MARCH 2004

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ECONOMICS and ENTERPRISE Breaking New Ground Birmingham’s Hunter House site of new full-service hotel BY MERVIT BASHI Big things are in store for long-time Birmingham mainstay The Hunter House. Kalabat Construction, along with Victor Saroki & Associates Architects, is planning a major $26-million hotel building project at the location of The Hunter House restaurant and Sunoco gas station on the northwest corner of Maple and Woodward. The Hilton Hotel Project, as it is called, will result in a five-story, 120-room hotel. The top-notch, full-service hotel will feature restaurants, a bar and a banquet facility to accommodate 250 people. The top floor will consist of 15 executive apartments. Fitness facilities will include a complete health club with an indoor pool. To ensure that parking is not a concern for guests, three floors of underground parking will be included as well. “Negotiations are underway with one of the most well-known chefs and restaurant owners in town, to team up in order to provide the best food and quality of service in Birmingham,” said Ismat Karmo of Delta Hotels, the hospitality management company that will manage the new hotel. According to Jamal Kalabat, CEO of Kalabat Construction, the hotel is being built in a prime location. “It’s the gateway to the downtown area,” he said. In addition, those involved with the project expect to draw more business and leisure travelers to Birmingham. Loyal Hunter House patrons need not worry, though. The original Hunter House, dating as far back as perhaps the 1940s, will be replicated on the first floor of the building. Famous for its “sliders,” restaurant goers will still be able to satisfy their burger cravings by the dozen. The restaurant is presently operational, and is scheduled to be closed for business only during construction. The Hilton Hotel is an addition to the other highrise structures in the area. “The City of Birmingham has been very supportive and interested in the future of this project,” said Karmo. At a time when downtown Birmingham has truly become a thriving locale, entrepreneurs see an opportunity to contribute to the economic growth of the community. Speaking of the prospective Hilton Hotel, Kalabat said, “There is a market demand for it.” Well known for numerous residential and commercial achievements, Kalabat Construction is credited with buildings such as St. Toma Church and Hall in Farmington Hills. In addition, Birmingham architectural firm Victor Saroki & Associates Architects was responsible for the design of the prominent Townsend Hotel in Birmingham. Kalabat Construction and Delta Hotels have already partnered on the Holiday Inn Express venture in Waterford. Together, they plan on building or acquiring three hotels during the next two years. Groundbreaking for the Hilton Hotel is set for early fall 2004. Construction should be complete in mid-2005. Birmingham’s Hunter House PHOTO BY VANESSA DENHA MANZO E Y E C A R E David L. Manzo, M.D. LASIK/EXCIMER SPECIALIST and General Ophthalmologist SALES REP WANTED The Chaldean News is searching for a qualified sales rep to work full-time covering the Metro Detroit Area. If you are highly motivated and a self-starter, please call Silvia at 248-932-3100. 27776 WOODWARD AVE., ROYAL OAK (ACROSS FROM WESTBORN MARKET) PHONE: 248-541-4200 30095 NORTHWESTERN HIGHWAY, SUITE 102 • FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48334 PHONE: 248-932-3100 • FAX: 248-932-9161 14 CHALDEAN NEWS MARCH 2004
ONE-on-ONE Shulman Supports The Community In Every issue, the Chaldean News will talk to an elected official. This month we sat down with State Representative Marc Shulman from the 38th District. Rep. Shulman was first elected to serve the 39th District in the Michigan House of Representatives in 1998. Rep. Shulman was appointed Chairman of the influential House Appropriations Committee for the 91st Legislature and is currently serving a second term as Chairman. He is also Chairman of the sub-committee on Economic Development Council/Michigan Strategic Fund. CHALDEAN NEWS: You are an elected official covering a district where a large Chaldean population resides, what have your learned from this community? SHULMAN: The people are hardworking individuals committed to their families and wanting to insure that their children get a good education. They have a sense of community and patriotism toward this country. CN: This is a difficult budget crisis — how could the Chaldean Community be directly affected by this? SHULMAN: Many items funded by the state were eliminated by the millions as a result of the lack of money. The fact that the community was able to get some funding to start with to me is a sign of respect and importance that the state has shown to the culture ands the Chaldean people. In the future, I am pleased to continue to look for funding sources for programs, education, and other needs. I am very proud to have stood up with your leadership on this issue and will always be there for you in the future. CN: In the past, the Chaldean community has felt shorted by the state, in terms of getting funding for the community center - do you see this changing? Do you see us getting any funding for the Community Center in the 2004 ? SHULMAN: Many of the Governor’s tax increases are directed to small businesses. A proposed 75 cents increase in the cigarette tax and an increase in the tax on alcohol will hurt many small businesses. We cannot continue to place the money shortfall on the backs of hard working people who have taken risks and used their sweat to make a living for their family. CN: How do you think members of the Chaldean Community could get involved in Economic Development in the State? SHULMAN: Some members already have and as Chairman not only of the entire Appropriations Shulman committee but also the subcommittee on economic development, I will immediately work with your community to set up a meeting with the new director and board members to discuss what opportunities there are which are many. CN: Often, people think by donating to campaigns they have done their part in the political process. What advice do you have for the community to get more involved in politics? SHULMAN: Begin at the grass roots level, to get involved with candidates who understand your positions on issues. Also get involved at the local level on Boards of Zoning, appeal boards of education, anywhere you can make a difference. Your investment in time will result in changes you want. CN: Keeping abreast of the issues is not always easy, what suggestions do you have for people before they cast their vote, so they know exactly who and what they are voting for? SHULMAN: Read the papers including your own community paper. Also, don’t be afraid to bring candidates in to talk and ask them hard questions. Your community has been doing an excellent job in informing the community. CN: Your district covers West Bloomfield and Commerce, and in the past residents have complained about not having enough after school programming, are there efforts in the state to offer more programs for students? SHULMAN: The Governor has cut funding directly targeted to the “wealthier districts.” West Bloomfield, Bloomfield Hills, Troy, and Walled Lake will suffer because of these cuts. Thus, the community must work hard to find other sources because after school programs are going to be affected. CN: As chair of the house appropriations committee, what does that mean for your constituents? SHULMAN: Increased opportunities to secure funding for needed services that might not be available otherwise. CN: What are your predictions for the Presidential race? Will this be a close race? SHULMAN: Presidential races are always close and this one is no different. The key issues are jobs and national security. CN: Rumors are afloat, since you are term limited, that your wife might run for you seat? SHULMAN: My wife Lois would be a very effective legislator and is giving it serious consideration. Are you looking for Office or Professional space for your business? JOHN KHAMI One Northwestern Plaza 28411 Northwestern Highway Suite 600 Southfield, MI 48034 Direct: 248-827-6698 Fax: 248-353-5768 OFFICE AND INDUSTRIAL Call John Khami of Cushman and Wakefield and a member of the Chaldean Community to represent you in your search. MARCH 2004 CHALDEAN NEWS 15
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MARCH 2004

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