The latest issue of Dwell Magazine looks at one of America’s first (and often considered the most successful) urban renewal projects. Detroit’s Lafayette Park, now undergoing a subtle transformation as a new wave of residents including Keira Alexandra and Toby Barlow settle in, remix the past, and make the place their own.
Given the uncertainty looming with the likely restructuring of the automotive and manufacturing base in this area, it’s encouraging to see a vibrant and stable cooperative community within the city that has endured the region’s many changes over the last 50 years. And, who knows, what comes next may in fact be orchestrated from this place.
November 20th, 2008 at 10:43 am
pretty cool development, any idea on costs of those types of units?
thanks
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:35 am
Which Cost are you speaking of?
Replacement Cost?
Insurance Replacement Cost?
Cost to build from scratch?
Real Estate Cost?
Some of the better refurbished ones went for close to $120 when the economy was at it’s peak.
With Congress attacking and then abandoning the American Auto Industry, you might pick up one for $10k in a couple of years.
Who knows? But dont forget the Co-op maintenance fee of $642/mo.
This type of construction may well be less expensive than American light frame building methods.
We are composed of composite concrete slabs for the first and second floor with Concrete block party walls.
The units are very intelligently designed for 50 years ago and even today. There would be upgrades were you to build today. We have installed insulating glass units and may soon insulate.
And who needs all that wasted space that the builders have been foisting upon the people?
Families with 2-3 children have raised them here and many of them have done well and the parents are not left to wallow once the kids have abandoned ship.
Bill