The availability of Live/Work space in Detroit’s suburbs encourages
the proliferation of new business ventures and it strengthens the
surrounding neighborhoods. When cottage industry, boutique retail, and
professional service ventures are clustered together in a cohesive
retail block (as at kingsleylane.com or thedistrictlofts.com), a destination is created. Scattered, these small businesses would not have the same marketing presence, impact, or pull.
Live/work storefronts in new projects can spark the redevelopment
and recycling of nearby old industrial and warehouse buildings or
appropriately zoned vintage homes. When this begins, the neighborhood
becomes alive again, with service providers and retailers interacting
and transacting with residents.
In Royal Oak,
Metro Lofts
on East Harrison Street is the catalyst of the newly created Warehouse
District. At the completion of the second phase of Metro Lofts, more
than 100 residents will reside at the project. Denali Development’s
goal for the project is to attract destination retail, such as a brew
pub or fitness center to bring more activity to their site. They also
plan on incorporating live/work units in their third phase to create an
eclectic and artistic mix of shops and services.
In short, you will soon be able to visit a new shopping district in Royal Oak’s Warehouse District.