* 455 W. Canfield and 441 W. Willis, a single-story building and a four-story building connected at mid-block: DeMattia Group of Plymouth and Midtown Development Group of Detroit.

Wayne State President Irvin D. Reid says the university was "extremely pleased" at the keen interest of developers in the four properties and in the university's 20-year facility plan. Some 150 potential bidders from around the country attended an informational meeting held by the university last December to brief interested firms on the bidding process.

"It is gratifying to see the depth of interest demonstrated by the business community and the public in the continuing development of Midtown Detroit," Reid says. "The number and quality of bids submitted for these projects was exceptional in view of the very rigorous standards set for the bidding process. The new construction and redevelopment projects will generate $70 million to $75 million in private investment. This is another example of Wayne State's role as a catalyst in the resurgence of Detroit and the Midtown area in particular."

Development of South Village is expected to begin this year with conversion of the three existing warehouse buildings. Overall, the development will include more than 400 housing units with a mix of townhouses, lofts and traditional apartments, with 45,000 sf to 50,000 sf of retail space. Construction at the Woodward location will begin in the spring.