The Exchange Building
The Exchange Building, located at 338 Gratiot Ave. in Detroit's vibrant Greektown district, is a groundbreaking 16-story luxury high-rise condominium tower. Constructed using innovative top-down building technology, the $64 million tower is assembled from the top down, transforming the construction site into a manufacturing plant. This unique approach prioritizes worker safety by eliminating fall hazards and significantly increases site efficiency.
The tower's structure is held up by two concrete spines, allowing for a fully cantilevered design with no columns obstructing the exterior glazing. This design results in wide-open floor spaces for residents and efficient assembly for workers. Each floor is constructed on the ground using over 150,000 pounds of steel and 110 cubic yards of concrete before being raised into position at an average speed of 25 feet per hour.
The Exchange is designed for those who aspire to live in a sustainable, green, and clean, tech-enabled, touch-free environment. The building is projected to save over 63 million gallons of water and 18,256 metric tons of CO2 over 25 years, equivalent to eliminating the energy use of 2,107 homes. Additionally, 20% of the apartments will be reserved for households earning no more than 80% of the area median income, creating an inclusive living environment.
Residents of the Exchange can expect a distinctive living experience, with amenities including a techno gym, fitness room, lounge, outdoor deck area, and breathtaking views, all within a pet-friendly environment. The property supervisor described it as a unique and amazing experience, unlike any other in the city.
When completed in late spring 2023, the Exchange will primarily serve as a residential tower, with select commercial spaces available on the first floor, adding a vibrant new dimension to Detroit's urban landscape while championing a novel approach to high-rise construction.
Belle Isle
Belle Isle, situated in the Detroit River between the United States and Canada, is a scenic 982-acre island park in Detroit, Michigan. It is the largest city-owned park in the United States and is connected to Detroit by the MacArthur Bridge. Designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who also co-designed New York's Central Park, Belle Isle is a cherished oasis offering stunning views of both Detroit and Windsor, Ontario.
A popular destination for residents and visitors alike, Belle Isle is known for its diverse range of facilities and attractions. These include the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, a lush and extensive botanical garden housed in an elegant greenhouse, and the Belle Isle Aquarium, which is one of the oldest aquariums in North America. The island is also home to the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, a maritime museum focused on the history of the Detroit River and the Great Lakes.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Belle Isle provides a range of options, including hiking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and fishing piers. The island has a beach and a golf range, and it offers various water-based activities, including kayaking and paddleboarding, owing to its location in the river.
In addition to its natural beauty, Belle Isle also contains architectural gems, such as the James Scott Memorial Fountain, a majestic and intricately detailed marble fountain that is one of the island's most iconic landmarks.
Belle Isle is more than just a park; it is a sanctuary within the city where people can escape urban life and enjoy nature, cultural institutions, and recreational activities all in one place. It is managed as a state park by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, highlighting its significance and historic value.
Milliken State Park Lighthouse
The Milliken State Park Lighthouse is a picturesque maritime beacon located in the William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor in Detroit, Michigan. The park, situated along the Detroit River, was the first urban state park in Michigan. The lighthouse itself is a 63-foot-tall tower, styled after the traditional coastal lighthouses found on the Great Lakes. With its classic conical shape, the lighthouse is an easily recognizable and beloved landmark along Detroit's riverfront.
Constructed in 2004, the Milliken State Park Lighthouse is relatively modern but was designed to evoke the historic character of older Great Lakes lighthouses. It is part of the larger William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor, which is a 31-acre area featuring wetlands, trails, picnic areas, and a harbor for boaters.
The lighthouse serves not only as a navigational aid but also as a scenic spot for visitors to the park, who enjoy its beauty and the panoramic views of the Detroit River and the city skyline that it offers. It stands as a symbol of Detroit's rich maritime history and its connection to the Great Lakes.
Campus Martius
Campus Martius Park is a vibrant, re-energized urban park located in the heart of downtown Detroit, Michigan. Covering 1.2 acres, it is a central gathering place where residents, workers, and visitors come together to enjoy a wide array of outdoor activities, events, and entertainment. The name "Campus Martius" is Latin for "Field of Mars," named after the Roman public square, and in Detroit, this park lives up to its name as a grand civic space.
Known as Detroit's "official gathering spot," Campus Martius is celebrated for its lively atmosphere year-round. In the warmer months, it features beautifully landscaped gardens, a large lawn where visitors can relax and enjoy the sun, and a variety of events including concerts, food truck rallies, and fitness classes. The park is also home to several dining options, from casual food trucks to more formal park-side restaurants, providing a place for people to gather and socialize.
One of the park's most prominent features is the Woodward Fountain, which jets water 100 feet into the air and is a refreshing sight during Detroit’s hot summers.
In the winter months, Campus Martius transforms into a winter wonderland. The park is perhaps best known for its spectacular ice skating rink, which is placed prominently in the center of the park. Surrounded by the city's skyline, it's a magical setting that has become a cherished tradition for many Detroit residents. During the holiday season, a grand Christmas tree is lit in a highly attended ceremony, and the park sparkles with holiday lights and decorations.
Campus Martius Park is not just a place of leisure; it’s also a symbol of Detroit’s resilience and revival. Following a significant revitalization effort in the early 2000s, the park re-opened in 2004 and has played a critical role in the resurgence of Detroit's downtown area. It is now surrounded by growing businesses, retail spaces, and residences, and stands as a testament to the city's ongoing renaissance.
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