In a striking testament to Detroit's rebound, the city unveiled its first all-glass residential high-rise, the Residences at Water Square, where the Joe Louis Arena once stood. According to The Detroit News, the 25-story tower with 496 units is being hailed as a symbol of Detroit's dramatic recovery since its bankruptcy. Rising where hockey legends once played, this luxury living space marks a significant milestone in downtown Detroit's redevelopment.
Initiated just two years ago on the historical site of the former sports arena, the Sterling Group delivered on their promise to redefine Detroit's skyline. "Just a short 24 months later, our first residents will be moving into their new homes officially as the doors open today," Danny Samson, chief development officer of Sterling Group, told The Detroit News. Completed on time with no tax incentives, officials stressed that the project did not ask for nor receive any financial assistance.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan expressed his pride at the Tuesday opening, recalling the days when a development of this scale seemed unthinkable. "This tells you how far we've come from bankruptcy," Duggan remarked, leaning on the city’s storied past and brightening future. According to ClickOnDetroit, the Residences at Water Square offer upmarket units with prices starting from $2,000 per month, resonating with the city's revitalization.
One standout feature of the high-rise is its employment practices, highlighted during the opening ceremony. "A very special thank you to the over 1,000 members of the state's union workforce for their amazing efforts to complete this project on time and on budget in just over 24 months," Samson praised, as captured by FOX 2 Detroit. The tower’s construction not only serves as a beacon of luxury but also exemplifies a commitment to labor and minority-owned businesses in Detroit—further cementing the project as a landmark of progress for the city.
Residents of the luxurious complex will enjoy amenities such as quartz countertops, Italian cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and communal spaces that include a fitness area, pool, and rooftop deck. The prime location also offers panoramic views of Detroit and Canada, coupled with proximity to downtown attractions. In a statement provided by The Detroit News, Lyndsey Battles, the Residences at Water Square's general manager, describes the offerings as "a fully top-tier customer service-driven building."
