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Sunday, February 22, 2009
Urban Living Update Moves to WordPress
As of today, the Urban Living Update Blog has moved to WordPress... You can find the latest in Detroit living by visiting http://www.urbanlivingupdate.com.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Roast: 2009 Detroit Free Press Restaurant of the Year
Michael Symon's Roast heats up Detroit
By Sylvia Rector | Free Press Restaurant Critic | February 8, 2009
When you visit Michael Symon's Roast at the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit, order the ethereal beef cheek pierogi. The luscious, ivory-colored pillows are stuffed with rich, dark brown beef so intensely delicious and tender, you may well crave them days later.
It's one of Symon's signature dishes. And as much as anything on Roast's menu, it tells you about his Midwestern roots, his deceptively sophisticated cuisine and the accessible but upscale attitude that makes his restaurant so appealing.
The Cleveland-born chef and Food Network star describes the restaurant as "a meat house -- a steak house plus."
That's enough to entice most diners. But it's the combination of excellence, atmosphere, attitude and price that sets it apart.
It's a kitchen where only the best ingredients -- from the right firewood to the perfect suckling pigs -- will do. It's a white-tablecloth dining room where jean-clad guests are welcome. Where the intriguing chef-driven menu is so approachable, anyone will feel comfortable ordering. And where budget-conscious food-lovers can still afford to dine.
Roast wasn't meant to appeal only to connoisseurs or the wealthy. It's a destination dining spot designed to include the proverbial Everyman. In these times, that alone might earn it honors as Restaurant of the Year.
But what seals the deal is behind the scenes: the underlying quality of its kitchen, the values it brings to Detroit and the aspirations it shares for the city.
Twenty people, from dishwashers to sous chefs, work with executive chef Jeff Rose in Roast's open kitchen, where mankind's first cooking tool -- fire -- still commands center stage.
Fire licks the back of the wood-burning oven. Fire glows in the mesquite and hardwood charcoal that fuels the custom-built, 6-foot-long grill where steaks are cooked. And fire slowly roasts the Beast of the Day -- a whole suckling pig, young goat or baby lamb that will cook for 6 to 10 hours in the open stainless steel rotisserie beside the dining room.
It's an unexpected focal point. But everyone at least steals a glance at it from across the room, and many order the beast as an entrée or shared starter.
"Guests love it. ... During the weekends, we'll do two a day," says Rose, 35, of Royal Oak as he checks the 20-pound suckling pig roasting on a Thursday for Friday's menu. Pig is the most popular, followed by goat.
Rose buys the animals, and virtually everything else, from sources he knows -- the closer to home, the better. After years as a chef at top area restaurants including Tribute, Iridescence and Big Rock Chophouse, he knows "just about everybody," he says.
"We try to do as much farm-to-table as we possibly can. Being in the middle of the city makes it tough, but we're involved with the Greening of Detroit project" to encourage farming on vacant land within the city. "Hopefully, we'll be one of the first ones to get produce from that," Rose says.
In Cleveland, Symon is widely credited as the catalyst for the city's lively, chef-driven restaurant scene, and he is an active supporter of the local foods movement through his restaurants Lola and Lolita.
"We have a guy who raises all our chickens," Symon said. "We have a guy who raises all our pork. Somebody forages for all our mushrooms."
He plans to do likewise in Michigan.
Many of metro Detroit's most influential chefs buy from local growers and producers, helping build a stronger agricultural network and create local jobs.
But it takes time, especially when a chef needs something unusual or difficult to grow.
Not enough Michigan farms can produce the animals Roast needs now, so Rose's whole pigs, lambs and goats come from Illinois -- but he's looking for new sources in the Thumb.
Nearly every part of the animal is used in what Symon calls "nose to tail" cooking. Even the pig ears are simmered and softened in fat for 20 hours before being julienned and fried into crispy garnishes for an egg-topped warm spinach salad.
Limiting waste keeps costs down, and savings are passed on to diners. In the end, it helps Roast's dinner menu feature at least 10 entrées for $25 or less, including a beautiful 6-ounce filet for $21 and a 12-ounce hanger steak for $23.
Symon is no stranger to Detroit. He comes into town weekly for at least a day or two, spending time with the Roast staff, including sous chefs Randy Weed and Andy Hollyday, and coming out into the dining room several times a night.
Warm, unassuming and immediately recognizable with his bald head and broad smile, the star of Food Network's "Iron Chef: America" meets guests and poses for pictures.
"We weren't going to come here and put our name on a restaurant and walk away from it," he said as he and his wife, Liz, and partner Doug Petkovic prepared to open Roast last fall. "We're very hands-on owners."
One of Symon's top employees, Lola general manager Frank Ritz, has moved to Detroit to be Roast's general manager and build relationships with downtown workers, residents and businesses.
"We're not just a restaurant in a building," Ritz said, "but one trying to embrace a city. ... I'm here to be part of revitalizing the city. I see it happening."
Contact SYLVIA RECTOR at 313-222-5026 or srector@freepress.com.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Brush Park Village North Update
The developers at Brush Park Village North have recently made some significant changes in the sales and marketing strategy for the development. Brush Park Village North is now being represented by Max Broock Realtors. Over the next couple of months, the developer will begin marketing the development and reaching out to both Midtown residents and area Realtors.
Brush Park Village North offers 18, studio, one, two and three bedroom condominiums priced from $131,900 to $358,455. All units include granite countertops, Whirlpool® stainless steel appliances, Kohler® plumbing fixtures, ceramic tile in all bathrooms and premium contemporary flat panel kitchen cabinets. Homeowners at Brush Park Village North will receive the Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) 15 year property tax abatement. Most owners will pay less than $2,500/year for property taxes.
Brush Park is conveniently located near the Detroit Medical Center, Orchestra Hall and the Max M. Fisher music center, Starbucks, Zaccaro's Market, Ford Field, Comerica Park, Fox Theater, Wayne State University, several restaurants and bars as well as the Cultural Center and Eastern Market.
The developers at Brush Park Village North are also offering a pricing guarantee program that insures when you purchase a new home at Brush Park Village North, the developer will not undercut pricing on similar units. If similar units are sold in the development at a lower base price, the developer will refund the difference to you.
For additional information on Brush Park Village North, visit our website (http://www.brushparkvillagenorth.com/). Detailed pricing information can be found at:
http://citylivingdetroit.com/05/doc_lib/BrushParkVillageNorthPricing.pdf
The Brush Park Village North sales center (3152 John R) is open every Saturday and Sunday from 12noon to 3pm. Private showings are also available.
Brush Park Village North offers 18, studio, one, two and three bedroom condominiums priced from $131,900 to $358,455. All units include granite countertops, Whirlpool® stainless steel appliances, Kohler® plumbing fixtures, ceramic tile in all bathrooms and premium contemporary flat panel kitchen cabinets. Homeowners at Brush Park Village North will receive the Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) 15 year property tax abatement. Most owners will pay less than $2,500/year for property taxes.
Brush Park is conveniently located near the Detroit Medical Center, Orchestra Hall and the Max M. Fisher music center, Starbucks, Zaccaro's Market, Ford Field, Comerica Park, Fox Theater, Wayne State University, several restaurants and bars as well as the Cultural Center and Eastern Market.
The developers at Brush Park Village North are also offering a pricing guarantee program that insures when you purchase a new home at Brush Park Village North, the developer will not undercut pricing on similar units. If similar units are sold in the development at a lower base price, the developer will refund the difference to you.
For additional information on Brush Park Village North, visit our website (http://www.brushparkvillagenorth.com/). Detailed pricing information can be found at:
http://citylivingdetroit.com/05/doc_lib/BrushParkVillageNorthPricing.pdf
The Brush Park Village North sales center (3152 John R) is open every Saturday and Sunday from 12noon to 3pm. Private showings are also available.
Austin Black II - Listing Agent
Max Broock Realtors
313.550.2307
austin@austinb2.com
www.austinb2.com
Max Broock Realtors
313.550.2307
austin@austinb2.com
www.austinb2.com
Thursday, October 16, 2008
National City Closes on First Sale of a Condo Unit in the New Book Cadillac Hotel - Sets Benchmark for Residential Value of New Condos in Detroit
DETROIT, Oct 07, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- National City has announced the closing of the first sale of a condo unit in the new Book Cadillac Hotel.
The 1,401 square foot unit sold for $463,550, which equates to $331 per square foot, a new appraisal benchmark for Detroit. The next closings are expected on October 9 by other lenders with six by National City to follow shortly thereafter.
David Boyle, president for National City in Michigan, said, "As the lead investor in the Book Cadillac renovation, with over $38 million invested, and as the presenting sponsor of the October 25 grand opening gala, we are proud to announce this milestone, which establishes a new residential value for condo sales in the city."
He emphasized, "Over the past 10 years, National City has been at the forefront in community development for downtown Detroit and the surrounding neighborhoods. We welcome our responsibility to lead the way as a partner in our city's renaissance."
National City provided the final sources of financing which made the Book Cadillac deal complete. The equity investment allowed the other pieces of financing to fall into place.
The National City CDC approved the purchase of a condo unit which made the project eligible for the bank's unique NCHAMP (National City Housing Affordable Mortgage Program) mortgage loan. NCHAMP provides for a conventional 15 or 30-year fixed-rate loan with no points and priced at one and one-half percent off the current interest rate.
Dick Buss, director of the National City CDC in Michigan, explained that National City was the key investor in the first "Chicago-style" loft project, The Canfield Lofts in the Midtown neighborhood. This was followed by current projects including: The Ellington (new construction at Woodward at Mack), The Vinton (a historic rehabilitation at Woodward at Congress), The Riverfront Condos (Tower 300, a conversion of apartments to condos), and The Willys-Overland Condos (an industrial loft rehabilitation project on W. Willis at Cass.)
National City has also been the first and the leading bank investor bringing the value of federal New Markets Tax Credits for commercial development to support housing in Detroit's neighborhoods. The National City CDC has approved more than $30 million of equity investments for eight projects as varied as Midtown's N'Namdi Art Gallery, the Mexicantown Welcome Center and Mercado, and Techtown's business incubator and coffee shop.
Boyle concluded, "National City formed the first CDC in the country in 1982. Under the extraordinary work of Dick Buss and our development teams, our CDC enjoys a strong record of equity investments that lead the way in revitalizing our neighborhoods by delivering quality residential options."
SOURCE National City Corporation
The 1,401 square foot unit sold for $463,550, which equates to $331 per square foot, a new appraisal benchmark for Detroit. The next closings are expected on October 9 by other lenders with six by National City to follow shortly thereafter.
David Boyle, president for National City in Michigan, said, "As the lead investor in the Book Cadillac renovation, with over $38 million invested, and as the presenting sponsor of the October 25 grand opening gala, we are proud to announce this milestone, which establishes a new residential value for condo sales in the city."
He emphasized, "Over the past 10 years, National City has been at the forefront in community development for downtown Detroit and the surrounding neighborhoods. We welcome our responsibility to lead the way as a partner in our city's renaissance."
National City provided the final sources of financing which made the Book Cadillac deal complete. The equity investment allowed the other pieces of financing to fall into place.
The National City CDC approved the purchase of a condo unit which made the project eligible for the bank's unique NCHAMP (National City Housing Affordable Mortgage Program) mortgage loan. NCHAMP provides for a conventional 15 or 30-year fixed-rate loan with no points and priced at one and one-half percent off the current interest rate.
Dick Buss, director of the National City CDC in Michigan, explained that National City was the key investor in the first "Chicago-style" loft project, The Canfield Lofts in the Midtown neighborhood. This was followed by current projects including: The Ellington (new construction at Woodward at Mack), The Vinton (a historic rehabilitation at Woodward at Congress), The Riverfront Condos (Tower 300, a conversion of apartments to condos), and The Willys-Overland Condos (an industrial loft rehabilitation project on W. Willis at Cass.)
National City has also been the first and the leading bank investor bringing the value of federal New Markets Tax Credits for commercial development to support housing in Detroit's neighborhoods. The National City CDC has approved more than $30 million of equity investments for eight projects as varied as Midtown's N'Namdi Art Gallery, the Mexicantown Welcome Center and Mercado, and Techtown's business incubator and coffee shop.
Boyle concluded, "National City formed the first CDC in the country in 1982. Under the extraordinary work of Dick Buss and our development teams, our CDC enjoys a strong record of equity investments that lead the way in revitalizing our neighborhoods by delivering quality residential options."
SOURCE National City Corporation
Detroit residential market slows; bright spots emerge
By Daniel Duggan, Crain's Detroit Business
October 5, 2008
Detroit developers speak fondly of the environment of a few years ago, when there seemed to be a condo development planned at every corner.
While there still are new projects in the planning and building phases in Detroit, it's far from the harried pace it once moved at.
But don't say it's dead.
“There are still things getting done; there's small businesses, rental projects and for-sale projects,” said Sue Mosey, president of the University Cultural Center Association.
Mosey's group works to spur development in what remains the hottest area, the Midtown community, where loft developments are still being proposed in gritty former industrial buildings.
In Detroit's waterfront area, the most marketed project is the 112-unit Watermark proposed on Detroit's riverfront by Dave Bing's Springarn Development L.L.C.
Another high-end project is the 64 luxury condos on top of the Westin Book Cadillac hotel near Detroit's central business district.
Northwest of the business district, Detroit-based Made in Detroit has proposed 93 luxury residential lofts in the former Detroit Creamery building near the MotorCity Casino.
In the category of “interesting,” developers Patrick and Leslie Horn plan to build a 17-unit condominium complex out of 85 metal shipping containers at a cost of $1.8 million, with units selling for as low as $100,000.
But building and planning projects is one thing — selling is another.
While all of metro Detroit has undergone a quiet increase in residential sales compared with last year, the city of Detroit has seen the biggest increases.
In August, the region's sales were up 11 percent over August 2007, marking the eighth straight month of increases, according to the Farmington Hills-based MLS RealComp II Ltd.
Detroit, however, posted an August increase of 38 percent, marking increases every month this year. And pending sales in Detroit — 1,600 as of August — mark a 49 percent increase over 2007.
“I've been seeing a lot more interest than last year, and seeing more sales as well,” said Austin Black II, a Realtor in the Birmingham office of Max Broock Realtors who specializes in Detroit sales.
The deal flow is still restrained on the buying side by sluggishness on the selling side, he said.
“I've had people willing to sell their houses at a loss since they can make it up in the savings they're getting on the home they buy,” he said. “But there are people who are upside down on their homes by $100,000 — and there's not much you can do.”
While the condo projects get all the attention, Black said he's seen the most deals taking place for single-family homes.
The reason, primarily, is financing.
Single-family homes can qualify for many of the first-time homebuyer programs under the Federal Housing Administration. As a result, buyers can purchase a single family home with a 3.5 percent down payment compared to 20 percent for some condo deals.
“People are looking at the lending and the space they get for the money,” Black said. “Single-family homes can be appealing.”
Lending constraints have been a daily struggle for the condo developers in Detroit.
At the Willys Overland Loft project near Wayne State University, nine units have been sold, but there are 15 more reservations for units, said Kyle Campbell, development manager for Plymouth-based DeMattia Group and Detroit-based Midtown Development Group.
“All of those people are ready to buy, but they're waiting for a house to sell or just get lending,” he said.
Another way around the lending problem is to switch from for-sale to rental.
Campbell said he gets calls on a regular basis from people asking if Willys has switched.
Some projects, such as 55 West Canfield, are switching to rental as a way to see units occupied.
“Rental has become a strong sector,” Mosey said. “Some of the for-sale developments are discounting, but others are just switching to rental.”
Daniel Duggan: (313) 446-0414, dduggan@crain.com
October 5, 2008
Detroit developers speak fondly of the environment of a few years ago, when there seemed to be a condo development planned at every corner.
While there still are new projects in the planning and building phases in Detroit, it's far from the harried pace it once moved at.
But don't say it's dead.
“There are still things getting done; there's small businesses, rental projects and for-sale projects,” said Sue Mosey, president of the University Cultural Center Association.
Mosey's group works to spur development in what remains the hottest area, the Midtown community, where loft developments are still being proposed in gritty former industrial buildings.
In Detroit's waterfront area, the most marketed project is the 112-unit Watermark proposed on Detroit's riverfront by Dave Bing's Springarn Development L.L.C.
Another high-end project is the 64 luxury condos on top of the Westin Book Cadillac hotel near Detroit's central business district.
Northwest of the business district, Detroit-based Made in Detroit has proposed 93 luxury residential lofts in the former Detroit Creamery building near the MotorCity Casino.
In the category of “interesting,” developers Patrick and Leslie Horn plan to build a 17-unit condominium complex out of 85 metal shipping containers at a cost of $1.8 million, with units selling for as low as $100,000.
But building and planning projects is one thing — selling is another.
While all of metro Detroit has undergone a quiet increase in residential sales compared with last year, the city of Detroit has seen the biggest increases.
In August, the region's sales were up 11 percent over August 2007, marking the eighth straight month of increases, according to the Farmington Hills-based MLS RealComp II Ltd.
Detroit, however, posted an August increase of 38 percent, marking increases every month this year. And pending sales in Detroit — 1,600 as of August — mark a 49 percent increase over 2007.
“I've been seeing a lot more interest than last year, and seeing more sales as well,” said Austin Black II, a Realtor in the Birmingham office of Max Broock Realtors who specializes in Detroit sales.
The deal flow is still restrained on the buying side by sluggishness on the selling side, he said.
“I've had people willing to sell their houses at a loss since they can make it up in the savings they're getting on the home they buy,” he said. “But there are people who are upside down on their homes by $100,000 — and there's not much you can do.”
While the condo projects get all the attention, Black said he's seen the most deals taking place for single-family homes.
The reason, primarily, is financing.
Single-family homes can qualify for many of the first-time homebuyer programs under the Federal Housing Administration. As a result, buyers can purchase a single family home with a 3.5 percent down payment compared to 20 percent for some condo deals.
“People are looking at the lending and the space they get for the money,” Black said. “Single-family homes can be appealing.”
Lending constraints have been a daily struggle for the condo developers in Detroit.
At the Willys Overland Loft project near Wayne State University, nine units have been sold, but there are 15 more reservations for units, said Kyle Campbell, development manager for Plymouth-based DeMattia Group and Detroit-based Midtown Development Group.
“All of those people are ready to buy, but they're waiting for a house to sell or just get lending,” he said.
Another way around the lending problem is to switch from for-sale to rental.
Campbell said he gets calls on a regular basis from people asking if Willys has switched.
Some projects, such as 55 West Canfield, are switching to rental as a way to see units occupied.
“Rental has become a strong sector,” Mosey said. “Some of the for-sale developments are discounting, but others are just switching to rental.”
Daniel Duggan: (313) 446-0414, dduggan@crain.com
Thursday, September 18, 2008
15 E. Kirby, Detroit, MI 48202 - Elegant Park Shelton Condo ($214,900)
Elegant Park Shelton top floor corner unit with spectacular views of the downtown Detroit skyline and beyond. Home features exotic hardwood floors throughout, custom window treatments, faux fireplace and tons of natural light. Building has 24hr doorman, fitness center, rooftop deck with community room. Association fees include water, heating, cooling and electricity.
Listed for sale at $214,900
1 bathroom, 1,126 sq ft
MLS# 28157333
Listed for sale at $214,900
1 bathroom, 1,126 sq ft
MLS# 28157333
Austin Black II - Listing Agent
Max Broock Realtors
313.550.2307
austin@austinb2.com
www.austinb2.com
Countdown to the opening of the Westin Book Cadillac
After two years of construction, renovations at the Westin Book Cadillac are coming to an end and will soon be bustling with hotel guest, events and residents.
The Detroit Athletic Club and Urban Land Institute hosted their annual downtown Detroit walking tour Tuesday, September 16. Featured on the tour were various sculptures downtown and the Westin Book Cadillac.
Below is one of the historic ballrooms that has been restored.
A soft opening of the Westin is planned for October 1 with the grand opening scheduled for later in the month.
The Detroit Athletic Club and Urban Land Institute hosted their annual downtown Detroit walking tour Tuesday, September 16. Featured on the tour were various sculptures downtown and the Westin Book Cadillac.
Below is one of the historic ballrooms that has been restored.
A soft opening of the Westin is planned for October 1 with the grand opening scheduled for later in the month.
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