The long-dormant Lee Plaza, a Detroit landmark once resplendent in its Art Deco glory, has at last commenced its journey to restoration. Following numerous setbacks, yesterday's groundbreaking event solidified the city's commitment to revitalizing the 16-story structure on West Grand Boulevard. ClickOnDetroit reported that this celebrated occasion was marked by enthusiasm from stakeholders and community members alike, eager to see the building's transformation.
According to The Detroit News, David Di Rita, principal of the Roxbury Group, expressed that solid partnerships between the City of Detroit, the State of Michigan, and private entities have been pivotal to bringing the Lee Plaza project to fruition, despite the lengthy span it took to align the necessary financing. A sense of accomplishment enveloped Di Rita's remarks, one made more poignant given the stark contrast to the years of planning and the building's visible neglect.
Formerly a luxury hotel opened in 1928, Lee Plaza's deterioration since its closure in 1997 has been a blight upon the Detroit skyline. Mayor Mike Duggan, reflecting during the restoration announcement, highlighted the significance of the redevelopment, not just as an architectural revival but as a beacon of affordable housing. Detroit Free Press quoted Duggan as saying it was an "obsession of mine" to witness the transformation of Lee Plaza into a place that provides much-needed housing for the city's residents.
