The dot Looks Forward

February 2020 marked the one-year anniversary of the official groundbreaking for The dot (Development on Troy), a mixed-use parking structure designed to bring office, retail, affordable housing, and outdoor gathering space to downtown Ferndale. In March, construction was paused in accordance with the Governor’s "Stay Home Stay Safe" order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As construction resumes, we wanted to take a moment to provide a brief look into what we expect to see in the coming months.

Construction Moves Forward

Construction resumed in early May, and we are happy to report that the labor workforce has increased every week, bringing us nearly back to full staffing levels. Supply chains are beginning to open again, which means that productivity is resuming; the finish line for the parking deck, streetscapes, and alley improvements are within sight.

The final pour of concrete on the fourth floor is scheduled to begin on May 29 and be complete by June 8, weather permitting. This will be the last major pour on this job, acting as a ceiling to the parking deck, floor to the future upper-level office space, and support for the building’s façade.

Streetscape Takes Shape

In June, residents can expect to see the Troy streetscape start to take shape. The crane is expected to be removed, and façade frames are set to be installed around the perimeter of the structure. These frames will support the glass façade installation from Madison Heights Glass, a local company from Ferndale who was awarded the contract to perform this essential work.

Going Forward

We know there remain a number of questions about the future of the The dot. COVID-19 had an immediate impact on the lending environment and supply chains, creating unknowns with the developer, the parking system, and financial contributing partners like the MEDC. In a nutshell, many of the assumptions and conditions that formed the terms of the initial development agreement have substantially changed, and we're pivoting to renegotiate and address these changes.

At this time, our highest priority remains completing the parking deck and reopening Troy Street as quickly as possible given the recent disruption to the construction schedule. We remain committed to the vision of incorporating multiple uses into this project, and are working with partners on adjustments to schedules for the retail, residential, and office components.

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