Detroit
Work continues in the $1.2 billion development known as The District Detroit, which spans 50 blocks with businesses, parks, restaurants, bars and attractions. The first attraction to open will be Little Caesars Arena, slated to debut this summer. The arena will be home to the Detroit Pistons and Red Wings, as well as feature concerts, festivals and community areas like an outdoor plaza and an on-site practice rink for amateur hockey use.
The QLINE will start operations this spring. The city’s modern street car will travel north and south on both sides of Woodward Avenue for 3.3 miles between Larned Street and W. Grand Boulevard. The line is expected to jumpstart development in the area.
The Cobo Center recently completed a $279 million renovation, including the 40,000-square-foot Grand Riverview Ballroom, an in-house broadcast studio and a three-story glass atrium.
The historic Detroit Fire Department Headquarters building is currently undergoing a complete renovation and will open as the Foundation Hotel this spring.
Luxury goods maker Shinola and Dan Gilbert’s Bedrock Real Estate development company recently began construction on the first-ever Shinola Hotel. The 130-room facility will open in 2018.
The Wurlitzer Building downtown is currently under a complete renovation, and will become a 100-room hotel slated to open in 2018.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide announced its Element Hotels brand will open a 110-room hotel in Detroit’s long-vacant Metropolitan Building in July 2018.
Furniture and home decor retailer West Elm will open a 120-room boutique hotel and West Elm store in 2018.
Greater Lansing
The Fairfield Inn & Suites Lansing at Eastwood recently opened with 101 guest rooms and 15 suites. The facility also offers a fitness center and pool.
The Hyatt Place Lansing/Eastwood Towne Center recently opened with 125 rooms and five suites.
Grand Rapids
A new concert venue, 20 Monroe Live, opened in February. The venue will host a variety of concerts and performances.
Drury Inn & Suites Grand Rapids opened late last year with 180 suites and more than 5,000 square feet of flexible meeting space.