Development

A tech-entwined vision for the future of Detroit's Whittier corridor

Reggie Smith in Gents Barbershop on Whittier Avenue. Photo: Ian Solomon, courtesy of Smith

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

How to deal with empty space in Detroit's Gratiot-7 Mile area

A vacant two-unit flat that the Osborn Neighborhood Alliance plans to renovate by October. Photos: Annalise Frank/Axios

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.

Joe Guillen
May 15, 2023 - News

Detroit's historic Book Depository was like an "archeological find"

Interior of the restored Book Depository building

Interior of the restored Book Depository building. Photo: Brian Ferry, courtesy of Gensler

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.

Annalise Frank
May 12, 2023 - News

Detroit's G7 area waiting for overhaul of dangerous Gratiot

The Gratiot-7 Mile area identified for redevelopment under the Strategic Neighborhood Fund is bisected by Gratiot Avenue. Map: Courtesy of the city of Detroit

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.

Joe Guillen
May 11, 2023 - News

Mapped: Detroit's commercial blight lawsuits

Data: Axios Research; Chart: Axios Visuals

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:

Stone Soap development near Detroit riverfront "on hold"

The Stone Soap building at 1490 Franklin St. Photo: Annalise Frank/Axios

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.

Detroitpostcard

Get a free daily digest of the most important news in your backyard with Axios Detroit.

🌱

Support local journalism by becoming a member.

Learn more