But even if a recession hits in the next year or two, as many economists have predicted, he says that won't have much of an impact on his smattering of splashy downtown Detroit building projects because much of his new developments are self-financed, at least initially before permanent financing is secured.

That's because, he says, it simplifies the process and he can be more nimble.

"Makes things easier, less covenants, and that's worked out pretty good," he said during an interview last week following a groundbreaking ceremony for his latest splashy project, the $830 million Monroe Blocks development east of his Quicken Loans Inc. headquarters. "We've had no problem getting financing when we are done."

So expect his construction spree to continue, he says — on a $95 million expansion of One Campus Martius, the $909 million development on the J.L. Hudson's store site to the north with what is expected to have the state's tallest building, and Monroe Blocks, which is slated to be complete in 2023.

He has other things on his plate next year in real estate development, too, not the least of which is what to do with the former Wayne County Consolidated Jail site on Gratiot Avenue at I-375, which was leveled this year.

The plans for that property, which comes in at about 15 acres, should be released in the next three months.

"We are working on some really exciting, unique things which I can't talk about yet. It's really exciting. It's all connected — there might be some office and residential — but there's another theme, and I hope it comes to fruition."