Thursday, January 13, 2005

Detroit panel delays hotel demolition

By R.J. King / The Detroit News

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DETROIT -- The Detroit Historic District Commission on Wednesday delayed ruling until February on a request for a demolition permit for the vacant Madison-Lenox Hotel in Detroit's Harmonie Park district.

A city staff report requested the delay along with the owner of the property, Ilitch Holdings Inc. The company had requested a demolition permit a year ago, but the commission denied the application due to incomplete information. The building is a historic landmark and the commission must approve any demolition request.

Built from 1903 to 1913, the Madison-Lenox Hotel closed 30 years ago due to declining use and rising crime. Located at Madison and Randolph, the complex is near the Detroit Athletic Club, Music Hall and Detroit Opera House.

Last year, the National Trust for Historic Preservation selected the twin mid-rise structure as one of America's most endangered historic places. Local preservation groups have supported efforts to convert the buildings into a European-style hotel or loft apartments.