Newman Promises Dearborn a ‘Redevelopment’
It isn't clear how soon or what will move in, but the sign promises it all.
A Dearborn eyesore vacant for more than a decade will be redeveloped, according to owner Norm Newman.
As we reported here a couple days ago (for first story click HERE), the long vacant Inca and Pier 1 buildings owned by Norm Newman on Newman Street appear to be getting prepared for new construction. White paper was pasted over the glass windows of the store fronts last weekend. Now new signs have been added saying a “Redevelopment Coming Soon.”
It isn’t yet clear what will go into the buildings or how soon, but speculation still centers around the possibility of a grocery store occupying the two vacant properties. Newman officials confirm a new large store is coming but so far remain coy about the exact type of business only saying that it could be operational in about a year.
March 4th, 2009 at 10:07 pm
Say it isn’t so. An Aldi? Oh, my. Let’s home Trader Joe’s, also owned by Aldi, is what moves in. What’s next, a Dollar store in the old Michael’s? This sounds bad and getting worse . . .
March 5th, 2009 at 6:19 am
You know, people knock dollar stores all the time, but if it’s a store people will actually SHOP at in these tough economic times then I’m all for it.
March 5th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Does anyone have info about Newman? This guy is a joke! Remember when Applebees wanted to move in….and rumor has it he forced Tenny Street BBQ and Pier One Imports out by upping the rent (in this economy he should have LOWERED the rent!)…. I feel he is a major cause of DTWD’s demise!
does anyone have any info about the Avant Garde bridal/formal dress shop opening at the corner of Monroe & Mich. Ave? There is a sign up that says “new management” so will it be dresses again? (just curious)…..
what about Caliente Grill???
March 5th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
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Facebook Group associated with this venture was recently deleted… I’m sure that’s not a good sign…
March 5th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
I was referring to the comment about Caliente Grill…
March 5th, 2009 at 7:53 pm
Another dress store is supposed to take over.
Caliente Grill is still supposed to open and they are still doing work in there.
March 9th, 2009 at 10:41 am
Caliente Grill has been opening for years. I’m already tired of their food and ready for something new.
March 9th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Actually, the city asked him to put the paper up due to the sore thumb it gives to the city. I spoke with Newman this weekend. Nothing is being put in. Also, Bellacino’s is the next to announce closing their doors. Business has been pretty much non-existent for months now. Sad to see them go.
March 9th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
Seems to me that if theres enough suites compacted together, why doesn’t the city use them for the convention center they’re proposing for Fairlane? It would save us a lot of money and I’m sure the center visitors would love that paid parking and would comment that we have probably the most beautiful paid parking facilities in the nation. In fact, the city could probably tear down most of these vacant buildings and make downtown one huge parking lot. Then the majority that are simply driving thru Dearborn to elsewhere lately could leave their car in downtown and take public transportation to their destination out of Dearborn and save the wear and tear on our wonderful Michigan Avenue.
March 9th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
There is now a large Fatburger banner on the wall of the building where Caliente Grill was going. It says something along the lines of “We know you’re hungry. We’re coming soon.” Anyone know anything?