Slated for the site of the late Hudson's department store, Dan Gilbert's mixed-use mecca and its glassy 734-foot tower would symbolize Detroit's rebirth, in downtown at least.

John Gallagher covers what might become a stunning new addition to Detroit's skyline, outdoing even the decades-old Renaissance Center. "Businessman Dan Gilbert hired [Joe] Guziewicz a year ago to build his stunningly ambitious project on the Hudson's block downtown — a 1.5-million-square-foot mixed-use array of residential, retail, office, entertainment and civic space."
Gilbert's bold vision for downtown has seen success over the past several years. "Guziewicz is looking for vacant lots and empty buildings nearby where contractors can stage their efforts. That's getting harder by the day as downtown fills up with new employees and residents who have occupied many of the once-empty buildings."
But Detroit as a whole is hardly booming, and Gilbert is looking to the state of Michigan to help the project forward. "He's hoping that state lawmakers will approve a package of significant new tax incentives to fill the gap between what a major new project costs to build and what the owners can get back in the form of rent in a weaker market like Detroit."
If those incentives don't materialize, Gallagher writes, the project may need to scale down.
FULL STORY: How Detroit's tallest skyscraper would be built at former Hudson's site

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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