http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?se...cal&id=6126274
Pick-Durant Hotel redevelopment enters new phase
Tuesday, May 06, 2008 | 7:22 PMStory Media Top Stories
Work may begin next month
By Dawn Jones
FLINT (WJRT) -- (05/06/08)--Plans to redevelop the Pick-Durant Hotel in downtown Flint have entered a new phase.
The developers say they hope to begin working on the building as early as next month.
The developers presented their plans last week to the Genesee Historic District Commission. They were approved.
And developer Richard Karp says they are just waiting now for the city of Flint to issue the building permits.
The Pick-Durant Hotel was built right in the heart of Flint back in 1920.
"The first floor was very elaborate with faux finish marble features in the foyer," said Dave White.
"And then it had a wonderful dining room, which I believe was probably originally the ballroom with an orchestra pit kind of on the second level."
It was a stunning attraction.
"Its heyday was probably from the 1930s to the late '50s," White said. "Then, of course, it closed in 1973." And it has sat empty and boarded up for more than 35 years at the center of much public debate.
White sits on the Genesee Historic District Commission Board.
"As a preservationist, we are just thrilled that a developer has been found and is going to turn the lights back on in this historic building," he said.
The building is owned by the Genesee County Land Bank. Plans are to turn the building into a stunning attraction again that includes 109 upscale apartments.
The developer says if there are no snags or delays in the permitting process, the project will begin soon with a completion date of September 2009.