Demand grows at NW Detroit shopping center

[Allan]

Demand grows at center in Detroit

Retailers line up for space at $70M northwest project.

By R.J. King / The Detroit News

DETROIT - A $70 million shopping center in northwest Detroit is gaining support as developers report strong demand for retail space and the City Council could grant the project final approval as early as next week.

The project at Seven Mile and Telegraph will include 250,000 square feet of shopping space, making it one of largest retail developments Detroit has seen in years.

"We have more retailers who want to get in the center than we have space for," said Steve Schafer, principal of Schafer Development LLC in Southfield, which is working with two Detroit partners to open the center by early 2006.

A proposal to rezone 27 acres for the project was unanimously approved by the Detroit Planning Commission July 29. The City Council is scheduled to review the project, Seven Mile Crossing, next week.

Prospective tenants include Home Depot, Target, Fifth Third Bank, Starbucks Coffee and a family-style restaurant, according to a proposal filed with the city. Construction is scheduled to start early next year. Combined, the retailers are expected to hire more than 500 employees.

"This is a significant development," said Councilwoman Sheila Cockrel. "To have a neighborhood-based, high-level shopping center proves the point that there is pent-up demand for shopping in the city. We hope to see more of these centers."

In recent months, the city has added a Home Depot at Seven Mile and Meyers while The Shops at Lafayette Park east of downtown is undergoing a $3-million renovation. The project, which will include Paris Caf

[Mojo]

This is always good news to hear more national retailers coming to town. Does anyone know what's up with "The shops at Gateway Park"? This was supposed to break ground in September I believe. I'm hoping this project gets off the ground

[Allan]

I haven't heard anything about the shops at Gateway Park. I don't go by the Woodward/8 Mile intersection much, so I'm not all that familiar with the area.

[wolfdawg54]

This could be very good news for Detroir. Keep me updated on the development!

[Allan]

The interesting thing is that they plan to save more than 20 of the houses and use them as infill on vacant lots in other areas. Why is it that Detroit can save boring tract homes, but mindlessly tears down irreplaceable historic architecture?