Development notes: Dan Gilbert buys warehouse building by the train station

A major property near Michigan Central Station has found a familiar new owner. The Detroit News reports that Dan Gilbert’s Bedrock has purchased a large warehouse behind the iconic train station. The warehouse was purchased from Robert Elmes, who previously planned to convert the property into an artist space. Bedrock does not have a development plan for the warehouse yet, according to the report.

It’s a prime property considering its location next to the train station, currently in the early stages of redevelopment by Ford. Bedrock owns some property in Corktown, including a large building on Fort Street that will reopen later this year. This will be its first property heading into Mexicantown and Southwest Detroit.

Late last year, former Red Wing Chris Chelios sold his restaurant next to Comerica Park to the Ilitches. Crain’s reports that the sale came in at $4.1 million. It is still unclear at this time what Olympia plans to do with the property.

Wayne State plans on moving the historic David Mackenzie house this February, according to the Detroit News. The house is being moved to make way for the Gateway Performance Center, a $65 million WSU development that will bring a new performing arts complex to Midtown (as well as a renovation to the Hilberry Theater).

Photo by Michelle & Chris Gerard

The historic home will move to another part of the block. The News reports that International Chimney has been hired for the move, and that keeping it on the block will save money since they won’t have to cross a city street.

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