Weeks after being surrounded with death fences, these seemingly innocent buildings at 3956 Cass and 100 Alexandrine are crumbling beneath the wrecking ball. Pulling the strings on this the Children's Center, a child services organization headquartered nearby. What does the future hold for both properties? According to a press release issued only today, we're in for some "gated, well-lighted parking lots."
Admittedly, neither of these buildings are historic or particularly interesting, and if anyone deserves convenience, it's a child services organization. But two more parking lots hardly seem necessary, and small, renovation-worthy properties have fueled much of Midtown's overall growth. It's sad to see these two go.
3956 Cass Avenue
Wrapping around the southeast corner of Cass and Alexandrine, this building is sort of an odd strip mall of very tiny-looking units. Built in 1922, the building got this ugly, wooden facade on top of the original brick at some point after 1976, when the above photo was taken.
Having sold in May for just $80K, the current owner is listed only as "Vacant." This would seem like a good candidate for renovation and the location is great. Why demo?
100-110 W. Alexandrine Street
The former HQ for the Children's Center of Wayne, awnings and a couple overgrown Maples make it hard to grasp the footprint of this property, which is really two attached buildings. The taller one was built in 1931, and a historic survey tells us the building was home to the Detroit Ball Bearing Company by 1950. That's when they built the single-story addition next door, which housed sales and distribution.
· Demo in Midtown? Two Buildings Gain Worrisome Fences [Curbed]
· Press Relase 10/14 [The Children's Center]
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