Mobile Edition
Print
Get the Mag
Weekly UpdatesClosed since 1982, the Kresge Building, located at 1201 Woodward Ave. has been revamped and is reopening its doors to the public. Once home to the Kmart Corporation and 85 stores selling goods to the public for 5 to 10 cents apiece; the Shops in the Kresge Building now offers consumers a unique, multifunctional mall full of small retailers, which include jewelry boutiques, an espresso bar, a full cocktail bar, an ice cream shop and various other businesses - a total of 50 so far.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
Hoping to capitalize on its prime location, the Kresge Building presents consumers with a new shopping experience. Eric Novack, the senior project manager of the development, considers the building's location on Woodward to be ideal because it is located in a high traffic area of the city.
"There are approximately 250,000 people doing business in the city," Novack said.
Situated near both Compuware and the First National Building, the shops are central to the business and financial districts downtown. The shops hope that people conducting business and working in the area stop in and take a look around. Crowds from special events being held at locations like Comerica Park, Ford Field, Joe Louis Arena and Campus Martius Park may also be drawn to the many offerings the building has.
The retailers that are a component of the Shops in the Kresge Building offer superior quality goods and original designs, as well as high fashion. They come from different backgrounds and experiences that will add to the overall diversity of the retail development. And while they are individually hoping to be successful in this endeavor, the overwhelming theme pervading their comments is that they all hope to be a major part of Detroit's revitalization.
Milan Stevanovich, the developer of the Shops in the Kresge Building, said, "All the business owners are creating business to ensure Detroit's future and well-being."
Stevanovich, born in Macedonia but now a Detroiter, is extremely enthusiastic about the project. He hopes to restore life once again to the Woodward Corridor and does not dismiss the historical aspect of the Kresge Building, and how it might be beneficial to the project's success. He feels that invoking the public's memories of the Kresge Building of the past might bring people in to see all the new updates. He acknowledges the success of the original Kresge store and location, and hopes to reach the same level of success now in 2009. "Small entrepreneurs are the future of Detroit," he said. With any luck, Stevanovich hopes that one day the Shops in the Kresge Building will be home to hundreds of thriving stores and will create a new beginning for the city of Detroit.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
The business owners are also thrilled at the opportunity to be a part of this venture. Aaron-Micael Beydoun, owner of the espresso bar, Chez Zara, shares this sentiment. He indicates that, what appealed to him about the Kresge Building is the unique and eclectic mix of small businesses. Beydoun's company features a rare partnership with the renowned Italian coffeemaker, Lavazza. Beydoun also owns a business in Shang Hai, China, but Chez Zara is his first business venture in Michigan. He has roots that tie him to the Detroit area and decided to open his espresso bar to be a part of something that he strongly feels will better the city. "When retail comes into the area, it will bring in residents," he said.
Another enthusiastic business owner is Tiffany Lake, proprietor of Privileged Circumstances Footwear. She embraces the opportunity to help improve downtown Detroit. Her business specializes in "footwear for the business class who may want to wear a few trendy pieces." She views the Shops in the Kresge building to be an asset to the city, calling it a "landmark place to shop."
The retail development aims to be a catalyst for the neighborhood in which it is a part of. Its success, it is believed, will make people take a second look at Detroit and all it has to offer in terms of retail real estate opportunities. All involved in the project hope to bring people downtown to remember what the Kresge Building was like in the past and see how it has evolved today. It has a blend of bars, restaurants and boutiques -something for everyone.
Nyla Nakai L.L.C. co-owner, Stephanie Whitfield, is also anxious for the shops to open. She hopes that her particular shop, featuring unique accessories, will be a major contribution to the overall building's success. She acknowledges that businesses on Woodward Avenue have been dwindling and hopes to attract people back to shopping on the avenue. She has been designing jewelry for a number of years and is excited at the prospect of having a concrete location for people to come in and purchase her wares. Above all, she hopes that the Kresge Building will become a main stop when people come downtown.
Blyss and Michael George also have high hopes for the urban mall. They are the owners of Bliss's Fashion Booth, which is a full-range boutique with moderate prices. The boutique features women's accessories, shoes, handbags and other merchandise. They hope to bring in high fashion and make it affordable to consumers. The Georges will feature both original pieces that Blyss George makes, as well as items from places like Los Angeles and New York City. They feel that the new and improved Kresge Building offers a unique and wonderful shopping experience for both Detroit residents and those visiting the city from the neighboring suburbs.
Beyond just the material items, the various people taking part in the project are filled with optimism. Their confidence is not just toward their individual businesses or even the shops encompassed in the Kresge Building in general. They are enthusiastic and optimistic about Detroit and the positive direction in which they believe the city is heading. And they are thrilled to be a part of the renaissance of Detroit - a city they all care deeply about. Perhaps the common sentiment of the people involved in the project is best summed up by one of their own, Michael George. "We believe in the vision, ourselves, and Detroit."
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
Mary Szostak is a freelance writer.
See For Yourself
At press time, the Shops in the Kresge Building are set to open in July. Hours are 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday, and 12 - 6 p.m. Sunday. Visit www.shopkresge.com for more information.
FEED