Developer Bringing Micro-Loft Apartments To Downtown Detroit

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - A new development is bringing furnished "micro-loft" apartments to downtown Detroit.

The 13-story 28Grand, now under construction in Capital Park, is expected to appeal to recent college graduates beginning their careers and people interested in moving into the city's revived downtown.

The average size of the 218 units will be about 260 square feet. They will feature utilities, high-speed internet, double beds, window seats, 47-inch flat screen televisions, full baths and kitchens.

WWJ's Vickie Thomas, who took a tour of a model unite on Thursday, reported the structure is the first residential building to go up in downtown Detroit since the 1980s.

It's small, but comfortable and cozy.

"And that was really the idea, right," said Jamie Witherspoon, an architect for the developer, Bedrock. It's not just about making a small apartment; it's figuring out ways of designing so that you can live, you know, a comfortable lifestyle here."

Leasing is set to start Feb. 1 with move-ins beginning next June. Bedrock says 133 of the apartments will lease at market rate (not yet determined), while the monthly rent on another 85 will be about $700 for qualifying low-income residents.

Steve Rosenthal, head of envelopment for Bedrock, said those the price will include furnishing and all utilities. The building, located at 28 West Grand River Avenue and Griswald, will also include community space.

"We're really excited about it, to offer this to the city of Detroit," Rosenthal said.

Bedrock is part of the Rock Ventures family of companies.

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