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Detroit
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OtherRecommended approval1401, 1409, 1413, 1415, 1417 Gratiot Avenue, Detroit, MI

Busy Bee Redevelopment (1401 Gratiot)

Detroit

Description

A $12.5 million rehab of the historic former Busy Bee Hardware building into 17 apartments (4 affordable at 80% AMI) plus food-based retail; the committee recommended approval of its 12-year obsolete property tax certificate.

Impact summary

Brings 17 apartments and retail to a vacant Eastern Market gateway building, with taxes rising from $12,436 to $34,957 a year even with the abatement.

Applicant

Name
Busy Bee Development, LLC
Address
1401, 1409, 1413, 1415, 1417 Gratiot Avenue, Detroit, MI

At a glance

Hearings
1
Public comments
0
Total mentions
1

Last vote · Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee

Recommended approval3–0, unanimous

A recommendation, not a final decision. The council decides next.

Last discussed Jul 16, 2026.

Meeting timeline (1)

Jul 16, 2026Recommended approval 3–0

Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee

A $12.5 million rehab of the historic former Busy Bee Hardware building into 17 apartments (4 affordable at 80% AMI) plus food-based retail; the committee recommended approval of its 12-year obsolete property tax certificate.

Related issues (1)

Busy Bee redevelopment incentives at 1401-1417 Gratiot

A $12.5 million rehab of the old Busy Bee Hardware building near Eastern Market gets a 12-year tax break and $2.2 million in Brownfield reimbursement, bringing 17 apartments (4 affordable) and food-focused retail. Both items head to full Council with a thumbs-up.

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