Summer 2021
The Boulevard in Detroit’s New Center refinanced at $62M, one of the largest deals of its kind
July 13th, 2021
A $62-million refinancing of The Boulevard, a new midrise apartment community located at the northwest corner of West Grand Boulevard and Third Street, represents one of the largest multifamily financings in Detroit’s history. It’s also the first new construction development of its scale in New Center in more than 30 years.
Open ArticleDetroit artist Chazz Miller working on new exhibit to help revitalize Old Redford neighborhood
October 31st, 2020
You might be familiar with Chazz Miller. If you don’t know him by name you likely know his work in The neighborhood itself has finally attracted millions of dollars in investments, like for the long-abandoned bank nicknamed the Obama Building because of Chazz’s portrait on the outside. The Obama Building is now being completely renovated to the tune of more than $3 million for restaurant and retail space down below and lofts up above, as well as a gallery where Chazz’s Obama portrait and others will be displayed.
Open ArticleAfter 21 years of borrowed space, City Year Detroit moves into place of its own
October 29th, 2020
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.
Open ArticleReal Estate Insider: Two Detroit developments secure state financing
May 19th, 2020
The Woodward at Midtown is proposed by Detroit-based Queen Lillian II LLC, which consists of Chris Jackson, a minority owner and former staffer to former Detroit City Council president Gil Hill, and James Jenkins, who is majority owner of the company and is president and CEO of Detroit-based Jenkins Construction Inc. Detroit-based The Platform LLC was brought in as a development partner in 2018. “This development has been a labor of love […],” Jackson said in a statement. “We know that we have found the right team, and especially the right partners, to bring Detroiters a development they can be proud of.”
Open Article10 Of The Most Iconic Buildings Across The US
May 8th, 2020
There is no denying that the US is home to some of the most fascinating architectural wonders in the world. There are many buildings here that are well known all over the world, be it skyscrapers, schoolhouses, museums or libraries. Many of these earned an iconic status thanks to them being immediately recognizable. These buildings tell fascinating tales about the cities they are in, about their past, and evoke many nostalgic memories in people.
Open Article