The owner of Detroit's blighted Packard automobile plant complex on the city's east side is asking City Council for a 12-year tax freeze while he develops the project.
Arte Express owner Fernando Palazuelo announced in November 2013 plans to restore and reopen the complex that had become a symbol of Detroit's decline.
Kari Smith, director of development for Arte Express Detroit, told the Detroit Free Press the first two phases would involve a gut renovation of the former Packard Motor Co.'s corporate offices into modern office space, and the creation of a recreational complex whose details are still to come.
She said work crews could start on the first phase as soon as council approves a plan to freeze the site's property taxes.
