University Motel sells to Midtown Detroit Inc. for $600K

A few years ago, the midcentury University Motel owed quite a bit in taxes and was almost auctioned off. Now we have a clearer idea of what could happen with the now well-positioned motel. Crain’s reports that the city council just approved a $600K purchase by Midtown Detroit Inc.

The plans? According to Crain’s, “micro apartments, a hotel and first-floor retail space.” The sale includes three buildings on about a half acre.

Photographers Michelle & Chris Gerard visited the site a few years ago, and photos can be found here.

It’s located at 2nd Avenue and Antoinette Street, in an area that’s seen a lot of activity lately. Nearby, the Pistons are building a new training facility and yes, a small Plum Market will be setting up shop there (according to a press release, it will be a “quick service food and beverage concept ... will feature a coffee shop, grab-and-go marketplace, a casual dining experience”). Also nearby, the Platform will be constructing new and renovating older buildings for more residential. Earlier this year, German investors bought a few larger properties to convert into loft space nearby.

This whole area will look and feel a lot different in the coming years.