The pace of change in downtown Detroit has moved from glacial to relentless.
Thanks to a 3-1 Detroit Historic Commission vote, the days are numbered for the Park Avenue Hotel. It will be demolished to make way for a loading dock for the new arena complex that will house the Detroit Red Wings.
The building was built in 1924 and has been vacant since the Salvation Army left it in 2003 after a stint as a rehab center. In its heyday, it was one of the best in the city with great amenities for the era as well as private dining rooms and all the details that made old buildings cool.
There’s a silver lining, though. The Eddystone Hotel which is next door is just outside the zoning boundary. Olympia must redevelop the Eddystone if it proceeds with the Park Avenue’s demolition, as part and parcel of the deal the Detroit City Council helped negotiate to approve the project.
