WARREN, MI-The owner of the aging Universal Mall is lobbying for a brownfield designation to get a tax break for a $4-million renovation started three years ago. The city council will hold a hearing Jan. 13 on the request.

AUBURN HILLS, MI-A Pennsylvania developer has announced plans for a 500,000-sf office development in the city.

DETROIT-Sources tell GlobeSt.com that Mayor Kilpatrick will propose a $1.3 billion convention center for the city during a January 9 luncheon. The new facility would feature more than 1 million sf of main floor convention space.

PONTIAC, MI-The short-term future of the Pontiac Silverdome--the former home of the Detroit Lions--is in doubt, due to declining revenue and $1.7-million budget shortfall.

PONTIAC, MI-SIOR to forecast 2004 at Jan. 16 luncheon. Keynote comments will be from AMB Property and Wells Real Estate executives.

WIXOM, MI-General Motors will build a new factory to manufacture high-performance engines in this Detroit suburb.

DETROIT-Metro area leaders updated the progress of a half-billion dollar renovation plan for the city's water front, saying that the plan is on schedule.

SOUTHFIELD, MI-Shopping center operator Ramco-Gershenson says it has settled a dispute with the IRS and will pay a special dividend to current shareholders.