Wayne State University is issuing a request for proposals for the development of a mixed-use project including retail, residential apartments, and an event/conference area on 1.5 acres on Canfield between Cass and Woodward avenues. The project supports the university’s 2020 master plan by building upon the residential and commercial development in the South University Village District.
The first phase of the South University Village District, Studio One apartments and retail, was completed in 2008 and named Development of the Year by Crain’s Detroit Business. That development’s tenants include Starter’s Bar and Grill, Biggby Coffee, Fifth Third Bank and Utrechtart Art Supplies. The anticipated second phase was delayed by economic slowdown in 2008. Today, with Midtown at 95 percent occupancy, the university expects an RFP will receive a strong response from the development community.
Ned Staebler, vice president for economic development at Wayne State said, “We are excited to work with a private developer to bring new housing to the market for those who want to live in a vibrant, thriving community and be a part of Midtown’s revitalization.”
The site is currently a surface parking lot. The RFP calls for a building with a minimum of four stories and a maximum of seven stories that complements the surrounding environment. The guidelines also stress that the project must be pedestrian-friendly, energy efficient, and include a conference/event space for up to 300 people.
The chosen developer will finance construction of the project and lease the site from WSU. In addition to the lease payment, the developer is anticipated to lease parking spaces in a WSU structure, which was constructed to support Phase 1 of the development.
More information on the RFP can be found at http://www.taktixsolutions.com/wsu-development-opportunity.html under WSU Developments.
Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering more than 370 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 29,000 students.