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Broderick Tower Restoration Begins

DETROIT (WWJ) - After years of discussion and planning, a ceremonial ribbon cutting was held, Monday, for the Broderick Tower restoration project.  The late-1920's office building at Woodard Avenue and Grand Circus Park is considered the gateway to downtown Detroit. 

Plans for the 35-story building include apartments, office space, entertainment venues and more.

City Council President Charles Pugh said, once the apartments are rented, he hopes it will attract other businesses to the area.

"An H&M or some other retailer here on Woodward Avenue will now be able to justify that. Or maybe even a Whole Foods or a Trader Joe's or some smaller market will now build here on Woodward in this neighborhood, because now you're gonna have hundreds of people living here, and soon hopefully across the street in the David Whitney Building ," Pugh said.

Construction executive Fred Beal agrees.

"This is a great building and it's a great catalyst-type scenario, in that right here in this key location it has the potential to impact a number of other properties," Beal said.

Beal said he's concerned that Governor Rick Snyder's plans to eliminate state tax credits and brown field development credits will hamper the redevelopment of other historic buildings in Detroit.

Restoration of the Broderick Tower is scheduled for completion in September  of 2012.

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