Interim historic designation approved for Cass Corridor buildings

It’s been a whirlwind, slightly confusing time for 2467 and 2447 Cass Avenue. The Hotel Ansonia and Atlanta Apartments are owned by Olympia, and rumors started swirling a few weeks ago around possible demolition of these buildings, which are located just a few blocks from the new arena.

When news arose early this week that demo permits were pulled, Councilwoman Raquel Castañeda-López introduced the proposal to City Council for an interim historic designation for the buildings. After much debate and some confusion, the resolution passed.

This means the Historic Designation Advisory Board will begin a study of the buildings and if the owner wants to do anything to the buildings over the next year, they’ll have to go through the Historic District Committee. This also means that this proposal will not be heard at the June 22 City Council Planning & Economic Development Committee meeting.

Preservation Detroit collected over 1,100 signatures to present to the City Council in support of saving these buildings from demolition.