Vacant for several years, the southeast corner of Maple and Woodward in downtown Birmingham may be developed into an upscale Hampton Inn, three floor of office space, two floors of residential apartments, ground floor retail, and an underground parking deck. The Barclay Inn formerly occupied the site.
The project, if approved, would add a third gateway entrance into downtown Birmingham as well as the emerging Triangle District, located south of Maple and east of Woodward. Farmington Hills-based Group 10 Management, which owns and operates hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and parking lots, acquired the parcel in May 2012.
Group 10, along with Victor Saroki, principal of Saroki Architecture in downtown Birmingham, is working with the city to refine the plans, though nothing formal has been submitted. The hotel would offer around 120 rooms and up to 30 apartments. The parking facility would offer some 160 vehicles, though that could increase to more than 340 spaces if the city sought to join the project.
IN RELATED NEWS, a flagship Kroger store at the northeast corner of Maple and Woodward will undergo a $5-million renovation and is scheduled to close for 16 weeks starting on Aug. 2. Highlights include expanded produce, meat, and seafood sections, new areas for sushi, sandwiches, soups, olives, and cheeses as well as a larger bakery and floral area.
In other Birmingham news, the designer women’s clothing store Nina McLemore plans to open a studio next month at 550 Merrill St. Karen Egren Jewelry will also share the space.
