Willy’s Overland Lofts

Posted on July 27, 2011 at 2:41 pm by David Lingholm with Leave a Comment

Re:View Contemporary Gallery held a reception Saturday evening (July 23) to introduce the 15 artists they are featuring this August at the Willy’s Overland Lofts development.

By itself, this news might not seem significant until you consider the growing number of artists moving into Detroit, attracted by cheap rents and few restrictions on what they create. What is restricted is money, which has traditionally driven artists to eventually move to cities like New York or Los Angeles if they want to sell their art.

One art gallery in Midtown will not stop that trend by itself. It will take many more galleries finding their own niche in the city following Re:View’s lead to stem the talent drain in the area. If Re:View proved one thing Saturday, it is the appetite for this type of gallery in Detroit is strong.

Personally, I’m not an aficionado of contemporary art … or fine art for that matter. What I enjoy is learning about the people behind the creative expressions. The gallery director, Simone DeSousa, does a great job of making sure people have the opportunity to meet.

My wife and I had a great conversation with Mark Dancey, one of the artists featured. He lives near Clark Park and goes to Cafe Con Leche on a regular basis, too. Our conversation ranged from how he got started to how he uses his house to create. This was also the same conversation that made me realize I knew another artist featured in a completely different context. I know Megan Heeres because we both serve on the B.I.N.G. Institute. I had no idea that she was a gifted artist as well.

The great thing about talking with the artists is finding out exactly what they are trying to accomplish with their design. Meeting the designers behind SUUM and hearing about their unique approach to creating jewelry was fascinating. They make steel rings with interchangeable pieces so you can have a fresh look without buying an entirely new ring. You will have to ask them about the why behind their designs. I quickly became too caught up playing with the R1 trying to see which look I liked the best.

Introducing patrons to the new artists gallery is not a new concept. Neither is having artists mingling with people to give a personal feel to their artwork or holding events in lofts.

The idea of art galleries in Detroit is hardly a novel concept either. What is unique is the hope that with enough of these events, people will start looking at Detroit as a destination for their art purchases. Or at least Detroit artists will always have a way to make Detroit home.

What’s where in Midtown housing? After 5 Detroit’s short list

Posted on July 9, 2011 at 12:17 am by Ashley Hennen with Leave a Comment

With the rental occupancy rate hovering around 94%, space can sometimes be hard to come by if you’re looking to move to Midtown.

So while developments are planned and in process, like on John R. and Prentis, Kerry Doman is highlighting the spaces open and ready to move into. Her project, After 5 Detroit, pairs young, talented interns with employers, all within in the city limits.

It turns out that young people across the country are returning in droves to urban centers, and Detroit is no different. With programs like After 5, and financial incentives like Live Midtown, which offers grants to employees at Detroit Medical Center, Wayne State University, or Henry Ford Health System, the trend is growing even faster.

As of right now, 203 people have been approved for this incentive, but Mosey would like to take it further. “I’d like to see an incentive program like Live Midtown specifically for artists,” she says. Addressing aesthetic issues that might not initially come to mind makes up much of the work she’s done. Lights and trees can sometimes make a world of difference.

After 5's discussion panel: from left Michael Martorelli, Austin Black, Sue Mosey

It’s not just young people, however, who have made the move. “We didn’t expect any families to move into the Park Shelton,” said Mike Martorelli, sales manager, “but we’re up to 15 now. The demand for housing in Midtown is going up.”

The building boasts residential space as well as retail on the ground floor. You can find Leopold’s Books, the Goods Detroit boutique, and even a sushi restaurant.

“We’ve had empty-nesters move into our lofts, too,” says Austin Black, listing agent for Willy’s Overland Lofts. They’re located on Willis and Second Ave., right next to Avalon Breads, Goodwell’s Natural Food Market, and the Spiral Collective.

(more after the video from Youth Neighborhood News below)

The cool thing about the Overland lofts is that they come with your own architect. You’re able to design and customize your living space to fit your lifestyle needs. Demand has been growing here, too. “Despite the economy,” Black says “these past 12 months have been the strongest for me selling real estate.”

Another option is the Studio One Apartments, just a few blocks away, in the center of Midtown. Sharing building space with Utrecht art supplies, Biggby Coffee, a Radio Shack, Starters Bar and Grille, and more, it’s one of the most convenient places to live in the city (particularly for Wayne State students). Additionally, the MOCAD (Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit), N’Namdi gallery, and soon-opening 71 Pop are all across the street.

Studio One Apartment

These are just a few places that After 5 Detroit highlights; rental spaces in Detroit span across the city and price ranges from raw and industrial to high end luxury. MidtownDetroit.com is a great resource for those looking to buy or rent in Midtown specifically.

Once you move into the neighborhoods, however, is when the fun begins and After 5 Detroit steps in…

Kerry Doman built a website to highlight the cultural attractions and night life that the city has to offer. Among networking events, museum exhibitions, gallery openings, and other things of interest to young professionals on the site, you’ll find a common theme.

“The number one thing you’ll find downtown is that the sense of community is so strong,” Doman concludes.

And, if the numbers are any indication, that community is only going to grow larger and stronger as more and more people young, old and in between discover the benefits of city living Detroit-style.