City Weighs Competing Condominium Projects

ROYAL OAK, MI-Four proposals to develop an empty lot at Fifth and Williams streets have been submitted to the city’s Downtown Development Authority. All four of the proposed buildings include a version of parking decks on the lower floor and multifamily housing on the upper floors, says Doug Hedges, a city planner.

The parking decks are especially needed in the city, a popular nightspot that attracts thousands each week.

The DDA sent out a request for proposals to various developers in the area. The RFP’s drew four responses, including some already seen in the city.

Craig Schubiner of the Harbor Cos. submitted a plan to build a 12-story building with 72 units. Schubiner has approval for a five-story, $25-million condominium project on Woodward Avenue called Avalon. Residents came out in force against the project, saying it was too tall. The city commission approved it anyway.

David Straussberg said his firm, Morningside Group of Chicago, which is about halfway through with building the $50-million Main Place development Downtown, plans a seven-story building. The project would include public and private parking and about 50 loft condominium units. The project would cost about $7.7 million to $9.5 million, Straussberg tells Globest.com.

“We’re very enthusiastic about Royal Oak and working in the community again,” he says. “We think we’re uniquely qualified as the designated developer. Our achievements are second to none.”

The two other builders were Talon Development, which has proposed a seven-story, 24-unit condominium project; and TC Development, which plans a five-story structure with 14 loft condominiums.

The various builders have worked out payment plans for the property, including sharing ownership with the city to payment of millions of dollars for purchase rights.

“The DDA has formed a subcommittee to interview all four developers,” Hedges says. “Those interviews are going to start after the first of the year.