Fall 2020
Detroit’s new Obama Building is an experiment in developing for the community
November 18th, 2020
Many Detroiters want new development — but they also want impactful, mission-driven projects that address their personal and neighborhoods’ needs. That often doesn’t happen. But it can: just look at a recent redevelopment in Detroit’s Old Redford neighborhood. Developers of the Obama Building took a unique approach to ensure it would serve residents, and in the process, baked in more community benefits than many projects in the city.
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$40M renovation project in TechTown pays homage to building’s Cadillac roots
November 13th, 2020
The installation of one of Detroit’s largest blade signs completed the final touches of a $40 million renovation project at a former Cadillac showroom Friday. The historic building, located at 6001 Cass Ave. and designed by legendary Detroit industrial architect Albert Kahn, is now home to Tata Technologies’ North American headquarters and collaborative workspace company WeWork. The renovation is one of many projects spearheaded by development company The Platform. The building is located in the heart of TechTown and is kitty-corner from the Pistons Performance Center.
Open ArticleOld Redford project revives historic bank building
November 12th, 2020
The corner of Grand River Avenue and Lahser Road on Detroit’s west side has a new look that includes a restored 103-year-old building. The historic bank building was renovated into an apartment with housing units and 8,800 square feet of retail space and is open for tenants. The $3.6 million renovations come thanks to Mayor Mike Duggan’s Strategic Neighborhood Fund, an initiative that’s renovating neighborhoods across the city.
Open ArticleSummer 2020
DBusiness Magazine: 30 in Their Thirties
September 15th, 2020
The 2020 Class of 30 in Their Thirties dug deep for an extra measure of fortitude to meet the outbreak of COVID-19 and, along the way, developed new products and services, sought out cutting- edge business models, and pivoted into uncharted waters. Congratulations to The Platform’s Andrew Sherman on being selected this year.
Detroit Neighborhood Named Among Best Areas for U.S. Housing Developers
September 3rd, 2020
The North End/New Center part of Detroit was named an area with some of the most attractive opportunities in the U.S. for housing developers to take advantage of federal reinvestment tax benefits. The largest and most active developer in the New Center area is Detroit-based The Platform, led by Peter Cummings. The company owns and is renovating the Fisher Building, and late last year opened The Boulevard, a six-story, 356,000-square-foot, mixed-use development on the northwest corner of Third Avenue and West Grand Boulevard. Other projects are in the works across the city, as well.
Open ArticleSydney G. James Gifts Detroit with Another Gem
August 28th, 2020
Detroit-based artist Sydney G. James will begin work on a new mural on the Chroma building, a developing creative hub in the Milwaukee Junction neighborhood, on Sept. 2. “It plays homage to Detroit, it plays homage to Black women and it plays homage to the North End – all in one image of a woman,” says James. This new mural, named The Girl with the D Earring, is a modern twist on the renowned portrait Girl with a Pearl Earring by Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer.
Open Article‘How do I make this Black?’ Detroit muralist reimagines iconic portrait, space
August 26th, 2020
Milwaukee Junction is getting a new nine-story mural by Detroit artist Sydney G. James, who is reimagining the renowned Dutch painting “Girl With a Pearl Earring.” Now, she will be a Detroit girl with a pink earring. The Johannes Vermeer painting is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world, which is why James said, “we are going to put it in Detroit.”
Open ArticleDetroit Artist Sydney James Commissioned For Chroma Development Mural
August 26th, 2020
The Platform, a Detroit-based real estate developer, has announced that work began today on a new mural on its nearly completed Chroma development in Milwaukee Junction, located in the heart of the Greater New Center area. “The Girl with the D Earring” by Detroit artist Sydney G. James will adorn the western wall of the Chroma building, located at 2937 E. Grand Blvd. The art is a modern Detroit take on Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer’s “Girl With a Pearl Earring,” deemed the most beautiful painting in the Netherlands.
Open ArticleSpring 2020
How a Detroit Landmark Built a Space for Creative, Minority-Owned Businesses
June 4th, 2020
The Fisher Building is known as “Detroit’s largest art object.” The office skyscraper, which opened in 1928, boasts a grand lobby decked out with marble, mosaics, painted ceilings and ornate detailing in brass and bronze. Real estate developer The Platform purchased the landmark in 2015, spending over $10 million in rehabilitation and renovation. But the company was stuck on what to do with the fourth floor, broken into small offices by design for doctors and dentists.
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