Dan Gilbert's riverfront real estate puzzle is coming together.

Why it matters: The riverfront is simultaneously among the city's most breathtaking and most underutilized assets.

• Gilbert has the resources — and now, a growing set of properties — to help maximize its potential and add to his legacy of redeveloping key parts of the city.
• Signs point toward a future comprehensive redevelopment including housing, public spaces and more.

Driving the news: His development company, Bedrock, made a key announcement earlier this month that helps fill in the riverfront picture — the acquisition of the historic Roberts Riverwalk Hotel on the city's east riverfront.

• Its footprint includes 5,500 square feet of event space, 108 hotel rooms and 126 parking spaces.

What they're saying: Bedrock chief executive Kofi Bonner tells Axios the company is "very bullish" on adding sustainable infrastructure, housing, and entertainment amenities to the riverwalk.

• "We believe that the acquisition of the former Roberts Riverwalk Resort Hotel is key to our plans to participate in the creation of a world-class, mixed-use riverfront community," Bonner says.

The big picture: The hotel purchase is part of Gilbert's "$80 million-plus spending spree" on the east riverfront, Crain's reports.

• Other acquisitions include the former UAW-GM Center for Human Resources and properties previously owned by the Stroh family.

Zoom out: A new Bedrock development plan along Cleveland's Cuyahoga River is an intriguing example of what could happen here.

• The 15-to-20 year master plan for 35 acres along Cleveland's riverfront is in partnership with the city and celebrated architect David Adjaye, with an estimated price of $3.5 billion.
• The vision emphasizes new connections between the river and downtown, with pathways for biking and improved public transit.
• "Our redevelopment strategy for the downtown Cleveland riverfront taps into the lost heritage of the city, establishing a new relationship between the urban core and the shore," Adjaye said in a statement.

What's next: Bedrock says more Detroit riverfront updates are coming next year.

Using emergency powers that get around the reaches of City Council, Mayor Mike Duggan approved a package of contracts last week to maintain transportation services for the disabled community.

Why it matters: The Federal Transit Administration warned the city that it could lose federal funding and face other consequences if paratransit services were reduced in January — the expected outcome after Council rejected a contract with Transdev, the administration's highly criticized selected provider.

• About 1,000 local riders with disabilities rely on these services daily.

What happened: Duggan approved four six-month contracts to ensure rides remain available.

• The unilateral approval mechanism is available for emergency situations, according to the city.
• Six-month costs will rise from $4.7 million under the rejected contract to $5.8 million for the new emergency contracts.

What they're saying: "I don't have any excuse for the poor performance in the past. We are completely changing the system so we're taking responsibility at DDOT for the quality of paratransit rides in the future," Duggan said last week.

Between the lines: The four transit providers under the new contracts are:

• Moe Transportation
• Big Star Transit
• Checker Cab Company
• Delray United Action Council

How it works: People with disabilities can call 313-208-7363 for a ride.

• City employees now screen calls for eligibility and handle customer service, dispatch and scheduling.

What's next: The city will start looking for a long-term paratransit service provider in January.

🗳️ Supporters of former President Donald Trump pressured the Livonia city clerk to hand over election equipment as part of an effort to obtain equipment used in Michigan's 2020 presidential election. (Detroit News)

💸 A $5 million annual subsidy for the next 17 years has been approved by lawmakers to keep the QLine streetcar free for riders. (Crain's)

👋🏽 Sam here. Walk down the flight of steps of an old Victorian in Midtown and be greeted by a thick waft of pleasant smells.

• Depending on when you're there, you're either entering a fragrance store by day (Sfumato) or a cocktail bar at night (Castalia).

The intrigue: I stopped inside the intimate space for the first time last week while walking up Second Avenue and am now excited to return with friends.

• Sfumato sells items like its natural fragrance line, essential oils and books, as well as to-go cocktails like its Cocao Manhattan, which includes rye whiskey, cacao liquor, sweet vermouth and spiced liqueur.
• Castalia bartenders use in-house tinctures to create alcoholic and nonalcoholic cocktails based on their signature fragrances, creating a unique experience.

What's more: Owner Kevin Peterson, a "scent scientist," uses his expertise to create custom unisex perfumes and colognes.

If you go: Sfumato is open from 12pm-5pm. The space transforms into Castilla from 5pm-11pm.

• 3980 Second Ave.

💼 Check out who’s hiring around the city.

1. Senior Business Analyst at Apexon.
2. Senior Sourcing Specialist at BlueCross BlueShield Association.
3. HR Generalist at SBM.

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