By SUE SUCHYTA

Sunday Times Newspapers

WYANDOTTE – Demolition of the old city hall and development of an eight-story retail and apartment building on the site were awarded April 16 to Zachary and Associates of Detroit.

The City Council approved a proposal that would encompass the former city hall, 3100 Biddle, the adjacent gravel parking lot, and the city parking lot south of the structure.

The firm said it plans to develop a $40 million, eight-story building, with first floor retail, a two-story parking deck, and 120 high-rise apartments with a river view, with the possibility of some of the space being used as hotel rooms.

Zachary and Associates President Diane Van Buren, Vice President Ernest Zachary, with associates Tom Roberts and David Schervish spoke to the council at the April 16 meeting, along with Mark Farlow of the design firm of Hamilton Anderson.

Zachary said the firm likes a challenge, and they are pleased that they have the support of the city for the project.

The firm will supply the city with the identity of all anticipated lenders, the proposed public and private financing for the project, the background of all project participants and the total development costs.

The rental rates and number of proposed parking spaces must also be approved by the city council.

Mayor Joseph Peterson said this was an important next step for the city.

(Sue Suchyta can be reached at [email protected])