Following years of considering several development ideas, Royal Oak finally may have found a suitable project for a vacant patch of land at I-696 and Woodward Avenue. On Wednesday, West Bloomfield-based Singh Development, which builds homes, apartments, and senior centers, will present a plan for 192 apartments and complementary amenities to the Downtown Development Authority.
The $35-million, four-story project would include ground-floor townhouses and upper level one-story, two-story, and studio apartments. Called Woodward Grand Luxury Apartments and Lofts, the development would include covered parking, a courtyard with a swimming pool, a clubhouse, a fitness area, and a leasing center. Rents would range from $1,500 to $2,500 per month. Avi Grewal serves as project manager for the proposed development.
Ever since I-696 was completed in 1989, Royal Oak officials have entertained numerous concepts for the 4.2-acre parcel, but seldom at the same time. In December, Southfield-based Versa Development, CG Emerson Real Estate, and the Farran Group presented plans for 160 apartments, retail, medical office, and parking at the site.
The DDA is still considering the plan, and will work to select a preferred developer in the coming weeks. In addition, the Detroit Medical Center had proposed building a 97,000-square-foot pediatric specialty center at the site, but recently said the parcel wasn’t large enough and was looking at other locations.
In related news in Royal Oak, Aragona Properties will start construction in the spring on a five-story, 48-unit apartment and retail complex on Main Street, just south of Lincoln Avenue. Expected to be completed in spring 2015, the project is located just north of Haberman Fabrics. In addition, a group called 400 Main plans to build a 114-room Hyatt hotel, 82 apartments, office space, and retail space on Main Street, north of 11 Mile. The project is expected to break ground soon.
