November 22, 2013 --

Wayne State University will build a nine-story, mixed-use development at on a vacant lot at Cass and Canfield that will include apartments, retail shops, and a hotel and conference center.

The WSU Board of Governors voted today to authorize the university to enter into a memorandum of understanding and long-term lease with Broder & Sachse Real Estate Services to develop the 1.5-acre site.

The development will include approximately 248 market-rate apartments, 19,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space, a hotel with up to 120 rooms and a conference center with capacity for up to 300 people.

The new development is expected to open in 2016.

"In addition to providing much-needed housing and hotel and conference facilities, this project will enhance the connection between our main campus and our medical campus, as well as further promote Midtown as a walkable and bikeable neighborhood," WSU President M. Roy Wilson said in a statement.

"Wayne State remains committed to being a leader and catalyst for economic growth in Detroit."

The development will be conveniently located near the car-sharing service Zipcar and a proposed M-1 rail stop.