DETROIT—Olympia Development of Michigan has submitted plans to the City of Detroit Historic District Commission to renovate and restore the city's historic Eddystone Hotel and create market-rate and affordable housing units in the building and throughout The District Detroit. The city wants to transform the 50-block district into a thriving neighborhood that connects the reviving downtown with the Midtown area.
The Eddystone, located at 110 Sproat St. at Park Ave., was designed by Louis Kamper and opened in 1924. Olympia officials say they want to renovate it in the spirit of its original design and also reserve about 20% of the roughly 100 units as affordable housing. The new Eddystone will also feature first-floor retail space that will match the private mixed-use development planned for the rest of the district.
"Restoring the Eddystone Hotel helps preserve an important piece of Detroit's rich architectural history while creating much needed job opportunities and affordable housing for Detroiters," says Rod Blake, director of development for Olympia.
The district is already home to Comerica Park, Ford Field, the Detroit Opera House and many other features designed to draw more people toward the city's core. And if quickly approved by the city council, construction can begin this spring on the Detroit Events Center, which will be the new home of the Detroit Red Wings. And once approved by the historic commission, Olympia could begin the Eddystone as early as fall of 2015.
Detroit entrepreneurs Michael and Marian Ilitch own the Detroit-based Olympia Development. The company has developed and invested in some of Detroit's most recognized venues, including Comerica Park. Michael Ilitch owns the Detroit Tigers. Marian Ilitch owns the MotorCity Casino Hotel.
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Brian J. Rogal
Brian J. Rogal is a Chicago-based freelance writer with years of experience as an investigative reporter and editor, most notably at The Chicago Reporter, where he concentrated on housing issues. He also has written extensively on alternative energy and the payments card industry for national trade publications.
