The Shops at Gateway Park will be built at Eight Mile andWoodward Avenue by a consortium of business owners being led byJoseph Nederlander, who has put forward several developmentproposals for the area around the fairgrounds in recent years. Theplans call for more than 330,000 sf of retail space forapproximately 100 stores and restaurants, and 1,400 parking spaces.Plans also include the creation of a 250-seat theatre, featuringoff-Broadway and children's productions. Gateway Park will be thelargest retail development in the history of the city and thelargest such urban "lifestyle" center in the nation, according tothe developers.

"This opportunity will cater to retail needs and 'lifestyle'pursuits of consumers," Nederlander says. "Many national retailersand restaurants have expressed strong interest and were waiting forthe city of Detroit to approve the zoning change before signing alease."

Other developers involved in the project are Howard Sims,chairman of the Detroit-based architectural firm Sims-Varner &Associates; Detroit attorney and former Ford Motor vice presidentElliott S. Hall; Marvin Beatty, a retired deputy fire commissionerand managing partner with Greektown Casino; Ricardo Solomon, aprincipal in the firm Strategic Partners International, and localbuilding contractor Bernard Schrott. J.L. Dumas Construction is thegeneral contractor for project.