,000 square-foot addition to One Campus Martius.

Courtesy of Bedrock Detroit.

Remove Downtown Detroit Freeways?

2018/12/13 By Jared Hoffman Leave a Comment

Freeways connect communities and are responsible for historic urban expansion and economic growth. They make it possible for an executive to work downtown and make it back to their suburb fifty miles away in time for dinner. They also split and destroyed neighborhoods and contributed to white flight and sprawling suburbs.These days, urban freeways might be more of a burden than a help. Cities across the world and country are removing inner-city freeways due to high maintenance costs and new developments in urban planning.

Black lines indicate freeways that will remain under this proposition. Blue lines indicate the 7 minute drive on Michigan Ave. from I-96 to Downtown and the 9 minute drive on Woodward Ave. from I-94.

Another crazy idea. It won’t be easy, and it won’t be cheap, but for a moment let’s consider removing all Detroit freeways surrounding Downtown and Midtown east of I-96 and south of I-94. The city is already in the works to remove I-375, so why not more? Downtown, Corktown, and Midtown are arguably the hottest neighborhoods in a quickly rebounding city, but they’re completely cut off by freeways. If you’ve ever walked from Corktown to Downtown on Michigan Avenue, you know what I’m talking about.

Blocks and blocks of packed bars and trendy restaurants give way to concrete and semi-truck exhaust as you walk over The Lodge freeway. Corktown and Downtown both taper off as they reach The Lodge, but imagine how three new blocks of Michigan Avenue in place of the freeway could transform both neighborhoods.

Imagine how much stronger the border between Downtown and Midtown could be with the removal of I-75 east of I-96. Removing the inner ring freeways would also reconnect Corktown and North Corktown and Woodbridge and Midtown.

Decreased Congestion

Some car-lovers are already bemoaning the loss of their speedy getaway to the suburbs after Red Wings and Tigers games, but do some research on Induced Demand and Reduced Demand and how they relate to freeways, and you might be surprised to learn that removing these freeways actually eases congestion and decreases drive time. And in any case, driving to Campus Martius from I-96 only takes seven minutes on Michigan Avenue, and it only takes 9 minutes to drive to Campus Martius from I-94 on Woodward Avenue. Seattle, Portland, and Milwaukee are just a few of the American cities that have removed freeways in favor of more unified city centers. Let’s at least consider starting the conversation in Detroit.

Mixed-Use Development Coming to Midtown Lot

2018/11/27 By Jared Hoffman Leave a Comment

The lot slated for development at 3750 Woodward Avenue in Midtown Detroit.

A 3.78-acre lot just north of the Whole Foods in Midtown Detroit reportedly sold in September to a limited-liability company registered to Mohammad Qaz, CEO of Southfield-based Ciena Healthcare Management Inc. Crain’s Detroit reported this morning that the site sold for $15 million, or $3.97 million per acre. Ciena Healthcare operates and maintains 45 nursing facilities and rehab centers in Michigan, but it appears that the Midtown purchase will not necessarily contain a healthcare element.

During a Crain’s phone call with Qaz, the CEO stated that the development will “be one of the most exciting projects to take place in Detroit. It’s going to be a mixed-use development, upscale.” Not much more is known about the plans for the lot at 3750 Woodward Avenue, but more information is expected in the next few months along with a spring groundbreaking.

Grand Rapid’s Rockford Construction will be leading the development, and the team has already started preliminary work on the Midtown site. Shane Napper, the president of Rockford Construction, told Crain’s that the development will “meet several market needs in the community.”

The area surrounding the lot speaks to the city of Detroit’s more recent revival, especially in the Midtown district. The Plaza, formerly known as the Hammer and Nail Building, has undergone a $24 million redevelopment and now houses 72 apartments and 2,000 square feet of retail just north of the lot. Big developments are still in the works a block south, including the West Elm Hotel, the South of Mack Avenue (SOMA) project, and the Woodward @ Midtown mixed-use project.

Detroit’s 2018 Thanksgiving Day Parade

2018/11/15 By Jared Hoffman Leave a Comment

Grand Marshall Big Sean at last year’s parade. Courtesy of Click on Detroit.

The 2018 edition of America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Art Van is hitting Woodward Avenue on Thanksgiving Day. Huge balloons, colorful floats, and marching bands will make up the meat of the parade, with special guests and celebrities making appearances throughout the celebration as well. This year will be the 92nd year of the parade, and CBS sportscaster Jim Nantz will be the Grand Marshall.

Last year, Detroit’s Thanksgiving Parade was voted the best Thanksgiving parade in the nation in a USA Today poll and the second best overall holiday parade in the country. The Grand Marshall in the 2017 parade was rapper Big Sean. The Detroit parade is also in the running for this year’s USA Today parade poll.

History

America’s Thanksgiving Parade has a long and storied history. Beginning in 1924, the parade is tied for second oldest Thanksgiving parade in the country along with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. The oldest Thanksgiving parade in the nation began four years earlier in Philadelphia and is now known as the 6abc Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Parade route. Courtesy of The Parade Company Detroit.

Route and Coverage

The procession kicks off from Midtown at 8:45 am. If you’re brave enough to endure the cold, the parade route starts at the intersection of Kirby and Woodward Avenue, just north of Warren Avenue by Wayne State of University. The route heads south through Midtown and Downtown before finally ending at Congress and Woodward Avenue. The TV zone is located just north of Campus Martius.

Not willing to step outside in freezing temperatures? The parade will air on WDIV-TV (Channel 4) in Metro Detroit from 10 am to noon and will also be broadcast in more than 190 cities across the US. Radio coverage begins at 6 am on News/Talk 760 WJR with A Prelude to The Parade hosted by Paul W. Smith and wraps up at 9:30 am. Live coverage of the parade runs from 1 am to noon on WOMC – 104.3.

Best Bars in Detroit – Part 4 – Wine

2018/11/08 By Jared Hoffman Leave a Comment

Detroit boasts one of Esquire’s “Best Bars in America 2018,” a couple dozen breweries and beer houses, barcades, distilleries, underground speakeasies, tiki bars, and alley bars. What does this mean for Detroiters and visitors? No shortage of drinking establishments to visit after a hard day of work, before a show, or during a weekend of sports. Check out our favorite wine bars in the Motor City below, and read the other parts of our series on the best cocktail, beer, and entertainment spots in the city.

The Royce Detroit. Courtesy of WineCountry Media.

Motor City Wine Corktown 1949 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216

Located right down the street from Slows Bar BQ, Motor City Wine has a sizeable wine menu in addition to charcuterie boards. It also doubles as a wine shop, carrying a massive selection of bottles which can be purchased and even drank on site. Not a wine connoisseur but forced to tag along with a friend or spouse? Don’t fear! A few beers and cocktails are also available for consumption.

Vertical Wine Bar Downtown 1538 Centre St, Detroit, MI 48226

Located in the Historic Ashley Building, Vertical Wine Bar offers dozens of sparking, red, and white wines by the glass, as well as a bevy of tasting flights. An extensive menu includes cocktails, beer, small plates, fries, foie gras, and crème brûlèe, and while some menu items are a bit pricey, the happy hour is not to be missed.

The Royce Detroit Downtown 76 W Adams Ave, Detroit, MI 48226

This Spanish style wine bar has dozens of different brands for you to try by the glass. In addition to the substantially large selection, the bar also serves charcuterie and cheese to help you fully appreciate the full bourgeois experience. The Royce also offers classic cocktails like negronis, NY Sours, and Martiniques.

Brix Wine & Charcuterie Boutique East Jefferson 7968 Kercheval Ave, Detroit, MI 48214

This chic bar in a former bank offers exactly as its name suggests: wine and charcuterie boards. The East Jefferson location is actually in the process of moving to New Center, but the management team expects to release more news in early January.

Don’t forget to check out Parts 1, 2, and 3 of this series, highlighting our favorite cocktail, beer, and entertainment bars in the city of Detroit.

Best Bars in Detroit – Part 3 – Entertainment

2018/10/29 By Jared Hoffman Leave a Comment

Feather bowling in progress at Cadieux Cafe. Courtesy of ESPN.

Detroit boasts one of Esquire’s “Best Bars in America 2018,” a couple dozen breweries and beer houses, barcades, distilleries, underground speakeasies, tiki bars, and alley bars. What does this mean for Detroiters and visitors? There’s no shortage of drinking establishments to visit after a hard day of work, before a show, or during a weekend of sports. Check out our favorite bars for a night of entertainment in Detroit below, and read Part 1 and Part 2 of our series on the best cocktail and beer spots in the city.

Cadieux Cafe East Side 4300 Cadieux Rd, Detroit, MI 48224

This East English Village institution has been serving the city’s Belgian population for over a century. A bastion of feather bowling in the United States and a speakeasy during the prohibition, Cadieux Cafe is still pumping out mussels, fries with mayo, European beers, and live music until 2am most nights. If that’s not appealing enough, comedian and actor Keegan-Michael Key, of “Key & Peele,” counts it as one of his favorite spots in the city.

Punch Bowl Social Detroit Downtown 1331 Broadway St, Detroit, MI 48226

Private karaoke rooms, bowling alleys, arcade games, billiards, ping pong, foosball, board games, and giant jenga are just a few of the entertainment options at your disposal at Punch Bowl Social. A full food menu compliments a diverse drink sheet, including alcoholic milkshakes and shareable punch bowls.

POP + Offworld Arcade Downtown 128 Cadillac Square, Detroit, MI 48226

A former pop-up arcade, Offworld Arcade now has a permanent location on the second floor of the Checker Bar. Pizza, full service bar, and more than 30 quarter-operated arcade games.

Foosball table at Fluxx Deluxx. Courtesy of Arrested Motion.

Ready Player One Bricktown 407 E Fort St, Detroit, MI 48226

Another barcade downtown, Ready Player One offers more than 40 arcade games running on tokens distributed with each drink and food item purchased. Rock ‘n’ Rye chicken wings, meatloaf sliders, and video game inspired cocktails.

Deluxx Fluxx Downtown 1274 Library St, Detroit, MI 48226

Blacklights illuminate hundreds of colorful posters plastering the walls of the underground bar featuring custom arcade games and 20 cocktails on tap. Entertainment options at Deluxx Fluxx include DJs, burlesque performances, karaoke, live bands, and bingo.

Baker’s Keyboard Lounge Green Acres 20510 Livernois Ave, Detroit, MI 48221

Baker’s began in 1933 as a restaurant, but became known throughout the decades as one of the hippest jazz bars in the country. Dave Brubeck, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, Woody Herman, and Nat King Cole have all graced the stage at some point, and live performances and great drinks are still in supply today.

Check back for Part 4 about the best wine bars in the city, and don’t forget to read Part 1 and Part 2 about cocktail and beer locales in the city.