Explore this showcase three of our projects in Detroit, Michigan where we successfully assisted in reviving the Detroit waterfront community.
The Alden – Detroit, Michigan
The Alden has been a fixture of the Detroit River skyline since it was constructed in 1922. Originally characterized by stunning architecture with luxury apartments, the buildings became a silhouette of what once was. The asset was riddled with issues after over a decade of neglect, but we saw an opportunity to reestablish The Alden to its once admired presence. Triton’s journey began in 2012 when the asset was acquired from an overseas bank after a foreclosure process.
Determined to bring new life and energy into the project, Triton believed it was also essential to pay homage to its historic importance in Detroit. We were able to bring modern day convenience into living and amenity spaces while mimicking The Alden’s century-old ambience by restoring the original hardwood floors and façade. In less than a year, Triton renovated the historic 389-unit project and re-imagined the surrounding RiverWalk. We sold the Alden to a local Detroit investor in 2019, and while we no longer are the owner, we are proud that we were able to return it and the surrounding area into a safe and desirable community once again.
Harbortown – Detroit, Michigan
The approximately 50-acre Harbortown community is just over a mile from the heart of downtown Detroit and provides residents a private, gated neighborhood with unparalleled access to the Detroit River. The initial grand plans for the Harbortown development project failed to gain momentum as the city dealt with growing economic and social unrest, which only worsened in 2008 with the Great Financial Crisis. However, we believed with the right vision the development could be revitalized and become one of Detroit’s most desirable residential and marina communities.
Starting in 2009, predominantly through note purchases and foreclosure sales, we were able to acquire 200+ condominium units in two projects, all of which were sold in 2014, and over 12-acres of development land within the Harbortown community.
Alongside local development partners, Triton built Waters Edge, a 132-unit apartment building, and re-envisioned the marina creating 63-slips and an accompanying clubhouse. The capstone development project known as Harborside, currently in the pre-development phase, will include over 200 apartment units and 11 townhomes.
The Town Residences – Detroit, Michigan
Located in the heart of downtown Detroit, the Town Residences building was originally constructed in 1928 as the home of the renowned Pontchartrain Club. The Great Depression left its mark on the building as it sat unfinished until it was converted into apartments in the 1950s. It has been operated as apartments since then but saw its last improvements in the late 1970s. After being rundown for nearly three decades, the effectively vacant building spoke for its condition. However, like The Alden, we saw an opportunity to bring back the energy as was once hoped by the Pontchartrain Club members.
Forced with the option to sell or be foreclosed upon, the previous ownership sold the property to Triton in 2014. The building required a major 18-month renovation which focused on providing sleek finishes within the units and amenities while accentuating the original historic architecture and design.
For this project, Triton obtained Historic designation to qualify the property for Federal Historic Tax Credits, as well as worked with the City of Detroit to secure a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone designation. The Town Residences, still owned by Triton, is once again full of energy and we continue to look to use the property to engage and add value in the surrounding community.