Preserving History, Creating Opportunity: The Story of The Belle |
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In case you missed The Belle ribbon cutting, we’re pleased to share remarks from KDG Principal Brian Rebain delivered during the opening celebration. This project holds special meaning for our team, not only as another successful adaptive reuse project completed in partnership with Bedrock, but also because it stands just steps from our office in Detroit’s historic Paradise Valley neighborhood. After nearly a decade of planning, design, and restoration, The Belle is once again contributing to the vitality and growth of Broadway and Downtown Detroit. |
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“Thank you all for coming out on this exciting day on Broadway here in Downtown Detroit to celebrate the official opening of The Belle. I want to start by saying that this project has a little bit more personal stake for me than most. Kraemer Design Group is celebrating our 30th anniversary in 2026, and for the past 17 of those years, our office has been located just half a block up here on Broadway. The Paradise Valley neighborhood, this street, and this building feel at home to me as much as the place that I live. So seeing it all come alive, not only with the redevelopment of The Belle, but also the surrounding sites, next door with the Reckmeyer, over here at the Merchants Building, and perhaps most exciting, the activation of the pedestrian alley behind us connecting it all together. All of this is very fulfilling both personally and professionally. But The Belle, long known as the Harvard Square Building, is the centerpiece of the block, and KDG has been working hand in hand with Bedrock for nine years, since 2017, on the planning and execution of this adaptive reuse project, which the public will finally get to see for the first time today.“ |
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| As quoted in the Detroit News: Rebain said, “the adaptive reuse project began in 2017 with a focus on preserving key historic elements of the building while updating it with modern, energy-efficient systems.” “Every adaptive reuse project begins with the historic,” he said. “All those incredible, perhaps a bit tarnished elements of the building, the facade, first floor lobby, historic marble and wood trim and the corridors … This facade has been fully restored, including the entire terra cotta facing Broadway, and also down here at grade, where we sourced the original Rosso Levanto stone for the storefront columns and the wraparound the mezzanine up above. So that’s a pretty unique aspect to this building as we look at it today.” |
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“As you tour inside the building, appreciate the workmanship of the restored plaster ceiling in the lobby and the amazing original brass elevator fronts. Walk up the historic stair to the residential corridors and you’ll see original terrazzo flooring, marble wainscot, wood trim, and even the original mail slot, fully rebuilt. But within this historic context, you’ll also see a fully modernized, LEED-accredited building with energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, thermally broken insulated historic replica windows, and fully modernized amenities. All of it is draped with showstopping Pophouse-designed interiors featuring bold colors, rich ceramics, playful lighting, and prominent millwork. “ |
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| Photo Credit: Kraemer Design Group |
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| The Belle is a testament to what can be achieved when historic preservation, thoughtful design, and long-term investment come together. We are honored to have partnered with Bedrock, Pophouse, and the many talented consultants and craftspeople who helped bring this landmark back to life. After nearly a decade of planning, restoration, and collaboration, The Belle once again stands as a vibrant contributor to the continued revitalization of Broadway, Paradise Valley, and Downtown Detroit.
Read more about The Belle’s opening and transformation in the news articles linked below. |
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| | The exterior of The Belle, with a sneak peek of our neighboring project currently under construction, the future Reckmeyer. |
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Elevating Delivery Through Integrated Design + Procurement
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Shayla Hall (left ) and Jennifer Dwyer (right). Photo Credit: KDG |
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| As highlighted in this recent article on the rise of SpecTech, the interior design industry is shifting toward more integrated, data-driven workflows that connect design intent with execution.
At KDG and Intramode, we’ve embraced that shift through our use of DesignSpec, integrated with Intramode’s procurement process. By centralizing specification, budgeting, and purchasing into one platform, we’re able to create a more organized and transparent project experience from concept through installation. This approach allows our team to:
• Maintain real-time visibility into project budgets and selections
• Streamline specification and reduce coordination gaps
• Align procurement directly with design intent
• Track orders and installation with greater clarity and accountability As projects become more complex, the systems we use matter just as much as the design itself. For our clients and ownership teams, this means access to clear, tailored reporting with real-time visibility into budgets, procurement status, and installation progress supporting more informed decision-making at every stage of the project. |
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Please Join Us in Welcoming Our Newest Team Members! |
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Cameryn Hatfield, Digital & Brand Coordinator, joins our marketing team with a Bachelor’s degree in User Experience Design from Michigan State University. Her background in website design, development, and digital storytelling will help strengthen KDG’s digital presence and elevate how we share the stories behind our work. Cameryn was drawn to KDG’s passion for preserving historic buildings, celebrating Detroit’s culture, and creating meaningful, user-centered experiences. When she’s not creating content, she enjoys a great cup of coffee, spending time with family and friends, and relaxing with her cat.
Sophia Palomino, Junior Interior Designer, recently earned her B.S. in Interior Design from Eastern Michigan University and brings valuable project experience from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. Her work has included casework drawings, finish selections, FF&E specifications, and project coordination. Sophia is passionate about the intersection of creativity and problem-solving, with a particular interest in adaptive reuse and historic preservation. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and staying active in her church community.
At KDG, we’re committed to investing in emerging talent and fostering the next generation of designers, strategists, and innovators. We are excited to have Cameryn and Sophia on board and look forward to the creativity, energy, and fresh perspectives they will bring to our team.
Welcome to KDG, Cameryn and Sophia!
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Through Outovation, we’re continuously pushing design forward, celebrating transformative projects, embracing smarter tools, and investing in exceptional people. Stay connected, share your insights, and join us as we continue creating places that inspire and endure. |
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