Development News

The managers of downtown Birmingham's Luxe Bar & Grill, which has forged itself as a comfy but high-end go-to spot for outstanding burgers, are moving on to another culinary endeavor in town.

Market, a Mediterranean-style bistro with a wood-fired oven and outdoor seating, could open by August, says John Heiney, executive director of the city's Principal Shopping District. Market will be located at 474 N. Old Woodward, across from Booth Park, at the former Root & Sprout.

Joe and Kristin Bongiovanni will own and operate the establishment, which is one of several to receive a liquor license under a loosened state law that doles out more licenses to cities trying to promote business start-ups and expansions.

The owners of Market and Luxe are also behind the restaurant chain, Salvatore Scallopini.

Heiney says visitors to downtown Birmingham will find several new restaurants this spring and summer, including many with outdoor seating and new concepts.

Source: John Heiney, executive director, Birmingham Principal Shopping Distrcit
Writer: Kim North Shine

Future plans for city streets, sidewalks and passageways in Royal Oak will be fine-tuned to both promote walking and biking and pedestrian and cyclist safety.

As the city revisits its master plan, a guiding document for growth and development, it is incorporating a non-motorized transportation plan.

It will take into a account how to build roads that are safer for pedestrians and cyclists, what amenities to add, such as bike racks, so that biking around town is easier. It will also further educate the public about alternative forms of transportation and how the interests of auto users, cyclists, and pedestrians can co-exit.

The city has hired Chicago consultant Active Transportation Alliance to come up with recommendations to be included in the master plan.

Cities are more often making accommodations for other forms of transportation part of their road construction planning process. The road to getting more consideration for cyclists and pedestrians in the planning has been long. 

One nonprofit promoting the new way of planning is Michigan Complete Streets Coalition, and it is urging cities - and residents - to prepare for changes that will have Baby Boomers walking more often, more employees wanting to live where they work and therefore walking or biking to work, and also to take into consideration a growing interest in public transportation that could mean more walking and biking stops and stations.

Source: City of Royal Oak
Writer: Kim North Shine

Growing up, Sam Yang didn't often eat food like the dishes he and his family prepare for customers at his restaurants - Bangkok Crossing in downtown Detroit and the newer Coastal Thai in downtown Wyandotte.

His daughter, Susan Yang, says her father wasn't privileged enough to sup on such exotic entrees, but "he grew up learning how to cook. It was a poor country. He ate different things, but learned about Thai cooking."

The Yang family's latest venture to share his experience and the taste of Thai is in a spot on Sycamore Street in Downtown Wyandotte.

Susan Yang says "business is steady. It's going pretty well."

The family chose the new location "because Wyandotte didn't have any Thai restaurants and we heard people wanted something different." While Bangkok Crossing on Woodward near Campus Martius in downtown Detroit draws a lunch crowd of office workers, Coastal Thai gets a dinner crowd of mostly locals.

The restaurant has created full-time employment for six, including chef, servers and owners.

Source: Susan Yang, manager, Coastal Thai, Wyandotte
Writer: Kim North Shine

Rochester Musician's Academy in downtown Rochester is expanding to keep up with local desire to strum guitar, beat a drum, play a piano, sing a song.

Some in the music education industry say TV shows like Glee, American Idol and the numerous, melodious Disney creations, are spurring the interest.

Rochester Musician's Academy, formerly J.C.'s Drum Store, moved to its 119 S. Main Street address about five years ago, and since then has added staff and students, up four instructors from one and adding more classes, lesson space and a studio. The remodel is expected to be completed in May.

The Academy calls itself the fastest growing music school in Oakland County and credits the growth to the fun classes it offers: Rock Band, Pee Wee Percussion, Steel Band Camp among them.

"We strive to be the most complete musical education in the greater Detroit area,"  onwer Joe Chila says on his website. "Our students come from as far away as Grosse Pointe on the east and Southfield on the west."

Source: Rochester Musician's Academy
Writer: Kim North Shine

A former casket-making company in Ferndale has been reincarnated into a urban-loft style office space for entrepreneurs.

The development, 360 Hilton, on Hilton near 8 1/2 Mile just off Ferndale's downtown, has been renovated into eight units, four upstairs and four downstairs. The spaces are relatively small, between 1,200 and 2,400 square feet, and ideal for small businesses, one-person operations, says Michael Ziecik, principal of the Forum Group, a Bloomfield Hills firm that is the broker and manager of 360 Hilton.

The spaces are intentionally small, ideal for small businesses, entrepreneurs working in a variety of fields. The city has been progressive in changing its zoning to allow for mixed uses such as retail, light industrial and office in the same building, Ziecik says.

"Ferndale's a destination today. That wasn't always the case. A big part of that is the city and the chamber working to make Ferndale a friendly place to do business ... They've taken traditional zoning and changed it to allow for creative uses, and we're seeing a lot more traffic," he says.

Originally the plan was to attract artists to small studios, but with Russell Industrial Center in Detroit and more recently the opening of Rust Belt Market on Woodward near 9 Mile in Ferndale, the developers marketed to small businesses, says Ziecik.

"It's great that Detroit's become a place people want to go, where things are happening," he says.

Tenants at 360 Hilton include a t-shirt designer, a fitness trainer, a spa, an internet sales company. Renovations on three of the units are ongoing and the leasing price is meant to offer amenities of a Royal Oak without the pricing of Royal Oak, Ziecik says.

The redesign has included new heating and cooling system and open-air windows that open up as well as epoxy floors, exposed ductwork "that give it a edgy urban feel," Ziecik says.

Source: Michael Ziecik, principal, Forum Group Commercial Real Estate
Writer: Kim North Shine

Hood's Do It Best, one of Wyandotte's longest operating businesses (since 1952), is taking on some very modern changes by installing solar power panels on its rooftop.

The project, part of a city and federal grant program that awards grants and other incentives to businesses and homeowners that make their property energy efficient, is expected to be completed this week, says owner John Christie.

Christie says he received a $12,000 grant that covers about a quarter of the cost of the installation of 48 panels. Cresit Energy of Wyandotte and various local contractors are working on the project.

The investment will pay for itself in about three years, Christie says, by allowing whatever energy is generated to be used at no cost to the hardware store.

Any extra power generated goes back into the city's power grid for all to use. The purpose is to relieve the demands on power providers by using alternative sources of energy.

Christie says customers are noticing the change to the store and asking about it. All Wyandotte residents and businesses are eligible for energy conservation grants for a variety of energy-conservation changes, from minor to major.

"Hopefully it spurs people on," he says, "and gets the word out."

Source: John Christie, owner, Hood's Do It Best
Writer: Kim North Shine

Downtown Ferndale is known as for a happening restaurant and bar scene, for some quirky, edgy shops... and more and more as a place for artists.

The Ferndale Downtown Development Authority wants to capitalize on that artistic spirit with a project called Artwn that will put 10 sculptures, the work of local and national artists, on display throughout downtown. ARTWN will also highlight local art already in existence throughout downtown and promote the downtown through several events, including a fundraising Progressive Party June 28 at the Rust Belt Market, a massive workplace and sell space for independent artists.

“The creative culture not only thrives in Downtown Ferndale, in many ways, it is what distinguishes us. ARTWN is a way to share that fact with the world by inviting everyone to visit the district and see art in action,” says Cristina Sheppard-Decius, executive director of the Ferndale DDA. “We are very excited to showcase our existing art assets and to add to them with some very significant work.”

Throughout the summer Third Thursday, a late night shopping program, will focus on the visual arts with special events.

There's Bicycle Night on May 17, when the DDA's first on-street bike parking rack, created by local sculptor Richard Gage will go unveiled.

On June 21, Pimp Your Pot has lcoal merchants getting creative with their outdoor planters.

On July 17, Hangin' in Ferndale will focus on art that's already hanging in Ferndale businesses.

And an Aug. 16 event, The Art of the Automobile, will be tied to the Woodward Dream Cruise.

Local businesses and organizations are sponsoring projects.

Source: Cristina Sheppard-Decius, executive director, Ferndale Downtown Development Authority
Writer: Kim North Shine

An Ohio-based steakhouse with restaurants in four states is opening its first location in Michigan, taking over the former Forte in Birmingham.

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse could be open by the end of June, says John Heiney, executive director, Birmingham Principal Shopping District. Company representatives could not be reached to confirm an opening date, but Heiney says extensive renovations are happening in the space at 201 South Old Woodward, in the heart of downtown Birmingham.

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouses are each designed to fit their location - boutique style. There are currently 12 steakhouses, most in Columbus and Cleveland and others in downtown Pittsburgh, New York and Florida.

The restaurant does steak in a variety of way and also serves fish and seafood, including a raw bar. When the Birmingham location opens, several jobs will be created. The exact number will be known closer to opening day.

Source: John Heiney, executive director, Birmingham Principal Shopping District
Writer: Kim North Shine

Dearborn city officials may be moving out of City Hall and a bunch of artists could be moving in, bringing with them a place that attracts all sorts of creative types and potentially a brighter economy.

It'll happen if Artspace, a national nonprofit that facilitates live-work-sell developments for artists around the country, and the East Dearborn Downtown Development Authority succeed in their plans to start a Deaborn Artspace.

The project has passed most of the major hurdles to make it a reality. Before renovations and eventually move-in could begin, the city has to settle on a sales price and money has to be added to the $300,000 already donated by the Kresge and Ford foundations to cover renovations and other costs.

City Hall became the likely site after the city became aware that Artspace and the East Dearborn DDA were scouting locations. City officials are ready to sell the historic City Hall and move employees into a more modern building in order to avoid costly repairs to the building.

"Artspace got really enthusiastic about the project, when they heard about City Hall," Kania says. "They've done 30 projects around the country…They've never done a city hall before."

The campus-like arrangement on a prominent spot on Michigan Avenue and the openness of the building make it a great fit for a place where artists would live, work, rehearse, and sell or present their creations. There will be room for 40-50 live-work units and about 10 residents would live there. There will also be performance areas and vendor areas.

Every discipline of art is welcomed and Kania regularly receives inquiries from artists asking when Artspace will be taking tenants. If everything goes as planned, construction should begin in the third quarter 2014 and be finished and ready to lease in 2015.

Artspace Dearborn "would animate the historic structure with a 24-hour vibrant hub of activity that will bring the block alive with festivals, events and commerce," Kania says.

Typically, Artspace attract other artists, art organizations and businesses. "One of Artspace's projects in Minnesota fostered the area as the fastest-growing residential area with an abundance of restaurants, market-rate housing and creative businesses, Kania says.

The project would create construction jobs and jobs in the creative industry, she says.

"The East Dearborn DDA and the city of Dearborn are reinventing themselves for the 21st century. The City Hall campus will have the most profound impact on downtown business and cultural activity alike. East Downtown Dearborn will be on the map for utilizing the power of the arts to its fullest potential."

Source: Melissa Kania, East Dearborn DDA administrative assistant
Writer: Kim North Shine

A prominent vacant space in Grosse Pointe's Village district is expected to be filled by What Crepe, a Royal Oak restaurant with a funky, urban, upscale vibe.

Grosse Pointe City Manager Peter Dame says the restaurant owner has signed a letter of intent with the owner of the building that faces Kercheval Avenue. Dame says the lease is expected to be signed in days.

Signs saying "What Crepe is Coming" have gone up in the windows of the space where What Crepe will fire up its pans. The space was previously Burger Pointe, which closed due to personal reasons, and locals are eager for something to move in again.

"It's a wonderful place," says Dame, who visited the Royal Oak What Crepe. What Crepe has also opened a Birmingham location "A restaurant like this brings a whole new feel to Grosse Pointe."

It comes as proposals for an Emagine movie theater, which has a theater in Royal Oak and other Detroit suburbs, and a performing arts and banquet center for the Grosse Pointe Theatre are being considered by the city. They would be located, if approved, behind the spot where What Crepe is expected to open.

Writer: Kim North Shine
Source: Peter Dame, Grosse Pointe City Manager

The Ferndale City Council has approved a liquor license for a cigar and tapas bar in downtown Ferndale.

Secret Bar & Bistro could open sometime this summer at 319 W. 9 Mile, according to city records.

It's early in the process for the 3,500-square-foot renovation that will include a special ventilation system and feature a menu of top cigars and a variety of shareable edibles called tapas. There will also be live entertainment.

Secret is one of several restaurants expected to open this spring or summer in Ferndale. Renovations on the former Le Soups spot have yet to begin.

Source: Ferndale City Hall and Ferndale Downtown Development Authority
Writer: Kim North Shine

Birmingham has a new amenity to add to its reasons to live or work in the city: free wi-fi at several city buildings and at Shain Park downtown.

Besides the park, wi-fi access for the public was connected last week at City Hall, the Department of Public Services, and at the Birmingham Ice Sports Arena.

"It was relatively inexpensive and it makes the park more usable," says Christian Wuerth, assistant to the city manager. "The city offices where there's wi-fi are places for public meetings. Internally, it helps people when they have a presentation to make."

Additionally, city boards and commissions that meet at the office will have easier, quicker access to information.

As for a lifestyle amenity, Wuerth says summer will tell if downtown employees and visitors warm up to the hot spot in Shain Park.

"If it's a nice day, it gives people the option to sit outside in the sun, in the shade, maybe have lunch, do a little work."

Source: Chrisitan Wuerth, assistant to the city manager
Writer: Kim North Shine

The last of the tanks, equipment and supplies that will be used to make barrels and barrels of beer by Rochester Mills Beer Co. at its new production facility in Auburn Hills are moving in this week.

The final move-in and finishing construction chores may even be happening as dignitaries and media come to RBMC's new production facility this Friday to see how the brewpub is preparing to sell its suds in bars, restaurants and stores. Rochester Mills Beer Co's. is planning to make the jump from microbrew to mass produced, putting its beers on menus and shelves that are increasingly being taken over by craft brews.

Initially, the new brewhouse will produce kegs to be served on draft, followed by canned beers. The kegging and canning, distributing and selling will create six to ten full-time jobs, including office staff, a controller, an accountant, marketing and sales people, says David Youngman, spokesman for Rochester Mills Beer Co.

"Our roll out plans include adding additional fermentation tanks every couple of months," Youngman says. "As we do that we'll staff up. Our initial capacity with the equipment on hand is 6,000 to 12,000 barrels of beer this year. The site itself, once filled with tanks, could hit 100,000 barrels a year. At that point we'll have 30-40 employees."

Rochester Mills Beer Co. was opened nearly 14 years ago by Mike Plesz in downtown Rochester. He started it - and its successful restaurant - after a three year run at the Royal Oak Brewery, believed to be Michigan's first brewpub in 1995.

RBMC's Cornerstone IPA, Rochester Red Ale and Milkshake Stout as well as seasonal selections made by award-winning beer masters have drawn a loyal following and folded into Plesz's "vision from the beginning to distribute craft beer statewide and beyond," Youngman says.

"This production facility was really 20 years in the making," Youngman says.

Youngman says Rochester Mills Beer Co. canned beer will be part of a growing number of beers that will be canned instead of bottled.

"We selected to go with cans because it was best for the packaged product. Two things that affect beer are light and oxygen…Think of the can as as a little keg. It's the best delivery system for craft beer. You'll see more and more high quality craft product in cans."

The new facility, at 3275 Lapeer West Road near I-75, is within view of the Palace of Auburn Hills and five miles door to door to the brewpub. The new production house is going into a renovated facility that's been home to a rockscape business, an automotive seat manufacturer and a leather bound book maker.

Inside is a "state of the art brewhouse," Youngman says.

A grand opening for the public is set for May 12 from 1-5 p.m. and will include tours and tastings.

Source: David Youngman, spokesman, Rochester Mills Beer Co.
Writer: Kim North Shine

A Motorola facility in Farmington Hills has been vacant since it closed four years ago. Soon, however,  it will be filled with the sounds of engineers and other employees researching and developing new ways for drivers to interact with automotive sound systems.

The Panasonic Automotive Systems Co. of America will hire 60 full-time employees initially, says Teri Arbenowske, economic development director for the city of Farmington Hills, and as time goes on more will be added.

The Japanese electronics company has leased 90,000 square feet of space, previously used by Motorola, in a corporate park in the 12 Mile and Halstead area. Mercedes Benz and Greenpath are located in the same corporate park. It is renovating the space, where engineers will research and develop human machine interfaces, vehicle sound systems and electronics for electric/hybrid vehicles.

"This will be work with advanced software, testing of vehicle sound systems. The exciting thing about this is the number of jobs and the type of jobs," Arbenowske says.

The state awarded Panasonic a $500,000 Business Development Program incentive to expand its Southeast Michigan operations, according to the Michigan Economic Development Corp. It says the company is investing $8.16 million to establish the research and development center. The city is has also approved tax abatements for the project.

"They're looking for high tech jobs, skilled engineers," Arbenowske says. "That's what we really need in Michigan, is to bring more engineers in to develop new products…A lot of our grads leave Michigan and we need companies that can keep that talent here."

Mayor Barry Brickner shared his excitement over the company's arrival in a statement: "Farmington Hills is thrilled to welcome Panasonic Automotive Systems of America to our City. Panasonic will provide jobs and will create excitement and growth in the business community.”

Source: Teri Arbenowske, economic develop director, city of Farmington Hills
Writer: Kim North Shine

New sidewalks, street lamps, benches, bike racks, planters, median landscaping and other improvements are done and on display on Fort Street in Lincoln Park.

The four-block area near Southfield Road is designated as Lincoln Park's downtown and the approximate $1 million streetscape is seen as a way to attract businesses and customers by making the corridor appealing to the eye for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers alike.

Grants from the Michigan Department of Transportation and DTE Energy are covering most of the project cost, which also includes improvements as major as roadway changes and parking lots and as simple as garbage cans, recycling bins. The city's Downtown Development Authority has invested about $250,000 in the streetscape and other improvements, including energy efficient lighting that will save the city tax dollars.

The new streetscape is combined with other economic development projects, including a cooperative effort with neighboring communities to make roads and sidewalks more attractive and walkable and to advertise the cities' connection to I-94 and the Detroit River. Another project has the state assigning extra liquor licenses to Lincoln Park with the goal of attracting restaurants and bars.

Source: Lincoln Park Downtown Development Authority
Writer: Kim North Shine