DETROIT—In the past few years, developers have renovated dozens of underused office buildings in downtown Detroit, filling the CBD with thousands of new workers, many with companies once located in the suburbs. New multifamily residences have also followed, and now the Chicago-based Aparium Hotel Group has launched a plan to renovate and redevelop the historic Detroit Fire Department Headquarters into a 100-room upscale independent hotel.

Aparium officials say they, together with Detroit developer Walter Cohen, will spend $28 million to transform the 62,910-square-foot space at 234-250 W. Larned St., into a hotel that celebrates the city's past and its future. Named the Foundation Hotel, Aparium plans to open for business in late 2015. This property represents the fourth hotel project for Aparium.

“Aparium is honored to play a role in the important resurgence of Detroit,” said Mario Tricoci, the chief executive officer and managing partner of Aparium, in a prepared statement. “We are inspired to be part of making Detroit a city beyond industry – a city of ideas, verve and unmatched enterprise. We are committed to raising the bar and delivering a hotel that captures the true character and hospitality of Detroit. There's nowhere else we'd rather be.”