The Observation Deck

Speaking of sensible development...

I have always preached sensible redevelopment that preserves the city's feel and flavor. But as store fronts fill on Madison and Detroit, is it time to look at another mall development?

I always thought it was counter productive to build a mall with storefronts open, but if the city is filled or filling it becomes a different story. There are some prime properties where this could happen, and be a nice fit for the city.

One area that was months away from breaking ground was a taxable development by Yates Properties on the Beck Center property. This was, I believe, the development that got everyone thinking about Beck at Crocker, Stark developing Rockway-Wayne, etc. I know that Yates had reached agreements with all the homes he needed to purchase to make it possible.

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I know Detroit is getting more places but Madison still has a fair number of empty storefronts. Some look filled as old signage still hang above them but in reality, they are dead as doornails.

Maybe those places need to get filled up before we start talking a new mall. Especially since places seem to empty out as fast as they get filled. We are losing the Collectors Warehouse (a sad day) in November and Fat Billy's is the 2nd restaurant to inhabit Angelo's old spot since they moved. I haven't taken a good look at the entire street yet, but when I drive though, Madison seems to be fairly empty.

Phil Florian wrote:I know Detroit is getting more places but Madison still has a fair number of empty storefronts. Some look filled as old signage still hang above them but in reality, they are dead as doornails.

Maybe those places need to get filled up before we start talking a new mall. Especially since places seem to empty out as fast as they get filled. We are losing the Collectors Warehouse (a sad day) in November and Fat Billy's is the 2nd restaurant to inhabit Angelo's old spot since they moved. I haven't taken a good look at the entire street yet, but when I drive though, Madison seems to be fairly empty.

Phil

Of course I agree but we have 5 new businesses on Madison and I keep hearing rumblings of more.

Yesterday a second T-Mobile store opened next to Beverage Square on Waterbury and Madison. The Coffee Pot (Best Burger for the Price) was sold to new owners that we believe will enlarge into the empty storefront next to it, the Church of Dance next to Turnstyle, a consultant of some kind, a new salon, and another clothing store to open before Christmas.

Not filled but filling.

I know of two groups that are looking to bring in galleries to the Birdtown (which for some reason is Birdville on a GPS) area, to play off the large art community that has been quietly moving in for the past 5 years.

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speaking of dead and doornails, I see that Busch funeral home has pulled up stakes. I'm just trying to imagine the sales pitch to move a business into an old funeral home.

or the question from the prospective buyer to the real estate agent: "And who used to live here?"

Stan,

Which begs the question.....how many STILL live here?