Somerset Collection CityLoft Returns, Bringing With It The Legendary Downtown Detroit Days

DETROIT, June 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Nathan Forbes, managing partner of The Forbes Company, owner and manager of Somerset Collection in Troy, announced the seasonal, one-weekend-a–month Somerset Collection CityLoft, which debuted last summer in downtown Detroit, is returning June 28 – 30, July 26 – 28 and August 16 – 18.   CityLoft's opening, in a new location at 1261 Woodward Avenue between Grand River and State, will be the centerpiece of a revived Downtown Detroit Days. 

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120605/DE19159 )

In addition to the three dozen Somerset Collection merchants participating at CityLoft, up to 40 retailers and artisans from throughout metro Detroit will operate mini-versions of their stores at the Downtown Detroit Days Marketplace atop the Premier Parking Garage on Woodward Avenue across from CityLoft.

Further, during each CityLoft/Downtown Detroit Days event, works by Detroit-area artists as well as Detroit retail memorabilia will be on display in Woodward Avenue storefront windows, live entertainment and modeling will be held at CityLoft and the Downtown Detroit Days Marketplace, and "secret shoppers" will pass out gift certificates to Detroit restaurants.

And opening this summer's final CityLoft/Downtown Detroit Days will be a pre-Woodward Dream Cruise celebration and classic car parade on Thursday, August 16.  The parade will travel from Cobo Center to the 1200 block of Woodward, culminating in a sock hop complete with live entertainment and dance contests.

Somerset Collection CityLoft and the Downtown Detroit Days Marketplace are sponsored by Quicken Loans and Rock Ventures.

Mr. Forbes explained that the success of last year's CityLoft inspired its return.

"CityLoft was successful on so many levels … our retail partners met new customers and showcased new merchandise, nearby retailers and restaurants saw an increase in their business, and the enthusiasm from our guests about downtown shopping demonstrated that innovative retail concepts can find a home downtown."

As well, the impetus for the Downtown Detroit Days Marketplace came from businesses throughout southeastern Michigan expressing interest in participating in a downtown revival.   

"Retailers, artists and entrepreneurs from all corners of metro Detroit heard the buzz about CityLoft, saw the crowds and were eager to take part this year.  And events like the Downtown Detroit Days Marketplace give them an opportunity to test their brands or introduce new concepts … with the goal of one day having a permanent presence downtown."  

Detroit's leading merchants – among them Hudson's, B. Siegel, Himelhoch's, Winkelman's and Hughes & Hatcher – conceived Downtown Detroit Days in the mid-1950s to promote the city's retail district.  The twice-yearly event, which ran through the mid-1980s, featured storewide sales, entertainment, art displays and secret shoppers.

"Downtown Detroit Days drew tens of thousands of residents from throughout Detroit and the suburbs.  Even for those who hadn't shopped downtown in years … the pull of DDDays was hard to ignore.  They absolutely had to be there.  This new iteration of the event will have that same appeal."

Dan Gilbert, chairman of Detroit-based Quicken Loans and Rock Ventures LLC, said Somerset Collection CityLoft and the addition of Downtown Detroit Days complements a resurgent downtown Detroit.

"Our vision for a thriving urban neighborhood continues to take shape thanks to the efforts of The Forbes Company, Somerset Collection and countless companies and individuals investing in office, commercial and residential projects," he said.

Mr. Forbes added, "All of us, from city, to suburb and throughout Michigan, benefit from a flourishing, engaging downtown Detroit with local, regional and national appeal."

Somerset Collection is located on the corner of Big Beaver Road and Coolidge in Troy.  A 700-foot long glass enclosed moving skywalk spans Big Beaver connecting Somerset North with Somerset South. Anchored by Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Macy's, Somerset Collection is home to more than 180 stores and restaurants, where many of which have their only area or statewide location, including Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Burberry, Salvatore Ferragamo, Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Max Mara, Henri Bendel, Giorgio Armani, as well as the casual Peacock Cafés and five sit down restaurants including Capital Grille. Information about center or store-specific events, as well as store hours can be found at www.thesomersetcollection.com.

The Forbes Company (www.theforbescompany.com) is a nationally recognized owner, developer and manager of luxury, iconic shopping centers renowned throughout their respective markets for their retail innovation, fashion leadership, distinctive architecture and luxury appointments. In addition to Somerset Collection, these properties include three shopping centers in Florida:  The Mall at Millenia in Orlando, The Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens and Waterside Shops in Naples.

Somerset Collection CityLoft + Downtown Detroit Days Fast Facts

CityLoft and the Downtown Detroit Days Marketplace will be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 28 – 30, July 26 – 28 and August 16 – 18 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

The new, 6000-square-foot CityLoft is at 1261 Woodward Avenue between Grand River and State.

Guests to CityLoft will receive a gift with purchase from each merchant and a $10 Somerset Collection Gift Card with every $100 purchase.

Downtown Detroit Days Marketplace will be located atop the Premier Parking Garage (former J. L. Hudson store), across Woodward from CityLoft.

Complimentary parking will be available in Premier Parking Garage.

Complimentary shuttles will operate between CityLoft and Somerset Collection each day from 11 a.m. – 7p.m. while a vintage trolley will offer complimentary rides between 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. between CityLoft, downtown offices and hotels and destinations in midtown. 

Retailers and artists wishing to participate in each CityLoft/Downtown Detroit Days event should visit the "contact us" tab on the Somerset Collection web site (www.thesomersetcollection.com) before June 15.  In the subject line write "CityLoft participation." 

SOURCE The Forbes Company