Development

Technology is a uniting force behind east side corridor revitalization goals along Whittier Avenue.

• This is the fourth story in our series on the Gratiot-7 Mile (G7) area, the last of the city's 10 targeted Strategic Neighborhood Fund (SNF) districts.

Vacancy — be it homes or empty land — is a major obstacle that residents and the city continue to grapple with in Detroit's Gratiot-7 Mile sector.

• This is the third story in our series on G7, the last of the city's 10 targeted Strategic Neighborhood Fund (SNF) districts.

Architects behind the historic Book Depository's recent restoration used its past as a post office to inspire its transformation.

Why it matters: The redesign — part of Ford's Michigan Central campus in Corktown — is an example of Detroit's fairly unique challenge of respectfully resurrecting massive iconic structures that have significantly deteriorated over several decades for the modern era.

A long-needed overhaul could be on the horizon for Gratiot Avenue's 9-mile stretch in Detroit.

Why it matters: The wide and dangerous thoroughfare is a big hurdle to redevelopment around Gratiot-7 Mile, where its two miles make up a major commercial corridor. Residents there subject to disinvestment for years are calling for slowing down traffic and addressing blight along the road.

The city's campaign against blighted commercial property targets all kinds of unused buildings: an old shopping center, an abandoned hospital, a theater, a church.

Here's what we know about the properties involved in city nuisance abatement lawsuits, 10 of which have been filed this year:

A crumbling industrial building by the east riverfront is among a long list of developments that were announced with fanfare but haven't materialized so far.

State of play: Developer Banyan Investments was chosen almost six years ago to renovate the more than century-old Stone Soap building for $27 million. Plans called for apartments, condos, retail and rooftop gardens.