Development notes: Fail jail, New Center rumors, Ashton prices, and more

Fail Jail extension

Earlier this week, Wayne County issued a two-week extension to Walsh Construction, the qualified bidder for the fail jail site. According to a press release, “The request was necessitated by subcontractors requesting additional time to competitively bid on the project as well as the development of a 2,000-bed alternative proposal.”

Photo by Michelle & Chris Gerard

The county is currently mulling over Rock Venture’s proposal to build a new criminal justice facility in a different location. In return, Dan Gilbert’s Rock Ventures would build a soccer stadium and more at the Gratiot site.

Future high rise in New Center?

Earlier this week, Kirk Pinho at Crain’s reported that the southwest corner of West Grand Boulevard and Woodward could soon be graced with a 20-story high rise. Pinho reports that a rep from 6565 Woodward Holdings LLC, who is under contract to purchase the property from Midtown Detroit Inc, says that there are a number of options for the site.

This is still in the early phases of planning. The location would be right at the end of the QLINE.

Free Press Building costs

Bedrock presented at a Brownfield Redevelopment Authority public hearing on Tuesday in regards to the redevelopment of the Free Press Building, which they acquired last year. According to Loius Aguilar of the Detroit News, the costs for rehabbing the long-vacant building could be about $70 million and if work is approved, it could start this summer.

Old Wayne County Building work starting?

A tipster sent us this picture around the Old Wayne County Building this week. Looks like work is starting, and we’ll try to get more info to you soon.

Ashton Detroit prices

Last week, we told you that Max Broock Realtors are the listing agents for the Ashton Detroit, a condo high-rise slated to break ground later this year. Prices are starting to come in through listings and tipsters, and it looks like they range from about $400-450 per square foot. A smaller unit with fewer city views might go for around $267K, while a large unit on a higher floor with great views is asking $849K. This is on par with the Westin Book Cadillac condos, which have been selling for $400/square foot and more this past year.

You can see one of the listings here and explore floor plans here.