Detroit headquarters transforms to become hotel in arena district

DETROIT (WJBK) - There's a new industry that is booming in downtown Detroit: Hotels! It's part of Cobo's big renovation and the arena district is giving a new life to old buildings.

The growing business district already has a high demand for guest accomodations. To try to and keep some of Detroit's architecture, they're using old buildings, like the Detroit Fire Department headquarters. The DFD has been there since 1929 but it could be one of the swankiest hotels in the city next year. Walter Cohen owns the soon-to-be open hotel and says it couldn't be a better location.

"It's just a perfect location for a hotel, Just perfect," Cohen said.

Why is it so perfect? Location, location, location. It's right across the street from Cobo center and reports indicate that Cohen and developers raised $34 million to turn the fire station into a 100 room hotel.

FOX 2's Charlie Langton got a tour. The first floor will be a restaurant and will be combined with the historic building next door. Beyond that, it's rooms of opulence. Watch the video above for a look inside.