Development News

$8M Midtown Loop greenway project to break ground April 15

Model D Thursday, April 15, 2010

Transportation options are multiplying in Detroit's Midtown neighborhood now that construction on the Midtown Loop greenway has begun, allowing the emerging community to establish itself as the Motor City's most dynamic neighborhood.

Excerpt:

After seven long years developing plans, raising funds and negotiating easements, University Cultural Center Association (UCCA) is poised to break ground on the Midtown Loop greenway on April 15. The first phase, which runs .85 miles along Kirby between Cass and John R and then south along John R to Canfield, will be complete by October of this year. This fall, a short stretch of the mixed-use path that runs along Canfield between John R and Cass will begin construction and finally, the "loop" will be completed heading north along Cass back to Kirby in the summer of 2011.

Sue Mosey, president of UCCA, says the first phase links together several institutions, which will help generate users right off the bat. The path will link Wayne State University, Detroit Public Library Main Branch, Detroit Historical Society, Detroit Institute of Arts, College for Creative Studies, Detroit Science Center and Detroit Medical Center. "There are enough attractions, enough going on, for people to have an experience, which will encourage people to use it," she says.

Read the rest of the story here.

New plans surface for Chelsea's historic livery buildings

Concentrate Thursday, April 15, 2010

Local residents are rallying around the historic-yet-endangered Chelsea Livery buildings, developing some innovative adaptive reuse plans that call for a diverse set of mixed uses.

Excerpt:

A new plan for renovating the historic livery buildings in downtown Chelsea has surfaced, thanks to the friends group working to preserve the vacant structures.

Downtown Chelsea-based Dangerous Architects has put forward a plan that would turn the livery's three buildings into a mixed-use development complete with space for retail, restaurants, and residential. It was the only submission for the the city's request for proposals for the building. The Chelsea Downtown Development Authority, which had once planned to raze the livery, will entertain the proposal on Thursday.

"The three main buildings are historic," says Scott McElrath, president of Dangerous Architects. "The structures and their foundations are strong. There is no reason to take them down."

Read the rest of the story here.

Downtown Ann Arbor's Sudworth Building fills up

Concentrate Thursday, April 15, 2010

Well, that didn't take long. By that we mean leasing out the newly renovated Sudworth Building in downtown Ann Arbor, and, by long we mean a few months.

Excerpt:

One of the few, mostly vacant old buildings in downtown Ann Arbor is now one of the many full, renovated structures. The Sudworth Building has signed another tenant.

The development team called 2mission Design and Development started renovating the 3-story building at 205 E Washington two years ago. It spent $3 million to turn the old home of a mostly vacant Buddhist Temple to into a mixed-use structure housing a microbrewery and a couple of new economy-oriented start-ups.

"We were pleased with how quickly we were able to fill it up," says Greg Lobdell, a partner with 2mission Design and Development.

Read the rest of the story here.

Plymouth looks at geothermal for Cultural Center

metromode Thursday, April 08, 2010

Plymouth is expecting significant cost savings through implementing a big-ticket green item in one of its facilities.

The city is considering switching its heating and cooling system from natural gas to geothermal at its Cultural Center. The facility houses an ice rink, meeting rooms, banquet rooms, and its recreation department offices.

It would cost about $1 million to remove the existing mechanisms and install the geothermal units. Geothermal is seen as the top-of-the-line energy efficient heating and cooling system. The city expects to make its investment back within 8-12 years and then enjoy significant savings after that.

"The energy savings is what does it for us," says Paul Sincock, city manager for Plymouth.

The circa-1972 building at 525 Farmer Road is served by a boiler that runs on natural gas and electricity for heating. It also uses three 100-ton compressors for the refrigeration system to keep the ice sink cool.

The city expects to make a decision on the project by April 19.

Source: Paul Sincock, city manager for Plymouth
Writer: Jon Zemke

MDOT goes sustainable with I-696 retaining wall

metromode Thursday, April 08, 2010

The long, grey concrete walls along the expressway might not look like instruments of sustainability, but the Michigan Dept of Transportation will be changing more natural slopes into retaining walls in Metro Detroit's below-grade expressways.

MDOT is spending $9 million in federal stimulus funds to build a new retaining wall along I-696 between I-75 and Gratiot Avenue in Oakland and Macomb counties this spring. The idea is to prevent erosion, cut down on maintenance costs, and absorb more water runoff.

"We have erosion problems from mowing very steep slopes on the depressed freeways," says Nanette Alton, a registered landscape architect with MDOT. She adds that mowing these embankments creates deep ruts, not to mention even more carbon emissions from the mower.

Those ruts cause erosion during heavy rain storms. Topsoil washes into storm sewers, clogging them, and eventually making its way into the Great Lakes. That creates even more bad environmental spin-off effects.

"What we're trying to do is reforest the slope so we don't have to mow it anymore," Alton says. "That saves us a lot in maintenance costs."

After the walls are in, MDOT will fill the new, smaller green space with specially selected landscaping and organic compost. The compost absorbs several times its weight in water, preventing erosion and giving the 55,000 new plants time to take root.

The plants are a combination of native and invasive species. The best plants can not only survive the harsh conditions of living next to a freeway, but also block noise pollution.

"We need the most vigorous, hearty plants that we can find," Alton says.

Work is expect to wrap up in the fall of 2011.

Source: Nanette Alton, a registered landscape architect with Michigan Dept of Transportation
Writer: Jon Zemke

DTE Energy looks for participants for SolarCurrents program

metromode Thursday, April 08, 2010

Solar power might not seem like the obvious alternative energy play in precipitation-happy Michigan, but it's one DTE Energy is going for with its SolarCurrents program.

The Detroit-based utility is looking for businesses and educational institutions with large rooftops or ground area to host solar energy installations. The idea is to help DTE meet Michigan's new Renewable Portfolio Standard while lowering energy bills.

"We do realize that solar might not be economically viable today in Michigan, but it may become so in the future," says Irene Dimitry, director of renewable energy for DTE. "There are reasons we are investing solar."

She adds that the costs of solar have been dropping recently thanks to a combination of increased competition, rising economies of scale, and a reduction in the price of materials. Dimitry also points out that Germany generates 3.5 percent of its energy from solar, and that country is not as solar friendly as Michigan.

"They are frequently referred to as one of the success stories," Dimitry says.

DTE hopes to harness photovoltaic systems on customer rooftops or property so it can generate 15 megawatts of renewable energy in Southeast Michigan over the next five years. It plans to invest $100 million in the program.

SolarCurrents requires customers to participate for 20 years. The solar energy systems will be owned, installed, operated, and maintained by the utility. In return, customers will get an annual credit on their energy bill based on the system size, as well as a one-time, upfront construction payment to cover any inconvenience during installation.

DTE is accepting applications until April 29. Interested participants should own a facility with 15,000 square feet of unobstructed roof in good condition or a similarly sized area on the ground.

So far 150 applications have been received. Of those, 80 percent have been from residential properties.

Source: Irene Dimitry, director of renewable energy for DTE Energy
Writer: Jon Zemke

Progress Report: Windows, insulation, heating and cooling up next at Green Garage

Model D Thursday, April 08, 2010

The Green Garage is blooming in Detroit's Midtown neighborhood. The old Model T showroom is getting ready to become a showplace for new sustainability-oriented businesses.

Excerpt:

The last time Model D covered the Green Garage, back in December 2009, owners Peggy and Tom Brennan were chugging along with their project, transforming a 1920 building that once served as a Model T showroom into a business incubator and green building model. Earth tubes and water cisterns were installed, most of the ceiling removed to showcase the building's bow tresses, and a three-season room was added to the front of the building. They've since installed a Duro-Last roof and cleaned the interior and exterior brick and woodwork using a non-toxic process of walnut shell-blasting. The interior wood has been coated with low-VOC Defy.

The project is currently going through the brownfield approval process and design is being "taken to the next level of sustainable detail," says Tom. "Our design is solid, but not detailed enough for someone to pound a nail." This process is complicated by the level of efficiency they are working to attain. For example, windows will allow 0.1 air infiltration, be rated 45 R, achieve zero-waste, and will last 100 years.

Read the rest of the story here.

New $14M Royal Oak cinema has green gusto

metromode Thursday, April 01, 2010

Emagine Entertainment is lining all of its financial ducks in neat rows as it gets funding to build a new movie theater in downtown Royal Oak.

Right now the Plymouth-based firm is planning to begin construction this summer. It's also making design tweaks for LEED certification and incorporating big green features like solar panels.

"We're going to build a very green entertainment complex," says Paul Glantz, founder and chairman of Emagine Entertainment. "I think it will be well received in the marketplace. Folks will value that in Royal Oak."

Emagine is also putting the final touches on an application for brownfield tax credits from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. Glantz plans to pair that with a Small Business Administration loan and some traditional financing to make the deal work.

Glantz expects the tax credits, which the Royal Oak Downtown Development Authority supports, to be approved within the next few weeks. He hopes to have the construction cash in hand shortly afterward so he can break ground in June or July. That's key so he can kick construction into full gear before the extra costs of winter construction come into play.

"We're trying to get the building closed before the weather hits," Glantz says.

Emagine Entertainment plans to build a 10-screen movie theater complete with food, alcohol, and bowling options. The new complex will go on the parking lot on 11 Mile Road just east of Main Street behind the Main Art Theatre.

The plans call for a two-story, 73,000-square-foot brick and limestone clad building that will resemble its theaters in Novi and Canton. It will show first-run movies and is not expected to provide direct competition with an indie-and-foreign movie house like the Main Art Theatre.

The new cinema's entrance will face the back of the Main Art Theatre, while the section facing 11 Mile will have windows similar to a traditional storefront but will otherwise be an inactive space. Traffic will be routed off of 11 Mile around the theater and then out onto Troy Street.

The $14 million project will house 1,680 seats and 16 lanes of bowling. There will also be a private party area/meeting room on a second-floor mezzanine level over the main entrance. The theater is expected to create 40 new full-time jobs and another 60 part-time positions.

Source: Paul Glantz, founder and chairman of Emagine Entertainment
Writer: Jon Zemke

Auburn Hills sets sustainable example; green roof on police dept

metromode Thursday, April 01, 2010

Auburn Hills city leaders are making the effort to talk the sustainability talk and walk a greener walk.

The city has incorporated a number of environmentally friendly features in its facilities as a way of showing potential investors that green building has plenty of benefits. That has led to a number of privately funded sustainable-oriented projects that wouldn't have necessarily been, such as Metro Detroit's first LEED certified dental office.

"We're really surprised that a lot of developers and engineers are not aware of them," says Pete Auger, city manager for Auburn Hills.

Storm water management is one of the principal green features on Auburn Hills' municipal campus. The 57-acre parcel has seven rain gardens, a couple of filtration ditches, and a bioswell, all of which absorb large amounts of water. The Auburn Hills Police Dept's shooting range also has a green roof to soak up the rain water runoff.

The city has also installed LED street lights on its municipal campus. LED lights are seen as the gold standard for energy efficient lighting.

"We had a five-year payback on that," Auger says. "It's been quite successful for us."

Source: Pete Auger, city manager for Auburn Hills
Writer: Jon Zemke

Beaumont urology center is a model of earth friendliness

metromode Thursday, April 01, 2010

It's not easy being green, even more so in a hospital. But Beaumont Hospitals has found a way to do just that in its new Women's Urology Center in Royal Oak.

The $1.6 million project capitalized on as many sustainability opportunities as possible in the 4,200-square-foot building. That's not necessarily as simple as regular construction because of all of the regulations and nuances that must be followed in medical buildings.

Among the green features are cork flooring (which also helps with sound absorption), cabinetry made from recycled products, low VOC paints, and recycling options throughout the building. Even urinary sample containers will be sterilized and recycled so they don't end up in a landfill.

"It doesn't sound like a lot, but it's a lot as far as hospitals go because we use a lot of resources," says Donna Carrico, a nurse practitioner and clinical director of the Women's Urology Center.

This is the first center in the Midwest dedicated and designed exclusively for women's urological care and sexual health. It evaluates and treat maladies associated with urinary frequency or urgency, urinary incontinence, interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome, unexplained pelvic pain, vulvar pain, sexual problems or pain associated with sex, and post-cancer treatment for vaginal discomfort or dryness.

A $5 million gift from Susan E. Cooper of Birmingham, a long-time member of the Boards of Directors of Beaumont Hospitals and the Beaumont Foundation, made construction of this center possible.

Source: Donna Carrico, a nurse practitioner and clinical director of the Women's Urology Center
Writer: Jon Zemke

Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County expands into Madison Heights

metromode Thursday, April 01, 2010

For years, the Oakland County chapter of Habitat for Humanity has concentrated its efforts almost exclusively on Pontiac. That changes this year as the non-profit begins building houses in Madison Heights.

Madison Heights utilized federal Neighborhood Stabilization Funds to raze three houses recently and has donated the land to Habitat for Humanity. The organization plans to build two bungalows and a ranch home there in mid-April.

"The city has been so gracious to us," says Sally LePla, executive director for Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County. "We can't wait to break ground."

The non-profit is not forgetting about Pontiac. It built nine homes and renovated two more last year in the Oakland County seat. It plans to renovate another six homes and build five more there this year. The organization doesn't usually take on renovations because of acquisition costs, but the housing crisis has enabled it to do so recently.

"It's sort of taking Habitat back to its roots," LePla says. "The founder for Habitat started with renovating houses."

The organization is starting a new Home Prep Program that will help qualify families to take over its new and renovated homes. For information on participating in that program, contact RaJon Taylor at rtaylor@habitatoakland.org or at (248) 338-1843 ext 303.

Source: Sally LePla, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County
Writer: Jon Zemke

Hyatt Place Detroit earns environmental certification

metromode Thursday, April 01, 2010

The latest hotel to earn the Green Lodging Michigan Steward certification is right here - Hyatt Place Detroit in Auburn Hills.

Green Lodging Michigan, a joint effort of the Michigan Dept of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG) and its Dept of Natural Resources and Environment, encourages hotels, resorts, motels, and bed & breakfasts to become more earth friendly. Think resource conservation, alternative energy, and conducting an audit. So far 78 facilities have been certified and 31 are in the application process.

"That's something (energy audits) we always recommend they do but not a lot of them follow through on," says Roger Doherty, program manager for Green Lodging Michigan.

The Hyatt Place Detroit in Auburn Hills is in the midst of an energy audit. It has already implemented several initiatives, including a linen and towel reuse program, low-flow water fixtures and efficient lighting, and recycling.

"We've been happy with the growth up to this point," Doherty says. "It seems to be growing faster this year."

Source: Roger Doherty, program manager for Green Lodging Michigan
Writer: Jon Zemke

Michigan International Speedway implements Terracycle upcycling program

metromode Thursday, April 01, 2010

Michigan International Speedway is turning its trash into cash for charity now that it has partnered with TerraCycle to recycle its everyday refuse.

TerraCycle upcycles drink pouches, potato chip bags, candy bar, cookie, and energy bar wrappers, pens, markers, highlighters, and other goods not easily recycled that often go into landfills. However, with this program MIS can bypass that and still collect its $200.

In exchange for this material, TerraCycle makes a contribution to MIS Cares, the NASCAR track's charity arm. TerraCycle then uses the debris to create everyday products such as pencil bags, laptop cases, flower pots, and toys.

"Our business development director is always looking for ways to be more green and recycling more involved with what we do," says Dennis Worden, spokesman for MIS. "We have become accustomed to it over the last few years."

MIS Cares raises money and distributes it through grants to non-profit groups in the region, such as Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor, Boys and Girls Club of Lenawee County, Hospice of Lenawee, Boy Scouts Great Sauk Trail Council, Allegiance Heart Center in Jackson, Mich., the Ryan Newman Foundation, and The Conservation Fund.

Source: Dennis Worden, spokesman for Michigan International Speedway
Writer: Jon Zemke

Midtown building undergoing renovation for Computech Detroit offices

Model D Thursday, April 01, 2010

Another renovation in Midtown is solidifying the neighborhood's reputation as the most dynamic place in the city. This time, Computech Corp. is turning an old mansion into its new headquarters and bringing lots of jobs with it.

Excerpt:

The 7,000-square-foot building located at the northeast corner of Cass and Kirby is currently undergoing renovations and, come May, will be the headquarters for Computech Corp., an IT company currently headquartered in Bingham Farms, with offices in India, Chicago, Toronto, and Atlanta. "I believe in the city and I believe that it is going to take small entrepreneurs to bring us back," says president Greg Cheesewright, a Toronto native who founded the company 14 years ago.

After Cheesewright conducted an extensive search -- "I went to every single building, I swear, in Detroit," -- he found the right one, and it was city-owned. Its Midtown location will enable Computech to work closely with Wayne State University. "It's an opportunity for me to get people from the university, have them come on as students in summer, train them ... and then get them as employees in four years," he says.

Read the rest of the story here.

Ford shrinks carbon footprint, saves $16M to date

Metromode Thursday, March 25, 2010

Ford is pushing green building forward by lowering the energy consumption of its computer systems.

The Dearborn-based automaker has implemented the PC Power Management program, which centrally manages the settings on Windows laptops and desktop computers. An estimated 60 percent of employees don't power down their computers when they leave at night, so the program does it for them. It is also expected to increase worker efficiency by running software updates during off-peak hours.

Ford is implementing the system in its North American offices this year and its world-wide offices in 2011. The move is expected to save the company $1.2 million annually in power costs alone, equivalent to reducing its carbon footprint by an estimated 16,000 to 25,000 metric tons annually.

This initiative is part of Ford's ongoing process of making its buildings, both office and manufacturing, more energy efficient. That policy has allowed it to earn the EPA's ENERGY STAR Award for five straight years. The company has accomplished this with simple solutions, such as switching to CFL bulbs and installing electronic thermostats.

Ford has reduced its energy consumption by 5 percent, saving $16
million, since 2008. Energy use has fallen by 35 percent since 2000.

Source: Ford
Writer: Jon Zemke

Sustainability : Development News