QLine connects ‘economic development dots’

MSF-supported projects line Woodward Avenue corridor in Detroit; offer testament to city’s promising future

In economic development parlance, the May 12 public opening of the QLine in downtown Detroit is a compelling case of connecting the dots.

Along Woodward Avenue from New Center through Midtown to the bustling entertainment and financial districts, the streetcar-on-rails will deliver (over 12 strategically located stops) the most vital of all ingredients to the resurgence of the state’s largest urban center – people. And, there’s no mistaking people are coming to the city as tourists, visitors and residents at a rate not seen since the 1950s.

“The QLine allows for efficient and affordable transportation at a historic time when new businesses, residential buildings and entertainment options are unfolding continually in Detroit,” said Steve Arwood, CEO, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the state’s chief marketing arm that administers programs and conducts due diligence on behalf of the Michigan Strategic Fund.

The QLine (also referred to as the M-1 Line) received a $9 million Michigan Business Development program performance-based loan from the MSF, which promotes economic development and creates jobs throughout the state. 

“The collaboration among various governmental units, foundations along with the private sector has translated into a 21st-century Detroit with a rising international profile as a place to invest, and where Michigan’s entrepreneurial spirit is on display to the world,” said Arwood.

Amid the grand-opening fanfare of the QLine’s 6.6-mile loop, visitors will discover the latest of a long line of symbols of Detroit’s economic revival, marked by an influx of private capital, public incentives, and residential and mixed-use developments along with historical renovations, many supported with grants and loans from the MSF. 

Since the city emerged from bankruptcy in late 2014, more than two dozen projects have received some form of state support in and around Woodward Avenue. Among the high-profile projects is MSF’s authorization of $450 million issuance of private activity bonds to finance construction of the entertainment district (including Little Caesar’s Arena).

Other significant developments include: 

(NOTE – CDBG: Community Development Block Grant; CRP: Community Revitalization Program; BDP: Business Development Program incentives)

2017

City Modern (between Brush Park, John R/Brush Street): Mixed-use development; Total private investment: $43 million CRP: $7.5 million; Brownfield: $15,796,867; Tax exemption: $1.8 million; Jobs: 26 jobs

Casket Company (664 Selden Street) Mixed-use development; Total private investment: $7.2 million CRP: $1 million; Tax exemption: $1,199,485; Jobs: 65 jobs 

1215 Griswold Street: Mixed-used development; CRP: $1 million Total private investment: $10.3 million; Jobs: 16 

Adient (243 West Congress Street): Automotive manufacturing BDP: $2 million; Total private investment: $97.8 million; Jobs: 115 

ArcelorMittal USA (8650 Mount Elliot Street): Automotive-advanced manufacturing mats BDP: $2 million; Total private investment: $83.5 million; Jobs: 120 

Metropolitan Hotel Partners (Location: John R Street): Mixed-use development; CRP: $6.5 million; Total private investment: $34 million; Jobs: 30 

Queen Lillian (3455 Woodward Avenue): CRP: $3.5 million; Total private investment: $30.9 million; Jobs: 53 

Recovery Park (2255 E. Ferry Street): Agriculture 21st-CJF (2015–16): $1.4 million; Total private investment: $1.9 million; Jobs: 105 

Shoppes at Woodward (6568 Woodward Avenue): Mixed-used development; CRP: $750,000; Total private investment: $5.8 million; Jobs: 37 

Third & Grand (2911 W. Grand Boulevard): Mixed-used development; CRP: $2 million; Brownfield TIF (State): $6.7 million; Total private investment: $54.6 million; Jobs: 55 

Trident-Corktown (2128 Trumbull Avenue): Mixed-used development; CRP: $6.9 million; Total private investment: $43.8 million; Jobs: 50 

250 West Larned Street: Mixed-used development; CRP: $5.8 million; Total private investment: $28.9 million; Jobs: 97

2016

Griswold Project (150 Michigan Avenue): Commercial development; CRP: $4.8 million; Brownfield MBT: $3.6 million; Total private investment: $70.1 million; Jobs: 3 

HM Ventures Group (1509 Broadway Street): Hospitality/accommodations; CRP: $3.5 million; Brownfield: $1.6 million; Total private investment: $22.28 million; Jobs: 48 

The Plaza Midtown (3800 Woodward Avenue): Mixed-use development; CRP: $3.5 million; Total private investment: $21.1 million; Jobs: 30 

Urban Science Applications (101 Renaissance Center): Information technology; BDP: $566,600; Total private investment: $2 million; Jobs: 102 

Woodward and Erskine (3152 Woodward Avenue): Mixed-used development; CRP: $1.5 million; Brownfield: $12 million; Total private investment: $61.3 million; Jobs: 50

2015

1145 Griswold Street: Mixed-use development; Brownfield: $2.5 million; 21st CJF: $2.4 million; CRP: $1 million; Total private investment: $22.7 million; Jobs: 60 

207 East Baltimore Avenue: Residential development; CRP: $225,000; Total private investment: $1.8 million 

5734 Woodward Avenue: Mixed-use development; CRP (2014): $240,625; Total private investment: $1.5 million; Jobs: 10 

678 Selden Street: Mixed-use development; CRP: $670,000; Total private investment: $3.7 million; Jobs: 4 

Strathmore Apartments (70 W. Alexandrine): Mixed-use development; CRP: $3.5 million; Total private investment: $28.4 million

751 Griswold Street: Mixed-use development; CRP: $682,279; Total private investment: $4.4 million; Jobs: 70 

Casamire Detroit (680 Delaware Street): Residential development; CRP: $1 million; Brownfield: $400,000; Total private investment: $10.2 million 

CDK Global (500 Woodward Avenue): Information technology; BDP: $1 million; Total private investment: $3.6 million; Jobs: 100 

Du Charme Place (1544 E. Lafayette Street): Residential development; CRP: $5.7 million; Brownfield: $2.7 million; Total private investment: $38.4 million; Jobs: 6 

KWA I Residential (1413 Woodward Avenue): Mixed-use development; CRP: $1 million; Brownfield: $1.3 million; Total private investment: $12.7 million; Jobs: 20 

M1 Rail: $10 million; Total private investment: $131.9 million; Jobs: 41 

Rivertown Phase I (1700 Atwater Street): Mixed-use development; CRP: $8.1 million; Brownfield MBT: $6.9 million; Brownfield TIF State Mills: $3.9 million; Total private investment: $61 million; Jobs: 39

For more information on the QLine in Detroit, please visit https://m-1rail.com 

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